Wood Farm Golf Course - Essington

“Providing Common-sense Solutions for Sustainable Development”

Paul Keeling, Park Hall Farm, Brookhouse Road, Cheadle, Staffordshire Moorlands, ST10 2NJ, 07838 377 612, [email protected], www.evolutionecology.co.uk

Great Crested Newt Mitigation Strategy Report

March 2016 – Version 2

Wood Farm Golf Course Evolution Ecology Ltd

Great Crested Newt Mitigation Report

Great Crested Newt Mitigation Strategy

For

Wood Farm Golf Course, Essington

2 Wood Farm Golf Course Evolution Ecology Ltd

Great Crested Newt Mitigation Report

0 Executive Summary

The following mitigation/compensation measures method statement, details the proposed measures, which will be implemented in order to safeguard the population of Great Crested Newts (GCN) at Wood Farm Golf Course, Essington. This report was created by Evolution Ecology Ltd following the results of the GCN presence/absence pond surveys undertaken by Pearce Environment Ltd in Spring 2015.

The proposed development site (Phase 2) occupies a total area of approximately 35.5 ha, and it consists of seven pastoral (semi-improved grassland) fields vegetated with common grasses such as cock’s foot (Dactylis glomerata), perennial rye grass (Lolium perenne), wall barley (Hordeum murinum) and crested dogs tail (Cynosurus cristatus). The boundaries of the land of interest at Wood Farm Golf Course are isolated from other land patches/roads by species-poor hedgerows and vegetated drainage ditches. The hedgerows are dominated largely by hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna), with sections of hazel (Corylus avellana), pedunculate oak (Quercus robur), ash (Fraxinus excelsior) and blackthorn (Prunus spinosa) forming useful connective features. An area of woodland extends along the northern boundary of the site; with a small appendage of this woodland extending south approximately halfway along its extent. This semi-natural woodland consists of a number of trees, including Norway maple (Acer platanoides), field maple (Acer campestre), rowan (Sorbus aucuparia), horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum), scots pine (Pinus sylvestris), alder (Alnus glutinosa) and wild cherry (Prunus avium). Under the current proposals, a 9-hole golf green will be developed upon the area of interest (Phase 2), and this will eventually be combined with the currently standing 9-hole golf green to the north (Phase 1) to create an 18-hole course. The 2015 GCN presence/absence surveys undertaken by Pearce Environment Ltd revealed four GCN breeding ponds (each with small GCN populations) within a 500m radius of the development area (drainage ditch and P3, P4 & P5).

The main aim of the mitigation strategy is to enhance the existing habitats and create additional features for the local GCN population. The mitigation measures to be incorporated into the development include:

 pond creation x 2  Installation of fencing around the new ponds  Tree/shrub [inc. woodland] planting  Hedgerow planting  hibernacula creation x 7  Rough grassland and hay meadow creation (inc. GCN area)

Prior to this, the GCN mitigation licence will be applied for from Natural England and once granted, the site can be trapped out (30 days inc. 5 clear nights is deemed suitable for this project – to be discussed further in turn). The site will be trapped out using semi-permanent and temporary newt fencing and pitfall traps, which will alternate with carpet tiles. Any GCN trapped within the areas to the west of the new ponds to be created should be relocated to the western portion of Phase 1 of the golf course (located to the north-west). Any GCN trapped to the east of the new ponds to be created should be relocated to the eastern portion of Phase 1 of the golf course (located to the north-east). This will help to maintain the population composition between the known breeding areas, as any captured GCN will be relocated to their nearest known breeding pond. It will also be advantageous to release the newts in these areas, as Phase 1 is now completed so the habitats present closely mimic those to be created during the construction of Phase 2. Once the trapping has been completed within the individual ‘Areas’, the development works within that associated section can commence.

Two post development monitoring surveys will be carried out to establish whether or not the newly created ponds are being utilised by GCN. The dates of these surveys can be confirmed once the proposed completion date of the golf course has been released (currently unknown). However, it is envisioned that these surveys will be undertaken from 2020. It has also been requested by Ali Glaisher (Principal County Ecologist) that a report is sent to the LPA, detailing the post monitoring survey findings.

3 Wood Farm Golf Course Evolution Ecology Ltd

Great Crested Newt Mitigation Report

Contents

0 Executive Summary 3

1 Introduction 5

1.1 Background and proposed site alterations 1.2 Site Maps 1.3 Proposed site plans

2 Habitat Impact Assessment 9

2.1 Woodland/tree belts 2.2 Scattered trees 2.3 Improved grassland 2.4 Hedgerows 2.5 Introduced shrub 2.6 Quantitative impact assessment

3 Mitigation measures 18

3.1 Mitigation summary map 3.2 Licence application 3.3 Mitigation measures 3.4 During development mitigation measures 3.5 Post-development mitigation measures

4 Consideration of the three ‘tests’ 28

5 Great Crested Newt Biology 30

6 Limiting Conditions/Disclaimers (Unless stated otherwise) 33

4 Wood Farm Golf Course Evolution Ecology Ltd

Great Crested Newt Mitigation Report

1 Introduction

1.1 Background and proposed site alterations

The site of interest is situated in a rural environment between the town of Cannock (to the north) and the extensive West Midland conurbation area (to the south) (OS Grid Reference: SJ 97133 03982). The area around the site is largely made up of agricultural fields with associated hedgerows and small woodland compartments. A golf course (Phase 1) nearing completion is located to the north of the site. An area of woodland known as the ‘Clumps’ is situated along the eastern boundary of the site and this presents good ecological value for a number of species including great crested newts (Triturus cristatus).

The proposed development site (Phase 2) occupies a total area of approximately 35.5 ha, and it consists of seven pastoral (semi-improved grassland) fields vegetated with common grasses such as cock’s foot (Dactylis glomerata), perennial rye grass (Lolium perenne), wall barley (Hordeum murinum) and crested dogs tail (Cynosurus cristatus). The boundaries of the land of interest at Wood Farm Golf Course are isolated from other land patches/roads by species- poor hedgerows and vegetated drainage ditches. The hedgerows are dominated largely by hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna), with sections of hazel (Corylus avellana), pedunculate oak (Quercus robur), ash (Fraxinus excelsior) and blackthorn (Prunus spinosa) forming useful connective features. An area of woodland extends along the northern boundary of the site; with a small appendage of this woodland extending south approximately halfway along its extent. This semi-natural woodland consists of a number of trees, including Norway maple (Acer platanoides), field maple (Acer campestre), rowan (Sorbus aucuparia), horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum), scots pine (Pinus sylvestris), alder (Alnus glutinosa) and wild cherry (Prunus avium).

Under the current proposals, a 9-hole golf green will be developed upon the area of interest (Phase 2), and this will eventually be combined with the currently standing 9-hole golf green to the north (Phase 1) to create an 18-hole course.

During an Extended Phase 1 survey conducted by Pearce Environment Ltd in August 2015, it was revealed that a number of ponds were present within close proximity to the site and within the wider surrounding area. Habitat Suitability Indexes (HSI) were undertaken upon all ponds within a 500m radius of the site, which were deemed suitable to support great crested newts (11 waterbodies and a standing water drainage ditch). Of these features, 7 of the waterbodies and the water-holding drainage ditch were subjected to additional great crested newt presence/absence surveys between the months of April and June 2015. Throughout the six surveys, one male great crested newt was identified within the drainage ditch (during the first survey visit), and a peak count of 14 great crested newts (9 males and 5 females) were recorded between ponds 3, 4 and 5

5 Wood Farm Golf Course Evolution Ecology Ltd

Great Crested Newt Mitigation Report

during the third survey visit. Due to the distance between the drainage ditch and the closest of the three known GCN ponds within Crump Wood, it is anticipated that the newts identified belong to two distinct populations – a small population within the drainage ditch and a medium meta-population between ponds 3, 4 and 5. However, as the nearest of the three known breeding ponds within ‘The Clumps’ is located more than 250m away from the most south-easterly site boundary, it is anticipated that 60 nights (inc. 5 clear nights) of GCN trapping would be excessive (30 nights = small population, 60 nights = medium population, 90 nights = large population - ‘Great Crested Newt Mitigation Guidelines’). With this being the case, it is predicted that 30 nights (inc. 5 clear nights) of trapping will be sufficient for the site, as it is of fairly limited ecological value in its current state, in comparison with some of the other immediately surrounding habitats.

The following sections discuss the impact of the proposed site alterations on the local GCN populations, as well as detailing the mitigation measures which will be required in order to ensure a Natural England Licence is granted (although additional measures may be required depending on the feedback from Natural England).

1.2 Site Maps

Figure 1: A map showing the location of Phase 2 of the Wood Farm Golf Course project (outlined in red). The areas (and their corresponding codes) which are to receive inert fill are outlined [approximately] in blue.

6 Wood Farm Golf Course Evolution Ecology Ltd

Great Crested Newt Mitigation Report

Figure 2: An aerial overview of the site (shaded in grey) and its wider surrounding landscape. The coloured circles and their associated 500m radii represent the waterbodies/ponds, which were found to support great crested newts during the surveys undertaken by Pearce Environment Ltd in 2015 (the blue dot represents the drainage ditch, the green dot represents Pond 3 (P3), the yellow dot represents Pond 4 (P4) and the red dot represents Pond 5 (P5).

7 Wood Farm Golf Course Evolution Ecology Ltd

Great Crested Newt Mitigation Report

1.3 Proposed Site Plan

Figure 3: A site plan [created by Brian Evans – Landscape Architect] which illustrates the proposed site layout. If you require a clearer copy of the plan, please contact - brian evans (email - [email protected])

EV3 Wildlife Corridor 1

8 Wood Farm Golf Course Evolution Ecology Ltd

Great Crested Newt Mitigation Report

2 Habitat Impact Assessment

In August 2015, Pearce Environment Ltd were commissioned to carry out an Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey upon the area of the Wood Farm Golf Course which is proposed to occupy the new 9-hole green. During this survey, the following habitats were identified: improved grassland, hedgerows, woodland/tree belts, scattered trees and introduced shrub. In addition to these habitats, a drainage ditch is located just offsite to the north-west, which is known to support a small great crested newt population.

The proposed site alterations will have a substantial impact upon the semi- improved grassland and internal hedgerow habitats, as the grassland will be covered with inert waste and all of the internal hedgerows will be removed. In addition to this, the lower half of the central woodland belt is to be lost, in order to make way for the development of a standing waterbody.

During the works, the site will be enhanced via the creation of a number of new habitats, including: rough hay meadow, scattered trees (standard and heavy standard)/shrubs, a great crested newt area and ponds. As great crested newts have been recorded within a 500m radius of Areas 1, 2, 3 & 7 (small population) and Areas 4, 5 & 6 (medium population), an impact assessment of the aforementioned habitats will be included within this report, as the loss of any habitat utilised by GCN [without mitigation] will negatively impact on the local population. Each habitat will be discussed in terms of value for GCN and how the proposed site alterations will affect the habitat/s during and post development. A quantitative impact assessment has been carried out and is found within section 2.6. Once the overall impact has been assessed, mitigation and compensation measures can be determined in order to safeguard the known local great crested newt populations.

Please note: The following habitat descriptions have been created via combining information from the Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey Report created by Pearce Environment Ltd with the site observations of Evolution Ecology Ltd.

2.1 Woodland/tree belts

The northern boundary is formed by a linear tree group running west to east, this group forms an appendage extending south mid-way along this group. This tree group is formed by semi-mature standards of norway maple (Acer platanoides), field maple (Acer campestre), rowan (Sorbus aucuparia), horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum), scots pine (Pinus sylvestris), alder (alnus glutinosa), wild cherry (prunus avium) with an understory of bramble (Rubus fruticosus), nettle (Urtica dioica) and stands of rosebay willowherb (Chamerion angustifolium) and hawkbit (Leontodon hispidus) adjacent to the edges of these groups. Under the current proposals, the northern boundary hedgerow is to

9 Wood Farm Golf Course Evolution Ecology Ltd

Great Crested Newt Mitigation Report

remain as is throughout the proposed works. However, the southern section of the southern extending mid-way tree belt is to be lost (approximately 0.27ha). This is likely to cause the loss of potential foraging/commuting habitat for great crested newts, but due to the age structure of the trees, these are unlikely to be used for hibernation/sheltering purposes (i.e. no ground level rot holes etc.). Post-clearance, a new standing waterbody will be created in this area, which will create additional breeding opportunities for great crested newts. Not only this but the location of the pond will improve connectivity between the drainage ditch (containing a small population) and the three ponds within ‘The Clumps’ (containing a medium population).

As a part of the site alterations, heavy machinery will be used to clear this section of the woodland belt, which without mitigation may injure or kill individual newts.

Figure 4: The section of the woodland belt which is to be lost can be seen to the right (photograph taken by Pearce Environment Ltd).

2.2 Scattered trees

The site is limited by way of mature trees, as they are restricted to the western boundary, which supports two mature pedunculate oaks and one sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus) adjacent to Bursnips Road. If rot holes are present toward the

10 Wood Farm Golf Course Evolution Ecology Ltd

Great Crested Newt Mitigation Report

base of these trees, some potential sheltering/hibernation habitat may be present for great crested newts. However, as this area is proposed to be occupied by planted trees post-works, it is anticipated that these specimens will remain in situ. The plantation of this woodland area will ensure that potential foraging/commuting habitat will remain onsite for great crested newts in the long- term.

Figure 5: The three mature trees located upon the western site boundary (taken by Evolution Ecology Ltd).

2.3 Semi-Improved grassland

The site consists of seven pastoral fields (semi-improved grassland) which have been sprayed with herbicide. Some of the species identified include common grass species such as cock’s-foot (Dactylis glomerata), perennial rye grass (Lolium perenne) and wall barley (Hordeum murinum) with small compartments of crested dog’s-tail (Cynosurus cristatus) also being apparent. A range of flowering species were noted adjacent to the field/hedgerow margins including white clover (Trifolium repens), spear thistle (Cirsium vulgare), nipplewort (Lapsana communis), tufted vetch (Vicia cracca), black medic (Medicago lupulina), dandelion (taraxacum officinale), nettle (Urtica dioica), common dock (Rumex obtusifolius) and meadow buttercup (Ranunculus acris). During the development, the improved grassland areas in their entirety will be in-filled with inert waste, which will mean the total loss of this habitat as a potential

11 Wood Farm Golf Course Evolution Ecology Ltd

Great Crested Newt Mitigation Report

commuting area. However, the development of the golf course will mean the replanting of this area (once re-profiled via the inert waste) which will once again provide utilizable habitat for GCN.

Figure 6: An overview of Area 5’s improved grassland habitat, looking towards the eastern site boundary (taken by Evolution Ecology Ltd).

2.4 Hedgerows

A number of hedgerows were identified onsite, as they are the predominant dividing feature between each semi-improved grassland field. The fabric of the hedgerow boundaries consists predominately of hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) with sections of hazel (Corylus avellana), pedunculate oak (Quercus robur), ash (Fraxinus excelsior) and blackthorn (Prunus spinosa), many of which run parallel to well vegetated dry ditches. These hedgerows are well established and form useful connective features for a number of fauna species such as bats, amphibians and birds. With this being the case, it is thought that the loss of these features in their entirety would reduce the amount of long-term potential foraging and commuting habitat for great crested newts. Additionally, the physical removal of the hedgerows may inadvertently kill and/or injure individual newts, which without a Natural England Development Licence, is an offence under both domestic and European law.

12 Wood Farm Golf Course Evolution Ecology Ltd

Great Crested Newt Mitigation Report

Figure 7: A photograph [taken by Evolution Ecology Ltd] which illustrates one of the hedgerows which will be removed.

2.5 Introduced shrub

Intermittent stands of Himalayan balsam (Impatiens glandulifera) are located along the southern boundary in close proximity to a dry ditch which runs parallel to an access track. This invasive species should be removed from the site to prevent its spread, and this would bear no negative impacts upon the local great crested newt populations.

2.6 Quantitative Impact Assessment

In order to assess the impact of the proposed development in quantitative terms, the Natural England GCN method statement was used and the following table (figure 10) states the level of permanent and temporary impact associated with the known GCN breeding waterbodies (drainage ditch and P3, P4 & P5). Figure 8, shows the radii around the drainage ditch and P3, P4 & P5 at 50m, 250m and 500m. This figure was used to calculate the effect of the development on the terrestrial habitat at different radiuses. Promap was used to create figure 8.

13 Wood Farm Golf Course Evolution Ecology Ltd

Great Crested Newt Mitigation Report

Key for the following map:

The approximate boundary footprint is shaded in grey.

Yellow area represents 50m radius from the pond (and subsequent terrestrial habitat area which will be lost/damaged).

Red area represents 250m radius from the pond (and subsequent terrestrial habitat area which will be lost/damaged).

Blue area represents 500m radius from the pond (and subsequent terrestrial habitat area which will be lost/damaged).

Figure 8: A map to show the impacts around each pond (produced by Evolution Ecology Ltd).

Drainage ditch

Pond 3

Pond 4

Pond 5

14 Wood Farm Golf Course Evolution Ecology Ltd

Great Crested Newt Mitigation Report

Figure 8A: Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey Plan (produced by Pearce Environmental Ltd).

Target Note 1 Stands of Himalayan balsam run parallel to the south-western field boundary entrance and the southern boundary.

Target Note 2 Well used badger path runs through the site with a latrine observed to the west of the central tree group and snuffle holes to the east of the tree group.

Target Note 3 Field boundary ditch, held water throughout the great crested newt presence absence surveys 2015.

15 Wood Farm Golf Course Evolution Ecology Ltd

Great Crested Newt Mitigation Report

Figure 9: A table (taken from the Great Crested Newt Method Statement Application) which summarises the findings of Pearce Environment Ltd, with regards to great crested newts at the Wood Farm Golf Course.

Figure 10: A table (taken from the Great Crested Newt Method Statement Application) which illustrates the approximate areas (ha) which are to be permanently lost and temporarily damaged onsite within a 50m, 250m and 500m radius of the four known GCN breeding ponds.

Figures 8 and 10 demonstrate the amount of habitat which is to be permanently lost and temporarily damaged within the core, intermediate and distant radii of the known GCN breeding waterbodies (as some of these radii overlap, the figures of each pond have been combined to produce the above values). At present, the site of interest measures approximately 34ha, and under the current proposals, approximately 28.89ha are to be either permanently lost or temporarily damaged. The remaining 5.11ha (approx.) can be accounted for by taking into account the areas which do not fall within any GCN breeding pond radius, and the northern woodland belt which is to remain unaffected throughout the works. During the works, all of the hedgerows onsite are to be lost, as is a

16 Wood Farm Golf Course Evolution Ecology Ltd

Great Crested Newt Mitigation Report

section of the central southerly extending woodland. The semi-improved grassland area is to be filled within inert waste and re-profiled to form the majority of the golf course. However, a number of habitats will be created onsite which will be of high value to local GCN populations, including ponds, rough grassland, scattered trees/shrubs and specially designed GCN areas, which will be discussed further in turn. Fragmentation across the site should be relatively low, as the grassland area will be reinstated (with a golf green) and additional commuting habitats will be installed. As the drainage ditches onsite are thought to be important commuting features, these should be retained throughout the works.

17 Wood Farm Golf Course Evolution Ecology Ltd

Great Crested Newt Mitigation Report

3 Mitigation Measures

3.1 Mitigation Summary Map

Figure 11: A map (supplied and created by Brian Evans – Landscape Architect) which illustrates the planting regime and some of the proposed great crested newt mitigation measures which are to be incorporated into the creation of the golf course. The proposed hibernacula locations have been added to this map, and are indicated by the red circles.

3.2 Natural England Licence Application

A Natural England mitigation licence will be applied for once planning permission has been granted (it is estimated that this could be granted around April/May 2016). It is anticipated that the GCN licence application will be submitted to Natural England in May 2016, and subject to feedback and potential licence re- submissions, this is likely to be granted around August 2016. Once the licence

18 Wood Farm Golf Course Evolution Ecology Ltd

Great Crested Newt Mitigation Report

has been granted, the GCN newt fencing can be installed and trapping out can begin (estimated to begin in August/September 2016). It is anticipated that the development works for each area will begin shortly after the 30 day (incl. 5 clear nights) trapping period.

3.3 Mitigation measures

As the development is going to be phased over a number of years, only a select few of the ‘Areas’ will be affected at any one time. Therefore, the following mitigation/compensatory measures will be created for each ‘Area’ at the appropriate development stage (i.e. prior to the development of the next stage of the phased development).

Figure 12: An aerial image of the site which illustrates an example of how the phased development is proposed to take place (please see the key below for further details).

19 Wood Farm Golf Course Evolution Ecology Ltd

Great Crested Newt Mitigation Report

The following section details the mitigation measures which will be carried out at varying stages throughout the development of the Golf Course.

 Erection of semi-permanent and temporary newt fencing

After the Natural England Development Licence has been granted, the ‘Areas’ shown in figure 12 will be trapped out for great crested newts in the order outlined in the associated key. Communication between the ecologist and the client is vital throughout this process, so that Evolution Ecology Ltd remains at least one winter season ahead of the proposed works at all times. This is in order to ensure that trapping out of the next ‘Area(s)’ to be affected can take place well in advance of the commencement of the proposed works.

Semi-permanent newt fencing

Semi-permanent newt fencing is deemed to be suitable for the proposed works, as this material is resistant to UV damage for up to 5 years (the proposed works are not anticipating to extend outside of this time frame). The permanent fencing will form the bulk of the boundary fencing, and this will remain in situ until the end of the development (a formal timetable of works has not yet been assigned).

Figure 13: An example of semi-permanent newt fencing.

Temporary newt fencing

Temporary newt fencing is able to withstand UV light damage for up to two years, so this is to be used as intermittent drift fencing within the individual ‘Areas’. The temporary/drift fencing will be in situ for the 30 days (+ 5 clear nights) trapping.

20 Wood Farm Golf Course Evolution Ecology Ltd

Great Crested Newt Mitigation Report

Once GCN have been trapped out, works within the permanent fencing boundaries can commence.

Figure 14: An example of temporary newt fencing.

Once the fencing within the first zone to be developed has been erected and the works have taken place (shaded in orange on figure 12), the fencing within the subsequent zones [in the order in which they are to be developed] will need to be installed before the works proceed further. Once again, this will need to take place, and the areas will need to be trapped out the newt season before (i.e. between March and November – potentially earlier or later, as long as the night time temperature is above 5ºC) the commencement of the works during the winter months.

 Pitfall traps and carpet tiles

The total area of GCN trapping measures approximately 35.5ha, but this will be undertaken in stages during the 4-5-year development period. Each of the GCN ponds identified by Pearce Environment Ltd were found to possess small populations of great crested newts (i.e. <10). However, in their report, the small populations identified within P3, P4 and P5 were classed as one medium meta- population, which is likely to be due to the close proximity of these to one another. Additionally, the ponds were surrounded by woodland which is deemed to be important in terms of its foraging and commuting value. This information is backed by the following statement outlined within the ‘Great Crested Newt Conservation Handbook’: “At most sites, the majority of adults probably stay within around 250m of the breeding pond, so the density of individuals gradually decreases away from the pond. However, newts may well travel further if there are areas of high quality foraging and refuge habitat extending

21 Wood Farm Golf Course Evolution Ecology Ltd

Great Crested Newt Mitigation Report

beyond this range. Disused railway lines and woodland patches in an intensive arable landscape are examples of such habitat”.

Bearing in mind the presence of a medium meta-population of great crested newts nearby, it would typically be necessary to conduct the newt trapping over a 60 day (inc. 5 clear nights) period (30 days for a small population, 60 days for a medium population and 90 days for a large population). However, as the nearest of these breeding ponds is located over 250m away from the most south-easterly site boundary (Figure 8), 60 days of trapping is deemed to be excessive. Therefore, it is recommended that the site in its entirety be trapped out for 30 days (inc. 5 clear nights), with a view of further trapping being required if GCN are still being captured after day 25. Following Natural England’s Guidelines, the number of pitfall traps per hectare for small populations of Great Crested Newts is 50. This equals a total of 1775 pitfall traps for the total trapping area (35.5ha x 50). The development area will be trapped out using a mixture of semi- permanent and temporary newt fencing, pitfall traps (total of 1775) and carpet tiles (total of 1775). The pitfall traps and carpet tiles will be alternate (Figure 15).

The pitfall traps will be constructed in accordance with the GCN mitigation guidelines and will include a mammal ladder and float. They will be checked daily (before 11am) and any terrestrial newts will be relocated to the south side of the site, where the new ponds and hibernacula’s have been created.

Figure 15: The basic diagram below shows an example of the layout of the semi- permanent newt fencing (outlined in red), the temporary newt fencing (outlined in blue) and the pitfall traps/carpet tiles (yellow and pink dots).

22 Wood Farm Golf Course Evolution Ecology Ltd

Great Crested Newt Mitigation Report

Please note, figure 15 is for illustrative purposes only, and it does not accurately show the final proposed layout of the ‘Areas’ to be worked in, the precise locations of the semi-permanent/temporary newt fencing or the exact numbers of the pitfall traps/carpet tiles required.

Grassland planting (greens, hay meadow and rough grassland – inc. designated GCN area)

The main habitat which will be located onsite post-development is amenity grassland, which will be in the form of the fairways, tees and golf greens. It is anticipated that the seed mix to be used for the greens is the ‘British Seed Houses A11 Golf Greens Mix’ and the floral composition will include: Raisa hard fescue (40%), count slender creeping red fescue (40%) and aberoyal browntop bent (20%). The seed mix to be used on the fairways, tees and the immediately adjacent semi-rough areas is the ‘British Seed Houses A12 Golf Fairways Mix’ and the floral composition will include: Raisa chewings fescue (30%), adinda strong creeping fescue (25%), aberimp perennial rye grass (15%), Eva smooth stalked meadow grass (10%) and highland browntop bent (5%). As these areas will all be heavily maintained (most likely via cutting), they are unlikely to be of high value to local GCN populations. With this being the case, hay meadow and rough grassland habitats will also be created, with a specific area (immediately to the south of the northern woodland belt) being managed solely for the benefit of great crested newts (‘Great Crested Newt Area’). The ‘DLF Trifolium ProFlora 8 Legacy Country Meadow (general purpose) Seed Mix’ will be used to create these grassland areas, and the species composition will include: Brown top bent (Agrostis castellana – 7%), red fescue (Festuca rubra – 18.5%), crested dog’s- tail (Cynosurus cristatus – 21%), meadow fescue (Festuca pratensis – 28.5%) and smooth stalked meadow grass (Poa pratensis – 25%). In order to maintain the habitat structures, the hay meadow and great crested newt areas will be cut back each year in September (after establishment) and the rough grassland areas will be cut back every three years in September.

Hedge Planting

Hedgerow species will be planted along the south-western boundary of the site (adjacent to Wulfrun Way). These are to include: dog rose (Rosa canina), elder (Sambucus nigra), field maple (Acer campestre), hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) and hazel (Corylus avellana), with intermittent English oak (Quercus robur) standards. These hedgerows are likely to function as a screen, so that the site is less visible to the public from Wulfrun Way. However, they are also likely to inadvertently provide valuable foraging/sheltering and connective habitat for GCN.

23 Wood Farm Golf Course Evolution Ecology Ltd

Great Crested Newt Mitigation Report

Pond creation

As shown in the mitigation measures map (Figure 11), two ponds will be created onsite – one where the southern extending woodland area is to be lost and one centrally to the boundary dividing ‘Areas 3 & 4’. Not only this, but a drainage ditch - which will connect these two waterbodies - will also be created, which will also lead to a drainage ditch located offsite. The ponds will be created following the Natural England Great Crested Newt Mitigation Guidelines and they will adhere to the following criteria:

 Surface area will be a minimum of 100m2 (10m x 10m)  Depth will be approximately 1m in the middle and will be lined with either clay or a pond liner  The ponds will form a cluster to ensure the preservation of the meta- population recorded onsite  The south side of the ponds will be clear of vegetation to prevent over shading  Ponds will be fenced off with post and wire fencing to deter disturbance by humans.

Figure 16: Example of how the ponds will be created

The construction of these two ponds will increase the sites overall value for GCN. At present, no breeding habitat is situated within the site boundary, so these ponds will contribute towards maintaining and encouraging the expansion of the local meta-populations by providing further breeding habitats. These features are also likely to be of value to other amphibian species which have been recorded in the area such as the common frog (Rana temporaria), common toad (Bufo bufo) and smooth newt (Lissotriton vulgaris). As it currently stands, the site is primarily dominated by pastoral fields/semi-improved grassland which has limited value for

24 Wood Farm Golf Course Evolution Ecology Ltd

Great Crested Newt Mitigation Report

GCN. The creation of these ponds and some of the other habitats associated with the golf course will improve the connective opportunities for GCN between the drainage ditch and other known GCN breeding ponds located offsite.

It is also worth noting that the ‘Pro Flora 12 Water Margin and Pond Edges Mix’ (with 20% wildflowers and 80% grasses) will be sown around the edges of the ponds to be created and the associated drainage ditches. This will eventually function as a nearby foraging and sheltering habitat for any newts which take to breeding within these ponds/ditches.

Fencing is to be installed around the perimeter of each new pond to try and reduce disturbance by humans and to reduce the incidence of fish being introduced.

Figure 17: Example of post and wire fencing to be installed

Hibernacula creation

A total of seven hibernacula’s will be created across the site (see Figure 11 for map of locations) and these will be developed following the Natural England Great Crested Newt Mitigation Guidelines. They will be assembled using materials found around the site and will be created in accordance to the following diagram:

Figure 18: Hibernacula Specifications

25 Wood Farm Golf Course Evolution Ecology Ltd

Great Crested Newt Mitigation Report

 Proposed tree and shrub planting (i.e. woodland areas)

To compensate for the loss of the small area of woodland onsite (i.e. the central southern extension from the main woodland belt), various trees/shrubs will be planted onsite to form compensatory woodland. These will primarily function as screens between the individual fairways, but given time to mature, these areas are likely to reduce fragmentation and enhance foraging and connectivity opportunities for local amphibian populations. Not only this, but the hibernaculas which are proposed will be placed within some of these woodland areas, which will provide additional hibernation opportunities. The tree/shrub species to be planted are: cherry (Prunus avium), downy birch (Betula pubescens), elder (Sambucus nigra), English oak (Quercus robur), field maple (Acer campestre), hazel (Corylus avellana), holly (Ilex aquifolium), mountain ash (Sorbus aucuparia) and Scot’s pine (Pinus sylvestris). A number of scattered trees will also be planted onsite in selected areas, but these are likely to be of relatively low value to GCN.

All of the whip trees/shrubs (<1m height) should be planted during the winter months when plants are dormant. All trees/shrubs will have tree guards erected around them to prevent rabbit damage, and one year after planting, replacement trees/shrubs should be planted to replace any specimens which did not successfully establish themselves.

3.4 During Development Mitigation Measures

Once the development area has been trapped out (and there have been 5 clear nights of trapping no newts) the temporary drift fencing can be removed, and the creation of golf greens within the individual ‘Areas’ can commence.

 Compliance Checks

Natural England requirements: To ensure that all mitigation measures which have been put in place are been adhered to, a check will be made once every two weeks. An ecologist will go on site checking the following:

 That no breeches have been made within the permanent newt fencing, if so they will be fixed immediately by the ecologist, if a small section of fencing is damaged, or by the fencing contractors if a large section of the permanent newt fencing is damaged.

 The status of the new ponds; they will be checked regularly to assess their water content, and should any alterations be required, they will be done the following winter.

26 Wood Farm Golf Course Evolution Ecology Ltd

Great Crested Newt Mitigation Report

The ecologist will also be available to answer any questions or issues made by the workers. Additionally, information detailing the licence requirements will be available on the site at the site office and on display.

3.5 Post Development Mitigation Measures

Post development, all mitigation measures would have been completed. However, post development habitat management and site maintenance will be carried out to ensure the long term survival of GCN in the area and measures include; aquatic vegetation management in ponds created, clearance of shading tree or scrub cover around pond margins, desilting and clearance of leaf fall, fence repair, hedgerow/whip replacement, removal of fish if required. A four year maintenance and management plan will be drawn up and signed by the relevant parties to confirm that post development measures will be carried out if required.

It has also been requested by Ali Glaisher (Principal County Ecologist) that a report is sent to the LPA, detailing the post monitoring survey findings.

27 Wood Farm Golf Course Evolution Ecology Ltd

Great Crested Newt Mitigation Report

4 Consideration of the three ‘tests’

The first test is to;

‘ensure that the proposed development is in the interest of public health and public safety, or for other imperative reasons of overriding public interest, including those of a social or economic nature and beneficial consequences of primary importance for the environment’

The scheme would form part of an overall recycling strategy implemented by the Jack Moody Group. The site has been submitted to both the County Council seeking consent to import inert waste that cannot be accommodated at the prime recycling plant operated by the same company located less than 1.0m from the application site. Therefore, in accordance with national waste planning policy, the application site would form part of an overall sustainable waste strategy. The proposals for the inert waste application would safeguard existing jobs that were created for the Phase 1 operations on adjacent lands.

Currently the inert fill operations on Phase 1 employ 5-7 no. people whose roles include Site Foreman, Operators of machinery that compact the fill on delivery, Operators of machinery who grade the fill into land forms, Security staff, and site maintenance staff. Currently professional green keepers are employed to maintain the newly constructed areas of the Phase 1 course as and when completed. Additional green keepers will be required as the course potentially expands into the Phase 2 areas. Please note, that such positions will be required not at the end of the 4 year inert fill operations period but as the areas of the land are re-graded, seeded, and prepared in stages to form the additional 9 no. holes. It is envisaged areas of Phase 2 lands could be landscaped into areas of a golf course within 18 months of inert fill operations commencing.

The formation of the golf course, as already noted in application documents 2-6 (Landscape and Ecology Statements), and accepted by the County and Local Council Landscape and Ecology Officers would form a clear improvement to the existing landscape of the locality. The quality of the landscaping, the proposed inclusion of areas that enable wildlife to exist and increase in numbers, and areas that are 'set aside' to protect existing identified species. The proposals would not necessarily conserve a place of environmental interest as such but would create an area of interest which would naturally be protected by the golf course use.

Overall, the scheme would provide economic benefits for both short and long term, provide a sporting facility to serve the local and wider communities, through growth produce a platform for increased commercial activity whilst supporting a sport/land use that is clearly a sustainable/environmentally friendly activity.

28 Wood Farm Golf Course Evolution Ecology Ltd

Great Crested Newt Mitigation Report

The second test is to;

‘ensure that there is no satisfactory alternative’

As noted and demonstrated in Application Documents no. 1 and 2 (inert fill application), the existing site suffers from poor drainage, as a result of the previous coal authority works there. The adjacent land (known as Phase 1) was originally granted consent to become a golf course in the early 1990s but failed due to continuous water logging of the course. This problem, exacerbated by capping of the ground by the Coal Authority to ‘top’ a former open cast mine, led to consent being granted to raise the ground (through inert fill) to ensure the replacement golf course would drain properly. This site suffers from the same problem, therefore the land needs re-grading and raising to enable a golf course to be constructed that will drain properly and allow the additional 9 holes to relate to the initially constructed 9 holes. As noted without the additional holes it is feared that the golf course in its present guise could fail. South Staffordshire planning consent reference 08/0013/FUL provides the reasons for granting consent for the Phase 1 works which directly apply to this site as well. The site is adjacent to an existing golf course, the end use is to extend this golf course therefore, there is no other site suitable for such a purpose. The site is located within a sustainable and environmentally friendly distance from the main recycling plant, no other pieces of land of the same size were available in such close proximity to the recycling plant.

The third test is to;

‘ensure there is no detriment to the maintenance of the species population at the favourable conservation status in their natural range’

The aim of this mitigation strategy is to ensure that the local Great Crested Newt population is safeguarded as part of the development. Post development, GCN will still be able to forage, migrate, hibernate and breed within the site and surrounding habitats. The purpose of the mitigation strategy is to at least maintain the population, although by enhancing the available features onsite, the population may be able to increase. It is anticipated, that due to the low scale impact of the development (post-development), and due to the new GCN features, which will be incorporated as part of it, the overall impact on the local GCN population will be positive.

29 Wood Farm Golf Course Evolution Ecology Ltd

Great Crested Newt Mitigation Report

5 Great Crested Newt, Triturus cristatus, Biology

There are three species of newt in Britain, the Smooth, Palmate and Great Crested Newt (GCN). The GCN is our largest and also our most threatened species of newt. In comparison to the Smooth Newt and the Palmate Newt, the Great Crested Newt is significantly larger, growing up to 15 cm in length and looking much heavier. This species is dark brown or black in colour with a more warty, rough skin. The underside is bright orange with black spots and the sides are stippled with tiny white dots. In the spring, the males develop an impressive ragged crest along their back and a separate straight edged crest along the top of the tail.

Male

Female

30 Wood Farm Golf Course Evolution Ecology Ltd

Great Crested Newt Mitigation Report

The underside

The Great Crested Newt is a voracious feeder and because of its size can consume much larger prey than the smaller newt species. It can be found in ponds (breeding season March – June) of all types and when a pond is particularly favourable, numbers can grow to impressive proportions. This species needs extensive good wild habitat with plenty of invertebrate food for the period outside the breeding season when it spends time on land, and as a result is less commonly found in gardens.

The Great Crested Newt is widely distributed but uncommon throughout Britain, including Scotland. It is absent from Ireland. More than the other newt species it has suffered declines in recent decades, both here and in the rest of its range.

Because of the massive declines in range and abundance in recent years, the Great Crested Newt is strictly protected by British and European law which makes it an offence to:

 kill, injure or capture them;  disturb them in any way  damage or destroy their habitat  possess them or sell or trade them in any way.

If during any development work you discover a Great Crested Newt, work must stop immediately and a licensed ecologist should be contacted for advice. If you carry on working (potentially destroying the Great Crested Newts habitat/increasing the risk of harming or killing individual newts) you risk breaking the law which could result in a fine of up to £5000 and/or 6 months imprisonment.

31 Wood Farm Golf Course Evolution Ecology Ltd

Great Crested Newt Mitigation Report

Other amphibian species to look out for:

Smooth/Palmate Newts

Smooth and Palmate newts are much smaller than Great Crested Newts and are not protected by law. However, if they are discovered during any development works, they should be picked up and placed somewhere safe. Smooth/palmate nests can be picked up by hand and transported to a safe location, either in hand or a bucket. They should be placed in a sheltered location i.e. under a hedgerow, under a log or rubble pile.

Frogs and Toads

For animal welfare purposes, frogs and toads should be treated the same as smooth/palmate newts. If discovered during any development work, they should be picked up and placed somewhere safe. They can be picked up by hand, although this may be difficult as they do tend to jump. If they cannot be caught, work should stop until they have moved away from the development site.

32 Wood Farm Golf Course Evolution Ecology Ltd

Great Crested Newt Mitigation Report

6 LIMITING CONDITIONS/DISCLAIMERS (Unless stated otherwise)

6.1 The Service

Evolution Ecology agrees to supply ecological consulting services of a preliminary nature or a more thorough service as advised or as commissioned.

6.2. Fees

The client(s) will settle the agreed fee in full, within 30 days of receiving the invoice. Reports will remain the property of Evolution Ecology until full payment has been received. No liability is accepted for the contents of a report that is not paid in full. Any queries should be notified to Evolution Ecology within 7 days of the invoice date.

If the client(s) fails to pay within the time specified in 2.1 then Evolution Ecology shall charge the client(s) interest on the outstanding fee, both before and after any judgment, at the rate of 4% per annum above the HSBC Bank base rate, until payment is made in full (A part of a month being treated as a full month for the purposes of calculating interest).

In the event that it is necessary to recover any outstanding fees from the client(s), the client(s) will fully reimburse any costs and expenses incurred during the recovery period, including court costs. Evolution Ecology reserves the right to make a charge for every letter sent and telephone/fax call made, in connection with the recovery.

6.3 The Report

If any part of the report is lost, or altered without the written consent of Evolution Ecology, then the entire report becomes invalid.

The general format of reports is a certified product and cannot be shown, copied or distributed to third parties without the permission of Evolution Ecology. No liability is accepted for the contents of the report, other than to that of the client(s).

The report will purport not to express any opinion or comment as to the condition or structural integrity of any building and no reliance should be made on any such comments.

33 Wood Farm Golf Course Evolution Ecology Ltd

Great Crested Newt Mitigation Report

6.4 Insurance Cover

All work carried out by Evolution Ecology is covered by a £1,000,000 professional indemnity insurance.

6.5 Quality of Craftsmanship

When appointing an Ecologist, please use only suitably qualified and experienced companies (The Local Authority and the Institute of Ecology and Environmental Managers may be able to provide a select list of such companies)

Evolution Ecology will not accept liability for any works undertaken by any other companies, or contractors.