Crosfields School, Reading
Ecological Appraisal and Bat Inspection
For Madlins
February 2019
WYG, Wharf House, Guildford, GU1 4RP
Tel: 01483 579 098
Email: [email protected]
www.wyg.com creative minds safe hands Crosfields School, Reading: Ecological Appraisal & Bat Inspection
Document Control
Project: Crosfields School, Reading Client: Madlins Job Number: A112187 File Origin: N:\Projects\Projects A112000 on\A112187 Crosfields School, Reading\REPORTS
Version 1 FINAL Marc Anderton BSc MSc Prepared by: Consultant Ecologist
William Taylor MCIEEM Checked By: Principal Ecologist Jonathan Jackson CEnv CIEEM Verified By: Principal Ecologist
Version: Date: Updated by: Verified by: Description of changes:
WYG Environment Planning Transport Ltd. accept no responsibility or liability for the use which is made of this document other than by the Client for the purpose for which it was originally commissioned and prepared.
Madlins i February 2019 A112187 Crosfields School, Reading: Ecological Appraisal & Bat Inspection
Contents
Executive Summary ...... 1 Glossary ...... 3 1.0 Introduction ...... 4 1.1 Background ...... 4 1.2 Site Location ...... 4 1.3 Development Proposals ...... 4 1.4 Purpose of the Report ...... 4 2.0 Methodology ...... 5 2.1 Desk Study ...... 5 2.2 Field Surveys ...... 5 2.3 Limitations ...... 8 3.0 Baseline Conditions ...... 9 3.1 Designated Sites ...... 9 3.2 Habitats of Principal Importance and Ancient Woodland ...... 10 3.3 Habitats ...... 10 3.4 Protected & Notable Species ...... 12 3.5 Importance of Ecological Features...... 19 4.0 Relevant Planning Policy & Legislation ...... 21 4.1 Revised National Planning Policy Framework ...... 21 4.2 Local Biodiversity Action Plan ...... 22 4.3 Local Plan ...... 23 4.4 Legislation ...... 23 5.0 Discussion and Recommendations ...... 24 5.1 Designated Sites ...... 24 5.2 “Biodiversity 2020: A strategy for England’s Wildlife & Ecosystem Services ...... 24 5.3 Habitats ...... 25 5.4 Protected & Notable Species ...... 25 5.5 Ecological Enhancements...... 28 6.0 Summary ...... 29 6.1 Designated Sites ...... 29 6.2 Habitats ...... 29 6.3 Protected & Notable Species ...... 29 7.0 References ...... 31
FIGURES Figure 1 – Site Location Plan Figure 2 – Phase 1 Habitat Plan Figure 3 – Pond Location Plan
Madlins ii February 2019 A112187 Crosfields School, Reading: Ecological Appraisal & Bat Inspection
Appendix A – Report Conditions Appendix B – Wildlife Legislation Appendix C – Desk Study Data Appendix D – Target Notes
Madlins iii February 2019 A112187 Crosfields School, Reading: Ecological Appraisal & Bat Inspection
Executive Summary
Contents Summary
Site Location The site is located on the southern fringes of Reading, West Berkshire and is centred at Ordnance Survey National Grid Reference SU 73208 69806.
Proposals The site has been divided into the following five parcels where the following proposals are planned: • Parcel 1: Proposed construction traffic entrance; • Parcel 2: Proposed construction compound / parking; • Parcel 3: New senior school building location and the White Building (B1) proposed for demolition; • Parcel 4: Old School Building (B2) proposed for demolition; • Parcel 5: South entrance to be reconfigured.
Scope of this WYG was commissioned by Madlins to undertake an Ecological Appraisal Survey(s) and Bat Inspection of the site (inclusive of a 2km desk study). The survey involved an extended Phase 1 habitat survey of the site to record habitat types and dominant vegetation, including any invasive species, and a reconnaissance survey for evidence of protected fauna or habitats capable of supporting such species. The survey was carried out on 8th February 2019 by WYG Consultant Ecologist Marc Anderton BSc, MSc.
Results The nearest statutory designated sites are Pearmans Copse LNR (0.5km SE of site) and Maiden Eriegh Park LNR (2km NE of site). There are nine non- statutory designated sites within 2km of the site, the nearest being Shinfield Park LWS (0.2km SW of site). The five parcels of land comprised the following habitats: broadleaved semi-natural woodland; broadleaved scattered trees,; amenity grassland; hard-standing; introduced shrub; and two buildings. The most ecologically valuable of these habitats are the woodland, buildings and introduced shrub which provide opportunities for roosting bats, foraging / commuting bats, badgers, nesting birds, invertebrates, hedgehogs, GCN and reptiles.
Recommendations GCN – The removal of vegetation (under 300mm) within Parcel 1 & 5 will be undertaken between mid-March and June to avoid the hibernation phase of GCN (November – February, inclusive). Reptiles – Pile of grass cuttings (Figure 2, Target Note 3) to be removed outside the reptile hibernation period (i.e. removal to be undertaken between April – September) whilst also avoiding the grass snake egg-laying period (June – August). ECoW required if this isn’t possible. Bats – Bat emergence & return surveys on The White Building (B1) & old school building (B2). Bats – Bat hibernation surveys of The White Building (B1) Bats – Sensitive lighting strategy to be implemented within the scheme to reduce impacts on foraging and commuting bats. Badger – Pre-works inspection by an ecologist for newly excavated badgers setts.
Madlins 1 February 2019 A112187 Crosfields School, Reading: Ecological Appraisal & Bat Inspection
Dormice – Clearing vegetation (above 300mm) outside of the dormouse active season (i.e vegetation cleared between December – March) or conducting precautionary clearance methods (inclusive of clearance supervision under ECoW) between April - November. Birds – Clearance of habitats (over 300mm) should be undertaken outside the bird breeding season, i.e. clearance to be undertaken between October – February. ECoW required if this isn’t possible. Trees – Retained trees should be protected during demolition and construction using root protection fencing around the root zones in accordance with British Standards BS 5837 2012: Trees in Relation to Construction. Watercourses – A Precautionary Method Statement should be prepared and adhered to during construction to protect ditches on site. This could include measures from following pollution prevention guidelines for ditches on site;
Ecological enhancements such as planting of UK native species, installation of a pond, bird and bat boxes.
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Glossary
Badger Act Protection of Badgers Act 1992 BCT Bat Conservation Trust BNCF Berkshire Nature Conservation Forum BoCC Bird(s) of Conservation Concern BSI British Standards Institute BTO British Trust for Ornithology CIEEM Chartered Institute of Ecology & Environmental Management CRoW Act Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 DEFRA Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs ECoW Ecological Clerk of Works EPS European Protected Species EPSL European Protected Species Licence GCN Great Crested Newt Habitat Regulations Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 (as amended) HAP Habitat Action Plan HPI Habitat(s) of Principal Importance HRA Habitats Regulations Assessment HSI Habitat Suitability Index Assessment JNCC Join Nature Conservation Committee LERC Local Environmental Record Centre LBAP Local Biodiversity Action Plan LNR Local Nature Reserve LPA Local Planning Authority LWS Local Wildlife Sites MCIEEM Member of Chartered Institute of Ecology & Environmental Management Natura 2000 site A European site designated for its nature conservation value NE Natural England NERC Act Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 NNR National Nature Reserve NPPF National Planning Policy Framework PEA Preliminary Ecological Appraisal RSPB Royal Society for the Protection of Birds SAC Special Area of Conservation SAP Species Action Plan SPA Special Protection Area SPI Species of Principal Importance SSSI Site(s) of Special Scientific Interest TVERC Thames Valley Environmental Records Centre W&CA Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 (as amended)
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1.0 Introduction 1.1 Background
WYG was commissioned by Madlins in February 2019 to undertake an Ecological Appraisal and Bat Inspection of the site known as Crosfields School, Reading.
This report has been prepared by WYG Consultant Ecologist Marc Anderton BSc MSc.
1.2 Site Location
The site is located in Reading, West Berkshire and is centred at Ordnance Survey National Grid Reference SU 73208 69806. The survey areas, hereafter referred to collectively as the ‘site’ are shown on Figures 1, 2 & 3 and comprise five parcels (referenced as Parcel 1-5). The site is bounded by recreational fields to the north, the A327 to the east, broad-leaved woodland to the south and west. The wider landscape is dominated with residential houses and commercial properties.
The five parcels of land on site comprised the following habitats: broadleaved semi-natural woodland, broad-leaved scattered trees, amenity grassland, hard-standing, introduced shrub and two buildings.
1.3 Development Proposals
The five parcels, the following proposals are planned: Parcel 1: Proposed construction traffic entrance; Parcel 2: Proposed construction compound / parking; Parcel 3: New senior school building location and the White Building (B1) proposed for demolition; Parcel 4: Old School Building (B2) proposed for demolition; and Parcel 5: South entrance to be reconfigured.
1.4 Purpose of the Report
The objective of this report is to complete:
• A desk study to obtain existing information on statutory and non-statutory sites of nature conservation interest and relevant records of protected/notable species within the site and its zone of influence; • A preliminary ecological appraisal involving a walkover of the site to record habitat types and dominant vegetation, including any invasive species, and a reconnaissance survey for evidence of protected fauna or habitats capable of supporting such species; • An assessment of the potential ecological receptors present on site, identify any constraints they pose to future development and (if possible) any recommendations for any further surveys, avoidance, mitigation or enhancement measures that are needed (as appropriate).
Note that scientific names are provided at the first mention of each species and common names (where appropriate) are then used throughout the rest of the report for ease of reading.
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2.0 Methodology 2.1 Desk Study
2.1.1 Local Ecological Records Centre Information was requested from the TVERC for information on any nature conservation designations and protected or notable species records within 2 km of the site.
The data search covers:
• Statutory designated sites for nature conservation, namely SACs, SPAs, Ramsar sites, SSSIs, NNRs and LNRs; • Non-statutory designated sites for nature conservation, namely LWS • Legally protected species, such as great crested newts Triturus cristatus, badger Meles meles and bats; • Notable habitats and species, such as those listed as Habitats or Species of Principal Importance (HPIs or SPIs); and, • Priority habitats or species within the Berkshire BAP.
The data search did not cover:
• Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs); or
Note that the desk study is provided in Appendix C, as appropriate.
2.1.2 Online Resources A search for relevant information was also made on the following websites:
• MAGIC www.magic.gov.uk -– DEFRA’s interactive, web-based database for statutory designations and information on any EPSL applications that have been granted in the local area since 2015.
2.2 Field Surveys
The following methodologies have been used to identify the ecological receptors present on or near the site, which are relevant to the proposed development.
2.2.1 Habitats An extended Phase 1 habitat survey was undertaken on the site on 8th February 2019 by WYG Consultant Ecologist Marc Anderton MSc, BSc. The weather conditions were heavy rain with a temperature of 10oc.
The vegetation and broad habitat types within the site were noted during the survey in accordance with the categories specified for a Phase 1 Vegetation and Habitat Survey (JNCC, 2010). Dominant plant species were recorded for each habitat present using nomenclature according to Stace (2010). The site was also appraised for its suitability to support notable flora, with regard to the Guidelines for Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (CIEEM, 2017).
Madlins 5 February 2019 A112187 Crosfields School, Reading: Ecological Appraisal & Bat Inspection
2.2.2 Protected & Notable Species The site was inspected for evidence of, and its potential to support, protected or notable species, especially those listed under the Schedule 2 of the Habitat Regulations, Schedule 5 of the W&CA, the CRoW Act, those given extra protection under the NERC Act, and species included in the Berkshire LBAP.
Great Crested Newt The site was appraised for its suitability to support GCN. The assessment was based on Guidance outlined in the Herpetofauna Workers’ Manual (Gent and Gibson, 2003) and the Great Crested Newt Conservation Handbook (Langton, Becket and Foster, 2001). Ponds within 500m of the site were also assessed using a Habitat Suitability Index Assessment (HIS).
Bats
Roosting Bats – Buildings/structures/trees Any suitable buildings, structures or trees on site were assessed from the ground for their suitability to support breeding, resting and hibernating bats using survey methods based on the BCT Bat Surveys for Professional Ecologists: Good Practice Guidelines (Collins, 2016) – hereafter referred to as the ‘BCT Guidelines’. The following system has therefore been used to categorise the bat roost suitability of any features found:
Table 1 Categories of Bat Roost Suitability (BCT Guidelines)
Suitability Typical Roosting Features
Negligible Negligible habitat feature on site likely to be used by roosting bats. Low A structure with one or more potential roost sites that could be used by individual bats opportunistically. However, these potential roost sites do not provide enough space, shelter, protection, appropriate conditions and/or suitable surrounding habitat to be used on a regular basis or by larger numbers of bats (i.e. unlikely to be suitable for maternity or hibernation). A tree of sufficient size and age to contain potential roost features but with none seen from the ground or features seen with only very limited roosting potential. Moderate A structure or tree with one or more potential roost sites that could be used by bats due to their size, shelter, protection, conditions and surrounding habitat but unlikely to support a roost of high conservation status (with respect to roost type only – the assessments in this table are made irrespective of species conservation status, which is established after presence is confirmed). High A structure or tree with one or more potential roost sites that are obviously suitable for use by larger numbers of bats on a more regular basis & potentially for longer periods of time due to their size, shelter, protection, conditions and surrounding habitat.
An internal assessment of the buildings (i.e. loft spaces) were also conducted. The assessment involved a search for evidence of roosting bats such as droppings, staining, dead / live bats and also
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features and internal conditions (i.e. dark / dry / non-draughty) which are considered suitable for roosting bats.
Foraging/commuting Bats The BCT Guidelines use the following criteria to categorise the potential value of habitats and features for use by foraging and commuting bats and these have been used to characterise the value of this site:
Table 2 Categories of Habitat Suitability (BCT Guidelines)
Suitability Typical Foraging & Commuting Features
Negligible Negligible habitat features on site likely to be used by commuting or foraging bats. Low Habitat that could be used by small numbers of commuting bats such as a gappy hedgerow or unvegetated stream, but isolated, i.e. not very well connected to the surrounding landscape by other habitat. Suitable, but isolated habitat that could be used by small numbers of foraging bats such as a lone tree (not in a parkland situation) or a patch of scrub. Moderate Continuous habitat connected to the wider landscape that could be used by bats for commuting such as lines of trees and scrub or linked back gardens. Habitat that is connected to the wider landscape that could be used by bats for foraging such as trees, scrub, grassland or water. High Continuous high-quality habitat that is well connected to the wider landscape that is likely to be used regularly by commuting bats such as river valleys, streams, hedgerows, lines of trees and woodland edge. High-quality habitat that is well connected to the wider landscape that is likely to be used regularly by foraging bats such as broad-leaved woodland, tree-lined watercourses and grazed parkland. Site is close to and connected to known roosts.
Reptiles The site was appraised for its suitability to support reptiles. The assessment was based on guidance outlined in the Herpetofauna Workers’ Manual (Gent and Gibson, 2003).
Badgers The site was surveyed for evidence of badger setts or other badger activity such as paths, latrines or signs of foraging. Methodologies used and any setts recorded were classified according to published criteria (Harris, Cresswell and Jefferies, 1989).
Hazel Dormice The site was surveyed for its suitability to support hazel dormice. The assessment was based on guidance outlined in Bright, Morris and Mitchell-Jones (2006).
Other Species The site was also appraised for its suitability to support other protected or notable fauna including mammals, amphibians, birds and invertebrates with regard to the Guidelines for Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (CIEEM, 2017) and BS42020:2013 Biodiversity – Code of Practice for Planning
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and Development (BSI, 2013). Evidence of any current or historical presence of such species was recorded.
2.2.3 Invasive Species The site was searched for evidence of invasive plant species, such as Japanese knotweed Fallopia japonica, Indian (Himalayan) balsam Impatiens glandulifera, giant hogweed Heracleum mantegazzianum, wall cotoneaster Cotoneaster horizontalis and rhododendron Rhododendron ponticum × Rhododendron maximum. A full list of all invasive plant species is provided in Appendix B.
2.3 Limitations
The optimal period to undertake an extended Phase 1 habitat survey is April-September. The survey was completed in February which is outside the optimal survey window. Despite the time of year, this is not considered to be a limitation as the dominant species of the respective vegetation types were visible and identifiable.
To determine presence or likely absence of protected species usually requires multiple visits at suitable times of the year. As a result, this survey focuses on assessing the potential of the site to support species of note, which are considered to be of principal importance for the conservation of biodiversity with reference to those given protection under UK or European wildlife legislation. This report cannot therefore be considered a comprehensive assessment of the ecological interest of the site. However, it does provide an assessment of the ecological interest present on the day the site was visited and highlights areas where further survey work may be recommended.
Pond 1 (Figure 3 was not assessed for GCN due to access constraints.
The details of this report will remain valid for a period of two years from the date of the survey, after which the validity of this assessment should be reviewed to determine whether further updates are necessary. Note that the recommendations within this report should be reviewed (and reassessed if necessary) should there be any changes to the red line boundary or development proposals which this report was based on.
Madlins 8 February 2019 A112187 Crosfields School, Reading: Ecological Appraisal & Bat Inspection
3.0 Baseline Conditions 3.1 Designated Sites
The designated sites of ecological importance shown in Table 3 have been identified within 2 km of the site.
Table 3 Designated Sites Within 2 km of the site
Distance & Designation Site Name Summary of features Direction
LWS Shinfield Park 0.2 km SW A mixture of woodland including areas of semi- natural ancient woodland. LWS The Cowsey 0.5 km NW This west-facing hillside stretches over 17.8 ha and is largely covered by mature scrub and broad-leaved woodland which surrounds grassy enclaves. LNR Pearmans 0.5 km SE Small area of ancient woodland at the edge of Copse housing developments and fringed by publicly accessible open space. LWS The Grove 1 km SW A small mosaic of rank grassland, scrub, secondary woodland, broad-leaved plantation and two ponds completely enclosed by roads. LWS Redhatch 1.5 km NW This site is a small area of varied ancient Copse woodland. LWS St Johns Copse 1.6 km SW A small broad-leaf woodland. LWS Whiteknights 1.8 km NE Whiteknights Park consists of a mosaic of Park landscaped trees with mown grassland, a large shaded, eutrophic lake, mixed secondary woodland, several stands of introduced shrubs and trees and a couple of areas managed as meadow. LWS Whitley Park 1.8 km N The LWS is important in holding mixed broad- Farm leaved semi-natural woodland and a range of associated habitats, including two ponds, both very different in character – one open and one enclosed. LWS Maiden Eriegh 2 km NE The site consists of ancient and semi-natural Woods woodland, with a stream flowing through part and a couple of associated marshy areas. LWS Hall Farm 2 km SE A small broad-leaf wet woodland. Woodland Triangle LNR Maiden Eriegh 2 km NE Site supports a large lake and grassland habitats. Park
In addition to the above designations, the nearest Natura 2000 site is Thames Basin Heaths SPA, located 6.6km SE of site.
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3.2 Habitats of Principal Importance and Ancient Woodland
Three HPI habitat were found within 2km of the site, these include good-quality semi-improved grassland (nearest 1.5km S of site), coastal and floodplain grazing marsh (nearest 1.8km SE of site) and deciduous woodland (present within Parcel 1 and 5).
Ancient woodland is located 0.5km SE of site (within Shinfield LWS / LNR). The next closest ancient woodland is 0.5km SE of site (see desk study search in Appendix C for ancient woodland maps).
3.3 Habitats
The following habitats have been identified through our assessment, with detailed Target Notes included in Appendix D, as appropriate:
3.3.1 Broad-leaved Semi-natural Woodland Broad-leaved semi-natural woodland was located within Parcel 1 and 5 and was the dominant habitat. The dominant species included pedunculate oak Quercus robur (Figure 2; Target Note 1 & 2). A pile of garden trimmings was also present in this habitat. (Figure 2; Target Note 3).
3.3.2 Broad-leaved scattered trees Scattered broad-leaved mature trees were present within Parcel 3. Tree species included sycamore Acer pseudoplatanus and yew Taxus baccata (Figure 2; Target Note 4).
3.3.3 Amenity Grassland Amenity grassland was present in Parcel 2 and 3 (Figure 2; Target Note 5).
3.3.4 Bare Ground/Hard-standing Bare-ground was present in the form of an earth track in Parcel 1 and hard-standing was present around buildings in Parcel 3 and 4 and also within Parcel 5 amongst woodland habitats (Figure 2).
3.3.5 Introduced Shrub There was one area of introduced shrub within Parcel 3. This habitat was heavily managed and supported species such as heather and conifer species (Figure 2; Target Note 6).
3.3.6 Buildings There were two buildings present on site, one within Parcel 3 and the other in Parcel 4 (refer to Figure 2):
Building 1 (B1)
B1 (also known as The White Building)(Photograph 1) was a two-three storey white-washed school building which was brick built (with wall cavity). The roof was pitched, had clay tiled and had a multi gable-ended roof with wooden fascias.
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Photograph 1: South eastern elevation of B1
Internally, the building had a small loft space approximately 3m high x 5m wide x 5m long and was well-lit due to glass roof construction. The building also had a cellar which comprises multiple rooms of varying sizes (Photograph 2).
Photograph 2: Example of one room within cellar
Building 2 (B1)
B2 (also known as the old swimming pool) (Photograph 3) was a two-storey gable-ended brick built building with a pitched clay tile roof and plastic fascias.
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Photograph 3: Northern elevation of B2
The building was not accessed due to no loft void being present. However, it was very well-lit internally from large windows on the W aspect. It was not considered necessary to enter the building due to no loft void being present.
3.4 Protected & Notable Species
3.4.1 Great Crested Newts and Other Amphibians The desk study found no records of GCN and but one EPSL has been granted in 2010 within 1.5km NW of the site. In addition, a single record of common toad Bufo bufo was returned from 2015 and within 1km of the site.
There were four water bodies located within 500m of the site. One of these waterbodies (Pond 1, as shown on Figure 3) was not surveyed due to access constraints, however it is isolated from the site via residential houses and roads which are considered barriers to GCN. In addition, three ditches (Ditch 1, 2 & 3) on and off site were assessed (see Figure 3 for locations and the HSI of each water body in Table 4). Ditches 1-3 had a HSI score indicating average suitability to support a breeding population of GCN, due to the absence of water fowl and fish and the partially permanent nature of the waterbodies.
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Table 4 Habitat Suitability Index Assessment Results of nearby ditches.
Waterbody HSI Score for GCN
Ditch 1 0.69 (Average suitability). Absence of water fowl/fish, partially dry and good water quality. Ditches were not flowing.
Ditch 2 0.68 (Average suitability). Absence of water fowl/fish, partially dry and good water quality. Ditches were not flowing.
Ditch 3 0.68 (Average suitability). Absence of water fowl / fish, partially dry and good Photo not available water quality.
Areas considered suitable for the terrestrial life-stages of GCN (as well as smooth newt Lissotriton vulgaris and common toad) were present in the form of broad-leaved semi-natural woodland within Parcel 1 and 5 and introduced shrub within Parcel 3. Therefore, the site provides moderate potential for GCN.
3.4.2 Reptiles No records of reptiles were retuned within the last ten years of the desk search.
Parcels 1 and 5 support broad-leaved semi-natural woodland. This habitat is very heavily shaded and supports a homogenous structure, hence providing poor opportunities for basking and foraging reptiles. In addition, Parcels 2, 3, and 4 are dominated by regularly managed and disturbed amenity
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grassland and introduced shrub. Despite the lack of opportunities within these habitats, they do still provide shelter and protection. Therefore, these parcels have been assessed as having low suitability for reptiles. Furthermore, a single pile of garden cuttings present within Parcel 1 (Photograph 4, Figure 2, Target Note 3) does provide suitable opportunities for hibernating and egg-laying opportunities for grass snake Natrix natrix.
Photograph 4: Reptile hibernation & grass snake egg-laying opportunities
3.4.3 Bats Three records of common pipistrelle Pipistrellus pipistrellus (S & E of site), two records of soprano pipistrelle Pipistrellus pygmaeus (S& E of site) and single record of noctule Nyctalus noctula (N of site) were returned within the desk study. Five EPSLs have been granted for impacts to a common pipistrelle day and breeding roost, the nearest being 0.1km SW of the site.
Roosting Bats Building 1 External and Internal Inspection:
B1 had numerous gaps (approx. 2cm wide) leading up behind loose clay tiles (Photograph 5) on the eastern and southern building aspects. In addition, gaps were also present leading up behind wooden fascias on the western building aspect (Photograph 6).
Internally, the B1 supported a well-lit loft space (due to the presence of a glass roof) not considered to support any roosting opportunities. However, the cellar under the building provides hibernating opportunities. The cellar (see Photograph 2) was accessible via open air vents on the western building aspect (Photograph 7) and supported varying levels of temperature between a number of cellar rooms. Some rooms (containing hot water tanks) were considered to provide limited hibernating opportunities due to the dampness and high temperature. Other rooms (not containing hot water tanks) supported cool, dark (when lights were turned off) and stable temperatures considered suitable for hibernating. Crevices were present between the small cooler rooms within door frames (Photograph 8) and between bricks within the supporting walls.
No evidence of bats was recorded during the external and internal inspection. However, the external and internal features (mentioned above) provide potential access into crevices behind fascias,
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between the external roofing tiles and gaps within the cellar. These crevices provide roosting opportunities for Myotis and pipistrelle species.
As such, this building has been assessed as providing moderate suitability for roosting bats.
Photograph 5: Loose clay tiles on B1
Photograph 6: Gaps leading up behind fascia boards on B1
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Photograph 7: Open air vents leading into cellar
Photograph 8: Crevices between door frames
B2 External and Internal Inspection:
B2 had numerous gaps leading up behind wooden fascias (Photograph 9) on the northern building aspect.
No evidence of bats was recorded during the external inspection. However, the external features (mentioned above) provide potential access into crevices behind fascias. These crevices provide roosting opportunities for Myotis and pipistrelle species.
As such, this building has been assessed as providing moderate suitability for roosting bats.
Madlins 16 February 2019 A112187 Crosfields School, Reading: Ecological Appraisal & Bat Inspection
Photograph 9: Gaps leading up behind fascia boards.
Foraging and Commuting Bats Broad-leaved semi-natural woodland within Parcels 1 and 5, in combination with mature trees in the surrounding school grounds and woodland in the wider landscape provide suitable foraging / commuting opportunities for bats. Woodland within Parcels 1 and 5 are considered the most valuable foraging areas given they support mature trees which are well connected to larger copses of woodland to the SW of the site. In addition, habitats within Parcels 2, 3 and 4 support well-managed and well-lit habitats which provide less foraging/commuting opportunities. The site as whole therefore provides low suitability for foraging and commuting common bat species such as Pipistrelle species.
3.4.4 Badger The desk study returned no records of badger within 2km of the site.
No setts/foraging evidence were recorded on site, however, the presence of woodland habitats within Parcels 1 and 5 was not fully assessed for any setts. In addition, these wooded habitats in combination with amenity grassland and introduced shrub on site also provide sheltering, foraging and commuting opportunities for badgers.
The site has been assessed as having moderate suitability for foraging/ commuting badgers and a moderate potential for sett excavation opportunities.
3.4.5 Hazel Dormice The desk study returned no records of hazel dormouse Muscardinus avellanarius within 2km of the site.
Woodland within Parcels 1 and 5 supported a sparse understorey which was primarily dominated with cherry Laurel Prunus laurocerasus and occasional yew. Therefore, both woodland areas provide limited opportunities for nesting / foraging dormice. Both woodland areas were connected to more suitable woodland in the wider landscape. However, they did not provide any integral connectivity between two areas.
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Therefore, given these woodland habitats on site support sub-optimal nesting / foraging habitat, they are unlikely to support an important component to the local dormouse population (if present within the woodland in the wider landscape). As such, woodland habitats within Parcel 1 & 5 support low potential for dormice.
3.4.6 Water Vole TVERC returned no records of water vole Arvicola amphibious within 2km of the site. The wet ditches supported a limited water column (approx. 0.2m deep), lacked any vegetation, are heavily shaded (water vole prefer sunny grassy banks) and do not support an established foraging resource (i.e. grasses, sedges and reeds). Therefore, the site has negligible potential to support water vole. As such, water vole are not considered further in this assessment.
3.4.7 Birds A total of 59 records of notable birds were returned from within the 2km search radius of the site. Within the list of records, the notable birds (recorded within the last ten years) most likely to use the site for breeding include song thrush Turdus viscivorus (one record) and house sparrow Passer domesticus (both species BoCC Red listed). Notable bird species (listed above) were recorded 1km S & E of site.
Woodland, regularly managed introduced shrub and the buildings within the site support nesting opportunities for common bird species and other notable nesting birds such as dunnock Prunella modularis (BoCC amber listed, SPI) and starling Sturnus vulgaris (BoCC red listed). Therefore, the site is considered to have moderate suitability for common and notable breeding birds.
3.4.8 Invertebrates The desk study found a number of notable invertebrate records within 2km of the site. The species considered most likely to utilise the habitats on site include red wood ant Formica rufa (National threatened) and stag beetle Lucanus cervus (Notable B list) Both recorded within 1km of the site.
Parcels 1 and 5 provide the most suitable habitats for invertebrate species due to the presence of leaf litter and small amounts of dead wood. Therefore, the site has been assessed as having moderate suitability to support notable invertebrate species.
3.4.9 Other mammals No other mammals were returned within the desk study in the last 10 years.
The regularly managed introduced shrub and amenity grassland provide limited foraging opportunities for other mammal species. However, woodland within Parcel 1 and 5 and the pile of garden cuttings (Parcel 1, Photograph 4, Figure 2, Target Note 3) provide opportunities for hedgehog Erinaceus europaeus (UKBAP)Therefore, the site has been assessed as providing moderate suitability to support other mammal species hedgehog.
3.4.10 Notable Plants Numerous records of plants were returned within the desk study. However, due to the heavily managed habitats on site, levels of disturbance present on site and the limited woodland structure, the plants recorded are unlikely to use the site.
Madlins 18 February 2019 A112187 Crosfields School, Reading: Ecological Appraisal & Bat Inspection
No notable plant species were identified during the survey. Due to the regularly managed vegetation on site and heavily shaded nature of the woodland, notable botanical species are considered unlikely to be present on site (however please note limitation in section 2.3). Therefore, the site has been assessed as providing negligible suitability to support notable plant species and they are not considered further in this report.
3.4.11 Invasive Plants (listed under WCA Schedule 9) There were no non-native invasive plant species noted on site. As such, they are not considered further in this report.
3.5 Importance of Ecological Features
In line with the CIEEM PEA Guidelines, and based on the above baseline information, each ecological feature recorded within the study area is considered to have the following importance, using the methodology defined in Section 4 of the CIEEM EcIA Guidelines (2018):
Table 5 Importance of Ecological Features
Feature Importance Rationale
Pearmans LNR County A statutory designated site, important at a local scale. Maiden Eriegh Park LNR County Site supports a large lake and grassland habitats. Nine LWS County Sites comprise mostly ancient woodland and grassland habitats. Broad-leaved Semi-natural County This habitat is listed as an HPI and is connected to Woodland other woodland in the wider landscape. Scattered trees Negligible This habitats support a limited diversity of plant communities and are not connected to other habitats. Therefore, considered to have negligible importance. Amenity grassland Negligible These habitats host a limited diversity of plant communities, supports a uniform vegetation structure and is not connected to other suitable habitats. Therefore, considered to have negligible importance. Hard-standing Negligible Man-made habitat of negligible ecological importance. Introduced shrub Negligible This habitat hosts a limited diversity of native plant communities, supports a uniform vegetation structure and is not connected to other suitable habitats. Therefore, considered to have negligible importance. Buildings Negligible Man-made habitat of negligible ecological value. However, B1 & 2 support crevices and other features of interest considered suitable for roosting bats and nesting birds (legally protected species). Great crested newt Unknown Two waterbodies providing average breeding opportunities and moderate value terrestrial habitat.
Madlins 19 February 2019 A112187 Crosfields School, Reading: Ecological Appraisal & Bat Inspection
Feature Importance Rationale
Reptiles Low Regularly managed habitats on site provide negligible suitability for foraging reptiles. However, egg-laying opportunities for grass snake and hibernating opportunities are present within Parcel 1. Bats (roosting) Unknown Further surveys required for B1 and B2 which have been assessed as providing a moderate suitability for roosting bats. Bats (commuting/foraging) Local The site is likely to have moderate importance for habitat for foraging and commuting bats, using BCT guidance (Collins, 2016). This is considered to be comparable to being of local importance. Badger Local Moderate value for sett excavation and foraging opportunities. Hazel dormice Local Low value for dormice. Water vole Negligible The site has no potential to support water vole. Birds Local Woodland, introduced shrub and buildings provide moderate suitability for nesting birds. Invertebrates Local The woodland habitats are likely to be of local importance for invertebrates. Other mammals Local Moderate value for hedgehog within woodland and pile of garden cuttings. Notable plants Negligible No evidence of or habitats with the potential to support notable plants were found on site. Invasive plants Local No W&CA Schedule 9 invasive plants were recorded on site Either: International (incl. European) / National / Regional / County / Local / Negligible Or: Unknown (i.e. further surveys/information needed)
The potential for the proposals to have adverse or beneficial impacts on these features, along with the need for any mitigation or enhancement measures are discussed in detail below.
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4.0 Relevant Planning Policy & Legislation 4.1 Revised National Planning Policy Framework
The revised NPPF was issued on (Ministry of Housing Communities and Local Government, 2018) and currently supplements government Circular 06/2005, Biodiversity and Geological Conservation: Statutory Obligations and their Impact within the Planning System (Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (OPDM), 2005).
Circular 06/2005 states that the presence of protected species is a material consideration in the planning process. Paragraph 170 of the NPPF also states that:
“Planning policies and decisions should contribute to and enhance the natural environment by:
a) protecting and enhancing valued landscapes, sites of biodiversity or geological value and soils (in a manner commensurate with their statutory status or identified quality in the development plan) b) recognising the intrinsic character and beauty of the countryside, and the wider benefits from natural capital and ecosystem services – including the economic and other benefits of the best and most versatile agricultural land, and of trees and woodland c) maintaining the character of the undeveloped coast, while improving public access to it where appropriate d) minimising impacts on and providing net gains for biodiversity, including by establishing coherent ecological networks that are more resilient to current and future pressures e) preventing new and existing development from contributing to, being put at unacceptable risk from, or being adversely affected by, unacceptable levels of soil, air, water or noise pollution or land instability. Development should, wherever possible, help to improve local environmental conditions such as air and water quality, taking into account relevant information such as river basin management plans; and f) remediating and mitigating despoiled, degraded, derelict, contaminated and unstable land, where appropriate.”
The conservation and enhancement of wildlife is also specifically reference re: development within the National Parks or the Broads.
“When determining planning applications, local planning authorities should apply the following principles:
a) if significant harm to biodiversity resulting from a development cannot be avoided (through locating on an alternative site with less harmful impacts), adequately mitigated, or, as a last resort, compensated for, then planning permission should be refused; b) development on land within or outside a Site of Special Scientific Interest, and which is likely to have an adverse effect on it (either individually or in combination with other developments), should not normally be permitted. The only exception is where the benefits of the development in the location proposed clearly outweigh both its likely impact on the features of the site that make it of special scientific interest, and any broader impacts on the national network of Sites of Special Scientific Interest;
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c) development resulting in the loss or deterioration of irreplaceable habitats (such as ancient woodland and ancient or veteran trees) should be refused, unless there are wholly exceptional reasons and a suitable compensation strategy exists; and d) development whose primary objective is to conserve or enhance biodiversity should be supported; while opportunities to incorporate biodiversity improvements in and around developments should be encouraged, especially where this can secure measurable net gains for biodiversity.”
Regarding EcIA’s and HRA’s – any sites identified, or required, as compensatory measures for adverse effects on any Natura 2000/habitats site should also be given the same level as protection as the pSPA’s and cSAC’s themselves. In addition, when an application is being determined:
“Planning policies and decisions should promote an effective use of land in meeting the need for homes and other uses, while safeguarding and improving the environment and ensuring safe and healthy living conditions. Strategic policies should set out a clear strategy for accommodating objectively assessed needs, in a way that makes as much use as possible of previously-developed or ‘brownfield’ land.”
4.2 Local Biodiversity Action Plan
Local Biodiversity Action Plans (LBAPs) identify habitat and species conservation priorities at a local level (typically County by County) and are usually drawn up by a consortium of local Government organisations and conservation charities. Although they are no-longer managed at a national level many are still reviewed and updated at a local level.
The Berkshire BAP is the relevant document for this site. Berkshire Nature Conservation Forum (BNCF) is a collection of organisations, groups and individuals working together to conserve, enhance and promote biodiversity in the county. ‘A Framework for Biodiversity Action in Berkshire’ was published in 1999 and revisions to the Berkshire BAP targets have followed. There are currently targets to maintain, restore and create the following BAP Priority Habitats
Table 4 LBAP HAPs
Habitats Action Plans
Calcareous Grassland Lowland Meadow Dry Acid Grassland Purple Moor Grass and Rush Pasture Lowland Heathland Ponds Eutrophic Standing Water Mesotrophic Lakes Fen Reedbed Rivers Lowland Mixed Deciduous Woodland Lowland Beech and Yew Woodland Wet Woodland Lowland Wood Pasture and Parkland Hedgerows Traditional Orchards
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There are presently no targets for BAP Priority Species as efforts are being focused on habitats and landscape scale projects.
It should be noted that the existence of a HAP does not always infer an elevated level importance for those features. These plans may be designed to encourage an increase in these habitats/species, rather than to protect a county-scarce feature (for example).
4.3 Local Plan
The Wokingham Adopted Core Strategy (2010) sets out the vision for how the borough will develop in the period to 2026 and how the council aims to protect and enhance the good quality of life enjoyed in the borough. The relevant policy is the following:
“CP7 - Biodiversity Sites designated as of importance for nature conservation at an international or national level will be conserved and enhanced and inappropriate development will be resisted. The degree of protection given will be appropriate to the status of the site in terms of its international or national importance.
Development:
A) Which may harm county designated sites (Local Wildlife Sites in Berkshire), whether directly or indirectly, or
B) Which may harm habitats or, species of principle importance in England for nature conservation, veteran trees or features of the landscape that are of major importance for wild flora and fauna (including wildlife and river corridors), whether directly or indirectly, or
C) That compromises the implementation of the national, regional, county and local biodiversity action plans will be only permitted if it has been clearly demonstrated that the need for the proposal outweighs the need to safeguard the nature conservation importance, that no alternative site that would result in less or no harm is available which will meet the need, and:
i) Mitigation measures can be put in place to prevent damaging impacts; or
ii) Appropriate compensation measures to offset the scale and kind of losses are provided.”
4.4 Legislation
Full details of the UK legislation and offences which are relevant to the ecological receptors identified are included in Appendix B. However, based on the findings of our assessment, it is considered that the proposals will need to consider the following legal provisions:
• Disturbance or killing of an EPS (GCN); • Disturbance of nesting wild birds;
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5.0 Discussion and Recommendations 5.1 Designated Sites
5.1.1 Natura 2000 Sites The nearest Natura 2000 Site is Thames Basins Heath SPA which is located 6.6km SE of site. Thames Basins Heath SPA is designated for open heathland habitats and associated breeding birds including Dartford warbler Sylvia undata, nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus and woodlark Lullula arborea. The site itself not support any heathland habitats or any opportunities for heathland specialists.
Therefore, based on the lack of similar habitat and distance separating the site from the SPA, there are not considered to be any pathways for Likely significant Effects on the SPA qualifying features arising from development of the site. The integrity of the SPA would therefore not be affected by the development proposals.
5.2 “Biodiversity 2020: A strategy for England’s Wildlife & Ecosystem Services
Biodiversity 2020 (DEFRA, 2011) replaces the previous UK Biodiversity Action Plan and sets national targets to be achieved. The intent of Biodiversity 2020, however, is much broader than the protection and enhancement of less common species, and is meant to embrace the wider countryside as a whole.
The priority species and habitats considered under Biodiversity 2020 are the SPI & HPI detailed under NERC Act (see Appendix B for further details).
5.2.1 Local Nature Reserves The nearest statutory designated site is Pearmans Copse LNR, located 0.5km SE of the site. Given the distance and no hydrological linkages between the site and the LNR (as well as the site being separated by a multitude of urban infrastructure) it is considered unlikely that the redevelopment of the site would adversely impact the LNR.
5.2.2 Local Wildlife Sites There are nine LWS’s located within 2km of the site. The closest of these is Shinfield Wood (located 0.2km SW from the site). Woodland within Parcel 5 is directly linked with this LWS via woodland and a ditch (Ditch 2). Given the small-scale nature of the proposals (low level vegetation clearance),it is considered unlikely to impact directly on the LWS through habitat removal. However, it is recommended that works on site are undertaken in accordance with pollution prevention measures (following the National Archives, 2014), such as litter, dust and surface run-off control, given that Ditch 2 runs towards Shinfield LWS from the site. The site is separated from the additional LWS by residential houses and associated roads, therefore there are no direct links via any green corridors. Therefore, it is considered that with appropriate control measures it is unlikely that the LWS in the local area will be adversely impacted by the proposals.
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5.3 Habitats
The broad-leaved semi-natural woodland within the site is classified as HPI / Priority Habitats under the NERC Act 2006 and is also a Berkshire BAP habitat. This habitat has the most ecological importance within the site. The proposals will retain the majority of this habitat, with only minor clearance works which may be required for the proposed construction traffic entrance (within Parcel 1) and re-configuring the southern entrance (within Parcel 5).
Woodland areas due to be retained can be protected during construction using root protection fencing around the root zones in accordance with British Standards BS 5837 2012: Trees in Relation to Construction. Recommendations.
Clearance and construction activities should be designed to minimise impacts from pollutants entering the ditches on site (such as surface run-off, dust, wind-blown litter).
The mitigation measures to be adopted throughout the construction phase of the development could include:
• Measures to minimise dust arising, when necessary, including the use of dust control machinery and wet machinery; • Measures to prevent pollution / contamination events through surface run-off; and • Measures to minimise other pollution events such as noise, vibration and wind-blown litter.
5.4 Protected & Notable Species
5.4.1 Great Crested Newts The GCN and their breeding and resting sites are protected under the W&CA (as amended) and the Habitats Regulations (see Appendix B).
Three ditches (Ditch 1, 2 & 3) on and off site were assessed as having average suitability for breeding GCN and the surrounding habitat (i.e. woodland in Parcels 1 and 5 and introduced shrub within Parcel 3) provide moderate suitability for the terrestrial life-stages of GCN.
The development proposals have not been finalised at this stage, but the majority of the terrestrial habitat with the potential to support GCN will be retained, with only minor clearance works which may be required for the proposed construction traffic entrance (within Parcel 1) and re-configuring the southern entrance (within parcel 5).
Given the expected small scale removal of vegetation and likely only small sections of the ditches being directly affected, it is recommended that the following precautions are recommended in order to avoid killing or injury to GCN:
• Vegetation removal (under 300mm) and small-scale excavations will be supervised by an Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW); • The removal of vegetation and excavations will be undertaken between mid-March and June to avoid the hibernation phase of GCN (November – February, inclusive).
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Please note, that if during works a GCN is encountered, all works must stop and Natural England consulted to agree a way forward.
5.4.2 Reptiles All species of native reptiles are protected under the W&CA. Broad-leaved semi-natural woodland and introduced shrub provide limited opportunities for common reptiles species. The proposals include only small areas of vegetation to be cleared within the scheme. Therefore measures to protect reptiles that could be present in these habitats need to be in place.
The measures to protect reptiles during works comprise:
• Vegetation (over 300mm) should be directionally cleared towards retained habitats within the school site. • Clearance works should be undertaken under the supervision of an ECoW. The ECoW will inspect the ground for reptiles before the machinery moves across it, and to remove any potential reptile material (i.e. piles of rubble) from the ground. • Any reptiles that are uncovered during this process should be caught and moved to a position of safety which will remain unaffected by the proposals. • It is recommended that clearance works of vegetation under 300mm is undertaken outside the reptile hibernation season (i.e. clearance below 300mm to be undertaken between March-October). • In addition, the pile of garden cuttings (Figure 2, Target Note 3) provides hibernating opportunities for common reptiles and egg-laying habitat for grass snake. Should this pile need to be removed, it is recommended that its taken away outside the hibernation period (see above) whilst also avoiding the grass snake egg-laying period (June – August).
5.4.3 Roosting Bats All species of bats and their roosts are protected under the W&CA and the Habitat Regulations. B1 & B2 has been assessed as providing moderate suitability for roosting bats. Therefore, it is recommended that two surveys (comprising one dusk and one dawn survey) are completed between May and September (with at least one of the survey visits undertaken before the end of August) to ascertain the presence / likely absence of bats, and if present, understand the roost type.
Should roosting bats be recorded during the dusk and dawn surveys, an additional survey and EPSL will be required to allow the development to proceed. Full details of the mitigation strategy will be provided within the EPSL method statement, and undertaken in consultation with the consultants / contractors appointed to undertake the proposed works.
Furthermore, B1 has been assessed as providing hibernation suitability for bats. Therefore, it is recommended that hibernation surveys are undertaken between December – February.
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5.4.4 Foraging and Commuting Bats Habitats on site which provide habitat for foraging / commuting bats are not legally protected. However, Section 40 of the NERC Act 2006 places a duty on local authorities to conserve biodiversity, in this case specifically bats. Given the sites low suitability for foraging / commuting bats, mitigation measures such as directing light away from retained trees and surrounding vegetation will help alleviate the low impact expected from the small-scale proposals. Therefore, no further surveys are required.
5.4.5 Badger Badgers and their setts are protected under the Protection of Badgers Act 1992. The NPPF stipulates that considering the welfare of badgers and mitigating for damage to their habitat are material considerations when considering planning applications.
Although no setts were recorded on site, badgers are highly mobile animals which create new setts on a regular basis, particularly within a site that provides suitable shelter for sett excavation. Therefore, it is recommended that an update check for active badger setts is carried out no more than six months prior to the habitat clearance commencing.
5.4.6 Hazel Dormice Woodland habitats present on the site provide low potential for dormice. Dormice have are protected under the Habitats Regulations and the W&CA. Removal of small amounts vegetation (considered suitable for dormice) with poor foraging/nesting opportunities to in the wider landscape will be unavoidable.
For the habitat removal required on site, risks of killing/injuring a dormice can be avoided through either clearing vegetation (above 300mm) outside of the dormouse active season (i.e. vegetation cleared between December – March) or conducting precautionary clearance methods (inclusive of clearance supervision under ECoW) between April – November. Should any dormice be found during the clearance, works must cease and a Natural England (NE) representative will be contacted to discuss further action. Furthermore, the minor clearance of this habitat will not adversely impact the habitat connectivity to the wider area. It is recommended that any habitat is lost should be replaced on a least a like-for-like basis.
Should a considerably larger area of vegetation clearance be undertaken to facilitate the scheme, further surveys would be required. This should be discussed with an ecologist to determine the level of assessment required for dormice.
5.4.7 Birds To avoid an offence under the W&CA it is recommended that vegetation clearance (above 300mm) and building demolition is undertaken outside of the bird breeding season (which is usually considered to be between March and August inclusive) i.e. the clearance / demolition should take place between September to February inclusive. If this timing is not possible, areas proposed to be cleared during the bird breeding season should be searched by an appropriately experienced ecologist immediately prior to removal to determine if any active bird nests are present. If an active nest is found, an appropriate buffer (usually considered to be a minimum of 5m, but dependant on species and type of impact) should be retained until all young have fledged and the nest is no longer in use. The period that nests are active for varies between species of birds but can
Madlins 27 February 2019 A112187 Crosfields School, Reading: Ecological Appraisal & Bat Inspection
be several months. It is important to recognise that if nesting birds are found this may result in an adjustment to the construction timetable.
Note that if roosting bats are found, the above timing recommendations may need to be revised.
5.4.8 Notable Invertebrates and Other Mammals The site has a moderate suitability for invertebrates and hedgehog. It is recommended that vegetation is directionally cleared towards the site boundaries and an ECoW will check for any hedgehogs and stag beetles in areas due to be cleared. Any of the above or deadwood (suitable for stag beetles) found during works will be moved to a safe location unaffected by the proposals.
5.5 Ecological Enhancements
With reference to NPPF and the Wokingham Borough Core Strategy, the site should be enhanced for ecology.
A number of ecological enhancements could be included with the final design of the site, including:
• UK native species planting to be incorporated into the soft landscaping for the site. A range of different habitats should be created; • Installation of pond(s); • Bird boxes to be incorporated on mature trees; • Bat boxes to be incorporated on mature trees (along the boundaries); and • Reptile / amphibian / invertebrate refugia to be created in the green areas of the site.
It is anticipated that a net gain in biodiversity at the site is readily achievable, which would be accordance with national and local planning policy
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6.0 Summary 6.1 Designated Sites
No adverse impacts to statutory or non-statutory sites are likely from the proposals with the application of pollution prevention measures (detailed below).
6.2 Habitats
The broad-leaved semi-natural woodland within the site is classified as HPI / Priority Habitats under the NERC Act 2006 and is also a Berkshire BAP habitat. The proposals will retain the majority of this habitat, with only minor clearance works which may be required for the proposed construction traffic entrance (within Parcel 1) and re-configuring the southern entrance (within parcel 6). Woodland areas due to be retained will be protected during construction using root protection fencing around the root zones in accordance with British Standards BS 5837 2012: Trees in Relation to Construction. Recommendations.
Precautionary Method Statement following pollution prevention guidelines for ditches on site.
6.3 Protected & Notable Species
Please note that recommendations set below are subject to the level of vegetation clearance undertaken. For example, should larger amounts of vegetation be cleared, further surveys may be required. Vegetation clearance should be discussed with an ecologist to ascertain this.
6.3.1 GCN The removal of vegetation (under 300m) and excavations will be undertaken between mid-March and June to avoid the hibernation phase of GCN (November – February, inclusive) whilst also avoiding the terrestrial life-stages of GCN (generally between July – February).
6.3.2 Reptiles It is recommended that clearance works of vegetation under 300mm is undertaken outside the reptile hibernation season (i.e. clearance below 300mm to be undertaken between March-October).
Pile of grass cuttings (Figure 2, Target Note 3) to be removed outside the reptile hibernation period (i.e removal to be undertaken between April – September) whilst also avoiding the grass snake egg- laying period (June – August). ECoW required if this isn’t possible.
6.3.3 Bats Bat emergence & return surveys on B1 & 2.
Sensitive lighting strategy to be implemented within the scheme to reduce impacts on foraging and commuting bats.
6.3.4 Badger Pre-works inspection by an ecologist for newly excavated badgers setts.
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6.3.5 Dormice Clearing vegetation (above 300mm) outside of the dormouse active season (i.e. vegetation cleared between December – March) or conducting precautionary clearance methods (inclusive of clearance supervision under ECoW) between April - November.
6.3.6 Birds Clearance of habitats (over 300mm) should be undertaken outside the bird breeding season, i.e. clearance to be undertaken between October – February. ECoW required if this isn’t possible. 6.3.7 Ecological Enhancement Enhancements including locally native landscape planting, bat and bird boxes (as well as other considerations) have been recommended. A net gain in biodiversity is readily achievable for the site.
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7.0 References
• A Framework for Biodiversity Action in Berkshire’ (1999) • Berkshire Local Nature Partnership: https://berkshirelnp.org/index.php/what-we- do/strategy/biodiversity-action-plan • Bright, P.W., Morris, P.A. and Mitchell-Jones, A., (2006), Dormouse Conservation Handbook, 2nd Edition, English Nature: Peterborough. • British Standards BS 5837 2012: Trees in Relation to Construction. Recommendations. http://www.crawley.gov.uk/pub_livx/groups/operational/documents/plappcomment/ehfp204 0459_attachment_1.pdf • BSI Group, (2013), BS 42020 – a code of practice for biodiversity in planning and development, [online] Available at https://www.bsigroup.com/LocalFiles/en- GB/biodiversity/BS-42020-Smart-Guide.pdf, Accessed February 2019. • CIEEM, (2016), Guidelines for Ecological Impact Assessment, 2nd Edition, CIEEM: Winchester. • CIEEM, (2017), Guidelines for Preliminary Ecological Appraisal, 2nd Edition, CIEEM: Winchester. • Collins, J. (ed.), (2016), Bat Surveys for Professional Ecologists: Good Practice Guidelines, 3rd Edition, The Bat Conservation Trust: London. • DEFRA, (2011), Biodiversity 2020: A strategy for England’s wildlife and ecosystem services, [online] Available at https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_d ata/file/69446/pb13583-biodiversity-strategy-2020-111111.pdf, Accessed February 2019. • Eaton, M., Aebischer, N., Brown, A., Hearn, R. Lock, L. Musgrove, A., Noble, D. Stround, D. and Gregory, R. (2015) Birds of conservation concern 4: the population status of birds in the UK, channel islands and isle of man. British birds, 108:708-746. • Gent, T. and Gibson, S., (2003), Herpetofauna Workers’ Manual, JNCC: Peterborough. • Harris, S., Cresswell, P. and Jeffries, D., (1989), Surveying badgers. An occasional publication of the mammal society – No. 9., Mammal Society: London. • JNCC, (2010), Handbook for Phase 1 Habitat Survey: A Technique for Environmental Audit, JNCC: Peterborough. • Langton, T.E.S., Beckett, C.L. and Foster, J.P., (2001), Great Crested Newt Conservation Handbook, Froglife: Halesworth. • Ministry of Housing Communities and Local Government, (2019), National Planning Policy Framework, [online] Available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/national- planning-policy-framework--2, Accessed February 2019. • ODPM, (2005), Government Circular: Biodiversity and Geological Conservation – Statutory Obligations and their Impact within the Planning System, [online] Available at https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_d ata/file/7692/147570.pdf, Accessed February 2019. • Oldham R.S., Keeble J., Swan M.J.S. and 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, Cambridge University Press: Cambridge. • The National Archives, (2014), Pollution prevention advice and guidance (PPG), [online] Available at
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http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20140328090931/http://www.environment- agency.gov.uk/business/topics/pollution/39083.aspx, Accessed February 2019. • The Wokingham Adopted Core Strategy, (2010), CP7 Biodiversity, [online]
Please note that the legislation which is relevant to this report is not included in the list above, but details are included in Appendix B.
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FIGURES
Figure 1 – Site Location Plan Figure 2 – Phase 1 Habitat Plan Figure 3 – Pond Location Plan
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I:\GIS\GIS Group Ecology\A112187_Crossfields_School\MXD\Figure3_PondLocMap_140219.mxd Crosfields School, Reading: Ecological Appraisal & Bat Inspection
Appendix A – Report Conditions
This Report has been prepared using reasonable skill and care for the sole benefit of [Madlins] (“the Client”) for the proposed uses stated in the report by [WYG Environment Planning Transport Limited] (“WYG”). WYG exclude all liability for any other uses and to any other party. The report must not be relied on or reproduced in whole or in part by any other party without the copyright holder’s permission.
No liability is accepted or warranty given for; unconfirmed data, third party documents and information supplied to WYG or for the performance, reliability, standing etc of any products, services, organisations or companies referred to in this report. WYG does not purport to provide specialist legal, tax or accounting advice.
The report refers, within the limitations stated, to the environment of the site in the context of the surrounding area at the time of the inspections'. Environmental conditions can vary and no warranty is given as to the possibility of changes in the environment of the site and surrounding area at differing times. No investigative method can eliminate the possibility of obtaining partially imprecise, incomplete or not fully representative information. Any monitoring or survey work undertaken as part of the commission will have been subject to limitations, including for example timescale, seasonal and weather-related conditions. Actual environmental conditions are typically more complex and variable than the investigative, predictive and modelling approaches indicate in practice, and the output of such approaches cannot be relied upon as a comprehensive or accurate indicator of future conditions. The “shelf life” of the Report will be determined by a number of factors including; its original purpose, the Client’s instructions, passage of time, advances in technology and techniques, changes in legislation etc. and therefore may require future re-assessment.
The whole of the report must be read as other sections of the report may contain information which puts into context the findings in any executive summary.
The performance of environmental protection measures and of buildings and other structures in relation to acoustics, vibration, noise mitigation and other environmental issues is influenced to a large extent by the degree to which the relevant environmental considerations are incorporated into the final design and specifications and the quality of workmanship and compliance with the specifications on site during construction. WYG accept no liability for issues with performance arising from such factors.
Madlins February 2019 A112187 Crosfields School, Reading: Ecological Appraisal & Bat Inspection
Appendix B – Wildlife Legislation
Bern Convention
The Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats (the Bern Convention) was adopted in Bern, Switzerland in 1979, and was ratified in 1982. Its aims are to protect wild plants and animals and their habitats listed in Appendices 1 and 2 of the Convention, and regulate the exploitation of species listed in Appendix 3. The regulation imposes legal obligations on participating countries to protect over 500 plant species and more than 1000 animals. To meet its obligations imposed by the Convention, the European Community adopted the EC Birds Directive (1979) and the EC Habitats Directive (1992 – see below). Since the Lisbon Treaty, in force since 1st December 2009, European legislation has been adopted by the European Union.
Bonn Convention
The Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals or ‘Bonn Convention’ was adopted in Bonn, Germany in 1979 and came into force in 1985. Participating states agree to work together to preserve migratory species and their habitats by providing strict protection to species listed in Appendix I of the Convention. It also establishes agreements for the conservation and management of migratory species listed in Appendix II. In the UK, the requirements of the convention are implemented via the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 (as amended), Wildlife (Northern Ireland) Order 1985 (as amended), Nature Conservation and Amenity Lands (Northern Ireland) Order 1985 and the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 (CRoW).
Habitats Directive
The Council Directive 92/43/EEC on the Conservation of Natural Habitats and of Wild Fauna and Fora, or the ‘Habitats Directive’, is a European Union directive adopted in 1992 in response to the Bern Convention. Its aims are to protect approximately 220 habitats and 1,000 species listed in its several Annexes. In the UK, the Habitats Directive is transposed into national law via the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 (as amended) in England and Wales, and via the Conservation (Natural Habitats, etc.) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1995 (as amended) in Northern Ireland.
Birds Directive
The EC Directive on the Conservation of Wild Birds (791409/EEC) or ‘Birds Directive’ was introduced to achieve favourable conservation status of all wild bird species across their distribution range. In this context, the most important provision is the identification and classification of Special Protection Areas (SPAs) for rare or vulnerable species listed in Annex 1 of the Directive, as well as for all regularly occurring migratory species, paying particular attention to the protection of wetlands of international importance.
Madlins February 2019 A112187 Crosfields School, Reading: Ecological Appraisal & Bat Inspection
Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 (as amended)
Regulations place a duty on the Secretary of State to propose a list of sites which are important for either habitats or species (listed in Annexes I or II of the Habitats Directive respectively) to the European Commission. These sites, if ratified by the European Commission, are then designated as Special Protection Areas (SPAs) within six years. Public bodies must also help preserve, maintain and re-establish habitats for wild birds. The 2018 amendments mainly related to the impact of the People Over Wind decision and some implications arising for neighbourhood plan development and a range of other planning tools including Local Development Orders and Permission in Principle – see here for full details: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2018/1307/note/made The Regulations make it an offence to deliberately capture, kill, disturb or trade in the animals listed in Schedule 2, or pick, uproot, destroy, or trade in the plants listed in Schedule 5 - see below: Schedule 2 – European Protected Species of Schedule 5 – European Protected Species Animals of Plants Horseshoe bats Rhinolophidae - all species Shore dock Rumex rupestris Common bats Vespertilionidae - all species Killarney fern Trichomanes speciosum Large Blue Butterfly Maculinea arion Early gentian Gentianella anglica Wild cat Felis sylvestris Lady’s-slipper Cypripedium calceolus Dolphins, porpoises and whales Cetacea – all sp. Creeping marsh-wort Apium repens Dormouse Muscardinus avellanarius Slender naiad Najas flexilis Pool frog Rana lessonae Fen orchid Liparis loeselii Sand lizard Lacerta agilis Floating-leaved water plantain Luronium natans Fisher’s estuarine moth Gortyna borelii lunata Yellow marsh saxifrage Saxifraga hirculus Great crested newt Triturus cristatus Otter Lutra lutra Lesser whirlpool ram’s-horn snail Anisus vorticulus Smooth snake Coronella austriaca Sturgeon Acipenser sturio Natterjack toad Epidalea calamita Marine turtles Caretta caretta, Chelonia mydas, Lepidochelys kempii, Eretmochelys imbricata, Dermochelys coriacea Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 (as amended)
This is the principal mechanism for the legislative protection of wildlife in the UK. This legislation is the chief means by which the ‘Bern Convention’ and the Birds Directive are implemented in the UK. Since it was first introduced, the Act has been amended several times. The Act makes it an offence to (with exception to species listed in Schedule 2) intentionally: • kill, injure, or take any wild bird; • take, damage or destroy the nest of any wild bird while that nest is in use; or • take or destroy an egg of any wild bird.
Or to intentionally do the following to a wild bird listed in Schedule 1: • disturbs any wild bird while it is building a nest or is in, on or near a nest containing eggs or young; or • disturbs dependent young of such a bird.
Madlins February 2019 A112187 Crosfields School, Reading: Ecological Appraisal & Bat Inspection
In addition, the Act makes it an offence (subject to exceptions) to: • intentionally or recklessly kill, injure or take any wild animal listed on Schedule 5; • interfere with places used for shelter or protection, or intentionally disturbing animals occupying such places; and • The Act also prohibits certain methods of killing, injuring, or taking wild animals.
Finally, the Act also makes it an offence (subject to exceptions) to: • intentionally pick, uproot or destroy any wild plant listed in Schedule 8, or any seed or spore attached to any such wild plant; • unless an authorised person, intentionally uproot any wild plant not included in Schedule 8; or • sell, offer or expose for sale, or possess (for the purposes of trade), any live or dead wild plant included in Schedule 8, or any part of, or anything derived from, such a plant.
Following all amendments to the Act, Schedule 5 ‘Animals which are Protected’ contains a total of 154 species of animal, including several mammals, reptiles, amphibians, fish and invertebrates. Schedule 8 ‘Plants which are Protected’ of the Act, contains 185 species, including higher plants, bryophytes and fungi and lichens. A comprehensive and up-to-date list of these species can be obtained from the JNCC website. Part 14 of the Act makes unlawful to plant or otherwise cause to grow in the wild any plant which is listed in Part II of Schedule 9. It is recommended that plant material of these species is disposed of as bio-hazardous waste, and these plants should not be used in planting schemes. Schedule 1 - Birds which are protected by special penalties Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta Osprey Pandion haliaetus Bee-eater Merops apiaster Owl, Barn Tyto alba Bittern Botaurus stellaris Owl, Snowy Nyctea scandiaca Bittern, Little Ixobrychus minutus Peregrine Falco peregrinus Bluethroat Luscinia svecica Petrel, Leach’s Oceanodroma leucorhoa Brambling Fringilla montifringilla Phalarope, Red-necked Phalaropus lobatus Bunting, Cirl Emberiza cirlus Plover, Kentish Charadrius alexandrinus Bunting, Lapland Calcarius lapponicus Plover, Little Ringed Charadrius dubius Bunting, Snow Plectrophenax nivalis Quail, Common Coturnix coturnix Buzzard, Honey Pernis apivorus Redstart, Black Phoenicurus ochruros Capercaillie Tetrao urogallus Redwing Turdus iliacus Chough Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax Rosefinch, Scarlet Carpodacus erythrinus Corncrake Crex crex Ruff Philomachus pugnax Crake, Spotted Porzana porzana Sandpiper, Green Tringa ochropus Crossbills (all species) Loxia Sandpiper, Purple Calidris maritima Curlew, Stone Burhinus oedicnemus Sandpiper, Wood Tringa glareola Divers (all species) Gavia Scaup Aythya marila Dotterel Charadrius morinellus Scoter, Common Melanitta nigra Duck, Long-tailed Clangula hyemalis Scoter, Velvet Melanitta fusca Eagle, Golden Aquila chrysaetos Serin Serinus serinus Eagle, White-tailed Haliaetus albicilla Shorelark Eremophila alpestris Falcon, Gyr Falco rusticolus Shrike, Red-backed Lanius collurio Fieldfare Turdus pilaris Spoonbill Platalea leucorodia Firecrest Regulus ignicapillus Stilt, Black-winged Himantopus himantopus Garganey Anas querquedula Stint, Temminck’s Calidris temminckii
Madlins February 2019 A112187 Crosfields School, Reading: Ecological Appraisal & Bat Inspection
Godwit, Black-tailed Limosa limosa Swan, Bewick’s Cygnus bewickii Goshawk Accipiter gentilis Swan, Whooper Cygnus cygnus Grebe, Black-necked Podiceps nigricollis Tern, Black Chlidonias niger Grebe, Slavonian Podiceps auritus Tern, Little Sterna albifrons Greenshank Tringa nebularia Tern, Roseate Sterna dougallii Gull, Little Larus minutus Tit, Bearded Panurus biarmicus Gull, Mediterranean Larus melanocephalus Tit, Crested Parus cristatus Harriers (all species) Circus Tree-creeper, Short-toed Certhia brachydactyla Heron, Purple Ardea purpurea Warbler, Cetti’s Cettia cetti Hobby Falco subbuteo Warbler, Dartford Sylvia undata Hoopoe Upupa epops Warbler, Marsh Acrocephalus palustris Kingfisher Alcedo atthis Warbler, Savi’s Locustella luscinioides Kite, Red Milvus milvus Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus Merlin Falco columbarius Woodlark Lullula arborea Oriole, Golden Oriolus oriolus Wryneck Jynx torquilla Animal (Vertebrate) Species Listed in Schedule 5 (full legal protection at all times) Horseshoe Bats (all Rhinolophidae Newt – Great Crested Triturus cristatus species) Typical Bats (all Vespertilionidae Snake – Smooth Coronella austriaca species) Dolphin – Bottle-nosed Tursiops truncatus (tursio) Toad, Natterjack Epidalea calamita Dolphin – Common Delphinus delphis Turtles – All Species Cheloniidae & Dermochelyidae Dormouse – Hazel Muscardinus avellanarius Basking Shark Cetorhinus maximus Pine Marten Martes martes Burbot Lota lota Porpoise – Harbour Phocaena phocaena Goby – Giant Gobius cobitis Otter – Eurasian Lutra lutra Goby – Couch’s Gobius couchii Squirrel – Red Sciurus vulgaris Seahorse – Short- Hippocampus snouted1 hippocampus Walrus Odobenus rosmarus Seahorse – Spiny Hippocampus guttulatus Water Vole Arvicola amphibia Sturgeon Acipenser sturio Whales – All Species Cetacea Vendace Coregonus albula Wildcat Felis sylvestris Whitefish Coregonus lavaretus Lizard – Sand Lacerta agilis Animal (Vertebrate) Species Protected under Section 9 (1) part: Killing and Injuring & Section 9 (5) Sale Adder Vipera berus Slow-worm Anguis fragilis Lizard – Viviparous Zootoca vivipara Snake – Grass Natrix helvetica (natrix) Animals (Vertebrate) Species Protected under Section 9 (5) Sale only Frog – common Rana temporaria Newt – Smooth Lissotriton vulgaris Newt – Palmate Lissotriton helvetica Toad – Common Bufo bufo Animals (Vertebrate) Species Protected under Section 9 (1) (4)(a): Killing, Injuring &Taking and Damage / Destruction of place of shelter / protection only Allis Shad Alosa alosa Shark – Angel Squatina squatina Twaite Shad Alosa fallax Butterflies & Moths – Full Protection under Schedule 52 at all times High brown fritillary Argynnis adippe Fisher’s Estuarine Moth Gortyna borelii Large Blue Maculinea arion Barberry Carpet Pareulype berberata
1 Both sea horse species are protected in England only. 2 Viper’s Bugloss Moth Hadena irregularis was removed from Schedule 5 in 1996 as it is believed to be extinct.
Madlins February 2019 A112187 Crosfields School, Reading: Ecological Appraisal & Bat Inspection
Heath Fritillary Mellicta athalea Black-veined Moth Siona lineata Marsh Fritillary Eurodryas aurinia Sussex Emerald Thalera fimbrialis Swallowtail Papilio machaon britannicus Essex Emerald Thetidia smaragdaris Large Copper Lycaena dispar Fiery Clearwing Bembecia chrysidiformis Reddish-buff Moth Acosmetia caliginosa New-Forest Burnet Zygaena viciae Butterflies – Protected under Section 9 (5) Sale Only Purple Emperor Apatura iris Adonis Blue Lysandra bellargus Northern Brown Argus Aricia artaxerxes Chalkhill Blue Lysandra coridon Pearl-bordered Fritillary Boloria euphrosyne Glanville Fritillary Melitaea cinxia Chequered Skipper Carterocephalus palaemon Large Tortoiseshell Nymphalis polychloros Large Heath Coenonympha tullia Silver-studded Blue Plebejus argus Small Blue Cupido minimus Black Hairstreak Strymonidia pruni Mountain Ringlet Erebia epiphron White-letter Hairstreak Strymonidia w-album Duke of Burgundy Hamearis lucina Brown Hairstreak Thecla betulae Silver-spotted Skipper Hesperia comma Lulworth Skipper Thymelicus acteon Wood White Leptidea sinapis Other Invertebrates – Full Protection under Schedule 5 at all times Rainbow Leaf-beetle Chrysolina cerealis Tadpole Shrimp Triops cancriformis Spangled Diving-beetle Graphopterus zonatus Trembling Sea-mat Victorella pavida Lesser Silver Water- Hydrochara caraboides De Folin’s Lagoon Snail Caecum armoricum beetle Moccas Beetle Hypebaeus flavipes Sandbowl Snail Catinella arenaria Violet Click-beetle Limoniscus violaceus Freshwater Pearl Mussel Margaritifera margaritifera Bembridge Beetle Parcymus aeneus Glutinous Snail Myxas glutinosa New Forest Cicada Cicadetta montana Lagoon Snail Paludinella littorina Wart-Biter Decticus verrucivorus Lagoon Sea Slug Tenellia adspersa Mole-Cricket Gryllotalpa gryllotalpa Northern Hatchet-shell Thyasira gouldi Field-Cricket Gryllus campestris Tentacled Lagoon-worm Alkmaria romijni Norfolk Hawker Aeshna isosceles Lagoon Sand-worm Armandia cirrhosa Dragonfly Southern Damselfly Coenagrion mercuriale Medicinal Leech Hirudo medicinalis Fen Raft Spider Dolomedes fimbriatus Marine Hydroid Clavopsella navis Ladybird Spider Eresus niger (cinaberinus) Ivell’s Sea Anemone Edwardsia ivelli Fairy Shrimp Chirocephalus diaphanus Starlet Sea Anemone Nematosella vectensis Lagoon Sand Shrimp Gammarus insensibilis Atlantic Stream (White- Austropotamobius clawed) Crayfish pallipes Other Invertebrates Protected under Section 9 (1) Possession & 9 (2) (5) Sale only Stag Beetle Lucanus cervus Roman Snail3 Helix pomatia Fan Mussel Atrina fragilis Pink Sea-fan Eunicella verrucosa Other Invertebrates Protected under Section 9 (4) (a) Damage / Destruction of Place of Shelter / Protection only Mire Pill Beetle Curimopsis nigrita Vascular Plant Species - Full Protection under Schedule 8 at all times (previous Scientific name in brackets) Adder’s-tongue Least Ophioglossum lusitanicum Lily – Snowdon Lloydia serotina Alison- Small Alyssum alyssoides Marsh-mallow – Rough Allthaea hirsuta Broomrape – Bedstraw Orobanche caryophyllacea Milk-parsley – Cambridge Selinum carvifolium Broomrape – Oxtongue Orobanche loricata (picridis) Mudwort – Welsh Limosella aquatica
3 England only
Madlins February 2019 A112187 Crosfields School, Reading: Ecological Appraisal & Bat Inspection
Broomrape – Thistle Orobanche reticulata4 Naiad – Holly-leaved Najas marina Cabbage – Lundy Rhynchosynapis wrightii Orache – Stalked Halimione pedunculata Calamint – Wood Calamintha sylvatica Orchid – Early Spider Ophrys sphegodes Catchfly – Alpine Lychnis alpina Orchid – Ghost Epipogium aphyllum Centaury – Slender Centaurium tenuiflorum Orchid – Lapland Marsh Dactylorhiza lapponica Cinquefoil – Rock Potentilla rupestris Orchid – Late Spider Ophrys fuciflora Clary – Meadow Salvia pratensis Orchid – Lizard Himantoglossum hircinum Club-rush – Triangular Scirpus triquetrus Orchid – Military Orchis militaris Colt’s-foot – Purple Homogyne alpina Orchid – Monkey Orchis simia Cotoneaster – Wild Cotoneaster integerrimus Pear – Plymouth Pyrus cordata Cotton-grass – Slender Eriophorum gracile Pennycress – Perfoliate Thlaspi perfoliata Cow-wheat – Field Melampyrum arvense Pennyroyal Mentha pulegium Crocus – Sand Romulus columnae Pigmyweed Crassula aquatica Cudweed – Broad- Filago pyramidata Pine - Ground Ajuga chamaepitys leaved Cudweed – Jersey Gnaphalium luteo-album Pink – Cheddar Dianthus gratianopolitanus Cudweed – Red-tipped Filago lutescens Pink – Childing Petrorhagia nanteuillii Cut-grass Leersia oryzoides Ragwort – Fen Senecio paludosus Deptford Pink Dianthus armeria Ramping-fumitory – Fumaria martinii Martin’s Diapensia Diapensia lapponica Rampion – Spiked Phyteuma spicata Eryngo – Field Eryngium campestre Restharrow – Small Ononis reclinata Fern – Dickie’s-bladder Cystopteris dickieana Rock-cress – Alpine Arabis alpina Fleabane – Alpine Erigeron borealis Rock-cress – Bristol Arabis scabra Fleabane – Small Pulicaria vulgaris Sandwort – Norwegian Arenaria norvegica5 Galingale – Brown Cyperus fuscus Sandwort – Teesdale Minuartia stricta Gentian – Alpine Gentiana nivalis Saxifrage – Drooping Saxifraga cernua Gentian - Dune Gentianella uliginosa Saxifrage – Tufted Saxifraga cespitosa Gentian – Fringed Gentianella ciliata Solomon’s-seal – Polygonatum Whorled verticillatum Gentian - Spring Gentiana verna Sow-thistle – Alpine Cicerbita alpina Germander – Cut- Teucrium botrys Spearwort – Adder’s- Ranunculus leaved tongue ophioglossifolius Germander – Water Teucrium scordium Speedwell – Fingered Veronica triphyllos Gladiolus – Wild Gladiolus illyricus Speedwell – Spiked Veronica spicata6 Goosefoot – Stinking Chenopodium vulvaria Spike-rush – Dwarf Eleocharis parvula Grass-poly Lythrum hyssopifolia South-stack Fleawort Tephroseris integrifolia ssp. maritima Hare’s-ear – Sickle- Bupleurum falcatum Star-of-Bethlehem – Gagea bohemica leaved Early Hare’s-ear – Small Bupleurum baldense Starfruit Damasonium allisma Hawk’s-beard – Crepis foetida Strapwort Corrigiola littoralis Stinking Hawkweed – Northroe Hieracium northroense Violet – Fen Viola persicifolia Hawkweed – Shetland Hieracium zetlandicum Viper’s-grass Scorzonera humilis
4 The Weeds Act 1959 does not apply to thistles Cirsium & Carduus species supporting this broomrape. 5 All subspecies occurring in the UK 6 Both subspecies: spicata & hybrida
Madlins February 2019 A112187 Crosfields School, Reading: Ecological Appraisal & Bat Inspection
Hawkweed – Weak- Hieracium attenuatifolium Water-plantain – Ribbon- Alisma gramineum leaved leaved Heath – Blue Phyllodoce caerulea Wood-sedge – Starved Carex depauperata Helleborine – Red Cephalanthera rubra Woodsia – Alpine Woodsia alpina Horsetail – Branched Equisetum ramossisimum Woodsia – Oblong Woodsia ilvensis Hound’s-tongue – Cynoglossum germanicum Wormwood – Field Artemisia campestris Green Knawel – Perennial Scleranthus perennis7 Woundwort - Downy Stachys germanica Knot-grass – Sea Polygonum maritimum Woundwort – Limestone Stachys alpina Leek – Round-headed Allium sphaerocephalum Yellow-rattle – Greater Rhinanthus angustifolius Lettuce – Least Lactuca salina Vascular Plant Species – Partial Protection under Section 13 (2) Protection from commercial exploitation and sale Bluebell Hyacinthoides non-scriptus Bryophytes – Full Protection under Schedule 8 at all times Anamodon – Long- Anomodon langifolius Flamingo Moss Desmatodon cernuus leaved Blackwort Southbya nigrella Frostwort Gymnomitrion apiculatum Crystalwort – Lizard Riccia bifurca Glaucous Beard Moss Barbula glauca Earwort – Marsh Jamesoniella undulifolia Green Shield Moss Buxbaumia viridis Feathermoss – Polar Hygrohypnum polare Hair Silk Moss Plagiothecium piliferum Flapwort – Norfolk Leiocolea rutheana Knothole Moss Zygodon forsteri Grimmia – Blunt-leaved Grimmia unicolor Large Yellow Feather Scorpidium turgescens Moss Petalwort Petalophyllum ralfsii Millimetre Moss Micromitrium tenerum Lindenberg’s Leafy- Adelanthus lindenbergianus Multi-fruited River Moss Cryphaea lamyana Liverwort Feather-moss Slender Drepanocladus vernicosus Nowell’s Limestone Moss Zygodon gracilis Green Alpine Copper-Moss Mielichoferia meilicoferia Rigid Apple Moss Bartramia stricta Baltic Bog-Moss Sphagnum balticum Round-leaved feather Rhynchostegium Moss rotundifolium Blue Dew-Moss Saelania glaucescens Schleicher’s Thread Moss Bryum schleicheri Blunt-leaved bristle- Orthotrichum obtusifolium Triangular Pygmy Moss Acaulon triquetrum Moss Bright-Green Cave- Cyclodictyon laetevirens Turpswort Geocalyx graveolens Moss Cordate Beard Moss Barbula cordata Vaucher’s Feather Moss Hypnum vaucheri Cornish Path Moss Ditrichum cornubicum Western Rustwort Marsupella profunda Derbyshire Feather Thamnobryum angustifolium Moss Stoneworts – Full Protection under Schedule 8 at all times Bearded Stonewort Chara canescens Foxtail Stonewort Lamprothamnium papullosum Lichens – Full Protection under Schedule 8 at all times New Forest Beech Enterographa elaborata Forked Hair Lichen Bryoria furcellata Lichen Snow Caloplaca Caloplaca nivalis Golden Hair Lichen Teloschistes flavicans Tree Catapyrenium Catapyrenium psoromoides Orange-fruited Elm Caloplaca luteoalba Lichen Laurer’s Catillaria Catillaria laurei River Jelly Lichen Collema dichotomum
7 Includes both subspecies: perennis & prostratus
Madlins February 2019 A112187 Crosfields School, Reading: Ecological Appraisal & Bat Inspection
Convoluted Cladonia Cladonia convoluta Starry Breck Lichen Buellia asterella Upright Mountain Cladonia stricta Caledonia Pannaria Pannaria ignobilis Cladonia Goblin Lights Catolechia wahlenbergii New Forest Parmelia Parmelia minarum Elm Gyalecta Gyalecta ulmi Oil Stain Parmentaria Parmentaria chilensis Tarn Lecanora Lecanora archariana Southern Grey Physcia Physcia tribacioides Copper Lecidea Lecidea inops Ragged Pseudo- Pseudocyphellaria cyphellaria lacerata Arctic Kidney Lichen Nephroma arcticum Rusty Alpine Psora Psora rubiformis Ciliate Strap Lichen Heterodermia leucomelos Rock Nail Calicium corynellum Coralloid Rosette Heterodermia propagulifera Serpentine Selanopsora Selanopsora liparina Lichen Ear-lobed Dog Lichen Peltigera lepidophora Sulphur Tresses Alectoria ochroleuca Lichens – Partial Protection under Section 13 (2) Commercial Exploitation and Sale Only Tree Lungwort Lobaria pulmonaria Fungi – Full Protection under Schedule 8 at all times Royal Bolete Boletus regius Oak Polypore Buglossosporus pulvinus Hedgehog Fungus Hericium erinaceum Sandy Stilt Ball Battaria phalloides Invasive plant species listed in Schedule 9 Australian swamp Crassula helmsii Japanese rose Rosa rugosa stonecrop or New Zealand pygmyweed Californian red seaweed Pikea californica Japanese seaweed Sargassum muticum Curly waterweed Lagarosiphon major Laver seaweeds (except Porphyra spp native species) Duck potato Sagittaria latifolia Parrot’s-feather Myriophyllum aquaticum Entire-leaved Cotoneaster integrifolius Perfoliate alexanders Smyrnium perfoliatum cotoneaster False Virginia creeper Parthenocissus inserta Pontic rhododendron Rhododendron ponticum Fanwort or Carolina Cabomba caroliniana Purple dewplant Disphyma crassifolium water-shield Few-flowered garlic Allium paradoxum Red algae Grateloupia luxurians Floating pennywort Hydrocotyle ranunculoides Rhododendron Rhododendron ponticum × Rhododendron maximum Floating water primrose Ludwigia peploides Small-leaved cotoneaster Cotoneaster microphyllus Giant hogweed Heracleum mantegazzianum Three-cornered garlic Allium triquetrum Giant kelp Macrocystis spp. Variegated yellow Lamiastrum galeobdolon archangel subsp. argentatum Giant knotweed Fallopia sachalinensis Virginia creeper Parthenocissus quinquefolia Giant rhubarb Gunnera tinctoria Wakame Undaria pinnatifida Giant salvinia Salvinia molesta Wall cotoneaster Cotoneaster horizontalis Green seafingers Codium fragile Water fern Azolla filiculoides Himalayan cotoneaster Cotoneaster simonsii Water hyacinth Eichhornia crassipes Hollyberry cotoneaster Cotoneaster bullatus Water lettuce Pistia stratiotes Hooked asparagus Asparagopsis armata Water primrose Ludwigia grandiflora seaweed Hottentot fig Carpobrotus edulis Water primrose Ludwigia uruguayensis Hybrid knotweed Fallopia japonica × Fallopia Waterweeds Elodea spp. sachalinensis Indian (Himalayan) Impatiens glandulifera Yellow azalea Rhododendron luteum balsam
Madlins February 2019 A112187 Crosfields School, Reading: Ecological Appraisal & Bat Inspection
Japanese knotweed Fallopia japonica Protection of Badgers Act 1992
The main legislation protecting badgers in England and Wales is the Protection of Badgers Act 1992 (the 1992 Act). Under the 1992 Act it is an offence to: wilfully kill, injure, take or attempt to kill, injure or take a badger; dig for a badger; interfere with a badger sett by, damaging a sett or any part thereof, destroying a sett, obstructing access to a sett, causing a dog to enter a sett or disturbing a badger while occupying a sett. The 1992 Act defines a badger sett as: “any structure or place which displays signs indicating current use by a badger”
Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006
Section 41 (S41) of this Act requires the Secretary of State to publish a list (in consultation with Natural England) of Habitats and Species which are of Principal Importance for the conservation of biodiversity in England. The S41 list is used to guide decision-makers such as public bodies including local and regional authorities, in implementing their duty under Section 40 of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities (NERC) Act 2006, to have regard to the conservation of biodiversity in England, when carrying out their normal (e.g. planning) functions. The S41 list includes 65 Habitats of Principal Importance and 1,150 Species of Principal Importance.
Hedgerow Regulations 1997
The Hedgerow Regulations were made under Section 97 of the Environment Act 1995 and came into force in 1997. They introduced new arrangements for local planning authorities in England and Wales to protect important hedgerows in the countryside, by controlling their removal through a system of notification. Important hedgerows are defined by complex assessment criteria, which draw on biodiversity features, historical context and the landscape value of the hedgerow.
Birds of Conservation Concern
This is a review of the status of all birds occurring regularly in the United Kingdom. It is regularly updated and is prepared by leading bird conservation organisations, including the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO), Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) and The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB). The latest report was produced in 2015 (Eaton et al, 2015) and identified 67 red list species, 96 amber species, and 81 green species. The criteria are complex, but generally: • Red list species are those that have shown a decline of the breeding population, non- breeding population or breeding range of more than 50% in the last 25 years. • Amber list species are those that have shown a decline of the breeding population, non- breeding population or breeding range of between 25% and 50% in the last 25 years. Species that have a UK breeding population of less than 300 or a non-breeding population of less than 900 individuals are also included, together with those whose 50% of the population is localised in 10 sites or fewer and those whose 20% of the European population is found in the UK. • Green list species are all regularly occurring species that do not qualify under any of the red or amber criteria are green listed
Madlins February 2019 A112187 Crosfields School, Reading: Ecological Appraisal & Bat Inspection
Global IUCN Red List
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Threatened Species was devised to provide a list of those species that are most at risk of becoming extinct globally. It provides taxonomic, conservation status and distribution information about threatened taxa around the globe. The system catalogues threatened species into groups of varying levels of threat, which are: Extinct (EX), Extinct in the Wild (EW), Critically Endangered (CE), Endangered (EN), Vulnerable (VU), Near Threatened (NT), Least Concern (LC), Data Deficient (DD), Not Evaluated (NE). Criteria for designation into each of the categories is complex, and consider several principles.
Local Biodiversity Action Plan (LBAP)
Local Biodiversity Action Plans (LBAP) identify habitat and species conservation priorities at a local level (typically at the County level), and are usually drawn up by a consortium of local Government organisations and conservation charities. Some LBAP’s may also include Habitat Action Plans (HAP) and/or Species Action Plans (SAP), which are used to guide and inform the local decision making process.
Wild Mammals (Protection) Act 1996
This Act offers protects a form of protection to all wild species of mammals, irrespective of other legislation, and focussed on animal welfare, rather than conservation. Unless covered by one of the exceptions, a person is guilty of an offence if he mutilates, kicks, beats, nails or otherwise impales, stabs, burns, stones, crushes, drowns, drags or asphyxiates any wild mammal with intent to inflict unnecessary suffering. It’s application is typically restricted to preventing deliberate harm to wildlife (in general) during construction works etc.
Madlins February 2019 A112187 Crosfields School, Reading: Ecological Appraisal & Bat Inspection
Appendix C – Desk Study Data
Madlins February 2019 A112187 Thames Valley Environmental Records Centre
Sharing environmental information in Berkshire and Oxfordshire
BIODIVERSITY REPORT
Site: Crosfields School
TVERC Ref: TVERC/18/647
Prepared for: WYG
On: 19/02/2019
By: Thames Valley Environmental Records Centre 01865 815 451 [email protected] www.tverc.org
This report should not to be passed on to third parties or published without prior permission of TVERC.
Please be aware that printing maps from this report requires an appropriate OS licence.
TVERC is hosted by Oxfordshire County Council TABLE OF CONTENTS
The following are included in this report:
GENERAL INFORMATION:
Terms & Conditions Species data statements
PROTECTED & NOTABLE SPECIES INFORMATION:
Summary table of legally protected and notable species records within 2km search area Summary table of Invasive species records within 2km search area Species status key Data origin key
DESIGNATED WILDLIFE SITE INFORMATION:
A map of non-statutory wildlife sites within 2km search area Descriptions/citations for designated wildlife sites Designated wildlife sites guidance
OTHER INFORMATION:
A map of Ancient Woodlands within 2km search area
TVERC is hosted by Oxfordshire County Council TERMS AND CONDITIONS
The copyright for this document and the information provided is retained by Thames Valley Environmental Records Centre. The copyright for some of the species data will be held by a recording group or individual recorder. Where this is the case, and the group or individual providing the data in known, the data origin will be given in the species table.
TVERC must be acknowledged if any part of this report or data derived from it is used in a report. The whole document may be used as an appendix within your report.
The data in this report can only be used for the project for which it was requested. It cannot be passed on to third parties without permission of TVERC (this excludes reports presented to clients and Local Authorities).
The data should be considered valid for a maximum 12 months from the date on the cover of this report. If the data is to be used after that time an update should be requested. The data must not be added to any permanent database system.
The absence of any species or habitat data for any site, area or location does not mean that any species or habitat is not present.
MAPS
To reproduce the Ordnance Survey mapping you must hold a relevant licence for the use of Ordnance Survey mapping or it can be copied at a printers or copyshop that holds a licence to carry out search work (see the Ordnance Survey website).
Produced by TVERC September 2012
DATA STATEMENTS
STATEMENT ON RECORDS BELONGING TO THE BERKS AND SOUTH BUCKS BAT GROUP (BSBBG)
TVERC has agreed an exchange of data with BSBBG which enables us to provide records belonging to them with the grid reference given to 1 km precision. Such records are indicated by the term “refer to BSBBG for full details” in the location column and BSBBG in the data origin column of the species table. Enquirers are recommended to contact the BSBBG direct to obtain further information. Please note that the BSBBG provides TVERC with an annual update of their records, so they may hold records for your search area that TVERC does not yet have access to. Requests for information may be submitted via the BSBBG website; www.berksbats.org.uk.
STATEMENT ON RECORDS BELONGING TO THE BINFIELD BADGER GROUP
TVERC has agreed an exchange of data with Binfield Badger Group which enables us to provide records belonging to them with the grid reference given to 1 km precision. Such records are indicated by the term “refer to BBG for full details” in the location column and BBG in the data origin column of the species table. Enquirers are recommended to contact the Binfield Badger Group direct to obtain further information. Please note that the BBG provides TVERC with an annual update of their records, so they may hold records for your search area that TVERC does not yet have access to. It should be noted that: (a) Absence of data does not imply that there is no badger activity. (b) There is a need for a suitably qualified person to carry out a survey, or resurvey just prior to any work commencing as badgers can move into an area that previously had no activity.
Requests for information from Binfield Badger Group can be submitted to: Binfield Badger Group PO Box 3805 Binfield Berks RG42 1HH
Email: [email protected]
STATEMENT ON WILDLIFE TRUST WATER VOLE DATA
Since 2008 data has been collected as positive or negative sections of watercourses. Positive sections crossing into search areas are included within the data. These are shown with the central grid reference for the stretch of watercourse. This may fall outside the search area but the stretch will be at least partly within the search area. The location information shows the beginning and end points of the stretch of watercourse. Produced by TVERC September 2014
TVERC is hosted by Oxfordshire County Council
STATEMENT ON BERKSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB DATA
TVERC has a data exchange agreement with the Berkshire Ornithological Club which enables us to provide ornithological data held by the Berkshire Ornithological Club for most species. However, we cannot supply records for the species below within the breeding season (April to September inclusive). If you require this information, please contact the Berkshire Ornithological Club (Richard Burness, [email protected] ). As there may be a time lag between data recording and upload to the TVERC database, it may be advisable to contact the Berkshire Ornithological Club at the email address above for the most recent records.
Bittern Little egret Black redstart Gadwall Red-crested pochard Marsh harrier Hen harrier Montagu’s harrier Goshawk Hobby Peregrine falcon Quail Corncrake Oystercatcher Stone-curlew Little ringed plover Eurasian curlew Black-tailed godwit Barn owl Long-eared owl Short-eared owl Kingfisher Nightjar Wryneck Woodlark Cetti’s warbler Marsh warbler Wood Warbler Dartford warbler Firecrest Bearded tit
Additional resources are available to aid interpretation of the data. For example - The Birds of Berkshire, Bucknell, Clews, Righelato and Robinson 2nd edition 2013 (also on-line at http://berksoc.org.uk/county-atlas/the-book/) and The Thames and Chilterns Bird Atlas (http://thamesandchilternbirdatlas.org.uk/). Nationally published data and analysis of conservation status include - Birds of Conservation Concern 4 - British Birds 108 708-746 and the annually published "The State of the UK's Birds" available on the BTO and RSPB websites. In assessing sites, the local atlas projects referred to above identify areas of high avian biodiversity by reference to OS National Grid tetrads.
Produced by TVERC September 2014
TVERC is hosted by Oxfordshire County Council
(2kmx2km squares) which provide information (not readily available from the BOC database) which should be referred to when assessing the importance of a site or the impact of any proposed development.
USE OF NBN ATLAS DATA
Commercial organisations and members of the public may refer to the National Biodiversity Network (NBN) Atlas for wildlife records and habitat and designated site information for their own private use. Paragraph 165 of the National Planning Policy Framework states that ‘planning policies and decisions should be based on up-to-date information about the natural environment and other characteristics of the area’. The NBN Atlas does not hold information on Local Wildlife Sites or priority habitats in this area and there are restrictions on public access to the majority of species records available via the NBN, so ecology reports without a data search from TVERC are at risk of non-compliance with the NPPF. TVERC have advised planning authorities in Berkshire and Oxfordshire that ecology reports using only NBN data should not usually be validated and the NBN has requested that suspected breaches of NBN terms and conditions are reported to the NBN Data Access Officer, who will take appropriate action. Further detail is available on our website: http://www.tverc.org/cms/content/ecological-survey-reports-planning-applications
STATEMENT ON GRID REFERENCES
The following types of grid references are provided:
• Six figure grid references. Many of these will be an assigned relatively central grid reference for a site though with small sites the assigned grid reference for a site could be close to the edge. The record may have come from anywhere within the site. Where additional location information is provided the reference may be more accurate or central to a subsite within the larger site. Where the location is not site based, the grid reference should be within 100 metres of the location. • Four figure grid references. Generally these are 1km records often with some location information to give an idea of which part of the 1km square the record was found. Sometime this information can be quite accurate. Where a large site is referred to the location should be in that part of the 1km square that is within the site. In some case these may be tetrad records with grid reference referring to a 2km x 2km square. This includes some confidential records from Oxford Ornithological Society. Other tetrad data is rarely included. • Eight and ten figure grid references: These are generally accurately worked out to the location where the species was found. However for small and narrow sites eight figure grid references may be used as a central grid reference for a site. • TVERC intends to start tagging data to qualify these grid references but at present only a limited amount of qualification is provided. 1km square records are tagged as 1km record and 2km square records are tagged as 2km record.
Produced by TVERC September 2014
TVERC is hosted by Oxfordshire County Council
Legally Protected and Notable Species Summary Crosfields School 2km Search Area
Taxon Name Common Name European Directives UK Legislation NERC s41 Other Designations Earliest Record Latest Record No. of Max. Records Abundance Amphibians Lissotriton vulgaris Smooth Newt WACA-Sch5-s9.5a 12/02/1998- 2005 5 12 30/03/1998 Bufo bufo Common Toad WACA-Sch5-s9.5a NERC-S41 10/01/1986 29/06/2014 13 22 Rana temporaria Common Frog HabDir-A5 WACA-Sch5-s9.5a 10/01/1986 05/03/2016 18 40 Birds Branta leucopsis Barnacle Goose BirdsDir-A1 Bird-Amber 19/10/2009 24/06/2012 3 1 Cygnus olor Mute Swan Bird-Amber 10/01/1986 25/07/2014 18 3 Anser anser Greylag Goose Bird-Amber 10/01/1986 10/06/2011 4 50 Anas penelope Wigeon Bird-Amber 02/08/2011 02/08/2011 1 2 Anas crecca Teal Bird-Amber 24/04/2005 24/04/2005 1 2 Anas platyrhynchos Mallard Bird-Amber 10/01/1986 25/07/2014 17 50 Anas acuta Pintail WACA-Sch1-p2 Bird-Amber 02/06/2003 28/02/2003 5 150 Anas clypeata Shoveler Bird-Amber 10/01/1986 30/12/2012 63 42 Aythya ferina Pochard Bird-Red 10/01/1986 25/07/2014 25 5 Egretta garzetta Little Egret BirdsDir-A1 03/01/2003 03/01/2003 1 2 Perdix perdix Grey Partridge NERC-S41 Bird-Red 20/06/1986 18/03/2008- 2 Present 19/03/2008 Milvus milvus Red Kite BirdsDir-A1 WACA-Sch1-p1 RL-Global-post2001-NT 01/08/2004 16/06/2016 22 2
Falco tinnunculus Kestrel Bird-Amber 10/01/1986 25/07/2014 33 4 Falco subbuteo Hobby WACA-Sch1-p1 1988 - 1994 1988 - 1994 1 Present Vanellus vanellus Lapwing NERC-S41 Bird-Red 10/01/1986 01/01/2008- 3 200 30/11/2008 Actitis hypoleucos Common Sandpiper Bird-Amber 10/01/1986 1988 - 1994 2 1 Numenius arquata Curlew NERC-S41 Bird-Red 12/10/2010 12/10/2010 1 1 RL-Global-post2001-NT
Scolopax rusticola Woodcock Bird-Red 10/01/1986 10/01/1986 1 Present Larus canus Common Gull Bird-Amber 10/01/1986 02/01/2012- 6 7 04/01/2012 Larus fuscus Lesser Black-backed Gull Bird-Amber 10/01/1986 25/07/2014 6 1 Larus argentatus Herring Gull NERC-S41 Bird-Red 10/01/1986 25/07/2014 4 35 Chroicocephalus ridibundus Black-headed Gull Bird-Amber 10/01/1986 25/07/2014 13 130 Chlidonias niger Black Tern BirdsDir-A1 WACA-Sch1-p1 10/01/1986 10/01/1986 1 Present Sterna hirundo Common Tern BirdsDir-A1 Bird-Amber 10/01/1986 08/02/2012 23 3 Columba oenas Stock Dove Bird-Amber 10/01/1986 05/11/2012 9 5 Cuculus canorus Cuckoo NERC-S41 Bird-Red 20/06/1986 25/07/2014 4 1
Prepared by TVERC 19/02/2019 Page 1 Legally Protected and Notable Species Summary Crosfields School 2km Search Area
Taxon Name Common Name European Directives UK Legislation NERC s41 Other Designations Earliest Record Latest Record No. of Max. Records Abundance TytoAmphibians alba Barn Owl WACA-Sch1-p1 01/02/2003- 01/01/2008- 3 2 28/02/2003 30/11/2008 Strix aluco Tawny Owl Bird-Amber 20/06/1986 15/12/2012 9 1 Asio flammeus Short-eared Owl BirdsDir-A1 Bird-Amber 1988 - 1994 1988 - 1994 1 1 Apus apus Swift Bird-Amber 10/01/1986 07/01/2013 45 42 Alcedo atthis Kingfisher BirdsDir-A1 WACA-Sch1-p1 Bird-Amber 10/01/1986 31/01/2014 31 2 Upupa epops Hoopoe WACA-Sch1-p1 29/03/2005 31/03/2005 8 1 Dendrocopos minor Lesser Spotted Woodpecker NERC-S41 Bird-Red 10/01/1986 10/01/1986 1 Present
Phylloscopus sibilatrix Wood Warbler NERC-S41 Bird-Red 10/01/1986 1988 - 1994 2 1 Phylloscopus trochilus Willow Warbler Bird-Amber 10/01/1986 27/04/2012 12 3 Alauda arvensis Skylark NERC-S41 Bird-Red 06/12/1985 01/01/2008- 4 8 30/11/2008 Delichon urbicum House Martin Bird-Amber 06/12/1985 10/02/2009 3 3 Anthus pratensis Meadow Pipit Bird-Amber 10/01/1986 15/09/2010 3 4 Motacilla flava Yellow Wagtail NERC-S41 Bird-Red 10/01/1986 10/01/1986 1 Present Motacilla cinerea Grey Wagtail Bird-Red 10/01/1986 10/03/2010 8 5 Prunella modularis Dunnock NERC-S41 Bird-Amber 10/01/1986 10/02/2015 8 6 Luscinia megarhynchos Nightingale Bird-Red 20/06/1986 05/02/2005 2 1 Phoenicurus phoenicurus Redstart Bird-Amber 10/01/1986 10/01/1986 1 Present Turdus pilaris Fieldfare WACA-Sch1-p1 Bird-Red 10/01/1986 02/03/2012 10 600 Turdus philomelos Song Thrush NERC-S41 Bird-Red 20/06/1986 14/06/2012 23 9 Turdus iliacus Redwing WACA-Sch1-p1 Bird-Red 10/01/1986 03/02/2012 31 200 Turdus viscivorus Mistle Thrush Bird-Red 20/06/1986 20/06/2012 15 4 Muscicapa striata Spotted Flycatcher NERC-S41 Bird-Red 10/01/1986 10/01/1986 1 Present Ficedula hypoleuca Pied Flycatcher Bird-Red 10/01/1986 1988 - 1994 3 1 Regulus ignicapilla Firecrest WACA-Sch1-p1 1988 - 1994 1988 - 1994 1 Present Poecile palustris Marsh Tit NERC-S41 Bird-Red 01/01/2008- 01/01/2008- 1 2 30/11/2008 30/11/2008 Sturnus vulgaris Starling NERC-S41 Bird-Red 17/08/1986 13/06/2012 8 600 Passer domesticus House Sparrow NERC-S41 Bird-Red 06/12/1985 10/02/2015 8 50 Acanthis cabaret Lesser Redpoll NERC-S41 Bird-Red 14/04/2009 14/04/2009 1 2 Acanthis flammea Common (Mealy) Redpoll Bird-Amber 10/01/1986 10/01/1986 1 Present
Linaria cannabina Linnet NERC-S41 Bird-Red 10/01/1986 01/01/2008- 4 50 30/11/2008 Fringilla montifringilla Brambling WACA-Sch1-p1 03/03/2004 20/12/2005 2 150 Pyrrhula pyrrhula Bullfinch NERC-S41 Bird-Amber 10/01/1986 25/06/2012 30 4
Prepared by TVERC 19/02/2019 Page 2 Legally Protected and Notable Species Summary Crosfields School 2km Search Area
Taxon Name Common Name European Directives UK Legislation NERC s41 Other Designations Earliest Record Latest Record No. of Max. Records Abundance CoccothraustesAmphibians Hawfinch NERC-S41 Bird-Red 1988 - 1994 1988 - 1994 1 Present coccothraustes Emberiza citrinella Yellowhammer NERC-S41 Bird-Red 20/12/2005 01/01/2008- 2 28 30/11/2008 Emberiza schoeniclus Reed Bunting NERC-S41 Bird-Amber 10/01/1986 01/01/2008- 3 20 30/11/2008 Higher Plants - Flowering Plants Leucojum aestivum Summer Snowflake Status-NS 10/01/1986 10/01/1986 1 Present Hyacinthoides non-scripta Bluebell WACA-Sch8 14/07/1981 25/07/2014 20 Present Muscari neglectum Grape-hyacinth NERC-S41 Status-NR 04/10/2014 04/10/2014 1 Present RL-GB-post2001-VU Ruscus aculeatus Butcher's-broom HabDir-A5 10/01/1986 10/01/1986 1 Present Potamogeton nodosus Loddon Pondweed Status-NR 1988 1988 2 Present RL-Eng-post2001-VU RL-GB-post2001-VU Cyperus longus Galingale Status-NS 20/06/1986 20/06/1986 1 Present RL-Eng-post2001-NT RL-GB-post2001-NT Carex vesicaria Bladder-sedge RL-Eng-post2001-VU 10/01/1986 10/01/1986 1 Present Myosurus minimus Mousetail RL-Eng-post2001-VU 1986 29/06/2014 3 Present RL-GB-post2001-VU Potentilla erecta Tormentil RL-Eng-post2001-NT 10/01/1986 10/01/1986 1 Present Fragaria vesca Wild Strawberry RL-Eng-post2001-NT 14/07/1981 22/07/2005 4 Present Stachys arvensis Field Woundwort RL-Eng-post2001-NT 09/06/1995 09/06/1995 1 Present RL-GB-post2001-NT Vicia lutea Yellow-vetch Status-NS 20/06/1986 20/06/1986 1 Present RL-Eng-post2001-VU RL-GB-post2001-NT Ononis spinosa Spiny Restharrow RL-Eng-post2001-NT 22/07/2005 22/07/2005 1 Present Calluna vulgaris Heather RL-Eng-post2001-NT 10/01/1986 25/07/2014 2 Present Scleranthus annuus Annual Knawel NERC-S41 RL-Eng-post2001-EN 10/01/1986 10/01/1986 1 Present RL-GB-post2001-EN Spergula arvensis Corn Spurrey RL-Eng-post2001-VU 10/01/1986 29/06/2014 2 Present RL-GB-post2001-VU Silene flos-cuculi Ragged-Robin RL-Eng-post2001-NT 14/07/1981 16/06/2006 4 Present Chenopodium murale Nettle-leaved Goosefoot RL-Eng-post2001-EN 10/01/1986 10/01/1986 1 Present RL-GB-post2001-VU Oxalis acetosella Wood-sorrel RL-Eng-post2001-NT 24/08/1981 29/06/2014 3 Present Viola tricolor Wild Pansy RL-Eng-post2001-NT 20/06/1986 10/01/1986 2 Present RL-GB-post2001-NT Hypericum montanum Pale St John's-wort RL-GB-post2001-NT 20/06/1986 20/06/1986 1 Present Tilia platyphyllos Large-leaved Lime Status-NS 29/06/2014 29/06/2014 1 Present
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Taxon Name Common Name European Directives UK Legislation NERC s41 Other Designations Earliest Record Latest Record No. of Max. Records Abundance ErysimumAmphibians cheiranthoides Treacle-mustard RL-Eng-post2001-NT 10/01/1986 10/01/1986 1 Present Lepidium latifolium Dittander Status-NS 06/01/1994 06/01/1994 1 Present Cruciata laevipes Crosswort RL-Eng-post2001-NT 10/01/1986 10/01/1986 1 Present Centaurea cyanus Cornflower NERC-S41 25/07/2014 25/07/2014 2 Present Cichorium intybus Chicory RL-Eng-post2001-VU 17/08/1986 25/07/2014 7 Present Gnaphalium sylvaticum Heath Cudweed RL-Eng-post2001-EN 1984 1984 1 Present RL-GB-post2001-EN Solidago virgaurea Goldenrod RL-Eng-post2001-NT 24/08/1981 24/08/1981 1 Present Chamaemelum nobile Chamomile NERC-S41 RL-Eng-post2001-VU 1982 1982 1 Present RL-GB-post2001-VU Anthemis cotula Stinking Chamomile RL-Eng-post2001-VU 10/01/1986 10/01/1986 1 Present RL-GB-post2001-VU Glebionis segetum Corn Marigold RL-Eng-post2001-VU 29/06/2014 29/06/2014 1 Present RL-GB-post2001-VU Valeriana officinalis Common Valerian RL-Eng-post2001-NT 14/07/1981 25/07/2014 3 Present Invertebrates - Ants, Bees, Sawflies & Wasps Formica rufa Red Wood Ant RL-Global-post94-NT April 2010 - July April 2010 - July 1 Present 2010 2010 Invertebrates - Beetles Isochnus sequensi A Beetle RL-GB-pre94-Insu 18/05/2011 18/05/2011 1 1 Ernoporicus fagi A Beetle Notable-A 14/11/1993 14/11/1993 1 Present Kissophagus hederae A Beetle Notable-B 21/08/1995 21/08/1995 1 Present Quedius (Microsaurus) scitus A Beetle Notable-B 04/06/1993 04/06/1993 1 1
Acupalpus exiguus A Beetle Notable-B 04/06/1993 04/06/1993 1 1 Anthracus consputus A Beetle Notable-B 1988 1988 1 1 Ochthebius (Ochthebius) A Beetle Status-NS 18/03/2008- 18/03/2008- 1 Present pusillus RL-GB-pre94-R 19/03/2008 19/03/2008 Lucanus cervus Stag Beetle HabDir-A2np WACA-Sch5-s9.5a NERC-S41 Notable-B 18/06/1984 31/05/2017 75 8 Nephus quadrimaculatus A Beetle RL-GB-pre94-VU 13/07/2010 13/07/2010 1 Present Hippodamia (Adonia) Adonis' Ladybird Notable-B 09/03/2013 09/03/2013 1 Present variegata Variimorda villosa A Beetle Notable-B 07/06/1986 07/06/1986 1 1 Phytoecia cylindrica A Beetle Notable-B 30/04/2014 30/04/2014 1 Present Orsodacne humeralis A Beetle Notable-B 05/12/1988 05/12/1988 1 1 Podagrica fuscicornis Mallow Flea Beetle Notable-B 04/01/2008 04/01/2008 1 Present Notaris scirpi A Beetle Notable-B 22/07/1991 22/07/1991 1 1 Invertebrates - Butterflies Lasiommata megera Wall NERC-S41 RL-GB-post2001-NT 1992 1992 1 1 Coenonympha pamphilus Small Heath NERC-S41 RL-GB-post2001-NT 10/01/1986 06/01/1994 2 Present Prepared by TVERC 19/02/2019 Page 4 Legally Protected and Notable Species Summary Crosfields School 2km Search Area
Taxon Name Common Name European Directives UK Legislation NERC s41 Other Designations Earliest Record Latest Record No. of Max. Records Abundance LimenitisAmphibians camilla White Admiral NERC-S41 RL-GB-post2001-VU 10/01/1986 10/01/1986 1 Present Cupido minimus Small Blue WACA-Sch5-s9.5a NERC-S41 RL-GB-post2001-NT 10/01/1986 10/01/1986 1 Present Polyommatus coridon Chalk Hill Blue WACA-Sch5-s9.5a RL-GB-post2001-NT 08/04/1992 08/04/1992 1 1 Invertebrates - Molluscs Semisalsa stagnorum Lagoon Spire Snail NERC-S41 RL-GB-post2001-CR 18/03/2008- 18/03/2008- 1 Present 19/03/2008 19/03/2008 Arion (Arion) ater Large Black Slug RL-GB-post2001-DD 10/01/1986 10/01/1986 1 Present Invertebrates - Moths Hepialus humuli Ghost Moth NERC-S41 15/06/2002 06/12/2003 3 Present Watsonalla binaria Oak Hook-tip NERC-S41 05/12/2004 05/12/2004 1 1 Timandra comae Blood-vein NERC-S41 31/05/2001 15/06/2002 4 3 Ennomos erosaria September Thorn NERC-S41 25/08/2001 25/08/2001 1 2 Spilosoma lutea Buff Ermine NERC-S41 30/06/2001 26/06/2003 3 2 Spilosoma lubricipeda White Ermine NERC-S41 15/06/2002 15/06/2002 1 Present Tyria jacobaeae Cinnabar NERC-S41 30/05/1998 26/06/2001 2 4 Diloba caeruleocephala Figure of Eight NERC-S41 10/11/2002 10/11/2002 1 1 Acronicta rumicis Knot Grass NERC-S41 15/06/2002 24/09/2004 2 2 Caradrina morpheus Mottled Rustic NERC-S41 15/06/2002 15/06/2002 1 Present Melanchra persicariae Dot Moth NERC-S41 07/10/1998 07/10/1998 1 1 Ceramica pisi Broom Moth NERC-S41 06/12/2003 06/12/2003 1 Present Diarsia rubi Small Square-spot NERC-S41 25/08/2001 15/06/2002 2 1 Invertebrates - True Flies Helina parcepilosa A True Fly RL-GB-pre94-VU 18/09/2013 18/09/2013 1 Present Mammals - Terrestrial (bats) Chiroptera Bats HabDir-A2np HabReg-Sch2 NERC-S41 RL-Global-post2001-NT 15/07/2005 21/06/2010- 7 3 HabDir-A4 WACA-Sch5- 27/06/2010 s9.4b/s9.4c/s9.5a/s9.5b
Vespertilionidae Bats HabDir-A2np HabReg-Sch2 NERC-S41 RL-Global-post2001-NT 07/05/2014 07/05/2014 1 Present HabDir-A4 WACA-Sch5- s9.4b/s9.4c/s9.5a/s9.5b
Eptesicus serotinus Serotine HabDir-A4 HabReg-Sch2 07/05/2014 05/11/2017 4 Present WACA-Sch5- s9.4b/s9.4c/s9.5a/s9.5b
Myotis Unidentified Bat HabDir-A2np HabReg-Sch2 NERC-S41 RL-Global-post2001-NT 08/02/1991 17/07/2016 7 1 HabDir-A4 WACA-Sch5- s9.4b/s9.4c/s9.5a/s9.5b
Prepared by TVERC 19/02/2019 Page 5 Legally Protected and Notable Species Summary Crosfields School 2km Search Area
Taxon Name Common Name European Directives UK Legislation NERC s41 Other Designations Earliest Record Latest Record No. of Max. Records Abundance MyotisAmphibians daubentonii Daubenton's Bat HabDir-A4 HabReg-Sch2 10/01/1986 29/05/2012 2 4 WACA-Sch5- s9.4b/s9.4c/s9.5a/s9.5b
Nyctalus noctula Noctule Bat HabDir-A4 HabReg-Sch2 NERC-S41 10/01/1986 31/05/2017 44 11 WACA-Sch5- s9.4b/s9.4c/s9.5a/s9.5b
Pipistrellus Pipistrelle Bat species HabDir-A4 HabReg-Sch2 NERC-S41 14/09/1987 12/06/2016 15 232 WACA-Sch5- s9.4b/s9.4c/s9.5a/s9.5b
Pipistrellus pipistrellus Common Pipistrelle HabDir-A4 HabReg-Sch2 20/06/1986 10/01/1986 2 Present WACA-Sch5- s9.4b/s9.4c/s9.5a/s9.5b
Pipistrellus nathusii Nathusius's Pipistrelle HabDir-A4 HabReg-Sch2 09/12/2013 09/12/2013 1 1 WACA-Sch5- s9.4b/s9.4c/s9.5a/s9.5b
Pipistrellus pipistrellus Common Pipistrelle HabDir-A4 HabReg-Sch2 2008 19/09/2017 117 10 WACA-Sch5- s9.4b/s9.4c/s9.5a/s9.5b
Pipistrellus pygmaeus Soprano Pipistrelle HabDir-A4 HabReg-Sch2 NERC-S41 2008 31/05/2017 59 10 WACA-Sch5- s9.4b/s9.4c/s9.5a/s9.5b
Plecotus Long-eared Bat species HabDir-A4 HabReg-Sch2 NERC-S41 Summer 2008 09/09/2015 6 1 WACA-Sch5- s9.4b/s9.4c/s9.5a/s9.5b
Plecotus auritus Brown Long-eared Bat HabDir-A4 HabReg-Sch2 NERC-S41 10/01/1986 05/09/2017 22 2 WACA-Sch5- s9.4b/s9.4c/s9.5a/s9.5b
Mammals - Terrestrial (excl. bats) Erinaceus europaeus West European Hedgehog NERC-S41 20/06/1986 30/07/2015- 21 4 09/09/2015 Meles meles Eurasian Badger Badgers-1992 Pre 1991 2016 19 2 Arvicola amphibius European Water Vole WACA-Sch5- NERC-S41 04/01/1998 04/01/1998 1 Present s9.4a/s9.4b/s9.4c Muscardinus avellanarius Hazel Dormouse HabDir-A4 HabReg-Sch2 NERC-S41 29/09/1985 20/06/1987 3 1 WACA-Sch5- s9.4b/s9.4c/s9.5a Prepared by TVERC 19/02/2019 Page 6 Legally Protected and Notable Species Summary Crosfields School 2km Search Area
Taxon Name Common Name European Directives UK Legislation NERC s41 Other Designations Earliest Record Latest Record No. of Max. Records Abundance ReptilesAmphibians Anguis fragilis Slow-worm WACA-Sch5-s9.1k/s9.5a NERC-S41 13/05/1988 31/03/2011- 10 120 21/04/2011 Natrix helvetica Grass Snake WACA-Sch5-s9.1k/s9.5a NERC-S41 2007 28/04/2008- 4 3 29/05/2008
Prepared by TVERC 19/02/2019 Page 7 Invasive Non-Native Species Summary Crosfields School 2km Search Area
Taxon Name Common Name Invasive Status Earliest Record Latest Record No. of Max. Records Abundance Higher Plants - Flowering Plants Elodea canadensis Canadian Waterweed INNS-Priority-2015 10/01/1986 09/11/2003 2 Present Buddleja davidii Butterfly-bush INNS-Other-2015 09/11/2003 25/07/2014 5 Present Mimulus guttatus Monkeyflower INNS-Other-2015 10/01/1986 10/01/1986 1 Present Impatiens capensis Orange Balsam INNS-Other-2015 09/10/2003 09/10/2003 1 Present Impatiens glandulifera Indian Balsam INNS-Priority-2015 25/07/2014 25/07/2014 1 Present Rhododendron ponticum A Flowering Plant INNS-Other-2015 14/07/1981 03/12/2007 5 Present Fallopia japonica Japanese Knotweed INNS-Priority-2015 10/01/1986 10/01/1986 1 Present Invertebrates - Crustaceans Crangonyx pseudogracilis A Crustacean INNS-Other-2015 18/03/2008- 18/03/2008- 3 Present 19/03/2008 19/03/2008
Prepared by TVERC 19/02/2019 Page 1 SPECIES STATUS KEY
EUROPEAN DIRECTIVES
➢ BirdsDir-A1 - Species listed on Annex 1 of EC Directive 79/409/EEC on the Conservation of Wild Birds. This covers birds which are the subject of special conservation measures concerning their habitat in order to ensure their survival and reproduction in their area of distribution. ➢ HabDir-A2, HabDir-A2np, HabDir-A4 & HabDir-A5 - Annex 2 and Annexes 4/5 respectively of the EC Habitats Directive. This is the Council Directive 92/43/EEC on the Conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora. The abbreviations have the following meanings:
HabDir-A2 Species which are endangered, the conservation of which the Community has a particular responsibility in view of the proportion of their natural range which falls within the territory of the Community. They require the designation of special areas of conservation. HabDir-A2np Animal and plant species of Community interest (i.e. endangered, vulnerable, rare or endemic in the European Community) whose conservation requires the designation of special areas of conservation. Note that the contents of this annex have been updated in April 2003 following the Treaty of Accession. HabDir-A4 Animal and plant species of Community interest (i.e. endangered, vulnerable, rare or endemic in the European Community) in need of strict protection. They are protected from killing, disturbance or the destruction of them or their habitat. Note that the contents of this annex have been updated in April 2003 following the Treaty of Accession. HabDir-A5 Animal and plant species of Community interest whose taking in the wild and exploitation may be subject to management measures.
UK LEGISLATION: CONSERVATION OF HABITATS AND SPECIES REGULATIONS 2010
➢ HabReg-Sch2, HabReg-Sch4 and HabReg-Sch5. This legislation translates the European Habitats Directive (see above) into UK law where species are listed in Schedule 2 (priority & non-priority), Schedule 4 and Schedule 5.
UK LEGISLATION: WILDLIFE AND COUNTRYSIDE ACT 1981
Schedule 1 Wild Birds This prohibits the intentional killing, injuring or taking of any wild bird and the taking, damaging or destroying of the nest (whilst being built or in use) or eggs. It prohibits possession of wild birds (dead or alive) or their eggs. In addition:
➢ WACA-Sch1-p1 – There are additional penalties for offences relating to birds on this schedule and it is also an offence to disturb such birds at the nest or with dependent young. ➢ WACA-Sch1-p2 – Covers the protection of birds which may be killed during the open season.
(Please note that some schedule 1 bird records will refer to species that do not breed in the county, e.g. over-wintering birds such as Redwing or Fieldfare. Although we include them in the annotated records, only they and their nests, eggs and dependent young enjoy extra protection under the W&C 1981 act. If you are in any doubt about the breeding status of a bird please contact us at TVERC) Produced by TVERC March 2018
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Schedule 5 Wild Animals
WACA-Sch5-s9.1 Covers intentionally killing, injuring or taking any wild animal included in Schedule 5 WACA-Sch5-s9.1k Covers animals which are protected from intentional killing or injuring. WACA-Sch5-s9.1t Covers animals which are protected from taking. WACA-Sch5-s9.2 Covers animals which are protected from being possessed or controlled (live or dead). WACA-Sch5-s9.4a Covers intentionally or recklessly disturbing of any wild animal included in Schedule 5. Also includes animals which are protected from intentional damage or destruction to any structure or place used for shelter or protection. WACA-Sch5-s9.4b Covers animals which are protected from intentional disturbance while occupying a structure or place used for shelter or protection. WACA-Sch5-s9.4c Covers animals which are protected from their access to any structure or place which they use for shelter or protection being obstructed. WACA-Sch5-s9.5a Covers animals which are protected from being sold, offered for sale or being held or transported for sale either live or dead, whole or part. WACA-Sch5-s9.5b Covers animals which are protected from being published or advertised as being for sale.
Schedule 8 Wild Plants
➢ WACA-Sch8 – Covers plants which are protected from intentional picking, uprooting or destruction (Section 13 1a); selling, offering for sale, possessing or transporting for the purpose of sale (live or dead, part or derivative) (Section 13 2a); advertising (any of these) for buying or selling (Section 13 2b).
PRIORITY NERC S.41 2006
➢ NERC-S41 Species “of principal importance for the purpose of conserving biodiversity” covered under section 41 (England) of the NERC Act (2006) and therefore need to be taken into consideration by a public body when performing any of its functions with a view to conserving biodiversity.
OTHER DESIGNATIONS: RED LISTS
Global Red List Species (tagged RL-Global) - Species listed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Species included are from pre and post 1994 and post 2001 lists.
GB Red List Species (tagged RL-GB) - Species included in GB red lists. Species included are from pre and post 1994 and post 2001 lists. Please note not all taxon groups are currently covered, for example fungi.
England Red List Species (tagged RL-Eng) – Species included in England red lists. Out of the categories below, only CR, EN,VU, NT, DD and RE are used in the context of this Red List.
With all red lists, the date of the list used does not indicate when the species was designated, but which set of rules for designation were used. Due to the time required to produce a new red list for a species group, the rules used will often be much older than the date of the list.
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Abbreviations:
EX – Extinct A taxon is Extinct when there is no reasonable doubt that the last individual has died. EW – Extinct in the Wild. Species known to survive only in cultivation, in captivity or as a naturalised population(s) well outside the past range. CR – Critically Endangered (CR) Species facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild in the immediate future. EN – Endangered: Species that are not Critically Endangered but is facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild in the near future. VU – Vulnerable: A species is Vulnerable when it is not Critically Endangered or Endangered but is facing a high risk of extinction in the wild in the medium-term future NT – Near Threatened – A taxon considered likely to become endangered in the near future. NR - Taxa with small populations that are not at present Endangered or Vulnerable, but are at risk LR(cd) – Lower risk (conservation dependent) DD – Data deficient – A taxon with insufficient data to make an assessment of its risk of extinction. RE – Regionally Extinct – Taxa that are considered extinct within the region but populations exist elsewhere in the world. R - Taxa with small populations that are not at present Endangered or Vulnerable, but are at risk. Inde – indeterminate – based on a pre 1994 category: Taxa which are known to be Endangered, Vulnerable or Rare but with insufficient data to place them in one of the categories. Insu – Insufficiently known - based on a pre 1994 category which equates to data deficient. Thre - Taxa which are not known to occur naturally outside Britain. Taxa within this category may also be in any of the other RDB categories or not threatened at all.
Species included here are from information compiled by JNCC (The Joint Nature Conservation Committee).
OTHER DESIGNATIONS: NATIONALLY NOTABLE SPECIES
This covers invertebrate species not falling within IUCN categories but never the less uncommon in Britain.
Nationally Notable A (Tagged Notable-A): Taxa which occur in <30 10 km (hectad) squares or for less well recorded groups within <7 vice counties.
Nationally Notable B (Tagged Notable-B): Taxa which don't fall within IUCN categories but are uncommon in Britain and occur in 31-100 10 km sq/ or for less or for less well recorded groups between 8 and 20 vice counties
Notable (Tagged Notable): Taxa known to be scarce (occurring in between 16 and 100 10km squares) but for which there is insufficient information to assign them to the above categories.
This designation comes from the National Biodiversity Network (NBN) species dictionary but is supported by JNCC.
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OTHER DESIGNATIONS: NATIONALLY RARE OR SCARCE SPECIES
This designation covers species that are recognised to occur in only a few locations in Britain. Note species reported in this section may also appear on red lists.
Rare (tagged as Status-NR) = occurring in 15 or fewer hectads (10 km squares) in the UK
Scarce (tagged as Status-NS) = occurring in 16 – 100 hectads in the UK.
OTHER DESIGNATIONS: BIRDS OF CONSERVATION CONCERN LISTS & RED LIST FUNGI
These lists were drawn up by leading governmental and non-governmental conservation organizations including the RSPB and British Trust for Ornithology. The most recent version was published in May 2009. Red List (tagged Bird-Red) - species are those that are globally threatened, whose population or range has declined rapidly in recent years (i.e. by more than 50% in 25 years), or which have declined historically and not recovered.
Amber List (tagged Bird-Amber) - Amber list species are those whose population or range has declined moderately in recent years (by more than 25% but less than 50% in 25 years), those whose population has declined historically but recovered recently, rare breeders (fewer than 300 pairs), those with internationally important populations in the UK, those with localised populations, and those with an unfavourable conservation status in Europe.
Red List Fungi – This designation uses the Red Data List of Threatened British Fungi (preliminary assessment) by Shelley Evans (BMS Conservation Officer). Species are designated as:
Fungi Red-CR – Critically Endangered Fungi Red-EN – Endangered Fungi Red-NT – Near Threatened Fungi Red-VU – Vulnerable
These follow current IUCN guidelines (2001) as closely as possible but with adaptations to take into account the fungal lifestyle and associated practicalities of fungal recording.
OTHER DESIGNATIONS: OXFORDSHIRE SCARCE & RARE PLANTS
A rare plant register for Oxfordshire was published under the title Oxfordshire’s Threatened Plants (Pices Publications, June 2018). This 15 year study produced a list of rare and scarce plants for the county. TVERC is now including Oxfordshire records of these species in its Protected & Notable Species GIS layers. The definitions of rare and scarce are as follows:
Oxon-Rare – Any species found in 1-3 Oxfordshire tetrads (2km x 2km square) over the duration of the data collection phase of the study (2000 – 2010 inclusive)
Oxon-Scarce – Any species found in 4 – 10 Oxfordshire tetrads over the data collection phase of the study.
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OTHER DESIGNATIONS: LOCAL BAP SPECIES
For any Local Authority that has drawn up a list of BAP species. Designations will only apply to species recorded from the Local Authority area.
Currently, only Bracknell Forest Council have such a BAP list and relevant records are tagged BF-LBAP.
INVASIVE NON-NATIVE SPECIES
Species appearing on the Environment Agency list of non-native invasive species 2014. Species may have the following designations:
Priority Species: Species affecting EA interests the most Rapid Response Species: Very invasive species that are not yet established.
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DATA ORIGIN KEY (JULY 2018)
Data Origin Origin Details Abbreviation ABFG Association of British Fungus Groups AC Academic Researcher AN Abingdon Natural History Society ANHSO Ashmolean Natural History Society (& Rare Plant Group) ARC Amphibian & Reptile Conservation ARGUK UK Amphibian & Reptile Groups BAT Bat Licence Returns (from licenced Bat Recorders) BBG Binfield Badger Group BBOWT Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust BC Butterfly Conservation (includes Upper Thames and National Data) BDS British Dragonfly Society BENHS British Entomological Natural History Society BFC Bracknell Forest Council BFVT Bracknell Forest Veteran Tree Survey BGG Bicester Green Gym BIG Berkshire Invertebrate Group BLS British Lichen Society BLWS Berkshire Local Wildlife Sites Project BMERC Bucks & Milton Keynes Environmental Record Centre BMG Berkshire Mammal Group BOC Berkshire Bird Clubs BOS Banbury Ornithological Society BRAG Berkshire Reptile & Amphibian Group BRC Biological Record Centre (Monk's Wood) BSBBG Berks & South Berks Bat Group BSBI Botanical Society of the British Isles BTC Banbury Town Council BTO British Trust for Ornithology BUWG Bracknell Urban Wildlife Group BWARS Bees Wasps & Ants Recording Society BWG Besselsleigh Wood Group CalRS National Calliphoridae Recording Scheme CBT Childe Beale Trust CDC Cherwell District Council COS County Ornithological Services (also known as BCS) CRPG Cotswold Rare Plant Group CSP Cherwell Swift Project EA Environment Agency (formally the National Rivers Authority) EC Professional Ecological Consultant ESB Earthworm Society of Great Britain ET The Earth Trust (formally the Northmoor Trust) FFF Friends of Faringdon Folly FHT Freshwater Habitat Trust FLC Friends of Longcot Churchyard FROG Froglife FSO Fungus Survey of Oxfordshire FWAG Farmland Wildlife Advisory Group GCER Gloucestershire Centre for Environmental Records DATA ORIGIN KEY (JULY 2018)
Data Origin Origin Details Abbreviation GCN GCN Licence Return Records HA Highways Agency HWMT Hurst Water Meadows Trust IOSF International Otter Survival Fund IREC IRECORD Website LBRS Longhorn Beetle Recording Scheme LN Local/National Expert (known to TVERC) LWVP Lower Windrush Valley Project MGLG Moor Green Lakes Group MOD Ministry of Defence MOP Member of the Public MS Mammal Society NCRS National (Trichoptera) Caddisfly Recording Scheme NDD National Dormouse Database NE Natural England/EN/NCC NFC Newbury Field Club NHM Natural History Museum NNSS Non-native Species Secretariat NPD National Ponds Database NPMS National Plant Monitoring Scheme NRG Newbury Ringing Group NSP NatureSpace Partnership NT National Trust OBadG Oxfordshire Badger Group OBG Oxfordshire Bat Group OBRC Oxfordshire Biological Record Centre OBU Oxford Brookes University OCC Oxfordshire County Council OCYS Oxfordshire Churchyard Survey OFG Oxfordshire Flora Group OLWS Oxfordshire Local Wildlife Sites Project OMG Oxfordshire Mossing Group OOS Oxfordshire Ornithological Society ORAG Oxfordshire Reptile & Amphibian Group OS Otter Spotter Project OSC Oxford Swift City Project OUNHM Oxford University Natural History Museum OUWG Oxford Urban Wildlife Group OX Oxford City Council OxMG Oxford Mammal Group PC Pond Conservation PL Plantlife PT Plant Tracker (non-native plant tracking app.) PTES People's Trust for Endangered Species RBC Reading Borough Council RBWM Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead RDNHS Reading and District natural History Society RF Richard Frankum DATA ORIGIN KEY (JULY 2018)
Data Origin Origin Details Abbreviation RM Reading Museum RRS Riverfly Recording Scheme RSPB Royal Society for the Protection of Birds RUWG Reading Urban Wildlife Group RWP Reading Woodlands Plan SARS Soldierflies and Allies Recording Scheme ScRS Scarabaeoidea Recording Scheme SepRS Sepsidae Recording Scheme SO Science Oxford SODC South Oxfordshire District Council SW Shotover Wildlife TVERC Thames Valley Environmental Record Centre TVFG Thames valley Fungus Group TW Thames Water U Unknown UKWOT UK Wild Otter Trust VCH Victoria County History (historical records) VWH Vale of White Horse District Council VWT Vincent Wildlife Trust WB West Berkshire District Council WBBRS Weevil & Bark beetle Recording Scheme WBC Wokingham Borough Council WFG Wychwood Flora Group WIA Wildlife in Ascot Group WILDCRU Wildlife Conservation Research Unit WMUWG Windsor & Maidenhead Urban Wildlife Group WODC West Oxfordshire District Council WS Wytham Survey WT Woodland Trust WWT Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust YE Dick Greenaway, concerning land owned by Yattendon Estate
Berkshire Local Wildlife Site Description
THE GROVE
Site Code: 76I06 Grid Reference: SU729689 Area (ha): 4.26 Local Authority: Wokingham Last Survey Date(s): 08/2007 Date Selected or Reconfirmed: 2008
Site Description
A small mosaic of rank grassland, scrub, secondary woodland, broadleaved plantation and two ponds completely enclosed by roads towards the north of Shinfield. The majority of the site consists of a mosaic of scrub and a tall grassland sward which is dominated by forbs. The sward is predominately black knapweed, wild carrot, upright hedge parsley, stone parsley and ragwort with areas of meadow vetchling, agrimony, common vetch and ribwort plantain. The grassland appears damp in areas with the presence of greater bird’s-foot-trefoil and sneezewort. The grassland sward has affinities to the MG1 Arrhenatheretum elatioris grassland, Centaurea nigra sub community. Scrub is encroaching throughout the sward, where it ranges from scattered hawthorn, to dense areas of bramble with young sapling oak, hawthorn and ash. Towards the north lies an area of scrubby, relatively disturbed secondary woodland. The canopy is predominately ash and oak (relatively young) over a mix of hawthorn, field maple, hazel and elder. It appears that some planting has been carried out. The ground is relatively uneven which suggests some work has been carried out in conjunction with the recent road building. The field layer is made up of patches of locally abundant ivy, nettle, ground ivy and patches of garlic mustard, dog’s mercury and chickweed. Mixed tree planting has occurred with species such as ash, pine, hawthorn and the occasional dogwood, whitebeam and wayfaring tree. Against the gateway lies an area of gravel which has been colonised by an ephemeral, open sward made up of species such as common figwort, scarlet pimpernel, bristly oxtongue, nettle, shepherds purse and field forget-me-not. Overall the site forms a mosaic of habitats which is confined to a small pocket to the south of Reading and north of the M4.
Produced by TVERC 24/04/2013 Berkshire Local Wildlife Site Citation
SHINFIELD PARK, NORES HILL
Site Code: SU76J01
Grid Reference: SU727693 Area (ha): 7.51
Local Authority: Wokingham Last Survey Date(s): 2012
Date Selection or Reconfirmed: 2013
Site Description
A mixture of woodland including areas of semi-natural ancient woodland. These areas have a canopy of ash and oak with hazel coppice below. Dormouse has been recorded at this site in 1987. Woodland species present include yellow pimpernel, three-nerved sandwort, yellow archangel and bluebell.
Produced by TVERC 20/08/2015 Berkshire Local Wildlife Site Citation
PEARMAN’S COPSE
Site Code: 76J02 Grid Reference: SU735693 Area (ha): 2.06 Local Authority: Wokingham Last Survey Date(s): April 1993 Designation Date: Unknown
Site Description
This site is owned and managed by Wokingham District Council and is part of a larger Local Nature Reserve. It is a small area of ancient woodland at the edge of housing developments and fringed by publicly accessible open space. The copse has boundary banks and ditches which are typical of ancient woodland sites.
At the northern end oak dominates with abundant cherry at the western edge. The shrub layer is dominated by hazel with some maple. Bramble and bluebell dominate the field layer. The centre of the copse has large ash coppice stools with some hazel and crab apple. Bramble and dog’s mercury dominate the ground layer and there are few bluebells. At the south end ash stools still dominate but there is more hazel, field maple, crab apple and elder. The field layer is more mixed with dog’s mercury, bluebell, bramble and ground ivy. Lesser celandine is abundant early in spring. Early purple orchid is found in this area. Other woodland species recorded here include enchanter’s nightshade, pignut, three-nerved sandwort, primrose, goldilocks buttercup and common dog violet.
SECTION 41 HABITAT(S) OF PRINCIPAL IMPORTANCE: Lowland Mixed Deciduous Woodland
LEGALLY PROTECTED SPECIES: Common frog (Schedule 5), 2004
SECTION 41 SPECIES OF PRINCIPAL IMPORTANCE: None
RED DATA BOOK (RDB) SPECIES: None
NATIONALLY SCARCE (NSC) SPECIES: None
BIRDS OF CONSERVATION CONCERN (BoCC): none
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HALL FARM WOODLAND TRIANGLE
Site Code: 76P02 Grid Reference: SU743682 Area (ha): 0.69 Local Authority: Wokingham Last Survey Date(s): Sept 2003 Date Selected or Reconfirmed: 2004
Site Description
A small broadleaf wet woodland dominated by grey willow, with lesser amounts of crack willow, alder, field maple, oak and ash. The understorey is very dense and dark in places and includes blackthorn, hawthorn and holly. The ground layer deep in the wood is mainly leaf litter with scattered patches of giant fescue, nettle and bramble. The ditches and wet hollows supported dense stands of greater pond sedge, reed canary-grass and reed sweet-grass, interspersed by flag iris, water-pepper and redshank. Open water in the ditch along the western edge was dominated by common duckweed.
An abundance of fallen dead wood and horizontal branches of willows added to structural diversity of the wood, which supported fungi such as the artist's fungus as well as a range of mosses and lichens.
SECTION 41 HABITAT(S) OF PRINCIPAL IMPORTANCE: Wet woodland.
SECTION 41 SPECIES OF PRINCIPAL IMPORTANCE: none
LEGALLY PROTECTED SPECIES: none
RED DATA BOOK SPECIES: none
NATIONALLY SCARCE SPECIES: none
LOCAL SPECIES: none
BIRDS OF CONSERVATION CONCERN:
Red list: none Amber list: none
TYPICAL WETLAND SPECIES: Alder, crack willow, grey willow, water plantain, greater pond-sedge, meadowsweet, marsh bedstraw, reed sweet-grass, flag iris, common duckweed, gipsywort, creeping Jenny, water mint, water- pepper, redshank, reed canarygrass, hemlock water-dropwort (17).
ANCIENT WOODLAND INDICATOR SPECIES: Field maple, holly, remote sedge, giant fescue (4).
Produced by TVERC 24/04/2013 Berkshire Local Wildlife Site Citation
ST JOHN’S COPSE
Site Code: 76P03 Grid Reference: SU745691 Area (ha): 3 Local Authority: Wokingham Last Survey Date(s): June 2006 Date Selected or Reconfirmed:
Site Description
This small woodland is a neglected, mixed coppice under oak standards interplanted with Douglas fir, which in places forms the dominant tree in the canopy. It is situated in the valley of the River Loddon on fairly dry loam soil though there are low lying areas within the wood that have impeded drainage. In the wetter areas ash and alder dominate. The wood is surrounded by arable or improved grassland. A hedge network links the site to another small woodland to the east. There is still a significant semi-natural component and the wood supports a small regenerating population of wild service tree, a species of restricted distribution in Berkshire.
SECTION 41 HABITAT(S) OF PRINCIPAL IMPORTANCE: Lowland, Mixed, Deciduous Woodland, Wet woodland
PROTECTED SPECIES: None recorded
SECTION 41 SPECIES OF PRINCIPAL IMPORTANCE: None recorded
RED DATA BOOK (RDB) SPECIES: None recorded
NATIONALLY SCARCE (NSC) SPECIES: None recorded
BIRDS OF CONSERVATION CONCERN (BoCC): None recorded
Red List Species:
Amber List Species:
TYPICAL SPECIES OF THE HABITAT TYPE(S): Ancient woodland indicators total 17 which is a moderately good score for a small wood. These included moschatel, wood anemone, wood spurge, creeping soft-grass, bluebell, crab apple, wood meadow-grass, primrose, wych elm, wild service-tree and wood speedwell
Produced by TVERC 24/04/2013 Berkshire Local Wildlife Site Description
RUSHY MEAD
Site Code: SU76P05 Grid Reference: SU751691 Area (ha): 4.12 Local Authority: Wokingham District Council Last Survey Date(s): Unknown Date Selected or Reconfirmed:
Site Description
Rushy Mead is wet woodland with areas dominated by alder and willows. Some poplars have been planted on the site. The drier areas have some mixed hazel, ash and field maple coppice and areas of hawthorn, blackthorn and dogwood scrub. There are also some old oak and ash standards. Wetland plants include ragged robin, meadowsweet, yellow flag iris, common marsh bedstraw, pond sedges and purple loosestrife.
Produced by TVERC 15/5/2013 Berkshire Local Wildlife Site Citation
WHITELY PARK FARM/ST PATRICK’S HALL
Site Code: SU77F01 Grid Reference: SU72607165 Area (ha): 2.0 Local Authority: Reading Borough Council Last Survey Date(s): 2003 Designation Date: 2004
Site Description
A diverse site based in the grounds of the Reading University Student Village, but squeezed between accommodation blocks, housing estate and a public open space. The Local Wildlife Site is important in holding mixed broadleaved semi-natural woodland and a range of associated habitats, including two ponds, both very different in character – one open and one enclosed. The woodland has some mature oak and ash although with abundant suckering elm, some of which is now quite tall. Sycamore is establishing in abundance in places and some exotic species have been planted in some areas. Willows are found along the outflow of the pond. The site is important however, for its bird fauna holding a number of species listed on both the red and amber lists as “birds of conservation concern”, although the date of most of these records are unknown.
SECTION 41 HABITATS OF PRINCIPAL IMPORTANCE: Lowland Mixed deciduous woodland
SECTION 41 SPECIES OF PRINCIPAL IMPORTANCE: Bullfinch, Linnet, Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, Spotted Flycatcher, Song Thrush
BIRDS OF CONSERVATION CONCERN (BoCC) RECORDED:
Red List Species: Starling, Bullfinch, Linnet, Lesser spotted woodpecker, Spotted flycatcher, House sparrow and Song thrush.
Amber List Species: Kingfisher, Stock dove, Cuckoo, House martin, Kestrel, Swallow, Grey wagtail, Yellow wagtail, Wood warbler, Willow warbler, Green woodpecker, Goldcrest, Redwing, Fieldfare, Mistle thrush
Produced by TVERC 24/04/2013 Berkshire Local Wildlife Site Citation
THE COWSEY
Site Code: SU77F02 Grid Reference: SU727705 Area (ha): 17.8 Local Authority: Reading Last Survey Date(s): 10/04/2014 Date Selected or Reconfirmed: Retained 2015
Site Description
This west-facing hillside stretches over 17.8 ha and is largely covered by mature scrub and broadleaved woodland which surrounds grassy enclaves. There are natural springs, one supporting a ribbon of wetland plants in a shallow valley, one feeding a small pond and another drains an area of mature woodland. Some grassland areas are locally damp and support patches of rushes. There are fragments of richer grassland by the north- western boundary with bird’s-foot trefoil, agrimony, lesser stitchwort, common knapweed, meadow vetchling, creeping cinquefoil, common sorrel and hard rush. More sandy, acidic grassland occurs in an area rich with large anthills. The geology is plateau gravel; the soils appear to be mixed, sandy in places on the top of the hill but with more clay further down. The height of the site ranges from 60 to over 75 metres.
The Cowsey is situated in Whitley, South Reading. It lies next to the John Rabson Recreation Ground and forms part of a larger playing area with open access. On other boundaries the land uses are roads, housing and a school playing field.
SECTION 41 HABITATS OF PRINCIPAL IMPORTANCE: Lowland mixed deciduous woodland.
PROTECTED SPECIES: Bluebell
SECTION 41 SPECIES OF PRINCIPAL IMPORTANCE: none recorded
RED DATA BOOK (RDB) SPECIES: none recorded
NATIONALLY SCARCE (NSC) SPECIES: none recorded
BIRDS OF CONSERVATION CONCERN (BoCC): none recorded
TYPICAL SPECIES OF THE HABITAT TYPE(S)
Ancient woodland indicator species = eleven
Acid Grassland species : Blinks (uncommon in Berkshire), red fescue, yarrow, wavy bittercress
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WHITEKNIGHTS PARK
Site Code: 77F03 Grid Reference: SU737718 Area (ha): 26.09 Local Authority: Wokingham Last Survey Date(s): 26/05/05 & 13/07/05 Designation Date:
Site Description
Whiteknights Park consists of a mosaic of landscaped trees with mown grassland, a large shaded, eutrophic lake, mixed secondary woodland, several stands of introduced shrubs and trees and a couple of areas managed as meadow.
The mixed woodland canopy is predominately oak (several species including turkey oak) with hornbeam, wild cherry, sycamore, ash and several ornamental species such as swamp cypress. In a couple of sections, stands of yew are also present. Dense rhododendron and cherry laurel make up the understorey throughout the majority of the woodland. Other species include sapling hazel, sycamore and beech. The field layer varies but is relatively species poor and patchy with dense nettle and low bramble, areas of small balsam and scattered species such as lords-and-ladies, male fern, enchanter’s nightshade, foxglove, a couple of patches of bluebell and three-nerved sandwort. Towards the east it appears more acidic and the canopy grades to sweet chestnut (a couple have previously been coppiced) with silver birch and rowan. The understorey consists of holly, cherry laurel and bramble. The field layer is sparse with occasional foxglove, cleavers, wood avens, bracken and compact rush.
A large eutrophic lake lies towards the centre of the site with little in the way of aquatic species apart from a small area of white water-lily and common duckweed. Little emergent vegetation is present as it is heavily shaded by trees. However small pockets of yellow iris, sweet flag and bulrush, with water mint, gipsywort, marsh woundwort, great willowherb and hemlock water-dropwort are present.
The lake is surrounded by a mown grassland sward and scattered landscaped tree planting (parkland). The site is thought to have previously been identified for its ornithological interest and has been recorded by English Nature as a Parkland or Wood Pasture with nine veteran trees on site. To the west there are three areas which are managed as a meadow which have remnants of lowland meadow habitat including sneezewort, glaucous sedge, common
Produced by TVERC 24/04/2013 knapweed and oxeye daisy in what is essentially a rough grassland sward with much false oat-grass.
SECTION 41 HABITAT(S) OF PRINCIPAL IMPORTANCE: Parkland and Wood Pasture (the site shows some of the characteristics of this habitat type) and Eutrophic Standing Water
PROTECTED SPECIES: bluebell, summer snowflake (1986), stag beetle (1984), chalk-hill blue (1992), common toad (1986), common frog (1986), kingfisher (1988 – 1994), fieldfare (1986), firecrest (1988 – 1994),
SECTION 41 SPECIES OF PRINCIPAL IMPORTANCE: stag beetle (1984), skylark (1986), song thrush (2000), spotted flycatcher (1986)
RED DATA BOOK (RDB) SPECIES RECORDED: wild pansy (1986) NT, Ischnomera caerulea (1984)
NATIONALLY SCARCE (NSC) SPECIES RECORDED: mousetail (1978) vu, nettle-leaved goosefoot (1986) vu
BIRDS OF CONSERVATION CONCERN (BoCC) RECORDED:
Red List Species: lesser woodpecker (1986), skylark (1986), spotted flycatcher (1986)
Amber List Species: green woodpecker (2005), mute swan (2005), cormarant (1986), greylag goose (1986), shoveler (1986), pochard (1986), kestrel (1986), water rail (1986), lapwing (1986), woodcock (1986), black- headed gull (1986), common gull (1986), lesser black-backed gull (1986), herring gull (1986), stock dove (1986), cuckoo (1986), short-eared owl (1988 – 1994), kingfisher (1988 – 1994), sand martin (1986), swallow (1986), house martin (1986), meadow pipit (1986), yellow wagtail (1986), grey wagtail (1986), dunnock (1986), redstart (1986), fieldfare (1986), song thrush (2000), mistle thrush (1986), wood warbler (1988 – 1994), willow warbler (1986), goldcrest (1986), firecrest (1988 – 1994)
TYPICAL SPECIES OF THE HABITAT TYPE(S)
Sneezewort, sweet vernal grass, glaucous sedge, cuckooflower, black knapweed, marsh foxtail, quaking grass, lady’s bedstraw, pepper saxifrage, common bird’s-foot-trefoil and oxeye daisy are species typical of lowland meadows. There is also a record for adder’s tongue (1988) and great burnet (1974) in the old meadow area.
Bluebell, wood speedwell, wood sedge, black currant and three-nerved sandwort are ancient woodland indicator species.
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Berkshire Local Wildlife Site Description
REDHATCH COPSE
Site Code: SU77K02
Grid Reference: SU742707 Area (ha): 3.57
Local Authority: Wokingham Last Survey Date(s): 2014
Date Selected or Reconfirmed: Retained 2015
Site Description This site is a small area of varied ancient woodland. Parts of the site are dominated by ash with hazel coppice and elder. Birch dominates other areas in the site and there are wet flushy areas with alder and ash. Sycamore is invading in places. Bramble and bluebell are dominant on the ground. Species associated with long established woodland that have been recorded here include opposite-leaved golden-saxifrage, which is abundant in the wet areas, hairy wood-sedge, yellow pimpernel, wood spurge, wood melick and wood sorrel. Wetland species are found in the wetter areas including marsh marigold and water mint.
Produced by TVERC Berkshire Local Wildlife Site Description
MAIDEN ERLEGH WOODS
Site Code: SU77K03 Grid Reference: SU752711 Area (ha): 7.32 Local Authority: Wokingham District Council Last Survey Date(s): 06/04/2016
Site Description The site consists of ancient and semi-natural woodland, with a stream flowing through part and a couple of associated marshy areas. Most of the site lies within the Maiden Erlegh Park Local Nature Reserve which extends to the west to include a lake and seeded grassland which are not included in the Local Wildlife Site. The woodland canopy is predominately ash with occasional oak and locally frequent sycamore. The understorey is made up of holly, hazel, hawthorn, privet, elder and blackthorn. The field layer consists of nettle, rough meadow-grass, ground ivy, herb robert, cleavers, broad buckler-fern, male fern and occasional bluebell. Locally frequent dog’s mercury, wood sorrel and wood anemone are also present. Occasional alder and crack willow line the stream, where a couple of wet flushes extend out, with wetland species such as opposite-leaved golden-saxifrage, creeping jenny, marsh marigold and yellow iris. Some of the areas of woodland now form extensions to gardens, where some plots have been cleared, planted or now dense with scrub and rhododendron. The site is located in the town of Earley and besides the other parts of the LNR the surrounding land use includes gardens, road and a recreational field. SECTION 41 HABITATS OF PRINCIPAL IMPORTANCE: Lowland Mixed Deciduous Woodland, small elements of wet woodland SECTION 41 SPECIES OF PRINCIPAL IMPORTANCE: freshwater crayfish (1998), song thrush (2005) LEGALLY PROTECTED SPECIES: bluebell, kingfisher (2005), freshwater crayfish (1998), common frog (2005) RED DATA BOOK SPECIES: freshwater crayfish (1998) NATIONALLY SCARCE or NOTABLE SPECIES: BIRDS OF CONSERVATION CONCERN: Red list: song thrush (2005) Amber list: mistle thrush (2005), kingfisher (2005), mute swan (2005) TYPICAL SPECIES OF LOWLAND MIXED DECIDUOUS WOODLAND: Wood anemone, creeping soft-grass, thin-spiked wood-sedge, wood sedge, opposite-leaved golden- saxifrage, wood spurge, bluebell, stinking iris, yellow pimpernel, three-nerved sandwort, wood sorrel, primrose, red currant, black currant and Solomon’s seal (1981)
Produced by TVERC 24/04/2013 Loddon Valley (South) The Loddon Valley from Winnersh to Stratfield Saye and includes the lower reaches of the River Blackwater and Swallowfield Park and the north end of Stratfield Saye Park in Hampshire. The area within Hampshire is indicative only. The extent is largely dictated by the extent of the alluvium and sand and gravels in the valley. Joint Character Area: Thames Basin Heaths. Geology: Alluvium and River Terrace sand and gravel. Topography: Flat riverside land. Biodiversity: River: The River Loddon is a Wildlife Heritage Site and the southern end is an SSSI. It supports a range of uncommon aquatic species. Lowland Meadow: Stratfield Meadows SSSI is the main area of this habitat. Wet woodland: there are some small patches of wet woodland close to the River and the wetter parts of some of the larger woodlands are also wet woodland. Parkland: Swallowfield Park is an extensive area of parkland with grassland and lies mainly on the sand and gravel. Lowland Mixed Deciduous Woodland: A small number of woodlands are found within the area including Great Wood at Swallowfield. There is an extensive area of recently planted community woodland near Lower Early. Species: the farmland near Swallowfield is important for farmland birds such as yellowhammer. These are also found along the River Blackwater along with lapwing. Access: Generally quite limited although there is a large community woodland site in the north. Targets and Opportunities: River management, restoration and protection, management and re-creation of lowland meadow habitat, management of wet woodland, management of parkland. Management of farmland for farmland birds. Mineral extraction is proposed in parts of the valley which should provide opportunities for habitat creation including reedbed creation. The Environment Agency have produced a biodiversity strategy for the Loddon catchment. In the long term this area should be connected to the main River Blackwater target area and could take in streams such as the Barkham Brook.
GUIDANCE ON THE VARIOUS STATUTORY AND NON-STATUTORY WILDLIFE SITE DESIGNATIONS
SITE DESIGNATIONS THAT PROTECT THE UK'S NATURAL HERITAGE THROUGH STATUTE
LOCAL NATURE RESERVES (LNRS) (IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND AND WALES)
Under the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949 LNRs may be declared by local authorities after consultation with the relevant statutory nature conservation agency. LNRs are declared and managed for nature conservation, and provide opportunities for research and education, or simply enjoying and having contact with nature.
NATIONAL NATURE RESERVES (NNRS)
NNRs contain examples of some of the most important natural and semi-natural terrestrial and coastal ecosystems in Great Britain. They are managed to conserve their habitats or to provide special opportunities for scientific study of the habitats communities and species represented within them.
NNRs are declared by the statutory country conservation agencies under the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949 and the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. In Northern Ireland, Nature Reserves are designated under the Amenity Lands Act (Northern Ireland) 1965.
RAMSAR SITES
Ramsar sites are designated under the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance, agreed in Ramsar, Iran, in 1971. Originally intended to protect sites of importance especially as waterfowl habitat, the Convention has broadened its scope over the years to cover all aspects of wetland conservation and wise use, recognizing wetlands as ecosystems that are extremely important for biodiversity conservation in general and for the well-being of human communities. The Convention adopts a broad definition of wetland, namely "areas of marsh, fen, peatland or water, whether natural or artificial, permanent or temporary, with water that is static or flowing, fresh, brackish or salt, including areas of marine water the depth of which at low tide does not exceed six metres". Wetlands "may incorporate riparian and coastal zones adjacent to the wetlands, and islands or bodies of marine water deeper than six metres at low tide lying within the wetlands".
There is only one Ramsar site in Berkshire or Oxfordshire, South West London Waterbodies.
SITES OF SPECIAL SCIENTIFIC INTEREST (SSSI) (ENGLAND, SCOTLAND AND WALES)
The SSSI series has developed since 1949 as the national suite of sites providing statutory protection for the best examples of the UK's flora, fauna, or geological or physiographical Produced by TVERC September 2012
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features. These sites are also used to underpin other national and international nature conservation designations. Most SSSIs are privately-owned or managed; others are owned or managed by public bodies or non-government organisations.
Originally notified under the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949, SSSIs have been renotified under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. Improved provisions for the protection and management of SSSIs were introduced by the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 (in England and Wales) and the Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004.
SPECIAL AREAS OF CONSERVATION (SAC) AND SITES OF COMMUNITY IMPORTANCE (SCI)
SACs are designated under the EC Habitats Directive. SACs are areas which have been identified as best representing the range and variety within the European Union of habitats and (non-bird) species listed on Annexes I and II to the Directive. SACs in terrestrial areas and territorial marine waters out to 12 nautical miles are designated under the Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations 1994 (as amended). New and/or amended Habitats sites which have been submitted to the European Commission by Government, but not yet formally adopted by the Commission, are referred to as candidate Special Areas of Conservation (cSACs). Sites which have been adopted by the EC, but not yet formally designated by governments of Member States are known as Sites of Community Importance (SCIs). In the UK, designation of SACs is devolved to the relevant administration within each country.
SACs, together with SPAs, form the Natura 2000 network.
SPECIAL PROTECTION AREAS (SPA)
SPAs are classified by the UK Government under the EC Birds Directive. SPAs are areas of the most important habitat for rare (listed on Annex I to the Directive) and migratory birds within the European Union. SPAs in terrestrial areas and territorial marine waters out to 12 nautical miles are classified under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
SPAs, together with SACs, form the Natura 2000 network.
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NON-STATUTORY NATURAL HERITAGE CONSERVATION DESIGNATIONS
LOCAL WILDLIFE SITES
Local authorities for any given area may designate certain areas as being of local conservation interest. The criteria for inclusion, and the level of protection provided, if any, may vary between areas. Most individual counties have a similar scheme, although they do vary. Most Local Wildlife Sites systems involve a panel of ecologists and others in the development of local criteria and the selection of the sites. Panels usually include a local government ecologist, an Natural England representative, the Local Wildlife Trust, the Local Environmental Record Centre and sometimes include a representative of local landowners and local naturalists. These sites, which may be given various titles such as ‘County Wildlife Sites’ (CWS), 'Local Wildlife Sites' (LWS), 'Local Nature Conservation Sites' (LNCS), 'Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation' (SINCs), or Sites of Nature Conservation Importance' (SNCIs), together with statutory designations, are defined in local plans under the Town and Country Planning system and the National Planning Policy Framework and are a material consideration when planning applications are being determined. As part of a national standardisation process these sites have recently been renamed as Local Wildlife Sites in Oxfordshire and Berkshire. Previously they were known as County Wildlife Sites in Oxfordshire and Wildlife Heritage Sites in Berkshire. Although the use of these names, especially in citations and descriptions, is being edited and replaced with Local Wildlife Sites or LWS it is likely that some references will remain to these former names until this is complete.
PROPOSED LOCAL WILDLIFE SITES AND EXTENSIONS
These are also included on designated sites maps. They are areas thought to include important areas of UKBAP habitat or priority or protected species populations. Extensions are likely to have similar habitats to the adjacent Local Wildlife Sites. Local Authorities are made aware of these sites. They will not have been fully surveyed and taken to the selection panel as yet.
NGO PROPERTIES / NATURE RESERVES
A variety of non-governmental organisations such as the John Muir Trust, Plantlife, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, Wildlife Trusts and Woodland Trust own or manage nature reserves or other areas of land that are important for biodiversity. These sites may be intended primarily for nature conservation, or for other purposes such as protection of landscape features or the provision public access to the countryside. These areas of themselves have no statutory basis, but a large number are also designated SSSIs / NNRs / SPAs / SACs / Ramsar sites, etc. In Berkshire and Oxfordshire, BBOWT (Berks, Bucks & Oxon Wildlife Trust), Woodland Trust and RSPB sites fall into this category.
LOCAL GEOLOGICAL SITES (LGS)
Local Geological Sites formerly known as Regionally Important Geological and Geomorphological Sites (RIGS) are the most important places for geology and geomorphology outside statutorily protected land such as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). As part of a national
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standardisation process these sites have recently been renamed as Local Geological Sites in Oxfordshire and Berkshire. Sites are selected under locally-developed criteria, according to their value for education, scientific study, historical significance or aesthetic qualities. Whilst not benefiting from statutory protection, LGS are equivalent to Local Wildlife Sites, and ''...consideration of their importance becomes integral to the planning process”.
OTHER SITES
Occasionally other sites might be shown on maps. These are likely to be sites with some wildlife interest, usually managed by local groups, local authorities or town councils but which do not have a specific statutory or non-statutory designation.
Some local authorities within Oxfordshire and Berkshire have identified other sites which are protected through policies in their local plans, including Oxford Local Wildlife Sites in Oxford City and district wildlife sites in Cherwell.
CONSERVATION TARGET AREAS/ BIODIVERSITY OPPORTUNITY AREAS
These landscape scale areas have been identified as supporting high concentrations of UKBAP habitats and species populations and the potential to restore habitats at a landscape scale. These areas act as a focus for targeting resources into habitat management and restoration.
ANCIENT WOODLAND
Ancient woodland areas within Bracknell Forest and Wokingham Borough are from an updated layer of ancient woodland produced by TVERC for Bracknell Forest Council and Wokingham Borough Council in 2015-16. This data has been provided to Natural England but has not yet been made available and thus differs from that shown on the Magic Map Interactive Map. For information of the methodology for selecting ancient woodland areas please contact TVERC.
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Crosfields School, Reading: Ecological Appraisal & Bat Inspection
Appendix D – Target Notes
Target Description Photograph Note 1 Broad-leaved woodland in Parcel 1 is the dominant habitat type. The understorey is limited and comprises cherry laurel and yew with occasional patches of bramble Rubus fruticosus agg. The upper canopy is dominated with oak and occasional sycamore.
Photo taken looking north from inside the woodland.
2 Broad-leaved woodland in Parcel 2 is also the dominant habitat type. The understorey is limited and comprises very patchy areas of cherry laurel and yew. The structure of the upper canopy is very similar to woodland in Parcel 1 which is dominated with oak and occasional sycamore.
Photo taken looking east from inside the woodland.
3 Pile of garden cuttings comprising off-cuts from shrubs and grass. The pile is approx. 4m x 4m x 2m high.
Photo taken looking east.
Madlins February 2019 A112187 Crosfields School, Reading: Ecological Appraisal & Bat Inspection
Target Description Photograph Note 4 Broad-leaved scattered trees are present in Parcel 3 forming a line running parallel with the hard-standing round-about near the entrance to the White Building (B1). Species include yew and sycamore which are mature and subject to regular management.
Photo taken looking south east.
5 Amenity grassland is present in Parcels 2 and 3. Grassland is regularly managed and supports a short-sward of approx. 5cm. Species composition include perennial ryegrass Lolium perenne, creeping bent Agrostis stolonifera and common daisy Bellis perennis.
6 Introduced shrub is present in Parcel 3 and us heavily managed. Species are all non-native and comprise ornamental heather species, ornamental conifer species and cherry laurel.
Madlins February 2019 A112187
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