CLH Stanage Edge, Hathersage, Derbyshire
Preliminary Ecological Appraisal
Prepared by CSA Environmental
on behalf of CLH Pipeline System
Report Ref: CSA/4213/01
July 2019
Report Date Revision Prepared by Approved by Comments Reference CSA/4213/01 26/07/2019 - CT KC
CONTENTS Page
Executive Summary 1
1.0 Introduction 2
2.0 Legislation, Planning Policy & Standing Advice 3 Legislation 3 National Planning Policy 3 Standing Advice 3
3.0 Methods 4 Desk Study 4 Field Survey 4 Limitations 5 Evaluation and Assessment 5
4.0 Baseline Ecological Conditions 6 Nature Conservation Designations 6 Habitats and Flora 7 Fauna 9
5.0 Discussion 13 Nature Conservation Designations 13 Habitats and Fauna 13
6.0 References 16
Appendices Appendix A: Photosheet Appendix B: Legislation, Planning Policy and Standing Advice Appendix C: Desk Study Information Appendix D: Habitats & Flora Species List
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Construction and installation of a new Cathodic Protection (CP) System is proposed at an existing section of fuel pipeline on land at Stanage Edge, Hathersage, Derbyshire, for which consent is sought.
CSA Environmental was instructed by CLH Pipeline System to undertake a Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA) of the Site to identify ecological constraints to these works and propose mitigation measures, where required.
As part of this PEA, a desk study and extended Phase 1 Habitat survey of the Site were undertaken in July 2019. The Site comprises a c.210m stretch of dry stone wall, with adjacent semi-improved and dry acid grassland, scrub, tall ruderal and scattered trees.
No overriding ecological constraints have been identified in respect to the works. Precautionary working methods are proposed with regard to protection of trees, nesting birds and reptiles.
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1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 This report has been prepared by CSA Environmental on behalf of CLH Pipeline Systems. It sets out the findings of a Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA) of land at Stanage Edge, Hathersage, Derbyshire (hereafter referred to as ‘the Site’).
1.2 The scope of this appraisal has been determined with due consideration for best-practice guidance provided by the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM, 2017), and to the Biodiversity: Code of practice for planning and development (BS 42020:2013) published by the British Standards Institution (2013).
1.3 The Site comprises a c.210m stretch of dry stone wall, with adjacent semi- improved and dry acid grassland, scrub, tall ruderal and scattered trees, located around central grid reference SK 2397 8230, to the north-east of Hathersage, Peak District, Derbyshire. Pasture fields enclosed by dry stone walls surround the site to the north and east, with moorland beyond, and large farm residences and woodland lies to the west and south along a private access road.
1.4 Installation of a new Cathodic Protection (CP) system is proposed, on land at Stanage Edge, Hathersage, Derbyshire to include: a CP power source, an anode groundbed, a.c. supply, associated CP cables and a drain point (DP) facility.
1.5 A desk study and extended Phase 1 Habitat survey were undertaken for the Site, the findings of which are presented herein.
1.6 This PEA aims to:
Identify any ecological constraints to the proposed works Where necessary, propose further survey and/or mitigation measures To inform working methods and Highlight opportunities for ecological enhancement, where appropriate
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2.0 LEGISLATION, PLANNING POLICY & STANDING ADVICE
Legislation
2.1 Legislation relating to wildlife and biodiversity of particular relevance to this PEA includes:
The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 (as amended) The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) The Natural Environment and Rural Communities (NERC) Act 2006 The Protection of Badgers Act 1992
2.2 This above legislation has been addressed, as appropriate, in the production of this report. Further information on the above legislation is provided in Appendix B.
National Planning Policy
2.3 The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) (Department for Communities and Local Government, 2012) sets out the government planning policies for England and how they should be applied. Chapter 11: Conserving and Enhancing the Natural Environment, is of particular relevance to this report as it relates to ecology and biodiversity. Further details are provided in Appendix B.
2.4 The Government Circular 06/2005, which is referred to by the NPPF, provides further guidance in respect of statutory obligations for biodiversity and geological conservation and their effects within the planning system.
Standing Advice
2.5 Natural England Standing Advice (Natural England, 2014) regarding protected species aims to support local authorities and forms a material consideration in determining applications in the same way as any individual response received from Natural England following consultation. Standing advice is therefore been given due consideration, alongside other detailed guidance documents, in the production of this report.
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3.0 METHODS
Desk Study
3.1 The Multi-Agency Geographic Information for the Countryside (MAGIC, 2013) online database was interrogated in July 2019, to identify:
Special Protection Areas (SPA), Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) and Ramsar sites, Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), National Nature Reserves (NNR), Local Nature Reserves (LNR) within 1km of the Site. Other relevant data e.g. Ancient Woodland Inventory.
3.2 The Derbyshire Biological Records Centre (DBRC) was contacted for details of any non-statutory designations and records of protected/notable habitats and species. This information was requested and supplied for an area encompassing the Site and adjacent land within c. 1km of its central grid reference.
3.3 In accordance with guidelines (English Nature, 2001), a desktop search was undertaken to identify ponds within 500m of the Site which may have potential to support breeding great crested newts, using Ordnance Survey mapping, the MAGIC database and aerial photography.
3.4 All relevant desk study data are presented in Appendix C.
Field Survey
Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey 3.5 An extended Phase 1 habitat survey was carried out in fine and dry weather conditions on 09 July by Cerian Thomas ACIEEM and Alex Perry GradCIEEM, encompassing the Site and immediately adjacent habitats that could be viewed.
3.6 Phase 1 Habitat survey (JNCC, 1990) is a method of classification and mapping wildlife habitats in Great Britain. It was originally intended to provide “…relatively rapidly, a record of semi-natural vegetation and wildlife habitat over large areas of the countryside”. Phase 1 Habitat Survey methodology has been widely ‘extended’ beyond its original purpose to allow the capture of information at an intermediate level between Phase 1 and Phase 2 Habitat surveys. For clarity, the standard Phase 1 Habitat survey methodology has been ‘extended’ in this report to include the following:
More detailed floral species lists for each identified habitat Descriptions of habitat structure, the evidence of management and a broad assessment of habitat condition
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Mapping of additional habitat types (e.g. hardstanding) Identification of Priority Habitats under Section 41 of the NERC Act Identification of Habitats Directive Annex I habitat types Evidence of, or potential for, European Protected Species (EPS) including bats, great crested newt, dormouse and otter Evidence of, or potential for, other protected species (including birds, reptiles, water vole, badger and certain invertebrates Evidence of, or potential for, other notable species (including S41 Priority Species as well as notable, rare, protected or controlled plants and invertebrates)
3.7 Results of the extended Phase 1 Habitat survey in Appendix D which includes a list of floral species recorded in each habitat.
Limitations
3.8 There were no specific limitations to the desktop study or extended Phase 1 habitat survey, which was conducted at an optimum time of year and in good conditions.
Evaluation and Assessment
3.9 The evaluation and assessment of ecological features is beyond the scope of this PEA and has therefore not been undertaken. Formal evaluation and assessment of any identified important ecological features should be undertaken as part of either a full EcIA, or receptor- specific survey and assessment in accordance with the published CIEEM methodology (CIEEM, 2016).
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4.0 BASELINE ECOLOGICAL CONDITIONS
Nature Conservation Designations
Statutory 4.1 There are no statutory designations covering any part of the Site.
4.2 One designation of both international and national importance, and two further statutory designations of national importance are present within 3km of the Site. These are detailed in Table 1 below.
Table 1. Statutory and Non-Statutory Designations within Data Search Radii
Site Name & Distance & Brief Description of Designated Site Designation Direction from Survey Area Internationally Important Designations within 3km Annex 1 habitats that are a primary reasons for designation is the presence of semi-natural dry grassland and scrubland facies on calcareous substrates (Festuco-Brometalia) and Tilio-Acerion forests of slopes, screes and ravines, with additional qualifying features of European dry heaths, calaminariae grassland of the Violetalia South Pennine c. 760m north-east calaminariae, alkaline fens, calcareous and Moors SAC calcshist screes of the montane to alpine levels and calcareous rock slopes with chasmophytic vegetation. Annex II species that are a primary reason for selection is the white-clawed crayfish Austropotamobius pallipes, with brook lamprey Lampetra planeri and bullhead Cottus gobia as qualifying features.
Designated for regularly supporting during the breeding season at least 2.2% of GB breeding Peak District Moors population of short-eared owl Asio flammeus, at (south Pennine c. 760m north-east least 2.3% of GB breeding population of merlin Moors Phase 1) SPA Falco columbarius and at least 1.9% of the GB breeding population of golden plover Pluvialis apricaria. Nationally Important Designations within 3km Form the eastern fringe of the Peak District National Park on the south-eastern extremity of the Pennine moorlands. Heather moor predominates throughout and is used for grouse Eastern Peak District shooting and hill sheep farming. The moors are of c. 760m north-east Moors SSSI special interest for their breeding birds, upland vegetation, lower plants, invertebrates and geological features. The combination of blanket bog, wet and dry heaths, acid grassland and small flushes, together with gritstone edges, cliffs
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and boulder slopes, streams and moorland reservoirs, and fringing woodland, represents the full range of upland vegetation characteristic of the South Pennines and support several important species assemblages. The upland breeding bird assemblage is of great regional importance, and has good, or in some cases the only population, of several regionally scarce higher plants and animals. This reach of the River Derwent is a typical River Derwent at c. 1.77km south- example of downstream channel adjustment to Hathersage SSSI west headwater impoundment, discharge regulation and sediment load reduction. Yarncliff Wood lies astride the Burbage Brook. It is the best example of remnant oak-birch woodland that once covered much of the edges of the gritstone uplands of the Peak District, which is now mostly confined to small areas on the flanks of steep sided valleys. The majority of trees are over Yarncliff Wood, c. 2.8km south-east 100, and some may be as much as 300 years old. Padley SSSI Lichens are abundant, and although lacking the diversity of less polluted areas is of considerable regional importance. The wood is of importance as a breeding site for pied flycatcher Ficedula hypoleuca, wood warbler Phylloscopus sibilatrix and hawfinch Coccothraustes coccothraustes.
Non-Statutory 4.3 No non-statutory designated sites cover any part of the site or lie within 1km of the Site.
Ancient Woodland 4.4 There are no Ancient Woodland sites covering any part of the proposed development site or adjacent to the Site.
Habitats and Flora
Notable Flora Records 4.5 The DBRC have provided records of four notable plant species from within the search area, which comprised species which are ‘Nationally Threatened’ or ‘Locally Scarce or Declining’. These include narrow- leaved bitter-cress Cardamine impatiens, pale sedge Carex pallescens, common butterwort Pinguicula vulgaris and greater butterfly-orchid. None of the above species are of relevance, preferring damp grassland, bogs or calcareous grassland, none of which was present on-site.
Habitats 4.6 The following habitats were recorded on-site and classified in line with current Phase 1 habitat species guidance (JNCC, 1990).
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Grassland 4.7 Adjacent west of the western stone wall boundary lies an homogenous semi-improved grassland field (Photo 1), dominated by grasses such as cock’s-foot, false oat-grass and Yorkshire fog, likely cut annually for hay.
4.8 The lower slopes of the survey area immediately adjacent to the private access road has a wide short mown track, managed for use as vehicle parking and a wide machinery access route to the grazed field to the north. Either side of this access route vegetation remains as a long sward (<1m high), dominated by bracken Pteridium aquilinum with common nettle Urtica dioica, hogweed Heracleum spondylium and coarse grasses.
4.9 On the upper slope, north of the stone wall boundary, the grassland character changes to sheep grazed dry acid grassland, interspersed with occasional bracken growth (Photo 4). A range of species characteristic of acid grassland or heathland were recorded, typical of this diverse region of the peak district, including mat grass Nardus stricta, sheep’s fescue Festuca ovina, heath bedstraw Galium saxatile, dyer’s greenweed Genista tinctoria, heath milkwort Polygala serpyllifolia, lesser stitchwort Stellaria graminea, tormentil Potentilla erecta, eyebright Euphrasia officinalis and betony Stachys officinalis, with additional bent Agrostis sp., crested dog’s-tail Cynosurus cristatus, sweet vernal Anthoxanthum odoratum, common bird’s-foot trefoil Lotus corniculatus, common knapweed Centaurea nigra and barren strawberry Potentilla sterilis. Lowland dry acid grassland is a UK Biodiversity Action Plan (UK BAP) habitat and there will be direct impacts to a small area of this grassland within the working area.
Trees
4.10 A mature ash Fraxinus excelsior tree is present adjacent to the western stone wall boundary, and a mature multi-stem sycamore Acer pseudoplatanus is present adjacent to the south of the northern stone wall boundary. Occasional other small shrubs and trees are present along the private road edge and northern wall, including oak Quercus sp., pine Pinus sp. and rowan Sorbus aucuparia. Mature trees are of greater value for their intrinsic ecological importance. Some pruning of trees may be required to facilitate the proposed works, with potential for direct impacts to root protection areas.
Scrub and Ruderal
4.11 Adjacent to the western dry stone wall lies a dense band of scrub encroachment and tall ruderal growth, dominated by bracken, with common nettle, cleavers Galium aparine, hogweed Heracleum sphondylium¸dock Rumex sp. and bluebell Hyacinthoides non-scripta along the periphery (Photos 1 & 2). A south facing bank with bracken also lies along the northern stone wall boundary, with scattered bramble
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and bracken along the northern aspect. The majority of bramble and tall ruderal habitat will be temporarily lost within the working area to facilitate groundworks.
Dry Stone Wall
4.12 A dry stone wall demarcates the western and northern boundaries of the survey area, with two gaps allowing public footpath access and vehicle access (Photo 1 & Photo 3). The wall appears in generally good conditions, with many natural cracks and crevices in the stone arrangement. The wall has some ecological value for providing sheltering features for reptiles, small mammals and invertebrates.
Fauna
Bats 4.13 Four records of bats were returned by DBRC from within the 1km search area, comprising two brown long-eared Plecotus auritus roosts and two common pipistrelle Pipistrellus pipistrellus roosts. The closest are located c. 650m south-west at a school and c. 850m north-west in a farm building.
4.14 Boundaries are generally defined by dry stone walls, with occasional lower lying shrubs and scattered mature trees, limiting the opportunities for bats to move around the landscape. Although mature woodland is present nearby to the south-west at Carr Head Farm and further north- west along the private road. Two mature trees are present adjacent to the stone wall, on opposing sides to the working area. The trees are generally in good condition with intact bark, and have very limited potential for roosting bats but offer some foraging potential. No buildings are present within the survey area. Subject to works only being undertaken during daytime (i.e. with no night-time lighting of works area), the ground works are highly unlikely to affect commuting / foraging bats.
4.15 If the proposed works should directly impact upon the two mature trees, beyond pruning of lower lying branches to facilitate access to the working area, then further tree assessments would be recommended prior to commencement.
Badger 4.16 DBRC have provided 11 records of badger Meles meles from within the search area, including records of setts, the closest located c. 300m from the Site.
4.17 Grazed pasture and longer grassland and scrub provided suitable foraging habitat for badgers as part of a wider foraging range. A possible latrine was recorded in the north-west corner of the site, and indicates badgers may pass through. However, with limited vegetation
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to provide cover and boundaries marked by stone walls, sett building opportunities are limited, and no evidence of setts was identified.
Dormouse 4.18 DBRC have not provided any records of dormouse Muscardinus avellanarius from within the search area. No hedgerows are present within the survey area, with boundaries demarcated by dry stone walls. Vegetation is limited to two mature trees, and occasional shrubs. As such there is no suitable habitat for dormouse to occur or move through the Site and are not considered to pose a constraint to the proposals.
Water Vole & Otter 4.19 Three records of water vole Arvicola amphibious were returned by the DBRC for the search area, located at a stream in Hathersage c. 800m south-west, and a stream off a road in Stanage edge, c. 1km north-east. All three records are relatively old, from 1995 and 1997, and given the long term decline in water vole populations, may no longer be relevant. No records for otter Lutra lutra were returned.
4.20 The Site and adjacent land provides no suitable habitat for riparian mammals, such as otter and water vole, and are not considered further.
Other Notable Mammals 4.21 The DBRC returned six records of brown hare Lepus europaeus from within the search area, and are all relatively recent from 2016 to 2018. The closest records are located at a farm c. 210m south and from the moors, c. 440m north-east.
4.22 Whilst limited cover is present for brown hare on-site, suitable woodland habitat is present in the near vicinity to the south-west. Brown hare are likely to be present within the wider area, and may use habitats on-site as part of a wider range, however it is unlikely for there to be significant impacts to these species as a result of the small scale and temporary nature of the proposed works. Simple methods of working can be employed to prevent any significant impacts to this species.
Birds 4.23 The DBRC have not returned any records for bird species within the search area. Incidental sightings of Amber-Listed meadow pipit Anthus pratensis were noted in the vicinity of the northern Site boundary during the survey, calling in grassland to the north.
4.24 Dense scrub and bracken along the western edge of the survey area, adjacent to the dry stone wall, offer suitable nesting habitat for some bird species. Meadow pipit were recorded in the vicinity and are more common in upland moorland, heathland and rough grassland, but prefer to nest in open country with fairly low continuous cover, such as heather, rushes, grasses and bracken and the risk of nesting within the
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working area, close to walls and trees, is low. The grassland and trees within the survey area and wider site provide foraging opportunities for a range of common and specialist upland birds. Although the risk of ground-nesting birds is low, the timing of works and methods of working should be appropriate to prevent an offence to all nesting birds.
Reptiles 4.25 The DBRC have not returned any records of reptiles from within the search area. A search of online databases shows that common lizard Zootoco vivpara, grass snake Natrix Helvetica, and adder Vipera berus are all present within the local area. Slow-worm Anguis fragilis is less associated with higher altitudes and is less well recorded given the surrounding topography.
4.26 The presence of mown grassland, with adjacent dense bramble and bracken alongside a dry stone wall, with lots of gaps and crevices, offers suitable habitat for basking, sheltering and foraging reptiles. The northern stone wall boundary has a south facing aspect on a slope, with adjacent bracken and grassland. Temporary impacts to suitable reptile habitat and direct impacts to reptiles may occur within the working area.
Amphibians 4.27 The DBRC returned no records of amphibians from within the search area. A search of online databases did not find any great crested newt records for Hathersage, or immediate area, although they are known to be present in large numbers within the Peak District to the south.
4.28 A search using OS maps and aerial images indicates that there are two ponds within 500m of the Site, located c. 190m west and 240m north of the Site. The pond to the west lies within the grounds of a large estate, surrounded by mature trees and vegetation, and a large area of woodland to the south. The pond to the north lies beyond two grassland fields, divided by dry stone walls, adjacent to a woodland belt.
4.29 No ponds are located within or adjacent to the survey area, with some limited terrestrial habitat present within stands of bramble and bracken and at the base of the stone wall. It is considered unlikely that great crested newts would cross open field habitat or navigate the stone walls to reach habitat of lower value than that which surrounds the immediate vicinity of each pond. It is therefore considered unlikely that amphibians, including great crested newts, will occur in terrestrial habitats within the working area and risk of direct impacts is low.
Invertebrates 4.30 The DBRC have not returned any records of invertebrate species from within the search area. Dry acid grassland can provide diverse habitat for a range of invertebrate species, including some specialist species,
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and the trees and longer grassland is likely to support further common and widespread invertebrate species. However, there is unlikely to be significant impacts to these species as a result of the small scale and temporary nature of the proposed works.
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5.0 DISCUSSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Nature Conservation Designations
5.1 The Peak District Moors SPA, also designated South Pennine Moors SAC and Eastern Peak District Moors SSSI, lies c. 760m north-east of the Site and is of primary importance for its breeding bird assemblage and diverse habitats it supports. Given the topography of the surrounding landscape, the SPA is afforded natural screening from the Site and is out of the line of sight, and no disturbance impacts on nesting birds within the SPA are anticipated. At 760m from the SAC/SSSI, there is no pathway for direct impacts on the qualifying features of the designations as a result of the temporary and localised works proposed. The dry acid grassland within the survey area is more typical of the region but is not included within the designation. It is of value as a UK BAP habitat, as discussed separately below. As such, no significant adverse effects are predicted upon nature conservation designations as a result of the small scale and temporary nature of the proposed works.
Habitats and Fauna
5.2 The Site is dominated by bramble and bracken encroachment with mown paths in the south, and dry acid grassland to the north. The acid grassland in the north is a UK BAP habitat, with indicators of greater diversity such as heath milkwort, dyer’s greenweed, betony, eyebright and common bird’s-foot trefoil. Therefore, the ground works will have a localised impact upon a BAP habitat. Appropriate working methods are advised below to minimise the impact on this habitat.
5.3 Mature trees are of intrinsic ecological importance. No mature trees are anticipated to be removed, with some minimal impacts from ground works on root systems and pruning back of overhanging branches possible. As such, precautionary working methods are set out below to reduce damage to retained trees.
5.4 Whilst no bat roosting potential was obvious during the initial walkover, in the unlikely event that more substantial direct works are proposed to these trees, further assessment and/or survey work should be undertaken to determine the presence or likely absence of a bat roost.
5.5 The bramble and bracken areas with grassland margins, adjacent to a dry stone wall, were observed to be of some value to reptiles, providing sheltering and foraging opportunities. As such, minor precautionary working measures are recommended to degrade these habitats within the working area prior to impacts. This will avoid the killing and injury of reptiles (if present), and offence under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, 1981 (as amended).
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5.6 A range of other farmland wildlife are likely to be present in the immediate vicinity of the Site, potentially including ground-nesting and scrub nesting birds and brown hare. Precautionary working methods have been set out below in respect of these species/groups.
Method Statement
5.7 The following precautionary working methods are proposed:
I. Works are to be conducted to reduce the amount of root damage on the adjacent trees as far as possible, including the careful location of machines, tracking routes and spoil storage;
II. Tracking of vehicles will be kept to a minimum to reduce the effects of compaction on soils, particularly in proximity to the mature trees and dry acid grassland
III. No significant impacts to any mature trees, beyond pruning of minor overhanging branches, should be permitted until a suitably qualified ecologist has undertaken further assessment and/or surveys as necessary to determine that no roosting bats will be affected and avoid committing an offence;
IV. To minimise impacts to UK BAP habitat (dry acid grassland), the topsoil should be carefully stripped and placed alongside the working area. As works are completed, top soil should be replaced to reinstate the grassland to its previous condition.
V. Works should take place outside of the nesting season (March- August inclusive) wherever practicable or while vegetation is low and does not provide nesting habitat for ground-nesting birds such as skylark and meadow pipit. If this is not possible, a pre- commencement check by a suitably experienced ecologist for ground-nesting birds within the working area and scrub nesting species with vegetation to be removed alongside the dry stone walls would be recommended;
VI. Scrub, tall ruderal and grassland within the working area and vehicle tracking routes should be degraded prior to works, via staged- cutting using handheld machinery, to remove the potential for reptiles to be present, as guided by the project ecologist;
VII. Precautionary working methods should be employed to ensure that wildlife does not become trapped within any excavations left open overnight. These comprise either the overnight provision of a means of escape for wildlife such as brown hare (timber plank or stepping- up excavation) or fencing off the excavations to prevent wildlife becoming trapped; and
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VIII. Protection measures will be put in place to avoid spillages of oil or fuel associated with vehicles during the work, and to prepare a remediation/clean-up strategy in the event of an incident.
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6.0 REFERENCES
British Standards Institution, 2013. BS 42020:2013 Biodiversity — Code of practice for planning and development. London: BSI.
British Standards Institution, 2012. BS 5837:2012 Trees in relation to design, demolition and construction: Recommendations. London: BSI.
Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management, 2016. Guidelines for Ecological Impact Assessment in the UK and Ireland: Terrestrial, Freshwater and Coastal. 2nd ed. Winchester: CIEEM.
Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management, 2017. Guidelines for Preliminary Ecological Appraisal. 2nd ed. Winchester: CIEEM.
Collins, J., ed., 2016. Bat Surveys for Professional Ecologists: Good Practice Guidelines. 3rd ed. London: The Bat Conservation Trust.
Defra, 2011. Biodiversity 2020: A strategy for England’s wildlife and ecosystem services. London: Defra.
Department for Communities and Local Government, 2012. National Planning Policy Framework. London: Department for Communities and Local Government.
Eaton, M., Aebischer, N., Brown, A., Heam, R., Lock, L., Musgrove, A., Noble, D., Stroud, 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, pp.708-746.
English Nature, 2001. Great crested newt mitigation guidelines. Peterborough: English Nature.
Joint Nature Conservation Committee, 1990. Handbook for Phase 1 habitat survey – a technique for environmental audit. Revised reprint 2010. Peterborough: JNCC.
JNCC and Defra, 2012. UK Post-2010 Biodiversity Framework (on behalf of the Four Countries’ Biodiversity Group). Peterborough: JNCC.
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, 2019. National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). London: Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.
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Multi-Agency Geographic Information for the Countryside (MAGIC), 2013. Interactive Map. [online] Available at:
Natural England and Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs, 2014. Protected species and sites: how to review planning proposals. [online, last updated 2016] Available at:
The Woodland Trust, no date. Ancient Tree Inventory. [online] Available at: https://ati.woodlandtrust.org.uk/ [Accessed July 2019].
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Appendix A
Photosheet
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Photo 1. Western edge of survey area, showing Photo 2. Looking west along dry stone wall along area of bramble and bracken adjacent to dry the northern boundary of the survey area, stone wall, and mature ash tree at northern end, showing larger area of bracken, and access with semi-improved grassland beyond. gate to northern field.
H1
Photo 3. Looking east along dry stone wall along Photo 4. Close view of grazed calcareous the northern boundary of the survey area, grassland, showing scattered bracken, betony showing shorter grazed dry acid grassland within and tormentil. the working area on the north side of the wall
Appendix B
Legislation and Planning Policy
The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 transposes Council Directive 92/43/EEC on the Conservation of Natural Habitats and of Wild Fauna and Flora, and aspects of Council Directive 79/409/EEC on the Conservation of Wild Birds, into UK domestic law. The Regulations make prescriptions for the designation and protection of Sites of Community Importance (‘European sites’, e.g. Special Areas of Conservation and Special Protection Areas) and European Protected Species (EPS).
The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended, principally by the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000) forms the basis for protection of statutory designated sites of national importance (e.g. Sites of Special Scientific Interest; SSSIs) and native species that are rare and vulnerable in a national context. Additionally, badgers are protected under the Protection of Badgers Act 1992.
Section 40(1) of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities (NERC) Act 2006 states that each public authority, “must, in exercising its functions, have regard, so far as is consistent with the proper exercise of those functions, to the purpose of conserving biodiversity.” This legislation makes it clear that planning authorities should consider impacts to biodiversity when determining planning applications, with particular regard to the Section 41 (S41) lists of 56 habitats and 943 species of principal importance. The UK Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) has been superseded by the Biodiversity 2020 Strategy, which continues to prioritise the S41 lists, however Local BAPs continue to influence biodiversity management and conservation effort, including through the spatial planning system, at the local scale.
The National Planning Policy Framework (2019) (NPPF) sets out government planning policies for England and how they should be applied. With regards to ecology and biodiversity, Chapter 15: Conserving and Enhancing the Natural Environment, paragraph 170, states that the planning system and planning policies should minimise impacts on and provide net gains for biodiversity, including by establishing coherent ecological networks that are more resilient to current and future pressures.
Paragraph 175 sets out the principles that local planning authorities should apply when determining planning applications:
If significant harm to biodiversity resulting from a development cannot be avoided (through locating on an alternative site with less harmful impacts).
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.
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 reasons58 and a suitable compensation strategy exists.
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.
The Government Circular 06/2005, which is referred to within the NPPF, defines statutory nature conservation sites and protected species as a material consideration in the planning process.
Appendix C
Desk Study Information
4213_3km Sites Map
Legend
Local Nature Reserves (England) National Nature Reserves (England) Sites of Special Scientific Interest (England) Special Areas of Conservation (England) Special Protection Areas (England)
Projection = OSGB36
xmin = 414300 0 0.7 1.4 ymin = 377800 xmax = 433600 km ymax = 386700 Map produced by MAGIC on 25 June, 2019. Copyright resides with the data suppliers and the map must not be reproduced without their permission. Som e information in MAGIC is a snapshot of the information that is being maintained or continually updated by the (c) Crown Copyright and database rights 2019. Ordnance Survey 100022861. originating organisation. Please refer to the metadata for details as information may be illustrative or representative rather than definitive at this stage. 25/06/2019 Site Check Report Report generated on Tue Jun 25 2019 You selected the location: Centroid Grid Ref: SK24008227 The following features have been found in your search area:
Sites of Special Scientific Interest (England)
Name River Derwent at Hathersage SSSI Reference 1002134 Natural England Contact East Midlands Area Delivery Natural England Phone Number 0845 600 3078 Hectares 7.86 Citation 1005545 Hyperlink http://designatedsites.naturalengland.org.uk/SiteDetail.aspx?SiteCode=s1005545
Name Eastern Peak District Moors SSSI Reference 1007184 Natural England Contact East Midlands Area Delivery Natural England Phone Number 0845 600 3078 Hectares 8193.35 Citation 2000354 Hyperlink http://designatedsites.naturalengland.org.uk/SiteDetail.aspx?SiteCode=s2000354
Name Yarncliff Wood, Padley SSSI Reference 1002395 Natural England Contact East Midlands Area Delivery Natural England Phone Number 0845 600 3078 Hectares 25.84 Citation 1003953 Hyperlink http://designatedsites.naturalengland.org.uk/SiteDetail.aspx?SiteCode=s1003953
Local Nature Reserves (England) No Features found
National Nature Reserves (England) No Features found
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Appendix D
Habitats and Flora Species List
Flora Species List
SITE ref. & NAME 4213 CLH Stanage Edge DATES OF SURVEY 09/07/2019 SURVEYOR CT/AP
HABITAT TYPE
Latin name Common Name Semi-improved Semi-improved Dry acid Scrub and Tall grassland grassland (on- Trees grassland ruderal (adjacent) site)
Two mature Dense and Heathy grassland Sheep grazed Hay field, grass trees and scattered Description dominated by enclosed dominated scattered patches along bracken grassland smaller trees walls
Herb species Achillea millefolium Yarrow X Centaurea nigra Common knapweed X Cerastium sp. Mouse-ear X Cirsium sp. Thistle X Digitalis purpurea Foxglove X Euphrasia officinalis Eyebright X Galium aparine Cleavers X Galium saxatile Heath bedstraw X Genista tinctoria Dyer's greenweed X Heracleum sphondylium Hogweed XX Hyacinthoides non-scripta Bluebell X
Lotus corniculatus Common bird's-foot-trefoil X Polygala serpyllifolia Heath milkwort X Potentilla erecta Tormentil X Potentilla sterilis Barren strawberry X Prunella vulgaris Selfheal X Rumex acetosa Common sorrel X Rumex sp. Dock X Senecio sp. Ragwort X Stachy officinalis Betony X Stellaria graminea Lesser stitchwort X Trifolium pratense Red clover X Urtica dioica Common nettle X Ferns Pteridium aquilinum Bracken XX X Sedges and rushes Luzula sp. Wood-rush X Grasses Agrostis spp. Bent grasses X Anthoxanthum odoratum Sweet vernal grass X Arrhenatherum elatius False oat-grass X Cynosurus cristatus Crested Dog's-tail X Dactylis glomerata Cock's-foot Festuca ovina Sheep's-fescue X Festuca rubra Red fescue X Holcus lanatus Yorkshire fog X Nardus stricta Mat grass X Poa spp. Meadow-grass X Woody species Coniferous Pinus sp. Pine X Broadleaved Acer pseudoplatanus Sycamore X Fraxinus excelsior Ash X Quercus sp. Oak sp. X Rubus fruticosus agg. Bramble X Sorbus aucuparia Rowan X