30-50 DODDINGTON ROAD

Ecological Appraisal

ECO00540 30-50 DODDINGTON ROAD Version 2 May 2019

rpsgroup.com

REPORT

Quality Management

Version Status Authored by Reviewed by Approved by Review date

A Final Katy Thomas Louisa Medland Louisa Medland 5 Jun 2019

Approval for issue

Louisa Medland 5 June 2019

© Copyright RPS Group Plc. All rights reserved. The report has been prepared for the exclusive use of our client and unless otherwise agreed in writing by RPS Group Plc, any of its subsidiaries, or a related entity (collectively 'RPS'), no other party may use, make use of, or rely on the contents of this report. The report has been compiled using the resources agreed with the client and in accordance with the scope of work agreed with the client. No liability is accepted by RPS for any use of this report, other than the purpose for which it was prepared. The report does not account for any changes relating to the subject matter of the report, or any legislative or regulatory changes that have occurred since the report was produced and that may affect the report. RPS does not accept any responsibility or liability for loss whatsoever to any third party caused by, related to or arising out of any use or reliance on the report. RPS accepts no responsibility for any documents or information supplied to RPS by others and no legal liability arising from the use by others of opinions or data contained in this report. It is expressly stated that no independent verification of any documents or information supplied by others has been made. RPS has used reasonable skill, care and diligence in compiling this report and no warranty is provided as to the report’s accuracy. No part of this report may be copied or reproduced, by any means, without the prior written consent of RPS.

Prepared by: Prepared for:

RPS RPS

Katy Thomas Gareth Gardener Consultant Ecologist Principal Consultant

20 Western Avenue Park House Milton Park Greyfriars Road Abingdon, Oxfordshire Cardiff OX14 4SH CF10 3AF

T +44 1235 863 206 T +44 2920 668662 E [email protected] E [email protected]

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY RPS Planning and Development Limited (RPS) was commissioned by Monoworld Ltd. to carry out an Ecological Appraisal to support a planning application for the development of a single steel frame building on land off Doddington Road, Wollaston, Northamptonshire. The PEA comprised a desk study and a Phase 1 Habitat Survey. The PEA was undertaken following guidance provided by CIEEM (2017). A great crested newt (GCN) Habitat Suitability Index assessment and preliminary bat roost assessment was also undertaken at the time of the Phase 1 Habitat Survey following guidance from Oldham et al (2010) and BCT (2016), where access allowed. The desk study identified eight statutory designated sites within 5km of the site and 16 non-statutory sites within 2km of it. These comprised one Ramsar site, five Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs), one Special Protection Area (SPA), one Local Nature Reserve (LNR), ten Local Wildlife Sites (LWS), five Potential Wildlife Sites (PWS) and one Pocket Park. Records were provided for at least seven bat species within 5km of the site. Three other mammals, 132 birds, two herpetofauna, 27 invertebrate and eight plant species were also recorded within 2km of the site. The Phase 1 Habitat Survey identified that the site comprised predominantly grazed, poor semi-improved grassland, bordered by scrub and hedgerows, scattered trees and tall ruderal. Other habitats present on site included a dry ditch on the eastern and western boundaries. Adjacent to the site on the southern boundary was an area of hardstanding (formerly the recycling compound) and the Wollaston Brook ran adjacent to the northern boundary of the site. The habitats on site were considered to provide suitable habitats for breeding birds, bat roosts, foraging and commuting bats and water vole. A description of the potential effects of the proposed development on the habitats and species identified as being present or potentially present are described in this report followed by recommendations for further survey work and mitigation measures to ensure such effects are avoided. Avoidance measures reduce the need for any other surveys. Measures to protect and enhance the site are also provided, including using appropriate management to enhance the value of retained boundaries.

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Contents 1 INTRODUCTION ...... 1 2 METHODOLOGY ...... 2 Desk Study ...... 2 3 RESULTS ...... 4 Desk Study ...... 4 Phase 1 Habitat Survey ...... 9 4 CONCLUSIONS ...... 14 Designated Sites ...... 14 Protected and Notable Habitats and Species ...... 14 5 REFERENCES ...... 19

Tables Table 1 – Consultee Responses ...... 4 Table 2 – Statutory designated wildlife sites within 5km of the site ...... 4 Table 3 – Non-Statutory designated wildlife sites within 2km of the site ...... 5

Figures Figure 1 Designated Sites Plan Figure 2 Phase 1 Habitat Plan

Appendices Appendix 1 Phase 1 Habitat Survey Target Notes Appendix 2 Phase 1 Habitat Survey Species List Appendix 3 Protected and Notable Species Records Appendix 4 Bat Roost and GCN HSI Assessment Appendix 5 GCN HSI Survey Results Photographs

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1 INTRODUCTION 1.1 RPS Planning and Development Limited (RPS) was commissioned by Monoworld Ltd. to carry out an Ecological Appraisal to support a planning application for the development of a single steel frame building and associated infrastructure on land off Doddington Road, Wollaston, Northamptonshire. 1.2 The proposals comprise a single steel frame building (for B1, B2 or B8 purpose) with a floor area of approximately 7000 square metres in the east of the site, with a yard and additional storage and parking facilities in the south and north west. The area would be served by a new vehicular access road to the south of the site. 1.3 The site location is shown in Figure 1. 1.4 The ecological appraisal comprised a desk study and Phase 1 Habitat Survey of the site and followed guidance provided by CIEEM (2017). 1.5 During the Phase 1 Habitat Survey, a great crested newt (GCN) Habitat Suitability Index (HSI) assessment was undertaken on one pond and a preliminary bat roost assessment was also undertaken on trees within and immediately adjacent to the site, where access allowed, following guidance provided by BCT (2016). 1.6 The objectives of the desk study and Phase 1 Habitat Survey were to: • Locate statutory designated sites within 5km of the site; • Locate non-statutory designated sites within 2km of the site; • Locate records of protected or otherwise notable species within 2km (and extended to 5km for bats) of the site; • Identify and map the habitats present within the site boundary; • Assess the potential for legally protected fauna and flora to be present; and make recommendations for further ecological surveys or mitigation measures, where necessary. 1.7 This report includes details of the methodology used (Section 2), the results obtained (Section 3) and identifies the potential impacts the proposals could have if appropriate mitigation measures are not in place (Section 4).

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2 METHODOLOGY Desk Study Search Area 2.1 A study area of 2km from the site was used to gather records of protected and notable species and details of non-statutory designated wildlife sites. 2.2 A wider search area with a 5km radius from the site was used to gather details of statutory wildlife sites and records of bats as these were considered more sensitive receptors which could potentially be affected by activity at a greater distance away and because they are highly mobile species which can utilise habitat a long way from where they have been recorded Data Request 2.3 A data request was sent to Northamptonshire Biodiversity Record Centre (NBRC) and the Bedfordshire and Luton Biodiversity and Recording Monitoring Centre (BRMC) in January 2019 to request any data they held on designated wildlife sites and protected and notable species since 2009. Separate data requests were also sent to each of the Northants and Bedfordshire Bat Groups to request any data they held on bats since 2009. 2.4 In addition to these requests, the ‘MAGIC’ website was consulted for information on any Special Areas of Conservation (SACs), Special Protection Areas (SPAs), Ramsar Sites, National Nature Reserves (NNRs) and Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs). The JNCC website was also consulted for additional details of any SACs, SPAs and Ramsar sites. 2.5 The legal and conservation status of the species for which records were received was determined using the Spreadsheet of Conservation Designations for UK Taxa (JNCC, 2018). Phase 1 Habitat Survey 2.6 The Phase 1 survey was carried out by Katy Thomas GradCIEEM, an ecologist employed by RPS and experienced in carrying out Phase 1 Habitat Surveys. The survey was carried out on the 8th January 2019 to map the habitats present within the site boundary and to identify the potential for protected species to be present. 2.7 A second visit was undertaken by Alex Powell GradCIEEM on the 24th May 2019 to confirm the status of the stormwater pond, located to the east of the site. 2.8 The survey followed the standard Phase 1 survey methodology set out by the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) and outlined in the Handbook for Phase 1 Surveys; a technique for environmental audit (JNCC,2010). 2.9 Habitats were mapped onto the Ordinance Survey base maps using the JNCC Phase 1 Habitat Survey categories. Typical plant species were recorded for each category of habitat and species names followed the nomenclature used in Stace (2010). 2.10 Habitats potentially suitable for legally protected fauna were noted, and any signs of such species (e.g. sightings, tracks, droppings, burrows, etc.) were recorded. 2.11 Target Notes were created for any features of interest and are listed in Appendix 1. A species list is included in Appendix 2. 2.12 The Phase 1 Habitat Survey was undertaken in January, outside of the optimal period for this survey type (March to September) however this is not considered to be a limitation to the results of the survey and it is considered that the findings of the survey were sufficiently robust to inform this report.

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Additional Surveys 2.13 The following additional surveys were undertaken during the Phase 1 Habitat Survey and full details of the methodologies used are included in Appendix 4. • Preliminary Bat Roost Assessment - The assessment followed the UK recommended bat survey guidelines set out in the Bat Conservation Trust ‘Good Practice Bat Survey Guidelines, Third Edition’, 2016; and • GCN HSI Assessment - The assessment was made in accordance with the methodology set out in Advice Note 5 published by the Amphibian and Reptile Group UK (Oldham et al, 2010).

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3 RESULTS Desk Study 3.1 The data received from the consultees concerning wildlife sites and protected and notable species records is summarised in Table 1 below. Table 1 – Consultee Responses

Consultee Response

Bedfordshire Bat Group Provided records of bats

Bedfordshire and Luton Biodiversity Provided records of non-statutory sites and protected and notable and Recording Monitoring Centre species (BRMC) Northants Bat Group Provided records of bats

Northamptonshire Biodiversity Record Provided records of non-statutory sites and protected and notable Centre (NBRC) species

Statutory Designated Sites 3.2 A total of eight statutory designated sites were located within the 5km search area. These are listed in Table 2 below and shown on Figure 1. These comprised one Ramsar site, five Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs), one Special Protection Area (SPA) and one Local Nature Reserve (LNR). Table 2 – Statutory designated wildlife sites within 5km of the site

Site Name Designation Distance to site Description (m) Upper Nene Valley Gravel Ramsar 393 Supports large concentrations of Pits wintering water birds with species occurring at levels of national and European importance, regularly supporting over 20,000 individuals SSSI 393 Nationally important site for its breeding and wintering bird assemblage of lowland open waters and their margins and a rare example of wet woodland floodplain SPA 393 The site is designated for its water bird assemblage which include bittern Botaurus stellaris, gadwall Anas strepera and golden plover Pluvialis apricaria Summer Leys LNR 916 Wetland within Upper Nene Valley, comprising flooded gravel pits, flood meadows, species-rich neutral grassland and mature hedges. Known for largest breeding colony of tree sparrows in Northants Wollaston Meadows SSSI 1205 Consists of two adjacent hay fields on a flat low-lying site in the alluvial flood plain of the River Nene. The grassland is diverse and forms the largest known example in the county of the

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Site Name Designation Distance to site Description (m) Alopecurus pratensis-Sanguisorba officinalis flood meadow community. Irchester Old Lodge Pit SSSI 2064 Contains one of only two white limestone formation sections in Northants; often very fossiliferous, containing a rich molluscan fauna Bozeat Meadow SSSI 3923 An area of species-rich and agriculturally unimproved neutral grassland lying over well-drained calcareous clay and loam soils Dungee Corner Meadow SSSI 4012 A traditionally managed hay meadow on well-drained calcareous boulder clay. The sward retains a diverse array of grasses and herbs

3.3 The closest statutory designated site is the Upper Nene Valley Gravel Pits which is designated as a Ramsar, SSSI and SPA. The chain of both sand and gravel pits extends for approximately 35km along the River Nene floodplain and covers an area of nearly 1400 hectares; at its closest point it is 393m to the west of the site. The site is primarily designated for its wintering and breeding bird assemblage with over 20,000 water birds in the non-breeding season and a rare example of wet floodplain woodland. 3.4 Summer Leys LNR is also within 1km of the site; an area of wetland comprising flooded gravel pits, flood meadows, species-rich neutral grassland and mature hedgerows. The site is also known for its breeding colonies of tree sparrow, the largest of its kind in Northamptonshire Non-statutory Designated Sites 3.5 Sixteen non-statutory designated sites were found within the 2km search area of the site, comprising ten Local Wildlife Sites (LWS), five Potential Wildlife Sites (PWS) and one Pocket Park. These are listed in Table 3 and shown on Figure 1. Table 3 – Non-Statutory designated wildlife sites within 2km of the site

Site Name Designation Distance to site Description

Wollaston Gravel Pits LWS 393 Series of flooded gravel pits Wylde’s Lake LWS 529 Large gravel pit adjacent to Summer Leys LNR. Consists of a large lake with emergent and aquatic vegetation Summer Leys LWS 916 Mosaic of habitats recognised for its value to birds Wollaston Pocket Park 936 Local park and green space 1016 PWS 1155 Grassland Wollaston Mill PWS 1326 Large grazed pasture and hay cut Meadows meadow Hardwater Meadows LWS 1346 Fields adjacent to River Nene comprising hay meadows and a lake Doddington Marshy LWS 1482 Species-rich wet grassland/swamp Field East adjacent to the River Nene Grendon Lakes LWS 1533 Series of former gravel pits and wetland within the Nene Valley Blue Lagoon - LWS 1674 Large flooded ironstone quarry with Irchester well-established vegetation and 16 calcareous grassland indicators

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Site Name Designation Distance to site Description

Great Doddington PWS 1692 Marshland River Nene Great Doddington LWS 1740 Ridge and furrow grassland Meadow Little Irchester Pits LWS 1761 Series of gravel pits adjacent to River Nene with abundant swamp and marsh vegetation Hardwater Mill Lake PWS 1819 Large lake (formerly gravel pit) within the Nene Valley Irchester South LWS 1912 Deep, disused limestone quarry with a Quarry small, deep flooded area 1017 PWS 1963 A pond

3.6 The closest non-statutory designated site was Wollaston Gravel Pits LWS which was 393m to the west of the site; designated for its series of flooded gravel pits which are associated with the Upper Nene Gravel Pits Ramsar, SSSI and SPA. 3.7 Other non-statutory designated sites within 1km of the site included Wylde’s Lake LWS and Summer Leys LWS which are also designated for their waterbodies and importance to local bird populations. Records of Protected and Other Notable Species 3.8 Protected or notable species refers to any species protected or listed under the following legislation or which is identified as being of nature conservation concern in the lists referred to below. Protected Species 3.9 The following legislation has been taken into account in considering protected species: • The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 (Annex 4) (European Protected Species) (EPS); • Council Directive 79/409/EEC on the Conservation of Wild Birds (“Birds Directive”) (BDIR); • Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) (Schedules 1, 5 and 8) (WCA1/WCA5/WCA8); and • The Protection of Badgers Act 1992 (PBA). Other Notable Species 3.10 The following legislation and guidance have been taken into account in considering notable species: • The Natural Environment and Rural Communities (NERC) Act 2006. Section 41; Habitats and Species of Principal Importance in England (NERC S.41); • UK Biodiversity Action Plan Priority Species (UK BAP); • Birds of Conservation Concern; Red or Amber listed birds (Red or Amber); • Red listing based on IUCN guidelines – Near threatened (NT), Endangered (EN), Vulnerable (VU); • Rare and scarce species not based on IUCN criteria – Nationally Rare (NR), Nationally Scarce (NS), County Rare (CR); and

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• Species of local importance – Locally scarce and locally rare species, Local Biodiversity Action Plan (LBAP) species. 3.11 Records of protected or otherwise notable species recorded post-2009 provided by Bedfordshire and Luton Biodiversity Recording and Monitoring Centre (BRMC) and Northamptonshire Biodiversity Record Centre (NBRC) are summarised in Appendix 3 and discussed below. 3.12 No records were provided from within the site boundary specifically. However, a number of records were from 1km grid squares or tetrads that included the site within it. 3.13 The potential for protected or notable species to be present on the site is discussed later in this section of the report and takes into consideration the desk study results.

Birds 3.14 A total of 132 protected or notable species of bird have been recorded within the 2km search area. 3.15 The records included 38 species specially protected under Schedule 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) and 24 species protected under the Birds Directive. A total of 31 species are listed under Section 41 of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act (2006) and are UK Biodiversity Action Plan (UK BAP) Priority Species. In addition, nightingale and barn owl are LBAP species. 3.16 A total of 108 species are either red or amber listed. 3.17 The majority of the bird species recorded were from Summer Leys LNR, approximately 1270m from the site boundary. The closest records to site included kingfisher, marsh harrier, long-tailed duck, hobby and common tern which were recorded 724m from the site boundary, at Wylde’s Lake.

Bats 3.18 At least seven species of bats were recorded within 5km of the site boundary and a number of records were provided for bats not identified to species level. These could therefore account for other additional species. 3.19 All bats are European Protected Species (EPS) and listed on Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended). Barbastelle, noctule bat and soprano pipistrelle are listed under Section 41 of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act (2006) and are UK BAP Priority Species. 3.20 The closest bat records were common pipistrelle and soprano pipistrelle which were recorded approximately 2850m and 2758m to the east of the site boundary, respectively.

Other mammals 3.21 Three other mammals were recorded in the desk study data: otter, badger and harvest mouse. 3.22 Otters are a European Protected Species and are listed on Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended). Together with harvest mouse, they are also listed under Section 41 of the NERC Act (2006) and are both UK BAP Priority Species. 3.23 Badgers and their setts are protected under the Protection of Badgers Act 1992. 3.24 Otter and harvest mouse were recorded 1143m and 1270m from the site boundary respectively, within Summer Leys LNR. 3.25 A single badger record was returned 1437m to the west of the site boundary.

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Herpetofauna 3.26 Adder and grass snake were the only records of herpetofauna recorded in the data search. There were no records of GCN. 3.27 Both reptile species are partially protected under Section 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended), are listed under Section 41 of the NERC Act (2006) and are both UK BAP Priority Species. 3.28 Adder was recorded 1240m from the site boundary and grass snake was recorded 1251m from it.

Invertebrates 3.29 A total of 27 invertebrate species have been recorded within 2km of the site. 3.30 Four of the species recorded in the desk study are listed under Section 41 of the NERC Act (2006) and are UK BAP Priority Species. 3.31 A total of three species were listed as Nationally Scarce, three species as Near-Threatened, and one species was listed as notable. All other species were noted as being either locally scarce or locally rare. 3.32 The closest records of invertebrate were cinnabar moth, recorded 1085m to the west of the site, within Summer Leys LNR.

Flora 3.33 Eight plant species have been recorded within 2km of the site. 3.34 Throw-wax is listed under is protected under Section 41 of the NERC Act (2006) and is a UK BAP Priority Species. 3.35 A total of six species were listed as Near Threatened and one listed as Vulnerable. 3.36 The closest notable plant species, corn mint, was recorded approximately 724m from the site boundary.

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Phase 1 Habitat Survey

Overview 3.37 The site was located on land off Doddington Road, Wollaston, Northamptonshire. 3.38 At the time of the Phase 1 Habitat Survey, the field was being used for grazing by horses. The habitats present on site comprised predominantly poor semi-improved grassland bordered by dense scrub and hedgerows, scattered trees and tall ruderal. A dry ditch was present on each of the eastern and western boundaries and the Wollaston Brook ran adjacent to the northern boundary of the site. 3.39 Adjacent to the site on the southern boundary was a former recycling compound, which comprised an area of hardstanding and associated buildings, bordered by wrought-iron fencing. 3.40 The surrounding landscape comprised a mosaic of arable and pasture fields to the north, south and west of the site. To the east of the site was the village of Wollaston, which comprised a mixture of residential and commercial properties

Phase 1 Habitat Survey Results 3.41 A description of the habitat types identified during the survey is described below. The locations of the habitats within the site and survey areas are shown on the Phase 1 habitat plan in Figure 2. 3.42 A list of target notes is provided in Appendix 1 and a species list is provided in Appendix 2. Target note (TN) numbers are shown on Figure 2 and referred to in the habitat descriptions below.

A2.1 Dense/continuous scrub 3.43 A large area of dense scrub extended along the western edge of the site boundary, comprising predominantly bramble Rubus fruticosus with mature hawthorn Crataegus monogyna and blackthorn Prunus spinosa. The scrub was up to 5m high in places and formed an impenetrable wall of vegetation

A2.2 Scattered scrub 3.44 Infrequent areas of scattered scrub were found across the site, particularly along the public footpath in the south west of the site, across the northern boundary and along the dry ditch and hedgerow in the east of the site. 3.45 The species composition was the same as that described in Paragraph 3.43 above with bramble dominant and rose Rosa sp., less frequent. Ribwort plantain Plantago lanceolata and spear thistle Cirsium vulgare also occurred

A3.1 Scattered broad-leaved trees 3.46 A mixture of scattered broad-leaved trees was present along the site boundaries including; a row of trees which formed part of the eastern and western boundaries with species comprising, field maple Acer campestre and elder Sambucus nigra; and scattered mature trees of ash Fraxinus excelsior, field maple, beech Fagus sylvatica, horse chestnut Aesculus hippocastanum and elder adjacent to the bank of the brook flowing along the northern boundary. 3.47 A row of semi-mature trees bordered the former recycling compound which comprised ash and sycamore Acer pseudoplatanus.

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B6 Poor semi-improved grassland 3.48 The majority of the site comprised grassland characteristic to that of poor semi-improved grassland. The field was heavily grazed by horses and therefore the sward length was kept relatively short. The dominant species included perennial rye-grass Lolium perenne and red fescue Festuca rubra, with creeping buttercup Ranunculus repens, creeping cinquefoil Potentilla reptans, white clover Trifolium repens, red clover Trifolium pratense, yarrow Achillea millefolium and vetch Vicia sp. occurring frequently where grazing was less intense.

C3.1 Tall ruderal 3.49 Scattered patches of ruderal vegetation, comprising nettle Urtica dioica, broad-leaved dock Rumex obtusifolius and hogweed Heracleum sphondylium were present in the west of the site, adjacent to the brook on the northern boundary and along the ditch in the east of the site. Additional species recorded in proximity to the steam included willowherb Epilobium sp.

J2.3.2 Species-poor hedgerow with trees 3.50 A hedgerow comprising mature hawthorn, blackthorn and elder was present on the eastern boundary of the site. This continued along the southern boundary with additional species recorded including ash and a bramble and nettle understorey.

J2.3.4 Fence 3.51 A fence was present around the entire site boundary, which predominantly comprised barbed wire and occasional mesh fencing. Post and picket fencing was present close to the stables. 3.52 Corrugated iron security fencing formed the boundary of the former recycling compound, separating it from the rest of the site.

J2.3.6 Dry Ditch 3.53 A dry ditch was present along the western boundary of the site, covered by dense bramble, hawthorn and blackthorn scrub, as described in Paragraph 3.43 above. An arable field adjoined the site. 3.54 A second dry ditch ran adjacent to the eastern boundary of the site, bordered by scattered scrub, hedgerow and mature hazel Corylus avellana.

J2.5 Wall 3.55 A brick wall was present in the south-east of the site. The wall formed the boundary of a neighbouring property.

J3.6 Buildings 3.56 A block of stables was present along the southern boundary of the site, constructed from a mixture of wooden boards and corrugated steel. The stables were open-fronted on the northern aspect and were considerably weather-beaten, with disintegrating wall panels (damp and rot) and gaps between the wall and roofing materials. 3.57 An old towed trailer caravan stood adjacent to the stables.

Habitats outside of the site boundary 3.58 A shallow brook ran adjacent to the northern boundary of the site. The brook measured approximately 1m wide and up to 30cm deep (though appeared deeper in places); it had a

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moderate flow and a silty substrate. The bank on the southern aspect was shallow and likely subject to flooding, however the northern bank was steeper, comprising a mixture of aquatic vegetation, including bulrush Typha sp. 3.59 A stormwater pond was present adjacent to the north eastern boundary of the site. The pond was heavily shaded by emergent vegetation, predominantly rushes and was surrounded by scattered scrub and mature trees. At the time of the survey, the pond held a small amount of water. 3.60 A second visit to the pond was undertaken in late May 2019, which found the pond to be completely dry. Anecdotal evidence suggested that the pond contained water only during autumn months and after periods of heavy rain. 3.61 A former recycling compound was adjacent to the south west boundary of the site. The area comprised predominantly hardstanding and a single-storey concrete building with a flat roof; it was bordered on all sides by corrugated iron security fencing. Protected and Notable Habitats and Species

Plant and Habitats 3.62 All native hedgerows are NERC Section 41 Habitat/UK BAP Priority Habitat. 3.63 Several notable plants were recorded within the 2km search area however no plant species of particular conservation significance were noted during the survey and the types of habitat present are considered unlikely to support them.

Breeding Birds 3.64 The trees, hedgerows and dense scrub within and immediately adjacent to the site provide habitat for a range of bird species and could potentially support protected and notable birds. 3.65 Species recorded during the Phase 1 Habitat Survey included blue tit Parus caeruleus, great tit Parus major, red kite Milvus milvus, yellowhammer Emberiza citronella and linnet Linaria cannabina. 3.66 A large flock of redwing Turdus iliacus and fieldfare Turdus pilaris were recorded foraging in the field, close to the western boundary of the site and a large flock of lapwing Vanellus vanellus were recorded foraging in arable fields to the north of the site.

Mammals

Badgers 3.67 Signs of potential badger activity were recorded during the site visit. This information is considered sensitive and full details have therefore been excluded from this report. Those with a legitimate need for the information may request it from RPS.

Bats

Bat roosts 3.68 No buildings within or immediately adjacent to the site boundary were identified as having bat roost potential. 3.69 The stables in the south of the site were open-fronted and considerably weather-beaten, showing visible signs of damp and rot. No obvious bat roosting features were identified therefore the stables were considered to have negligible potential to support roosting bats.

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3.70 The small building within the former recycling compound was assessed where access allowed. The building comprised a single-storey concrete building with a flat roof, with no visible access/egress points. Therefore, the building was considered to have negligible potential to support roosting bats. 3.71 One tree in the north west corner of the site, adjacent to the brook, was identified as having high bat roost potential; an ash tree with multiple woodpecker holes (one containing an active wasp nest) and a callus roll on the south western and south eastern aspects. All other trees were assessed as having low or negligible potential to support roosting bats.

Bat activity 3.72 The hedgerow and trees along the site boundaries and the brook are likely be of good value for foraging and commuting bats. They provided linear features for bats to commute along and were likely to support a variety of night flying invertebrates for bats to forage upon. The features are further linked to suitable off-site roosting and foraging habitat, notably the Upper Nene Gravel Pits and Summer Leys LNR which are likely to be high value habitat for a variety of bat species.

Otters 3.73 The habitats on site were not considered suitable for otter. 3.74 The brook had a relatively shallow depth and moderate flow, particularly in the west of the site, meaning it provided low value foraging habitat for otters, but it could potentially be used as a commuting route. There was no suitable terrestrial habitat present on site that otters may use for shelter and the channel was relatively well screened from the site by the southern bank and boundary vegetation.

Water voles 3.75 Wollaston Brook along the northern edge of the site boundary was considered to provide suitable habitat for water voles. 3.76 The brook had a relatively shallow depth and moderate flow, particularly in the west of the site, which also comprised good bankside and aquatic vegetation.

Herpetofauna

Reptiles 3.77 The majority of the site comprised poor semi-improved grassland which was considered to be of poor value terrestrial habitat for reptiles; the sward length was kept short and subject to moderate levels of disturbance by grazing horses. The areas of dense scrub and hedgerows were likely to provide some areas of suitable habitat however, these were isolated and bordered by a busy road to the south and arable fields to the north and west. 3.78 The field provided limited opportunities to further connective habitat and was therefore not considered suitable for foraging, basking or hibernation opportunities.

Great crested newts (GCN) 3.79 A stormwater pond was present adjacent to the north eastern boundary of the site (shown on Figure 2) which contained a small amount of water during the site visit in 2018. An HSI was undertaken on the pond, which scored 0.64, equating to ‘average’ value breeding habitat for GCN. A copy of the HSI scoring system for the pond is included in Appendix 5. 3.80 A second visit was made to the pond in late May 2019 to confirm if the pond held water and whether further surveys (such as eDNA) were necessary. At the time of the survey, the pond was

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completely dry. Anecdotal evidence suggested that the pond contained water only during autumn months and after periods of heavy rain. 3.81 There were no other ponds identified on OS mapping within 250m of the site boundary. 3.82 The habitats within the site boundary predominantly comprised poor semi-improved grassland which did not provide suitable terrestrial habitat for GCN, due to the lack of shelter, foraging sites and hibernation opportunities. Small, isolated areas of suitable terrestrial habitat were present within the scrub and hedgerows along the field margins.

Invertebrates 3.83 The grassland, scrub and trees comprise a low diversity of common and widespread flora. The plants are likely to provide a food source for some local invertebrate populations and the flowers are likely to provide a source of pollen and nectar. The site is unlikely to support protected or notable invertebrates.

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4 CONCLUSIONS 4.1 This section provides the conclusions reached and identifies potential impacts that could result without appropriate mitigation measures. Recommendations are then made for the measures needed to avoid, reduce or compensate for such effects, including the need for further survey or assessment work. Designated Sites 4.2 A total of eight statutory designated sites were recorded within 5km of the site and