Ascerta Landscape, Arboricultural & Ecological Solutions for the Built Environment
Ecological Appraisal
Ref: P.1171.19, Chester Lane Site Clockface St.Helens WA9 4DA
July 2019 (see revision dates below)
Rev Date Details
This document contains sensitive information regarding the location of a badger sett. The report is issued in confidence and on the basis that the material will not enter the public domain.
Ascerta Mere One, Mere Grange, Elton Head Road, St Helens, Merseyside WA9 5GG T: 0845 463 4404 E: [email protected] www.landscapetreesecology.com
P.1171.19
Ecological Appraisal
Of
Chester Lane Site Clockface St. Helens WA9 4DA
For
Searchdash
16 July 2019
Field Work by Liz Kenyon BSc (Hons) QualCIEEM Document Author Liz Kenyon and David Massey MSc Technical Review Dr Rosalind King MCIEEM QA Review & Approval Danielle Wood – Office Manager
Contents EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ...... - 3 - 1.0 Introduction ...... - 5 - 2.0 Objectives ...... - 5 - 3.0 Relevant Legislation ...... - 5 - 3.1 European Legislation ...... - 5 - 3.2 UK Legislation ...... - 6 - 3.3 Local Policy ...... - 8 - 4.0 Survey Methods ...... - 9 - 4.1 Desk Study ...... - 9 - 4.2 Field Survey ...... - 9 - 4.3 Bat Survey Methods ...... - 9 - 4.4 Badger Survey Methods...... - 12 - 4.5 Evaluation ...... - 12 - 4.6 Limitations ...... - 12 - 5.0 Survey Results ...... - 13 - 5.1 Desk Study ...... - 13 - 5.2 Habitat Survey ...... - 13 - 5.3 Protected and Invasive Species ...... - 16 - 6.0 Assessment & Recommendations ...... - 22 - 6.1 Designated Sites and Habitats ...... - 22 - 6.2 Protected and Invasive Species ...... - 22 - 6.3 Enhancements ...... - 22 - 7.0 Conclusions ...... - 23 - 8.0 References ...... - 24 -
Appendix 1 Drawing P.1171.19.01 Phase One Habitat Survey
Appendix 2 Species Lists and Target notes
Appendix 3 Data Search Report
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
An Ecological Appraisal has been carried out at the Land off Chester Lane, St. Helens, WA9 4DA on 15th May 2019 by Liz Kenyon. The assessment comprised a desk study and biological records search, as well as a site walkover survey in order to map habitat types. The survey was extended to assess the potential for protected species to use the site. The assessment provides baseline data as to current site conditions and where appropriate allows recommendations to be made in respect of further potential work in order to satisfy current wildlife legislation.
The survey area comprises an area of bare ground that was become encroached by short ephemeral / perennial vegetation and tall ruderal vegetation to the margins. A species poor hedge, comprising hawthorn bounds the east of the site. Scattered trees and areas of bramble scrub are also present.
Assessed against the 'Guidelines for Ecological Impact Assessment in the UK and Ireland’ 2nd edition (2018), the habitats range in ecological value from negligible to local. The majority of the habitats are likely to be lost to the proposals although it is advised to retain the hedgerow in order to meet Biodiveristy Net Gain requirements. It is considered that some habitat loss can be mitigated for by hedgerow and wildflower planting. However Biodiveristy Net Gain calculations may need to be applied to determine the ecological impacts more accurately.
The site provides habitat for nesting birds, hedgehog, water vole and bats. Provided the recommendations below are followed these species will not be adversely affected by the proposals.
The recommendations, if fully implemented, will enable the proposals to meet the requirements of national and local guidance and legislation including the NPPF and policy CQL 3 within the Local Plan Core Strategy document (adopted October 2012).
Recommendations
1. Avoiding vegetation removal during the bird breeding season (1 March to 31 August inclusive) or undertaking a survey for breeding birds and ensuring any active nests found are protected within a suitable buffer zone until they are no longer in use; 2. Mitigation for the loss of nesting bird habitat with the provision of two open fronted nest boxes; 3. Control of the invasive species Japanese knotweed to stop spread into the wild during development works; 4. Undertaking a survey for water vole if works are to occur within 5m of the stream; 5. Lighting sensitive to the needs of bats, designed to avoid overspill onto the scattered trees present on the site; 6. Habitat enhancement with the installation of a 26mm and 32mm hole nest box attached to retained trees and two bat boxes (e.g. Beaumaris woodstone or similar attached to a new building); 7. The use of Reasonable Avoidance Measures (RAM’s) in relation to hedgehog, to include hand clearing the bramble scrub and storage of construction materials on pallets to avoid harm to hedgehog; 8. To enable hedgehog continued use of the site it is advised that gaps of at least 13cm by 13cm are left under any new garden fences following development; and
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9. Landscaping incorporating species that provide a food or shelter resource to wildlife to include hawthorn, honeysuckle and holly as hedgerow species, silver birch, crab apple, rowan and bird cherry as tree species and a species rich wildflower mix.
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1.0 Introduction
Ascerta has been instructed by Searchdash to carry out an ecological assessment of the Land off Chester Lane, St. Helens, WA9 4DA (hereafter referred to as the site). The site OS grid reference is SJ51939209.
The client seeks the ecological appraisal of the site to secure planning consent for future development of the land.
The site was visited on 15th May 2019 by Mrs Liz Kenyon BSc (Hons), when an Ecological Appraisal, which includes an assessment of the potential for protected species to be using the site or surroundings, was carried out in accordance with the Handbook for Phase 1 Habitat Survey: a Technique for Environmental Audit (JNCC, 2010). The report was prepared following methods detailed in the CIEEM ‘Guidelines for Ecological Impact Assessment in the UK and Ireland’ (2018) and ‘Guidelines for Ecological Report Writing’ (2017). This report presents the results of the survey including evaluation of habitats on site and potential for protected species to be using the site. The report includes recommendations for further actions where applicable in order to satisfy current wildlife legislation and to achieve our client’s objectives.
2.0 Objectives
Our objectives are as follows: • Identify and evaluate any features of ecological value and the potential of the site to support protected species based on the walkover survey and biological records search; • Identify designated sites within 2km of the site; • Review protected species records within 2km of the site; • Map the habitats within the site using JNCC (2010) methods; • Provide recommendations for further species‐specific surveys and mitigation measures where current legislation requires; • Provide recommendations that seek to enhance the ecological value of the site; • Provide recommendations to assist our clients in achieving their objectives whilst satisfying current wildlife legislation.
3.0 Relevant Legislation
3.1 European Legislation
The following Directives have been adopted by the European Union and provide protection for fauna and flora species of European importance and the habitats which support them:
• Directive 2009/147/EC on the Conservation of Wild Birds (Birds Directive); • Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora (Habitats Directive).
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3.2 UK Legislation
The Habitats Directive has been transposed into national legislation through the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 (The Habitats Regulations). This provides for the designation and protection of ‘European Sites’ (SPAs, SACs and Ramsar Sites, including proposed or potential European Sites) and the protection of ‘European Protected Species’.
The key UK legislation relating to nature conservation is the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) (W&C Act). This Act is supplemented, inter alia, by provision in the Countryside and Rights of Way (CRoW) Act 2000, and the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 (NERC Act). Additional species and habitat specific UK legislation includes the Protection of Badgers Act 1992 and the Hedgerow Regulations 1997.
The UK legislation is due to be updated, with the publication of The Environment (Principles and Governance) Bill, which is due to be passed through parliament in the summer of 2019. The draft Environment Bill sets out how the UK will maintain environmental standards following leaving of the EU. The Bill builds on the vision of the 25 Year Environment Plan, with the ambition from the government to leave the environment in a better state than it was when inherited.
The Defra Biodiversity Metric is being implemented to work alongside the Environment Bill. This tool calculates potential biodiversity impacts as a result of development and identifies mitigation and compensation requirements to ensure no net loss of biodiversity. In addition, it identifies measures that can be implemented in order to meet Biodiversity gain as a result of development. It is due to be released officially by Defra in 2019, with trial version 2.19, prepared by Warwickshire Council, being used in the interim.
Species and Habitats of Principal Importance Species and Habitats of Principal Importance are listed under section 41 of the NERC Act and are a material consideration in planning decisions. Planners require relevant, up to date information from ecological surveys in order to assess the effects of a proposed development on biodiversity as Councils have a statutory obligation under section 40 of the NERC Act to consider biodiversity conservation in the determination of planning applications.
Background information about the lists of priority habitats and species (Species and Habitats of Principal Importance) can be found within the UK Biodiversity Action Plan (UK BAP). Although this has been succeeded by The 'UK Post-2010 Biodiversity Framework', many of UK BAP tools are still relevant. BAPs identify habitats and species of nature conservation priority on a UK (UK BAP) and Local (LBAP) scale. Most BAP priority habitats and species have Habitat Action Plans (HAP) and Species Action Plans (SAP) and there are also "grouped action plans" for groups of related species with similar conservation requirements. The LBAP relating to this Site is the North Merseyside Biodiversity Action Plan.
Badgers The legislation protecting badgers in England and Wales is the Protection of Badgers Act 1992.
Under the Protection of Badgers Act 1992 it is an offence inter alia to:
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• Wilfully kill, injure or take a badger, or to attempt to do so; • Cruelly ill-treat a badger; or • Intentionally or recklessly interfere with a badger sett by (a) damaging a sett or any part of one; (b) destroying a sett; (c) obstructing access to or any entrance of a sett; (d) causing a dog to enter a sett; or (e) disturbing a badger when it is occupying a sett.
The Badger Act 1992 defines a badger’s sett as “any structure or place which displays signs indicating current use by a badger”
Natural England can issue licences to enable works to continue that may affect a protected species. In relation to disturbance of badgers, Natural England (2009) gives guidelines on disturbance which will require a licence. These includes: “using very heavy machinery (generally tracked vehicles) within 30 metres of any entrance to an active sett; using lighter machinery (generally wheeled vehicles), particularly for any digging operation, within 20 metres; light work such as hand digging or scrub clearance within 10 metres. There are some activities which may cause disturbance at greater distances (such as using explosives or pile driving) and these should be given individual consideration.”
Bats In England, all bats and their roosts are protected under the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 and the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 (as amended). Several species of bat are also highlighted as Priority Species under the UK Biodiversity Action Plan and within the Local BAP.
Under the current legislation as summarised on pages 8 and 9 of the Bat Surveys for Professional Ecologists Good Practice Guidelines – 3rd Edition (2016) it is a criminal offence to:
“To kill, capture, injure or take a wild bat; • To damage or destroy a place used by a bat for breeding or resting. All offences of this nature are identified within the Habitats Regulations. This offence is unique in that it can be committed accidently. No element of intentional, reckless or deliberate action needs to be evidenced; • To disturb bats anywhere (roosts, flight lines or foraging areas)if levels of disturbance can be shown to impair their ability to survive, to breed or reproduce, to rear or nurture their young, to hibernate or migrate or to affect significantly local distribution or abundance; • To intentionally or recklessly disturb a bat, whilst it is occupying a place of shelter or protection; • To intentionally or recklessly obstruct access to any place used by a bat for shelter or protection; and • To be in possession or control of a bat alive or dead (or any part of a bat or anything derived from a bat, although bat droppings are generally considered to be acceptable), or to transport a bat, to sell or exchange a bat or to offer to sell or exchange a bat taken from the wild.”
Breeding Birds Breeding Birds are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act which make it an offence to: • intentionally kill, injure or take any wild bird or take, damage or destroy the nest of any wild bird whilst it is in use or being built;
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• intentionally take or destroy the egg of any wild bird; • have in one's possession or control any wild bird, dead or alive, or any part of a wild bird (including eggs), which has been taken in contravention of the Act or the Protection of Birds Act 1954; • intentionally or recklessly disturb any wild bird listed on Schedule 1 while it is nest building, or at a nest containing eggs or young, or disturb the dependent young of such a bird.
Invasive Species It is an offence under Section 14(2) of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 to ‘plant or otherwise cause to grow’ in the wild any plant in Schedule 9 Part II.
3.3 Local Policy
The site lies within St. Helens and St. Helens Local Plan Core Strategy (adopted October 2012) applies. Policy CQL 3 deals with Biodiversity and Geological Conservation and is the policy of relevance here. In addition The Biodiversity SPD (Supplementary Planning Document), adopted June 2011, has also been taken into account when preparing this report.
The following table provides a summary of the main species within the UK that could be encountered within or within proximity of this development site, together with the legislation that affords them protection.
Table 3.1 Protected Species and the Associated Legislation. Species Legislation Amphibians Great crested newt (Triturus Schedule 5, W&C Act 1981 (as cristatus) amended);
Mammals Badger (Meles meles) Protection of Badgers Act 1992. Otter (Lutra lutra) Schedule 2, The Habitats Regulations 2017; and Section 41, NERC.
Water vole (Arvicola amphibious) Schedule 5, W&C Act 1981 (as amended) and Section 41, NERC. Birds All wild birds Schedule 5, W&C Act 1981 (as amended) and Section 41, NERC. Reptiles Common lizard (Zootoca vivipara) Schedule 5, W&C Act 1981 (as amended) and Section 41, NERC.
It is a criminal offence to intentionally, wilfully kill, injure or take any of the aforementioned protected species or to destroy or disturb its habitat.
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4.0 Survey Methods
The Ecological Appraisal involved the collection and review of data from a desk study and field survey along with assessment of the value of the habitats following CIEEM guidelines.
4.1 Desk Study
A review of the designated sites and habitats within 2km of the site has been undertaken using the Multi‐Agency Geographic Information for the Countryside (MAGIC) and the Natural England websites.
A review of UK and Local priority species and habitats known to occur in the region of the site has been undertaken; using the Joint Nature Conservation Committee website and local records from Merseyside Biobank (Appendix 3).
4.2 Field Survey
A walkover survey of the site was conducted on 15th May 2019, when the habitat types and features of ecological interest were identified and mapped in compliance with the Handbook for Phase 1 Habitat Survey: a Technique for Environmental Audit (JNCC, 2010). The survey methods involve the recording and mapping of all habitat types and ecological features present on site, including the identification of the main species present and examination of the potential for any protected species. Habitats were mapped and target notes made for any interesting features.
The surveys particularly focused on the following species and habitat features:
• Mammals (badgers and bats); • Birds; • Amphibians and reptiles; • Invertebrates; • Hedgerows and boundaries; • Invasive plant species; and • Plant communities and trees.
4.3 Bat Survey Methods
The survey methods followed the guidelines set out by the Bat Conservation Trust Bat Surveys for Professional Ecologists Good Practice Guidelines – 3rd Edition (2016). Habitats, Buildings and Trees were assessed for suitability for use by bats and categorised independently using table 4.1 page 35 within the Bat Conservation Trust Guidelines (Collins, 2016).
Preliminary Ecological Appraisal for Bats Habitats on the site were assessed for their suitability for bats to use them for roosting, commuting and foraging both on the site and surrounding area. Commuting and foraging habitat suitability was categorised low to high. Commuting and foraging habitat valued as Moderate or above may need further survey effort if lost to the proposals.
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Preliminary Roost Assessment Trees All trees were inspected for Potential Roost Features (PRFs). Features searched for included: Natural or woodpecker holes, cracks / splits in major limbs, loose bark, hollows / cavities, dense epicormic growth, bird and bat boxes. Where such features were found they were investigated for scratches or staining, bat droppings and smoothing of surfaces around entry points. Trees assigned a suitability of moderate or above may require further inspection if they are to be lost to the development.
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Table 4.1: Guidelines for assessing Potential Roost Features (PRFs), commuting and foraging habitat within a proposed development site. Guidelines taken from table 4.1 page 35 of the Bat Conservation Trust Bat Surveys for Professional Ecologists Good Practice Guidelines – 3rd Edition (2016).
Suitability Roosting Habitats Commuting and Foraging Habitats Negligible Negligible habitat features on site likely Negligible habitat features on site likely to be used by roosting bats. to be used by commuting or foraging bats. Low A structure with one or more potential Habitat that could be used by small roost sites that could be used by numbers of commuting bats such as a individual bats opportunistically. gappy hedgerow or un vegetated However, these potential roost sites do stream, but isolated, i.e. not very well not provide enough space, shelter, connected to the surrounding landscape protection, appropriate conditions a by other habitat. and/or suitable surrounding habitat to be Suitable, but isolated habitat that could used on a regular basis or by larger be used by small numbers of foraging numbers of bats (i.e. unlikely to be bats such as a lone tree (not in a suitable for maternity or hibernation b). parkland situation) or a patch of scrub. A tree of sufficient size and age to contain PRFs but with none seen from the ground or features seen with only very limited roosting potential. c Moderate A structure or tree with one or more Continuous habitat connected to the potential roost sites that could be used wider landscape that could be used by by bats due to their size, shelter, bats for commuting such as lines of protection, conditionsa and surrounding trees and scrub or linked back gardens. habitat but unlikely to support a roost of Habitat that is connected to the wider high conservation status (with respect to landscape that could be used by bats for roost type only – the assessments in this foraging such as trees, scrub, grassland table are made irrespective of species or water. conservation status, which is established after presence is confirmed). High A structure or tree with one or more Continuous, high-quality habitat that is potential roost sites that are obviously well connected to the wider landscape suitable for use by larger numbers of that is likely to be used regularly by bats on a more regular basis and commuting bats such as river valleys, potentially for longer periods of time due streams, hedgerows, lines of trees and to their size, shelter, protection, woodland edge. conditions a and surrounding habitat. High-quality habitat that is well connected to the wider landscape that is likely to be used regularly by foraging bats such as broadleaved woodland, tree-lined watercourses and grazed parkland. Site is close to and connected to known roosts. a For example, in terms of temperature, humidity, height above ground level, light levels of disturbance. b Evidence from the Netherlands shows mass swarming events of common pipistrelle bats in the autumn followed by mass hibernation in a diverse range of building types in urban environments (Korsten et al., 2015). This phenomenon requires some research in the UK but ecologists should be aware of the potential for larger numbers of this species to be present during the autumn and winter in large buildings in highly urbanised environments. c This system of categorisation aligns with BS 8596:2015 Surveying for bats in trees and woodland (BSI,2015).
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4.4 Badger Survey Methods
The site was searched for setts and badger field signs including foraging areas, latrines and tracks. Attention was paid to the presence of the following field signs:
• Setts: single holes or a series of holes likely to be interconnected underground; • Latrines: badgers usually deposit faeces in excavated pits; • Paths and footprints; • Scratching posts: at the base of trees; • Snuffle holes: areas where badgers have searched for insects; • Day nest: bundles of vegetation where badgers may sleep above ground; and • Traces of hair.
4.5 Evaluation
Habitats and species on the site were evaluated following the 'Guidelines for Ecological Impact Assessment in the UK and Ireland’ 2018. A geographical frame of reference is assigned to each habitat and species, with International Value being most important, then National, Regional, County, District, Local and lastly, within the immediate Zone of Influence (ZoI) of the proposals only
Value judgements are based on characteristics that can be used to identify ecological resources or features likely to be important in terms of biodiversity. These include site designations such as SSSIs. For undesignated features, the size, conservation status (locally, nationally or internationally), and the quality of the ecological resource are considered. Ecological resource quality can refer to habitats (for instance if they are particularly diverse, or a good example of a specific habitat type), other features (such as wildlife corridors or mosaics of habitats) or species populations or assemblages.
Although we cannot assess the survey findings fully in relation to the draft Environment Bill and Biodiversity Metric, the recommendations detailed within this report aim to meet requirements of the Environment Bill and Biodiversity Metric as far as possible at this stage.
4.6 Limitations
The site visit was undertaken in May, which is within the optimal time of year for phase 1 habitat surveys, sufficient vegetation was present to enable habitat identification. The site was fully accessible and all areas within the site were able to be fully assessed. There are no limitations that are considered to limit to the conclusions of the report based on the habitats found within the site and the works proposed.
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5.0 Survey Results
5.1 Desk Study
One statutory site, Thatto Heath Meadows Local Nature Reserve (LNR) was identified 1.74 km north of the proposed development site. Fourteen non-statutory sites (Local Wildlife Sites) were identified within a 1km radius of the proposed development site.
The Local Wildlife Sites (LWS) identified within 2km of the proposals are:
• Sutton Mill Dam (390m east); • Tunstalls Farm (955m east); • Clock Face Country Park Pond (1.7km east); • Sutton Manor (1km south); • Whittle Brook (1.7km south); • Pendlebury Brook (1.37km south west); • Ansdells Wood (1.3km west); • Old mineral line Lea Green (664m west); • Sherdley Park (490m north west); • Thatto Heath Meadows 1.8km north); • Ravenhead Ponds (2km north); • Sutton Brook (1.77km north east); • Land west of Gerrards Lane (1.16km north east); and • Rough Grassland around Sutton Dam Stream (420m east).
Following a review of records held by Merseyside Biobank, several priority species that have the potential to occur within the vicinity of the proposed development have been identified. These include bat species, amphibians, nesting birds, water vole and hedgehog.
No European Protected Species Licence (EPSL) applications within 2km of the site since 2015 were identified using Magic Maps.
The sites lies within a SSSI Impact Risk Zone. Natural England will need to be consulted if the proposals for the site fall under the categories including, infrastructure, wind and solar energy, air pollution, combustion or waste. If the proposals for the site are for domestic dwellings no consultation with Natural England will be required.
A list of key habitats is shown in table 5.1 below and a summary description of key habitats within the survey area is provided in Section 5.2. Notes on the presence or potential presence of protected species are provided in Section 5.3. The Phase 1 Habitat map can be found in Appendix 1. The Target Notes (TN) and lists of species recorded during survey are presented in Appendix 2.
5.2 Habitat Survey
The Site is located within St Helens and in the immediate vicinity to the North, East, and South are more populated urban areas. The site is bound by Chester Lane (B5419) to the east and Brickfields Red Quarry to the south. Residential dwellings and industrial premises lie to the north.
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To the south of the site is a stream that is fast flowing from south west to north east. Within the site the habitats comprise bare ground that has become encroached by short ephemeral / perennial vegetation and tall ruderal vegetation. An area of hardstanding is located at the site entrance to the west of the site along with a managed hawthorn hedge and an area of bramble scrub to the south of the entrance. These habitats are presented on plan P.1171.19.01 (Appendix 1). The stream to the south of the site is connected to the Sutton Mill Dam, which is located around 460m north east of the site. To the west of the site is a more rural area that stretches around 1.5km west. Also, there are more rural areas to the south and east of the site, 1km beyond the urban area. Lea Green train is approximately 270m and Sherdley Park approximately 530m north of the site.
Weather conditions during the survey were warm (20ºC), dry and sunny (0/8 cloud cover) with no wind (F0, Beaufort Scale), therefore appropriate for this type of survey.
Table 5.1 details the habitat types recorded on the site,
Table 5.1 Habitat Types on the Proposed Development Site.
Description Photograph Hardstanding and Bare Ground: An area of hardstanding is located at the site entrance to the east of the site comprising concrete with metal access gate. The central areas of the site comprises bare ground that has become encroached by short ephemeral / perennial vegetation and tall ruderal vegetation to the margins of the site (see below). The bare ground is mainly soil with remains from previous buildings that’s includes brick and rubble. Earth piles are also present within the site (TN2). The bare areas offer little in the way of value to wildlife. This habitat type is common in the wider environment. Hardstanding entrance area to the site
Bareground encroached by short ephemeral/perennail vegataion with earth piles (TN1) Ecological Value Negligible
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Description Photograph Bramble Scrub: To the southern boundary is an area of bramble scrub. The area is of value to birds, small mammal species and, may also be of value to nesting birds such as robin. The bramble may provide limited forage opportunities for bats. This type of habitat is common within the wider environment. Hedgerow planting and diversification can mitigate for loss of bramble habitat.
Ecological Value Within the Zone of Influence Scattered Trees: Scattered hawthorn and self-seeded willow trees are present throughout the site. The trees are of value to birds and small mammal species, they may be of value to nesting birds also. Bats may use the trees for forage and as a commuting corridor to surrounding habitats. This type of habitat is common within the wider environment. Trees are of value to wildlife and if lost to facilitate development, should be replaced by native species within the proposals. Ecological Value Within the Zone of Influence Species Poor Hedge: A managed hawthorn hedge lines the western site boundary adjacent to Chester Lane (B5419). The hedge is approximately 3.5m in height and intact. The hedge line is of value to birds and small mammal species, it may be of value to nesting birds also. Bats may use the hedge for forage and as a commuting corridor to surrounding habitats. Hedgerow can be BAP habitats. It is recommended the hedgerow be retained within the proposals and there is the opportunity to enhance the hedgerow by planting additional species. Ecological Value Local
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Description Photograph Tall Ruderal: Tall ruderal vegetation is present to the north eastern site margins where it has encroached the short ephemeral / perennial vegetation (see below). Species present include spear thistle, teasel, meadow grass and colt’s foot. The areas are of value to birds, small mammal species and amphibians. Bats may also use the areas for forage and as connectivity to more favourable habitat. This type of habitat is common within the wider environment. Wildflower planting can mitigate for loss of tall ruderal habitat. Ecological Value Within the Zone of Influence Ephemeral/short perennial: The areas of bare ground have become encroached by ephemeral / short perennial vegetation. Species present include field vetch, bird’s- foot trefoil, clover and creeping bent grass. Rabbit droppings were noted during the walkover survey to the northern sector of the site (TN3), rubbish remains and plastic debris was also noted within the same area (TN4). The areas are of value to birds, bats, small mammal species and amphibians. This type of habitat is common within the wider environment. Wildflower planting can mitigate for loss of this habitat. Ecological Value Within the Zone of Influence
5.3 Protected and Invasive Species
Species Results Evaluation and Recommendations Badger: It is considered that badgers are not using No records of badger were returned for the site for foraging or commuting and the the site or within the search area. No site provides low quality sett building habitat evidence of badger use of the site was as it is previously developed land within the noted during survey and the site urban area and subject to disturbance. provides limited sett building habitat as it Badgers are unlikely to be influenced by the comprises building remains and is proposals and need no further consideration subject to disturbance. within the current planning application. Ecological Value N/A as unlikely present
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Species Results Evaluation and Recommendations Bats: Habitat: The habitats on the site are Numerous records for bats were returned considered to provide low-moderate within the search area. One record for a bat commuting and foraging suitability. common pipistrelle roost was returned It is likely that some of these features approximately 1.5km north of the site in 2014, will be retained within the proposals, 56 records for common pipistrelle were also including some of the species poor returned hedgerow to the western site boundary. Two further records for pipistrelle species roosts were recorded 1.6km north west of the site in 1990 and 2015 within a residential area Trees: The trees provide negligible bat of St.Helens. roost habitat. Fifteen individual records for pipistrelle species To enable bats continued use of were also returned predominantly within retained commuting and foraging Sherdley Park, 500m north of the site. habitats on the site it is advised that Four records for Daubentons were also lighting is kept to a minimum and returned for Sherdley Park in 2012. designed to avoid spill into the foraging Fifteen records for noctule dated between habitat i.e. the species poor hedgerow 1993 and 2014 were recorded, the closest along the western border of the site and record is 500m north and the furthest 1.5km the stream along the eastern border. south east. Lighting design should follow advice set Two nyctalus bat species were recorded in out in Bats and lighting in the UK- bats 2010 800m south of the site and one and the built environment series, (Bat Nathusias pipistrelle 800m west in 2014. Conservation Trust, 2018). Five soprano pipistrelle bats were recorded in 2012 and 2013, the closest record is for Sherdley Park and the furthest 1.5km south of the site. Two records for myotis were returned in 2012. One record was from Sherdley Park and the second 820m north west of the site. A historical record for long eared bat species with no location and five records of bats were also returned for the search area.
Preliminary Ecological Appraisal for Bats Habitats: The habitats on site, including the species poor hedgerow, tall ruderal vegetation, bramble scrub, short ephemeral vegetation and scattered trees have the potential to provide bat foraging and commuting habitat.
Trees and buildings: The goat willow are too young to have formed features suitable for use by bats as a roost. There are no buildings present on the site. Evaluation Low-moderate bat commuting and foraging habitat, negligible roosting habitat.
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Species Results Evaluation and Recommendations Breeding Birds: There will be habitat loss for breeding and Records for Little Ringed Plover (900m foraging birds as a result of the proposals. south) and barn owl (2km south) were However, some nesting habitat can be returned. retained with the retention and enhancement of the species poor hedgerow. Any loss can Other bird records including house be mitigated by the provision of nest boxes. martin, house sparrow, starling, swift, The type and number will need to be dunnock and cuckoo were also returned confirmed once the proposals are finalised. within the search area. Full details are included within Appendix 3. Most resident and migrant birds breed in the spring and summer months, although At the time of survey, the site provided woodpigeons and collard doves nest some bareground areas that little ringed throughout the year. plover could use as nesting habitat. None were noted on the site during the In order to avoid harm to nesting birds, survey. vegetation should not be cleared during the bird breeding season along with any The habitats on site offer nesting demolition works on the building (between 1 opportunities for common bird species March and 31 August). If vegetation needs to within trees and the species poor be cleared during this period, a nesting bird hedgerow. Woodpigeon, blackbird and survey will be required, conducted by a magpie activity was recorded during the suitably qualified ecologist, before works site walkover survey. begin. If any active nests are observed during the survey, exclusion zones will be set up and works will not occur in these areas until nesting is complete.
It is likely over time the habitats on the site will become less suited to little ringed plover as a result of vegetation succession. If little ringed plover are noted nesting during any nesting bird checks, specific mitigation may be required for this species. Ecological Value Within the Zone of Influence
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Species Results Evaluation and Recommendations Amphibians and Reptiles: The site contains some suitable terrestrial Records for both great crested and habitat for amphibians. Due to the flow of the smooth newts from previous surveys stream and the steepness of the banks it is were returned within the search area. unlikely that amphibians are using the onsite The majority of the results are habitats as the stream will act as a barrier for approximately 800m east, beyond the the species recorded to access the site. stream and the closest lies 420m north of the site beyond an urban area. There is more favourable habitat to the east of the site where the majority of the records Records for common frog and toad for common frog, toad, great crested newt dating between 1968 and 2014 were and smooth newt relate. To the north of the also retuned within the search area. The site lie roads, a railway line and residential most recent records from 2016 onwards dwellings making it unlikely that amphibians relate to previous survey effort to the at the closet record point will access the site. west of the site. The site contains good quality habitat for One record for common lizard was reptiles and there is a record for common recorded 1.7km north of the site in 2006. lizard 1.7km north of the site. However, this record lies beyond a railway line and a dense There are no water bodies on site that urban area that may act as a barrier to would provide suitable breeding habitat dispersal for common lizard to the site. for amphibians such as great crested Therefore it is unlikely that reptiles are newt or common toad. The fast flow of present on the site. the stream to the south of the site and the steepness of the banks makes it It is considered that the above species are unsuitable breeding habitat for not using the site and need no further amphibians, however the vegetation to consideration within the current planning the top of the banks may provide application. suitable terrestrial habitat for amphibians such as great crested newt. Ecological Value N/A as unlikely present
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Species Results Evaluation and Recommendations Other Species: The site contains no suitable habitat for water Thirty-two records for water vole were vole, otter or white clawed crayfish, however retuned, including historical records from the stream may provide habitat for otter and 1981to 2009. The closest record is for water vole. The stream to the south of the 130m east of the site within Sutton Mill site is fast flowing with earth banks and is Dam and Sutton Mill Bank. suitable habitat for water vole. Suitable habitat is also available to the east of the site Nineteen records for hedgehog were where the closest record for water vole returned between 2000 and 2017, the relates. It is advised works do not occur closest record was 500m north of the within 5m of the stream to avoid harm to site within Sherdley Park. water vole.
Thirty-six records for brown hare were Habitat exists for hedgehog. The closest returned between 1972 and 2017, the record for hedgehog is 500m and hedgehog most recent record is approximately have a wide range for foraging. Hedgehog 800m east of the site. may be using habitats on the site and Reasonable Avoidance Measures are No records for otter or white clawed recommended to ensure no harm to crayfish were returned for the search hedgehog as a result of proposals to area and they are unlikely present in this redevelop the site. area. In addition, gaps of 13cm by 13cm should be placed under garden fences to enable hedgehog continued access across the site. f
The site provides limited habitat for brown hare and has no connectivity to more favourable habitat that is to the east of the site.
Ecological Value N/A as unlikely present for otter, brown hare and white clawed crayfish. Within the zone of influence for hedgehog and water vole.
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Species Results Evaluation and Recommendations Invasive Species: Japanese knotweed is listed in Schedule 9 Stands of Japanese knotweed were Part II of the Wildlife and Countryside Act observed during the walkover survey 1981. It is advised that the Japanese adjacent to the southern site boundary knotweed be controlled using suitable and to the north of the site and are methods to avoid spread in the wild during marked at TN 1 on drawing works. P.1171.09.01 (Appendix 1).
Records for Japanese knotweed, Japanese rose and Montbretia were all recorded within the site in 1981 and 1992. Due to the historical dates it is likely that the Japanese rose and montbretia have previously been treated as they were not noted during the walkover survey. Japanese knotweed along the southern site boundary Ecological Value Within the Zone of Influence
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6.0 Assessment & Recommendations
6.1 Designated Sites and Habitats
There is one Local Nature Reserve (Thatto Heath Meadows) 390m north of the site and five Local Wildlife Sites within 1km of the site. Due to the vicinity of the site to these areas the proposals will need to take into account the Local Wildlife sites and Local Nature Reserve to ensure no adverse impacts are cause to the from the works.
A SSSI impact zone lies within the site, however until the proposals have been confirmed it is not known if the development will impact the SSSI and trigger a consultation with Natural England. It is considered that there will be no impact on any SSSIs in the vicinity as a result of the proposals.
The habitats on site comprise short ephemeral / perennial vegetation, tall ruderal, species poor hedgerow, scattered trees, bramble scrub, hardstanding and bare ground. Hardstanding. These habitats are considered to have an ecological value of local or lower. Some of these habitats will be lost to the proposals, although the species poor hedgerow is advised to be retained. Improving the species diversity of the hedgerow, together with wildflower planting, will mitigate for any loss of vegetated habitat and could contribute to Biodiversity Net Gain requirements. The site contains no designated or priority habitats, although the hedgerow could qualify as a BAP habitat. Overall the proposals are unlikely to adversely affect the ecological value of the area provided the recommendations below are followed. Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) calculations could be undertaken once the proposals have been finalised. Section 6.3 provides more information on enhancements that could be used to achieve BNG.
6.2 Protected and Invasive Species
The trees on the site have been assessed as having negligible bat roost potential and no buildings are present within the development area. The site is assessed as providing low–moderate bat foraging and commuting habitat (5.3 above). The site also provides habitat for nesting birds, water vole and hedgehog. No other protected species are considered to be using the site.
Further works to be taken in relation to protected and invasive species are presented in Section 5.3 above. These include lighting sensitive to the needs of bats, avoiding site clearance during the breeding bird season, avoiding works within 5m of the stream, RAMs for hedgehog and control of the Japanese knotweed on site using suitable methods to avoid spread in the wild during works.
6.3 Enhancements
In order to meet requirements for biodiversity protection and enhancement outlined within the NPPF, it is recommended that ecological enhancements are included where possible. These could include:
1. Provision of fifteen bird boxes (e.g. 25mm and 32mm entrance hole box, house sparrow terraces, open fronted nest boxes and swift bricks), attached to retained or new trees on site or set in new buildings as appropriate for the box type;
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2. Provision of fifteen bat boxes (e.g. Schewgler 2F type- attached to a retained or new tree on site and Beaumaris woodstone boxes, Ibstock bat bricks or Vivara pro bat features - attached to new buildings); 3. Creation of a pond along the eastern site boundary with habitat connectivity to off- site areas; and 4. Suitable landscaping incorporating species that provide a food or shelter resource to wildlife to include hawthorn, blackthorn, honeysuckle and holly as hedgerow species and oak, silver birch, crab apple, rowan and bird cherry as tree species.
7.0 Conclusions
It is considered that there would be very limited impact on the local ecology as a result of the proposals, provided the recommendations detailed above are followed. In summary these include:
1. Avoiding vegetation removal during the bird breeding season (1 March to 31 August inclusive) or undertaking a survey for breeding birds and ensuring any active nests found are protected within a suitable buffer zone until they are no longer in use; 2. Mitigation for the loss of nesting bird habitat with the provision of two open fronted nest boxes; 3. Control of the invasive species Japanese knotweed to stop spread into the wild during development works; 4. Undertaking a survey for water vole if works are to occur within 5m of the stream; 5. Lighting sensitive to the needs of bats, designed to avoid overspill onto the scattered trees present on site; 6. Habitat enhancement with the installation of a 26mm and 32mm hole nest box attached to retained trees and two bat boxes (e.g. Beaumaris woodstone or similar attached to a new building); 7. The use of Reasonable Avoidance Measures (RAM’s) in relation to hedgehog, to include hand clearing the bramble scrub and storage of construction materials on pallets to avoid harm to hedgehog; 8. To enable hedgehog continued use of the site it is advised that gaps of at least 13cm by 13cm are left under any new garden fences following development; and 9. Landscaping incorporating species that provide a food or shelter resource to wildlife to include hawthorn, honeysuckle and holly as hedgerow species, silver birch, crab apple, rowan and bird cherry as tree species and a species rich wildflower mix.
The above recommendations, if fully implemented, will enable the proposals to meet the requirements of national and local guidance and legislation including the NPPF and Policy CQL 3 within the Local Plan Core Strategy Document.
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8.0 References
Bat Conservation Trust (2018) Bats and lighting in the UK- bats and the built environment series 08/18 Bat Conservation Trust, London.
BTHK 2018. Bat Roosts in Trees-A Guide to Identification and Assessment for Tree -Care and Ecology Professionals. Exeter: Pelagic Publishing.
CIEEM (2017) Guidelines on Ecological Report Writing. Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management, Winchester
CIEEM (2018) Guidelines for Ecological Impact Assessment in the UK and Ireland: Terrestrial, Freshwater, Coastal and Marine. Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management, Winchester.
Collins, J. (ed.) (2016) Bat Surveys for Professional Ecologists: Good Practice Guidelines (3rd edn). The Bat Conservation Trust, London.
Department for Communities and Local Government (2019), National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF)
Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) (2010) Handbook for Phase 1 Habitat Survey – a Technique for Environmental Audit. JNCC Publications, Peterborough;
Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC). The UK Biodiversity Action Plan (UK BAP) [online] Available at: www.jncc.defra.gov.uk/page-5155
Maddock, A., (ed) (2011) UK Biodiversity Action Plan; Priority Habitat Descriptions, JNCC.
Multi Agency Geographic Information for the Countryside (MAGIC) [online]
Rose. F. (2006). Collins The Wild Flower Key, how to identify wild flowers trees and shrubs in Britain and Ireland .Penguin Group: London.
Stace, C., (2010). New Flora of the British Isles. 3rd Edition. Cambridge University Press: Cambridge.
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Ascerta Landscape, Arboricultural & Ecological Solutions for the Built Environment
Appendix 1
S:\Technical References & Standard Report Inserts\Appendix 1 Ascerta.doc ALL COORDINATES RELATED TO LOCAL GRID LOCATED TO OS NG BY BEST FIT TO DETAIL, DO NOT SCALE EXTRACTED FROM OS DIGITAL DATA. © This drawing, including the design and technical information contained on it, is the property of Ascerta. The drawing may only be used for the specific purpose for which it has been intended and may not be reproduced or copied without prior permission.
KEY
Survey boundary
Tall ruderal vegetation
Species poor intact hedge
Gate
Hard standing 1 Bare ground
Short perennial / 3 ephemeral Japanese Knotweed 4 Bramble scrub
E Earth pile
Stream
1 Scattered trees
1 Target note 1 - Japanese Knotweed 2 - Earth pile 3 - Rabbit droppings 4 - Rubbish remains / plastic 2
E Ascerta Landscape | Trees | Ecology f: 0845 463 4405 e: [email protected] www.landscapetreesecology.com
CLIENT: Searchdash
PROJECT: Land off Chester Lane Site, Clock Face, Map produced by MAGIC on 07/07/19. © Crown Copyright and database rights 2019. Ordnance Survey 100022861. St Helens Copyright resides with the data suppliers and the map must DRAWING TITLE: not be reproduced without their permission. Some information Phase One Habitat Survey in MAGIC is a snapshot of information that is being maintained or continually updated by the originating SCALE: DRAWN BY: DRAWING No: REV: organisation. Please refer to the documentation for details, as Not to scale CP DATE: CHKD BY: information may be illustrative or representative rather than 15/05/2019 LK P.1171.19.01 - definitive at this stage
S:\All Jobs\1171.19 Chester Lane Site, Clock Face, St Helens\Drawings\P.1171.19.01 Phase One Habitat Survey Ascerta Landscape, Arboricultural & Ecological Solutions for the Built Environment
Appendix 2
S:\Technical References & Standard Report Inserts\Appendix 2 Ascerta.doc Species List
English Name Scientific Name Bindweed Convolvulus arvensis Birds-foot trefoil Lotus corniculatus Black Medick Medicago lupulina Bracken Pteridium aquilinum Butterfly bush Buddleja davidii Cleavers Galium aparine Clover Trifolium repens Cock’s-foot Dactylis glomerata Coltsfoot Tussilago farfara Common Dock Rumex sp. Creeping bent grass Agrostis spp. Creeping buttercup Ranunculus repens Creeping thistle Cirsium arvense Dandelion Taraxacum officinale Fescue Festuca sp. Field pansy Viola arvensis Foxglove Digitalis purpurea Gorse Ulex europaeus Greater willowherb Epilobium hirsutum Greater plantain Plantago major Hawthorn Crataegus monogyna Herb robert Geranium robertianum Horsetail Equisetum sp. Japanese knotweed * Fallopia japonica Meadow grass Poa sp. Nettle Urtica dioica Red clover Trifolium pratense Red campion Silene dioica Spear thistle Cirsium vulgare Smooth tare Vicia Tetrasperma Sow-thistle Sonchus sp. Teasel Dipsacus fullonum Vetch Vicia sp. White clover Trifolium repens Willowherb Epilobium sp. Yorkshire fog Holcus lanatus * invasive species
Target Notes
TN1 - Japanese knotweed TN2 - Earth piles TN3 - Rabbit droppings TN4 - Rubbish remains/plastic
Ascerta Landscape, Arboricultural & Ecological Solutions for the Built Environment
Appendix 3
S:\Technical References & Standard Report Inserts\Appendix 3 Ascerta.doc
Biodiversity Information
Report 16/05/2019
MBB reference: 2824-Ascerta Site: site a Chester Lane
Merseyside BioBank, The Local Biodiversity Estate Barn, Court Hey Park Roby Road, Liverpool Records Centre L16 3NA for North Merseyside Tel: 0151 737 4150 [email protected]
Your Ref: None supplied MBB Ref: 2824-Ascerta Date: 16/05/2019 Your contact: Liz Neale MBB Contact: Ben Deed
Merseyside BioBank biodiversity information report These are the results of your data request relating to an area at site a Chester Lane defined by a buffer of 2000 metres around a site described by a boundary you supplied to us (at SJ51899211).
You have been supplied with the following:
records of protected taxa that intersect the search area records of BAP taxa that intersect the search area records of Red Listed taxa that intersect the search area records of other ‘notable’ taxa that intersect the search area records of WCA schedule 9 taxa (including ‘invasive plants’) that intersect the search area a map showing the location of monad and tetrad references that overlap the search area a list of all designated sites that intersect your search area citations, where available, for intersecting Local Wildlife Sites a list of other sites of interest (e.g. Ancient Woodlands) that intersect your search area a map showing such sites a list of all BAP habitats which intersect the search area a map showing BAP habitats a summary of the area for all available mapped Phase 1 and/or NVC habitats found within 500m of your site a map showing such habitats
Merseyside BioBank (MBB) is the Local Environmental Records Centre (LERC) for North Merseyside. We collect and collate biological and environmental information and make it available to people and organisations that have need to access such information in North Merseyside. We promote the North Merseyside Biodiversity Action Plan and wider participation in biological recording and conservation through education, community involvement and by supporting the biological recording community of North Merseyside.
Merseyside BioBank is an information node of the National Biodiversity Network (NBN) and integrate records from our own databases with those of the NBN Atlas.
The product charge for this data request is not a charge for the data themselves, but rather a fixed rate that enables us to cover a portion of our running costs. Our annual income from data requests is something less than 20% of our total running costs.
Species records The biological records held by Merseyside BioBank come from a variety of sources; from large organisations to individual amateur naturalists. Merseyside BioBank operates as managers or custodians of these records but the individuals and groups, who provide their records free of charge, retain copyright on their data. Without their contribution, we would not be able to provide the records included in this report. Their efforts, expertise and goodwill make a substantial contribution to the protection of North Merseyside's biodiversity.
2 of 40 Merseyside BioBank, The Local Biodiversity Estate Barn, Court Hey Park Roby Road, Liverpool Records Centre L16 3NA for North Merseyside Tel: 0151 737 4150 [email protected]
You may only use the records in this document subject to our access terms and conditions which can be found in Appendix 1. Non-adherence to these terms and conditions will be viewed as a breach of contract, which may result in legal redress being sought.
This report also integrates records from the NBN Atlas. Some NBN data providers give us permission to download and integrate their records at a higher resolution than available through public access in order to contribute to the protection of North Merseyside's biodiversity.
Details of the biological records summarised in the following tables, and the sources from which they are derived, have been provided separately. Note that the date ranges in the summary tables (headed 'Dates') show the earliest and latest years for which records have been summarised for each taxon.
UK Protected Species 'UK Protected species' are those taxa specifically identified by UK legislation including: Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 (as amended); Protection of Badgers Act 1992; Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017. The latter regulations enact the European Union's (EU) Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC) in the UK and supercede The Conservation Regulations 1994 and 2010. In our list of protected species, you may see designations that refer to schedules in the 1994 and 2010 regulations, but these remain unchanged under the 2017 regulations.
Some protected species may not be legally disturbed unless you are in possession of an appropriate license. If you are in any doubt as to whether or not a license is required, you should contact Natural England.
The following tables detail the protected species that were recorded in the search area. Group Common Name Scientific Name Records Dates Designations amphibian Common Frog Rana temporaria 32 1968-2016 WCA5/9.5a Common Toad Bufo bufo 48 1983-2016 WCA5/9.5a HabRegs2,WCA5/9.4b,WCA5/9.5a,WC Great Crested Newt Triturus cristatus 62 2007-2016 A5/9.4c Palmate Newt Lissotriton helveticus 1 1999 WCA5/9.5a Smooth Newt Lissotriton vulgaris 117 1999-2016 WCA5/9.5a bird Barn Owl Tyto alba 1 1997 WCA1i Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius 1 1998 WCA1i Peregrine Falco peregrinus 1 1999 WCA1i Quail Coturnix coturnix 1 1997 WCA1i bony fish Barbel Barbus barbus 1 2009 HabRegs4 (Actinopterygii) flowering plant Bluebell Hyacinthoides non-scripta 27 1981-2019 WCA8 Purple Colt's-foot Homogyne alpina 1 2012 WCA8 insect - butterfly Small Blue Cupido minimus 1 2000 WCA5/9.5a reptile Common Lizard Zootoca vivipara 1 2006 WCA5/9.1k/I,WCA5/9.5a terrestrial Bats Chiroptera 5 1989-2011 HabRegs2 mammal HabRegs2,WCA5/9.4b,WCA5/9.5a,WC Common Pipistrelle Pipistrellus pipistrellus 41 2002-2016 A5/9.4c 3 of 40 Merseyside BioBank, The Local Biodiversity Estate Barn, Court Hey Park Roby Road, Liverpool Records Centre L16 3NA for North Merseyside Tel: 0151 737 4150 [email protected]
HabRegs2,WCA5/9.4b,WCA5/9.5a,WC Daubenton's Bat Myotis daubentonii 3 2012 A5/9.4c WCA5/9.1k/I,WCA5/9.1t,WCA5/9.2,WC Eurasian Red Squirrel Sciurus vulgaris 1 2004 A5/9.4.a,WCA5/9.4b European Water Vole Arvicola amphibius 30 1981-2011 WCA5/9.4.a,WCA5/9.4b,WCA5/9.4c HabRegs2,WCA5/9.4b,WCA5/9.5a,WC Long-eared Bat species Plecotus 1 1991 A5/9.4c HabRegs2,WCA5/9.4b,WCA5/9.5a,WC Nathusius's Pipistrelle Pipistrellus nathusii 1 2014 A5/9.4c HabRegs2,WCA5/9.4b,WCA5/9.5a,WC Noctule Bat Nyctalus noctula 15 1993-2014 A5/9.4c HabRegs2,WCA5/9.4b,WCA5/9.5a,WC Nyctalus Bat species Nyctalus 1 2010 A5/9.4c HabRegs2,WCA5/9.4b,WCA5/9.5a,WC Nyctalus/Eptesicus agg. Nyctalus/Eptesicus agg. 1 2010 A5/9.4c HabRegs2,WCA5/9.4b,WCA5/9.5a,WC Pipistrelle Bat species Pipistrellus 16 1988-2015 A5/9.4c HabRegs2,WCA5/9.4b,WCA5/9.5a,WC Serotine Eptesicus serotinus 1 2010 A5/9.4c HabRegs2,WCA5/9.4b,WCA5/9.5a,WC Soprano Pipistrelle Pipistrellus pygmaeus 5 2012-2014 A5/9.4c HabRegs2,WCA5/9.4b,WCA5/9.5a,WC Unidentified Bat Myotis 2 2012 A5/9.4c
Desig. Code Desig. Name Designation Description Wildlife and Countryside Act Section 9.5 Animals which are protected from being sold, offered for sale or being held or WCA5/9.5a 1981 (Schedule 5 Section 9.5a) transported for sale either live or dead, whole or part. The Conservation (Natural HabRegs2 Habitats, &c.) Regulations 2017 Schedule 2- European protected species of animals. (Schedule 2) Wildlife and Countryside Act Section 9.4 Animals which are protected from intentional disturbance while occupying a WCA5/9.4b 1981 (Schedule 5 Section 9.4b) structure or place used for shelter or protection. Wildlife and Countryside Act Animals which are protected from their access to any structure or place which they use for WCA5/9.4c 1981 (Schedule 5) shelter or protection being obstructed. Wildlife and Countryside Act Birds and their young, for which it is an offence to intentionally or recklessly disturb at, on WCA1i 1981 (Schedule 1 Part 1) or near an active nest. They are protected by special penalties at all times. The Conservation (Natural HabRegs4 Habitats, &c.) Regulations 2010 Schedule 4- Animals which may not be taken or killed in certain ways (Schedule 4) Plants which are protected from intentional picking, uprooting or destruction (Section 13 Wildlife and Countryside Act 1a); selling, offering for sale, possessing or transporting for the purpose of sale (live or WCA8 1981 (Schedule 8) dead, part or derivative) (Section 13 2a); advertising (any of these) for buying or selling (Section 13 2b). Wildlife and Countryside Act WCA5/9.1k/I 1981 (Schedule 5 Section 9.1 Section 9.1. Animals which are protected from intentional killing or injuring. (killing/injuring)) Wildlife and Countryside Act WCA5/9.1t 1981 (Schedule 5 Section 9.1 Section 9.1 Animals which are protected from taking. (taking)) Wildlife and Countryside Act WCA5/9.2 Section 9.2 Animals which are protected from being possessed or controlled (live or dead). 1981 (Schedule 5 Section 9.2) Wildlife and Countryside Act Section 9.4 subdivision a - Animals which are protected from intentional damage or WCA5/9.4.a 1981 (Schedule 5 Section 9.4, destruction to any structure or place used for shelter or protection. subdivision a)
North Merseyside BAP Species The North Merseyside Biodiversity Action Plan (NM BAP) was published in September 2001 and last reviewed in 2008. Like other Local Biodiversity Action Plans (LBAPs) its purpose is to focus local conservation on national priority species and habitats. However, LBAPs also embrace the idea of ‘local distinctiveness’ and species which are not considered UK conservation priorities can be catered for by LBAPs if they are of particular local significance. Such is the case with the NM BAP which currently names 74 species of which 57 are not
4 of 40 Merseyside BioBank, The Local Biodiversity Estate Barn, Court Hey Park Roby Road, Liverpool Records Centre L16 3NA for North Merseyside Tel: 0151 737 4150 [email protected] conservation priority species but are included because their conservation is considered to be a priority in North Merseyside.
The following tables detail the North Merseyside BAP species that were recorded in the search area. Group Common Name Scientific Name Records Dates Designations amphibian Great Crested Newt Triturus cristatus 62 2007-2016 LBAP bird Corn Bunting Emberiza calandra 8 1997-2002 LBAP Grey Partridge Perdix perdix 10 1997-2002 LBAP House Martin Delichon urbicum 8 1997-1999 LBAP House Sparrow Passer domesticus 20 1997-2014 LBAP Lapwing Vanellus vanellus 12 1997-2015 LBAP Skylark Alauda arvensis 14 1997-2014 LBAP Song Thrush Turdus philomelos 11 1997-1999 LBAP Starling Sturnus vulgaris 11 1997-1999 LBAP Swift Apus apus 7 1997-1999 LBAP flowering plant Bluebell Hyacinthoides non-scripta 27 1981-2019 LBAP Dune Helleborine Epipactis dunensis 2 2017 LBAP Coincya monensis subsp. Isle-of-Man Cabbage 1 2017 LBAP monensis insect - dragonfly Azure Damselfly Coenagrion puella 40 1980-2010 LBAP (Odonata) Black Darter Sympetrum danae 3 2006 LBAP Black-tailed Skimmer Orthetrum cancellatum 3 2003-2010 LBAP Blue-tailed Damselfly Ischnura elegans 58 1984-2010 LBAP Broad-bodied Chaser Libellula depressa 38 2000-2010 LBAP Brown Hawker Aeshna grandis 20 1983-2009 LBAP Common Blue Damselfly Enallagma cyathigerum 25 1988-2013 LBAP Common Darter Sympetrum striolatum 22 1988-2010 LBAP Emerald Damselfly Lestes sponsa 5 2000-2009 LBAP Emperor Dragonfly Anax imperator 34 1996-2010 LBAP Four-spotted Chaser Libellula quadrimaculata 63 2000-2010 LBAP Large Red Damselfly Pyrrhosoma nymphula 21 1999-2010 LBAP Migrant Hawker Aeshna mixta 1 2009 LBAP Red-veined Darter Sympetrum fonscolombii 2 2006 LBAP Ruddy Darter Sympetrum sanguineum 10 2006-2009 LBAP Southern Hawker Aeshna cyanea 1 2009 LBAP reptile Common Lizard Zootoca vivipara 1 2006 LBAP terrestrial Bats Chiroptera 5 1989-2011 LBAP mammal Brown Hare Lepus europaeus 24 1972-2017 LBAP Common Pipistrelle Pipistrellus pipistrellus 41 2002-2016 LBAP Daubenton's Bat Myotis daubentonii 3 2012 LBAP Eurasian Red Squirrel Sciurus vulgaris 1 2004 LBAP European Water Vole Arvicola amphibius 30 1981-2011 LBAP Long-eared Bat species Plecotus 1 1991 LBAP Nathusius's Pipistrelle Pipistrellus nathusii 1 2014 LBAP Noctule Bat Nyctalus noctula 15 1993-2014 LBAP Nyctalus Bat species Nyctalus 1 2010 LBAP Nyctalus/Eptesicus agg. Nyctalus/Eptesicus agg. 1 2010 LBAP 5 of 40 Merseyside BioBank, The Local Biodiversity Estate Barn, Court Hey Park Roby Road, Liverpool Records Centre L16 3NA for North Merseyside Tel: 0151 737 4150 [email protected]
Pipistrelle Bat species Pipistrellus 16 1988-2015 LBAP Serotine Eptesicus serotinus 1 2010 LBAP Soprano Pipistrelle Pipistrellus pygmaeus 5 2012-2014 LBAP Unidentified Bat Myotis 2 2012 LBAP
Desig. Code Desig. Name Designation Description Species that are incorporated within the North Merseyside Biodiversity Action Plan. These LBAP North Merseyside BAP species may or may not also be UK BAP species. Some species have their own action plans within the NM BAP, others are members of group species action plans.
NM BAP species: Great Crested Newt (Triturus cristatus) Great Crested Newt is thought to have been in decline since the 1940s. Over a period of five years in the 1980s 2% of all UK colonies were lost, and although Britain remains a stronghold for this species, it is now considered to be dependant on conservation and is afforded international protection.
There is no current North Merseyside population estimate, though recent surveys suggest that in the general North West area around 25% of ponds have Great Crested Newts. A study of the parts of the Sefton Coast showed that a number of populations were present.
This species is highly dependant on the quality of ponds and also the habitat in the surrounding area (where they forage and hibernate away from the water). Habitat loss is the greatest cause of decline with many ponds being drained or drying up as a result of natural succession. Removal of scrub and woodland in addition to over-grazing and intensive management of surrounding grassland is also detrimental. Other factors which may affect population levels include predation by fish and waterfowl, habitat fragmentation and pollution.
NM BAP species: Corn Bunting (Emberiza calandra) Nationally this species has significantly declined with a loss of 90% of the UK population between 1970 and 2005 and large contractions in the species range.
Locally Corn Bunting is thought to have undergone severe declines with only an estimated 200 pairs remaining in 1997-99. Corn Buntings are sparsely distributed across much of North Merseyside's arable farmland.
Declines are thought to be caused by changes in agricultural practices. Sowing cereals later in the year, increasing use of herbicide and the removal of fallow fields have all greatly reduced winter seed sources. Increasing use of pesticides has reduced the availability of invertebrate food sources. Earlier crop harvesting may also result in the destruction of some nests, especially where there are limited un- cropped areas.
NM BAP species: Grey Partridge (Perdix perdix) The UK population of Grey Partridge declined by 88% between 1970 and 2005 and though still widespread shows distinct variation according to agricultural practices. In North Merseyside there were an estimated 300 pairs in 1997-99 and they are present in all suitable habitat.
Loss of suitable habitat is the main cause of decline in this species, with changes in agricultural practices being particularly detrimental. The amalgamation of small fields into a larger ones and the removal of hedgerows, ditches and other field margins have destroyed potential nesting sites. Changes in sowing, harvesting and crop type have removed essential winter food sources.
6 of 40 Merseyside BioBank, The Local Biodiversity Estate Barn, Court Hey Park Roby Road, Liverpool Records Centre L16 3NA for North Merseyside Tel: 0151 737 4150 [email protected]
NM BAP species: Urban Birds (Delichon urbicum; Passer domesticus; Sturnus vulgaris; Apus apus) The four species covered by the NM BAP Urban Birds Species Action Plan (House Martin, Swift, House Sparrow and Starling) are considered to be in significant decline across the UK. In North Merseyside House Sparrows and Starlings currently breed in all urban areas, while House Martins are restricted to areas nearer sources of mud for nest-building. Swifts occurred in only 55 tetrads during 1997-2000.
Urban bird numbers are thought to relate strongly to the availability of prey species, and nesting opportunities.
Declines are most likely caused by the reduction in the diversity and abundance of invertebrate prey species resulting from increased 'tidiness' in our parks and gardens, the use of pesticides and other changes in farm practices. The exclusion of urban birds from breeding in or around modern buildings reduces nesting opportunities for urban birds.
NM BAP species: Lapwing (Vanellus vanellus) Between 1987 and 1998 Lapwing declined by 48% in England and Wales with Wales and the SW of England showing greatest loss. Two thirds of the population is now resident in the N and NW of England.
Locally this species continues to breed in all suitable habitats and the 2002-03 surveys indicated a population of around 1,500 pairs with arable farmland and pockets of grassland being particularly favoured.
Local threats are thought to include development in nesting areas, increasing recreation and disturbance, scrub encroachments on coastal grassland and changes in farm practice towards silage production, livestock and agricultural intensification.
NM BAP species: Skylark (Alauda arvensis) Although Skylark is widespread throughout Europe and large numbers are thought to breed in the UK, it is in significant decline with a fall in the population of 75% between1972 and 1996 on lowland farms and an overall fall in the UK population of 53% between 1970 and 2005.
Locally Skylark breeds in all remaining suitable habitat and in 1997-2000 there were 750 breeding pairs but declines are thought to reflect the national trend.
This species relies heavily on traditional arable farming and so declines have largely been due to changes in farming practices in recent decades. Conversion to silage production, changes in sowing times and general agricultural intensification have all been particularly detrimental by reducing nesting habitat and sources of food.
Other causes of decline include overgrazing, disturbance during the breeding season and loss of grassland to development and tree planting.
NM BAP species: Song Thrush (Turdus philomelos) Although still widespread, Song Thrush declined sharply by around 73% in farmland (mid 1970s) and
7 of 40 Merseyside BioBank, The Local Biodiversity Estate Barn, Court Hey Park Roby Road, Liverpool Records Centre L16 3NA for North Merseyside Tel: 0151 737 4150 [email protected]
49% in woodland (1968-1993), while overall UK numbers fell by 50% between 1970 and 2005. The North of the UK is thought to have been hit hardest.
In North Merseyside, though thinly distributed, Song Thrush still breed in most areas with an estimated 500 pairs during 1997-2000. Highest breeding concentrations were found to occur in suburban areas where abundant garden and parkland habitats were present.
Song Thrush are reliant on a variety of habitats to meet their needs at different times of the year and loss of these habitats is causes a reduction in numbers.
Local factors in the decline of the species include changes in farm practices that remove nesting habitat (hedgerows and dense scrub), limit the abundance of winter food (changes in sowing, cropping and use of herbicides/molluscicides) or cause the loss of feeding habitat (use of pesticides/herbicides and monocropping).
NM BAP species: Bluebell (Hyacinthoides non-scripta) British Bluebells make up about 20% of the global population of Hyacinthoides non-scripta and are often found in humid woodland habitat, along hedgerows and on occasion along the coast. Locally there are a number of good colonies.
Local threats to the species include possible over-shading in un-managed woodlands, localised trampling by the public in popular areas and hybridisation with the Spanish Bluebell. On a national scale declines are cause by the loss of woodland habitat, grazing by introduced Muntjac, collection of plants and hybridisation with Spanish Bluebell.
NM BAP species: Dune Helleborine (Epipactis dunensis) This species is endemic to Britain and confined to the dunes of Northwest England and North Wales. On the Sefton Coast dunes the species is thought to be relatively widespread and stable with no declines on sites where the species was present between 1960 and 1983.
Threats to the species include the loss of suitable habitat which is most likely to occur through the encroachment of scrub and woodland which enriches the soil.
NM BAP species: Isle of Man Cabbage (Coincya monensis subsp. monensis) Isle of Man Cabbage is endemic to Britain and occurs in only 22 locations on the Isle of Man and Western Britain with the highest density located between North Cumbria and the Wirral. The species is thought to be stable or increasing in this area but declining elsewhere.
On the Sefton Coast the species remains vulnerable with two of three colonies becoming extinct in 1992 and 1993 while the third underwent a significant decline from 874 to 281 plants between 1997 and 2004. Six sites which saw introductions in 1994 have proved highly successful.
Local populations have become extinct due to development and un-sympathetic management of the dunes. Remaining sites may also be threatened by development and fixation/scrub encroachment of the dunes.
NM BAP species: Dragonflies (Coenagrion puella; Sympetrum danae; Orthetrum cancellatum; Ischnura elegans; Libellula depressa; Aeshna grandis; Enallagma cyathigerum; Sympetrum striolatum; Lestes sponsa; Anax imperator; Libellula quadrimaculata; Pyrrhosoma
8 of 40 Merseyside BioBank, The Local Biodiversity Estate Barn, Court Hey Park Roby Road, Liverpool Records Centre L16 3NA for North Merseyside Tel: 0151 737 4150 [email protected] nymphula; Aeshna mixta; Sympetrum fonscolombii; Sympetrum sanguineum; Aeshna cyanea) Twentyone species of dragonfly and damselfly are included in the NM BAP Dragonflies Species Action Plan. These include vagrant species and some which are thought to be undergoing range expansions in the UK. Eighteen of these species are known to breed in our local area, with significant breeding sites in St Helens and Sefton.
Local causes of decline in this include the destruction or damage of essential wetland habitat through development, waste-tipping and agricultural run-off. Removal of nearby feeding habitats such as woodlands, hedgerows and tall vegetation is also detrimental.
NM BAP species: Common Lizard (Zootoca vivipara) Populations of the Common Lizard are highly localised in Britain. In North Merseyside this species remains relatively common on the Sefton Coast dune and heath, where is thought to be stable. Inland it is much less common. There are occasional records from Knowsley where the species is thought to be extremely vulnerable.
Declines are primarily due to the loss and fragmentation of suitable habitat, usually caused by changes in land use, urban expansion and increased forestry and scrub encroachment. Predation by cats and the gassing of rabbit burrows may also be having a detrimental effect.
NM BAP species: Brown Hare (Lepus europaeus) Whilst still well distributed in North Merseyside it is thought that the local population of Brown Hare declined in-line with National trends which have shown severe declines in the western pastoral parts of the country to around 20% of the numbers present in Victorian times.
Reasons for local declines are thought to include loss and fragmentation of suitable habitat to development, illegal hunting and changes in farming practices and land use that cause increased disturbance (changes in cropping/sowing times, livestock trampling and recreation).
NM BAP species: Bats (Pipistrellus pipistrellus; Myotis daubentonii; Nyctalus noctula; Pipistrellus pygmaeus) The NM BAP Bats Species Action Plan covers all species found in North Merseyside since all are considered to be locally threatened.
Bat Species are found throughout North Merseyside, with Pipistrelles (Common/Soprano) most often encountered and Brown Long-eared and Noctules less common. Daubenton's are also frequently encountered in suitable wetland habitat. Whiskered, Brandt's and Natterers are considered rare locally.
Bat species will roost in many locations that are warm, dark, sheltered and little undisturbed. Such places can include derelict buildings, barns, roof spaces and tree hollows.
Factors causing declines in these species include the loss of prey insects due to the increased use of pesticides and general park/garden 'tidiness', loss and fragmentation of habitat mosaics, loss of winter roosts in old trees and buildings and intentional exclusion from buildings by people.
NM BAP species: Red Squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris) Over the last 100 years the UK range Red Squirrel has contracted massively. In most areas the species of Britain it has vanished and most populations are now restricted to areas of Scotland and North
9 of 40 Merseyside BioBank, The Local Biodiversity Estate Barn, Court Hey Park Roby Road, Liverpool Records Centre L16 3NA for North Merseyside Tel: 0151 737 4150 [email protected]
England. North Merseyside has a relatively stable population on the Sefton Coast with small numbers across Knowsley and St Helens.
Threats include the Grey Squirrel which carries the squirrel pox virus that appears to have been the main cause of the red squirrel decline in Britain. In addition the fragmentation of woodland has reduced suitable habitat and increased road mortality as individuals try to move between pockets of habitats. Locally, over-maturation of trees will soon greatly reduce the Red Squirrels food source.
NM BAP species: Water Vole (Arvicola amphibius) This species is found throughout Britain but localised to areas of suitable habitat near water. Previously common this species has undergone severe range and population reductions, with a national survey showing a decline of around 89% since 1939, estimated to increased to a loss of 94% by 2000. Merseyside appears to be a stronghold for the species with 75% of sites surveyed having Water Voles present in 1989-90. Though they may still be in decline locally, it is thought to be at a lower level than nationally.
Local declines in the species are caused by inappropriate management of bank-side habitats and waterside developments as well as predation by invasive species such as mink. The use of rodenticides and loss of habitat connectivity may also be factors in population declines.
NERC Act Section 41 Species Known also as 'Species of Principle Importance in England' and the 'England Biodiversity List' this list was developed to meet the requirements of Section 40 of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act (2006). The list is derived, almost wholly, from the 2012 revised list of 'UK Post-2010 Biodiversity Framework' priority species. (So called 'research only' moth species have been excluded from the report.). The section 41 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 Act 2006 'to have regard' to the conservation of biodiversity in England, when carrying out their normal functions. In particular:
Regional Planning Bodies and Local Planning Authorities must use it to identify the species that should be afforded priority when applying the requirements of National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) to maintain, restore and enhance species and habitats. Local Planning Authorities must use it to identify the species that require specific consideration in dealing with planning and development control, recognising that under NPPF the aim of planning decisions should be to minimise impacts on biodiversity and geodiversity. All Public Bodies must use it to identify species that should be given priority when implementing the NERC Section 40 duty.
The following tables detail the NERC Section 41 species that were recorded in the search area. Group Common Name Scientific Name Records Dates Designations amphibian Common Toad Bufo bufo 48 1983-2016 Sect.41 Great Crested Newt Triturus cristatus 62 2007-2016 Sect.41 bird Bullfinch Pyrrhula pyrrhula 1 1997 Sect.41.suppl Corn Bunting Emberiza calandra 8 1997-2002 Sect.41.suppl 10 of 40 Merseyside BioBank, The Local Biodiversity Estate Barn, Court Hey Park Roby Road, Liverpool Records Centre L16 3NA for North Merseyside Tel: 0151 737 4150 [email protected]
Cuckoo Cuculus canorus 4 1998-1999 Sect.41 Dunnock Prunella modularis 13 1997-2012 Sect.41.suppl Grey Partridge Perdix perdix 10 1997-2002 Sect.41 House Sparrow Passer domesticus 20 1997-2014 Sect.41 Lapwing Vanellus vanellus 12 1997-2015 Sect.41 Lesser Redpoll Acanthis cabaret 1 1998 Sect.41 Linnet Linaria cannabina 16 1997-2002 Sect.41.suppl Reed Bunting Emberiza schoeniclus 10 1997-2014 Sect.41 Skylark Alauda arvensis 14 1997-2014 Sect.41,Sect.41.suppl Song Thrush Turdus philomelos 11 1997-1999 Sect.41.suppl Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata 3 1997-1998 Sect.41 Starling Sturnus vulgaris 11 1997-1999 Sect.41.suppl Tree Sparrow Passer montanus 1 1997 Sect.41 Turtle Dove Streptopelia turtur 1 1998 Sect.41 Willow Tit Poecile montana 4 1997-2006 Sect.41.suppl Yellowhammer Emberiza citrinella 11 1997-2002 Sect.41 bony fish European Eel Anguilla anguilla 1 2000 Sect.41 (Actinopterygii) insect - butterfly Small Blue Cupido minimus 1 2000 Sect.41 Wall Lasiommata megera 25 1983-2006 Sect.41 insect - Red-shanked Carder- Bombus ruderarius 1 2004 Sect.41 hymenopteran bee insect - moth Buff Ermine Spilosoma lutea 210 1997-2010 Sect.41 Crescent Helotropha leucostigma 1 2010 Sect.41 Dusky-lemon Sallow Cirrhia gilvago 1 2007 Sect.41 Rosy Minor Litoligia literosa 6 1993-1999 Sect.41 Sallow Cirrhia icteritia 53 1996-2010 Sect.41 Shoulder-striped Leucania comma 25 2006-2010 Sect.41 Wainscot reptile Common Lizard Zootoca vivipara 1 2006 Sect.41 terrestrial Bats Chiroptera 5 1989-2011 Sect.41 mammal Brown Hare Lepus europaeus 24 1972-2017 Sect.41 Eurasian Red Squirrel Sciurus vulgaris 1 2004 Sect.41 European Water Vole Arvicola amphibius 30 1981-2011 Sect.41 Long-eared Bat species Plecotus 1 1991 Sect.41 Noctule Bat Nyctalus noctula 15 1993-2014 Sect.41 Nyctalus Bat species Nyctalus 1 2010 Sect.41 Pipistrelle Bat species Pipistrellus 16 1988-2015 Sect.41 Soprano Pipistrelle Pipistrellus pygmaeus 5 2012-2014 Sect.41 Unidentified Bat Myotis 2 2012 Sect.41 West European Erinaceus europaeus 19 2000-2017 Sect.41 Hedgehog
Desig. Code Desig. Name Designation Description Natural Env. and Rural Species “of principal importance for the purpose of conserving biodiversity” covered under Communities Act 2006. Species section 41 (England) of the NERC Act (2006) and therefore need to be taken into Sect.41 of Principal Importance in consideration by a public body when performing any of its functions with a view to England (section 41) conserving biodiversity. Supplementary list to deal with Bird species corresponding to British sub-species listed in section 41 (England) of the Sect.41.suppl S41 bird sub-sp problems NERC Act (2006).
11 of 40 Merseyside BioBank, The Local Biodiversity Estate Barn, Court Hey Park Roby Road, Liverpool Records Centre L16 3NA for North Merseyside Tel: 0151 737 4150 [email protected]
IUCN Red-listed Species The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (sometimes called 'Red Data Book' species) indicates the conservation status of plants and animals that have been globally evaluated using the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria. The system is designed to determine the relative risk of extinction, and the main purpose of the IUCN Red List is to catalogue and highlight those plants and animals that are facing a higher risk of global extinction (i.e. those listed as Critically Endangered, Endangered and Vulnerable). The IUCN Red List also includes information on plants and animals that are categorized as 'Extinct' or 'Extinct in the Wild'; on taxa that cannot be evaluated because of insufficient information ('Data Deficient'); and on plants and animals that are either close to meeting the threatened thresholds or that would be threatened were it not for an ongoing taxon-specific conservation programme ('Near Threatened').
The following tables detail the IUCN Red-listed species that were recorded in the search area. Group Common Name Scientific Name Records Dates Designations flowering plant Common Cudweed Filago vulgaris 1 2013 RLGB.Lr(NT) Corn Spurrey Spergula arvensis 5 1981-2017 RLGB.VU Dune Helleborine Epipactis dunensis 2 2017 RLGB.DD Field Woundwort Stachys arvensis 2 1992-2010 RLGB.Lr(NT) Heath Dog-violet Viola canina 1 2017 RLGB.Lr(NT) Narrow-fruited Water- Callitriche palustris 1 1983 RLGB.VU starwort Purple Colt's-foot Homogyne alpina 1 2012 RLGB.EN Round-leaved Mint Mentha suaveolens 1 1992 RLGB.DD Sainfoin Onobrychis viciifolia 2 1997 RLGB.Lr(NT) Shrubby Cinquefoil Potentilla fruticosa 1 2010 RLGB.Lr(NT) Tasteless Water-pepper Persicaria mitis 2 1997 RLGB.VU fungus Brown Birch-Bolete Leccinum scabrum 4 2010-2015 RLGB.DD Greyshank Bolete Leccinum cyaneobasileucum 1 2015 RLGB.DD insect - beetle Alder Leaf Beetle Agelastica alni 14 2015-2019 RLGB.DD (Coleoptera) insect - butterfly Small Blue Cupido minimus 1 2000 RLGB.Lr(NT) Wall Lasiommata megera 25 1983-2006 RLGB.Lr(NT) mollusc Large Black Slug Arion (Arion) ater 4 1982 RLGB.DD terrestrial RLGB.CR,RLGB.DD,RLGB.EN,RLGB.L Bats Chiroptera 5 1989-2011 mammal r(NT),RLGB.VU Eurasian Red Squirrel Sciurus vulgaris 1 2004 RLGB.EN European Water Vole Arvicola amphibius 30 1981-2011 RLGB.EN Long-eared Bat species Plecotus 1 1991 RLGB.EN Nathusius's Pipistrelle Pipistrellus nathusii 1 2014 RLGB.Lr(NT) Nyctalus Bat species Nyctalus 1 2010 RLGB.Lr(NT) Pipistrelle Bat species Pipistrellus 16 1988-2015 RLGB.Lr(NT) Serotine Eptesicus serotinus 1 2010 RLGB.VU Unidentified Bat Myotis 2 2012 RLGB.CR,RLGB.DD West European Erinaceus europaeus 19 2000-2017 RLGB.VU Hedgehog
Desig. Code Desig. Name Designation Description Taxa which do not qualify for Lower Risk (conservation dependent), but which are close to IUCN (2001) - Lower risk - near RLGB.Lr(NT) qualifying for Vulnerable. In Britain, this category includes species which occur in 15 or threatened fewer hectads but do not qualify as Critically Endangered, Endangered or Vulnerable.
12 of 40 Merseyside BioBank, The Local Biodiversity Estate Barn, Court Hey Park Roby Road, Liverpool Records Centre L16 3NA for North Merseyside Tel: 0151 737 4150 [email protected]
A taxon is Vulnerable when it is not Critically Endangered or Endangered but is facing a RLGB.VU IUCN (2001) - Vulnerable high risk of extinction in the wild in the medium term future. A taxon is Data Deficient when there is inadequate information to make a direct, or indirect, assessment of its risk of extinction based on its distribution and/or population status. A taxon in this category may be well studied, and its biology well known, but appropriate data RLGB.DD IUCN (2001) - Data Deficient on abundance and/or distribution are lacking. Data Deficient is therefore not a category of threat or Lower Risk. Listing of taxa in this category indicates that more information is required and acknowledges the possibility that future research will show that a threatened category is appropriate. A taxon is Endangered when it is not Critically endangered but is facing a very high risk of RLGB.EN IUCN (2001) - Endangered extinction in the wild in the near future. IUCN (2001) - Critically A taxon is Critically Endangered when it is facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the RLGB.CR endangered wild in the immediate future, as defined by any of the criteria A to E.
Nationally Notable Species These are plants and animals which do not fall within red-list categories but which are none- the-less uncommon in Great Britain.
The following tables detail the Nationally Notable species that were recorded in the search area. Group Common Name Scientific Name Records Dates Designations flowering plant Dune Fescue Vulpia fasciculata 1 2017 NS-excludes Dune Helleborine Epipactis dunensis 2 2017 NR-excludes Coincya monensis subsp. Isle-of-Man Cabbage 1 2017 NS-excludes monensis Mudwort Limosella aquatica 1 1982 NS-excludes Narrow-fruited Water- Callitriche palustris 1 1983 NR-excludes starwort Northern Yellow-cress Rorippa islandica 2 1983 NS-excludes Purple Colt's-foot Homogyne alpina 1 2012 NR-excludes Round-leaved Mint Mentha suaveolens 1 1992 NS-excludes Shrubby Cinquefoil Potentilla fruticosa 1 2010 NR-excludes Tasteless Water-pepper Persicaria mitis 2 1997 NS-excludes White Horehound Marrubium vulgare 1 1994 NS-excludes insect - beetle Scarce 7-spot Ladybird Coccinella magnifica 1 2014 Na (Coleoptera)
Desig. Code Desig. Name Designation Description Nationally Scarce. Excludes Nationally Scarce - Occurring in 16-100 hectads in Great Britain. Excludes rare species NS-excludes Red Listed taxa qualifying under the main IUCN criteria Nationally Rare. Excludes Red Nationally Rare - Occurring in 15 or fewer hectads in Great Britain. Excludes rare species NR-excludes Listed taxa qualifying under the main IUCN criteria. Taxa which do not fall within RDB categories but which are none-the-less uncommon in Great Britain and thought to occur in 30 or fewer 10km squares of the National Grid or, for Na Nationally Notable A less well-recorded groups, within seven or fewer vice-counties. Superseded by Nationally Scarce, and therefore no longer in use.
WCA schedule 9 species (including non-native invasive plants) Schedule 9 of the Wildlife & Countryside Act (amended 2010) lists species of plants and animals for which it is a specific offence to plant or otherwise cause to grow in the wild (plants) or release or allow to escape into the wild (animals). Many of these are invasive non-native plants and animals, but there are also a number of native animals on the list (e.g. Barn Owl) which cannot be released into the wild in England without a license from Natural England.
The following tables detail the WCA Schedule 9 species recorded in the search area. Group Common Name Scientific Name Records Dates Designations bird Barn Owl Tyto alba 1 1997 MBB-WCA-S9 13 of 40 Merseyside BioBank, The Local Biodiversity Estate Barn, Court Hey Park Roby Road, Liverpool Records Centre L16 3NA for North Merseyside Tel: 0151 737 4150 [email protected]
Canada Goose Branta canadensis 1 1998 MBB-WCA-S9 bony fish Bitterling Rhodeus sericeus 3 1982-2009 MBB-WCA-S9 (Actinopterygii) fern Water Fern Azolla filiculoides 1 1999 MBB-WCA-S9 flowering plant Canadian Waterweed Elodea canadensis 11 1981-2004 MBB-WCA-S9 Cotoneaster horizontalis Cotoneaster horizontalis agg. 1 2005 MBB-WCA-S9 agg. Curly Waterweed Lagarosiphon major 2 1999 MBB-WCA-S9 Entire-leaved Cotoneaster integrifolius 1 2002 MBB-WCA-S9 Cotoneaster Indian Balsam Impatiens glandulifera 14 1981-2017 MBB-WCA-S9 Japanese Knotweed Fallopia japonica 78 1981-2015 MBB-WCA-S9 Japanese Rose Rosa rugosa 8 1990-2013 MBB-WCA-S9 Crocosmia pottsii x aurea = Montbretia 11 1992-2017 MBB-WCA-S9 C. x crocosmiiflora Nuttall's Waterweed Elodea nuttallii 1 2008 MBB-WCA-S9 Rhododendron ponticum Rhododendron ponticum 19 1981-2019 MBB-WCA-S9 Lamiastrum galeobdolon Yellow Archangel 1 2010 MBB-WCA-S9 subsp. argentatum terrestrial Black Rat Rattus rattus 1 1977 MBB-WCA-S9 mammal Eastern Grey Squirrel Sciurus carolinensis 19 1996-2017 MBB-WCA-S9
Desig. Code Desig. Name Designation Description Wildlife and Countryside Act Species on Schedule 9 (part 2) as revised 2010. Under section 14 of the Act it is illegal to 1981 (Variation of Schedule 9) MBB-WCA-S9 release into the wild any animal or allow to grow in the wild any plant which is not ordinarily (England and Wales) Order resident in GB or which is a known threat and is listed on Schedule 9 of the Act. 2010
BAP priority habitats In 2007 the Local Biodiversity Manager (responsible for the North Merseyside Biodiversity Action Plan) undertook a review of the extent of UK BAP priority habitats in North Merseyside and produced GIS layers to show their extents. In most cases these inventories were derived from two main sources: the latest Phase 1 habitat surveys which were conducted for the four North Merseyside local authorities between 1996 and 2007; and an NVC survey of the Sefton Coast carried out between 2003 and 2004. A separate NVC survey of the Ribble estuary carried out in 2002 (which also included saltmarsh at the Alt) was also useful as were one or two other sources. Because of the diverse nature of habitat classifications, it was not always possible to produce inventories with a one-to-one correspondence with UK BAP priority habitats. The table below shows the BAP habitat inventories for North Merseyside and their correspondence with UK BAP priority habitats.
North Merseyside habitat inventory Correspondence with UK BAP priority habitats Lowland Acid Grassland Lowland Dry Acid Grassland Lowland Heathland Lowland Heathland Lowland Raised Bog Lowland Raised Bog Incorporates the UK BAP habitat Lowland Meadows but also, in North Merseyside, includes a Neutral Grassland lot of amenity grassland, road verges etc. Calcareous Grassland Calcareous Grassland Ponds Ponds Lakes Eutrophic lakes Reedbeds Reedbeds Hedgerows Hedgerows
14 of 40 Merseyside BioBank, The Local Biodiversity Estate Barn, Court Hey Park Roby Road, Liverpool Records Centre L16 3NA for North Merseyside Tel: 0151 737 4150 [email protected]
Saltmarsh Coast Saltmarsh Sand Dune Coastal Sand Dune It was not possible, from the available data, to produce separate inventories for different woodland types in North Merseyside, so this inventory incorporates elements of several UK All Woodland BAP priority habitats such as Lowland Mixed Deciduous Woodland, Wet Woodland and Wood Pasture & Parkland.
Note that the 'Ponds' BAP inventory was derived locally using water bodies less than two hectares in extent from Ordnance Survey data. The 'Lakes' BAP inventory is a nationally supplied inventory, but the lakes are only represented in this as points. Therefore any water body over two hectares in extent will only be represented on our habitat maps by a point and will not show the extent of the lake. However, ponds will be indicated by polygons showing their extent. Occasionally a large pond – though still less than two hectares in extent – will be represented in both the 'Lake' and 'Pond' inventories.
Habitat Amount Units
Reedbeds 0 hectares Reedbeds 1 count Lakes 1 count Hedgerows 16.44 kilometres Lowland Heathland 0.14 hectares Calcareous Grassland 0.07 hectares All Woodland 87.37 hectares Neutral Grassland 135.51 hectares Ponds 6.09 hectares Ponds 82 count
The table above indicates the extent of each of the BAP habitat inventories (see previous table) occuring within your search area (see appendix 2 for maps).
Detailed habitat mapping Merseyside BioBank collates and maintains detailed habitat mapping – normally Phase 1 or NVC – for the North Merseyside area. This includes both historic data and the most up-to-date habtitat survey data available. Here we report on the detailed habitat mapping we hold for your search area.
Ref: EN-CBA-Coastal Source: Composite layer generated by Merseyside Environmental Advisory Service on behalf of the Liverpool City Region. Survey date: 01/01/2016 Notes: LCR Ecological Network Coastal Core Biodiversity Areas. See http://www.lcreconet.uk/ for further information. CBA General features Gen1 Coastal and Floodplain Grazing Marsh 0.59 ha
Ref: EN-CBA-Grassland Source: Composite layer generated by Merseyside Environmental Advisory Service on behalf of the Liverpool City Region Survey date: 01/01/2016 Notes: LCR Ecological Network Grassland Core Biodiversity Areas. See http://www.lcreconet.uk/ for further information. CBA General features
15 of 40 Merseyside BioBank, The Local Biodiversity Estate Barn, Court Hey Park Roby Road, Liverpool Records Centre L16 3NA for North Merseyside Tel: 0151 737 4150 [email protected]
Gen2 Local Nature Reserve (LNR) 3.8 ha Gen3 Local Wildlife Site 17.51 ha CBA Grassland Gr1 Grasslands 102.37 ha Gr4 Lowland Calcareous Grassland 0.07 ha Gr6 Lowland Meadow 105.11 ha
Ref: EN-CBA-Heathland Source: Composite layer generated by Merseyside Environmental Advisory Service on behalf of the Liverpool City Region Survey date: 01/01/2016 Notes: LCR Ecological Network Heathland Core Biodiversity Areas. See http://www.lcreconet.uk/ for further information. CBA Heathland H3 Lowland Heathland 0.11 ha
Ref: EN-CBA-Wetland Source: Composite layer generated by Merseyside Environmental Advisory Service on behalf of the Liverpool City Region Survey date: 01/01/2016 Notes: LCR Ecological Network Wetland Core Biodiversity Areas. See http://www.lcreconet.uk/ for further information. CBA General features Gen3 Local Wildlife Site 9.67 ha Gen4 Reedbeds 6.81 ha CBA Wetland We4 Lowland Fens 1.02 ha We7 Purple Moor Grass & Rush Pastures 5.97 ha
Ref: EN-CBA-Woodland Source: Composite layer generated by Merseyside Environmental Advisory Service on behalf of the Liverpool City Region Survey date: 01/01/2016 Notes: LCR Ecological Network Woodland Core Biodiversity Areas. See http://www.lcreconet.uk/ for further information. CBA General features Gen3 Local Wildlife Site 31.33 ha CBA Woodland Wo3 Lowland Mixed Broad-leaf Woodland 145.18 ha Wo4 Lowland Mixed Deciduous Woodland 313.63 ha Wo6 Lowland Wood-pasture and Parkland 14.91 ha Wo8 Traditional Orchards 0.13 ha Wo9 Wet Woodland 5.54 ha
Ref: EN-LinearFeatures Source: Composite layer generated by Merseyside Environmental Advisory Service on behalf of the Liverpool City Region Survey date: 01/01/2016 Notes: LCR Ecological Network Linear features. See http://www.lcreconet.uk/ for further information. Linear feature Lin1 Active railway corridor 16.26 km Lin3 Dismantled Railway 4.64 km
16 of 40 Merseyside BioBank, The Local Biodiversity Estate Barn, Court Hey Park Roby Road, Liverpool Records Centre L16 3NA for North Merseyside Tel: 0151 737 4150 [email protected]
Lin4 Dry ditch 1.62 km Lin5 Hedgerow 16.44 km Lin6 Major road corridor 13.39 km Lin7 River 9.28 km
Ref: EN-SteppingStones Source: Composite layer generated by Merseyside Environmental Advisory Service on behalf of the Liverpool City Region Survey date: 01/01/2016 Notes: LCR Ecological Network Stepping Stone habitats. See http://www.lcreconet.uk/ for further information. Stepping stone habitat SS1 Ponds 7.53 ha
Ref: Composite Woodland and scrub A1.1.1 Broadleaved woodland - semi-natural 0.62 ha A1.1.2 Broadleaved woodland - plantation 3.93 ha A2.1 Scrub - dense/continuous 2.01 ha A2.2 Scrub - scattered 5.22 ha 20 (count) A3.1 Broadleaved Parkland/scattered trees 1.97 ha 31 (count) Grassland and marsh B2.1 Neutral grassland - unimproved 6.8 ha B4 Improved grassland 7.36 ha B5 Marsh/marshy grassland 0.81 ha Tall herb and fern C3.1 Other tall herb and fern - ruderal 0.97 ha Open water G1 Standing water 1.03 ha G2 Running water 0.17 ha Miscellaneous J1.2 Cultivated/disturbed land - amenity grassland 7.09 ha J1.3 Cultivated/disturbed land - ephemeral/short perennial 1.52 ha J1.4 Introduced shrub 0.02 ha J2.1.2 Intact hedge - species-poor 0.91 km J3 Built-up areas 1.36 ha J3.6 Buildings 0.67 ha J4 Bare ground 12.81 ha
Habitat maps themselves are produced at the end of the report. You can cross-reference the figures in the tables below to the maps by means of the reference which appears on each map. A map with the reference 'Composite' is a special map made on-the-fly at the time of this report production by merging data from all available sources and using the most up-to-date mapping available at any given point in your search area.
17 of 40 Merseyside BioBank, The Local Biodiversity Estate Barn, Court Hey Park Roby Road, Liverpool Records Centre L16 3NA for North Merseyside Tel: 0151 737 4150 [email protected]
Designated Areas There are a number of types of 'designated areas' in North Merseyside. These types are shown in the table below together with the total number of North Merseyside sites for each. Type of area No. of sites
Site of Special Scientific Interest 6 Special Protection Area (Natura 2000) 3 Marine Special Protection Area 1
Special Area of Conservation (Natura 2000) 1 RAMSAR (wetland of international importance) 3 National Nature Reserve 3 Local Nature Reserve 57 Knowsley Local Wildlife Site 23 Sefton Local Wildlife Site 55 St Helens Local Wildlife Site 121 Liverpool Local Wildlife Site 29 Merseyside Ancient Woodland Inventory 11 RSPB/LWT Windfarm Alert Map 1 Red Squirrel Protection Area 1
The following table indicates the results of the intersection between the search area and designated areas detailed above (see appendix 2 for maps). Name Type
Thatto Heath Meadows Local Nature Reserve Thatto Heath Meadows St Helens Local Wildlife Site Rough Grassland around Sutton Dam Stream St Helens Local Wildlife Site Old mineral line Lea Green St Helens Local Wildlife Site Pendlebury Brook (SJ493920-SJ515914) St Helens Local Wildlife Site Whittle Brook (SJ521902-SJ535896) St Helens Local Wildlife Site Ansdells Wood St Helens Local Wildlife Site Ravenhead Ponds St Helens Local Wildlife Site Land, west of Gerrards Lane St Helens Local Wildlife Site Sutton Mill Dam St Helens Local Wildlife Site Sutton Brook (SJ530935-SJ526945) St Helens Local Wildlife Site Sherdley Park St Helens Local Wildlife Site Tunstalls Farm St Helens Local Wildlife Site Clock Face country park pond St Helens Local Wildlife Site Sutton Manor St Helens Local Wildlife Site
Citations1 for Local Wildlife Sites are supplied separately.
1 In Knowsley, some Local Wildlife Site citations do not include lists of species and habitats for which they are designated and where this is the case a separate list is supplied for the site. No Local Wildlife citations are available for Liverpool Local Wildlife Sites (current or potential). No citations for LNRs are available. Citations for national and internationally designated sites (SSSI, SPA etc) are publicly available. 18 of 40 Merseyside BioBank, The Local Biodiversity Estate Barn, Court Hey Park Roby Road, Liverpool Records Centre L16 3NA for North Merseyside Tel: 0151 737 4150 [email protected]
Interpretation and caveats Merseyside BioBank records included All relevant non-confidiential records managed by Merseyside BioBank which intersect the search area are included in this report, except where excluded by one or more of the conditions described in the rest of this section.
NBN Atlas records included All relevant records available to Merseyside BioBank from the NBN Atlas are included in this report, except where excluded by one or more of the conditions described in the rest of this section. NBN Atlas records are accessed live via web-services at the time of report generation.
Merseyside BioBank often has access to NBN records at higher resolution than the standard 'public' access. These records have been downloaded and used with the permission of the data providers, but are subject to normal NBN Atlas terms and conditions. You must not use them beyond the specific purposes for which this report was provided to you and you must adhere, at all times, to the NBN Atlas terms and conditions.
Record location and dates If a record can only be located to a relatively low precision (e.g. 1 km or 2 km square), then it is possible that the unrecorded precise location of the animal or plant might have been outside of the search area. Sometimes the location name column can be useful in deciding whether or not this was likely to have been the case. In records from our own database, we have replaced all digits with the '#' character in the location field to people's privacy where addresses have been used as location names.
Records which are only available to us at less than 2 km square (tetrad) precision are excluded from the report. We report dates at the highest precision available to us. Records for which no date is available are excluded from the report.
Absence of records and 'negative records' The absence of biological records for an area, or the presence of 'negative records', is not proof that taxa are not present.
Duplicate records Although we do our very best to avoid reporting the same record more than once ('duplicate records') this is sometimes unavoidable for records that have entered the biological records network via more than one route. In particular, there may be some record duplication between records from Merseyside BioBank's database and records from the NBN Atlas datasets (though, of course, we do not report on NBN Atlas records which originate from Merseyside BioBank).
Validity of records Whilst Merseyside BioBank continually strives to verify the records that we manage, we accept no responsibility for any errors subsequently discovered. Merseyside BioBank accepts no responsibility for errors in data derived from the NBN Atlas.
19 of 40 Merseyside BioBank, The Local Biodiversity Estate Barn, Court Hey Park Roby Road, Liverpool Records Centre L16 3NA for North Merseyside Tel: 0151 737 4150 [email protected]
Bird records Only bird records with a recorded status of proven, probable and possible breeding have been included in this data search. Bird records with other statuses are not included. The most recent bird records for North Merseyside included, e.g. those generated for the ongoing breeding and wintering atlas projects, since these data have yet to undergo verification by the County Bird Recorder. It is possible for you to contact the County Bird Recorder independently for his interpretation of the most recent data with respect to your search area. The contact details are:
Steve White [email protected]
Please note that if this is a commercial data request you will be invoiced by Sefton Borough Council, which is the hosting authority for Merseyside BioBank.
20 of 40 Merseyside BioBank, The Local Biodiversity Estate Barn, Court Hey Park Roby Road, Liverpool Records Centre L16 3NA for North Merseyside Tel: 0151 737 4150 [email protected]
Appendix 1: Terms and conditions of use
Merseyside BioBank receives data from a variety of sources, from large organisations to amateur naturalists. With Merseyside BioBank operating as custodians, these individuals and groups, who provide their records free of charge, retain copyright on their data.
All data passed to a third party (users) by Merseyside BioBank are subject to these access terms and conditions. Non-adherence to these terms and conditions will be viewed as a breach of contract, which may result in legal redress being sought.
1. Users agree that data released by Merseyside BioBank, in any format and on any media, will only be used for the purpose for which it was originally requested and for any time period originally agreed upon (See note 3 below).
2. Users agree that data released by Merseyside BioBank will not be added to any permanent database system (electronic or paper based) unless by written agreement with Merseyside BioBank.
3. Users understand that following the end of the agreed time period, or 12 months from the enquiry date, the received data must be deleted from any electronic system (See note 2 above). Use of the data beyond this period must be preceded by a further request to Merseyside BioBank.
4. Users agree that data retrieved from Merseyside BioBank will not be passed on to or communicated with third parties except as aggregated data within reports, or as anonymised data in the form of maps etc., which constitute a part of the agreed reason for the original enquiry.
5. Merseyside BioBank disclaims any responsibility for the accuracy of the information within its reports and accepts no liability for any result of using these data.
6. Any biological record is specific to the date of the recording and does not necessarily imply the continuance of the species at that site.
7. The lack of species and/or habitat information for a geographically defined area does not necessarily imply a low biodiversity value for that area. It may simply be unrecorded.
8. While the information from Merseyside BioBank in itself will remain free, Merseyside BioBank reserves the right to charge a reasonable fee to cover administration and a proportion of overheads as detailed in our charging policy.
9. A copy of any report, or other product, produced using the data from Merseyside BioBank would be gratefully received if provided without cost.
10. Merseyside BioBank must be acknowledged within any report, or other product produced, using data provided by Merseyside BioBank.
21 of 40 Merseyside BioBank, Estate Barn, Court Hey Park The Local Biodiversity Records Centre Roby Road, Liverpool for North Merseyside L16 3NA Tel: 0151 737 4150 [email protected]
Appendix 2: Maps The following page(s) include maps to illustrate some of the results of your data request. They should be viewed in the context of the results supplied in the main body of the report.
The Ordnance Survey mapping included in the maps provided by Merseyside BioBank under Sefton Council's licence from Ordnance Survey. These maps are provided to assist decision-makers in the effective and sustainable management of land, species and habitats. Ordnance Survey should be contacted directly if any of these maps are to be used in another document.
22 of 40 Merseyside BioBank, Estate Barn, Court Hey Park The Local Biodiversity Records Centre Roby Road, Liverpool for North Merseyside L16 3NA Tel: 0151 737 4150 [email protected]
23 of 40 Merseyside BioBank, Estate Barn, Court Hey Park The Local Biodiversity Records Centre Roby Road, Liverpool for North Merseyside L16 3NA Tel: 0151 737 4150 [email protected]
24 of 40 Merseyside BioBank, Estate Barn, Court Hey Park The Local Biodiversity Records Centre Roby Road, Liverpool for North Merseyside L16 3NA Tel: 0151 737 4150 [email protected]
25 of 40 Merseyside BioBank, Estate Barn, Court Hey Park The Local Biodiversity Records Centre Roby Road, Liverpool for North Merseyside L16 3NA Tel: 0151 737 4150 [email protected]
26 of 40 Merseyside BioBank, Estate Barn, Court Hey Park The Local Biodiversity Records Centre Roby Road, Liverpool for North Merseyside L16 3NA Tel: 0151 737 4150 [email protected]
27 of 40 Merseyside BioBank, Estate Barn, Court Hey Park The Local Biodiversity Records Centre Roby Road, Liverpool for North Merseyside L16 3NA Tel: 0151 737 4150 [email protected]
28 of 40 Merseyside BioBank, Estate Barn, Court Hey Park The Local Biodiversity Records Centre Roby Road, Liverpool for North Merseyside L16 3NA Tel: 0151 737 4150 [email protected]
29 of 40 Merseyside BioBank, Estate Barn, Court Hey Park The Local Biodiversity Records Centre Roby Road, Liverpool for North Merseyside L16 3NA Tel: 0151 737 4150 [email protected]
30 of 40 Merseyside BioBank, Estate Barn, Court Hey Park The Local Biodiversity Records Centre Roby Road, Liverpool for North Merseyside L16 3NA Tel: 0151 737 4150 [email protected]
31 of 40 Merseyside BioBank, Estate Barn, Court Hey Park The Local Biodiversity Records Centre Roby Road, Liverpool for North Merseyside L16 3NA Tel: 0151 737 4150 [email protected]
32 of 40 Merseyside BioBank, Estate Barn, Court Hey Park The Local Biodiversity Records Centre Roby Road, Liverpool for North Merseyside L16 3NA Tel: 0151 737 4150 [email protected]
33 of 40 Merseyside BioBank, Estate Barn, Court Hey Park The Local Biodiversity Records Centre Roby Road, Liverpool for North Merseyside L16 3NA Tel: 0151 737 4150 [email protected]
34 of 40 Merseyside BioBank, Estate Barn, Court Hey Park The Local Biodiversity Records Centre Roby Road, Liverpool for North Merseyside L16 3NA Tel: 0151 737 4150 [email protected]
35 of 40 Merseyside BioBank, Estate Barn, Court Hey Park The Local Biodiversity Records Centre Roby Road, Liverpool for North Merseyside L16 3NA Tel: 0151 737 4150 [email protected]
36 of 40 Merseyside BioBank, Estate Barn, Court Hey Park The Local Biodiversity Records Centre Roby Road, Liverpool for North Merseyside L16 3NA Tel: 0151 737 4150 [email protected]
37 of 40 Merseyside BioBank, Estate Barn, Court Hey Park The Local Biodiversity Records Centre Roby Road, Liverpool for North Merseyside L16 3NA Tel: 0151 737 4150 [email protected]
38 of 40 Merseyside BioBank, Estate Barn, Court Hey Park The Local Biodiversity Records Centre Roby Road, Liverpool for North Merseyside L16 3NA Tel: 0151 737 4150 [email protected]
39 of 40 Merseyside BioBank, Estate Barn, Court Hey Park The Local Biodiversity Records Centre Roby Road, Liverpool for North Merseyside L16 3NA Tel: 0151 737 4150 [email protected]
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