Extended phase 1 habitat survey Field to north of Ysgol Bro Hyddgen and Gasworks lane access route Machynlleth, Powys Powys County Council Ref: Vital-WLGL-EP1-17-08-2020 17th August 2020 Author: Scott Roe BSc (Hons), ACIEEM, AMRSB Signed Date 17/8/2020 Vital Ecology Unti 1 Dyfi Eco Park, Powys, Machynlleth, SY20 8JB 01654 701 499 / 07805 618 595 [email protected] / www.itsvital.co.uk Field to North of Ysgol Bro Hyddgen and Gasworks lane access route, Machynlleth, Powys Executive summary Report overview This extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey was commissioned by Powys County Council. The purpose of this survey was to assess the site, recording habitat types and noting any presence or signs of protected species. Habitats that could support protected species are also noted where appropriate. Any potential constraints to development due to habitats, species or features recorded are clearly shown along with recommendations for mitigation, compensation or further surveys. Summary of 25 designated or priority habitats were recorded within the 1km search radius of the proposed findings development. One hundred and twenty four priority species were found to be recorded within 1km of the central development grid reference. One priority habitat were found within the survey area; Hedgerows. No priority species were recorded during the survey. A previous Phase 1 survey in 2018 recorded two priority species; Coenonympha pamphilus (Small Heath) and (Boloria selene) Small Pearl-Bordered Fritillary. One invasive species was recorded during the survey; Impatiens glandulifera (Himalyan Balsam). Suitable habitat was found for a number of priority or conservation concern species, including but not limited to: Tyto alba (Barn Owl), Emberiza citrinella (Yellowhammer), Cuculus canorus (Cuckoo) and Sturnus vulgaris (Starling). Zootoca vivipara (Common Lizard), Natrix helvetica (Grass snake), Anguis fragilis (Slow worm), Bufo bufo (Common Toad), Lutra lutra (Otter), Arvicola amphibius (Water Vole), Emberiza citrinella, (Small Heath) and Boloria selene (Small Pearl-Bordered Fritillary). Overview of It is recommended that Water Vole, Otter and Reptile surveys are conducted and if recommendations species are found to be present that appropriate mitigation and/or compensation measures are applied. Any development proposals should consider mitigation and biosecurity measures to avoid the possibility of spreading Impatiens glandulifera (Himalyan Balsam). Further recommendations are detailed in Appendix 5. Other Widespread Reptiles: Slow-worm, Viviparous lizard, Grass snake and Adder have protection under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. Water voles are now fully protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended). This protection has implications for developers and planners who wish to carry out work where water voles are present. The Otter is protected under the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017, known as the ‘Habitats Regulations’ Contents 1. Introduction 1.1. Site details and description 1.2. Proposed development or project 1.2.2.Disclaimer 2. Methods 2.1. Desk study 2.2. Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey and methodology statement 3. Survey Results: Desk study 3.1.1.Designated sites of importance for nature conservation 3.2. Protected, Priority and notable species 3.3. Geological and soil data 3.3.1.Basic geological overview 3.3.2. Basic Soil Overview 3.4. Phase 1 Habitat Survey - Habitats 3.5. Phase 1 Habitat Survey - Species 3.6. Survey Constraints 4. Evaluation and recommendations and field survey findings 4.1. Designations 4.2. Habitats 4.3. Species 4.3.9 Field study constraints 4.4. Concluding statement 5.Wildlife legislation and planning policy 5.1. European protected species 5.2. Other protected species 5.3. Planning policy Wales or National planning policy framework 5.4. Schedule 9 plant species 5.5.Trees and the law 6. References 7. Appendices Appendix 1. Phase 1 habitat map Appendix 2. Site photographs Appendix 3. Species list Appendix 4. Ecological statements Appendix 5. Ecological enhancement opportunities Appendix 6. Guide to designation names Appendix 7. Guide to species and habitat protection codes Field to north of Ysgol Bro Hyddgen and Gasworks lane access route, Machynlleth, Powys 1. Introduction This extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey was commissioned by Powys County Council. The survey was a combined Phase 1 Habitat survey and protected species survey. The purpose of this survey was to assess the site, recording habitat types and noting any presence or signs of protected species. Habitats that could support any protected species are also noted where appropriate. Any potential constraints to development due to habitats, species or features recorded are clearly shown along with recommendations for mitigation, compensation or further surveys. 1.1. Site The site is located on the western edge of the town of Machynlleth in Powys with a central survey grid reference of SH 74301 00692, (Appendix 1). The site consists of marshy grassland, improved grassland, hedgerows and ditch habitats and is approximately 1.7 ha in size. The surrounding land largely consists of, improved grassland, semi- natural broadleaved woodland, poor semi-improved grassland and buildings. Other less extensive habitats found within 1km of the core survey site include, bare ground, dense scrub, bracken, standing water and planted coniferous woodland. A complete list of habitats present can be found in section 3.4. 1.2. Proposed development, project or action Powys County Council propose the construction of a new grass-pitch for Ysgol Bro Hyddgen. Access for maintenance and emergency vehicles would be via Gasworks lane. 1.2.2. Disclaimer Vital Ecology has exercised due care in preparing this report and the content has been provided in accordance with the CIEEM Code of Professional Conduct. We have not independently verified information provided by others. No other warranty, express or implied, is made in relation to the content of this report and Vital Ecology assumes no liability for any loss resulting from errors, omissions or misrepresentation made by others. Nothing in this report constitutes legal opinion. If legal opinion is required the advice of a qualified legal professional should be secured. Any observations relating to built structures or trees have been made from an ecological point of view and, unless stated otherwise, do not constitute structural or arboricultural advice. 2. Methods 2.1. Desk Study A biological data search was carried out through the local biological records centre ‘Biodiversity Information Service for Powys & Brecon Beacons National Park’. This initial search identified priority species, species of conservation concern and locally important species that have been recorded within 1km of the survey area. The Multi-Agency Geographical information for the countryside (MAGIC) was consulted to obtain information relating to site designations within the area. Consultation of The National Biodiversity Network (NBN) website provided us with further information and cross-checking relating to protected, priority or notable species in the area. The British Geological Society’s ‘iGeology application’ and The European Soil Data Centre’s ‘mySoil application’ were consulted for relevant data. Aerial photography was used as a tool for initial examination of the sites characteristics and to view the surrounding area. The use of aerial photography was also used to locate any potential features of interest on the site and within the wider landscape. 2.2. Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey and methodology statement An extended Phase 1 Habitat survey was carried out by Scott Roe, an experienced ecological consultant and associate member of CIEEM. The survey was carried out in warm, calm and dry conditions on Tuesday 28th July 2020. The extended phase 1 habitat survey was carried out in accordance with JNCC guidelines. Phase 1 habitat survey is a standard survey method and classification tool that allows the categorisation and mapping of habitats in an accurate and consistent way. Extended phase 1 habitat surveys include initial surveys and searches for signs of protected, priority and notable species. The potential suitability of habitats on site and within the surrounding area for supporting protected, priority and notable species is also noted. Badgers Survey sites are searched for signs such as latrines, setts, footprints, hairs caught on fences and feeding scrapes. Water Voles Where suitable habitat exists careful searches are carried out to locate field signs such as plant stems, other feeding remains, latrines, runs and burrows. Otters All riparian zones when reasonably and safely accessible are carefully searched for Otter signs such as spraint, footprints, feeding remains, lay-up sites, holts and slides. An in-stream/river survey is also carried out in all locations where this is safe to do so. Any likely layup sites are examined for signs of Otters and where necessary a torch may be used. Bats Surveys for bats vary hugely depending on the development and situation. Often the only survey required is an assessment of the habitat in terms of bat potential. Any natural roosting sites are noted and if required their location included in the report. If it is likely that bat roosts are present in sensitive areas of the site a scoping survey would be carried out and a separate specific bat survey may be recommended. Birds Checks are made for nests from the previous season. Depending on time of year breeding bird activity