Tan Ybryn Caravan Park, Bryn Pydew, Conwy

Tan y Bryn Caravan Park, Bryn Pydew, Conwy - Biodiversity Statement

TAN Y BRYN CARAVAN PARK, BRYN

PYDEW, CONWY:

EXTENDED PHASE 1 HABITAT SURVEY

AND BIODIVERSITY STATEMENT

PREPARED BY:

ECOLOGIST TIM YARDLEY

DATE 24/05/2016

APPROVED BY

ECOLOGIST RHIAN HUGHES

DATE 08/06/2015

Report Ref: EE.111.05.16/TY

Aelod o Cymdeithas Ymgyngoriaethau Ymddiriedolaethau Natur A member of the Association of Wildlife Trust Consultancies Copyright Enfys Ecology 2016 PageMae 1Enfys of 46 Ecology yn is-gwmni i Ymddiriedolaeth Natur Gogledd Cymru www.enfysecology.co.uk Enfys Ecology is a subsidiary of North Wales Wildlife Trust Rhif Cwmni / Company Number 2535184

Tan y Bryn Caravan Park, Bryn Pydew, Conwy - Biodiversity Statement

Contents

Contents ...... 2 1.0 Introduction ...... 3 2.0 Site Description ...... 3 3.0 Methodology ...... 5 4.0 Survey Results ...... 6 5.0 Discussion and Evaluation ...... 28 6.0 Recommendations ...... 33 7.0 References and useful Information Sources ...... 38 8.0 Appendices ...... 39

Tan y Bryn Caravan Park, Bryn Pydew, Conwy - Biodiversity Statement

1.0 Introduction

Enfys Ecology Limited was commissioned by Peter Jones-Hughes, on behalf of the landowner John Hughes to carry out an extended phase 1 habitat survey and biodiversity statement of land around Tan y Bryn Caravan Park, Bryn Pydew, near Llandudno Junction, Conwy. Proposals have been drawn up to expand the area of the caravan park onto surrounding land, therefore surveys were commissioned to evaluate the potential ecological constraints of development on the site and surrounding area.

The survey area comprised several large agricultural fields (arable and pasture) and areas of woodland with associated hedgerows, field boundaries and trees. The area lies on a hillside outside the town of Llandudno Junction, and is centred on approximate grid reference SJ08315412.

The aim of the surveys was to gain baseline ecological data on the species and habitats present on the site, identify any possible ecological constraints to potential development arising from the site or surrounding area, and recommend suitable general mitigation and/or compensation strategies for these issues were the site to be developed as planned.

Enfys Ecology carried out an extended phase 1 habitat survey of the site including a desk study examining local ecological records held for the area by Cofnod, the ecological record centre for the North Wales region. The Conwy Local Development Plan (LDP) was also referenced for this report.

2.0 Site Description

2.1 Survey area The survey area encompassed several large fields and areas of woodland, surrounding the existing Tan y Bryn Caravan Park, near Bryn Pydew. The site also includes many field boundaries with hedgerows and trees, and a small number of buildings and areas of hardstanding around the caravan park. In the east of the area is a large former quarry (which could not be accessed during the present survey). The survey area lies on the slopes of a low ridge, running roughly southwest to northeast. The high point of the ridge runs along the southern part of the area; the caravan park and almost all of the fields are on the north facing slope, while the woodland along the southern boundary faces south. In the centre of the site there are limestone outcrops at the surface, forming small areas of limestone pavement.

The survey area and location of the potential development site is shown in figure 1, overleaf.

2.3 Surrounding habitats and features The survey location is within a large rural area between Llandudno in the north, Llandudno Junction and the Colwyn Bay urban area, on the southern part of the Creuddyn peninsula. The area is a hilly landscape of pasture fields, divided by tall hedgerows with frequent mature Copyright Enfys Ecology 2016 Page 3 of 46 www.enfysecology.co.uk

Tan y Bryn Caravan Park, Bryn Pydew, Conwy - Biodiversity Statement

trees, and significant areas of broadleaved and mixed woodland, hedgerows and trees. The large woodland of Coed Bron Garth is partly included in the survey area, and lines the southern boundary. There are also significant woodlands to the north. The area is dotted with farm buildings and several deep former quarries.

The nearest significant developed area is the outskirts of the Colwyn Bay , at closest just over 250m to the east. The hedgerows and grassland within the survey area have good connectivity with a large area of similar habitat outside the area, especial;y to the north and west.

The survey area and location of the potential development sites are shown in figure 1, below.

FIGURE 1. THE SURVEY AREA AROUND TAN Y BRYN. THE APPROXIMATE SURVEY AREA IS OUTLINED IN RED. THE EXISTING CARAVAN PARK IN BLUE, AND THE PROPOSED EXPANSION (DEVELOPMENT AREA) OUTLINED IN BLUE. © GOOGLE 2016

Tan y Bryn Caravan Park, Bryn Pydew, Conwy - Biodiversity Statement

3.0 Methodology

3.1 Desk study The desk study comprised consultation with Cofnod, the local records centre for North Wales, to determine the presence of statutory and non-statutory sites for nature conservation, and records of protected, notable, or Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) species and habitats from within and around the site of the proposed development (to a distance of 2km from the site). The Conwy Borough Local Development Plan (Hereafter: LDP) was also consulted through the online portal.

The records were used to inform the survey and recommendations, and provide context for evaluating the species and habitats found during the survey.

3.2 Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey A survey of the site was conducted by an experienced ecologist walking over the site. All hedgerows and other habitats were thoroughly examined for evidence of protected species. Notes were taken on the habitat types present, and their suitability for protected species, and target notes were used to record any habitats or features of particular note, following the standard methodology (JNCC 2010). A list of floral species was recorded. A search for evidence of protected species was carried out, including amphibians (including great crested newt Triturus cristatus), bats, and reptiles. Evidence of badgers (Meles meles) including setts, dung pits, hairs, footprints, and scratching posts or trees was searched for. Trees with suitable features for roosting bats, including knot holes and other crevices, hollow trunks and dense ivy (Hedera helix) coverage were identified.

The extended phase 1 habitat survey was conducted on the 28th April and a brief revisit on the 3rd May 2016 by suitably experienced ecologists; Tim Yardley and Lucy Boyett.

3.3 Limitations Due to the size of the site, it was not possible to visit the entirety of the larger habitats within the survey area, this included the large fields of improved grassland (which however were largely walked over) but principally applied to the large area of broadleaved woodland in the northern part of the survey area, parts of which were very dense and could not be accessed. A large quarry in the north centre of the area could not be accessed but was visible and examined from above. The entire length of the woodland area was walked and the vast majority of the site area was covered, with representative areas of every habitat, however it cannot be guaranteed that features such as badger setts within the inaccessible areas were found. All areas subject to development and the surroundings (to at least a 50m buffer) were examined in detail.

Descriptions of plant species concentrate on the most obvious and abundant species present, as the most important determinant of habitats present, however wherever possible an attempt has been made to list all species present, and any rare or notable, protected or invasive species are identified.

Tan y Bryn Caravan Park, Bryn Pydew, Conwy - Biodiversity Statement

The results of this survey consists only of those species encountered in a single survey visit. Species that use the site infrequently or at different times of the year may not have been recorded, and the absence of species from the results of a single survey should not be taken as indicating the species’ definite absence from the area in question.

4.0 Survey Results

4.1 Desk Study

A data search was carried out by Cofnod on 27th April 2016 for protected, notable and invasive non-native species and statutory and non-statutory designated sites within or intersecting a 2km radius of the survey area.

4.1.1 Statutory Designated sites

There were four statutory designated sites within a 2km radius of the survey area, two of which were Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), one a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and one a Special Protection Area (SPA).

Creuddyn SSSI is made up of a number of separate sites, one of which is within the survey area running along the south of the site covering the woodland areas. The SSSI (including the other separate sites) is designated for its botanical and entomological features; semi-natural woodland, calcareous grassland, rare vascular plant assemblage and grassland invertebrate assemblage (Creuddyn Site of Special Scientific Interest Citation). The second SSSI is Bryn Euryn located 550m to the east of the site boundary designated for its calcareous grassland.

The woodland along the southern boundary of the survey area is also one area of Creuddyn Peninsula Woods SAC designated for its Tilio-Acerion forest.

Liverpool Bay SPA is located 1766m north of the site boundary, off the north Wales coast.

4.1.2 Non-Statutory Designated Sites

Local Wildlife Sites There are 20 Local Wildlife Sites within or intersecting a 2km radius around the survey area. The nearest of which is Morfa Penrhyn (Candidate Site) which runs along the eastern boundary of the site across the road and is a candidate site for winter flocks of waders.

Regionally Important Geodiversity Sites There are three Regionally Important Geodiversity Sites within a 2km radius around the survey area. The nearest of which is Bryn Pydew which borders the survey area boundary to the north-west.

Tan y Bryn Caravan Park, Bryn Pydew, Conwy - Biodiversity Statement

The Bryn Pydew North Wales Wildlife Trust reserve is directly adjacent (over the road) to the survey area, to the north. This reserve is managed for its diverse limestone flora, including limestone pavement and calcareous grassland communities.

4.1.3 Protected and notable species

In total Cofnod held 35,566 records within the 2km search radius, 2177 of which were of protected, notable or invasive non-native (462 different species).

A summary of the key records is presented in Table 1 (overleaf) and the full data returned from Cofnod is included in a separate document, Appendix C.

4.1.4 Protected and notable fauna

There were a number of bird records returned within the site boundary including swallow (Hirundo rustica), buzzard (Buteo buteo) and raven (Corvus corax). Chough (Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax) has also been recorded within the site boundary in 2006, this is a Schedule 1 species under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended).

Butterfly species recorded within the site boundary have included silver-studded blue (Plebejus argus), which is an LBAP species and is listed under Schedule 5, Section 9 of the WCA and small heath (Coenonympha pamphilus), which is also an LBAP species.

A large proportion of the total records returned within the 2km search area (34,304 records) were birds, with 195 different protected or notable species. These records are fairly evenly distributed throughout the whole search area.

There were a number of records of bat species recorded within the search area, including brown long-eared (Plecotus auritus), lesser horseshoe (Rhinolophus hipposideros) and Pipistrellus species. The nearest bat records were of droppings in farm buildings 220m west of the site boundary.

Otter spraints have been recorded along the Avon Ganol to the east of the site, the nearest being 683m to the north recorded in 2011.

There were two records of badgers in Coed Bron Garth, which is an area of woodland adjacent to the site boundary to the south. These were recorded in 1997 and again in 2011.

4.1.5 Protected and notable flora

Within the site boundary bryophytes recorded included side-fruited crisp-moss (Pleurochaete squarrosa) which is classed as Locally Important, common feather-moss

Tan y Bryn Caravan Park, Bryn Pydew, Conwy - Biodiversity Statement

(Eurhynchium prelongum) and chalk comb-moss (Ctenidium molluscum) which are both LBAP species.

Western gorse (Ulex gallii) has also been recorded within the site boundary.

Cofnod hold no records of invasive non-native species recorded within the search area.

TABLE 1: SPECIES OF PARTICULAR INTEREST WITHIN 2KM OF THE SURVEY AREA. Species Group Species Designation Details 6 records between Bern, HDir, 2009 – 2015, The Common Frog WCA5, LBAP nearest record 190m to (Rana temporaria) CON the north of the site boundary. 7 records between BAP, Bern, S42, Common Toad 2005–2015, 1 record in WCA5, LBAP Amphibian (Bufo bufo) 2014, 56m to the north CON of the site boundary. 3 records between 2005-2012, The nearest Palmate Newt Bern, WCA5, a record of 1 individual (Lissotriton LBAP CON under a rock in 2012, helveticus) 176m to the north of the site boundary. Bern, CITES, 2 records, the nearest a RD2(UK), UKBA, record of 1 individual Barn Owl Birds WBA, WCA1.1, 56m to the north of the (Tyto alba) WCA9, LBAP site boundary before CON 2007. 24 records within the last 20 years. Nearest records were 32m Badger Bern, PBA, LBAP (1997) and 40m (2011) (Meles meles) CON away in the woodland Terrestrial south of the site Mammal boundary. BAP, Bern, 2 records of droppings Brown Long-eared Bonn, EPS, HDir, and a roost in 2002 and Bat RD2(UK), S42, 2003 265m and 537m (Plecotus auritus) WCA5, LBAP to the west of the site CON boundary.

Tan y Bryn Caravan Park, Bryn Pydew, Conwy - Biodiversity Statement

Species Group Species Designation Details BAP, Bern, 7 records between Lesser Horseshoe Bonn, EPS, HDir, 1996-1998, nearest Bat RD2(UK), S42, 986m to the west of the (Rhinolophus WCA5, LBAP site boundary. hipposideros) CON 3 records between Bern, Bonn, EPS, 2008 and 2014. Nearest HDir, RD2(UK), Pipistrellus species record was 220m to the S42, WCA5, east of the site LBAP CON boundary. BAP, Bern, 8 records between CITES, EPS, HDir, 2007-2011. Nearest Otter RD1(UK), record was 1 spraint (Lutra lutra) RD2(UK), S42, 683m to the north of WCA5, LBAP the site boundary. CON 3 records between BAP, Bern, S42, Common Lizard 2006-2013, nearest WCA5, LBAP (Zootoca vivipara) 553m to the east of the CON site boundary. 10 records between BAP, Bern, S42, Slow-worm 1997-2015, nearest Reptiles WCA5, LBAP (Anguis fragilis) 644m to the south west CON of the site boundary. 4 records of grass snake BAP, Bern, S42, Grass Snake between 2006-2013, WCA5, LBAP (Natrix natrix) nearest 1501m to the CON east of the site. PBA: Protection of Badgers Act WCA: Wildlife and countryside Act 1981 S42: - Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 (Section 42) BAP: Biodiversity Action Plan LBAP CON: Conwy Local Biodiversity Action Plan EPS: European protected species Bern, Bonn: Bern and Bonn Conventions CITES: Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species RDB1 –Red Data Book, internationally listed based on IUCN Guidelines. RDB2 –Red Data Book, nationally rare/scarce

Tan y Bryn Caravan Park, Bryn Pydew, Conwy - Biodiversity Statement

4.1.6 Conwy Local Development Plan The Conwy Borough Local Development plan (Hereafter referred to as the LDP) is a county scale plan for land use and development within the borough (excluding only the national park, and known as the plan area). The plan aims to “provide a practical and detailed basis for the control of development and use of land” within the plan area, and is a principal point of reference for planning decisions.

The present survey area at Tan y Bryn contains land falling under several categories, these are: Safeguarded hard Rock Reserves Special Area of Conservation (SAC) Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) Ancient Woodland

The entire area falls under “safeguarded hard rock reserves”. Planning permission will not be granted which will directly or indirectly harm the long term viability of working these resources, unless specific exceptions can be shown.

The woodland areas of Coed Bron-garth in the south and east of the survey area fall under the categories SAC and SSSi. The northern part of the woodland is also classed under Ancient woodland. Creuddyn peninsula Woodland is one of two SACs entirely within the borough. Trees and woodland are considered by the LDP as “irreplaceable habitat”, linking other habitat and adding to landscape character, development within these three areas is subject to special planning policies, and is likely to be looked upon more negatively.

For further information consult the Conwy LDP (see section 7.0, references).

Tan y Bryn Caravan Park, Bryn Pydew, Conwy - Biodiversity Statement

4.2 Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey

4.2.1 Habitat Types The following phase 1 habitat and feature types were recorded within and adjacent to the site:

 Scattered or individual broadleaved trees  Semi-natural broadleaved woodland  Poor semi-improved grassland  Improved grassland  Amenity grassland  Arable  Semi-improved calcareous grassland  Limestone Pavement/Basic rock exposure  Species-poor hedgerows  Continuous scrub  Fences  Walls  Standing water  Buildings  Caravan site  Quarry

There was also several areas of hardstanding (roads) which do not have a phase 1 habitat category, and some small areas of bare ground of insufficient size to include on the map.

A phase 1 habitat map of the site is provided in figure 2, overleaf. A description of the habitats including some species information and details of target notes from the map are provided below. Photographs of the site are included within the text. Appendix A contains a list full of the species recorded including scientific names.

Tan y Bryn Caravan Park, Bryn Pydew, Conwy - Biodiversity Statement

FIGURE 2. PHASE 1 HABITAT MAP OF THE SURVEY AREA. TARGET NOTES AND DESCRIPTIONS OF THE HABITATS FOLLOW IN THE SUBSEQUENT SECTIONS.

Tan y Bryn Caravan Park, Bryn Pydew, Conwy - Biodiversity Statement

4.2.2 Target notes. (Hereafter referred to as “TN”.)

1. A large pond, this is the only significant area of water within the survey area. The pond was in the southern corner of the woodland, in an open area subject to cattle grazing, the surrounding ground and banks were heavily cattle poached. The pond appeared deep (at least 50cm and was well vegetated, with aquatic vegetation covering the water surface including duckweed, mats of green algae, and dense stands of grass (possibly floating sweetgrass, though not recorded in the vicinity). There were a few emergent plants including water crowfoot and terrestrial species including buttercup and dock (thought too small to be water dock, but could not be reached for verification). The banks and surroundings contained only low growing vegetation including grasses, rushes and nettles, leaving the water largely unshaded (save the edge of the tree canopy high above),

Photo 1. Pond at TN 1.

2. This corner of the field contains several large piles of brash and other collected deadwood, providing potential habitat for species including reptiles, amphibians, and small mammals and nesting birds. The piles appear to have been in place for some time. The area is shaded by numerous scattered trees, including oak and ash (no bat potential present). The grassland is more diverse than the majority of the other fields and is probably not improved to the same degree due to the rocky ground.

The trees here, while large, were in relatively good condition with no visible gaps or crevices that might be suitable for bats or nesting birds.

Tan y Bryn Caravan Park, Bryn Pydew, Conwy - Biodiversity Statement

Photo 2. ‘Habitat piles’ at TN 2.

3. A diverse field margin including cowslip, ground ivy, lesser burdock, and bluebells. There was a large dung pile in the southern part of the field which is potential habitat for hibernating reptiles or small mammals. A line of mature ash and oak trees follows the field margin. These were intact and had no visible features suitable for bats or birds.

Photo 3. Trees and field margins at TN 3.

Tan y Bryn Caravan Park, Bryn Pydew, Conwy - Biodiversity Statement

4. This area also has a reasonably diverse semi-improved grassland boundary, (see habitat descriptions, below). The margin is between 2-5m wide and includes dense stands of nettles, docks, willowherbs and soft rush, with brash and other habitat piles. Ground ivy was abundant, with lots of creeping cinquefoil, germander speedwell, primrose, greater stitchwort, red campion, lesser celandine, common mouse ear, violets and rarely, wild strawberry and teasel. There were also bluebells within the field margin in places, the margin is so wide there was a large area of blackthorn and gorse scrub, above nettle, dock and willowherb stands. There was at least one large Iris at the bottom near the woodland, and also in the woodland margin. This is a diverse and high quality field margin; the margin habitat does not quite reach the woodland at the southern end, but could provide good connectivity with a bit of enhancement.

Photos 4 & 5. Field margin at TN 4.

5. A large area of semi natural broadleaved woodland (see habitat descriptions, below). The woodland here is notable for containing significant amount of exposed limestone pavement. This is broadly horizontal where exposed at the surface, and cut with horizontal fissures. In the north of the area the exposed rock faces north as the ground begins to slope. The area is heavily cattle grazed, and cattle were present at the time of survey, therefore this area has limited ground flora and large areas of bare ground were present, resulting from cattle poaching.

Tan y Bryn Caravan Park, Bryn Pydew, Conwy - Biodiversity Statement

Photos 6 & 7. Rock outcrops and bare ground within the woodland at TN 5.

6. Immediately behind the caravan park (to the south) is a steep slope with frequent outcrops of the underlying bedrock. This is carboniferous limestone (rocks known as the Clwyd group1) forming a small cliff and several horizontal strata. The rock is extensively weathered with deep crevices and gaps.

The area is also subject to grazing, the pressure being least in the steeper areas, and has also been subject to scrub clearance in the past, with several stumps evident. There was some scattered scrub remaining, principally hawthorn regeneration with gorse and holly scattered throughout the area.

The main vegetation was grasses, including cocks foot, perennial rye, Yorkshire fog, fescue, crested dogs tail and meadow grass. There was also ribwort plantain, daisy and dandelion, common sedge, hard rush, common ragwort, lords and ladies, common mouse ear, Scarlett pimpernel, germander speedwell, creeping and spear thistle, cleavers, cowslip, bluebells, harebell, herb Robert and greater stitchwort around the rocks. Early Purple orchids were also common.

Some of the rock habitat present meets the definition of limestone pavement under phase 1 habitat survey criteria2, being horizontal surfaces of carboniferous limestone, deeply eroded and cut with deeper fissures (grikes). There was no large single area of pavement, rather the area is divided into many smaller rock exposures separated by bare ground and vegetation. This area did not have a very distinctive limestone flora, (though diverse) although there was sheep’s fescue present, possibly because it was originally covered in scrub, (now cleared,) and due to grazing pressure.

1 British Geological Survey 2016 2 Nature Conservancy Council, 1990, handbook for phase 1 habitat survey. NCC, London. Copyright Enfys Ecology 2016 Page 16 of 46 www.enfysecology.co.uk

Tan y Bryn Caravan Park, Bryn Pydew, Conwy - Biodiversity Statement

Photo 8. Limestone exposure above the Photo 9. Rock exposure with holly scrub. caravan park

7. This area of the larger grassland fields has no obvious or defined boundary on the ground, but is significantly more species rich than the surrounding areas, and has therefore been mapped as semi-improved calcareous grassland. There were still signs of improvement, (this is not an unimproved calcareous meadow)- including abundant perennial rye grass, and the area had been heavily grazed, but sheep’s fescue, salad burnet and other calcareous species were significantly more abundant here than in the wider area, along with numerous very visible orchids. More detailed discussion of the plants present and additional pictures follows in the habitat descriptions, section 4.2.3, below.

The more diverse grassland is concentrated on the steeper sloped areas, in and around numerous limestone exposures at and below the crest of the hill. It is likely that the area has not been as extensively improved as the surrounding fields due to the more difficult terrain.

Photo 10. The limestone grassland is closely Photo 11. Orchids and buttercups at TN 7. grazed and appears similar to improved grassland areas at first glance. Copyright Enfys Ecology 2016 Page 17 of 46 www.enfysecology.co.uk

Tan y Bryn Caravan Park, Bryn Pydew, Conwy - Biodiversity Statement

Due to the gradual nature of the interface between the improved and more diverse grassland areas it is possible that a larger area then shown in figure 2 could be considered calcareous.

8. In the northern part of the site is a large disused limestone quarry. This area is closed and secure (for obvious safety reasons among others) and it was not possible to access this area during the survey, however observations were made from the rim (outside the fence), from where much of the quarry can be seen.

Photo 12. The quarry from the west rim Photo 13. Scrub area at quarry rim

An area at the northern end of the quarry functions as a farmyard, with several barns and other buildings. This is largely hardstanding, plus a large silage storage area (stored under plastic). Below this a road winds down to the base of the quarry, which has steep limestone walls. Within the quarry itself were several small areas of flat grassland at different levels, interspaced with scattered scrub. The grassland is all heavily grazed and very short, the source of the grazing was an enormous rabbit warren (visible in photo 12) with 23 burrows that could be seen from the quarry rim. This was built into a steep earth bank on the east side. Visible scrub included birch, hawthorn, willow, buddleia and ash, and very abundant gorse. Harts tongue fern could also be seen.

The rim of the quarry was lined with dense, impenetrable gorse, hawthorn and occasionally willow scrub, with abundant bramble and occasional open short grass areas. Rabbits were also seen in this area.

On the rock faces themselves gorse, bramble, and mosses were visible, bramble being very abundant. The grassland areas had all been grazed very short by rabbits.

A small pond shown on OS maps of the quarry was not visible.

Tan y Bryn Caravan Park, Bryn Pydew, Conwy - Biodiversity Statement

4.2.3 Habitat descriptions (Areas not described in target notes, above)

Arable Fields The westernmost two fields in the survey area have been used for growing corn maize???, At the time of survey the remains of the last harvest remained in the fields, leaving most of the ground bare around the stalks. The fields both had substantial margins, up to 3-4m wide in places which contained a variety of grasses and other forbs. These included dense stands of buttercups, spear thistle, rosebay willowherb and curled and broadleaved dock, plus common nettle, lesser burdock, groundsel, red campion, hemlock and other umbelifers including cow parsley and hemlock, lesser celandine, creeping cinquefoil, wild strawberry, lady’s bedstraw, greater stitchwort and occasionally cowslip, wavy bitter cress and dog violet. Ground ivy was widespread particularly in the eastern field margins, where there were also frequent patches of bramble scrub. The margins of the arable fields were much more diverse than the majority of the improved grassland area.

Within the arable filed area there were scattered individual thistles, docks, groundsel, hoary mustard and occasional grasses, but the ground was almost all bare earth following the harvest.

Photo 13. Westernmost Arable Field Photo 14. Looking north over the Eastern Arable Field Grassland The majority of the fields on the site, including the entire eastern area, central field and a small area in the south near the pond (around target note 2) contained species poor improved grassland. This was very uniform across the site with a similar mix of plants found throughout, and was relatively species poor. The area is subject to annual application of artificial fertiliser, in February (according to the landowner). The entire area proposed for development (see figure 1) was improved grassland at the time of survey.

The exception to this rule are three areas which were substantially more diverse (see map, figure 2). The southernmost field (below the arable land) was a bit more diverse, and has Copyright Enfys Ecology 2016 Page 19 of 46 www.enfysecology.co.uk

Tan y Bryn Caravan Park, Bryn Pydew, Conwy - Biodiversity Statement

been mapped as poor semi-improved grassland. Two other areas in the south and centre of the survey area were significantly more diverse and have been mapped as semi-improved calcareous grassland. These were areas of steeper relief on the crest of the hill or lower down the slope, and surrounding outcroppings of the underlying limestone. It is likely that the increased diversity in these areas is related to the terrain causing them to be difficult to improve using mechanised fertiliser spraying or muck spreading.

The improved grassland covering the majority of the site was dominated by grasses including perennial rye, cock’s foot, Yorkshire fog and other species (not flowering), with daisy, dandelion, ribwort plantain, yarrow, creeping and meadow buttercup and hawkweeds, salad burnet was also found frequently, particularly towards the upper slopes.

Photo 15. The proposed development area Photo 16. The existing caravan park, from the (improved grassland) from the north proposed development area

In some areas in the northern fields there were patches of soft rush and sedges.

Semi-improved Calcareous Grassland The semi-improved calcareous grassland wareas were in the vicinity of limestone outcroppings areas along the southern slopes (including many too small to be illustrated on the habitat map, figure 2). There was no obvious boundary between these areas and the surrounding improved grassland but more of a gradual transition, the mapped boundaries are therefore arbitrary but show the rough position of the ‘best’ grassland.

The vegetation here included all species found in the surrounding improved grassland, with additionally (or in greater abundance) salad burnet, evening primrose, daffodils, wood anenome, dog violet, wild madder, ground ivy, cowslip, common mouse ear, hairy sedge, bluebells (hybrid), wood sage and dogs mercury were also growing in the grassland along the woodland edge. Early purple orchids were present in numbers here. The distribution was uneven with high densities in some small clumps, but this species was found across the calcareous grassland area. The vegetation had been almost entirely close cropped by grazing cattle, there were no remaining stands of tall grasses. The vegetation on the steeper slopes was tallest, containing the majority of the orchids.

Tan y Bryn Caravan Park, Bryn Pydew, Conwy - Biodiversity Statement

On and around the rocky areas themselves was abundant herb Robert, mosses and rarely common rock rose. Sheeps fescue was also abundant in rocky areas, some scrub was present around the rocks including bramble, holly and occasional gorse. Carline thistle was not seen during the survey despite being known from the nearby and similar habitat at the Bryn Pydew reserve.

Photo 17. Rocky limestone outcrops and Photo 18. Calcareous grassland and Calcareous grassland scattered trees in the centre of the site

Photo 19. Early Purple orchid Photo 20. Large limestone outcrop (near Target note 7) Amenity grassland In the northwest part of the area were a few small areas of amenity grassland –mostly gardens and the approaches to the caravan park. These areas had been mown short and were of similar composition to the surrounding improved grassland.

These fields were enclosed with hedgerows, which are well managed and species poor. The main species was hawthorn, with occasional blackthorn, and on the southern boundary, conifers. The ground flora within the hedgerows included bluebells and dogs mercury in this

Tan y Bryn Caravan Park, Bryn Pydew, Conwy - Biodiversity Statement

area, as well as the cleavers, common nettle, greater stitchwort, lesser celandine, ivy and grasses common across the site.

Photos 21 and 22. Amenity and improved grassland in the small fields to the west of the access road (Northwest of the caravan park itself).

Trees and Scrub The area is dotted with large trees, both within the field boundaries and, particularly in the northern fields, standing alone in open areas. The majority of the trees in the southern part of the site were ash, oak and sycamore along the fence lines around the arable fields, with some tall hawthorn on the western site boundary. The southernmost field contained many scattered ash and oak. The northern fields contained several isolated (pedunculate) oaks, and a few ash along the northern boundary.

The hedgerows on site were all rather similar, with a very similar species composition, there were few hedgerows, most boundaries being wire fences or walls. The hedgerows were mostly along the north and western boundary of the survey area, and principally made up of hawthorn, with more rarely blackthorn, privet, holly, elder and ash. All hedgerows were managed, being cut short and square by mechanical cutting from the adjacent roads. The ground flora within the hedgerows contained cleavers, common nettle, greater stitchwort, lesser celandine, ivy, bramble, herb Robert, and grasses.

Photos 23 and 24, scattered trees in the improved grassland areas.

Tan y Bryn Caravan Park, Bryn Pydew, Conwy - Biodiversity Statement

Large patches of dense scrub occurred in two places, in the middle of the improved grassland in the north-centre of the site, and adjacent to the quarry in the north. Both were almost entirely made up of gorse, with bramble and hawthorn, plus some bracken. The area was dense and impenetrable to access, however the ground layer was largely open, probably the result of rabbit grazing, and similar to the surrounding improved grassland, with taller tufts of nettles (dominant), willowherb, curled and broadleaved dock, bramble and spear thistle. Several outcrops of the limestone bedrock occur here, potentially explaining the presence of the scrub as the uneven ground could not be ploughed. (See target note 8 for additional discussion of the quarry area).

Photo 25, scrub patch in the northern Photo. 26, Scrub developing around the rocks grassland, with nettles and exposed rock on the southern slopes

Broadleaved woodland. The survey area contains large areas of natural and semi-natural broadleaved woodland particularly around the edges of the site. This is in two main parts; the woodland areas on the southern and eastern boundary of the survey area form part of a much larger wooded area on the southern slope of the hill, Coed Bron-garth. All are therefore connected into a single large woodland (around 60% of which is within the present survey area). The other woodlands in the survey area are two smaller wooded areas along the western boundary, west of the caravan park.

The parts of Coed Bron-garth within the survey area comprised a dense woodland of tall, mature trees. The woodland was dominated by oak and ash, the majority of the large mature trees, with hawthorn, holy, and more rarely; conifers including larch, plus sycamore, silver birch, rowan and elder. The understorey was dominated by hawthorn and holly, at least one small Juniper was seen, and honeysuckle was found throughout. The understorey was very scattered; large areas of the woodland were very open, particularly in the south and far north, with little understorey at all, whereas other areas were dense with thick hawthorn, holly and bramble, and were completely impenetrable. Wych elm is occasionally present. The densest understory was in the central part of this woodland, south of the quarry, the southern parts of the wood were relatively open (see photo 27). The northernmost part of

Tan y Bryn Caravan Park, Bryn Pydew, Conwy - Biodiversity Statement

the woodland here includes several large rock exposures including small cliffs. These were well shaded by the canopy above, and dominated by ivy.

Photo 27. Woodland edge (near Target note 1) Photo 28. In the woodland within the northern part of the site The ground flora included wood avens, wood anemone, bluebells and dog mercury in wide stands found throughout the area but particularly towards the upper part of the slope (the western side of the wood, especially in the north). These species with common nettle, and bramble dominated the ground flora, however there was also wild garlic, lesser celandine, wood sage, red campion, enchanter’s nightshade, wavy bitter-cress, herb Robert, meadow buttercup, male fern, harts tongue fern, evening primrose, hemlock and cow parsley, Italian lords and ladies (variegated) and cowslip. In the northern part of the woodland there were many areas with the woodland floor dominated by a dense covering of ivy, often covering piles of fallen deadwood, plus dogwood, and spindle.

Photo 29. Open woodland in the south Photo 30. Boundary of the much denser (East of Target note 1) northern woodland, along the road east of the site. (small un-walled section)

Tan y Bryn Caravan Park, Bryn Pydew, Conwy - Biodiversity Statement

On the northern side of the site are two smaller woodlands to the north of the arable fields. These were also mostly comprised of oak and ash, with elder, sycamore, birch and occasional larch. The woodland was open with limited understorey (hawthorn) and a diverse ground flora including bluebells, nettles bramble, ivy, cleavers, bitter-cress, harebell, dog mercury, ferns and umbelifers. The ground flora extended out into the field margins of the arable fields.

Immediately south of the caravan park the woodland is very open with a limited ground flora (largely grasses), almost certainly due to frequent cattle grazing, as this woodland is not fenced off from the field to the east. A small herd of cattle were present here at the time of survey. The ground in the woodland has been extensively poached by cattle resulting in frequent bare and muddy areas, the ground flora was similar to the other wooded areas in the rare ungrazed areas. There are frequent outcroppings of the limestone bedrock within the wood, some horizontal pavement, but these are also subject to grazing, and so are mostly covered in moss with some grasses and herb Robert where flora is present. The understorey is thick in places, and almost entirely hawthorn and gorse.

Photo 31. woodlands to the north of the Photo 32. The woodland floor within the arable fields northern woods (around Target note 5) has lots of bare ground resulting from grazing.

Caravan Park Area. The caravan park is relatively small (approx. 15 pitches), and occupies a gentle north facing slope in the centre-west of the survey area. The predominant ‘habitats’ are hardstanding, the paths and roads are in good condition; and shore mown amenity grassland. There was also numerous planted beds of garden plants and introduced shrubs, the area has few native plant species, but these included herb Robert, nettles, cleavers, rosebay willowherb and docks around the margins. The buildings were surrounded by hardstanding, amenity grassland and gardens, with no notable species or habitat.

Tan y Bryn Caravan Park, Bryn Pydew, Conwy - Biodiversity Statement

Photos 33 & 34. The caravan park area is almost entirely hardstanding and amenity grassland, with some ornamental shrub planting.

Other Habitats The majority of the field boundaries are simple wire fences, or wood panel fences around the caravan park, the vegetation along the fences the same as the surrounding area, and as such these fences provide essentially no connectivity between the woodland habitats on either side of the site. There are two access tracks crossing the site (in the far north and far south), both of which are mostly bare are ground resulting from vehicle erosion, hardstanding has not been installed.

Other points of note have been target noted, and are discussed in section 4.2.2. (Including the quarry and limestone outcrops/pavement).

Photo 35. The Northern fields (looking Photo 36. Access track in the south of the north). site

Tan y Bryn Caravan Park, Bryn Pydew, Conwy - Biodiversity Statement

4.2.3 Fauna

Amphibians The only potential breeding habitat for amphibians on site was in the pond at TN 1, in the extreme south of the area. This pond is suitable, but there is no other suitable pond (or watercourse of any sort) across the area.

The area does have potential for terrestrial use by amphibian species, especially in the woodland. The site has good connectivity to surrounding habitat especially in the south, but connectivity across the site is poor, as most of the field boundaries are simple fences. While some distance from breeding areas, except in the south, it is very likely common amphibians visit the site.

Badger There was no evidence of badger activity in the area, but the entire survey area is very suitable for foraging by badgers, which may forage in all of the fields and woodland areas.

The survey area itself contains abundant suitable sett-building habitat in the woodland and scrub areas. It is possible that the bedrock is too close to the surface across most of the site, especially around the outcrops, (including in the southern woodland), which may prevent this. Certainly, no evidence was seen, but some areas of the woodland were both impenetrable and large enough that they could not be inspected due to concealing vegetation and the time available, therefore any badger sett within the area would not have been seen.

Bats Almost all of the larger and freestanding trees across the area did not have significant potential for use by roosting bats, with no knot holes, gaps or crevices resulting from damage. No obvious roost sites were seen, and while it was not possible to examine every tree in the large woodland areas, all trees within the proposed development area and 50m outside it could be checked, and appeared unsuitable.

The woodland margins offer foraging habitat for bat species, which fly along tree lines and hedgerows collecting flying insects that congregate in these locations and it is likely that bat species visit the area.

Nesting birds The woodlands, scrub, trees and hedgerows on site were all very suitable for nesting bird species, particularly the woodland areas. All the vegetation on site should be considered potential bird-nesting habitat.

Reptiles The majority of the survey area has limited potential to support reptile species, as on the grassland there was limited cover, with no suitable basking or hibernating areas. The

Tan y Bryn Caravan Park, Bryn Pydew, Conwy - Biodiversity Statement

woodlands were very dense, and so dark and shaded. However there were several large piles of brash, dung and wood at target notes 2 and 3 which would be suitable hibernation sites. The scattered areas of gorse scrub and exposed rock across the middle of the site and behind the caravan park (so around target notes 6 and 7) are also suitable reptile habitat, with cover and rocks on which to bask. The central area (TN 7) is exposed and isolated by areas of very short grassland, but does have the potential to support reptiles, especially around the woodland margins.

Other protected species There were no watercourses on or near the survey area which might support otter or water vole. The permeable limestone near the surface probably precludes the formation of large watercourses, plus the area is at the top of its small hill.

5.0 Discussion and Evaluation

5.1 Nature Conservation Sites The survey area includes a large part of the Creuddyn SSSI and Creuddyn Peninsula Woods SAC, in the southeast, and is adjacent to additional parts of these statutory sites to the north. The North Wales Wildlife Trust reserve of Bryn Pydew also adjoins the survey area to the north, overlapping with the SSSI and SAC. Part of Coed Bron-garth, immediately to the south of the survey area, is under the ownership of the woodland trust, and managed as remnant ancient woodlandand as a reserve.

Works to the proposed development area in the centre of the improved grassland will not directly impact on any of these areas, as the proposed development does not intersect their boundaries. There is the potential to affect the sites indirectly through visual changes to sight lines, particularly from the north, or if management or mitigation work is recommended in or near the SSSI’s resulting from the works.

No additional conservation sites further from the area will be affected.

5.2 Local development Plan (LDP) The only LDP category covering the proposed development area is “safeguarded hard rock reserves”, however the proposed development, as a caravan park, is very unlikely to have any effect on the underlying rock. Section 4.9.4.2 (vi) of the LDP lists proposals for the temporary use of land including caravan parks as a specific exemption from this, if a specific end date is given. While the specific planning conditions which might be imposed are unknown, the development would be easily reversible and not impact the bedrock areas. Potential enhancements to limestone pavement areas would also not directly affect the rock. Additionally there are other conservation reasons not to develop the area for mineral extraction.

Tan y Bryn Caravan Park, Bryn Pydew, Conwy - Biodiversity Statement

The woodland areas of Coed Bron-garth in the south and east of the area fall under the categories SAC, SSSi and Ancient woodland. Development within these areas is unlikely to be looked upon favourably, and would have a significant negative impact on an important habitat, however management and enhancement works may be. On this site no works are proposed to directly affect these areas, -only potential improvements to connectivity between the woodlands if hedgerows are improved. Otherwise the woodland will be left alone, (or increase in area due to planting around the proposed development).

Therefore the proposed development does not appear to be in conflict with the LDP, at least in terms of Ecology.

5.3 Habitats The area contains the relatively rare limestone pavement and limestone cliff exposure habitats, which are uncommon in wales, but locally common on the Creuddyn peninsula and great Orme’s head. The examples within the grassland on this site are not the most botanically diverse in the region due to grazing and grassland improvement, but the potential exists to increase the value of this habitat, with appropriate management.

The area includes a substantial chunk of the Coed Bron-garth semi natural broadleaved woodland. Finally parts of the grassland can be classified as calcareous grassland, if semi- improved. Only ‘lowland’ calcareous grassland was listed on the Conwy County Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) prior to its replacement under the UK Biodiversity Framework.

No other rare or notable habitats are present within the survey area (based on the guidelines from the Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (IEEM 2006), and no habitats are considered to be Habitats of Principal Biological Importance on Section 41 of the NERC Act 2006 or Priority Habitats on the national (UK BAP 2007) or local Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP). The majority of the site is improved grassland and arable field, not an uncommon habitat in the region.

The area includes few hedgerows, and none approaching species rich, according to phase 1 survey guidelines.

The most valuable habitat on site is the woodland, limestone grassland and pavements. The woodland is a large, healthy and diverse natural broadleaved woodland, including areas of exposed limestone with a rich diversity of ground flora including ancient woodland indicators. The limestone grassland and pavements outside the woodland have been somewhat degraded due to grazing pressure and ‘improvement’, but the potential exists to restore this through appropriate management.

Tan y Bryn Caravan Park, Bryn Pydew, Conwy - Biodiversity Statement

5.4 Species

5.4.1 Floral Species Floral diversity of the site was good, particularly in the woodland, however the grazed fields were generally very species poor except in small areas. None of the species recorded during the survey are protected by the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) or considered rare nationally or locally, except bluebell, which was present throughout the site, but in its hybrid form.

5.4.2 Faunal Species

Amphibians The habitats present on the site and vicinity suggest that the site is potentially in use by common amphibians, but because there was only one suitable pond for breeding in the extreme south of the area they may not be common on site. An additional pond in the quarry may be present. It is possible that the great crested newt (Triturus cristatus) breeds in either pond, but there are no records from the vicinity. The habitat in the development area is unsuitable, and the known pond over 500m south of the proposed development. A Great Crested newt Survey would be required if any works were in future proposed within 500m of this pond. It is likely that common amphibian species such as common toad (Bufo bufo), common frog (Rana temporaria), smooth newt (Lissotriton vulgaris) and palmate newt (Lissotriton helveticus) visit the survey area. It is recommended that specific working measures to reduce the likelihood of killing or injuring amphibians are put in place during any works as a precaution. If these animals are found during works, they should be carefully moved to adjacent habitat away from the construction zone.

If there are any ponds later identified within 500m of any proposed development, including within the quarry (which were not visible at the time of surey), then great crested newt surveys on these ponds would be required. This could be done via torch surveys or eDNA analysis, however if evidence is found further surveys would be required. An eDNA analysis would need to be carried before the end of June, if torch surveys are required these need to be carried out between Mid-March – mid June, with at least two between mid-April – mid May. Six surveys are required if GCN are present.

Badger While no evidence of badger was found on the site, the area is suitable for foraging, and potential sett-building habitat is not far away in any direction.

There are several records of badger from under 50m from the survey area (to the south), and so it is extremely likely that badgers visit the site to forage. There may be setts concealed within the northern woods, though this is thought unlikely as most areas were visited and no signs were seen. Any sett within 50m of the survey area would have been seen as this

Tan y Bryn Caravan Park, Bryn Pydew, Conwy - Biodiversity Statement

area was open and covered in detail. (The usual radius requiring works to be carried out under a licence is 30m from the sett, though this depends on conditions.)

Further specific badger surveys would be required if works were proposed within the woodland in the north of the site in order to identify any setts which might be affected, however this is not currently proposed or anticipated.

Bats No specific individual trees on site were identified as having the potential for bats. In addition the proposed development area is very exposed and open, and of limited suitability for foraging. No trees are anticipated to require removal, and therefore no further surveys are recommended.

It was not possible to check every tree on site, especially within the woodland for bat potential. Therefore should plans change and any large mature trees are to be removed or damaged these trees must be subject to a specific inspection for bats, including emergence surveys if evidence of bats is found. Further surveys may also be required, recommendations for which can be made following the initial inspection.

Nesting Birds A variety of bird species are likely to be breed within the woodland, trees and scrub. From the nature of the habitats present it is considered possible that some are subject to special protection.

As the site provides nesting habitat for birds, any tree or shrub removal required should ideally take place outside the bird breeding season, (March to September inclusive), if this is not possible, a thorough search for nesting birds should be conducted prior to any clearance (including tree climbing if required) and if any nests are found or the area cannot be adequately searched all activity must stop until the birds have fledged or outside the nesting period. Again from the plans it does not appear that significant vegetation removal is proposed.

Reptiles The survey area overall has potential habitat for reptiles in and around the rock outcrops in the centre of the site, at target notes 6 and 7. The habitat here is suitable, but very isolated within a large expanse of open, very short grassland which is unsuitable. Those areas near the proposed development are very small. There is also some suitable habitat along the woodland edge, though the woodland itself is very dark and shaded.

It is possible that other parts of the site may also be visited by reptile species, though they are very unlikely to be resident in it. No reptiles were observed on site and there are no records from within the area, the closest being over half a km away. At this stage of the process no further surveys are considered necessary, because the habitat, while suitable, is small, and very isolated. Reasonable avoidance measures suitable for amphibians will also

Tan y Bryn Caravan Park, Bryn Pydew, Conwy - Biodiversity Statement

protect reptiles, however were development to be proposed to affect the rocky areas then it is recommended reptile surveys are carried out to determine the presence of reptile species here.

Other Protected Species (Water Vole and Otter) There are no suitable watercourses for these species. No further action is necessary.

5.5 Summary of the Main Potential Ecological Issues The major feature of ecological value in the area are the large woodland area, calcareous grassland and limestone exposures. Ideally no works which will destroy or disturb these habitats should take place. As the proposed works are to take place in an area without any of these habitats north of the existing caravan park, the main potential effects of the works will be impacts to the sight lines from the SSSi and wildlife reserve to the north, as well as a loss of an area of improved grassland.

With the right mitigation and compensation there is the potential to increase the biodiversity value of the site through enhancing these areas.

5.6 Conclusions: Biodiversity statement and ecological value. The survey area contains a variety of habitats including an area of woodland of recognised value, and part of the Creuddyn peninsula SSSi and SAC. The woodland is largely made up of ash and pedunculate oak, and included uncommon species including Juniper, and a healthy ground flora including dog mercury, wood avens, wood anemone and bluebells, (though hybrid).

Much of the grassland is improved and of low ecological value, however parts of the top of the hill and southern slopes are best classified as semi-improved calcareous grassland. Calcareous indicators such as sheeps fescue and salad burnet are common, but there is also signs of improvement including dominant perennial rye grass, and the area is not as diverse as a ‘typical’species rich calcareous meadow.

Limestone pavement is present, though on this site outside the woodland it was largely lacking a distinctive flora when surveyed being heavily grazed or subject to scrub regeneration. Both the limestone pavement and limestone grassland have the potential to be developed and increase in diversity with appropriate management, or even leaving alone.

The field boundaries are undeveloped, often simple fences without associated flora, but there are some diverse field margins in the south of the site. The northern grassland is largely very species poor.

A full species list of the plants recorded during the survey (not exhaustive) is included in appendix A.

Tan y Bryn Caravan Park, Bryn Pydew, Conwy - Biodiversity Statement

6.0 Recommendations

6.1.1 Overview of mitigation. The current plans for the proposed development consist of the siting of 11 additional caravan pitches on the improved grassland to the northeast of the existing site, (see figure 1).

From an ecological perspective, and by part coincidence and part design this is among the best places to site the development as the habitat to be lost is of relatively low value. However, the development will still be visible from outside the area, including from the SSSI and wildlife reserve to the north. From the south the development will be largely hidden by the lay of the land, being on a north facing slope. This will be the principal impact of the development both on the site and in the context of the wider landscape. In order to mitigate for this, it is proposed to plant a screen of native vegetation to hide as much as practicable the caravans and associated services from the surroundings. This will include the North Wales Wildlife Trust reserve and longer sightlines to the south. It is proposed to plant trees and scrub in a radiating pattern in order to create clumps of denser vegetation, and more open rides of benefit to invertebrate species including butterflies, bees and other insects. Limestone grassland mix can be sown under these species. The area will also benefit from being withdrawn from the management regime currently used on the field.

This is the principle mitigation planned for the proposed works, as it is intended to deal with the main effect of the proposed development, the visual effect.

The secondary effect of the development is the loss of an area of open improved grassland. As this is relatively species poor, like for like replacement of this grassland is not considered worthwhile, or practical, as recreating this within this site would entail the removal of likely better habitat (unless the arable fields were returned to meadow). A more effective strategy would be to enhance the areas of semi-improved calcareous grassland on site. This is a much rarer and locally important habitat, and this site represents an opportunity to enhance and recreate this habitat as the basis for a good calcareous grassland is already present. This may not necessarily even require enormous effort, as it is initially planned to simply isolate these areas (and as much of the surrounding areas as can be spared) from the present grazing and improvement regime, and they are likely to ‘improve’ on their own. This will of course require monitoring, and if required, more direct intervention to plant species and expose rock could be used.

Additional options for improving the area for wildlife include the creation of hedgerows across the area, particularly at the southern end. The survey area has few hedgerows, and the creation of at least one substantial hedgerow across the fields (along the existing field margins) would improve connectivity between the various very similar woodland on either side of the site.

Tan y Bryn Caravan Park, Bryn Pydew, Conwy - Biodiversity Statement

Other measures that would also be possible due to the large area under the ownership of the present landowner and applicant include woodland enhancement, pond creation and rabbit control. These are not currently proposed due to the scale and expense; the woodlands are doing relatively well anyway, and therefore any proposed management would require definite long term commitments, funding and the involvement of statutory bodies due to the SSSi status.

6.1.2 Proposed development. The development will be screened from all sides except the existing cravan park, but particularly from the north using trees and scrub of native species appropriate to the area.

In order to achieve this, a screen of trees and shrubs will be planted in an arc around the north and western sides of the development. The exact plans for this will be drawn up by a suitable landscape architect, but will be suitable to screen the caravans, once established. It is also proposed to include some shrub and tree planting within the caravan area.

The screening should consist of species drawn from the following list:

Species Latin Note Pedunculate Oak Quercus petraea Dominat tree in surrounding area Silver Birch Betula pendula Downy birch Betula Pubescens Aspen Populus tremula Whitebeam Sorbus aria If available: Sorbus rupicola, rare but locally common in N Wales. Hazel Corylus avellana Hawthorn Crataegus monogyna Rowan Sorbus aucuparia Wild Cherry Prunus avium Field maple Acer campestre Juniper Juniperous communis Recommended as valuable, native, but declining in area, however there is some concern over the ability of the plants to take, and rabbit/deer screening will be required. Gorse Ulex europaea, Ulex gallii Holly Ilex aquifolium (Species suggested in conjunction with the North Wales Wildlife Trust reserves officer –Bryn Pydew)

Tan y Bryn Caravan Park, Bryn Pydew, Conwy - Biodiversity Statement

Due to the unknown effects and spread of ash dieback, it is not proposed to plant the otherwise suitable ash (Fraxinus excelsior). Sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus), Holm oak (Quercus Ilex) and blackthorn (Prunus spinosa) will not be used. Yew (Taxus baccata) would also be recommended if the area was not intended to be used by people, but is be unsuitable on the inside facing the caravan area, due to poisonous properties, particularly to children.

The planting should take place in order to create open rides and pathways, rather than a large, dense hedgerow, forming an open area of scrub/woodland.

Among the trees/scrub it is suggested to use a suitable alkaline meadow grassland mix designed by a suitable experienced ecologist or landscape architect. This should be fenced off from the surrounding fields to exclude stock, and managed under a suitable mowing regime.

6.1.3 Off site enhancements Additional enhancements to the existing biodiversity on site are also recommended:

The existing areas of semi-improved calcareous grassland and limestone pavement should be enhanced. While partially ‘improved’, these areas have retained some of the characteristics of a diverse and important habitat, and because of this have the potential to become extremely valuable with good management.

Initially, these areas should be excluded from the regular application of fertiliser and/or muck spreading that takes place on the rest of the grassland. This action alone will probably yield some significant enhancement, over the course of several years.

Further enhancement should be to allow part of these areas to grow taller, by excluding grazing animals either for a period of time or by fencing off part of the area on a rotation. This will allow seed propagation and hopefully spreading of the existing plant community. This is best carried out in two steps:

1 – To see what happens naturally by excluding cattle and limiting grazing by fencing off part of the area. If this does not result in improvement, particularly in plant diversity, then further enhancements would be required.

2 -Further enhancements will require specific planting of additional calcareous species, or the potential stripping of the spoil layer to create additional limestone pavement.

It would be advantageous to improve the connectivity across the site between the woodland to the north and south. At present, the field margins crossing the area are wire fences, with no vegetative structure. Hedgerow planting (using native species as above) along these routes would be of benefit in allowing wildlife to move in cover between the two woodland areas. Foraging bats may use them to move between the woodland lines. The wide field

Tan y Bryn Caravan Park, Bryn Pydew, Conwy - Biodiversity Statement

margins between the arable fields are particularly suitable, as these already provide a wider corridor across part of this distance, either allowing hedgerows to develop or assisting this process by hedge laying.

This should be accomplished by the initial planting of native woody “hedgerow” species (such as those already found on site): Hawthorn Buckthorn Holly Wild privet Field Maple Hazel Dog wood Crab Apple Spindle tree Hornbeam

Mixed native hedging can either be installed through double planting (recommended) or single planting. Both involve slit planting in pattern of 8 with around 400mm spacing between plants. 200mm spacing between rows in double planting.

Further hedgerow laying will be required around 5-8 years in to create the structure of the hedgerow. The ground flora already present in many of the margins should be left to recolonize naturally.

Improvements to the management of the woodland are possible, but not proposed at this time due to the complications of the SSSI status, and the fact that this appears to be in good health. Liason with Natural Resources Wales would be required. Further management of the woodland should only be undertaken if properly resourced and with a commitment to the long term. As the woodland is overall

6.1.4 During Works To reduce the potential to impact to reptiles, amphibians, nesting birds or other species that may be found on site, the following procedures are recommended if development takes place:

o Working areas should be kept to the minimum required, and any grassland areas disturbed during the working phase should be subsequently re-created as much as possible in any areas remaining following development.

o Storage of plant or machinery should be restricted as much as practical to hardstanding areas of the site.

Tan y Bryn Caravan Park, Bryn Pydew, Conwy - Biodiversity Statement

o If any amphibians or reptiles are found during the works, they should be removed carefully by hand to areas away from the works, such as under scrub or hedgerow habitat not to be affected by the works. Gloves should be worn.

o Ideally, trenches or pits should be back-filled wherever possible, as soon as possible following the completion of any works in the trench or pit in question. Also, any pipes should be capped off at night time to avoid any amphibians entering them and becoming trapped.

o Should it be necessary to have any excavation left open these excavations should ideally be covered with plywood boards (or similar). The boards are to be bedded on sand to prevent small animals from taking shelter under exposed edges. If this is not possible, then these trenches must be thoroughly checked prior to back filling.

o Should leaving pits or trenches open be unavoidable, a suitable ramp (such as a plank or branch) must be provided to allow animals to escape the pit. Ramps could be created by grading the slope at the edges or using scaffold boards. Trenches should be checked each morning (by site operatives) prior to works commencing to ensure that amphibians are not present.

o At the end of works each day, the site should be inspected by a responsible individual to ensure that the above protocols are being complied with.

Nesting Birds Any tree or shrub removal should be timed to avoid the bird breeding season, and any work to the buildings should also avoid the bird breeding season which runs from March to September (inclusive) to avoid damaging/disturbing any nests present. If it proves necessary to work during this season then a survey must be carried out prior to works starting to ensure that no active nests will be affected. If active nests are found then work must be delayed until all chicks had fledged.

6.2 Further Survey Recommendations

If it is planned to remove any large mature trees on site then emergence surveys should be carried out by suitable experienced ecologists to check whether bats are using the trees.

Nesting bird surveys should be conducted by a suitably experienced ecologist in the event that vegetation clearance must take place in the bird breeding season (March-September inclusive).

Reptile surveys should be carried out in any of the limestone pavement areas, were they to be removed or otherwise affected by proposed development. These surveys can be carried out in from mid-April to June, or September, but this is strongly discouraged as it will impact one of the potentially ecologically important habitats on site, and is not proposed.

Tan y Bryn Caravan Park, Bryn Pydew, Conwy - Biodiversity Statement

Great crested newt surveys –through either torching or eDNA, at appropriate times of year, will be required if ponds are discovered within 500m of the proposed development.

Badger surveys would be required if any works were proposed to take place in the northern woods. This is not proposed.

7.0 References and useful Information Sources

Conwy Borough Local Development Plan (2016) Available online at www.conwy.gov.uk/ldp. Accessed 24/05/2016.

Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (2006) Guidelines for Ecological Impact Assessment. IEEM.

JNCC (2010) Handbook for Phase 1 Habitat Survey: a technique for environmental audit. JNCC, Peterborough.

UK BAP 2007 Available: http://jncc.defra.gov.uk/default.aspx?page=5705

Tan y Bryn Caravan Park, Bryn Pydew, Conwy - Biodiversity Statement

8.0 Appendices

APPENDIX A – PLANT SPECIES LIST

English Name Scientific Name

Grassland and Field Margins

Cock’s foot Dactylis glomerata Perennial rye grass Lolium perenne

Yorkshire fog Holcus lanatus

Meadow grass Poa sp

Common bent Agrostis stolonifera

Meadow foxtail Alopecurus pratensis

Sheeps fescue Festuca ovina

Crested dog’s tail Cynosurus cristatus Spear thistle Cirsium vulgare

Creeping thistle Cirsium arvense Daisy Bellis perennnis

Red clover Trifolum pratense

Ribwort plantain Plantago lanceolata

Greater plantain Plantago major

Common Mouse ear Cerastium fontanum Common Hawkweed Hieracium (agg)

Cowslip Primula veris Yarrow Achillea millefolium

Common bent Agrostis stolonifera

Meadow foxtail Alopecurus pratensis

Timothy Phleum pratense

Bramble Rubus fruticosus

Tan y Bryn Caravan Park, Bryn Pydew, Conwy - Biodiversity Statement

Broadleaved dock Rumex obtusifolius

Cleavers/Goosegrass Galium aparine

Common nettle Urtica dioica

Harebell Campanula rotundifolia Common vetch Vicia sativa

Cow parsley Anthriscus sylvestris Creeping buttercup Ranunculus repens

Curled dock Rumex crispus

Dandelion Taraxacum officinale

Greater Stitchwort Stellaria holostea

Germander speedwell Veronica chamaedrys Herb Robert Geranium robertianum

Hedgerow cranesbill Geranium pyrenaicum Ivy Hedera helix

Red campion Selene dioica

Meadow Buttercup Ranunculus acris

Hogweed Heracleum sphondylium

Soft rush Juncus effusus Hard rush Juncus inflexus

Ragwort Senecio jacobaea Lords and Ladies Arum maculatum

Yarrow Achillea millefolium

Umbelifers Umbelliferae sp

Lesser burdock Arctium minus

Daffodil Narcissus sp Bluebell Hyacinthoides non-scripta

Creeping cinquefoil Potentilla reptans Evening primrose Primula vulgaris

Tan y Bryn Caravan Park, Bryn Pydew, Conwy - Biodiversity Statement

Broad leaved willowherb Epilobium montanum

Broadleaved dock Rumex obtusifolius

Wild strawberry Fragaria vesca

Groundsel Senecio vulgaris Teasel Dipsacus sp

Lady’s bedstraw Galium verum Wavy bittercress Cardamine flexuosa

Great Willowherb Epilobium hirsutum

Bush vetch Vicia sepium

Hemlock Conium maculatum

Bracken Pteridum sp Birds foot trefoil Lotus corniculatus

Common vetch Vicia sativa Field Forget-me-not Myosotis arvensis

Greater plantain Plantago major

Lesser celandine Chelidonium

Ground ivy Glechoma hederacea

Early Purple Orchid Orchis mascula Scarlet pimpernel Anagallis arvensis

Hoary mustard Hirschfeldia incana Wood anemone Anemone nemorosa

Dog’s mercury Mercurialis perennis

Wild madder Rubia peregrina

Hairy sedge Carex hirta

Salad burnet Sanguisorba minor Common rock rose Helianthemum nummularium

Garlic mustard Alliaria petiolata Heath bedstraw Galium saxatile

Tan y Bryn Caravan Park, Bryn Pydew, Conwy - Biodiversity Statement

Hedge bindweed Calystegia sepium

Rosebay willowherb Chamerion angustifolium

Stinking Iris Iris foetidissima

Male fern Dryopteris filix-mas Dog violet Viola riviniana

Trees, Scrub and Woodland

Ash Fraxinus excelsior

Silver Birch Betula pendula

Bramble Rubus fruticosa

Elder Sambucus nigra Hawthorn Crataegus monogyna

Blackthorn Prunus Spinosa Larch Larix decidua

Oak Quercus petraea

Gorse Ulex europaeus

Western Gorse Ulex galii

Holly Ilex aquifolium Hazel Corylus avellana

Juniper Juniperus communis Sycamore Acer pseudoplatanus

Field Maple Acer campestre

Rose species Rosa sp

Buddleja Buddleja sp

Grey willow Salix cinerea Goat willow Salix caprea

Honeysuckle Lonicera sp Wych elm Ulmus glabra

Tan y Bryn Caravan Park, Bryn Pydew, Conwy - Biodiversity Statement

Dogwood Cornus sanguinea

Spindle Euonymus europaea

Bluebell Hyacinthoides non-scripta

Wood anemone Anemone nemorosa Dog’s mercury Mercurialis perennis

Ommon nettle Urtica dioica Wild garlic/ramsons Allium ursinum

Wood sage Teucrium scorodonia

Red campion Selene dioica

Enchanter’s nightshade Circaea lutetiana

Wavy bittercress Cardamine flexuosa Herb Robert Geum robertium

Meadow Buttercup Ranunculus acris Male fern Dryopteris filix-mas

Harts tongue fern Asplenium scolopendrium

Evening primrose Primula vulgaris

Hemlock Conium maculatum

Cow parsley Anthriscus sylvestris Ivy Hedera helix

Italian lords and ladies Arum italicum Cowslip Primula veris

Aquatics

Water Crowfoot Ranunculus aquatilis

Tan y Bryn Caravan Park, Bryn Pydew, Conwy - Biodiversity Statement

APPENDIX B – LEGISLATION

Amphibians Common amphibian species (comprising common frog, common toad, smooth newt and palmate newt) have partial protection under Schedule 5, Section 9 (5) of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) and the Countryside and Rights of Way (CRoW) Act 2000. This prohibits their: Sale; Transportation; an Advertising for the sale of Amphibians. The great crested newt (Triturus cristatus) and its habitat are protected under european legislation from wilful harm and disturbance, in addition to the above.

Badger Badgers are legally protected by The Protection of Badgers Act 1992, designed to protect badgers from baiting and other forms of persecution. This makes it illegal to Wilfully kill, injure, take, or cruelly ill-treat a badger, or attempt to do so;  Possess any dead badger or any part of, or anything derived from, a dead badger; and  Intentionally or recklessly interfere with a sett by disturbing badgers whilst they are occupying a sett, damaging or destroying a sett, causing a dog to enter a sett, or obstructing access to it.

A badger sett is defined as “any structure or place, which displays signs indicating current use by a badger”.

Bats All bats are fully protected under UK and European legislation, including the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended), the CRoW Act 2000 and The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010 (as amended). It is therefore illegal to:  Intentionally or deliberately take, kill or injure a bat;  Damage, destroy or obstruct access to bat roosts; and  Deliberately disturb bats.

“Any structure or place which a bat uses for shelter or protection” is considered a bat roost, which is protected whether bats are present or not.

If a development activity is likely to result in disturbance or killing of a bat, damage to its habitat or any of the other activities listed then a licence will usually be required from Natural Resources Wales.

Birds All wild birds are protected under the WCA 1981 (as amended) and the CRoW Act 2000. This legislation makes it illegal, both intentionally and recklessly to:  Kill, injure or take any wild bird;  Take, damage or destroy the nest of any wild bird while it is being built or in use;  Take or destroy the eggs of any wild bird; and

Tan y Bryn Caravan Park, Bryn Pydew, Conwy - Biodiversity Statement

 Possess or control any wild bird or egg unless obtained legally.

Birds listed under Schedule 1 of the WCA 1981 (as amended) are afforded additional protection, which makes it an offence to disturb a bird while it is nest building, or at a nest containing eggs or young, or disturb the dependent young.

The bird breeding season is usually considered to run from March to September for most species.

Plants All wild plants are protected from unauthorised removal or uprooting under Section 13 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act (WCA) 1981 (as amended). Plants listed on Schedule 8 have additional protection and may not be picked or otherwise uprooted or destroyed. They are also protected from sale.

Bluebells are protected from sale by the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) Section 13(2).

Invasive species are listed on Schedule 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended). It is an offence to plant or otherwise cause to grow in the wild any of these species, for example Japanese Knotweed, Himalayan balsam.

Reptiles Common reptiles (including adder, slow-worm, common lizard and grass snake are protected by Schedule 5, Section 9 (1 and 5) of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) and the CRoW Act 2000 against deliberate or reckless killing and injuring, and from being sold. Other reptiles, e.g sand lizard, Smooth snake, have higher protection.

Tan y Bryn Caravan Park, Bryn Pydew, Conwy - Biodiversity Statement

APPENDIX C –DESK STUDY DATA. –PROVIDED AS A SEPARATE DOCUMENT. PLEASE SEE ATTACHED.