EXTENDED PHASE 1 HABITAT SURVEY

Former primary school site at Braybrooke, Northamptonshire.

REF: 13-2936 3431 D02 R DATE: March 2014

Prepared For GSS Architecture

35 Headlands Kettering Northamptonshire NN15 7ES

Prepared By

Lockhart Garratt Limited

7-8 Melbourne House Corbygate Business Park Weldon, Corby Northamptonshire NN17 5JG

Tel: 01536 408840 Email: [email protected]

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. INTRODUCTION...... 4 1.1 Terms of Instruction ...... 4 1.2 Report Limitations ...... 4 1.3 Documents Provided ...... 4 1.4 Qualifications ...... 4 1.5 The Site ...... 4 2. APPROACH ...... 4 3. METHODOLOGY ...... 5 3.1 Desk Study...... 5 3.2 Extended Phase1 Habitat Survey ...... 5 3.3 Habitat Assessment Evaluation Criteria ...... 6 3.4 Fauna surveys completed as part of Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey ...... 6 4. DESK STUDY RESULTS ...... 8 4.1 Northamptonshire Biological Records Centre ...... 8 5. EXTENDED PHASE 1 HABITAT SURVEY RESULTS ...... 10 5.2 Habitat Descriptions ...... 10 5.3 Faunal surveys completed as part of Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey ...... 12 6. DISCUSSION & CONCLUSIONS ...... 14 6.1 Nature Conservation Sites ...... 14 6.2 Habitats ...... 14 6.2 Protected Species ...... 14 7. MITIGATION AND ENHANCEMENT ...... 16 7.1 Nature Conservation Sites ...... 16 7.2 Habitats ...... 16 7.3 Protected Species ...... 16 7.4 Other species ...... 17 REFERENCES ...... 18

APPENDIX 1: ...... 19 APPENDIX 2: ...... 20 APPENDIX 3: ...... 21 APPENDIX 4: ...... 22 APPENDIX 5: ...... 23

www.lockhart-garratt.co.uk 13-2936 3431 D02 R Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey March 2014

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Lockhart Garratt Ltd was commissioned by GSS Architecture on behalf of LGSS to carry out an Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey including desk study on the former primary school site at Braybrooke, Northamptonshire.

There were two non-statutory designated sites revealed within the desk study, both of which were over 1700m from the development site. there were only 3 records of birds within the desk study data.

The Extended Phase 1 Survey was undertaken on 14th March 2014, with a further internal inspection of the school building being undertaken on 18th March 2014. The predominant habitat was amenity grassland, with a large area of hardstanding, both of these have a low habitat value. There were a number of scattered trees on site with a mixture of species, these were considered to be of intermediate value providing nesting opportunities for birds. Both the exterior and interior of the former school buildings showed evidence of bat use in the form of droppings.

The proposals for the site will impact on a number of trees and will involve the demolition of the existing buildings. Therefore recommendations have been made for mitigation and enhancement. These recommendations include:

 Retain as many mature trees where possible, with a focus on the most mature and best condition trees.  Incorporate a wildlife friendly, native species based landscaping scheme.  Further surveys for bat roosts in trees that are proposed for removal.  Emergence/dawn re-entry surveys of the building to assess current bat use and activity.  Clearance of any vegetation likely to support nesting bird to be done outside the breeding season (March – September inclusive) or to be supervised and guided by a suitably qualified and experienced ecologist.

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1. INTRODUCTION 1.1 Terms of Instruction 1.1.1 This report has been commissioned by LGSS to provide an ecological assessment of a proposed re-development of the former Braybrooke primary school. The site is located on Church Close, Braybrooke, Northamptonshire (see Appendix 1 for a site location plan). 1.1.2 The site has a central grid reference of SP 76352 84626 .The site boundary is that shown on Phase 1 Habitat Plan presented in Appendix 2. 1.2 Report Limitations 1.2.1 This is an ecological report and as such no reliance should be given to comments relating to buildings, engineering, soils or other unrelated matters. 1.2.2 All of the buildings on site were subject to an external inspection as part of this assessment. The main school buildings were inspected internally. 1.3 Documents Provided 1.3.1 As background information the following documentation was provided:  Preliminary site plan – dated August 2010 1.4 Qualifications 1.4.1 The authors of this report are detailed below:  James Whiteford BSc(Hons), MCIEEM, MSB Primary Author / Primary Surveyor  Joanne Underwood BA (Hons) Secondary Author / Secondary Surveyor  John Lockhart FRICS CEnv Project Director  Simon Muddiman BA(Hons) Graphics 1.5 The Site 1.5.1 The site is approximately 0.57ha in size and is a former primary school site, comprising predominantly of buildings with associated hardstanding and amenity grassland (see Appendix 2). 1.5.2 The immediate landscape to the north, east and west of the site is residential housing, forming part of the village of Braybrooke. The surrounding landscape to the south is arable farmland and pasture. 2. APPROACH 2.1.1 To assess the ecological issues associated with the site and to inform any further assessments or mitigation, the following tasks were undertaken by ecologists from Lockhart Garratt in March 2014  A Desk Study in March 2014;

 An Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey

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 Ground-based inspection of trees within the site for potential bat roosts in March 2014

 Internal and external inspections of all buildings with bat potential in March 2014

3. METHODOLOGY 3.1 Desk Study 3.1.1 The purpose of the desk study was to collect baseline data held by statutory and non-statutory consultees and to obtain any views they may have about the proposals. A secondary purpose of the desk study was to collect records of species that may not be present at the time of survey and identify any protected species or habitats which may potentially be affected by the proposals. 3.1.2 This information was gathered from the following organisations (with the full information presented in Appendix I):  Northamptonshire Biodiversity Records Centre (NBRC) 3.1.3 The desk study covered a 2km radius from the study site. A small proportion of the 2km radius (approximately 5%) falls outside the geographical remit of NBRC. This 5% area is covered by Leicestershire and Rutland Environmental Records Centre (LRERC). It was decided that records from LRERC would not be obtained as baseline data for a core area 1km radius from the site boundary would be sufficient. 3.2 Extended Phase1 Habitat Survey 3.2.1 A walkover ecological appraisal was conducted following an approach based upon the Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey technique of the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC, 1993) as modified by the Institute of Environmental Assessment (IEA, 1995). 3.2.2 The aim of the walkover was to record and evaluate the ecological value of the habitats present within the study area and to assess their suitability for protected species. 3.2.3 This information is presented in accordance with the standard Phase 1 Habitat Survey format with habitat descriptions and a habitat map (Joint Nature Conservation Committee, 2010) presented in Appendix 3. In addition Target Notes providing supplementary information, for example relating to species, composition, structure and management are also presented on the habitat map. 3.2.4 Throughout the Extended Phase 1 Survey, consideration was given to the actual or potential presence of protected species, such as, although not limited to those protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended), the Protection of Badgers Act 1992 and the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010 (as amended). 3.2.5 Such species included, but were not limited to bats, great crested newt and bird species. Consideration was also given to the existence and use of the site by other notable fauna such as Northamptonshire’s Biodiversity Action Plan (LBAP), National Biodiversity Action Plan (UKBAP) or Red Data Book (RDB) species.

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3.2.6 This assessment has followed the current baseline ecological survey guidance as set out Guidelines for Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (IEEM, 2012). 3.3 Habitat Assessment Evaluation Criteria 3.3.1 A five point evaluation scale has been applied to assist with the identification of key features of ecological significance in relation to the proposed development, following guidance outlined in IEEM (2006) guidelines. This is an arbitrary scale which experience has shown is effective at this level of assessment. 3.3.2 The five point scale is outlined below:  low value;  intermediate value;  high value (Local/District importance e.g. Local Wildlife Site);  very high value (County importance e.g. Local Nature Reserve); and  exceptional value (National importance e.g. Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)). 3.4 Fauna surveys completed as part of Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey

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. Bat Tree Assessment 3.4.3 A ground based assessment of all suitable trees located on or immediately adjacent to the study area was undertaken to determine their potential to support roosting bats (for details on the location of trees with bat roost potential refer to highlighted trees on the plan in Appendix 5). 3.4.4 All suitable features such as cracks and splits in limbs, hollows and cavities, natural holes, woodpecker holes, loose bark and thick-stemmed ivy were assessed using binoculars and high powered torches where appropriate. Evidence of bat roosts themselves, including droppings, feeding remains and urine staining were also searched for during the assessment. Where no direct or indirect evidence of roosting bats was confirmed, trees were categorised as being of high, medium, low or negligible potential to support roosting bats based on the type and number of suitable bat features present, in accordance with best practice guidance, Bat Conservation Trust (2012) Bat Surveys: Good Practice Guidelines. 2nd Edition. i. High potential (Category 1*) – whereby no evidence of bats was observed but where the potential to support bats is noted due to a number of suitable features present, including most of the following: large number of suitable cracks and fissures, loose bark, woodpecker holes, dead limbs and Ivy; ii. Medium potential (Category 1) - whereby no evidence of bats was observed but where a limited number of suitable features is recorded considered likely support single bats. Such features typically include 2 to 3 of the following: high number of suitable cracks and fissures, loose bark, woodpecker holes, dead limbs, Ivy; iii. Low potential (Category 2) – whereby no evidence of bats was observed and where the potential for bats being present is considered unlikely. Some features may be present, including 1 or 2 of the following: suitable cracks and fissures, loose bark, woodpecker holes, dead limbs, Ivy; however these are considered to be of limited potential only; and iv. Negligible potential (Category 3) – whereby no evidence of bats was observed and no suitable features for bats are supported, such that their presence is considered negligible.

Bat Building Surveys 3.4.5 The main school building within the study area was subject to a full internal and external inspection on 14th and 18th March 2014. These inspections were completed by a licenced bat worker, James Whiteford. A further external inspection of a small outbuilding was conducted on the 14th of March, as this building was found to be well sealed no internal inspection was considered to be required. 3.4.6 Equipment used as part of the assessments included high powered torches (1x106 candle power), binoculars (8 x magnification), hand torches (200 lumens) and a telescopic ladder (3.8m height). 3.4.7 The bat survey strategy and design was based upon BCT guidance.

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4. DESK STUDY RESULTS The full information collected during the desk study conducted in March 2014 is presented in Appendix 1 and summarised below. 4.1 Northamptonshire Biological Records Centre Ecological designations 4.1.1 The records search identified no statutory designated sites and 2 non-statutory sites within 2km. These sites are summarised in Table 1.

Site Name Designation Proximity to Description Project

Dingley Wood LWS 1740m A semi-natural broadleaf woodland with pond. The woodland North East contains a number of ancient woodland indicator species. Great Oxenden CWS 1950m Part of the Brampton Valley way Car Park West Key: CWS: County Wildlife Site LWS: Local Wildlife Site NIA: Nature Improvement Area PWS: Potential Wildlife Site PP: Pocket Park Table 1: Summary of Ecological Designations Protected Species 4.1.2 Table 2 summarises the protected species which were found within 2km of the study site. It should be noted that the absence of records should not be taken as confirmation that a species is absent from the search area.

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Species/Group No. of Date of latest Proximity to Legislation / Conservation Status records Record Project

Mammals

Key: CRoW: Countryside and Rights of Way Act, 2000: Protection of certain birds and animals.

EPS: The Conservation of Species and Habitat (Amendment) 2012. The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010consolidate all the various amendments made to the Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations 1994 in respect of England and Wales. The 1994 Regulations transposed Council Directive 92/43/EEC on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora (EC Habitats Directive) into national law.

WCA 1i: Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981) (as amended); Birds protected by special penalties at all times, species specific.

WCA 5 S9(5): Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981) (as amended); Protected animals (other than birds). Protection limited to selling, offering for sale, processing or transporting for purpose of sale, or advertising for sale, any live or dead animal, or any part of, or anything derived from, such animal.

UK BAP: United Kingdom Biodiversity Action Plan

NERC S.41: Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006, Section 41: Habitats and Species of Principal Importance in England

PBA: Protection of Badgers Act (1992) Table 2: Summary of Protected Species

4.1.3 Three records of birds were revealed in the desk study including kestrel Falco tinnunculus, house martin Delichon urbicum and the BAP priority species, bullfinch Pyrhulla pyrulla,

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5. EXTENDED PHASE 1 HABITAT SURVEY RESULTS 5.1.1 The Extended Phase 1 survey was conducted by James Whiteford and Joanne Underwood on 14th March 2014 in suitable weather conditions (14°C, sunshine, partial cloud cover, beaufort scale 2). 5.2 Habitat Descriptions 5.2.1 The habitats identified during the Phase 1 habitat survey are detailed below in alphabetical order below:  Amenity grassland  Bareground  Buildings  Fence  Hardstanding  Intact hedgerows – species poor  Introduced shrub  Scattered trees - mixed  Tall ruderal  Wall 5.2.2 The full Phase 1 Habitat Survey Map detailing the location of the above habitats and other features of ecological interest is presented at Appendix 2. The habitat descriptions below should be read in conjunction with this plan, associated target notes and the photo record in Appendix 4. Amenity grassland 5.2.3 This was the dominant habitat on site, there was a large area to the south east of the site making up the former playing field to the school. There were also two separate areas to the north and west of the site making up part of the school grounds. Species present within this habitat included ryegrass Lolium perenne, common bent Agrostis capillaris, creeping buttercup Ranunculus repens, daisy Bellis perennis, slender speedwell Veronica filiformis. There were also some flowering bulbs within the amenity grassland, particularly in the western corner including snowdrops Galanthus nivalis and Spanish bluebell Hyacinthoides hispanica. Habitat value: Low Bareground 5.2.4 There was a small area of bareground underneath some of the scattered trees on the north eastern boundary. This may have previously seeded as amenity grassland, which had not grown due to shaded conditions. Habitat value: Low Buildings 5.2.5 There were three large buildings on the site forming the main school and hall located in the centre of the site. There was also a small garage to the west of the site as well as an oil fuel tank. The main school buildings were of brick construction with the upper half of the exterior being clad with hanging tiles with a wooden barge

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board along the roof verge. The roof was of a half pitch construction with concrete interlocking tiles. A indoor sports area was part of an extension to the east of the main building. This was of steel construction, clad with timber and toughened glass on 2 sides with 2 large timber doors on the other side. The garage was a prefabricated concrete building with UPVC soffit box and doors. The roof was flat and made from corrugated metal. The fuel tank was of steel construction surrounded by a brick wall. Habitat value: Low-Intermediate Fence 5.2.6 The site was enclosed predominantly by a security fence covering the western, north-western and part of the north-eastern boundaries of the site. Where the site backed on to residential properties, the boundaries comprised of close-boarded fencing. Habitat value: Low Hardstanding 5.2.7 There was a large area of hardstanding surrounding the school buildings, which formed the car parking area and footpaths leading around the buildings to the playfield and grounds. Habitat value: Low Intact hedgerow – species poor 5.2.8 There was a hedgerow extending along two thirds of the south-eastern boundary between the site and the gardens of neighbouring residential properties. The hedgerow was approximately 2m high and 1.5m wide, species within it included hawthorn Crataegus monogyna, bramble Rubus fruticosus, holly Ilex aquifolium and ash Fraxinus excelsior. The understorey comprised mainly of ivy Hedera helix, lords and ladies Arum maculatum and broad-leaved dock Rumex obtusifolius. Habitat value: Low-Intermediate Introduced shrub 5.2.9 There was a small area of introduced shrub towards the northern corner of the site, close to the entrance gates. This lead into a larger area of scattered trees and included species such as cherry plum Prunus cerasifera, bramble, lords and ladies and daffodils Narcissus pseudonarcissus. Habitat value: Low-Intermediate Scattered trees - mixed 5.2.10 Scattered trees were set around the site along the boundary edges as well in the north-western corner. There were a number of native and introduced species including ash, goat willow Salix caprea, silver birch Betula pendula, alder Alnus glutinosa, horse chestnut Aesculus hippocastanum, Corsican pine Pinus nigra and walnut Juglans regia. Two of the trees had bird nesting boxes secured within them. Both of these were vacant but there was evidence of historic nesting material within them. Habitat value: Intermediate

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Tall ruderal 5.2.11 There were three distinct areas of tall ruderal habitat within the site, predominantly within the northern and north-western corners of the site. Species within this habitat included common nettle Urtica dioica, cleavers Galium aparine, hedge woundwort Stachys sylvatica and lesser celandine Ranunculus ficaria. Habitat value: Low-Intermediate Wall 5.2.12 There was a 30cm high brick built wall providing a boundary around the oil tank towards the centre of the site. Habitat value: Negligible 5.3 Faunal surveys completed as part of Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey

Bat Tree Assessment 5.3.2 Three trees with bat potential were noted during the walkover survey (refer to Appendix 5) for a plan of the location of these trees and refer to Table 3 for details.

Table 3: Summary of trees with bat roost potential

Tree No. Species Features of interest Potential Climbable

T1 Ash Ivy cladding from base of the Low-Moderate – N trunk to the upper part of the Category 2 canopy. Ivy cladding on all four sides. T2 Willow Light to moderate ivy cladding Low-Moderate – N on two of the limbs which face Category 2 outwards from the site T3 Corsican Pine Ivy cladding from base of the Low N trunk to the upper part of the Category 2 canopy. Ivy found to be relatively small diameter (<3cm) Bat Building Assessment 5.3.3 The external inspections were undertaken on 14th March with all elevations accessible. 5.3.4 The main school buildings were in good condition, with most hanging tiles secured tightly and close to the building. The flashing surrounding the roof was also tight with only a small number of areas showing bulging. There did not appear to be any loose or missing roof tiles. 5.3.5 There was some evidence of bat activity as well as potential access / roost areas identified. These are marked on the plan in Appendix 5, details are as follows; B1 - A bat dropping was found on the louver doors providing access to a storage cupboard. B2 – A bat dropping was found on the hanging tile approximately 1.5m from the eastern extent of the end of the building directly below a barge board.

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B3 – Potential scratch marks were noted beneath a hanging tile. B4 – Lead flashing is slightly lifted and the tile below is loose. B5 – The corner hanging tiles are slightly lifted. B6 - The lead flashing is lifted in a number of places along the extent of the building. B7 – The barge board is slightly obtruding from the tiles providing a small gap. B8 – The barge board is slightly obtruding from the tiles providing a gap. 5.3.6 The garage was inspected externally, but based on its construction, it was not considered suitable for bat use. All fittings were tight and there were no obvious gaps or defects within the walls and roof. 5.3.7 The internal inspections were undertaken on 18th March 2014. There were 2 loft hatches within the main school building; these are marked on the plan within Appendix 5 as H1 and H2. 5.3.8 The roof void accessed via H1 was heavily insulated, the most recent layer of insulation looked to have been laid around 3 – 4 years ago. The roofing felt was tightly attached to the overlying batons with no obvious tears or holes. The void felt airtight and there were no noticeable draughts within it. There looked to be historic mouse activity within the void as well as a current spider activity. There was no evidence of bats within this void. 5.3.9 The area accessed via H2 was also heavily insulated, but was larger than that above H1. The void extended to the south and the east above the buildings at the rear of the school buildings. In the corner immediately to the left of the loft hatch is an area of felt which is slight disrepair. A distinct draught was felt within this area and upon further inspection, evidence of bat droppings was found. Further droppings were also found in the south eastern corner (close to the dropping noted at B2 above) and also to the north-eastern extent of the void (close to the defects at B5 above). The droppings were consistent with those of pipistrelle Pipistrellus sp. Birds 5.3.10 During the survey, some common species of birds were observed including robin Erithacus rubecula, carrion crow Corvus corone, blackbird Turdus merula and woodpigeon Columbus palumbus. Other fauna 5.3.11 Whilst on site, grey squirrel Sciurus carolinensis was observed.

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6. DISCUSSION & CONCLUSIONS 6.1 Nature Conservation Sites 6.1.1 There are no statutory sites within 2km of the development site. Due to the distance between the study site and the non-statutory designated sites it is anticipated that there will be no negative impact on any of them or their status. 6.2 Habitats 6.1.2 The perimeter and close boarded fencing is of low habitat value as is the wall. The majority of the site is covered by amenity grassland, which is also considered to be low in habitat value. 6.1.3 The site’s scattered trees, are the most valuable habitat on site, being of intermediate importance. This habitat is important for foraging and nesting birds and some of the trees may also have bat roosting potential. The buildings, particularly the main school area have bat roosting potential and evidence bat use has been found on the exterior and within the building itself. 6.1.4 The hedgerow also provides a potential nesting and foraging habitat for birds with the ground flora providing refuge for invertebrates.

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Species Recorded in desk Evidence on site Potential onsite to Impact on species Relevant study support presence legislation

Amphibians No None None – there was no Negligible – as there is no WCA 5 S9(5), standing water on site and potential on site or connections to CRoW, NERC, residential properties and habitat beyond the site CHSR major roads restrict connectivity to the wider area

Bats No Yes – bat Yes – the mature trees Moderate – High - the destruction WCA 5 S9(5), droppings within could provide bat roosting of the school buildings will result in CRoW, NERC, the roof void of the potential. The lines of the loss of a potential bat roosting CHSR school buildings scattered trees could also site and also on the provide commuting routes. exterior of the In addition to this the main buildings school building could provide roosting potential

Birds Yes – three Yes – a small Yes – there is potential for Low-moderate – some of the trees CHSR, CRoW, records of number of birds to be utilising the on site will be removed, which will WCA 1i, farmland and common birds scattered trees for nesting result in partial habitat loss and NERC woodland birds as well as the scattered potential disturbance. trees

Reptiles No None No – the dominance of Negligible – as there is no NERC S.41, amenity grassland and potential on site UK BAP, WCA hardstanding on site 5 S9(5) renders the area of limited (killing/injuring) suitability for reptiles.

Water vole No None No – there is no running Negligible – as there is no NERC S.41, water on site potential on site UK BAP, WCA 5 S9(5)

Otter No None No – there is no running Negligible – as there is no NERC S.41, water on site potential on site UK BAP, WCA 5 S9(5)

Other faunal No None Yes – there is limited Low – there is limited suitable UK BAP interest (eg potential habitat for habitat for hedgehog on site fox, hare) hedgehogs with less potential for brown hare and polecat Key: CHSR: Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations (2010) derived from ECH2: Annex II of the European Communities Council Directive on the Conservation of Natural Habitats and Wild Fauna and Flora. Animal and plant species of community interest whose conservation requires the designation of Special Areas of Conservation.

CRoW: Countryside and Rights of Way Act, 2000: Protection of certain birds and animals.

WCA 1i: Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981) (as amended); Birds protected by special penalties at all times, species specific. WCA 5 S9(5): Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981) (as amended); Protected animals (other than birds). Protection limited to selling, offering for sale, processing or transporting for purpose of sale, or advertising for sale, any live or dead animal, or any part of, or anything derived from, such animal.

UK BAP: United Kingdom Biodiversity Action Plan NERC S.41: Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006, Section 41: Habitats and Species of Principal Importance in England

PBA: Protection of Badgers Act (1992) Table 3: Summary of protected species associated with the study area

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7. MITIGATION AND ENHANCEMENT 7.1 Nature Conservation Sites 7.1.1 There are no statutory sites within 2km of the development site. Due to the distance between the study site and the designated sites it is anticipated that there will be no negative impact on any of them or their status. 7.2 Habitats 7.2.1 The scattered trees provide potential habitat for a number of plants, lower plants, birds, mammals and invertebrates and is considered a biodiversity rich habitat (although of limited area). 7.2.2 The current proposed development will have an adverse impact on the biodiversity on site. In order to compensate for this and provide minimise the biodiversity loss the development should retain as many of the trees as possible with an emphasis being placed on those of a better quality and anticipated longevity. 7.2.3 In addition to the retention of trees, consideration should be given to a biodiversity rich landscaping scheme in respect of gardens and common areas. This should include native and wildlife attracting plant species for insects and birds and less- formal areas to encourage reptiles and other wildlife. 7.3 Protected Species Bats 7.3.1 Some of the trees have been identified as having bat roosting potential. Before any trees are removed, a further survey should be undertaken to identify those trees that have moderate to high bat potential are likely to be directly or indirectly impacted. 7.3.2 In the event that the trees identified are directly or indirectly impacted by the development additional survey of the trees through physical inspection using ladders, endoscopes and / or climbing equipment will be required. Nocturnal emergence and dawn re-entry surveys may also be needed to confirm the presence or absence of bat roosts from trees that are proposed for removal. 7.3.3 A series of nocturnal emergence surveys will need to be undertaken for the buildings on site to establish the following;  Presence / absence of roosts  Status of roosts  Species and number of individuals  Resting places  Commuting routes leading to / from the buildings Reptiles 7.3.4 Overall the likelihood of reptiles being present within the study area is considered to be negligible. In the event that any reptiles are found as a result of the demolition and redevelopment, works should be stopped immediately and contact made with an ecologist before proceeding.

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7.4 Other species Birds 7.4.1 The scattered trees are likely to provide suitable nesting features for birds. These should be cleared outside the nesting bird season (March – September inclusive). Where this timing cannot be adhered to, all vegetation must be checked by a suitably qualified and experienced ecologist. Where nesting birds are found a suitable buffer zone will be implemented to ensure they are undisturbed until all nesting activity has been completed.

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REFERENCES Bat Conservation Trust (2012) Bat Surveys: Good Practice Guidelines 2nd Edition Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management, CIEEM (2006) Guidelines for Ecological Impact Assessment in the United Kingdom CIEEM (2012) Guidelines for Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (GPEA) English Nature (2001) Great Crested Newt Mitigation Guidelines Froglife (1999) Reptile Survey – Advice Sheet 10 JNCC (1998) The Herpetofauna Worker’s Manual Langton et al (2001) The Great Crested Newt Conservation Handbook Mammal Society (2013) How to Find and Identify Mammals, 2nd Edition Natural England (2004) Bat Mitigation Guidelines

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APPENDIX 1:

Site Location Plan

Site Location

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APPENDIX 2:

Phase 1 habitat plan (Ref M13-2941)

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Legend Mixed scattered ((!1 trees

Intact hedge - species poor Wall fence

A A A Amenity grassland A A A Bareground Building Hardstanding ((!3 Introduced shrub Tall ruderal (!( Target note ((!4 ((!2

www.lockhart-garratt.co.uk

TITLE: PHASE 1 SURVEY

PROJECT/SITE: BRAYBROOKE PRIMARY SCHOOL

CLIENT: GSS ARCHITECTURE

MAP REF: M13-2941

REVISION: 0

DATE: SCALE: TN1 17/03/14 1:500@A3

APPROVED BY: PRODUCED BY: Target Notes: JU ACB

Reproduced with the permission of The Controller of Her Majesty's Stationery Office Crown Copyright (c) Licence number: AL 52281A000 Lockhart Garratt Ltd 8 Melbourne House, Corbygate Business Park, Weldon, Corby, Northants NN17 5JG. For identification purposes only. TN1 Defunct raised beds Not to be reproduced without the permission of Lockhart Garratt Ltd.

TN2 Squirrel drey with Scots pine 7 - 8 Melbourne House Fairfax House TN3 Bird nesting box Corbygate Business Park 27 Cromwell Business Park Weldon, Corby Chipping Norton TN4 Bird nesting box Northamptonshire NN17 5JG Oxfordshire OX7 5SR 01536 408840 01608 648657 13-2936 3431 D02 R Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey March 2014

APPENDIX 3:

Desk study data (Ref X13-2938)

21 www.lockhart-garratt.co.uk

Northamptonshire Biodiversity Records Centre

Marie Allcoat Northamptonshire Biodiversity Lockhart Garratt Ltd Records Centre C/O The Wildlife Trust 7-8 Melbourne House, Lings House Corbygate Business Park, Billing Lings Weldon, Northamptonshire Northants NN3 8BE NN17 5JG Tel: 01604 400448 Fax: 01604 784835 [email protected]

Our Reference: 14-054 11th March 2014

Dear Marie,

Re: Ecological data search, Braybrooke, Northampton

Thank you for approaching the NBRC with this enquiry. All the information that you have requested is contained within this report. This includes a map of the search area, statutory and non-statutory site details and a list of protected and notable species records from your specified search area. For definitions of these sites please refer to the document at the end of this report.

Statutory sites

According to the most recent GIS layers available to NBRC from Natural England there are currently no statutory sites within your specified search area.

Non-statutory sites

The following non-statutory sites are located within your specified search area. These sites have been labelled on the accompanying map.

Site Name Site Status Brampton Valley Way Country Park/Local Wildlife Site/Local Geological Site/NIA Dingley Wood Local Wildlife Site Great Oxendon Car Park - Market Harborough Local Wildlife Site/Country Park

Descriptions for these non-statutory sites are attached to this report.

In addition some Potential Wildlife Sites have been highlighted in blue on the map. Please note that we do not hold information for all of these sites. For a full definition of Potential Wildlife Site please refer to the section “Sites of wildlife and geological importance in Northamptonshire” below.

Species records

Please note that we do not provide data for bats. This information can be obtained directly from the Northants Bat Group/County Recorder for Mammals using the contact details already provided.

29 other protected and notable species records fall within your specified search boundaries. A list of these species records is attached to this report.

This report contains sensitive information about the location of protected species and has been provided in confidence to assist you in your work. Because of this OS Grid References must be withheld from documents destined for public consumption.

I would remind you that these data are limited spatially and temporally and I would strongly recommend that follow-up surveys be carried out to support the baseline provided. I would also like to draw your attention to our terms and conditions once again.

Northamptonshire Biodiversity Records Centre Terms and conditions

1. All rights to the data are reserved and ownership is not transferred with it. Data held by the Northamptonshire Biodiversity Record Centre (N.B.R.C.) remains the intellectual property, and in the ownership and copyright, of the originator(s).

2. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of all the data provided, the N.B.R.C. can accept no responsibility for any costs, damages or liabilities whatsoever arising from the use of the data or for any omissions or inaccuracies within it.

3. The data held by the N.B.R.C. may not be comprehensive and the absence of data, in response to a data search, does not imply that a species, important habitat or designation does not exist within that search area. Recorded presence does not imply current presence and the date for all records will be provided.

4. Data is provided solely for the use of the enquirer (and their client) and only for the purpose(s) specified by the enquirer at the time of its request. Data must not be reused or stored beyond the life of the project for which they were acquired.

5. Data may be used as required in support of the planning process but OS grid references must be removed from documents destined for public consumption due to sensitive data concerning protected species.

6. The N.B.R.C. will provide access to data subject to any conditions imposed on its use by the Data Protection Act, Environmental Information Regulations 2004, Copyright and Intellectual Property Right Law or the data owner. Restrictions on the release of information may therefore apply.

7. The N.B.R.C. will only release un-interpreted data and will not usually comment upon its significance.

8. The N.B.R.C. will release as soon as possible, and within twenty working days of receipt, the request unless an extension of time is necessary. In this event the enquirer will be informed within ten working days.

9. All charges made by the N.B.R.C. relate to the provision of administration, data handling and search services.

As agreed, the total charge for the time taken to extract this information and put together the report is £90 plus VAT (£108 including VAT). An invoice will be sent under different cover from our Cambridgeshire office.

Should you have any enquiries please feel free to contact me at the above address.

Yours sincerely,

James Skinner Biodiversity Data Officer Sites of wildlife and geological importance in Northamptonshire

Statutory Sites:

Special Protected Area (SPA) SPAs are strictly protected sites classified in accordance with Article 4 of the EC Directive on the conservation of wild birds (79/409/EEC), the Birds Directive.

Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) The SSSI series provide statutory protection for the best examples of the natural environment. SSSI were originally notified under the National Park and Access to the Countryside Act 1949 and they were renotified under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. Improved provisions for their protection and management were introduced in the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000.

National Nature Reserve (NNR) NNRs are declared by the statutory country conservation agency (English Nature) under the National Park and Access to the Countryside Act 1949. NNR contain the most important examples of natural and semi-natural ecosystems within Great Britain. NNR conserve the habitats within them and offer opportunities for research.

Local Nature Reserve (LNR) LNRs are declared under the National Park and Access to the Countryside Act 1949 by local authorities. LNR are declared and managed for nature conservation, education and research or opportunities for public access to nature.

Non-statutory sites:

Nature Improvement Area (NIA) Following the Natural Environment White Paper (2011), twelve NIAs were designated and granted government funding in February 2012. They should aim to achieve significant and demonstrable enhancements of the ecological network over large areas by undertaking the actions prioritised in the review: • Improving the management of existing wildlife sites • Increasing the size of existing wildlife sites • Increasing the number of wildlife sites • Improving connectivity between sites • Creating wildlife corridors

Local Wildlife Site (LWS) Local Wildlife Sites are areas of land which are rich in wildlife and are the equivalent to Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation. Criteria for selection take in threats and declines in certain species, national priorities and local distinctiveness. The LWS system is managed, in partnership, by The Wildlife Trust, local authorities, statutory nature conservation agencies, local naturalists and landowners. Local Wildlife Sites were previously known as County Wildlife Site (CWS) in the past.

Protected Wildflower Verge (PWV) Protected Wildflower Verges are roadside verges rich in wildlife and are crucial to the success of the local Biodiversity Action Plan. Criteria for selection take in threats and declines in certain species, national priorities and local distinctiveness. The PWV system is managed, in partnership, by The Wildlife Trust, local authorities, statutory nature conservation agencies, local naturalists and landowners.

Pocket Park The Pocket Park vision is to develop easy public access to the countryside, bringing the countryside to the people and providing opportunities for enjoyment and understanding of 'Countryside on the Doorstep'. Over the past 18 years, the county council has worked in partnership with many organisations and other local authorities to help create 80 Pocket Parks. For more information on this scheme please refer to the website at www.pocketparks.com.

Local Geological Site (LGS) Local Geological Sites (LGS) are the most important places for geology and geomorphology outside the statutory SSSI. The sites are designated using locally developed criteria and are assessed by the local geological group.

Potential Local Geological Site (PLGS) Potential Local Geological Sites (PLGS) are sites that were identified and considered to be important geological exposures. These sites have not yet been formally notified as Local Geological Sites by the local geological group. Currently these sites can only be located by a grid reference, as they do not have a formal site boundary and there is no descriptive survey information.

Potential Wildlife Site (PWS) Potential Wildlife Sites (PWS) are sites that are either known or thought to be of higher biodiversity value than the average countryside but have not been confirmed to be of Local Wildlife Site (LWS) standard.

PWS can belong to one of three categories: 1. Sites never fully surveyed and assessed against LWS criteria. 2. Sites surveyed and assessed against the LWS criteria but not currently reaching the standard. 3. Sites previously recognised as LWS but not currently meeting the latest LWS criteria.

PWS were originally outlined using a combination of local knowledge and looking at aerial photographs for evidence of biodiverse habitats. All PWS are likely to be important for the County’s biodiversity, either in their own right, or through buffering and linking current LWS and contributing to Green Infrastructure. Many of these sites could potentially be of LWS standard once surveyed. Area around Braybrooke, Northampton (2km search area)

Country Park

County Boundary

Local Wildlife Site

Potential Wildlife Site

Nature Improvement Area

1km

This map is based upon Ordnance Survey material with the permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of the Controller of Her Majesty's Stationery Office © Crown copyright. Unauthorised reproduction infringes Crown copyright and may lead to prosecution or civil proceedings. Northamptonshire County Council: Licence No. 100019331. Published 11/03/2014. Brampton Valley Way

Administrative areas: Northamptonshire(E County (74-)) Arthingworth(Civil Parish) Brixworth(Civil Parish) Chapel Brampton(Civil Parish) Draughton(Civil Parish) Great Oxendon(Civil Parish) Kelmarsh(Civil Parish) Lamport(Civil Parish) Maidwell(Civil Parish) Spratton(Civil Parish)

Status(es): Part LGS Country Park County Wildlife Site

Centroid: SP752755 (Site Centroid) Site type: Site File code: D506 Site/Subsite hierarchy: Brampton Valley Way ....Boughton Cold Store - Pitsford Station ....Great Oxendon Car Park - Market Harborough ....Pitsford Station - Merry Tom Crossing ....Merry Tom Crossing - Brixworth Car Park ....Station Rd Bridge - Houghton Crossing ....Houghton Crossing - Lamport Station ....Lamport Station - Draughton Crossing ....Draughton Crossing - Kelmarsh Tunnels ....Kelmarsh Tunnels - Kelmarsh Car Park ....Kelmarsh Car Park - Gt Oxendon Car Park ....Brixworth Car Park - Station Road Bridge

Description: Start and end at SP736652 - SP744855 The track of the old Northampton - Market Harborough railway. This is now part of a countryside amenity project to manage the line and the surrounding countryside for public access and enjoyment. The line passes through both cuttings and embankments and most of the district's geology is exposed at some point, with correspondingly varied vegetation types from diverse acid grassland to ruderal weeds and clay scrub. See individual subsite cards (divided into convenient lengths) for details. 1996 following extensive work to resurface parts of the track, this site needs a new survey as the south part is already known to have lost much of its botanical interest. A very valuable site for local wildlife with great management and educational potential. Much of the site is on sandy soil with the potential for management or recreation of acid grasslands now very rare in the county.

Original file code D/26.6+7&16.7.92

Total number of records: 60 Total number of species: 52

Page 1 11/03/2014 Site Name: Dingley Wood

Site Code: K52

Status: LWS

Other Designations:

Grid Reference: SP773864

Area (ha): 8.5

District: Kettering

Site History: 15/05/1993 LWS 13/05/2002 LWS

Habitats present Broad Habitat: Woodland BAP Habitat: Lowland Mixed Deciduous Woodland

Reason for Designation: A Semi-Natural broadleaf woodland and pond, which qualifies as a LWS with 46 Woodland plants overall of which 11 are Ancient Woodland Indicators.

Site Description:

13/05/2002 The previous surveyors description still stands, the southern part of the wood still appears to be the most diverse area of the woodland. It is important that invasive plants on site such as snowberry and bracken are kept in check to avoid the diversity being lost.

15/05/1993 A remnant of old woodland that has apparently been neglected for a long time. The groundflora is variously dominated by Urtica dioica and/or Anthriscus sylvestris, Mercurialis perennis and Brachypodium sylvaticum. The understorey is very dense and the wood as a whole is dark and undisturbed. Species include some old woodland indicators and others such as Silene dioica, S. latifolia, Glechoma hederacea and Sisymbrium officinale. The more diverse groundflora appears to be on the south part of the wood, dominated by Mercurialis and with frequent Lamiastrum galeobdolon, Ajuga reptans and Lonicera periclymenum. All of the wood seen has a very good diversity of woody species including Betula pendula, Prunus avium, Ulmus procera, U. glabra, Rosa arvensis, Crataegus monogyna, Quercus robur, Corylus avellana and frequent Acer campestris. Populus alba has apparently been planted near to the pond, which is the only part of the wood which seems to be regularly used. The pond is an old feature but although it could not be seen very well on this survey it showed signs of having been extended recently. There is a possibility therefore that it may have been stocked for fishing. Because the wood is so undisturbed and densely vegetated it provides good bird and mammal cover, and looks like a good invertebrate site as well. An interesting site because of the thick undergrowth and good variety of woody species. It would be a shame however if this was allowed to entirely take over the remaining areas with a more diverse ancient woodland flora.

25/07/2013, Northamptonshire Biodiversity Records Centre Great Oxendon Car Park - Market Harborough

Administrative areas: Daventry(E District (74-)) Northamptonshire(E County (74-)) Great Oxendon(Civil Parish)

Status(es): Country Park County Wildlife Site Centroid: SP741840 (Site Centroid) Site type: Sub-site File code: (D/16.7.92) D1083 Site/Subsite hierarchy: Brampton Valley Way ....Boughton Cold Store - Pitsford Station ....Great Oxendon Car Park - Market Harborough ....Pitsford Station - Merry Tom Crossing ....Merry Tom Crossing - Brixworth Car Park ....Station Rd Bridge - Houghton Crossing ....Houghton Crossing - Lamport Station ....Lamport Station - Draughton Crossing ....Draughton Crossing - Kelmarsh Tunnels ....Kelmarsh Tunnels - Kelmarsh Car Park ....Kelmarsh Car Park - Gt Oxendon Car Park ....Brixworth Car Park - Station Road Bridge

Description: Start and end at SP738823 - SP744855 The north section of track of the old Northampton - Market Harborough railway. NB Only a small stretch of the line (directly north of this site) is outside Northamptonshire. This stretch is largely on the flat, but with a broad cutting around the entrance to Great Oxendon Tunnel, with scrubbed edges. To be surveyed in detail... Not covered at the time of the main BVW survey.

2007 Update:

Part of the Brampton Valley Way

To the south of Great Oxendon tunnels the main area of interest was on the bank between the two railway beds as they approached the tunnel entrances. The bank was largely occupied by scrub, which was often quite dense, but occasionally there were more open parts on the eastern slopes. The following indicators were present: Carex flacca Glaucous Sedge, Leontodon hispidus Rough Hawkbit, Cirsium acaule Dwarf Thistle, Knautia arvensis Field Scabious and Pilosella officinarum Mouse-ear-hawkweed. In the immediate vicinity of the entrances Pteridium aquilinum Bracken was abundant.

A stream runs out of the western tunnel to the north, making this the wettest area of the site. The stream occasionally ponded to form small wetland areas with an abundant carpet of liverworts at the tunnel entrance. Other plants here included Scrophularia auriculata Water Figwort, Typha latifolia Bulrush, Angelica sylvestris Wild Angelica, Mentha aquatica Water Mint and Carex riparia Greater Pond Sedge. Throughout this area there were scattered neutral/calcareous indicators.

To the north of the wet area there was occasional Elymus canina Bearded Couch alongside the heavily shaded track. The site then opens out to a more open landscape which persists until the end of the site. The grassland did not hold as many indicators as expected. Knautia arvensis Field Scabious was present along with Brachypodium pinnatum Heath False Brome. Other notable species included Cirsium eriophorum Woolly Thistle which was most abundant just to the south of the county boundary with Leicestershire. To the north of the county boundary Filago vulgaris Common Cudweed was locally abundant.

The wide and open verges of this long stretch of the way were often rather disappointing, but there were frequent 'hot spots', which indicate that these grasslands could be quite quickly improved by a change in management.

This section of the Brampton Valley way has a good range of habitats including species-rich grassland, woodland and wetland. The grassland is the main reason for this being an LWS as 18 neutral grassland indicators were recorded along with a range of other calcareous and acid grassland indicators.

Total number of records: 147 Total number of species: 147

Page 1 11/03/2014 13-2936 3431 D02 R Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey March 2014

APPENDIX 4:

Photographic record (Ref 13-2939)

22 www.lockhart-garratt.co.uk 13-2939 3431 D02 Bat Inspection Photographic Record

BAT INSPECTION PHOTOGRAPHIC RECORD

Photo 1: Amenity grassland surrounded by scattered trees Photo 2: Pre-fabricated garage, forming part of the buildings Photo 3: Hardstanding forming part of the play area on the site

Photo 4: Former school buildings Photo 5 Area of bareground beneath scattered trees

Title: Bat inspection photographic record Client: GSS Architecture Reference: 13-2939 3431 D02 Date: 18th March 2014 Produced by: Jo Underwood Checked by: Jo Underwood 13-2939 3431 D02 Bat Inspection Photographic Record

BAT INSPECTION PHOTOGRAPHIC RECORD

Photo 6 : Bat dropping on louver door Photo 7: Bat dropping on exterior tile, behind barge Photo 8 : Tree heavily clad with ivy providing bat board roosting potential

Photo 9: Bat dropping on insulation within roof void Photo 10: Typical construction of interior of roof void Photo 11: Area of internal roof void, with opening to exterior

Title: Bat inspection photographic record Client: GSS Architecture Reference: 13-2939 3431 D02 Date: 18th March 2014 Produced by: Jo Underwood Checked by: Jo Underwood 13-2936 3431 D02 R Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey March 2014

APPENDIX 5:

Bat assessment plan (Ref 13-2937)

23 www.lockhart-garratt.co.uk 13-2937 3431 D02 Bat Assessment Plan

BAT ASSESSMENT PLAN

T3 T2

T1

B3 B5 B4

H2 H1

B1 B6

B2

Title: Bat Assessment Plan Client: GSS Architecture Reference: 13-2937 3431 D02 Date: 19th March 2014 Produced by: Jo Underwood Checked by: Jo Underwood