Protected Species Scoping Survey

White House Barn, Lenwade, Norfolk

Mr P. Rogers Walcis Farm, Lenwade, Norwich, NR9 5QR

August 2016 1625 R1 v1

Huckle Ecology Ltd Maplefield, The Street, Redgrave, Suffolk, IP22 1RW www.huckleecology.com Registered in England. Company No. 10017144.

Contents

1 Executive Summary ...... 3 2 Introduction ...... 4 Terms of Reference ...... 4 Site Description ...... 4 Aim of this Report ...... 5 3 Desk Study ...... 6 Methodology ...... 6 Statutory Designated Sites ...... 6 Non-statutory Designated Sites ...... 7 European Protected Species ...... 7 UK Protected Species ...... 8 Avian Species ...... 9 Summary of Desk Study ...... 9 4 Preliminary Bat Roost Assessment of White House Barn...... 9 Methodology ...... 9 Results of Preliminary Bat Roost Assessment ...... 11 Photos of White House Barn ...... 16 Summary of Potential for Bats ...... 18 5 References ...... 19 Figures ...... 20 Appendices ...... 26 Appendix A - Legislation and planning policy ...... 26 National Planning Policy ...... 26 UK Post-2010 Biodiversity Framework ...... 27 Legislation ...... 27 Summary of Legislation Relating to Bats ...... 28 Appendix B – Designated Sites within 2km of White House Barn ...... 30 Appendix B.1 Statutory Designated Sites ...... 30 River Wensum SSSI ...... 30 Whitwell Common SSSI ...... 32 River Wensum SAC ...... 34 Appendix B.2 Non-Statutory Designated Sites within 2km of the Site ...... 35

Disclaimer: Surveys and ecological assessments are undertaken on the understanding that nothing in the final report will be omitted or amended by the client or any other interested party. This report remains the property of Huckle Ecology Ltd until payment has been received in full. Photographs included in the report are for illustration purposes and may be used by the client only in relation to the project. Huckle Ecology will not be liable for the use of the any documents for purposes other than those for which they have been prepared and provided. Report prepared by Dr J. Huckle for Huckle Ecology Ltd Huckle Ecology Ltd Maplefield, The Street, Redgrave, Suffolk, IP22 1RW www.huckleecology.com Registered in England. Company No. 10017144. White House Barn, Lenwade, Norfolk Protected Species Scoping Survey

1 Executive Summary

1.1 Huckle Ecology was commissioned in July 2016 to provide an Ecological Report in relation to a proposed conversion of a barn into three no. holiday units. The report had been requested by the Planning Department of Breckland Council for scoping for “…bats, barn owls and breeding birds of all buildings within the site area”.

1.2 The proposed development is for the conversion of a barn and associated lean-to buildings called White House Barn. The barns are surrounded by mown grass and farm yards/hard standing that are of negligible ecological value.

1.3 A desk study was undertaken in July 2016 to identify features of ecological value that could potentially be affected by the proposed development. Records of statutory and non-statutory designated sites within 2km were requested from Norfolk Biodiversity Information Service (NBIS), along with records of protected species or species of conservation concern (SoCC).

1.4 The desk study and data search have confirmed that while the Site does not benefit from any statutory or non-statutory nature conservation designation itself, it is located approximately 50m from the River Wensum which is designated as a SSSI and a SAC. Within 2km of the Site, there is one further SSSI, Whitwell Common SSSI, and a total of 13 County Wildlife Sites.

1.5 Although the barns are located within 50m of the River Wensum SSSI, the proposed development would not result in any increase in the developed footprint in the area and the barns are located sufficiently distant from the River Wensum to ensure that there would be no significant increase in disturbance or increased lighting above existing levels. Therefore, it is not considered likely that the proposed conversion would result in any adverse effect on the SSSI or its designating features. The.

1.6 The NBIS provided records of numerous protected species from within 2km of the site, reflecting the nature conservation value of the designated sites within the River Wensum valley, including the numerous gravel pits and meadows located on either side of the river itself.

1.7 The NBIS returned records of nine species of bats, which represents a relatively rich species assemblage. These records include a large number of records collected as part of the Norfolk Bat Project, with most records dating from 2013-2015, suggesting that the records reflect the intensity of recording at this time as well as the abundance of good quality roosting and foraging habitat within the River Wensum valley.

1.8 A Preliminary Bat Roost Assessment was undertaken, comprising a detailed external and internal inspection of the barns for field signs of bats, for indications that bats might use the barn and for potential access points into the building.

1.9 The building inspection revealed bat droppings and butterfly wings in the main barn and one of the two small brick outbuildings on the west elevation of the building. The bat droppings in the main barn were relatively scattered and not accumulated in any particular location; given the relatively small number of droppings found and that the barn had not been cleared or swept for a long time, it is considered likely that the droppings are consistent with sporadic use of the barn or by a small number of bats

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1.10 All buildings were considered to be accessible to bats, via holes in roof and wall as well as through the louvres in each of the end walls of the main barn. The barns were also found to be accessible to birds and a recent wren’s nest was identified in the main barn.

1.11 As the barns are considered to be suitable for roosting bats between April and October, it recommended that presence/absence surveys are required to confirm presence or provide sufficient confidence that the barns are not used by bats. For a structure with moderate roost suitability it is recommended that a minimum of two separate surveys are undertaken.

2 Introduction

Terms of Reference

2.1 Huckle Ecology was commissioned in July 2016 to provide an Ecological Report in relation to a proposed conversion of a barn into three no. holiday units. The report had been requested by the Planning Department of Breckland Council for scoping for “…bats, barn owls and breeding birds of all buildings within the site area”.

Site Description

2.2 The proposed development comprises the conversion of a barn and associated lean-to buildings called White House Barn. The barns are surrounded by mown grass and farm yards/hard standing that are of negligible ecological value and which have not been included in this assessment.

2.3 The barns are located within the grounds of Walcis Farm in Lenwade, centred on National Grid Reference TG 08928 18274.

2.4 The Site is approached along a private metalled road from the A1076 Fakenham Road and is located directly to the north of The White House and 50m from the River Wensum, and approximately 125m west of Walcis Farm (Figure 1)

2.5 The proposed development comprises a small residential development to convert the Barn into three holiday units.

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Figure 1 Location Plan (courtesy of David Futter Associates Ltd)

Aim of this Report

2.6 This report presents an ecological scoping assessment of the barns with particular consideration of the potential for the barns to support bats, breeding birds and barn owl.

2.7 Specifically, the report provides the results of a Preliminary Roost Assessment of the barns for bats and includes the following sections:

 A desk study comprising a review of existing ecological information about the site derived from available online resources and reports, including the national websites: MAGIC and the National Biodiversity Network (NBN) Gateway.  Information on local records of sites, habitats and species provided by the Norfolk Biodiversity Information Service (NBIS).  The results and conclusion of a Preliminary Bat Roost Assessment of the Old Keepers Barn, including consideration of breeding birds and barn owl;  The implications of the ecological baseline for a planning application, including the need for any further targeted species that may be required, as appropriate; and  Recommendations for any mitigation measures or proposals for ecological enhancements for the Site.

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2.8 The information in this report is considered sufficient to support a planning application on the site to be submitted to the local planning authority, Breckland Council. Specifically, the report will provide an assessment of the potential effects on protected species including the ecological constraints identified by the Planning Department, and aims to provide an assurance for the planning decision-maker that the potential effects of the proposed scheme have been considered in a proportionate and appropriate manner.

3 Desk Study

Methodology

3.1 A desk study was undertaken in July 2016 to review existing information regarding designated sites, habitats or species that benefit from statutory protection and/or are of nature conservation concern.

3.2 The scope of the desk study was to identify features of ecological value that could potentially be affected by the proposed development; for this reason, the scope of the area around the Site to be included within the desk study search has been set at a distance of 2km. This distance is considered to be sufficient to provide an indication of the nature conservation interest in the surrounding area and appropriate for the size of the Site and the nature of the proposed development.

3.3 Review of existing biological records can be of assistance in establishing the extent to which species that could represent a material consideration in planning terms are likely to be present in suitable habitats locally. The Norfolk Biodiversity Information Service (NBIS) was contacted to provide the data they held within a 2 km distance of the centre of the proposed Site (Figure 7).

3.4 Information on statutory sites was obtained from the UK Government internet site MAGIC (http://www.magic.gov.uk/).

Statutory Designated Sites

3.5 Review of the UK Government internet site MAGIC, along with data received from the NBIS confirmed that the Site does not benefit from any statutory nature conservation designation. The following statutory designated sites are present within a 2 km radius of the Site (full designations are detailed in Appendix B):

 River Wensum Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) - located approximately 50m South of the Site at its closest point. The SSSI is designated for 71km along its length, as an example of an enriched calcareous lowland river, with over 100 species of plant, a rich invertebrate fauna and a relatively natural corridor.  River Wensum Special Area of Conservation (SAC) - the River Wensum is also designated as an internationally important SAC, the designating covering the same area as the SSSI;  Whitwell Common SSSI– located approximately 2 km North of the Site at its closest point. The SSSI is 19.17 ha in extent and designated as the site supports a wide range of wetland plant communities

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characteristic of peat-based soils. Habitats include calcareous flushes, wet valley alder wood, fen communities and unimproved neutral grassland.

3.6 Although the barns are located within 50m of the River Wensum SSSI, it is not considered likely that the proposed conversion would result in any adverse effect on the SSSI or its designating features. The proposed development would comprise the conversion of an existing agricultural building for residential use and would not result in any increase in the developed footprint in the area. Furthermore, the barns are located sufficiently distant from the River Wensum to ensure that there would be no significant increase in disturbance or increased lighting above existing levels.

3.7 Therefore, although the barn is located within a potential SSSI Impact Risk Zones as identified by Natural England (Natural England, 2016), it is concluded that there would be no adverse effects on the SSSI or its designating features.

Non-statutory Designated Sites

3.8 Review of the UK government internet site www.magic.gov.uk and data received from the NBIS confirmed that the Site does not benefit from any form of non-statutory nature conservation designation.

3.9 County Wildlife Sites (CWS) are recognised by national planning policy as having a fundamental role to play in meeting overall national biodiversity targets. CWS are not protected by legislation but their importance is recognised by local authorities when considering planning applications. Under current planning policy there is a presumption against granting permission for development that would have an adverse impact on a CWS. Data received from the NBIS confirmed the presence of 13 CWSs within a 2 km radius of the Site (see Figure 3). Full details as provided by the NBIS are provided in Appendix B.2.

European Protected Species

3.10 Particular attention was paid during the desk-based study to establishing whether any European protected species (EPS) or birds of conservation concern were likely to be present at the proposed development site.

3.11 The biological data received from the NBIS indicated that there were no records of protected species from the proposed development site itself.

3.12 In relation to EPS, the NBIS data search confirmed records of bats within 2km of the barns, with records of bat roosts of the following species:

 Pipistrelle Pipistrellus pipistrellus sensu lato – three records of roosts from 1999 and 2001 from Lenwade Mill and Common Lane in Great Witchingham, and from Sparham.  Pippistrelle bat (identified to genus only) – 2 records from 2014 and 2015 identified from droppings in dwellings (locations not provided)

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 brown long-eared bat Plecotus auritus – 4 records from 1999 (in Lenwade Mill), 2000 (Lenwade), 2001 (Sparham) and 2011 (location not specified)

3.13 Additional records provided by NBIS included multiple records of bats, many of which were records from recent years when bat surveys across Norfolk have been collected as part of the Nofolk Bat Survey. These records include the following records:

Common Name Latin Name Number of Records Years recorded Pipistrellus pipistrellus sensu 36 2013-2015 Pipistrelle lato Soprano Pipistrelle Pipistrellus pygmaeus 33 2006, 2013-2015 Pipistrelle Bat species Pipistrellus 24 2005, 2013-2015 Nathusius's Pipistrelle Pipistrellus nathusii 2 2013, 2015 Pipistrellus pipistrellus sensu 2006 Common Pipistrelle stricto 1 Unidentified Bat Myotis 21 2013-2015 Natterer's Bat Myotis nattereri 13 2013-2015 Daubenton's Bat Myotis daubentonii 6 2005, 2014-2015 Brown Long-eared Bat Plecotus auritus 11 2001, 2013-2015 Noctule Bat Nyctalus noctula 14 2005, 2013-2015 Serotine Eptesicus serotinus 5 2014-2015 Western Barbastelle Barbastella barbastellus 6 2013-2015

3.14 In addition to the above records of bats, the NBIS data search returned ten records of otter Lutra lutra from the River Wensum corridor, dating from 2000 to 2009. Two records of Desmoulin’s Whorl Snail Vertigo moulinsiana were recorded dating from 2001.

3.15 No records for other EPS such as great crested newt Triturus cristatus or hazel dormouse Muscardinus avellanarius were recorded from the 2km search area; no records of EPS were returned for the proposed Site itself.

UK Protected Species

3.16 Further to the EPS listed above, there were records of the following UK protected species from within 2km of the proposed Site:

Table 1 UK Protected Species records within 2km of the proposed site Common name Scientific name Number of records White-clawed Crayfish Austropotamobius pallipes 11 Slow-worm Anguis fragilis 1 Water vole Arvicola amphibius 20 Eurasian Badger Meles meles 30 Common frog Rana remporaria 1

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Avian Species

3.17 The NBIS also provided records for 145 avian species within a 2 km radius of the Site, reflecting the relative high conservation value of the River Wensum valley and the abundance of water bodies attracting waterfowl species.

3.18 The data search returned 60 records of barn owl Tyto alba, with records only available for individual 1km squares due to the sensitivity of the species. However, there were no records for the TG 0818 square in which White House Barn is located.

Summary of Desk Study

3.19 The desk study and data search have confirmed that while the Site does not benefit from any statutory or non-statutory nature conservation designation itself, it is located approximately 50m from the River Wensum which is designated as a SSSI and a SAC. Within 2km of the Site, there is one further SSSI, Whitwell Common SSSI, and a total of 13 County Wildlife Sites.

3.20 Although the barns are located within 50m of the River Wensum SSSI, it is not considered likely that the proposed conversion would result in any adverse effect on the SSSI or its designating features. The proposed development would not result in any increase in the developed footprint in the area and the barns are located sufficiently distant from the River Wensum to ensure that there would be no significant increase in disturbance or increased lighting above existing levels.

3.21 The NBIS provided records of numerous protected species from within 2km of the site, reflecting the nature conservation value of the designated sites within the River Wensum valley, including the numerous gravel pits and meadows located on either side of the river itself.

3.22 The NBIS returned records of nine species of bats, which represents a relatively rich species assemblage. These records include a large number of records collected as part of the Norfolk Bat Project, with most records dating from 2013-2015, suggesting that the records reflect the intensity of recording at this time as well as the abundance of good quality roosting and foraging habitat within the River Wensum valley.

4 Preliminary Bat Roost Assessment of White House Barn

Methodology

4.1 The preliminary bat roost assessment was undertaken on 11th July 2016. The survey was undertaken by Dr Jon Huckle of Huckle Ecology Ltd.

4.2 Jon Huckle is an experienced professional ecologist with over 20 years of postgraduate experience and over 14 years operating as a professional ecological consultant. He has undertaken numerous bat surveys, including building inspections, bat activity transects, emergence and return roost surveys and

9 White House Barn, Lenwade, Norfolk Protected Species Scoping Survey

has managed ecological input to numerous ecology chapters of Environmental Statements. He has provided evidence as an expert witness on bat ecology at several planning inquiries.

4.3 The preliminary roost assessment of White House Barn (hereafter referred to as the Barn) comprised a detailed inspection of the exterior and interior of the building to look for features that bats could use for entry/exit and to search for signs of bats, in accordance with methodological guidance produced by the Bat Conservation Trust (Collins, 2016). The objective of the survey was to determine the actual or potential presence of bats and to ascertain whether further surveys or mitigation would be appropriate for the building conversion.

External Inspection

4.4 The exterior of the barn was systematically inspected to identify potential or actual bat access points, roosting places, and locations of any actual evidence of bats (including live or dead bats, bat droppings, urine staining, fur-oil stains etc.). The survey was undertaken with the assistance of a ladder, close- focusing binoculars, a high powered torch (Lenser H14R.2) as well as a standard power LED headtorch with red light. The survey was undertaken after a period of 48 hours of dry weather and at a time of year when bats are likely to be active.

Internal Inspection

4.5 The interior of the building was systematically searched for evidence of bats and to identify the potential for bat access points and roosting places in accordance with BCT guidance (Collins, 2016). The following are considered indicative signs that there may be bats present in a building:

 Droppings, either externally in sheltered areas such as on window sills, stuck to windows or beneath roost entrances, or internally in roof voids, often found beneath the ridge and hip beams of the roof, on or around chimney breasts, and on or under roof insulation;  Piles of insect remains (e.g. butterfly and moth wings – which are often signs of regular feeding sites of species such as long-eared bat);  Staining (urine) at entrances to roosts or within the roost;  Scratch marks near entrances to roosts;  Roof voids with no or discontinuous distributions of cobwebs, suggesting activity by bats;  Actual bats – either live or dead.

Constraints and Limitations to the Survey

4.6 The Main Barn comprised two interior spaces exposed to the roof, and there were no limitations regarding the ability to view the internal structure of the building; however, due to the height of the interior of the main barn, it was only possible to inspect the internal roof supports and upper sections of walls using binoculars.

4.7 An initial assessment cannot eliminate the possibility of bats being present, as bats may be roosting in areas that were not accessible; however, the visual inspection of the exterior and interior features that

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was made has been considered sufficient to provide a robust assessment of the likely potential in those areas.

Survey for Signs of Birds

4.8 During the daytime inspection of the building, any indications of nesting by birds were noted, including records of nests within the building as well as external eaves-nesting species such as house martin.

Results of Preliminary Bat Roost Assessment

General

4.9 The Site was visited on 11th July 2016 in good weather conditions following 48 hours with no precipitation and at a time of year when bats are active; the survey was undertaken during the breeding season for bats and therefore extra care was taken to ensure the risk of disturbance was minimised. The proposed development is to convert the existing agricultural building into three residential dwellings to be used as holiday lets.

4.10 In addition to the main Barn, additional outbuildings attached to the main barn were inspected. These included a workshop to the east of the main barn and two small rearing sheds attached to the west of the main barn. To the south of the workshop, and not connected to the main barn was a three-bay cart lodge open to the east elevation (See Figure 2 below).

4.11 Approximately 10m to the west of the main barn, a metal-framed agricultural barn was located, but was not included in the assessment as it is not part of the proposed development. Similarly, a brick outhouse located to the southwest of the barn is also not part of the proposed development.

Building Description

4.12 The Barn buildings were of brick construction with a timber frame. The main barn had a corrugated iron roof, comprised of iron sheets, with raised gable ends suggesting that historically the roof may have been thatched. The main barn was older than the attached outbuildings, comprised of more weathered bricks and with walls estimated to be 20-30cm thick.

4.13 To the south of the main barn was a single storey extension that ran along the whole of the south elevation, and connected via an opening in the south wall. To the east of the main barn was a workshop, and to the west were two small square rearing sheds; both the west and east extensions were of brick construction with clay pan tile roofs. To the south of the workshop, the cart lodge was again of brick construction with clay tiled roof.

4.14 The main section of the barn was approximately 12m x 8m, with the southern extension approximately 4m wide. In general, although there were indications that some parts of the barns were in need of general repair, the barns were in reasonable good condition and the buildings were considered to be weather tight. The existing floor plan is presented in Figure 2 courtesy of David Futter Associates Limited.

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4.15 The roof was constructed of corrugated sheeting made of composite material. The roof was generally in good condition although a number of holes were present on both elevations

4.16 The main section of the Barn had walls ca. 4.5m high to a gutter with a further 4m to the roof apex. The ridge was in generally good condition.

External Inspection

Front Elevation (facing north)

4.17 The front elevation of the main Barn, facing north, was approximately 12m wide with the workshop extension being approximately 3.5m wide and the rearing sheds at the west end being approximately 3m wide.

4.18 The walls were comprised of old, weathered red brickwork. In the centre of the main barn wall was a larger double metal sliding-door with an over door runner. Above the door was a timber framed window with six panels (Photo 1, Photo 3). A wooden fascia board extended below the overhanging roof eaves. The brickwork was generally intact with weathered mortar showing relatively few cracks and few potential holes that could be used by bats as roost sites.

4.19 However, there were several potential roost sites or access points noted along the northern front elevation, as detailed in Table 2 and presented on Figure 3. .

Side Elevation (facing west)

4.20 The west elevation of the main barn comprised a brickwork wall extending up to the ridge peak of the gable end. The brickwork contained a number of holes and cracks that offered potential access points for bats into potential cavities within the wall or into the barn itself. In addition, there were a number of cracks in the upper wall, which were too high to inspect directly but which could provide further opportunities for bats.

4.21 In the centre of the wall was a wooden, louvered ventilation frame which provided access through the louvre slats into the main barn (Photo 2).

4.22 To the south of the main barn were two lean-to sheds, of brick construction and evidently used as rearing sheds for game birds. The first of these was accessed via a wooden door to the west elevation and was extremely densely cobwebbed inside, indicating that bats were not active within the shed.

4.23 The second shed was accessed from the south wall and was slightly larger and made of newer bricks; this shed had a hole above the door and had several holes within the roof itself providing several access points into the shed interior.

4.24 The potential roost sites or access points noted along the western side elevation are detailed in Table 2 and presented on Figure 4.

Rear Elevation (facing south)

4.25 The rear elevation of the main included a double sliding door which opened out onto a concrete farmyard located with buildings on all four sides. The southern extension to the main barn also

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extended the roof, which sloped down to a height of approximately 3m above ground. Two windows were located on either side of the door with the window on the eastern side of the building lacking the bottom part of its frame and thus providing easy access into the barn for bats and birds (Photo 4).

4.26 The potential roost sites or access points noted along the rear elevation are detailed in Table 2 and presented on Figure 5.

Side Elevation (facing east)

4.27 The east elevation comprised the end wall of the main barn, as well as the workshop located on its east wall, and the cart lodge located to the south of the workshop (See Figure 6 and Photo 5).

4.28 The wall of the main barn was more or less intact with only a few small holes and cracks in the mortar between bricks. Several of the iron tie attached to the internal beams had holes and cracks associated with them which offered potential cavities for bats to enter. In addition, the wall possessed a wooden louvered ventilation frame which allowed potential access for bats.

4.29 The workshop roof comprised clay tiles, which included several loose tiles and raised tiles that provided potential roost space for individual bats. The window on the workshop wall had a loose pane which resulted in a 10cm apertures, again providing access point for bats and birds.

4.30 The potential roost sites or access points noted along the eastern side elevation are detailed in Table 2 and presented on Figure 6.

Internal Inspection

4.31 An internal inspection was possible of all internal areas of the main barn and the smaller outbuildings.

M ain Barn

4.32 The main barn was used for farm storage and included various pieces of machinery, workbenches and tools. Much of the stored material appeared to have been in situ for some time with a good coating of dust.

4.33 The main barn is considered to be easily accessible for bats through the louvres on each end wall, through the unglazed window in the southern extension and through various smaller apertures in the roof sheets and in the walls.

4.34 A search of the surfaces of the stored material revealed 20-30 bat droppings scattered throughout; there were no obvious accumulations of droppings indicative of a favoured feeding location, or roost site. Many of the droppings appeared to be centrally located and it may be that these are associated with brown long-eared bats light sampling before leaving the barn; this species of bats is known to fly internally within buildings sampling the light available prior to emergence.

4.35 A few butterfly (<5) wings were recorded within the barn, again relatively well scattered and with no obvious accumulations.

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4.36 Internally, there were several potential cavities identified often associated with locations where beams were attached to walls, but there were no obvious signs of bats such as staining or claw marks (Photo 8).

4.37 A number of features were recorded that might provide roosting opportunities for bats, including:

 Numerous cracks and holes in mortar in brickwork on the north wall – potential roost opportunites for individual bats;  A large crack in the corner of the partition wall between the main barn and southern extension (Photo 7;  Gaps under beams supporting the dividing wall;  Potential cavities associated with joints of walls and roof trusses and beam joints (Photo 9 and Photo 10).

Rearing Sheds

4.38 The two small brick outbuildings on the west elevation were inspected internally for signs of bats. The northern shed, opening on to the west side of the barns, was densely cobwebbed internally and lacked any internal signs of bats or bat roosts. This shed is not considered likely to support roosting bats.

4.39 Adjacent to this was a second shed with a door opening to the south. This small shed had a hole in the roof above the door which provide an access point for bats. Inside, the were several butterfly wings along the wall opposite the door, suggesting potential bat feeding remains. Approximately five bat droppings were identified on the wall to the right of the door, below a gap between the roof beams and the wall; this was identified as a potential roost site, although no bats were identified.

Workshop

4.40 The workshop on the east elevation was actively used as a workshop with tools and machinery indicating regular use by farm workers. The workshop included lawn mowers, shelving and old egg incubators. The workshop was in good condition with intact roofing felt and relatively new roof beams; cobwebs were widespread and there no obvious areas free of cobwebs which might indicate use by bats.

4.41 A loose window pane provide access into the workshop, and a single butterfly wind was found on the workshop floor – this may have come from an opportunistic bat using the workshop as a feeding perch, although it could have fallen from a spider or bird. A wasp nest was identified above the window.

4.42 To the south of the workshop, the cartlodge was open to the east elevation; the cartlodge roof was comprised of relatively recent pan tiles, although several loose tiles were evident. The walls of the cart lodge were lined with timber boards, providing some limited potential for roosting bats, although the generally open nature of the building and the relatively high level of disturbance means that it is unlikely to support an important roost (Photo 6).

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Table 2 Potential Roost and Access points identified during building inspection (see Figures 3-6 for locations) Elevation/ Potential Description Side of Roost/Access Building point Front / 1 Loose and broken clay tiles at top of workshop roof and edge of workshop roof on North front elevation 2 Hole at end of fascia board at top left side of front elevation 3 Small holes in brickwork – most had cobwebs and unlikely to provide access for bats 4 Base of fascia boards along south elevation – some with potential cavities 5 Holes and gaps around window frame on south elevation 6 Hole at right end of lintel over window – good potential for access 7 Hole in brickwork immediately below fascia board 8 Potential access along whole of roof under eaves, between fascias boards and roofing sheets. Side / West 9 Small hole in brickwork near apex of end wall 10 Cracks in brick work and mortar above louvre frame 11 Louvre frame – access possible through louvres 12 Pan tile roof of two sheds – potential roost space for individual bats under loose or raised tiles 13 Inside larger of two rearing sheds – several butterfly wings along wall opposite door 14 Inside larger of two rearing sheds – ca. 5 bat droppings on wal adjacent to internal door and below gap between beam and wall with potential roost location 15 Hole above door to rearing shed Rear / South 16 Hole in Top Left Corner of Wall under eaves 17 Lower window frame missing – providing 10cm gap and thus access for birds and bats 18 Potential access under eaves between wall and roofing sheets 19 Broken Loose bricks in wall of cart lodge facing into farmyard 20 Hole in wall at corner of main barn and workshop 21 Cracks in south end of cart lodge – including long crack in centre of wall Side / East 22 Loose window pane – providing 10cm gap at top of window and potential access for bats and birds 23 Small holes in end wall of main barn where beam metal ties attached 24 Louvre frame – access possible through louvres 26 Wasp nest in south corner of workshop 27 Cart lodge – wooden boarding on inside of walls provides potential roosting opportunities

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Photos of White House Barn

Photo 1 – Front elevation – gaps around Photo 2 Side elevation – loose tiles on roof of window and along roof edge rearing shed and louvred slats

Photo 3 Close up of gaps around front Photo 4 Rear elevation – window with gap window along lower frame

Photo 5 Workshop and cartlodge on east Photo 6 Interior of cart lodge showing side elevation timber boarding

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Photo 7 Large crack in dividing wall of main Photo 8 Interior of main barn showing cracks barn - wren nest at bottom in brickwork and timber beams

Photo 9 Interior of main barn – beam s and Photo 10 Interior of main barn – tim ber hole in roof cross beams

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Summary of Potential for Bats

4.43 The building inspection recorded bat droppings and butterfly wings in the main barn and one of the two small brick outbuildings on the west elevation of the building.

4.44 All buildings were considered to be accessible to bats, via holes in roof and wall as well as through the louvres in each of the end walls of the main barn.

4.45 Internally, the bat droppings in the main barn were relatively scattered and not accumulated in any particular location; given the relatively small number of bat droppings found and that the barn had not been cleared or swept for a long time, it is considered likely that the droppings are consistent with sporadic use of the barn or by a small number of bats.

4.46 No actual roosts were identified and although potential cavities and roost locations are present, no positive indications of bat roosts such as urine staining, accumulations of droppings or worn beams were identified.

4.47 Using the approach to assessing the suitability of proposed development sites for bats recommended in Table 4.1 of the BCT Bat Surveys for Professional ecologists – Good Practice Guidelines (Collins, 2016), the buildings at White House Barns are assessed as providing Moderate Suitability for bats: “A structure…. With one or more potential roost sites that could be used by bats due to their size, shelter, protection, condition, and surrounding habitats but unlikely to support a roost of high conservation status”.

4.48 As the barns are considered to be suitable for roosting bats between April and October, it recommended that presence/absence surveys are required to confirm presence or provide sufficient confidence that the barns are not used by bats. For a structure with moderate roost suitbability it is recommended that a minimum of two separate surveys are undertaken (Collins, 2016).

Potential for Birds

4.49 Within the barn, there was evidence of the use of the interior of the main barn by birds, with bird droppings present in several locations, indicative of birds using the barn for roosting and shelter. A single birds nest (probably a wren’s nest) was identified in the dividing wall between the main barn and the southern extension area.

4.50 The barn was not suitable for barn owl Tyto alba; this is due to the general lack of potential nest locations or platforms and the high level of disturbance and illumination present.

4.51 As all breeding birds and their nests are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, it is recommended that any clearance or demolition works be undertaken outside the bird breeding season (March to August inclusive). If this is not possible, the building should be checked immediately prior to works commencing by a suitably qualified ecologist. If there are breeding birds present, works cannot continue until the chicks have fledged and left the nest.

18 White House Barn, Lenwade, Norfolk Protected Species Scoping Survey

5 References

Collins, J. (2016). Bat Surveys for Professional Ecologists: Good Practice Guidelines (3rd edn). London: The Bat Conservation Trust.

Gunnell, K. (2013). Designing for Biodiversity: A technical guide for new and existing buildings. London, UK.: RIBA Publishing.

Natural England. (2016). Natural England’s Impact Risk Zones for Sites of Special Scientific Interest. Natural England.

UK Government. (2016, April). Planning and development: Protected sites and species. Retrieved from Gov.uk: https://www.gov.uk/topic/planning-development/protected-sites-species

19 White House Barn, Lenwade, Norfolk Protected Species Scoping Survey

Figures Figure 2 Floor Plan of Buildings at White House Barn – courtesy of David Futter Associates Ltd

20 White House Barn, Lenwade, Norfolk Protected Species Scoping Survey

Figure 3 Front (North) Elevation of White House Barn showing potential roost and access points (figure courtesy o f David Futter Associates Ltd)

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21 White House Barn, Lenwade, Norfolk Protected Species Scoping Survey

Figure 4 Side (West) Elevation of White House Barn showing potential roost and access points (figure courtesy of David Futter Associates Ltd)

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22 White House Barn, Lenwade, Norfolk Protected Species Scoping Survey

Figure 5 Rear (South) Elevation of White House Barn showing potential roost and access points (figure courtesy of David Futter Associates Ltd)

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23 White House Barn, Lenwade, Norfolk Protected Species Scoping Survey

Figure 6 Side (East) Elevation of White House Barn showing potential roost and access points (figure courtesy of David Futter Associates Ltd)

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24 White House Barn, Lenwade, Norfolk Figure 7 Location of Designated Sites within 2km – Data provided by NBIS Protected Species Scoping Survey

25 White House Barn, Lenwade, Norfolk Protected Species Scoping Survey

Appendices

Appendix A - Legislation and planning policy

5.1 This section of the report has been written before the UK Referendum vote to leave the European Union, and thus subject to variation over time. It is recommended as a brief guide to legislation and planning policy and it is recommended that the full text of policy and legislation is consulted.

National Planning Policy

5.2 The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) (DCLG, 2012) was published by the government in March 2012 and provided guidance for local authorities, focusing on helping to produce planning policies that are clear and easy to understand. The NPPF replaced existing planning policy guidance, including that relating to biodiversity, Planning Policy Statement 9 (PPS9): Biological and Geological Conservation. However, the Government Circular 06/05: Biodiversity and Geological Conservation – Statutory Obligations and their impact within the Planning System (ODPM, 2006), which accompanied PPS9, remains valid at the time of writing.

5.3 Section 11 of the NPPF specifies the requirements for conserving and enhancing the natural environment, much of which reaffirms the protection previously afforded by PPS9 to designated sites, priority habitats and species and ancient woodland. The NPPF places a greater emphasis on ecological networks and states that the planning system should provide net gains in biodiversity where possible. Paragraph 118 provides the following advice in relation to the consideration of biodiversity in the determination of planning applications:

“When determining planning applications, local planning authorities should aim to conserve and enhance biodiversity by applying the following principles:  if significant harm resulting from a development cannot be avoided (through locating on an alternative site with less harmful impacts), adequately mitigated, or, as a last resort, compensated for, then planning permission should be refused;  proposed development on land within or outside a Site of Special Scientific Interest likely to have an adverse effect on a Site of Special Scientific Interest (either individually or in combination with other developments) should not normally be permitted. Where an adverse effect on the site’s notified special interest features is likely, an exception should only be made where the benefits of the development, at this site, clearly outweigh both the impacts that it is likely to have on the features of the site that make it of special scientific interest and any broader impacts on the national network of Sites of Special Scientific Interest;  development proposals where the primary objective is to conserve or enhance biodiversity should be permitted;  opportunities to incorporate biodiversity in and around developments should be encouraged;  planning permission should be refused for development resulting in the loss or deterioration of irreplaceable habitats, including ancient woodland and the loss of aged or veteran trees found outside ancient woodland, unless the need for, and benefits of, the development in that location clearly outweigh the loss; and  the following wildlife sites should be given the same protection as European sites:  potential Special Protection Areas and possible Special Areas of Conservation;  listed or proposed Ramsar sites; and  sites identified, or required, as compensatory measures for adverse effects on European sites, potential Special Protection Areas, possible Special Areas of Conservation, and listed or proposed Ramsar sites.”

26 White House Barn, Lenwade, Norfolk Protected Species Scoping Survey

5.4 In the context of the implementation of the NPPF, guidance in relation to biodiversity provided by Circular 06/05 remains valid and is supplemented by the UK Government’s Planning and Development Guidance (UK Government, 2016). Nature conservation legislation relating to protected species is unchanged and is outlined below.

UK Post-2010 Biodiversity Framework

5.5 The ‘UK Post-2010 Biodiversity Framework’ (JNCC & DEFRA, 2012), published in July 2012, sets out a framework of priorities for UK-level work for the Convention on Biological Diversity, to which the UK is a signatory. Covering the period 2011-2020, this framework replaces the original UK Biodiversity Action Plan (UK BAP, 2004) system and now the work is focussed on the separate countries (England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales).

5.6 The overall aim remains to protect a number of rare species and habitats, and reverse the declines of more widespread but declining species and habitats, and so currently many of the species and habitats in the UK BAP still form the basis of the biodiversity work carried out in the devolved countries.

5.7 In addition to the species in the UK BAP, BAPs have been devolved to local levels (LBAPs). Under the NERC Act, the English government and public bodies, including planning authorities, have a duty to have due regard to the purpose of conserving biodiversity, so it remains good practice for BAP and LBAP species and habitats to be taken into consideration in the planning of a development scheme. Many UK and local BAP species are also listed on the NERC S.41 list of “species of principal importance” (SPIs).

Legislation

5.8 All public authorities have a requirement to pay due regard to the conservation and enhancement of habitats and species through Section 40 of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 (NERC), which states, “Every public authority must, in exercising its functions, have regard, so far as is consistent with the proper exercise of those functions, to the purpose of conserving biodiversity”. To this end, Section 41 of the NERC Act provides for the establishment of a list of habitat and species that are considered to be of “principal importance for the conservation of biological diversity in England”. This list can be viewed on the DEFRA website at www.defra.gov.uk.

5.9 National legislation for the special protection of selected species is provided in the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, as amended (WCA). Under Section 1(1) and 1(2), all British bird species, their nests and eggs (excluding some pest and game species) are protected from intentional killing, injury or damage. Under Sections 1(4) and 1(5), special penalties are applied to bird species included in Schedule 1 of the Act and protection is extended for these species to disturbance to birds whilst building, in or near a nest and disturbance to dependant young. Schedule 5 provides special protection to selected animal species other than birds, through Section 9(4) of the Act, against damage to “any structure or place which any [wild animal included in the schedule] uses for shelter and protection” and against disturbance whilst in such places. Section 14 of the WCA prohibits the release of non-native species into the wild, including plants and animal species that are potentially invasive.

27 White House Barn, Lenwade, Norfolk Protected Species Scoping Survey

5.10 The Protection of Badgers Act 1992, as amended, provides protection to badgers and their setts and is primarily concerned with animal welfare and makes it an offence to kill or harm a badger or to interfere with a sett.

5.11 A number of animals, known as European protected species (EPS), are provided full protection through inclusion in Schedule 2 of The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010, as amended. The Regulations provide protection against deliberate disturbance to those animals wherever they are present, and provides tests against which the permission for a development that may have an effect on a Schedule 2 protected species must be assessed before permission can be given.

5.12 In addition to species protection, the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) and Habitats Regulations also set out requirements/procedures for the notification, designation and protection of a range of statutory site designations in order to preserve important nature conservation resources.

Summary of Legislation Relating to Bats

5.13 All bat species benefit from statutory protection provided by the ‘Habitats Regulations’ and the Wildlife and Countryside Act, which have been enshrined within national and local planning policy throughout England and Wales.

5.14 All bat species are included in Schedule 2 of the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010. Under Regulation 41 it is an offence to:

 Deliberately capture, injure or kill a bat;  Deliberately disturb bats including: o impairing their ability to survive, breed or rear young; o impairing their ability to hibernate or migrate; o affecting significantly the local distribution or abundance of that species  Damage or destroy a breeding site or resting place of a bat;  Possess, control, transport, sell or exchange any live or dead bat, or any part or thing derived from a bat.

5.15 Bats are listed on Schedule 5 of the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981, as amended, and as such are protected under Section 9 of the Act, which applies to all stages in their life cycle and makes it an offence to:

 intentionally kill, injure or take bats. [Section 9(1)]  to possess or control a bat, live or dead or any part or thing derived from them. [Section 9(2)]  to intentionally or recklessly damage, destroy, or obstruct access to any structure or place which bats use for shelter or protection. It is also an offence to intentionally disturb them while occupying a structure or place which it uses for that purpose. [Section 9(4)]  to sell, offer or expose for sale, or possess or transport for the purpose of sale, any live or dead bat or any part or thing derived from them. [It is also an offence to publish or cause to be published any advertisement likely to be understood as conveying that bats, or parts or derived things of them are bought, sold or are intended to be]. [Section 9(5)]

28 White House Barn, Lenwade, Norfolk Protected Species Scoping Survey

5.16 Prosecution could result in imprisonment, fines of £5,000 per animal affected and confiscation of vehicles and equipment used.

5.17 This legislation provides defences so that necessary operations may be carried out in places used by bats, provided the appropriate Statutory Nature Conservation Organisation (in England this is Natural England) is notified and allowed a reasonable time to advise on whether the proposed operation should be carried out and, if so, the approach to be used. The UK is a signatory to the Agreement on the Conservation of Bats in Europe, set up under the Bonn Convention. The Fundamental Obligations of Article III of this Agreement require the protection of all bats and their habitats, including the identification and protection from damage or disturbance of important feeding areas for bats.

5.18 Paragraph 98 of Circular 06/2005 states that ‘the presence of a protected species is a material consideration when a planning authority is considering a development proposal that, if carried out, would be likely to result in harm to the species or its habitat’.

5.19 Section 9 of the National Planning Policy Framework 2012 (NPPF) states that ‘the planning system should contribute to and enhance the natural and local environment by ….minimising impacts on biodiversity and providing net gains in biodiversity where possible.’

5.20 Exemptions can be granted from the protection afforded to bats under the Habitat Regulations, by means of an EPS (European Protected Species) Habitats Regulations licence obtained from Natural England.

5.21 An ‘EPS Habitats Regulations Licence’ could be required for:

 Demolition of a building known to be used by bats prior to development of a site  Conversion of barns or other buildings to be used by bats  Removal of trees known be used by bats as well as tree pruning  Significant alterations to roof voids known to be used by bats  Road building or widening  Bridge strengthening

5.22 There are three tests, which must be satisfied before a licence can be issued to permit otherwise prohibited acts;

 Regulation 44(2)(e), for the purpose of preserving public health or public safety or other imperative reasons of overriding public interest including those of a social or economic nature and beneficial consequences of primary importance for the environment; or  Regulation 44(3)(a) and there is no satisfactory alternative; and  Regulation 44(3)(b) that the action authorised will not be detrimental to the maintenance of the species concerned at favourable conservation status in their natural range.

5.23 A European Protected Species Licence is required before the commencement of any development that might impact on bats and their roosts.

29 White House Barn, Lenwade, Norfolk Protected Species Scoping Survey

Appendix B – Designated Sites within 2km of White House Barn

Appendix B.1 Statutory Designated Sites

River Wensum SSSI Date of Notification: 4 February 1993

COUNTY: Norfolk SITE NAME: RIVER WENSUM Status: Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) notified under Section 28 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, section 17 of the Water Resources Act 1991, Section 4 of the Water Industry Act 1991 and Section 13 of the Land Drainage Act 1991. National Rivers Authority Region: Anglian International Drainage Board: River Wensum Water Company: Anglian Water Plc Local Planning Authorities: North Norfolk District Council, Norfolk County Council, Kings Lynn & West Norfolk District Council, South Norfolk District Council, Breckland District Council, Broadland District Council National Grid Reference: TF 942246 to TG 250078

Length of River SSSI: Approx 71km Area: 393.31 (ha) 971.9 (ac)

Ordnance Survey Sheet 1:50,000: 132 133 134 1:10,000: TF 82 SE NE NW, TF 93 SE, TF 92 SE NE NW, TF 83 SE, TG 01 NE NW, TG 02 SW, TG 11 SE SW NW Date of Notification (under 1981 Act): 1993 Other Information: New site.

Description and Reasons for Notification: Key features The Wensum has been selected as one of a national series of rivers of special interest as an example of an enriched, calcareous lowland river. With a total of over 100 species of plants, a rich invertebrate fauna and a relatively natural corridor, it is probably the best whole river of its type in nature conservation terms, although short stretches of other simi- lar rivers may show a slightly greater diversity of species. The upper reaches are fed by springs that rise from the chalk and by run-off from calcare- ous soils rich in plant nutrients. This gives rise to dense beds of submerged and emergent vegetation characteristic of a chalk stream. Lower down, the chalk is overlain with boulder clay and river gravels, resulting in aquatic plant communities more typical of a slow-flow- ing river on mixed substrate. Diversity of plant species is further enhanced by mills and weirs; upstream the river slows to produce characteristic deep water plant communities,

30 White House Barn, Lenwade, Norfolk Protected Species Scoping Survey

whilst below the barriers they are replaced by species tolerant of swirling and turbulent wa- ter. Unusually for a lowland river in England, much of the adjacent land is still traditionally managed for hay crops and by grazing, giving a wide spectrum of grassland habitats some of which are seasonally inundated. The mosaic of meadow and marsh habitats, including one of the most extensive reedbeds in the country outside the Broads, provide niches for a wide variety of specialised plants and animals. The River itself supports an abundant and diverse invertebrate fauna including the native freshwater crayfish Austropotamobius pallipes as well as a good mixed fishery. Brown trout Salmo trutta fario form the major component of the fish community of the upper Wensum, whilst the middle and lower reaches are dominated by chub Leuciscus cephalus, pike Esox lucius, eel Anguilla anguilla and barbel Barbus barbus. Kingfisher Alcedo attthis and little grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis breed along the River, whilst the adjacent wetlands have good populations of reed warblers Acrocephalus scirpaceus, sedge war- blers Acrocephalus schoenobaenus and barn owls Tyto alba.

Flora In the upper reaches on gravel substrates lesser water-parsnip Berula erecta and the brook water-crowfoot Ranunculus penicillatus form a large component of the flora. Where silt has been deposited, spiked water milfoil Myriophyllum spicatum, blue water-speedwell Veron- ica anagalis-aquatica, opposite leaved pondweed Groenlandia densa, willow moss Fontin- alis antipyretica and the nationally rare short-leaved starwort Callitriche truncata occur. The middle and lower stretches of the river are characterised by rich lowland plant commu- nities. The dominants are yellow water-lily Nuphar lutea, flowering rush Butomus umbella- tus, fennel pondweed Potamogeton pectinatus, perfoliate pondweed Potamogeton perfolia- tus, arrowhead Sagittaria sagittifolia and unbranched bur-reed Sparganium erectum. Varia- tions in the aquatic plant community reflect the alternation of fast-flowing shallows with deep slow-moving water. Other species with widespread distribution along the Wensum include rigid hornwort Ceratophyllum demersum, spiked water-milfoil Myriophyl- lum spicatum, fan-leaved water-crowfoot Ranunculus circinatus, branched burreed Sparga- nium erectum, common club-rush Scirpus lacustris, horned pondweed Zannichellia palustris and the nationally scarce river water-dropwort Oenanthe fluviatilis. The marginal and bankside communities are typical of lowland rivers. Often there are dense and continuous stands of reeds or sedges. Reed sweet-grass Glyceria maxima is dominant in the lower reaches. Elsewhere stands of reed canary-grass Phalaris arundinacea, greater pond-sedge Carex riparia, reedmace Typha latifolia and common reed Phragmites austra- lis are widespread. Where edges are not dominated by tall emergents, stragling or lowgrow- ing herbs such as fool’s water-cress Apium nodiflorum, water-mint Mentha aquatica, water forget-me-not Myosotis scorpioides and brooklime Veronica becaabunga occur. Of the semi-natural habitats associated with the River, the most frequently occurring are acidic or neutral unimproved wet grasslands. The flora of these grasslands is typified at Helhoughton and Turf Common by bogbean Menyanthes trifoliata, marsh marigold Caltha palustris, yellow rattle Rhinanthus minor, ragged robin Lychnis flos-cuculi, southern marsh orchid Dactylorhiza praetermissa, common spotted orchid Dactylorhiza fuchsii, water mint Mentha aquatica and yellow iris Iris pseudacorus. Elsewhere the land is seasonally inundated so that grazing is restricted; extensive areas of reedbed and tall mixed fen communities have developed which provide valuable breeding and hunting grounds for birds such as the barn owl Tyto alba and hen harrier Circus cya- neus. Examples include Guist Common which is reed dominated; Goggs Mill Reserve near

31 White House Barn, Lenwade, Norfolk Protected Species Scoping Survey

Fakenham which has a mixed fen community with species such as meadowsweet Fili- pendula ulmaria, angelica Angelica sylvestris and meadow rue Thalictrum flavum, and Sculthorpe Moor, which although gradually being invaded by willow Salix spp. scrub has a fen community of saw sedge Cladium mariscus and black bog-rush Schoenus nigricans. Although there are several areas of alder swamp interspersed with the above communities, Guist Carr forms the main example of wet woodland within the SSSI. All of the habitats within the SSSI are intrinsically linked to and dependent on the River for their continued existence. Appropriately, in times of drought, these adjacent wetlands have a vital role in buffering the river against low flows; in wetter periods they absorb river flood waters and become swamp-like in nature. Two tributaries have been included in the SSSI, the Tat and the Langor Drain. They are both major flow contributors to the main river; historically, the Tat may have been the orig- inal Wensum. The Langor valley comprises an extensive area of semi-natural habitat which is dominated by fen vegetation. The specific composition ranges from almost exclusively reed to a mixture of meadowsweet and sedge species. Parts of Little Ryburgh Common are grazed, having bittersweet Solanum dulcamara, branched bur-reed Sparganium erectum, water cress Rorippa nasturtium-aquaticum, greater tussock sedge Carex paniculata, lesser water parsnip Berula erecta, water mint Mentha aquatica, and marsh marigold Caltha palustris as elements in their flora. The vegetation of the drier areas of Little Ryburgh Common includes bracken Pteridium aquilinum, honeysuckle Lonicera periclymenum, field scabious Knautia arvensis, harebell Campanula rotundifolia and soft rush Juncus effusus.

Invertebrates The Wensum has an abundant and diverse mollusc fauna which includes the nationally rare, small snail Vertigo moulinsiana, which is associated with aquatic vegetation at the river edge. Two other aquatic molluscs which occur, Valvata piscinalis and Gyraulus albus, have a localised distribution in England. Water beetles are well represented; Brychnus elevatus, of localised distribution in England, is found in deep slow-flowing sections of the river. The mayflies Ephemerella ignita, Caenis luctuosa, Centroptilium luteolum and Centroptilium pennulatum are also of local distribution. There is a species of stonefly, Amphinemura standfussi, more usually associated with upland rivers. The flatworm Crenobia alpina is of note, being a relict in southern England where it is confined to cold-water springs.

Whitwell Common SSSI COUNTY: Norfolk SITE NAME: WHITWELL COMMON DISTRICT: Broadland Status: Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) notified under Section 28 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 Local Planning Authority: Broadland District Council National Grid Reference: TG 088206 Area: 19.17 (ha) 47.36 (ac) Ordnance Survey Sheet 1:50,000: 133 1:10,560: TG 02 SE

32 White House Barn, Lenwade, Norfolk Protected Species Scoping Survey

Date Notified (Under 1949 Act): 1954 Date of Last Revision: – Date Notified (Under 1981 Act): 1984 Date of Last Revision: –

Other Information: Established as a Local Nature Reserve in 1984.

Reasons for Notification: Whitwell Common lies in the valley of a tributary of the R Wensum and supports a wide range of wetland plant communities characteristic of peat-based soils. Calcareous flushes are present in low-lying hollows created by past peat cutting and a variety of interesting plants are associated with this uncommon habitat type. Wet valley alder wood, fen commu- nities and unimproved neutral grassland are also represented on the site. The calcareous flushes are of the type dominated by Black Bog-rush Schoenus nigricans, Blunt-flowered Rush Juncus subnodulosus, bryophytes and other low-growing species. The water-table is high throughout the year and plants of interest include Common Spotted Orchid Dactylorhiza fuchsii, Southern Marsh Orchid D. praetermissa, Twayblade Listera ovata, Marsh Valerian Valeriana dioica, Lesser Spearwort Ranunculus flammula and Rag- ged Robin Lychnis flos-cuculi. The flushes grade into areas of fen grassland that are characterised by Sweet Vernal-grass Anthoxanthum odoratum, Yorkshire Fog Holcus lanatus and Sheep’s Fescue Festuca ovina with some Blunt-flowered Rush. This community is also found on sloping ground around the fen and notable species include Yellow Rattle Rhinanthus minor, Adder’s Tongue Ophi- oglossum vulgatum, Glaucous Sedge Carex flacca and Hairy Sedge C. hirta. Dry fen, dominated by Meadowsweet Filipendula ulmaria occupies a substantial area. This includes such characteristic species as Angelica Angelica sylvestris, Yellow Flag Iris pseudacorus, Great Hairy Willow-herb Epilobium hirsutum and Great Reedmace Typha latifolia. There are several permanently wet hollows with standing water and abundant Bogbean Menyanthes trifoliata, Marsh Cinquefoil Potentilla palustris, Marsh Marigold Caltha palustris and Water Dropwort Oenanthe fistulosa occur. The fen grades into an area dominated by Reed Phragmites australis on wetter ground. Damp grassland and tall herb communities occur on surrounding higher ground. Brown Bent-grass Agrostis canina is dominant with Yarrow Achillea millefolium, Tormentil Po- tentilla erecta and an unusual abundance of Giant Horsetail Equisetum telmateia.

Wet valley alder carr on neutral soils occupies the northern part of the site. Alder Alnus glu- tinosa is dominant with some Pedunculate Oak Quercus robur and Ash Fraxinus excelsior. The ground flora includes Yellow Flag, Lesser Pond Sedge Carex acutiformis and Meadowseet with Dog’s Mercury Mercurialis perennis and Yellow Archangel Lamiastrum galeobdolon on drier ground.

33 White House Barn, Lenwade, Norfolk Protected Species Scoping Survey

River Wensum SAC Site details obtained from www.jncc.defra.gov.uk

Site details Country England Unitary Authority Norfolk Centroid* TG022176 Latitude 52.71777778 Longitude 0.993888889 SAC EU code UK0012647 Designated Special Status Area of Conservation (SAC) Area (ha) 306.79

* This is the approximate central point of the SAC. In the case of large, linear or composite sites, this may not represent the location where a feature occurs within the SAC. General site character Inland water bodies (Standing water, Running water) (42%) Bogs, Marshes, Water fringed vegetation, Fens (12%) Humid grassland, Mesophile grassland (40%) Broad-leaved deciduous woodland (6%) Location of River Wensum SAC/SCI/cSAC

Boundary map and associated biodiversity information on the NBN Gateway.

Natura 2000 standard data form for this site as submitted to Europe (PDF, < 100kb).

Interactive map from MAGIC (Multi-Agency Geographic Information for the Countryside).

Note: When undertaking an appropriate assessment of impacts at a site, all features of European importance (both primary and non-primary) need to be considered.

Annex I habitats that are a primary reason for selection of this site

3260 Water courses of plain to montane levels with the Ranunculion fluitantis and Callitri- cho-Batrachion vegetation The Wensum represents sub-type 1 in lowland eastern England. Although the river is extensively regulated by weirs, Ranunculus vegetation occurs sporadically throughout much of the river’s length. Stream water-crowfoot R. penicillatus ssp. pseudofluitans is the dominant Ranunculus spe- cies but thread-leaved water-crowfoot R. trichophyllus and fan-leaved water-crowfoot R. circinatus also occur.

Annex I habitats present as a qualifying feature, but not a primary reason for selection of this site Not applicable.

34 White House Barn, Lenwade, Norfolk Protected Species Scoping Survey

Annex II species that are a primary reason for selection of this site 1092 White-clawed (or Atlantic stream) crayfish Austropotamobius pallipes The Wensum is a chalk-fed river in eastern England, and is an eastern example of riverine white- clawed crayfish Austropotamobius pallipes populations. As with most of the remaining crayfish populations in the south and east of England, the threats from non-native crayfish species and crayfish plague are severe. Designation of the river as a SAC provides as much protection as can be afforded to such vulnerable populations.

Annex II species present as a qualifying feature, but not a primary reason for site selection 1016 Desmoulin`s whorl snail Vertigo moulinsiana 1096 Brook lamprey Lampetra planeri 1163 Bullhead Cottus gobio

Appendix B.2 Non-Statutory Designated Sites within 2km of the Site

CWS NAME Description Number

1349 Lenwade Pits This site is a complex of gravel pits with mature varied woodland, there are (East) several pools. It is bordered on the south by a disused railwayline and the River Wensum to the north. The woodland is alder (Alnus glutinosa) dominated with oak (Quercus robur), ash (Fraxinus excelsior), willow (Salix spp.) and sallow (Salix cinerea) forming a dense canopy. There is a considerable amount of standing dead wood which is good for invertebrates. Bramble (Rubus fruticosus agg.), and red campion (Silene dioica) form the ground flora. The pools have both white water lily (Nymphaea alba) and yellow water lily (Nuphar lutea) and are bordered by bulrush (Typha latifoilia), soft rush (Juncus effusus) and gipsywort (Lycopus europaeus). (Based on the Wensum Valley Project 1993 Survey)

1324 Land adjacent This site is an area of continuous tall herb and fen vegetation. Species to Whitwell dominating are great willowherb (Epilobium hirsutum) and abundant reed Common (Phragmites australis) with patches of soft rush (Juncus effusus) and other rush species (Juncus sp.) with sedges (Carex sp.). Thick carpets of moss occur in places along with abundant marsh horsetail (Equisetum palustre), and meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria).

2002 Grassland adj. This site is a semi-improved, neutral grassland with impeded drainage lying River Wensum next to the River Wensum SSSI. The grassland includes crested dog’s tail (Cynosurus cristatus), cock’s-foot (Dactylis glomerata) and Yorkshire fog (Holcus lanatus), with patches of thistles (Cirsium spp.) and docks (Rumex spp.). Also present are meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria) and devil’s-bit scabious (Succisa pratensis), with blunt-flowered rush (Juncus subnodulosus) and common spotted orchid (Dactylorhiza fuchsii). (Based on a 1987 survey)

673 Sparham Pools This site is a disused gravel pit containing several small scrub-covered islands. The site is leased to Norfolk Wildlife Trust and managed as a nature reserve. It contains a diverse range of habitat types and consequently supports a fairly varied collection of species, with more than one hundred fungus species identified on the reserve, including Hypoxylon mammatum and Hebelona radicosum. The northern and eastern banks are steep and scrub-covered, bordered by a narrow strip of scrub-covered dry heath, with remnant patches of heather (Calluna vulgaris) and mature oak (Quercus robur) lining the border fence. Gorse (Ulex europaeus) is dominent in these areas and also along the north-western bank. A large area of dry land on the western side contains a mosaic of undulating areas of bare sand mixed with a short turf of rabbit- grazed bryophytes and lichens and areas of scrub and young woodland

35 White House Barn, Lenwade, Norfolk Protected Species Scoping Survey

dominated by alder (Alnus glutinosa) and silver birch (Betula pendula) over gorse. The young woodland also extends south along the boundary to the south-eastern corner where yellow flag (Iris pseudacorus) occurs in a wet area along the water’s edge. The islands in the pool are covered by alder, silver birch and gorse except where clearance has taken place for nesting habitats for birds. Small patches of common reed (Phragmites australis) occur in places along the water’s edge on the western side. (Based on the 1992 management plan (NWT))

677 Pits near Lyng A large site which includes large eutrophic lakes surrounded by neutral marshy Easthaugh grassland and areas of woodland which provide a valuable wetland site for birds. The lakes are fringed by common reed (Phragmites australis), bulrush (Typha latifolia), hard rush (Juncus inflexus) and soft rush (Juncus effusus). Tall herbs such as rosebay willowherb (Chamerion angustifolium) and great willowherb (Epilobium hirsutum) are also abundant. Some fringes have sandy shores which provide habitat for migrant waders such as greenshank and sandpiper in the spring and autumn. The woodland contains alder (Alnus glutinosa), grey willow (Salix cinerea), birch (Betula spp.), hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) and oak with a grassland ground flora with mullein (Verbascum spp.) and viper’s bugloss (Echium vulgare) and areas of bramble (Rubus fruticosus agg.). The marshy grassland has purple-loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria), spear thistle (Cirsium vulgare), nodding thistle (Cirsium helenioides), marsh horsetail (Equisetum palustre), common centaury (Centaurium erythraea), St. John’s-wort (Hypericum spp.), and ragwort (Senecio spp.). (Based on the Wensum Valley Project 1993 survey)

1322 Meadow Obviously unimproved meadow rich in herbs although rather heavily grazed. A adjacent to stream runs alongside before joining the River Wensum. Grass and soft rush Sandy Lane (Juncus effusus) are dominant with widespread buttercup (Ranunculus spp), plantain (Plantago spp.) and sorrel (Rumex spp.). (Based on the 1985 habitat survey (NWT))

1323 Great This site is a number of disused gravel pits with a variety of habitats including Witchingham open water, tall herb/grassland and wet woodland, predominately alder (Alnus Common glutinosa). The site is used for amenity, especially fishing. The canopy of the woodland is dominated by oak (Quercus robur), birch (Betula spp.), alder, hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) and interspersed with open areas of tall herbs: nettle (Urtica dioica), great willowherb (Epilobium hirsutum), hemlock (Conium maculatum) and hedge woundwort (Stachys sylvatica). The pools contain yellow water-lily (Nuphar lutea) and amphibious bistort (Polygonum amphibium) and are encroached by common reed, yellow iris (Iris pseudacorus) and water starwort (Callitriche spp.). (Based on the Wensum Valley Project 1993 Survey.)

1345 Weston This site is an area of lowland marshy grassland bisected by a ditch. North of Meadow the ditch is typical tall herb with pond-sedge (Carex spp.), nettle (Urtica dioica) great willowherb (Epilobium hirsutum) and meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria) and marsh thistle (Cirsium palustre). The southern end has been cattle grazed and appears more diverse with species typical of grazing marshes occurring including common spotted-orchid (Dactylorhiza fuchsii), blunt flowered-rush (Juncus subnodulosus) and marsh-marigold (Caltha palustre). (Based on the Wensum Valley Project 1993 Survey)

1350 Lenwade Pits This site is a complex of disused gravel pits, woodland and wet grassland. The (West) River Wensum lies to the east, a disused railway line to the north. There are several footpaths across the site. The pools have yellow water-lily (Nuphar lutea) and water forget-me-not (Myosotis scorpioides) and are fringed by reed grass, reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea), bramble (Rubus fruticosus), sallow (Salix cinerea) and oat-grass (Avenula spp.). One is surrounded by purple-loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria). The area around the pools is broad- leaved semi-natural woodland dominated by willows (Salix spp.) oak, (Quercus robur), sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus) and birch (Betula spp.). The ground flora consists of bramble and nettle. (Based on the Wensum Valley Project 1993 Survey)

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678 Sparham House The grounds are comprised of scattered mature native and non-native trees Grounds over fairly improved neutral grassland, an area of moderately species-rich marshy grassland and a fairly small area of oak (Quercus robur) and beech (Fagus sylvatica) dominated woodland. The majority of the site is covered by fairly densely scattered mature trees which are a mixture of mainly native deciduous trees with some ornamental species. Oak is the most common species with very few Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris), sweet chestnut (Castanea sativa), lime (Tilia x vulgaris), horse-chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum) and evergreen oak (Quercus ilex). The underlying grassland is heavily grazed, fairly improved and only moderately species-rich with a low herb content. It was, however, largely burnt out at the time of the survey. It is dominated by Yorkshire fog (Holcus lanatus) and cock's foot (Dactylis glomerata) with frequent creeping bent (Agrostis stolonifera), perennial rye-grass (Lolium perenne perenne) and yarrow (Achillea millefolium). Other species present include common sorrel (Rumex acetosa), creeping buttercup (Ranunculus repens), ground-ivy (Glechoma hederacea) and red fescue (Festuca rubra). The north-west of the site is rather heavily grazed marshy grassland which is fairly unimproved and moderately species-rich. It is dominated by Yorkshire fog and in large patches by soft rush (Juncus effusus). Frequently occurring species includes cock's foot, creeping buttercup, hairy sedge (Carex hirta) and yarrow. Other species present include sorrel, red fescue, redshank (Polygonum persicaria), hard rush (Juncus inflexus), marsh horsetail (Equisetum palustre), marsh thistle (Cirsium palustre) and silverweed (Potentilla anserina). The grassland is intersected by three ditches which were dry at the time of the survey. They are heavily impeded by vegetation such as water mint (Mentha aquatica), fleabane (Pulicaria dysenterica), meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria) and branched bur-reed (Sparganium erectum).

2176 Marriott's Way Marriott’s Way follows a disused railway line which closed finally in 1985, and is now used by walkers, cyclists and horse-riders. A firm track has been laid along its whole length. There are numerous access points with steps to the track and small roadside parking bays. This citation covers the 35km from Hellesdon to Aylsham, via Reepham, though the path does continue into Norwich city centre. The central track is generally unvegetated. However, the track edges present one type of habitat and each side of the track up to the railway fence offers another. These aspects all vary along the path, with cuttings and embankments, different soils and the influence of water on the vegetation. The arrival of the railway was an imposition on the land, with some watercourses being piped under the track but other, smaller, ones being left to create wet areas alongside the embanked track. In some places, the track sliced through woodlands, as in Attlebridge Woods and New Plantation, Reepham. In others it has cut off the corner of a field, which has since become scrub. Cuttings and embankments often have a more diverse flora: possibly as relics of a woodland flora with plants such as sanicle Sanicula europaea, yellow archangel Lamiastrum galeobdolon, bluebell Hyacinthoides non-scripta and moschatel Adoxa moschatellina, or wetland plants and trees which may grow in damp or wet ground, often at the base of an embankment, such as grey willow Salix cinerea, common reed Phragmites australis, great horsetail Equisetum telmateia and hemp agrimony Eupatorium cannabinum. Often loose stones, cinders and coal lie on embankment slopes, and in places fallen trees and shrubs help in the diversification of woodland habitats. Trees and scrub are the dominant vegetation along Marriott’s Way, forming an almost continuous corridor as far as Reepham, with a more scattered coverage eastward to Aylsham. Oak Quercus robur and hawthorn Crataegus monogyna occur all the way along the path, with occasional other locally frequent species such as sweet chestnut Castanea sativa in the woods at Attlebridge, or alder Alnus glutinosa at Whitwell Common, and other species occurring with varying frequency. New Plantation at Reepham is included within the County Wildlife Site. It is a semi-natural broadleaved woodland of ash Fraxinus excelsior, sycamore Acer pseudoplatanus and sweet chestnut with a ground flora including common twayblade Listera ovata, yellow archangel, wood anemone Anemone nemorosa, bluebell and dog’s mercury Mercurialis perennis. Grassland and forbs growing within it form the greatest component of the vegetation. Much of Marriott’s Way is on acidic ground, with light, sandy soil but plants also found in neutral and basic soils seem to occur alongside one

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another. Species such as greater knapweed Centaurea scabiosa, field scabious Knautia arvensis, mouse-ear hawkweed Pilosella officinarum and wild carrot Daucus carota are characteristic of basic grassland; these occur alongside neutral grassland species such as germander speedwell Veronica chamaedrys, common sorrel Rumex acetosa, knapweed Centaurea nigra and false oat grass Arrhenatherum elatius and acidic grassland plants including bracken Pteridium aquilinum, wood sage Teucrium scorodonia and creeping cinquefoil Potentilla reptans. Some less common plants that occur along Marriott’s Way include yellow archangel, basil thyme Clinopodium acinos, wild marjoram Origanum vulgare, hellebores along the track edge, moschatel, maidenhair spleenwort Asplenium trichomanes ssp quadrivalens and locally abundant sanicle. Badger setts occur and bats are known to roost beneath bridges and use the route for commuting and foraging.

2096 Lyng Easthaugh Unimproved, low-lying marshy grassland, with patches of river valley fen and Meadows broadleaved, semi-natural woodland within the Wensum Valley. Marshy grassland with scattered damp hollows and drier patches of neutral grassland divided by lateral ditches and an IDB drain running across the centre of the site, forming part of the southern boundary. A further drain delineates the site’s eastern boundary. Throughout, the grassland is under-managed although in places the sward remains open and herb-rich. Yorkshire-fog (Holcus lanatus) is dominant over large areas with several additional grass species in the sward including creeping bent (Agrostis stolonifera), marsh foxtail (Alopecurus geniculatus), sweet vernal-grass (Anthoxanthum odoratum), tall (Festuca arundinacea), meadow (Festuca pratensis) and red fescue (Festuca rubra), creeping soft-grass (Holcus mollis) and quaking-grass (Briza media). Herbs include common fleabane (Pulicaria dysenterica), silverweed (Potentilla anserina), creeping buttercup (Ranunculus repens), red clover (Trifolium pratense) and abundant ribwort plantain (Plantago lanceolata), with patches of yellow-rattle (Rhinanthus minor), meadow vetchling (Lathyrus pratensis), tufted vetch (Vicia cracca), marsh arrowgrass (Triglochin palustre), black medick (Medicago lupulina), ragged-Robin (Lychnis flos-cuculi), meadow buttercup (Ranunculus acris) and greater bird’s-foot-trefoil (Lotus pedunculatus). Early marsh- (Dactylorhiza incarnata), southern marsh- (Dactylorhiza praetermissa) and common spotted- (Dactylorhiza fuchsii) orchids, bog pimpernel (Anagallis tenella) and bulbous rush (Juncus bulbosus) occur and sedges include brown (Carex disticha), glaucous (Carex flacca) and carnation (Carex panacea), with abundant common spike-rush (Eleocharis palustris) in the wettest areas. In places the sward is taller and includes marsh (Cirsium palustre) and creeping thistle (Cirsium arvense) and common meadow-rue (Thalictrum flavum) and coarser patches support marsh woundwort (Stachys palustris), nettle (Urtica dioica), cleavers (Galium aparine), hemp-agrimony (Eupatorium cannabinum), common reed (Phragmites australis) and reed canary-grass (Phalaris arundinacea). To the west of the IDB drain, the drainage of parts of the grassland is less impeded and there are patches of coarser vegetation, particularly along the southern boundary. Nettle, cleavers, great willowherb (Epilobium hirsutum), reed canary-grass and common reed are dominant and common knapweed (Centaurea nigra) is abundant. The lateral ditches are heavily vegetated and support tall herbs including water figwort (Scrophularia auriculata), hemp-agrimony, common valerian (Valeriana officinalis), water dock (Rumex hydrolapathum), lesser water-parsnip (Berula erecta) and marsh- marigold (Caltha palustris), with blunt-flowered rush (Juncus subnodulosus), brown sedge and greater tussock-sedge (Carex paniculata). Along the northern edge of the grassland is a belt of crack willow (Salix fragilis), alder (Alnus glutinosa) and tall, coarse herbs adjacent to the boundary of the block of broadleaved woodland and there is scattered scrub along the edges of the ditches and parts of the southern boundary. The woodland, which has been heavily managed in the recent past, has an even-aged, low stature canopy and is wet in places with standing surface water and patches of swamp vegetation. The canopy is dominated by ash (Fraxinus excelsior) and alder with occasional oak (Quercus robur) and crack willow adjacent to the woodland boundary and there is a well-developed, dense understorey and shrub layer that includes hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna), holly (Ilex aquifolium), blackthorn (Prunus spinosa), hazel (Corylus avellana), dogwood (Cornus sanguinea) and guelder- rose (Viburnum opulus), with willows (Salix) in the damp hollows. The ground

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flora is dominated throughout by nettle, with abundant ground-ivy (Glechoma hederacea). Wild angelica (Angelica sylvestris), garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata) and herb-Robert (Geranium robertianum) also occur, with occasional moschatel (Adoxa moschatellina), bugle (Ajuga reptans), marsh-marigold, three-nerved sandwort (Moehringia trinervia), skullcap (Scutellaria galericulata) and yellow iris (Iris pseudacorus).

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