Broughton Single Turbine, Northamptonshire

Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey May 2011

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LDA Design Consulting LLP Registered No: OC307725 17 Minster Precincts, Peterborough PE1 1XX

3134_ecology May 2011 Broughton Single Turbine, Northamptonshire

Contents

1.0 Introduction ...... 1 1.1. Background ...... 1 1.2. Site Description ...... 1 1.3. Aims of Study ...... 1 2.0 Methodology ...... 3 2.1. Desk Study ...... 3 2.2. Field Survey ...... 3 3.0 Results ...... 4 3.1. Desk Study ...... 4 3.2. Field Survey ...... 7 4.0 Discussion ...... 11 4.1. Constraints on Study Information ...... 11 4.2. Evaluation of Results and Recommendations for Further Study ...... 11 5.0 Summary ...... 14

Version: 1.3 Version date: 22 June 2011 Comment This document has been prepared and checked in accordance with ISO 9001:2000.

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1.0 Introduction

1.1. Background LDA Design has been asked to undertake an initial ecological appraisal with regard to the erection of a single 275kW wind turbine in agricultural land approximately 1km south of the village of Broughton, Northamptonshire. The proposed turbine is anticipated to be 71 metres in height with a rotor diameter of 32 metres1 . Access to the turbine will be from Broughton Road, which runs along the southern boundary of the field in which the turbine is to be located.

1.2. Site Description The field in which the proposed turbine is to be located (referred to as the site) comprises a roughly triangular arable field that is currently under oilseed rape, Brassica napus. The turbine is proposed at Central Ordnance Survey Grid Reference SP8274 E: 482877 N: 274168. The field falls by around 20 metres from south to north, and is approximately 130 metres above sea level at its highest point. The field boundaries are formed by hedgerows. These are variable in terms of quality, with some defunct sections with minimal shrub cover, some intact stock-proof stretches, and a few standard trees along each boundary. Only a few of these trees are of significant age. Around the edge of the field, between the hedges and the crop, an open corridor approximately two metres in width has been created as a result of herbicide application. This has partially re-vegetated with a range of arable ‘weed’ species. A dry ditch runs along part of the north-western site boundary, but no areas of standing water or running water are present on or immediately adjacent to the site. To the south of the site is the Broughton Road, which runs between the A43 and the village of Pytchley, approximately 2.3km to the east of the site. Agricultural fields to the west and east of the site were under maize, Zea mays, and rape respectively in May 2011, and all nearby large fields east of the A43 were noted as being arable. Recent aerial photographs indicate that the wider landscape is also dominated by farmland, with a few scattered shelter belts and woodland blocks, and regular farms with associated outbuildings. The site boundary is shown on drawing number 3134_100.

1.3. Aims of Study The purpose of this report has been to provide information on the baseline ecological interest of the site and immediately adjacent areas. The scope of this report does not extend to detailed analysis of wildlife legislation or biodiversity policy implications.

The principal ecological issues for terrestrial wind farms in lowland England are potential impacts on bird and bat populations. There have been long standing concerns with regard to the potential for collision, displacement and disturbance of breeding, migrating and

1 The location and the dimensions of the turbine result in the tip of the blade being over 50m from the nearest hedge-line.

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wintering birds, and there is specific ornithological survey guidance from Natural England2 with regard to onshore wind farms. Natural England has also issued guidance with regard to bats and single large wind turbines3 (September 2009)4 and onshore wind turbines (February 2009)5, this latter information note pertaining to terrestrial wind farms of all sizes (other than small and micro turbines). These guidance documents from Natural England acknowledge that single turbine schemes are generally unlikely to result in the same level of impact as wind farms with larger numbers of turbines. As such, an initial site appraisal may be all that is necessary for a single turbine scheme of the scale proposed for this site. These guidance documents are not prescriptive, however, and it is noted that proposals for wind farms in areas of high conservation sensitivity may require detailed survey work regardless of scale. Notwithstanding this, there is a clear emphasis within NE guidance that turbines sited well away from linear features (such as hedgerows, watercourses and woodland edge that may provide regular commuting routes for bats) are less likely to result in effects on bat species. The distance between turbine blade tip and hedge-line is recommended by Natural England (2009) as being in excess of 50m. Given the limited land take typically associated with wind farms, effects on other protected species can often be accounted for through appropriate construction phase mitigation.

2 Natural England. (2010). Assessing the effects of onshore wind farms on birds. Technical Advice Note 69. Natural England, Peterborough. 3 Turbines of over 250kW are defined as large turbines. Those of less than 250kW are small and micro-turbines. 4 Natural England. (2009). Bats and single large wind turbines: Joint Agencies interim guidance. Natural England Technical Information Note 59. Natural England, Peterborough. 5 Natural England. (2009). Bats and onshore wind turbines: Joint Agencies interim guidance. Natural England Technical Information Note 51. Natural England, Peterborough.

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2.0 Methodology

2.1. Desk Study A search for the presence of statutory sites of nature conservation importance was completed using the website http://magic.defra.gov.uk/. Information on non-statutory designated sites, protected species and other species of conservation interest (e.g. species of Principal Importance for the Conservation of Biodiversity in England listed in response to Section 41 of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 – commonly known as “Section 41 species”) was sought from the Northamptonshire Biodiversity Records Centre (NBRC). Data for bats was requested from the Northamptonshire Bat Group, as this is not held by NBRC. The survey area for the desk study was informed by study of on-line aerial photography, including images available on http://www.bing.com/maps/. Due to the relatively limited connectivity of the site to areas of potential nature conservation interest in the wider area, information for a 1km search area was requested from NBRC. Records of bats were requested from Northamptonshire Bat Group for an area extending to 10km outside the site boundary, to provide suitable context for the report. The search for designated site information was also extended to 10km (to reflect the possibility that bats might form the qualifying interest of Special Areas for Conservations [SACs] and Sites of Special Scientific Interest [SSSIs]).

2.2. Field Survey

2.2.1. Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey An extended Phase 1 habitat survey6 was undertaken by Owain Gabb MIEEM7 of all areas within the red line boundary (see drawing 3134_100) on 18th May 2011. This involved mapping all habitat types present within the site using standard JNCC definitions and making notes on dominant or characteristic flora. As the Phase 1 habitat survey methodology is, in the main, concerned only with vegetative communities, the survey was extended8 to allow for the provision of information on other ecological features, in particular to identify the presence or potential presence of legally protected species or habitats with the potential to support them.

6 JNCC. (2007). Handbook for phase 1 habitat survey – a technique for environmental audit. England Field Unit, Nature Conservancy Council (1990). Revised reprint by the Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough.

7 Full Member of the Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management 8 Institute of Environmental Assessment. (1995). Guidelines for ecological assessment. Chapman & Hall.

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3.0 Results

3.1. Desk Study

3.1.1. Statutory Designated Sites There are no sites of European or International conservation importance within 10km of the site, but a number of nationally important sites are present within the search area. These are as follows: Table 1. Principal Interest of SSSIs within 10km of the Site

SSSI Principal Interest Approximate Distance and Direction from Site

Badsaddle, Withmale Park & Ancient ash and maple 1km south Bush Walk Woods woodland on chalk substrate. Formerly managed coppice. Diverse associated ground flora featuring individual rare species.

Hardwick Lodge Meadows Species rich agriculturally 3.5km south unimproved permanent pasture.

Pitsford Reservoir The site supports passage and 4.5km south-west wintering waterfowl. Shoveler is specifically noted on the citation.

Birch Spring and Mawsley Valley with mixed woodland, 3km north-west Marsh marsh and grassland habitats

Cranford St John Jurassic rock exposure 9.5km east

River Ise and Meadows River on clay fed by base rich 9.2km north water.

The SSSIs are poorly connected to the site, with gaps in the hedgerow network extending to the south and the A43 close to the western site boundary.

3.1.2. Non-statutory Designated Sites Non statutory designated sites within the 1km search area around the site are Boughton Pocket Park and Broughton Green Lane Local Wildlife Site (LWS).

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Pocket Parks are natural areas which are owned and looked after by the local community for peaceful enjoyment, the protection of wildlife and to provide access for all. Boughton Pocket Park is approximately 1.75km to the north-east of the site. It is a linear site comprising hedgerows, grassland and scrub. Broughton Green Lane LWS, approximately 350m south-west of the site at its closest point, is a broad green lane with a good diversity of neutral grassland and wet meadow species. A strip of woodland extending along a stream to the north-west of the site, and discussed further under bats in Section 3.2.2 has been identified as a potential LWS by the local authority, but there is insufficient data for the area to confirm the designation at present.

3.1.3. Protected Species Information from the Northamptonshire Biodiversity Records Centre (NBRC) is summarised as follows:  Great crested newt, Triturus cristatus, has been recorded from a Koi Carp Pond in Wellingborough Road approximately 500m to the north of the site (1985); from Willows Nursery in Broughton, approximately 750m north-west of the site (2008); and, from a pond near Pytchley Lodge (2006). The latter record, which the grid reference suggests is from approximately 500m south of the site, does not directly correspond to a water-body. As such, this could refer any of to a number of water-bodies in the area, the closest of which is approximately 225m south of the site boundary.  Badger, Meles meles, records are mainly from the A43 between 200m and 500m from the site, and are likely to predominantly refer to road casualties (due to a lack of records from elsewhere within the search area). The most recent record is from 2007.  A barn owl, Tyto alba, was recorded approximately 1km to the north-east of the site in September 1993. An outline summary of the bat information supplied by Northamptonshire Bat Group is as follows: Table 2. Summary of bat information from Northamptonshire Bat Group

Bat species Summary of information supplied

Common pipistrelle (Pipistrellus pipistrellus) The data request returned around 250 records of common pipistrelle for the search area. There were no records for the site. Local known roosts included: Loddington Church and Village Hall (separate), approximately 4.25km to the north-west; Pytchley Church and Lower End (separate sites) approximately 3km to the east; Walgrave Church and Newland Road (separate sites), approximately 3.4km south- west; and, Walgrave Walkers Acre some 3.55km to the west.

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Bat species Summary of information supplied

Soprano pipistrelle (Pipistrellus pygmaeus) The search returned 18 records of soprano pipistrelle, including 10 roost sites. None were within 5km of the site.

Brown long-eared bat (Plecota auritus) There are 32 records of this species in the search area. Many of these refer to roosts in houses, churches and farm buildings. The closest of these are from Pytchley Manor Gardens in 2003 (approximately 1.7km to the east) and Pytchley Church in 1985 (approximately 2.4km to the east).

Daubenton’s bat (Myotis daubentoni) There are records of three foraging and one grounded Daubenton’s bats. A roost has been present at Walgrave Church, approximately 3.3km to the south-west of the site, since 1981.

Natterer’s bat (Myotis nattereri) There are three records of roosts and a further three records of grounded bats. The nearest roost to the site is approximately 2km to the north north-west at Great Cransley Church.

Whiskered/Brandt’s bat (Myotis mystacinus / Three of the five records are of roosts. The brandtii) nearest known roost is approximately 4km to the west of the site (Mill Lane) and the nearest foraging record is from Cransley Reservoir approximately 3.5km to the north.

Whiskered bat (Myotis mystacinus) Two records of grounded bats, the more recent being from 2009. The nearer record was approximately 4.5km from the site.

Noctule (Nyctalus noctula) Six of the eight records involve foraging bats e.g. one at Cransley Reservoir, approximately 3.5km to the north north- east in 2011. A roost was noted in 2007 at Hanging Houghton, approximately 8km west of the site.

Leisler’s bat (Nyctalus leisleri) One record of a grounded individual approximately 7.25km to the south south- west of the site in 2001.

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3.1.4. Notable Species There were a number of records of common toad, Bufo bufo, a Section 41 species, from the 1km search area.

3.2. Field Survey

3.2.1. Habitats The habitats recorded on and adjacent to the site are described below, with photographs on the Photo Panel (drawing 3134_ECOLOGY PANEL) and the broad habitat types shown on drawing 3134_101. Any features of note are numbered (in square brackets) in the text below so that they can be easily cross-referenced to the drawing. The site comprises 19.22 hectares (0.19km2) of arable land. This had been planted with an oilseed rape crop at the time of the survey. The crop had generally taken well and formed a tight monoculture, although there were localised areas of bare ground and sparse cover within it, particularly in the north-eastern part of the field. The boundaries of the field are formed by hedgerows. The southern boundary hedge [1], which is adjacent to the Broughton Road, is the most heavily managed, being relatively regularly cut. Dominant shrub species are field maple, Acer campestre, and blackthorn, Prunus spinosa, although hazel, Corylus avellana, elder, Sambucus nigra, and hawthorn, Crataegus monogyna, are also present. Dogwood, Cornus sanguinea, is relatively common in this hedge, and wild privet, Ligustrum vulgare, also occurs. There are a few standard trees, mainly ash, Fraxinus excelsior, of moderate age, although a mature pedunculate oak, Quercus robur, is present on the field boundary on the southern side of Broughton Road. Some of the ash trees are ivy, Hedera helix, clad, but lack obvious cavities or loose bark that might support roosting bats, and the hedge-line is exposed, being on the brow of the hill. Some sections of the hedge are entirely missing, but the majority is intact and relatively diverse in terms of woody plants. The eastern hedge [2] boundary is a far taller feature than the southern hedge, and appears unmanaged. Towards its southern end it is dominated by ‘leggy’ hawthorn and field maple, and there is one mature ivy-clad pedunculate oak present. The northern part of this hedge has more blackthorn and dog rose, Rosa canina, and there are some relatively substantial gaps in shrub cover. At the point at which the eastern boundary hedge meets the western field boundary, there is a mature field maple surrounded by dense scrub. The northern part of the western field boundary is the most ecologically diverse in terms of shrub species. It is relatively wide [3], as there is a seasonal watercourse running through it and unmanaged woody vegetation either side. This watercourse was dry at the time of survey and may be ephemeral at this point, as it clearly becomes more substantial to the north-east of the site (and appears to be a spur from the main channel). This part of the hedge is relatively diverse, with buckthorn, dogwood and pear, Pyrus spp., in addition to the dominant hawthorn, blackthorn and field maple. Standard ash are mainly of moderate age, but there is one mature tree, a large dead and heavily rotted trunk of what was probably another close by, and considerable fallen deadwood. The presence of a territorial great spotted woodpecker, Dendrocopus major, in this area also indicates that holes are likely to have been created in some of the branches.

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The hedgerow further (south) towards the road [4] is generally less noteworthy, being more heavily managed (appearing regularly cut) and probably of more recent origin (possibly restocked). Dominant shrub species are blackthorn, hawthorn and field maple. Notwithstanding this, there is a mature pedunculate oak on this margin [5] as well as a number of moderate-aged standard ash and a single standard field maple. The oak, grid reference SP8273 7412 is ivy-clad, has substantial loose bark and is likely to have fissures, any of which have the potential to support roosting bats, due to its age. A broad strip around the edge of the field had been sprayed with herbicide (probably at least a month before the site visit), resulting in a semi-vegetated margin of 1 and 2 metres between the hedgerow and the edge of the crop. The hedge bottoms had not been sprayed out. Herb species associated with the hedge bottoms included hogweed, Heracleum sphondylium, cow parsley, Anthriscus sylvestris, garlic mustard, Alliaria petiolata, rough hawk’s-beard, Crepis biennis, cleavers, Gallium aparine, stinging nettle, Urtica dioica, common field speedwell, Veronica persica, barren brome, Anisantha sterilis, and cocksfoot, Dactylis glomerata, all of which were widespread. Opportunistic species that had colonised the bare ground included cut-leaved cranesbill, Geranium dissectum, which was abundant, shepherd’s purse, Capsella bursa-pastoris, red dead nettle, Lamium purpureum, groundsel, Senecio vulgaris, and pineappleweed, Matricaria matricariodes. The field edges were not diverse in terms of herb species however. No non-native invasive plant species were recorded. A pond marked on the Ordnance Survey map at SP8335 7423 [6], approximately 60m east of the site boundary was also visited during the survey work. It is surrounded by dense scrub cover and semi mature sycamore and ash, and as such is heavily shaded. It was completely dry at the time of the survey, and appeared to have been so for some time (due to the accumulation of dry leaves within the depression).

3.2.2. Protected Species Badger No badger use of the site was recorded during the Extended Phase 1 Survey. The entire perimeter of the site was walked, and no habitually used mammal paths, hairs, foraging signs or setts were noted. Minor paths (pushed through vegetation without soil compaction or other evidence of regular use) were recorded through the field boundaries at the northern extremity of the site and towards the south-western corner. These may have been made by brown hare (Lepus europaeus), as an animal was recorded in the western part of the field during the survey. Bats The site comprises intensively managed arable farmland. This is generally considered a poor foraging habitat for bats, and many records tend to refer to bats commuting along linear corridors within it as opposed to crossing open fields. The southern boundary and adjacent farmland are relatively exposed, there are gaps in hedgerow cover, and there are few standard trees with obvious features that might support roosting bats. This part of the site is also relatively poorly ecologically connected, with the A43, a major road, forming a potential barrier to movement for some species approximately 300 metres to the west, and aerial photographs indicating few mature trees and little

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substantial hedgerow cover further east along the Broughton Road. As such, given the poor foraging quality and the structure of the field boundary features, it seems the least likely part of the site to be subject to high levels of use by bats. The mature ash and other standard trees within the (northern part of the) western field boundary, and the mature oak further (south) along this hedge line have the greatest potential to support roosting bats. The oak on the eastern hedge line may present further opportunities. Aerial photographs suggest the (northern part of the) western boundary of the site is well connected to what is likely to be the best feature in the local area for bats, a strip of mature defunct hedgerow that extends north-east of the site along a drainage ditch, linking to a small woodland approximately 210m to the north-east of the site and a more extensive woodland belt approximately 720m to the north-east. This latter woodland belt extends for a further 1.1km. As such, from a landscape connectivity perspective, with regard to availability of roost sites, and due to the fact that parts of the western hedge are least exposed to the prevailing wind, the (north) western part of the site boundary has the greatest potential to regularly support roosting bats. Great Crested Newt No water-bodies are present within the site. As noted previously, the pond in the field approximately 60m to the east was dry at the time of survey, and appeared to have been so for some time. There are, however, a good number of ponds within the wider area that were not visited due to the limited scope of the survey work. These include:  Two ponds at Pytchley Lodge approximately 285m and 320m to the south-east of the site;  A pond adjacent to the field boundary stream approximately 100m to the east of the site;  A further pond approximately 420m east of the site; and,  Two ponds in farmland 225m to the south and 450m to the south of the site respectively. Further ponds to the west of the site are isolated from it by the A43, which is likely to form an effective barrier to movement for amphibian species. Reptiles There is some potential for reptiles to occur around the boundaries of the site, although the margins had been sprayed out and the hedge bottom afforded very limited cover at the time of the Phase 1 survey. Breeding Birds Section 41 species that were noted during the Phase 1 survey were skylark, Alauda arvensis, linnet, Carduelis cannabina, tree sparrow, Passer montanus, and yellowhammer, Emberiza citrinella. There were two skylarks singing over the site. These birds seemed to be associated with areas of bare ground where the crop had not taken properly. Linnet was noted in flight, and two tree sparrows were flushed from the crop near the eastern field margin and flew south. A pair of yellowhammer was in the tall hedge towards the northern tip of the site, and a further bird was heard calling on the southern boundary. A range of more ubiquitous species were also present: several woodpigeon, Columba palumbus, nests were located; two great tit, Parus major, territories were present on the

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northern edge of the site; a robin, Erithacus rubecula, and a goldcrest, Regulus regulus, were singing from near Highcross Farm and a red-legged partridge, Alectoris rufa, was heard calling from within the crop. Several chaffinches, Fringilla coelebs, were heard calling from trees around the margin. Other Species Apart from the brown hare noted previously, no other mammals of nature conservation interest were recorded at Pytchley. Butterflies included a brown morph female common blue, Polyommatus icarus, and a green-veined white, Pieris napi, both of which are common and widespread.

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4.0 Discussion

4.1. Constraints on Study Information There were no constraints to the desk study or Phase 1 survey.

4.2. Evaluation of Results and Recommendations for Further Study

4.2.1. Designated Sites There are no statutory or non-statutory designated sites on or adjacent to the site of the proposed turbine. As such, there will be no direct loss of habitat from designated areas. Statutory sites in the 10km perimeter search area around the site have not been designated for their bat populations, and only Pitsford Reservoir, some 4.5km to the south-west has cited bird interest. This bird interest, which comprises migratory and wintering waterfowl, is unlikely to regularly fly over the site or to use it for foraging. The remaining SSSIs, the non-statutory LWS and Pocket Park have been designated for their botanical, geological or community interest. As such, it is unlikely that the erection of the proposed turbine would impact upon the interest of these sites.

4.2.2. Species Records The desk study has not identified any unexpected species information:  NBRC data indicated that badgers have been recorded from the A43. It is assumed, due to the limited number of records for the remainder of the search area, that these mainly comprise vehicle collision victims. This implies a local population;  A considerable number of bat records were supplied by the Northamptonshire Bat Group for the 10km search area. The records indicate that common and soprano pipistrelles and brown long-eared bat are the most commonly recorded species locally. No bat roost sites are known on or in close proximity to the site, and no bats have been recorded foraging over it. It is noted, however, that the information supplied by the bat group does not represent a comprehensive data set.  Information supplied by NBRC also indicates that great crested newts have occurred in a number of local water-bodies. The potential for contravention of UK and European Wildlife legislation concerning great crested newts should therefore be considered if the project moves forward.

4.2.3. Habitats The intensively farmed habitats within the field are of negligible intrinsic ecological importance due to their highly managed nature and low associated species diversity. The hedgerows are gappy in places and have very little associated herbaceous field margin vegetation due to herbicide application. The southern boundary hedge is heavily managed and provides very limited shelter, while the eastern boundary is a thin, gappy, overgrown feature. As such, they are unlikely to act as particularly effective ecological corridors through the local area, although the northern part of the western boundary hedge is linked

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to woodland and scrub adjoining a minor watercourse that runs east from the site and links to semi-natural woodland. The species composition of the hedges is likely to be typical of the local area. The most notable feature of the site is the presence of a few mature standard trees, mainly oaks, within hedgerows on or close to the site boundary. Aerial photographs show that hedgerow trees are scattered through the wider area with a few typically present on each hedge-line, but that there are no woodland blocks within 700m of the site. These mature and semi-mature trees are therefore likely to of local importance.

4.2.4. Protected Species Badger No evidence was found that badger currently use the site (despite the desk study evidence of a population in the local area), and there is limited potential for setts to be established within the field boundary or in immediately adjacent areas. As such, the contravention of legislation concerning badger welfare is unlikely to be an issue with regard to the development of a single turbine (and access track) within the field. Bats The site is relatively poorly connected in landscape terms to good bat habitat, the foraging potential of the site is poor and only one turbine is proposed. Natural England’s 2009 guidance on single large turbines is that survey would normally be expected if wind turbines are located within 50m of a hedgeline, woodland, a potential roosting feature (such as a mine, a cave, a mature tree or a woodland block), or is within or adjacent to a site designated for its bat populations. None of these ‘trigger points’ for survey are applicable to the site. The distance between the blade tip and the hedge line is in excess of 50m, while the distance of the nearest potential roosting feature, the mature oak in the north-western hedgerow, is approximately 130m from the location of the turbine. Despite the apparent poor quality of the site for bats, should further assessment be required guidance is set out in the Bat Conservation Trust’s recent onshore wind farm survey guidance (available on their website at http://www.bats.org.uk/pages/publications_and_resources.html). Great crested newt Aerial photographs and maps indicate that there are at least seven ponds within 500m of the site, although some of these (such as the pond within the field immediately to the east) may not hold water during the spring and summer. Desk study records have established that great crested newt is known to occur in the area. It is unlikely, given the scale of the scheme, the limited associated land take, the fact that it is unlikely to involve the loss of important terrestrial habitat for newts, and the indicative distance of the turbine and access track from ponds, that there is a significant risk of contravention of legislation protecting the species. As such, it should be possible to deal with potential effects on newts through mitigation as opposed to survey. Mitigation might include measures such as:

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 Restricting construction work to daylight hours  Supervision of intrusive ground works by a suitably qualified ecologist;  Timing intrusive works to avoid the spring (March to May inclusive) and autumn, when great crested newts are moving to and from water-bodies;  Ensuring trenches are not left open overnight and/or providing a means of escape for animals falling into them;  An initial toolbox talk for contractors, which will involve identifying appropriate actions if a newt is found within the construction area (this would typically involve contacting the project ecologist). Reptiles Reptiles, if present, are likely to be confined to boundary features. As such, impacts on reptile populations would not be expected as a result of the proposed development. No targeted baseline survey work is proposed. Birds The site has very little potential to support a breeding or wintering bird community that would be significantly impacted by the development of a single turbine development. The hedgerows are heavily managed, lack scrub cover along some sections and appear to support a range of common and widespread farmland and generalist bird species. The field has a few skylark territories, but the only species of particular note was tree sparrow, which has a localised distribution in England. The topography of the field, and the lack of any water-bodies or other features of interest in close proximity to the site do not suggest that there are likely to be large numbers of birds present locally during the winter or passage periods. Any consultee concerns with regard to particular species can best be addressed through a literature review and extended desk study undertaken to inform the planning application.

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5.0 Summary The site is mainly an intensively farmed arable field that is currently under oilseed rape. Field boundaries comprise hedgerows with occasional trees, a few of which are mature. The site gradually rises from south to north, with the proposed turbine and associated access track being towards the south-western boundary. A desk study has found that there are no statutory or non-statutory designated sites of nature conservation interest that are likely to be affected by development of the site, and aerial photographs demonstrate that the site is generally poorly linked to areas of ecological interest in the wider area (due to the close proximity of the A43 and the lack of good hedgerow corridors to the south). There is no evidence from the desk study or phase 1 survey to suggest that the site is of particular ecological interest, and the design of the scheme is in line with Natural England 2009 guidance with regard to distance from hedgerows and features with the potential to support bat roosts. Great crested newts are known to occur in the area, but the scale of the scheme, the distance of the infrastructure from ponds and the habitats affected indicate that contravention of legislation is unlikely. As such, it should be possible to avoid impacts on newts through small scale mitigation measures.

3134_ecology 14 LEGEND Site boundary

REV. DESCRIPTION APP. DATE

PROJECT TITLE BROUGHTON SINGLE TURBINE e s a b a t a D \ S I DRAWING TITLE G \ s n a l Site Boundary P d n a s g n i w a r D

G S B \ s n a l ISSUED BY Peterborough T 01733 310471 P d n a

s DWG.NO 3134_100 g n i w a r D

\ DATE 01/06/2011 DRAWN SW g n i r e t SCALE@A3 1:4,000 CHECKED OG t e K

, e STATUS FINAL APPROVED PB n i b r u T d n i W

No dimensions are to be scaled from this drawing. 8 3

2 All dimensions are to be checked on site. 5 \ 0

0 Area measurements for indicative purposes only. 3 5 - 1 0

2 This map is reproduced from Ordnance Survey material with the permission of 5 \ s t Ordnance Survey on behalf of the controller of Her Majesty's Stationary Office c a r t © Crown Copyright. Unauthorised reproduction infringes Crown copyright and n o C

may lead to prosecution or civil proceedings. e v i Licence number 0100031673 [2011] L \ s t c 0 200m a r Sources: Aerial Photography (c) Bing Maps (c)2009 Microsoft Corporation t h t n r o o C \ N :

L © LDA Design Consulting LLP. Quality Assured to BS EN ISO 9001 : 2000 LEGEND

1 Target note

Arable A

Species-poor hedgerow A Species-poor defunct hedgerow

Native species-rich hedgerow and trees

3 Native species-rich hedgerow

Species-rich defunct hedgerow

Hedgerow tree

A

2 A

4

A 5

Project TitlE Broughton Single Turbine

DrawiNG title Phase 1 Habitat Survey Map

A ISSUED BY Peterborough T 01733 310471 1 DWG. NO 3134_101

DATE 01/06/2011 DRAWN SW SCALE@A3 NTS CHECKED OG STATUS FINAL APPROVED PB

No dimensions are to be scaled from this drawing. All dimensions are to be checked on site. A Area measurements for indicative purposes only. This map is reproduced from 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. Unauthorised reproduction infringes Crown copyright and may lead to prosecution or civil proceedings. Licence number 0100031673 [2011] 0 100m Sources: Aerial Photography (c) Bing Maps (c)2009 Microsoft Corporation

L:\Contracts\Live Contracts\5201-5300\5238 Wind Turbine, Kettering\Drawings and Plans\BSG Drawings and Plans\Illustrator&Indesign\Phase 1 © LDA Design Consulting LLP. Quality Assured to BS EN ISO 9001 : 2000 R eports\Figures for Stu T urbine, Kettering\ R eports\BSG W ind C ontracts\5201-5300\5238 \\Bsgsvr01ox\data\ C ontracts\ L ive 1. Mature oak (with taller less mature ash in the background) on north-western 2. View across the site from the south-western corner 3. The leggy eastern boundary hedge site boundary hedgerow

4. View from the northern corner of the site

ISSUED BY Peterborough T 01733 310471 Project TitlE DWG. NO 3134_ECOLOGY PANEL Broughton Single Turbine

DATE 31/05/2011 DRAWN SW

SCALE@A3 NTS CHECKED OG DrawiNG title Ecology Photo Panel STATUS FINAL APPROVED PB © LDA Design Consulting LLP. Quality Assured to BS EN ISO 9001 : 2000