Heald Top Farm, Bacup, Lancashire
Ecological Appraisal and Initial Breeding Bird Survey
June 2012
QUANTS environmental Ltd Tel: 01765 600799 Email: [email protected] Web: www.quantsenvironmental.com
QUANTS environmental Ltd
Heald Top Farm, Bacup, Lancashire Ecological Appraisal & Breeding Bird Survey
Contents 1 Introduction ...... 3
2 Survey Methodology ...... 4
2.0 Desk Study ...... 4
2.1 Ecological Appraisal Field Survey ...... 4
2.2 Breeding Bird Survey ...... 4
3 Survey Results ...... 6
3.0 Desk Study ...... 6
3.1 Field Survey ...... 6
3.2 Photos ...... 9
4 Evaluation and Recommendations ...... 11
4.0 Habitats ...... 11
4.1 Bats ...... 11
4.2 Breeding birds ...... 11
4.3 Other fauna ...... 12
Appendix 1: Legislation and Conservation Context ...... 13
Appendix 2: Information provided by WYE and LERN ...... 14
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Heald Top Farm, Bacup, Lancashire Ecological Appraisal & Breeding Bird Survey
1 Introduction This report presents the results of an ecological appraisal and initial breeding bird survey undertaken at Heald Top Farm, Bacup, Lancashire. The appraisal and bird survey were commissioned as part of the submission of a planning application to install and operate a 50kW wind turbine at the site.
The site is centred on grid reference SD 887 250 (see Fig. 1 below) in the upland, sheep and horse grazed field to the south east of the farm dwelling. The site is situated within a moorland landscape, 393 metres above sea level. The proposed locations for each turbine are presented in Figure 1 below. This report was completed to support planning decisions in relation to the application.
Figure 1: Proposed turbine locations (yellow circle)
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Heald Top Farm, Bacup, Lancashire Ecological Appraisal & Breeding Bird Survey
2 Survey Methodology 2.0 Desk Study
West Yorkshire Ecology (WYE) and Lancashire Environment Record Network (LERN) were contacted for records of statutory / non statutory designated sites and protected / notable species within a 2km radius of the site. The relevant search area surrounding the site includes the jurisdictions of both WYE and LERN; therefore, both were contacted to provide an overall coverage of relevant ecological data within the area. In addition, the following web sources were searched for additional ecological data of most relevance to the site.
• Multi Agency Geographic Information for the Countryside (MAGIC). • Ordnance Survey 1:25,000 mapping. • Aerial imagery.
2.1 Ecological Appraisal Field Survey
An ecological appraisal of the site was undertaken on 14th May 2012 and conducted by Ryan Knight AIEEM of Quants Environmental in accordance with the standard JNCC habitat classification methodology1. The weather conditions at the time of the survey were dry, moderate to fresh breeze (Beaufort Scale – 4/5), moderate cloud cover and 7°C with good visibility. The site was also searched for evidence of protected/notable species and the habitats present were assessed in terms of their potential to support protected/notable species. 2.2 Breeding Bird Survey
An initial breeding bird survey was undertaken on 25th May 2012 by Ryan Knight AIEEM in order to determine an initial assessment of the species, numbers and distribution of birds breeding within and adjacent to the site. The survey was based on a combination of the Brown and Shepherd methodology2 and the Common Birds Census (CBC) method (Gilbert et al. 1998)3. All bird observations were recorded on a 1:10,000 scale map using standard British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) notation. The surveys involved walking along the field boundaries within 200 400m of the proposed turbine. The survey transect route is presented in Figure 2. The weather conditions for the survey are presented in Table 1 below. Table 1: Bird Survey Conditions
Date 25th May 2012
Start time 05:30am
Weather Dry, 100% cloud cover, Wind 2 gusting to 4 (Beaufort Scale).
Visibility Moderate
1 JNCC, (2010), Handbook for Phase 1 habitat survey - a technique for environmental audit, ISBN 0 86139 636 7.1 2 Brown, A.F. & Shepherd, K.B. (1993) A method for censusing upland breeding waders. Bird Study, 40, 189-195. 3 Gilbert, G., Gibbons, D.W. & Evans, J. (1998) Bird Monitoring Methods. RSPB, Sandy.
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Figure 2: Transect route of breeding bird survey (indicated by blue line)
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3 Survey Results 3.0 Desk Study
Information provided by WYE and LERN is included in Appendix 2. Statutory protected sites The nearest statutory protected site is the South Pennine Moors SPA / SAC / SSSI, located 3.8km north east of the site. South Pennine Moors qualifies as an SPA under Article 4.1 of the EU Directive (79/409/EEC) by supporting breeding populations of European importance such as the following species listed on Annex I of the Directive: golden plover Pluvialis apricaria, merlin Falco columbarius, peregrine Falco peregrinus, short eared owl Asio flammeus and dunlin Calidris alpina schinzii. Due to the 3.8km distance, the site is not considered to be functionally connected to breeding bird populations from the South Pennine Moors SPA. Non-statutory sites The turbine will be positioned approximately 300m south of Heald Moor & Deerplay Moor Biological Heritage Site (BHS); a privately owned moorland that supports important breeding populations of short eared owl in addition to breeding populations of lapwing, curlew, snipe, twite, wheatear, meadow pipit, linnet, reed bunting and red grouse. The moorland has also received the designation status for its dry bog and acid grassland habitats. Gorpley Clough Local Nature Reserve (LNR) is located approximately 2.6km north east of the site. The site has received its designation for its regionally important geological features. Cliviger Gorge runs within the LNR and is also a regionally important geological site. Other sites of interest within the local area include Dawk Hole Wood, an ancient and semi natural woodland approximately 2.4km north east of the site; a replanted ancient woodland approximately 2.7km north east of the site (above lower moor) and Stanley Wood an ancient and semi natural woodland approximately 2.8km north east of the site. WYE – Protected / notable species records Ecological information provided by WYE is included in Appendix 2. WYE holds numerous records of birds within the search area including house martin, curlew, snipe, wheatear and stonechat. Notable mammal species records include the following: • Two noctule bat records including an aural detection record within 300 metres of the site to south east • Several common pipistrelle bat records including a record in proximity to Heald Top Farm approximately 110 metres north of the turbine. LERN – Protected / notable species records LERN holds numerous notable bird records within the search radius including the following: short eared owl, meadow pipit, peregrine, curlew, twite, linnet, kestrel, sparrowhawk and skylark. The data provided by LERN contains extensive flora records within the 2km study area which are available on request. 3.1 Field Survey
Habitats The turbine will be positioned along the boundary of a sheep and horse grazed field comprising mainly species poor semi improved pasture dominated by perennial rye grass Lolium perenne and broad leaved dock Rumex obtusifolius. The land to the immediate south and the adjacent sheep grazed pasture to the north are of a similar habitat composition with additional coverage of soft and hard rush Juncus effusus & Juncus inflexus. The land to the west comprises a remnant wet heath/acid grassland & blanket bog mosaic that has been heavily degraded i.e., nutrient enriched and heavily grazed with tracts of colonising common pasture grasses. Species
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Heald Top Farm, Bacup, Lancashire Ecological Appraisal & Breeding Bird Survey noted in this habitat includes mat grass Nardus stricta, heather Calluna vulgaris, red fescue Festuca rubra, sheep’s fescue Festuca ovina, springy turf moss Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus, cottongrass Eriophorum angustifolium and field woodrush Luzula campestris. The wider area comprises extensive upland pasture and moorland Breeding bird survey The bird observations recorded during the ecological appraisal and the initial breeding bird survey are summarised below. Bird observations made during the surveys include skylark, curlew, carrion crow, common linnet and meadow pipit. Notable breeding bird survey observations with particular relevance to the turbine installation and operation include the following: • Three to four pairs of skylark (red list species of conservation concern4 & UKBAP priority species5) appear to be nesting within 200 to 400 metres of the site including the field in which the turbine will be positioned. Territorial singing & display flights recorded. • Display flight of a single lapwing (red list & UKBAP priority species) to the immediate west of the farmhouse, approximately 200 metres north of the proposed turbine location. Breeding was not confirmed however, the area provides a suitable location for breeding lapwing. • Curlew (amber list & UKBAP priority species) was heard calling approximately 400 metres from the turbine site during the initial breeding bird survey, however, no breeding activity was confirmed. A single curlew was observed grounded and in flight less than 100 metres of the proposed turbine position during the ecological appraisal. • A single common linnet (red list & UKBAP priority species) was observed perched on a wall to the south west of the site. • Two to three pairs of meadow pipit (amber list) appear to be nesting within the immediate area (<100metres from the turbine). Bats In accordance with Natural England guidance6 buffer zones of at least 50 metres have been maintained between the proposed turbine blade tips and any habitats likely to be used by bats. Data provided by WYE has a record of common pipistrelle approx. 110m north of the turbine location. The record is in proximity to Heald Top Farm which presents a possible location for a bat roost. The location of the proposed turbine is dominated by exposed pasture and open moorland at an elevated position of 393 metres of sea level; therefore, bat activity is expected to be much reduced compared to lower levels.
4 Eaton MA, Brown AF, Noble DG, Musgrove AJ, Hearn R, Aebischer NJ, Gibbons DW, Evans A and Gregory RD (2009) Birds of Conservation Concern 3: the population status of birds in the United Kingdom, Channel Islands and the Isle of Man. British Birds 102, pp296–341. 5 UK Biodiversity Action Plan (UKBAP) priority bird species status based on: http://jncc.defra.gov.uk/page-5163 6 Natural England Technical Information Note TIN051, Bats and onshore wind turbines Interim guidance. First edition 11 February 2009.
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Other protected / notable species No evidence of badger was observed on the site and the proposed locations of the turbines and cabling routes are assessed as being unsuitable for badger sett excavation, i.e. absence of wooded areas and suitable sett excavation areas. There are no records of reptiles within the survey area and the closely grazed pasture in the proposed footprint and cabling route are considered suboptimal for reptiles e.g., common lizard. The surrounding moorland could support common lizard. Brown hare were observed within the site. Brown hare is a UK Biodiversity Action Plan (UK BAP) priority species. No impacts too brown hare are predicted from the turbine development. No further protected / notable species are considered likely to be affected by the proposed turbines.
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3.2 Photos
Photo 1: Looking north-west towards the turbine location (proposed turbine position indicated by red arrow)
Photo 2: View west from turbine location
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Heald Top Farm, Bacup, Lancashire Ecological Appraisal & Breeding Bird Survey
Photo 3: View north of site – towards Heald Top Farm
Photo 4: View eastwards from the turbine location
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Heald Top Farm, Bacup, Lancashire Ecological Appraisal & Breeding Bird Survey
4 Evaluation and Recommendations 4.0 Habitats
The turbine is proposed to be positioned in a semi improved pasture field which is considered to be of low biodiversity value in its own right. The adjacent habitats i.e., heath/acid grassland & blanket bog mosaic, appear to be in poor condition in biodiversity terms due to agricultural improvement. The agricultural improvement has lowered the biodiversity value of the habitat and the species present are not indicative of habitats which are classed as priority UKBAP habitats. The turbine footprint and cabling route do not appear likely to affect habitats of biodiversity value. 4.1 Bats
Standard guidance in relation to wind turbines in England is to provide a buffer zone of at least 50 metres between turbine blade tip and the nearest feature likely to be used by bats e.g. a hedgerow, treeline or a built structure. In accordance with the guidance, a minimum distance in excess of 50 metres has been maintained and no significant impacts on bats are predicted and no further surveys with regards to bat are recommended. 4.2 Breeding birds
The survey results indicate the area within 500 metres of the proposed turbine location supports open ground nesting birds including skylark, lapwing and meadow pipit. No confirmed breeding observations were made of curlew, however, the surrounding area is considered suitable habitat for nesting curlew. The habitat within 100 metres of the proposed location of the turbine is considered sub optimal for disturbance sensitive ground nesting birds such as curlew due to the grazing intensification and regular disturbance from the farm holding. The construction and operation of wind turbines on a site can directly cause displacement of birds through visual and acoustic disturbance7. Turbines can also have detrimental effects on breeding birds that are using a site for feeding. In addition, there is also a risk of bird collision with the moving turbine blades. Recent research8 suggests that wind farm construction can have greater impacts upon birds than wind farm operation. Turbines can potentially cause displacement of breeding waders, particularly curlew, from up to 600m radius from the turbines. Recent research suggests that wind farm construction can have greater impacts upon birds than wind farm operation. It should be noted that the published research relates primarily to multiple wind turbines of greater dimensions and power output (>50kW) than the single turbine development for which this report was commissioned. Research suggests that the populations of passerine species e.g., meadow pipit & skylark may not be negatively affected from wind turbines and that impacts may be greatest during wind farm construction rather than during the operational period. Based on the survey findings and the available research, no significant negative impacts (visual, acoustic, disturbance of feeding activity, collision risks etc) are predicted on passerines, e.g. meadow pipit & skylark. In accordance with best practice, any ground works should be undertaken outside the main bird nesting season of March August inclusive. If this is not possible, any ground works should be preceded by a check for active nests by a suitably qualified ecologist. If active nests are present, these should be left undisturbed in situ until the nests are no longer in active use. Research suggests that lapwing is less sensitive to the negative effects of wind turbines compared to some other wading bird species. Given the number of lapwing (1 possible breeding
7 Pearce-Higgins, J.W., Stephen, L., Langston, R.H.W., Bainbridge, I.P. & Bullman, R. (2009). The distribution of breeding birds around upland wind farms. Journal of Applied Ecology, 46, 1323–1331. 8 Pearce-Higgins, J.W., Stephen, L., Douse, A., Langston. R.H.W. (2012) Greater impacts of wind farms on bird populations during construction than subsequent operation: results of a multi-site and multi-species analysis. Journal of Applied Ecology, 49, 386–394, April 2012.
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pair within 500 metres) and their reported tolerance of wind turbines, it is concluded that lapwing is not likely to be significantly affected by the proposals. The ecological appraisal and initial breeding bird survey indicate that whilst curlew have been recorded in the area (ground and in flight activity); no breeding pairs were observed within 500 metres. Based on the sub optimal breeding habitat within immediate proximity to the turbine, the low number of curlew recorded and the proposed development for a single 50kW turbine, it is concluded that the potential effects on this species are not likely to be significant at a local, regional or national level. It should be noted that there are records of ground nesting birds such as short eared owl, red grouse, reed bunting and twite (red list, UKBAP priority species) from the nearby Heald Top & Deerplay Moor BHS. The southern periphery of the Moor is located within 300 metres of the turbine. In order to avoid damage/destruction of active bird nests (e.g. meadow pipit and skylark), any ground works during the main bird breeding season of March August inclusive should be preceded by a check by a suitably qualified ecologist for active bird nests. If active bird nests are present, these should be left in situ undisturbed until the nests are no longer active. 4.3 Other fauna
No significant impacts on other protected/notable species such as badger, reptiles, hedgehog or brown hare are predicted.
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Appendix 1: Legislation and Conservation Context Nesting birds All wild birds in the UK are protected under Section 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) which makes it an offence to intentionally kill, injure or take any wild bird or take, damage or destroy the nest (whilst being built or in use) or its eggs. Bird species listed in Schedule 1 of the 1981 Act, e.g. barn owl, receive further protection which makes it an offence to intentionally or recklessly disturb these species while building a nest or in, on or near a nest containing eggs or young; or to disturb dependent young of such a bird. Bats All British bat species are fully protected through The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010 as a European Protected Species (EPS). They also receive some protection through inclusion in Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended). Under the legislation, it is an offence to deliberately capture, injure or kill a bat. It is an offence to damage or destroy a breeding site or resting place of a bat. It is also an offence to intentionally or recklessly disturb a bat while it is occupying a structure or place which it uses for shelter or protection; or obstruct access to any structure or place which it uses for that purpose. It is also an offence to deliberately disturb a bat; in particular any disturbance which is likely (a) to impair their ability (i) to survive, to breed or reproduce, or to rear or nurture their young, or (ii) in the case of animals of a hibernating or migratory species, to hibernate or migrate; or (b) to affect significantly the local distribution or abundance of the species to which they belong. The ‘appropriate authority’ (Natural England in England) has powers to issue licences for various purposes including (a) scientific or educational purposes and (e) 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. The appropriate authority shall not grant a licence under this regulation unless they are satisfied (a) that there is no satisfactory alternative, and (b) that the action authorised will not be detrimental to the maintenance of the population of the species concerned at a favourable conservation status in their natural range. It is an offence for any person authorised by virtue of a licence to which this paragraph applies to contravene or fail to comply with any condition which the licence requires him to comply with. Several species of bat including brown long eared and soprano pipistrelle Pipistrellus pygmaeus are identified as UK Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) priority species and are also listed on Section 41 of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities (NERC) Act 2006 as a Species of Principal Importance for the purpose of conserving biodiversity.
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Appendix 2: Information provided by WYE and LERN
14 West Yorkshire Ecology Registry of Deeds Newstead Road Wakefield WF1 2DE Tel/Fax: 01924 306 793 Email: [email protected]
ECOLOGICAL RECORDS SEARCH
FOR
HEALD TOP FARM, BACUP
Ref No:- 20120515 C235 EB
Date: 25th May 2012
Prepared For Toby Fisher
QUANTS Environmental Ltd 65 Kirkby Road Ripon HG4 2HH
West Yorkshire Joint Services are provided by a Joint Committee of the Metropolitan Districts of Bradford, Calderdale, Kirklees, Leeds and Wakefield.
Table of Contents
1 Introduction...... 1 2 Species...... 1 3 Designated sites...... 2 3.1 Internationally Designated site ...... 2 3.1.1 Special Protection Areas...... 2 3.1.2 Special Areas of Conservation...... 2 3.2 Nationally Designated Sites ...... 2 3.2.1 Sites of Special Scientific Interest ...... 2 3.3 Locally Designated Sites...... 3 3.3.1 Sites of Ecological or Geological Importance...... 3 3.3.2 Local Nature Reserves...... 3 3.3.3 Regionally Important Geological Sites ...... 3
List of Tables
Table 1 – Species records...... 1
List of Figures
Figure 1 – Species and Designated Sites...... 4
List of Appendices
Appendix A – Explanation of Species Designations ……..……………………………………i Appendix B – Designated Site Citations ……..…………………………………...…………iii
West Yorkshire Joint Services are provided by a Joint Committee of the Metropolitan Districts of Bradford, Calderdale, Kirklees, Leeds and Wakefield.
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1 Introduction This report provides a summary of the protected and notable species and designated sites information held by West Yorkshire Ecology (WYE) within 2km of grid reference SD887250.
The information within this report is supplied subject to WYE’s ‘Terms and Conditions’, which can be viewed on the WYE website (http://www.ecology.wyjs.org.uk).
2 Species West Yorkshire Ecology holds the following records within your defined search area.
Table 1 – Species records
Record Grid Reference Date Designations Type
Amphibian
Common Toad Bufo bufo Sch5_sect9.5b; UKBAP; WYBAP; SD900262 01/04/2010 field record Calderdale BAP
Bird
House Martin Delichon urbica SD898266 17/06/2011 field record BoCC:Amber; WYBAP
Snipe Gallinago gallinago SD8921924708 01/07/2010 field record BoCC:Amber; Calderdale BAP SD8930325041 01/07/2010 field record BoCC:Amber; Calderdale BAP
Curlew Numenius arquata BoCC:Amber; UKBAP; WYBAP; SD8890425082 01/07/2010 field record Calderdale BAP BoCC:Amber; UKBAP; WYBAP; SD8913724641 01/07/2010 field record Calderdale BAP
Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe SD9007524816 01/07/2010 field record BoCC:Amber SD9011224618 01/07/2010 field record BoCC:Amber
Stonechat Saxicola torquata SD9052725054 01/07/2010 field record Calderdale BAP
Insect - Beetle (Coleoptera)
Ctenicera pectinicornis Ctenicera pectinicornis SD900240 29/05/2008 field record Notable:A
West Yorkshire Joint Services are provided by a Joint Committee of the Metropolitan Districts of Bradford, Calderdale, Kirklees, Leeds and Wakefield.
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Record Grid Reference Date Designations Type
Insect - Butterfly
Small Heath Coenonympha pamphilus SD895245 17/07/2005 field record UKBAP SD898235 10/06/2006 field record UKBAP SD9026 16/08/2008 field record UKBAP
Terrestrial Mammal
Noctule Nyctalus noctula aural bat Sch5; UKBAP; WYBAP; SD8896024960 04/09/2006 detector Calderdale BAP aural bat Sch5; UKBAP; WYBAP; SD8945024730 04/09/2006 detector Calderdale BAP
Pipistrelle Pipistrellus pipistrellus aural bat SD8868025180 04/07/2006 Sch5; WYBAP; Calderdale BAP detector aural bat SD8868025180 04/09/2006 Sch5; WYBAP; Calderdale BAP detector aural bat SD8928524906 19/05/2010 Sch5; WYBAP; Calderdale BAP detector aural bat SD8935924648 04/09/2006 Sch5; WYBAP; Calderdale BAP detector aural bat SD8959024845 04/07/2006 Sch5; WYBAP; Calderdale BAP detector aural bat SD8978024910 19/05/2010 Sch5; WYBAP; Calderdale BAP detector
3 Designated sites
3.1 INTERNATIONALLY DESIGNATED SITE
3.1.1 Special Protection Areas There are no Special Protection Areas within your search area.
3.1.2 Special Areas of Conservation There are no Special Areas of Conservation within your search area.
3.2 NATIONALLY DESIGNATED SITES
3.2.1 Sites of Special Scientific Interest There are no Sites of Special Scientific Interest within the search area.
West Yorkshire Joint Services are provided by a Joint Committee of the Metropolitan Districts of Bradford, Calderdale, Kirklees, Leeds and Wakefield.
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3.3 LOCALLY DESIGNATED SITES
3.3.1 Sites of Ecological or Geological Importance There are no second tier sites (SEGI) occurring within the search area.
3.3.2 Local Nature Reserves There are no Local Nature Reserves (LNR) within your search area.
3.3.3 Regionally Important Geological Sites There is 1 Regionally Important Geological Site (RIGS) within your search area, namely Cliviger Gorge. RIGS are areas identified as being important for their geological features. More details of this or other RIGS sites can be obtained from the West Yorkshire Geology Trust ([email protected]).
RIGS citations are provided in Appendix B.
West Yorkshire Joint Services are provided by a Joint Committee of the Metropolitan Districts of Bradford, Calderdale, Kirklees, Leeds and Wakefield.
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Figure 1 – Species and Designated Sites
West Yorkshire Joint Services are provided by a Joint Committee of the Metropolitan Districts of Bradford, Calderdale, Kirklees, Leeds and Wakefield.
387000 388000 389000 390000 Legend Species Site Centroid Amphibian
428000 2km Radius Search Area Bird 428000 West Yorkshire Boundary Invertebrate Terrestrial mammal *Regionally Important Geological Site
*© Natural England [2012], reproduced PaulPaul andand CoalCoal ClouClo with the permission of Natural England. PaulPaul andand CoalCoal ClouClo
427000 427000
ClivigerCliviger GorgeGorge 426000 426000
425000 425000
424000 424000
423000 423000
387000 388000 389000 390000
Unauthorised reproduction infringes Crown copyright. Copying, sub-licensing, distribution, sale or any other use is strictly prohibited by any third party. Reproduced from the Ordnance Survey digital mapping with the permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of Her Majesty's Stationery Office. (c) Crown copyright. OS Licence number: WMDC100019574. metres Scale 1:25000 At Size A4 0 500 1000
! ∀ # ! ∃ % & ∋ ( () ∗ % +% ∗, #∀ ∀ − . i
Appendix A. Explanation of Species Designations
Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 – main designations cited
Offences include, Abbreviation Full Name Description but not limited to Sch1_part1 Schedule 1, Birds which are • disturb any specially protected bird while it is Part 1 protected by building its nest; special penalties • disturb any specially protected bird while it is at all times near a nest containing eggs or young; or Sch1_part2 Schedule 1, Birds which are • disturb the young of any of these birds before Part 2 protected by they are wholly independent. special penalties during the close season Sch5 Schedule 5 Animals which are • intentional or reckless killing, injuring, taking; protected • damage to, destruction of, obstruction of access to any structure or place used by a scheduled animal for shelter or protection; and • disturbance of animal occupying such a structure or place. Sch5_sect9.1 Schedule 5, Animals which are • intentional killing, injuring and/or taking Section 9(1) protected from killing and/or NB: certain species are only partly protected by taking this section. Check primary legislation for details. Sch5_sect9.5 Schedule 5, Animals which are • selling, offering for sale, possessing or Section 9(5) protected from transporting for the purpose of sale (live or sale dead animal, part or derivative); and • advertising for buying or selling such things Sch8 Schedule 8 Plants which are • pick, uproot, trade in, or possess (for the fully protected purposes of trade). Sch8_sect Schedule 8, Plants which are • selling, offering for sale, possessing or 13.2 Sections protected from transporting for the purpose of sale, any plant (sale only) 13(2a+2b) sale only (live or dead, part or derivative) + advertising for buying or selling such things Sch9_part1 Schedule 9, Animals which are • the release of animals and planting of plants Part 1 established in the listed in Schedule 9. wild. • the above offences can be made legal through Sch9_part2 Schedule 9, Plants which are the granting of licences by the appropriate Part 2 established in the authorities. wild. NB: Tyto alba refers to captive bred only.
Biodiversity Action Plans
Abbreviation Full Name UKBAP UK Biodiversity Action Plan WYBAP West Yorkshire Priority Species List Bradford BAP Bradford Biodiversity Action Plan Calderdale BAP Calderdale Biodiversity Action Plan Kirklees BAP Kirklees Biodiversity Action Plan Leeds BAP Leeds Biodiversity Action Plan Wakefield BAP Wakefield Biodiversity Action Plan
Birds of Conservation Concern (BOCC) 2009
List Description Red High conservation concern Amber Medium conservation concern
West Yorkshire Joint Services are provided by a Joint Committee of the Metropolitan Districts of Bradford, Calderdale, Kirklees, Leeds and Wakefield.
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Red Data Book Categories (Based on ICUN Guidelines)
Abbreviation Full Name EX Extinct EW Extinct in the Wild CR Critically Endangered VU Vulnerable NT Near Threatened LC Least Concern DD Data Deficient NE Not Evaluated
Nationally Notable Invertebrates:
Abbreviation Full Name Description NR Nationally Rare found in 15 or fewer hectads Notable or NS Nationally Notable or found in between 16 and 100 hectads Nationally Scarce Notable A Nationally Notable A found in 16 to 30 hectads Notable B Nationally Notable B found in between 31 and 100 hectads
References
Biodiversity Reporting and Information Group, (2007) Report on the Species and Habitat Review, UK Biodiversity Partnership. http://www.ukbap.org.uk/.
Bratton, J.H. (ed), (1991) British Red Data Books: 3. Invertebrates other than insects. JNCC, Peterborough.
BTO, et al (2009) The Birds of Conservation Concern 3. British Trust for Ornithology. http://www.bto.org/psob/index.htm.
Calderdale Biodiversity Action Plan Technical Group (2008) Calderdale Local Biodiversity Plan: Review of Species and habitats, Calderdale Biodiversity Action Plan Technical Group, Calderdale.
Cheffings, C. and Farrell, L. (Editors), (2005) The Vascular Plant Red Data List for Great Britain, ISSN 1473-0154.
City of Bradford MDC, (2003), A Local Biodiversity Action Plan for the Bradford District (Draft), City of Bradford MDC, Bradford.
IUCN, (2004) Guidelines for using the IUCN. Red List categories and criteria. IUCN,. Gland and Cambridge
J. C. Lavin & G.T.D. Wilmore (1994) , The West Yorkshire Plant Atlas, City of Bradford Metropolitan Council, Bradford.
Kirklees Metropolitan Council (2008) Kirklees Biodiversity Action Plan, Kirklees Metropolitan Council, Kirklees.
Leeds BAP Steering Group, (2000) Biodiversity Action Plan For Leeds, Leeds City Council, Leeds.
Shirt, D. B. (Ed.), (1987) British Red Data Books : 2 : Insects. Peterborough: NCC.
Wakefield Biodiversity Group, (2001) Wakefield District Local Biodiversity Report, Wakefield MDC, Wakefield.
West Yorkshire Biodiversity Action Partnership (2009), West Yorkshire Priority Species List, West Yorkshire Ecology, Wakefield.
West Yorkshire Joint Services are provided by a Joint Committee of the Metropolitan Districts of Bradford, Calderdale, Kirklees, Leeds and Wakefield.
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Appendix B. Designated Site Citations
West Yorkshire Joint Services are provided by a Joint Committee of the Metropolitan Districts of Bradford, Calderdale, Kirklees, Leeds and Wakefield.
Cliviger Gorge STATUS: RIGS (Representative section from Green Clough to Whitaker Naze) OTHER DESIGNATIONS: COUNTY: West Yorkshire DISTRICT: Calderdale OS GRID REF. SD 892 260 (Green Clough) to 903 266 (Whitaker Naze) OS 1:50,000 Landranger 103 Blackburn and Burnley OS 1:25,000 Explorer OL 21 South Pennines BGS 1:50,000 Sheet 76 Rochdale FIRST DESIGNATED by West Yorkshire RIGS Group in 1996 MOST RECENT SURVEY
SITE DESCRIPTION: The rocks are Upper Carboniferous Namurian (Millstone Grit) and Westphalian (Coal Measures) sandstones, siltstones and shales, with some coal seams. This sequence coarsens upwards because of delta advance into a deep water basin, so alternating beds form several cyclothems. The valley runs along major faults, which forms weaknesses for subsequent weathering and erosion to take place. Cliviger Gorge is an important geomorphological feature, a remarkable example of a glacially over- deepened valley formed by escaping melt water at the end of the last glacial period. The deepening of the main valley caused tributary streams to form hanging valleys where the underlying strata are exposed in steep sided cloughs. Cliviger Gorge, with its precipitous slopes, is prone to landslips and rotational slides.
HISTORICAL ASSOCIATIONS: Evidence of coal and lead mining can be seen near Thieveley Scout. Riddle Scout is the site of an 18th century iron stone mine. There are many packhorse routes in the district which enabled lead and iron ore to be transported to Yorkshire for smelting.
EDUCATIONAL VALUE: The Cliviger Valley contains many features of educational interest including landforms, major faulting, mineralisation, marine bands and exposures of Coal Measure cyclothems.
AESTHETIC CHARACTERISTICS: The dramatic landscape of the Cliviger Gorge can be viewed from its extensive network of footpaths.
ACCESS AND SAFETY: Cars can be parked at Portsmouth off the main road, adjacent to the post office. Green Clough may be reached by the footpath leading through Chatham Hill Plantation. Whitaker Naze can be reached by following the Burnley Way eastward from Portsmouth. Follow the Burnley Way westward, to reach Greenhouses, a house now in ruins. The latter is an excellent vantage point overlooking the length of the Cliviger Gorge.
MANAGEMENT AND INTERPRETATION: Interpretation of this large and complex area, which borders on Todmorden Moor and Stansfield Moor, needs to be considered in association with other groups and organizations in both Calderdale and Burnley.
SCIENTIFIC IMPORTANCE: Within Green Clough, Rough Rock and Milnrow Sandstones are exposed dipping 10o to the SW. Across the valley at Whitaker Naze, the strata dips at a steeper angle towards the west. The change in direction and dip of the strata occurs where the Cliviger Valley Fault has downthrown the strata 200m to the NE. In places mineralisation (lead) has occurred along fault planes. The memoir (cited below) p37 gives the Millstone Grit succession in the Cliviger Valley. However this has been reinterpreted and the marine bands and sandstones have been renamed in many cases. The memoir (Plate III) has cross-sections across the Cliviger Fault belt showing complex fault patterns. The valley also took glacial meltwater drainage from the Ribblesdale ice sheet which lay across Burnley into the Calder Valley at Todmorden. There is controversy about how much ice lay in the valley itself and to what extent the deepening of the valley was carried out by meltwater, rather than by ice. The memoir (p132-134) records glacial clays and erratics in the gorge and these suggest that there was ice in the valley at some time, although the most important role of the valley was probably as a glacial overflow channel.
REFERENCES: Detailed descriptions in Yorkshire Rocks and Landscape 1994 Yorkshire Geological Society, Chapter 8, p84 South Pennines Packhorse Trails Trust The Cliviger Gorge W. B. Wright, R. L. Sherlock, D. A. Wray and L. H. Tonks, 1927 The Geology of the Rossendale Anticline Memoir of the Geological Survey
Location map of Cliviger Gorge RIGS
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Lancashire Environment Record Network C/O Research & Intelligence Team Environment Directorate, Lancashire County Council, PO Box 100, County Hall, Preston. PR1 0LD
01772 533896 [email protected] 26 26
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This form may contain privileged and confidential information. Permission must be obtained from Lancashire County Council and the Wildlife Trust for Lancashire before reproducing or divulging information contained on this form to any party not directly in receipt of the form from the copyright holders. Site Name: Heald Moor and Deerplay Moor Site Ref: 82NE01 Approved: 01 September 1993 Area (ha): 293.3 Date written/last updated: 01 December 1999
Grid Ref: SD870270 Owner/Occupier: Private
Districts: Parishes: Burnley Cliviger
Description: The site comprises an extensive area of moorland to the south of Holme Chapel, rising to 449m at Thieveley Pike on Deerplay Moor. The moorland supports important populations of breeding birds, including short-eared owl. Other birds breeding at the site include lapwing, curlew, snipe, twite, wheatear, meadow pipit, linnet, reed bunting and red grouse.
The moorland supports dry bog with patches of acid grassland on steeply sloping and well-drained ground. Hare’s-tail cottongrass dominates with common cottongrass locally dominant. A small amount of bog moss (Sphagnum sp) is present and bilberry and cranberry occur rarely. Acid grassland is dominated by mat-grass, with accompanying species including common bent, wavy hair-grass, heath bedstraw and sheep’s-fescue. Purple moor-grass and soft-rush are found on wetter ground. Small areas of peat erosion are present and there is one area of severe erosion where the underlying shale has been exposed and steep-sided gullies have been formed.
Guideline(s) for Site Selection: Grassland (Gr2)
Birds (Bi2) (Bi5)
Other Information/Comments: The site adjoins Thieveley Scout Biological Heritage Site (BHS 82NE03).
Page 1 of 1 11 May 2012