MATTHEWS LANE GORTON, MANCHESTER ECOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT TEP Genesis Centre Birchwood Science Park Warrington WA3 7BH Tel: 01925 844004 Email: [email protected] www.tep.uk.com Offices in Warrington, Market Harborough, Gateshead, London and Cornwall PLANNING I DESIGN I ENVIRONMENT Matthews Lane Gorton, Manchester Ecological Assessment Document Title Ecological Assessment Prepared for Laing O'Rourke Northern Ltd Prepared by TEP - Warrington Document Ref 6150.001 Author Fleur Wilson Date January 2017 Checked Emma Pickering Approved Lee Greenhough Amendment History Check / Modified Version Date Approved Reason(s) issue Status by by Matthews Lane Gorton, Manchester Ecological Assessment CONTENTS PAGE Executive Summary .............................................................................................................. 2 1.0 Introduction ............................................................................................................. 3 2.0 Site Description ....................................................................................................... 4 3.0 Methods .................................................................................................................. 5 4.0 Results .................................................................................................................... 7 5.0 Conclusion ............................................................................................................ 16 6.0 Recommendations ................................................................................................ 18 References ......................................................................................................................... 21 TABLES PAGE Table 1: Ecological information and consultations. ................................................................ 5 Table 2: Bat Roost Assessment Criteria 2016. ...................................................................... 6 Table 3: WCA1, S41 & BoCC bird records within search area .............................................. 8 FIGURES PAGE Figure 1: Contains Ordnance Survey data © Crown copyright and database right 2016 ....... 4 Figure 2: Woodland parcel in the south of the site; semi-natural broad-leaved woodland. This habitat on site is dominated by regenerated broad-leaved trees with occasional occurrences of planted coniferous specimens. .................................................................... 10 Figure 3: Modified neutral grassland/ marshy grassland mosaic, with scattered scrub. ....... 11 Figure 4: Ephemeral pools in the south of the site ............................................................... 12 Figure 5: Waterbody in the north of the site ......................................................................... 12 Figure 6: Waterbody in the woodland in the west of the site ................................................ 12 Figure 7: Ephemeral pool in the north of the site ................................................................. 12 Figure 8: Hardstanding/ footpaths through the site .............................................................. 12 Figure 9: Modified neutral grassland/ marshy grassland mosaic with scattered trees along border of the site. ................................................................................................................ 13 APPENDICES APPENDIX A: Desk Based Ecological Appendix. APPENDIX B: Target Note Report. APPENDIX C: Bat and Bird Box Enhancement Opportunities 6150.001 January 2017 Version 1.0 Matthews Lane Gorton, Manchester Ecological Assessment DRAWINGS Drawing 1 – G6150.002: Phase 1 Habitat Survey 6150.001 January 2017 Version 1.0 Matthews Lane Gorton, Manchester Ecological Assessment Executive Summary 1. An ecological assessment of land off Matthews Lane (Nutsford Vale), Gorton, Manchester was understand to inform proposals for a secondary school and adjoining amenities. 2. The ecological assessment included a desktop study, a habitat walkover survey and a ground based assessment of the trees. 3. The site, currently used as a public park, comprises a mosaic of semi-natural broad- leaved woodland, scattered trees, modified neutral/ marshy grassland, scrub and ephemeral pool/ waterbodies. Such habitats provide a valuable resource for birds, mammals and invertebrates. 4. The following recommendations are made prior to the commencement of development; Habitats: An updated Phase 1 habitat survey should be conducted within the optimum survey season in order to determine a comprehensive understanding of the diversity and species assemblage of the habitats on site. It is recommended this is conducted in May to cover both woodland and grassland optimal periods. Amphibians/ Great crested newt: Habitat Suitability Index (HSI) assessment of existing waterbodies on site to be conducted in March. eDNA surveys are recommended on any suitable breeding waterbodies in April, with subsequent traditional surveys conducted if presence of GCN is determined (April - June). Bat: Activity surveys are required to determine the species assemblage and level of bat activity across site as well as key habitats utilised (May- September). Badger: If works do not commence on site within twelve months of the most recent survey date, a pre-commencement badger survey should be undertaken. Birds: A breeding bird survey is required to determine presence/ absence of protected bird species. Nesting bird checks will be required prior to ground vegetation clearance works. Vegetation clearance should be undertaken outside of the period March to August inclusive to avoid disturbance to nesting birds. 5. Biodiversity enhancements opportunities are recommended and detailed within the recommendations section of this report. 6150.001 Page 2 January 2017 Version 1.0 Matthews Lane Gorton, Manchester Ecological Assessment 1.0 Introduction 1.1 TEP were commissioned in December 2016 to carry out an ecological assessment of Nutsford Vale Park off Matthews Lane, Gorton, Manchester. This appraisal is to support development of a secondary school with associated car park and school ground on site. The school buildings will be focused predominantly within the southern section of the site. 1.2 This ecological assessment includes the following methods: Desktop study; Walkover habitat survey; and Ground based assessment of trees. 1.3 The objectives of this report are to: Describe the existing vegetation and give an overview of the habitats present on the site; Identify whether there are any features of conservation value such as legally protected species or habitats of biodiversity importance; Advise of further surveys or mitigation requirements that may be needed prior to development of the site; and Outline opportunities to provide biodiversity enhancement within site proposals. 6150.001 Page 3 January 2017 Version 1.0 Matthews Lane Gorton, Manchester Ecological Assessment 2.0 Site Description 2.1 Nustsford Park lies off Matthews Lane in Gorton, Manchester. The survey area is shown in Figure 1. The approximate grid reference is SJ 87867 95039 2.2 The site, approximately 14ha in area, comprises a mosaic of woodland, scrub, ephemeral pools/ waterbodies and a mix of modified neutral/ marshy grassland. The site is currently used as public recreational space with a series of hardstanding footpaths throughout the site. 2.3 As an urban site, the area under development is predominantly surrounded by inner city housing and amenities. The southern site boundary lies along Matthew Lane; housing and schools are adjacent to the eastern boundary of the site; while the northern boundary links the site with additional green space to the north as well as more housing. Figure 1: Contains Ordnance Survey data © Crown copyright and database right 2016 6150.001 Page 4 January 2017 Version 1.0 Matthews Lane Gorton, Manchester Ecological Assessment 3.0 Methods Desktop Study 3.1 Information regarding historic species records and protected sites within a 1km radius of the site was requested/gathered from the sources listed in Table 1. Table 1: Ecological information and consultations. CONSULTEE/SOURCE OF NATURE OF INFORMATION INFORMATION Natural England, Magic Map: Multi- Online mapping system for England for Agency Geographic Information for the BAP habitats and protected sites. Countryside Habitats and species of principal Section 41 NERC Act 2006 importance for the conservation of biodiversity. Google Maps Satellite imagery Greater Manchester Ecology Unit Identification of records for protected (GMEU) species within the local area. Manchester City Council Local policies and land allocation. Habitats and Flora Habitat Walkover Survey 3.2 A habitat walkover survey for Matthews Lane was undertaken by TEP ecologist Fleur Wilson (FISC Level 3), on 21st December 2016. The survey was carried out based on methods outlined by JNCC (2010) and CIEEM’s Guidelines for Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (2013), with habitat types and any incidental evidence of protected or invasive species noted. Limitations 3.3 The habitat survey was undertaken outside the optimum survey season of mid-April to end of September, therefore the diversity of some of the habitats on site may not be possible to determine. Fauna 3.4 During the extended Phase 1 habitat survey the habitats present were assessed for their potential to support species of conservation concern, particularly statutorily protected species or Species of principal importance under Section 41 of the Natural Environment and Communities Act 2006