WICKHAM BISHOPS PARISH BIODIVERSITY AUDIT FINAL REPORT May 2019 Prepared by Essex Ecology Services Ltd. EECOS Abbotts Hall Farm, Great Wigborough, Colchester, Essex, CO5 7RZ 01621 862986, [email protected] www.eecos.co.uk Company Registered No. 2853947 VAT Registered No. 945 7459 77 Professional ecological services applying local knowledge and experience ESSEX ECOLOGY SERVICES Ltd. EECOS Title of Report Wickham Bishops Parish Biodiversity Audit Wickham Bishops Parish Council The Village Hall, Church Road Client Wickham Bishops Essex CM8 3JZ Liane Rowland, Parish Clerk Client Representative Councillor Jane Williams Adrian Knowles BSC (Hons) FRES MCIEEM, Senior Ecologist Audit Completed By Colin Austin BSc (Hons) PG Dip Archaeology, Assistant Ecologist Adrian Knowles BSC (Hons) FRES MCIEEM, Senior Ecologist Authors Colin Austin BSc (Hons) PG Dip Archaeology, Assistant Ecologist Approved By Report Status Final Date of Issue 31st May 2019 This report has been compiled in accordance with BS 42020:2013 Biodiversity – Code of practice for planning and development, as has the survey work to which it relates. The information, advice and opinions provided here have been prepared in accordance with the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management’s Code of Professional Conduct. We confirm that the views expressed are our true and professional bona fide opinions. CONTENTS 1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY.............................................................................................................. 1 2. INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................... 3 2.1 General Introduction.............................................................................................................. 3 2.2 Location and Description of Parish ....................................................................................... 3 2.3 Objectives of Biodiversity Audit ........................................................................................... 3 2.4 Audit Methodology ............................................................................................................... 4 2.5 Competence ........................................................................................................................... 5 2.6 Constraints of Methodology .................................................................................................. 6 3. HABITATS ...................................................................................................................................... 7 3.1 Legal Status ........................................................................................................................... 7 3.2 Assessment Methodology...................................................................................................... 7 3.3 Statutory Designations .......................................................................................................... 7 3.4 Non-statutory Site Designations ............................................................................................ 8 3.5 Other Habitats of Interest ...................................................................................................... 8 3.6 Recommendations ............................................................................................................... 12 4. FLORA........................................................................................................................................... 14 4.1 Legal Status ......................................................................................................................... 14 4.2 Data Search Results ............................................................................................................. 15 4.3 Assessment Results ............................................................................................................. 16 4.4 Recommendations ............................................................................................................... 16 5. GREAT CRESTED NEWTS ......................................................................................................... 17 5.1 Legal Status ......................................................................................................................... 17 5.2 Data Search Results ............................................................................................................. 18 5.3 Assessment Results ............................................................................................................. 18 5.4 Recommendations ............................................................................................................... 18 6. BATS ............................................................................................................................................. 19 6.1 Legal Status ......................................................................................................................... 19 6.2 Data Search Results ............................................................................................................. 20 6.3 Assessment Results ............................................................................................................. 20 6.4 Recommendations ............................................................................................................... 20 7. DORMICE ..................................................................................................................................... 21 7.1 Legal Status ......................................................................................................................... 21 7.2 Data Search Results ............................................................................................................. 21 7.3 Assessment Results ............................................................................................................. 22 7.4 Recommendations ............................................................................................................... 22 8. OTTERS......................................................................................................................................... 23 8.1 Legal Status ......................................................................................................................... 23 8.2 Data Search Results ............................................................................................................. 23 8.3 Assessment Results ............................................................................................................. 23 8.4 Recommendations ............................................................................................................... 23 9. WATER VOLES............................................................................................................................ 25 9.1 Legal Status ......................................................................................................................... 25 9.2 Data Search Results ............................................................................................................. 25 9.3 Assessment Results ............................................................................................................. 25 9.4 Recommendations ............................................................................................................... 26 10. REPTILES ................................................................................................................................... 27 10.1 Legal Status ......................................................................................................................... 27 10.2 Data Search Results ............................................................................................................. 27 10.3 Assessment Results ............................................................................................................. 27 10.4 Recommendations ............................................................................................................... 28 11. WHITE-CLAWED CRAYFISH.................................................................................................. 29 11.1 Legal Status ......................................................................................................................... 29 11.2 Data Search Results ............................................................................................................. 29 11.3 Assessment Results ............................................................................................................. 29 11.4 Recommendations ............................................................................................................... 29 12. BIRDS .......................................................................................................................................... 30 12.1 Legal Status ......................................................................................................................... 30 12.2 Data Search Results ............................................................................................................. 30 12.3 Assessment Results ............................................................................................................. 31 12.4 Recommendations ..............................................................................................................