“Providing Common-sense Solutions for Sustainable Development” Paul Keeling, Park Hall Farm, Brookhouse Road, Cheadle, Staffordshire, ST10 2NJ, M: 07838 377 612, E: [email protected], www.evolutionecology.co.uk Calverhay Farm, Blythe Bridge Bat and Bird Presence/Absence Survey Report 12th April and 2nd and 24th May 2016 Calverhay Farm, Blythe Bridge Evolution Ecology Ltd Bat and Bird Presence/Absence Survey Bat and Bird Presence/Absence Survey at Calverhay Farm, Uttoxeter Road, Blythe Bridge, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire ST11 9JG for Mr. Les Elkin (Proprietor) 2 Calverhay Farm, Blythe Bridge Evolution Ecology Ltd Bat and Bird Presence/Absence Survey 0 Executive Summary 0.1 Report rationale This report has been prepared at the request of Mr. Les Elkin (Proprietor), in relation to the identification and location of protected bat and bird species at Calverhay Farm, Uttoxeter Road, Blythe Bridge, Stoke-on- Trent, Staffordshire, ST11 9JG (OS Grid Reference: SJ 94837 41584). One scoping survey was undertaken on 12th April 2016, with two dusk activity surveys conducted on 2nd and 24th May 2016 by Evolution Ecology Ltd. 0.2 Background Under the current proposals, the site alterations are to include: The demolition of all buildings located on site. The development of four new properties on the site with the inclusion of associated driveways and gardens. Due to the proposed demolition works and the likelihood of the buildings being occupied by bats and/or birds, the impact upon these species would need to be assessed before any redevelopment. 0.3 Ecological Impact Assessment Bat presence/absence The predicted impact on local colonies of bat species is deemed as being ‘low’ as no bat roost was identified within the structures, but the bats are using the area for commuting/foraging purposes. Roost ecology of species onsite From the dusk activity surveys it is thought that no bat roost is located within any of the structures on site. It is thought that a common pipistrelle (Pipistrellus pipistrellus) roost is situated to the south-east of the proposed development site in a Victorian-style structure. Ecological value of building units The buildings on site do not support any bat roosts and therefore impacts on these species is ‘low’. However, wren and swallow are actively using the buildings for nesting purposes (with particular reference to B2 and B3). 3 Calverhay Farm, Blythe Bridge Evolution Ecology Ltd Bat and Bird Presence/Absence Survey Therefore, the impact upon birds is deemed as ‘moderate’ due to the low numbers residing within the structures. 0.4 Recommendations Please see section ‘5 – Recommendations’ for details of the proposed measures which should be incorporated in the re-development of Calverhay Farm, Blythe Bridge. 4 Calverhay Farm, Blythe Bridge Evolution Ecology Ltd Bat and Bird Presence/Absence Survey Contents 0 Executive summary 2 1 Introduction 6 1.1 Site Description 1.2 Proposed Works 1.3 Aims of survey 2 Survey Methodology 9 2.1 Summary of survey methods 2.2 Pre-survey data search 2.3 Surveyors information 2.4 Field surveys 2.4.1 Habitat surveys 2.4.2 Roost survey – weather conditions and timing 2.4.3 Roost and activity surveys 3 Results 15 3.1 Pre-survey data search 3.1.1 Designated sites 3.1.2 Protected species 3.2 Field surveys 3.2.1 Habitat description 3.2.2 Roost survey 3.2.3 Activity surveys 4 Impact Assessment 29 4.1 Constraints on survey information 4.2 Constraints on equipment used 4.3 Potential impacts of development 4.3.1 Designated sites 4.3.2 Roosts 4.3.3 Foraging and commuting habitat 4.4 Legislation and policy guidance 5 Recommendations 25 6 Summary 32 6.1 Bat presence/absence 6.2 Roost ecology of species onsite 6.3 Ecological value of building units 6.4 Recommendations 7 References 35 8 Appendices 36 9 LIMITING CONDITIONS / DISCLAIMERS 47 5 Calverhay Farm, Blythe Bridge Evolution Ecology Ltd Bat and Bird Presence/Absence Survey 1 INTRODUCTION This report has been prepared at the request of Mr. Les Elkin (Proprietor), in relation to the identification and location of protected bat and bird species at Calverhay Farm, Uttoxeter Road, Blythe Bridge, Stoke-on- Trent, Staffordshire, ST11 9JG (OS Grid Reference: SJ 94837 41584). One scoping survey was undertaken on 12th April 2016, with two dusk activity surveys conducted on 2nd and 24th May 2016 by Evolution Ecology Ltd. 1.1 Site description Calverhay Farm is located on Uttoxeter Road, Blythe Bridge adjacent to residential dwellings. The site itself occupies an area of approximately 2787.26m², of which the buildings collectively occupy 722.47m2. The surrounding habitat is typical of a semi-urban environment, as residential/retail properties and hard standing areas are evident, adjacent to agricultural pasture land. In addition to these habitats, hedgerows, tree lines and a railway line are all situated within the nearby vicinity. All of the habitats above are likely to provide potential foraging, commuting and roosting opportunities for both bats and birds. Figure 1: This aerial photograph shows the approximate boundary of the proposed works at Calverhay Farm (outlined in red). The five buildings surveyed are outlined in blue. 6 Calverhay Farm, Blythe Bridge Evolution Ecology Ltd Bat and Bird Presence/Absence Survey 1.2 Proposed works Under the current proposals, the site alterations are to include: The demolition of all buildings located on site. The development of four new properties on the site with the inclusion of associated driveways and gardens. Due to the proposed demolition works and the likelihood of the buildings being occupied by bats and/or birds, the impact upon these species would need to be assessed before any redevelopment. 1.3 Aims of survey The actions of the surveyors on site and during the production of the report were conducted in accordance with Bat Conservation Trust (BCT) guidelines (3rd edition). The aim of the survey was to undertake an appraisal of the building/s and surrounding area to establish the following: 1.3.1 Survey protocol considered any protected bat species on site. Bats . To determine the probability of bats and their roost sites being present at the site of interest. To assess the roost status. To assess suitable food resources and habitat requirements. If a roost site is found, to provide an impact assessment. 1.3.2 Survey protocol also considered any protected bird species on site: Barn Owls . To establish if barn owls were using the site. To locate nest sites, if present. To assess what types of activities were shown within the site of interest. To assess suitable food resources and habitat requirements. To provide an impact assessment, if barn owls are present. Birds . To establish if birds were using the site. 7 Calverhay Farm, Blythe Bridge Evolution Ecology Ltd Bat and Bird Presence/Absence Survey . To locate nest sites, if present. To assess what types of activities were shown within the site of interest. To assess suitable food resources and habitat requirements. To provide an impact assessment, if nests are found. 1.3.3 The information was subsequently used in conjunction with the knowledge of the proposed works at the site to determine: . What impacts the works are likely to have on any protected species found at the site. The need for any Natural England development licence application to be made in respect of activities concerning protected species. Recommendations for any mitigation measures that would be required. 8 Calverhay Farm, Blythe Bridge Evolution Ecology Ltd Bat and Bird Presence/Absence Survey 2 SURVEY METHODOLOGY 2.1 Summary of survey methods The objective of this report is to provide an ecological evaluation of the site in relation to its suitability for bat and bird utilization. The survey considered the potential for roosting bats and gathered any anecdotal evidence (i.e. bats, bat droppings, feeding remains, urine stains and grease marks) that may support their presence within the building unit(s). 2.1.1 Walkover survey A walkover survey of the site and a visual inspection of the building and any trees were undertaken, to determine the availability of the required resources for the protected species in the immediate area. This would allow us to determine: Presence or absence of bats are onsite (i.e. roosting). Evidence and/or potential of bat roosts onsite (i.e. summer roosts). Whether additional surveys are required. 2.1.2 External Inspection of the Building Elevations The buildings on the site were inspected both externally and internally for signs of bat and bird activity. Notes were made in the following by the guidelines published by the BCT for the scoping and surveying of building/s and built structures: The objective of this survey was to locate suitable ingress and egress points that protected species (bats and birds) could use to fly into the building and also to identify any areas within the building in which these species may be able to roost and/or nest. The survey method used to inspect the external walls and roof of the building was a visual assessment in full daylight using (i.e. endoscope, ladders and high powered binoculars). This allowed us to determine the following information: . Type and age of the building. Type of construction. The presence of potential roost features (e.g. missing roof tiles, raised tiles, roof voids). The presence of suitable entry and exit points (e.g. broken windows, missing windows and doors/ridges and the apex of the buildings). The amount and location of evidence of bats such as the presence of live or dead bats, droppings, grease marks, urine stains and/or characteristic smell of bats. 9 Calverhay Farm, Blythe Bridge Evolution Ecology Ltd Bat and Bird Presence/Absence Survey .