Ecological Appraisal and Portected Species
Surveys at Burbages Lane, Coventry
Client
Reference
Tyler Parkes
T1102.022
Two
Date
18 December 2014
N A T U R A L
S O L U T I O N S
Issue
Crossman Associates
Ecological Consultants
Fire Engine House
Oakhill, Bath BA3 5BJ
01761 233414
[email protected]
www.crossmanassociates.com
crossman
A S S O C I A T E S
Non-technical Summary
Background
In September 2013, Crossman Associates was commissioned by Tyler Parkes to undertake an
ecological appraisal and bat survey of a proposed development site at Burbages Lane, Coventry.
Further surveys for reptiles, great crested newt and badger were undertaken in 2014
A section at the east of the site will be maintained as a wildlife mitigation area
Methodology
A survey of the site was conducted in September 2013 using a standard Phase 1 habitat survey
method, extended to record provisional signs of, and potential for protected or notable species
Dedicated great crested newt surveys, reptile surveys, bat surveys and badger surveys were also
undertaken
Results
The site is occupied by a mosaic of managed and unmanaged habitats including semi-improved
grassland, hedgerows, ruderals and scrub, ornamental planting, amenity planting and trees. The
site is considered to have moderate ecological appeal with Local Value
The site supports a small/medium population of slow worm and five species of foraging/commuting
bats. There are no badger setts and great crested newts are not present
Recommendations
It is recommended that the development be informed by an ecological mitigation strategy and
management plan. Key recommendations include;
ο
Retention and improvement of existing hedgerows
ο
Creation of new mitigation area
ο
Provision of new roosting features for bats and nesting opportunities for birds
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Contents
NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY
1 1. BACKGROUND
3 PROPOSALS
3 SITE DESCRIPTION
4 2. METHODOLOGY
5 DESKTOP STUDY
5 FIELD SURVEY
5 SITE EVALUATION
7 3. RESULTS
9 9 DESKTOP SURVEY
FIELD SURVEY
13 EVALUATION
21 4. RECOMMENDATIONS
23 5. LIMITATIONS
30 6. REFERENCES
31 2
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1. Background
1.1.
In September 2013, Crossman Associates was commissioned by Tyler Parkes to
undertake an ecological appraisal, great crested newt survey Triturus cristatus,
reptile survey, bat survey and badger Meles meles survey of a proposed
development site at Burbages Lane, Coventry.
1.2.
The objective of the surveys were to:
ο
Produce a map of the habitats and main ecological features on site
ο
Make
an
assessment
of
the
likely
presence
or
absence
of
notable/protected species or habitats
ο
Identify any legal and planning policy constraints relevant to nature
conservation which may affect the development; and
ο
1.3.
Determine the need for further surveys, compensation and mitigation
The site was visited by Alex Crossman an experienced ecologist and full member
of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM)
and Faribrass Knowles, a licenced bat worker. Access was granted by the site
agent.
Proposals
1.4.
The site is currently covered by horse-grazed pasture and several long, narrow
gardens that extend to the east of Burbages Lane. The majority of the land,
which is referred to in this report as the development area, will be cleared to
make space for a new residential development.
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1.5.
The remainder of land at the east of the site will be retained for wildlife and
water attenuation and is referred to in this report as the mitigation area. This
area will include new scrub and hedgerow planting.
1.6.
Two semi-detached dwellings on Burbages Lane may need to demolished to
make way for a new access road.
Site Description
1.7.
The site occupies approximately 3.2 acres of land that is currently covered by
pastureland and residential gardens, which include semi-improved grassland,
ruderals and scrub, hedgerows, trees, ornamental planting, amenity grassland
and ephemeral vegetation with some buildings and hardstanding.
1.8.
The site lies on the northern edge of the city of Coventry adjacent to the
residential cul-de-sac Burbages Lane (Ordnance Survey grid reference SP 338
841); it is adjoined by residential houses to the south-west and gardens to the
south-east. Adjacent land to the north-east and north-west is occupied by horsegrazed pastureland and mature unmanaged hedgerows.
1.9.
The site straddles a tract of mixed farmland that extends a short distance to the
east but more extensively to the west although there are frequent suburb
villages and small areas of industry. The A444 dual carriageway lies within 150m
to the east and the M6 runs 1km to the north. There are no areas of woodland in
close proximity to the site, although the hedgerows that border the site join into
the wider hedgerow network that extends to the north. A large ornamental pond
lies within an adjacent residential garden to the south.
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2. Methodology
Desktop Study
2.1.
The MAGIC website was accessed to gain information on any statutory site
designations within 1km of the site.
2.2.
Warwickshire Biological records centre was contacted for information on records
of non-statutory site designations and notable/protected species for the site and
within 1km of the site boundaries.
2.3.
National/local planning policy and legislation has been reviewed for policies and
laws that relate to nature conservation that may be relevant to the site.
Field Survey
Ecological appraisal
2.4.
The ecological appraisal follows Phase 1 habitat survey methodology, which is a
survey method and habitat classification system that was developed by the
Nature Conservation Council, now Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC,
2003) to map habitats and land use categories to a ‘consistent level and
accuracy.’ The vegetation is mapped using standard colour codes, allowing rapid
visual assessment of the extent and distribution of different habitat types. Where
appropriate, target notes highlight potential features of interest.
Species observations
2.5.
An extended Phase 1 habitat survey also records provisional signs of protected or
notable species in addition to those species that have specific surveys as
described below. This section also assesses the suitability of the habitats on-site
and within the accessible surroundings to support such species.
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Great crested newt survey
2.6.
The pond, which lies adjacent to the site and occupies the rear garden of 50
Burbages Lane (Ordnance Survey grid reference SP 3394 8308, refer to Figure
1), was assessed for the presence/absence of great crested newts using eDNA
analysis.
2.7.
On 30 June 2014, 20 water samples measuring approximately 40ml were
extracted from the pond using a sampling ladle. The ladle was used to gently mix
the pond water from the surface to toward the bottom to achieve a mixed
sample. Samples were decanted into a sterile bag that was then securely sealed
and agitated for 10 seconds to ensure that the sample was mixed.
2.8.
Six c15ml samples were then drawn from the bag under sterile conditions and
added to plastic vials already containing preservative. The vials were shaken
vigorously for ten seconds, labelled and sent to SPYGEN, Bourget du Lac, France
for analysis.
Reptile survey
2.9.
In September 2014, a total of 75 reptile refuges were laid out within suitable
habitat across the site approximately 5m apart as illustrated on Figure 2. These
were allowed to establish for approximately 10 days. Seven site visits were
subsequently made during October 2014 to check the refuges for signs of reptile
presence (in accordance with Gent and Gibson 2003).
2.10.
For each site visit the site was systematically walked to check for reptile
presence. Refuges were checked during optimum weather conditions between
12:30 and 18:30 during periods of cloud with sunny spells and little-no wind.
Temperatures for each visit did not fall below 9°C and did not exceed 18.5°C.
Bat survey
Daytime scoping survey
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2.11.
The two semi-detached dwellings and other structures that may need to be
removed as part of the proposals, were assessed for evidence of roosting bats,
such as dropping, staining, feeding remains or actual bats. Any mature or semimature trees were also assessed. Where no bats were found, buildings and trees
were assessed on their suitability to support roosting bats.
Manual activity survey
2.12.
Evening activity surveys were undertaken on 31 September 2013, 30 June 2014
and 28 September 2014. The survey commenced at dusk and continued for 2.5
hours.
2.13.
The activity surveys followed a pre-walked transect as shown in Figure 3. The
survey was attended by two personnel and used Duet and Anabat bat detectors
to record bat activity and behaviour.
Automated activity surveys
2.14.
An Anabat detector was deployed on site and was set to record all bat activity
between dawn and dusk. The automated device was positioned near to the
centre of the site (refer to Figure 3) and left in situ for 28 consecutive days.
2.15.
The data was later analysed using dedicated computer software Batscan and
Analook.
Badger survey
2.16.
The site was visited in December 2014 when vegetation and leaf-coverage was
at an absolute minimum. The site and surroundings upto 30m from the
boundaries was checked for the presence of setts. The site was also checked for
the presence of badger activity such as mammal tracks, evidence of foraging and
the presence of guard hairs and latrines.
Site Evaluation
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2.17.
Site evaluation of the habitat areas and species (where appropriate) is based on
published criteria given in the CIEEM guidelines for ecological impact
assessment. Values are assigned between international value and negligible
value or habitats that are likely to be directly or indirectly affected by the
proposed developments. The value categories used in the assessment are as
follows:
2.18.
ο
International (Europe)
ο
National (England)
ο
Regional (Midlands)
ο
County (Midlands)
ο
District (Coventry)
ο
Local (Exhall)
ο
Site - within the immediate zone of influence
The conservation value of the site is assessed using the Ratcliffe criteria (1977).
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3. Results
Desktop Survey
Statutory sites
3.1.
The MAGIC website informed that there are no statutory site designations of
nature conservation importance within 2km of the site.
Non-statutory sites
3.2.
Warwickshire Biological Records Centre informed of 14 non-statutory ‘Ecosites’
within 1km of the site boundaries; one lies adjacent to the north of site –
Burbages Lane Ecosite lies adjacent to the northern boundary of the site and is a
residential property that is designated for a wide variety of deciduous trees and a
small copse that support bird species including great spotted woodpecker
Dendrocopus major, redwing Turdus iliacus, fieldfare Turdus pilaris and other
thrushes.
Species
3.3.
Warwickshire Biological Records Centre informed of the following reptile and
amphibian species within 1km of the site;
3.4.
ο
Grass snake Natrix natrix – approximately 800m west of the site
ο
Great crested newt – nearest record approximately 700m west of the site
Warwickshire Biological Records Centre informed of three bat species within 1km
of the site;
ο
Brown long-eared bat Plecotus auritus – nearest record approximately
300m west of the site
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ο
Common pipistrelle Pipistrellus pipistrellus – nearest record approximately
300m west of the site
ο
Soprano pipistrelle Pipistrellus pygmaeus – approximately 1km south of
the site
Legislation
Habitat Regulations
3.5.
The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010 transpose Council
Directive 92/43/EEC on the Conservation of Natural Habitats and Wild Flora and
Fauna (Habitats Directive) into English law, making it an offence to deliberately
capture, kill or disturb wild animals listed under Schedule 2 of the Regulations. It
is also an offence to damage or destroy a breeding site or resting place of such
an animal (even if the animal is not present at the time).
Wildlife & Countryside Act
3.6.
The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, as Amended by the Countryside and
Rights of Way Act (CRoW) 2000 and the Natural Environment and Rural
Communities Act (NERC) 2006, consolidates and amends existing national
legislation to implement the Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife
and Natural Habitats (Bern Convention) and Council Directive 79/409/EEC on the
Conservation of Wild Birds (Birds Directive), making it an offence to:
•
Intentionally kill, injure or take any wild bird or their eggs or nests (with
certain exceptions) and disturb any bird species listed under Schedule 1
to the Act, or its dependent young while it is nesting;
•
Intentionally kill, injure or take any wild animal listed under Schedule 5 to
the Act; intentionally or recklessly damage, destroy or obstruct any place
used for shelter or protection by any wild animal listed under Schedule 5
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to the Act; intentionally or recklessly disturb certain Schedule 5 animal
species while they occupy a place used for shelter or protection;
•
Plant or otherwise causes to grown in the wild any plant included on Part
2 of Schedule 9 (non-native invasive plants). Japanese knotweed is listed
under Schedule 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act (W&CA) 1981, as
amended, which makes it an offence to plant or otherwise allow this
species to grow in the wild
Protection of Badgers Act
3.7.
The Protection of Badgers Act 1992 makes it illegal to kill, injure or take a badger
or to intentionally or recklessly interfere with a badger sett. Sett interference
includes disturbing badgers whilst they are occupying a sett or obstructing
access to it.
Natural Environment & Rural Communities Act
3.8.
The NERC Act 2006 places a duty on authorities to have due regard for
biodiversity and nature conservation during the course of their operations.
Planning policy
3.9.
The planning policy framework (NPPF) contains sections of relevance to nature
conservation that include:
•
Paragraph 165: planning policy and decision should be based on up-todate information about the natural environment.
•
Paragraph 118: when determining planning applications, local planning
authorities should aim to conserve and enhance biodiversity by applying
the following principles;
ο
If significant harm resulting from development cannot be avoided
(through relocating on alternative sites with less harmful impact),
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adequately mitigated, or, as a last resort, compensated for, then
planning permission should be refused
ο
Proposed development on land within or outside a Site of Special
Scientific Interest (SSSI) likely to have an adverse effect on a SSSI
(either individually or in combination with other developments)
should not normally be permitted. Where an adverse effect on the
site’s notified special interest feature is likely, an exception should
only be made where the benefits of the development, at this site,
clearly outweigh both the impacts that it is likely to have on the
features of the site that make it of special scientific interest and
any broader impacts on the national network of SSSI’s
ο
Development proposals where the primary objective is to conserve
or enhance biodiversity should be permitted
ο
Opportunities
to
incorporate
biodiversity
in
and
around
developments should be encouraged
ο
Planning permission should be refused for development resulting
in the loss or deterioration of irreplaceable habitats, including
ancient woodland and the loss of aged or veteran trees found
outside ancient woodland, unless the need for, and benefits of,
the development in that location clearly outweigh the loss
UK Biodiversity Action Plan
3.10.
The UK Biodiversity Action Plan (UKBAP) (Anon, 1995) was organised to fulfil the
Rio Convention on Biological Diversity in 1992, to which the UK is a signatory. A
list of national priority species and habitats has been produced with all listed
species/habitats having specific action plans defining the measures required to
ensure their conservation. Regional and local BAPs have also been organised to
develop plans for species/habitats of nature conservation importance at regional
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and local levels; those that may be relevant to the surveyed area include
National and Local BAPs.
Local Biodiversity Action Plan
3.11.
The Warwickshire, Coventry and Solihull BAP includes a number habitat and
species priorities that are known to be, or may be (as a result of suitable habitat
occurring on the site), relevant to this assessment. Some of these species and
habitats have action plans associated with them:
ο
The Built Environment
ο
Gardens
ο
Hedgerows
ο
Bats
ο
Farmland Birds
ο
Hedgehog (2015)
ο
Song Thrush
Field Survey
Ecological appraisal
3.12.
The habitats and site can be broken down as the following habitat types. The
map of habitat can be found in Appendix 1 of this report and site photographs
can be found within Appendix II.
ο
Semi-improved grassland
ο
Ruderals and scrub
ο
Hedgerows
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ο
Trees
ο
Ornamental planting
ο
Amenity grassland
ο
Bare ground with ephemeral plants
Semi-improved grassland
3.13.
A small area of horse-grazed semi-improved grassland occupies the north of the
site and is continuous with further grassland beyond the eastern boundary
(Photograph 1).
3.14.
An area of unmanaged rank grassland is present at the east of the site in an area
that is fenced and inaccessible by horses. This section of the site has been
unmanaged for an extended period of time and is being heavily encroached from
the edges by scrub and ruderal vegetation (see below).
3.15.
The grassland species include cock’s-foot Brachypodium dactylis, perennial ryegrass Lolium perenne, false oat-grass Arrhenatherum elatius, couch grass Elymus
repens and creeping bent Agrostis stolonifera.
3.16.
The grass is interspersed with herb species that are dominant in places and
include white clover Trifolium repes, ribwort plantain Plantago lanceolata, greater
plantain Plantago major, creeping buttercup Ranunculus repens, redshank
Persicaria maculosa, broad-leafed dock Rumex obtusifolius, spear thistle Cirsium
vulgare, common nettle Urtica diocia, deadly nightshade Atropa belladonna,
shepherds purse Capsella burda-pastoris, common ragwort Senacio jacobaea and
pineapple weed Matricaria doscoidea.
Hedgerows
3.17.
Hedgerows occupy the boundaries of the paddocks but also divide the residential
gardens on the site.
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3.18.
The north and east boundaries of the site are species-rich native hedgerows. The
northern boundary hedgerow is generally defunct with leggy trees that are
sometimes grown out at the base (background of Photograph 1 and Photograph
4). The eastern boundary hedgerow is very defunct with large gaps that are in
filled with fencing.
3.19.
Woody species include holly Ilex aquifolium, hawthorn Crataegus monogyna,
hazel Corylus avellana, ash Fraxinus excelsior, elder Sambuca nigra, sycamore
Acer pseudoplatanus, English elm Ulnus procaria, and field maple Acer
campestre. The hedgerows have dense bands of unmanaged vegetation at the
bases which is dominated by common nettle with some lords-and-ladies Arum
maculatum.
3.20.
Hedgerow that divide gardens are species-poor, tend to be unmanaged and
include hawthorn and a number of non-native and ornamental species including
cypress and laurel,
Ruderals and scrub vegetation
3.21.
Large parts of the site, particularly along the southern boundary, have been
neglected for a prolonged period of time and have subsequently been
encroached by dense ruderal and scrub vegetation (Photograph 2 and 3). This
habitat occupies a former paddock and unmanged areas of gardens. Scrub
vegetation is dominated by bramble Rubus fructicosa agg. with woody saplings
such as sycamore, ash, elder, and butterfly-bush Buddleja davidii.
3.22.
The edges of the scrub vegetation and the interface between the scrub and more
managed habitats is occupied by dense stands of ruderal vegetation that are
mainly common nettle, broad-leafed dock, common ragwort, common comfrey
Symphytum officinale, greater willowherb Epilobium hirsute and spear thistle.
Trees
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3.23.
There are several-semi mature trees that occupy the site; these are mainly
between gardens and consist of ash, poplar Populus sp., sycamore and willow
Salix sp. All trees appear to be in reasonable condition.
3.24.
A line of semi-mature sycamore trees form a section of the southern boundary at
the east of the site.
Ornamental planting
3.25.
Areas of ornamental planting are present within the garden (Photograph 5);
these areas are often continuous with scrub that extends into the east of the
site.
Amenity grassland
3.26.
The managed sections of gardens are covered with amenity grassland, which is
typically mown to a short sward height (Photograph 6, 7 and 8); species include
cocks-foot, perennial rye-grass and annual meadow grass Poa annua with clover,
plantains and spear thistle.
Bare ground and ephemeral vegetation
3.27.
The entrance to the paddock at the north-west corner of the site and parts of the
gardens which are subject to heavy wear, have large areas of disturbed and bare
ground that is encroached in places by ephemeral herb species, which include
pineapple weed, shepherds purse and annual meadow-grass (Photograph 9).
Species Observations
3.28.
Species observations are included within the paragraphs; the detailed survey
results of the reptile, great crested newt and bat surveys are included separately.
Flora
3.29.
The site is subject to heavy disturbance and some areas are subject to high
management, although remaining parts of the site have been allowed to succeed
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into ruderal and scrub vegetation. The site is therefore unlikely to support
protectable or notable flora species.
3.30.
No invasive species that are included on Schedule 9 of the Wildlife and
Countryside Act were recorded on site.
Invertebrates
3.31.
The site contains a range of habitats, so there is a mosaic of different types and
heights of vegetation and good structural diversity. Management has also lapsed
over much of the site so plant species are allowed to flower, fruit and seed,
which provides a foraging resource for invertebrates. The variety of niches onsite is likely to support a correspondingly diverse invertebrate assemblage.
Reptiles
3.32.
A single slow worm Anguis fragillis was recorded on two of the survey visits and
three slow worms were recorded on two visits.
Table 1: Reptile survey results
Survey date
0
0
29/10/14
3
24/10/14
3
23/10/14
1
19/10/14
0
18/10/14
Slow
15/10/14
14/10/14
Species
1
worm
3.33.
The slow worms were all recorded in the area of unmanaged grassland and
scrub vegetation at the east of the site (refer to Figure 2).
Birds
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3.34.
The site in its current state offers plentiful opportunities for nesting birds due to
the large areas of dense scrub vegetation, trees and mature unmanaged
hedgerows. Due to the sites city edge location the site is likely to offer nesting
opportunities for urban, garden and rural bird species. Birds that were observed
during the survey visits that may be nesting on site include blackbird Turdus
merula, robin Erithacus rubecula, wren Troglodytes troglodytes, great tit Parus
major and wood pigeon Palumba columbus.
3.35.
The hedgerows and dense scrub vegetation also offers cover and shelter for
birds including house sparrow Passer domesticus, which were regularly observed
but not nesting on site.
3.36.
Due to the lack of management tree shrub and scrub species are allowed to
flower and fruit allowing for optimal foraging opportunities for a range of bird
species.
Bats
Daytime scoping survey
3.37.
The two semi-detached houses that are due for demolition are flat-roofed and
lacking any internal voids that could be utilised by bats. The external walls of the
properties are in good condition with no subsidence cracks, missing pointing or
missing brickwork; there are therefore no external features that might be of use
to bats (Photograph 10).
3.38.
The remaining buildings are simple wooden, tin or brick garden sheds
(Photograph 11), with the exception of an open brick stable. None are
considered to offer roosting opportunities for bats due to their size, simplicity,
condition and lack of abiotic features.
3.39.
All trees on site are too young and lacking in suitable features that may be used
by roosting bats.
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Activity survey
3.40.
Evening activity surveys were undertaken on 31 September 2013, 30 June 2014
and 28 September 2014. The survey transect and notable areas of bat activity
are shown within Figure 3.
Table 2: Manual at activity survey results
Survey
Conditions
Observations
1
Cool,
Bat activity was focused along the unmanaged
dry,
slight
hedgerow that runs along the northern boundary of
breeze.
the site. Common pipistrelle Pipistrellus pipitrellus
13°C
activity, including commuting and foraging, was
frequent along this feature, but there was also
occasional foraging associated with the area of scrub
and ruderal vegetation at the eastern end of the site.
2
Warm, dry,
There were four common pipistrelle passes along the
calm. 16°C
northern boundary hedgerow and a common pipistrelle
were also briefly recorded foraging over the scrub
habitat at the east of the site.
3
Warm, dry,
Single common pipistrelles were recorded commuting
slight
along the northern boundary hedgerow and over the
breeze.
south-east corner of the site.
17°C
A single noctule Nyctalus noctula was recorded
commuting high over the east of the site.
Automated Bat Activity Survey
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3.41.
An automated bat activity surveys were conducted from 28 September 2014 – 27
October 2014. The survey ran for a total of 302 hours over four weeks. The four
week survey period was generally warm and dry with an average high of 15°C
and an average low of 7°C. Within this period, the temperature remained above
5°C until 22 October.
3.42.
The bat activity is summarised in the bullet list below, which compares the bat
activity index (BAI) between the species. BAI is a measure of bat activity per unit
time and is calculated using the following equation; BAI = bat passes / unit time
(hours).
Table 3; bat activity indices (BAI) for automated activity surveys
Species
BAI
Soprano pipistrelle
0.08
Common pipistrelle
0.71
Noctule
0.20
Serotine
0.01
Brown long-eared
0.01
Badger
3.43.
No badger setts were recorded on site or within 30m of the site where access
was available.
3.44.
There is no definitive evidence of badger activity on site but there are several
mammal tracks on site and crossing the site boundary, particularly at the south
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and east of the site; these tracks could be attributable to badger but could also
be due to domestic animals and other mammals including red fox, which was
incidentally observed on site.
Dormouse
3.45.
The site is not considered suitable for dormouse. The boundary hedgerows do
include food plants such as hawthorn and hazel, however the site is not
connected to a significant hedgerow network and is isolated from any large or
significant areas of woodland in the wider landscape.
Evaluation
3.46.
Much the site is grazed or managed and therefore lacks any fragility or rarity;
however the absence of recent management in places has allowed for succession
of scrub habitat which affords the site an element of naturalness and makes the
site atypical of nearby paddocks, industrial areas and urban gardens. These
areas are allowed to flower and fruit, which is valuable to invertebrates, and also
add structural diversity to the site. The presence of unmanaged areas within the
urban context of the site is likely to increase the ecological appeal of the site.
Semi-mature trees that form sections of the boundary of the site afford the site
an element of permanence.
3.47.
The hedgerows that bound the site and divide the garden units join the wider
hedgerow network and also connect to the areas of scrub on site. These areas of
continuous habitat allow for the migration of species within the local landscape
and facilitate the movement and dispersal of local wildlife, thus increasing the
component value of these features and the site as a whole.
3.48.
The site as a whole is considered to have Local value, due to the areas of
scrubland and species-rich hedgerows.
Reptiles
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3.49.
A number of slow worms were recorded within the area of unmanaged grassland
and scrub at the east of the site; this habitat provides the most suitable habitat
for this species by providing cover, long grass in which to forage and areas of
flattened grass on which to bask. Others areas of the site are less suitable
because they are covered with very dense scrub that blocks out the light or areas
of heavily managed or disturbed ground. The area of most suitable reptile
habitat therefore occupies the southern half of the site towards the eastern
boundary.
3.50.
The site is considered to support a small/medium population of reptiles.
Bats
3.51.
Five species of bat were recorded using the site and it is considered that the
habitats provide a component of the local foraging resource, although the low
number of bats recorded during the manual activity surveys and low BAI values
suggest that the site is not functioning as a significant component of that
resource. Bat activity may be reduced by the level of light spill from nearby
houses along Burbages Lane, but also cars and industry associated with A444
that lies within 200m to the east.
3.52.
The most valuable areas of the site are the hedgerows that bound the north and
west boundary; these provide a foraging resource by supporting invertebrates
but also provide sheltered dark corridors that allow bats to move between roosts
and favoured foraging grounds in the wider landscape. The areas of scrub,
unmanaged grassland and trees at the east of the site have good structural
diversity and are likely to support good assemblages of invertebrates, which will
in turn provide a good foraging resource for local bats.
3.53.
The bat surveys were undertaken at suboptimal time of year, but September and
October 2014 were unseasonably warm and bats were continuously active. It is
therefore considered that the survey effort is considered adequate to provide a
good indication of the level and spatial usage of the site by bats.
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4. Recommendations
4.1.
The following paragraph should be followed to ensure that wildlife is protected
during the course of works. The recommendations also ensure that obligations in
relation to local/national policy and legislation are met.
4.2.
Due to the size and Local Value of the site, it is recommended that the
development is guided by an ecological mitigation strategy and management
plan that details the habitat and species considerations described below. This will
be a working document that will inform the landscape design of the development
and will also ensure that wildlife is safeguarded during the works. An outline
mitigation and compensation strategy is provided in the table below and Figure
4, Appendix II.
4.3.
The focus of the mitigation works will be to retain and restore boundary features
and create a new mitigation area at the east of the site, which will provide
3000m2 (1 acre) of habitat – this represents a third of the total area of the site.
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Table 4: Impacts and Recommended Mitigation/Compensation
Ecological
Receptor
Description/Impacts
Mitigation/Compensation
All boundary hedgerows and trees will be
retained.
Avoidance
Habitats
Hedgerow
and Trees
The hedgerow that runs along the
western boundary contains mature trees
that may be subject to damage from
construction works.
Hedgerows and trees along the boundaries of the site will coppiced and
layed and then protected through the course of works by a Heras-style
fencing and a 3m buffer zone. This protection will also serve as a buffer for
the adjacent Ecosite to the north.
Mitigation
Increased lighting from the scheme may
deter nocturnal wildlife from using these
features.
Trees, hedgerows and associated vegetation will be protected by tree
protection fencing as advised by a suitable qualified arboriculturalist and
remain in place during construction works in accordance with the current
version of BS 5837 (Trees in Relation to Design, Demolition and
Construction).
Existing hedgerows along the north and south boundary have grown tall
and defunct; these hedgerows will be improved by coppicing and laying,
which will create healthier and more robust hedgerows. Deadwood
generated from coppicing and laying will be piled within the mitigation area
to provide animal refugia.
Introduced lighting should be minimised along these habitat features to limit
disturbance to nocturnal wildlife. Any proposed lighting along the western
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Ecological
Receptor
Description/Impacts
Mitigation/Compensation
boundary should be directional and face away from this feature/downwards.
Compensation
A new hedgerow will be planted between the development area and the
mitigation area; this hedgerow will help to buffer the development area and
reduce disturbance of the mitigation area. The hedgerow will also increase
the integrity of the local hedgerow network and provide additional foraging
and commuting opportunities for local wildlife. The hedgerow will be
planted with native hedgerow species that are currently present on site.
Landscaping with the scheme should provide some vegetative corridors
across the width of the site and aim to connect the hedgerow to introduced
habitats within the site. The rotational management of the hedgerow and
infilling of gaps with native woody species will further encourage greater
uptake of the hedgerow and associated features.
Grassland
Grassland within the development area
will be removed, but this is mainly
amenity and grazed grassland that has
low value to wildlife. Areas of rank
grassland within the mitigation area will
be retained.
Mitigation During Construction
Areas of grassland within the mitigation area will be fenced off and
protected during the course of works.
Compensation/enhancement
Areas of scrub vegetation within the areas of rank grassland within the
mitigation area should be thinned out by 75%, to create large areas of edge
habitats and a more complex area of mosaic of grassland and scrub.
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Ecological
Receptor
Description/Impacts
Mitigation/Compensation
Areas of grassland are ideally suited to the introduction of artificial habitat
features that will enhance the area such as reptile and invertebrate refugia.
Scrub
Scrub within the development footprint
will be removed but area within the
mitigation area will be thinned and
improved.
Mitigation
Scrub vegetation within the mitigation area will be retained, improved and
protected during the course of development works.
Compensation/enhancement
Existing areas of scrub vegetation within the mitigation area will thinned by
75% to provide an increase in edge habitat between scrub and grassland,
thus improving habitat for reptiles and other species.
Scrub vegetation is currently mostly bramble, so new woody species will be
introduced into existing areas of scrub but also into areas that are currently
grazed grassland in order to increase edge habitat and structural diversity.
New trees/shrubs will include blackthorn, guelder rose Viburnum opulus and
hawthorn and will be planted in several small groups to create islands of
habitat within the grassland.
Species
Bats
Features identified as being in use by a
small number of common bat species,
namely the boundary hedgerows may
reduce in quality due to the introduction
Avoidance
The hedgerows that are acting as commuting and foraging corridors will be
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Ecological
Receptor
Description/Impacts
Mitigation/Compensation
of increased lighting
improved and retained within the proposals.
Introduced lighting associated with the proposals should be directional to
minimise light spill onto boundary features. Helpful guidance to this effect
can be found within the publication: 150:2003 – Guide on the limitations of
the effect of obtrusive lighting from outdoor lighting installation
Mitigation
Construction works should be carried out during daylight hours only to avoid
disturbance to commuting/foraging bats.
Compensation
Soft landscaping should incorporate areas of native planting that work to
incorporate different habitat types such as rough grassland, shrub/scrub,
aquatic features and wildflower borders. The introduction of night-scented
flora species such as night-scented catchfly Silene noctiflora honeysuckle
Lonicera sp. and evening primrose Oenothera Sp. would also be particularly
beneficial.
Improved hedgerow connectivity will enhance the local foraging and
commuting resource to local bats and will help to facilitate the movement of
bat through the local landscape.
The introduction of artificial bat roosting features within retained trees will
help increase roosting opportunities for local bat populations known to be
present. Such features will include Kent-style hardwood bat boxes that will
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Ecological
Receptor
Description/Impacts
Mitigation/Compensation
be installed on retained trees.
Reptiles
A population of slow worms is present on
site. The optimal reptile habitat on site
includes the rank grassland and scrub,
which is outside of the development
footprint; however garden habitats that
will need to be removed also provide
suitable habitat.
Avoidance
Existing areas of optimal reptile habitat will be retained and protected within
mitigation area at the east of the site.
Mitigation
The protection of reptiles within the development proposals will be guided
by a reptile mitigation strategy.
Reptiles will be moved away from the development area into a translocation
zone at the east of development area. All habitats within the development
footprint will be ring-fenced with reptile fencing, which will be installed
under the supervision of an ecological clerk of works. Reptile fencing will
also be installed around the mitigation area, which would have been
prepared beforehand (see below) to provide optimal habitat for reptiles.
Reptiles will them be trapped and moved away from development area into
the mitigation area. This will involve 30 days of trapping continuing until
there are 5 clear days.
Compensation
Landscaping associated with the mitigation area should aim to incorporate
‘untidy’ corners of unmanaged grassland, ruderal and shrub/scrub
vegetation. These areas should be augmented by the introduction of
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Ecological
Receptor
Description/Impacts
Mitigation/Compensation
artificial refugia and new scrub and shrub planting to provide an increased
area of reptile habitat.
Birds
Areas of hedgerow, scrub, trees and
ornamental planting offer nesting
opportunities for birds; such vegetation
within the development footprint will be
cleared removing nesting habitat.
Avoidance
Boundary hedgerows and trees and areas of scrub outside of the
development area will be retained.
Mitigation
Areas of vegetation within the development area will be removed outside of
the nesting bird season, which runs between March and September
inclusive. An ecologist or an ecological clerk of works will oversee all
vegetation removal.
Compensation
New hedgerow planting along the eastern boundary of the development site
and within gaps in existing hedgerows will provide new nesting
opportunities
New landscape planting within the development will provide further nesting
opportunities and additional foraging resource
Schwegler sparrow terraces installed on new properties will provide
additional opportunities for house sparrow.
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5. Limitations
5.1.
This report records wildlife found during the survey and anecdotal evidence of
sightings. It does not record any plants or animals that may appear at other
times of the year and were therefore not evident at the time of visit.
5.2.
This report represents a preliminary assessment only. Recommendations and
conclusions are subject to change should further findings significantly differ from
those collected from the survey efforts to date.
5.3.
The advice contained in this report relate primarily to factual survey results and
general guidance only. On all legal matters you are advised to take legal advice.
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6. References
Bat Conservation Trust (BCT) Bats and Lighting in the UK BCT
English Nature (2001) Great Crested Newt Mitigation Guidelines. English
Nature
HMSO (1981) Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (and subsequent
amendments). HMSO
HMSO (1995) Biodiversity. The UK Steering Group Report
Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) Common Standards
Monitoring Guidance for Reptiles and Amphibians (2004) JNCC
Langton, T., Beckett, C. and Foster, J. (2001) Great Crested Newt
Conservation Handbook. Froglife
Mitchell-Jones, A.J (2004) Bat Mitigation Guidelines English Nature
Mitchell-Jones, A.J , & McLeish A.P. (2012) The Bat Worker’s Manual (4th
Edition)
Multi-Agency Geographical Information for the Countryside (MAGIC)
Website at www.magic.gov.uk
National Biodiversity Network (NBN) Website at www.nbn.org.uk
Stace, C. (1997) New Flora of the British Isles 2nd Edition. Cambridge
University Press
TSO (2005) National Planning Policy Framework. TSO
TSO (2006) Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act TSO
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Appendix I – Site Figures
crossman
A S S O C I A T E S
01761 233414
[email protected]
www.crossmanassociates.co.uk
Burbages Lane
Ecosite
Development site
Non development site
SI
SI
SI
SI
Semi-improved grassland
Rank semi-improved grassland
Ruderals and scrub
Species rich hedgerow
SI
Figure 1
Species poor hedgerow
Trees
Ornamental planting
Amenity grassland
Bare ground/ephemerals
Pond
Client
Tyler Parkes
Title
Phase 1 Map
Site
Burbages Lane
Figure
1
Date
22 October 2013
Scale
1:5000
crossman
A S S O C I A T E S
01761 233414
[email protected]
www.crossmanassociates.co.uk
Reptile refugia
SI
Locations of reptiles
SI
SI
SI
Figure 2
Client
Tyler Parkes
Title
Reptile survey map
Site
Burbages Lane
Figure
2
Date
10 December 2014
Scale
1:5000
crossman
A S S O C I A T E S
01761 233414
[email protected]
www.crossmanassociates.co.uk
Transect route
SI
Automated device location
SI
SI
SI
Figure 3
Client
Tyler Parkes
Title
Bat survey map
Site
Burbages Lane
Figure
3
Date
10 December 2014
Scale
1:5000
along the north and east boundary
1 Hedgerows
will be coppiced and layed. Large gaps along the
eastern boundary and parts of the northern
planting to create continuous hedgerows that
better link to the wider network to the north and
south.
hedgerow planting will form a new boundary
2 New
between the development area and newly created
crossman
mitigation area to the east. The hedgerow will be
planted with a range of native species of local provenance. The new hedgerow will increase nesting
opportuniteis for birds and will increase the integrity
of the local hedgerow network
A S S O C I A T E S
01761 233414
[email protected]
www.crossmanassociates.co.uk
Hedgerow will be protected during and post
Site Boundary
mitigation area will be retained for
3 The
wildlife and will be used as a translo-
Figure 1
cattion site for slow worms. Existing
scrub and rank grassland at the south
of this area will be retained and grazed
grassland at the north will be allowed
to grow rank and tussocky and will be
augmented with new scrub planting.
Piles of deadwood generated from the
coppicing of hedgerows will be piled
around this area to create refugia and
hibernacula for reptiles and habitat for
invertebrates.
5
Lanscape planting within the new development will have value to wildlife
Every other house on the northern and eastern boundary of the developThe develpment will include a sensitive lighting scheme to mimise light
spill onto surrounding habitats. Houses at the edges of the development
trees at the boundary of the site will be
4 Semi-mature
retained.
Three kent-style bat boxes, manufactured from
hardwood, will be installed within the trees to provide
new roosting opportunities for bats.
Client
Tyler Parkes
Title
Mitigation plan
Site
Burbages Lane
Figure
4
Date
15 December 2014
Scale
1:5000
Appendix II – Site Photographs
Photographs 1- 3
Photograph 1:
Illustrating :
Area of semi-improved grassland
with hedgerow behind
Photograph 2:
Dense area of ruderal and scrub
vegetation
Photograph 3:
Ruderal vegetation
Photographs 4 - 6
Photograph 4:
Illustrating :
Hedgerow along northern boundary
of site
Photograph 5:
Typical ornamental planting within
gardens
Photograph 6:
Amenity grassland
Photographs 7- 9
Photograph 7:
Illustrating :
Amenity grassland with dense scrub
behind
Photograph 8:
Amenity grassland occupying one
of the garden units
Photograph 9:
Bare ground with ephemeral
vegetation
Photographs 10 - 11
Photograph 10:
Illustrating :
Flat-roofed properties adjacent to
Burbages Road
Photograph 11:
One of the garden sheds on site