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AUGEAN ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT

SECTION 73 APPLICATIONS

EAST NORTHANTS RESOURCE MANAGEMENT FACILITY

AU/KCE/SPS/1612/01/ES

April 2012 AU_KCEp11821

APPENDIX ESF

EAST NORTHANTS RMF: ECOLOGICAL BASELINE SURVEY AND ASSESSMENT REPORT. FINAL MARCH 2012

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EAST NORTHANTS RMF:

ECOLOGICAL BASELINE SURVEY AND

ASSESSMENT REPORT

IPC document reference: WS010001/ENRMF/ESAPPESF

Planning Act 2008

The Infrastructure Planning (Applications: Prescribed Forms and Procedures)

Regulations 2009 Regulation 5(2)(a)

FINAL

MARCH 2012

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ESL (Ecological Services) Ltd, 1 Otago House, Allenby Business Village, Crofton Road, Lincoln, LN3 4NL

East Northants RMF: Ecological Baseline Survey and Assessment Report MJCA 96

DOCUMENT CONTROL

TITLE: East Northants RMF: Preliminary Ecological Baseline Survey and Assessment Report

VERSION: Final DATE: March 2012 ISSUED BY: Anne Goodall AUTHORS Andrew Stanworth, Grant Berky, Dave Hughes, Brian Hedley,

Peter Morrell CHECKED BY: Vanessa Tindale APPROVED BY: Anne Goodall ISSUED TO: Leslie Heasman

MJCA Baddesley Colliery Offices Main Road Baxterley Atherstone Warwickshire CV9 2LE

This report has been prepared by ESL with all reasonable skill, care and diligence, within the terms of the contract with the Client. The report is confidential to the Client. ESL accepts no responsibility of whatever nature to third parties to whom this report may be made known. No part of this document may be reproduced without the prior written approval of ESL.

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CONTENTS Page SUMMARY 1 INTRODUCTION 1 2 DESK STUDY AND CONSULTATIONS 3 2.1 Sources of Information 3 2.2 Local Context 4 2.3 Statutory Sites 5 2.4 Non-Statutory Sites 7 2.5 Protected and Notable Species 9 3 HABITATS, PLANT COMMUNITIES AND PLANT SPECIES 10 3.1 Survey Methods 10 3.2 Site Description 10 3.3 Assessment of Biodiversity Importance 14 4 AMPHIBIANS 15 4.1 Introduction 15 4.2 Survey Methods 16 4.3 Results 19 4.4 Impact Avoidance and Protection 20 5 REPTILES 20 5.1 Survey Methods 20 5.2 Results 22 5.3 Assessment of Biodiversity Importance 22 6 BATS 23 6.1 Introduction 23 6.2 Survey Methods 23 6.3 Results 24 6.4 Assessment of Biodiversity Importance 27 7 OTHER MAMMALS 28 7.1 Water Voles 28 7.2 Badgers 28 8 BIRDS 30 8.1 Survey Methods 30 8.2 Results 31 8.3 Assessment of Biodiversity Importance 31

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CONTENTS continued Page 9 ASSESSMENT OF POTENTIAL IMPACTS 32 9.1 Prediction Methodology 32 9.2 Continuation of Filling of the Consented Landfill 33 9.3 Construction of New Landfill Void 35 9.4 Filling the New and Consented Voids with Hazardous Waste and Low Level Waste 36 9.5 Extraction and Stockpiling of Clay 36 9.6 Increasing the Consented Capacity of the Soil Treatment Facility 37 9.7 Restoration of the Site to Woodland and Grassland 37 9.8 Summary 38 10 REFERENCES 39 11 GLOSSARY 41 CHARTS 6.1 Passes per bat species recorded overnight on 16 June 2010 25 6.2 Passes per bat species recorded overnight on 28 July 2010 25 TABLES 4.1 Weather Conditions during Amphibian Survey Visits 4.2 Total Number of Adult Great Crested Newts on each Visit 4.3 Maximum Number of Other Amphibians in Each Pond 5.1 Weather Conditions during Reptile Survey Visits 5.2 Results of Reptile Survey 8.1 Times and Weather Conditions for Bird Surveys 8.2 Breeding Bird Survey, Maximum Counts each Visit 9.1 Geographic Frame of Reference for Determination of Impacts FIGURES 2.1 Statutory and Non-Statutory Sites of Biodiversity Importance 3.1 Phase 1 Habitat/Land Use Map 4.1 Ponds surveyed for Great Crested Newts 5.1 Reptile Survey Areas 6.1 Anabat Locations

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CONTENTS continued APPENDICES 1 Species Recorded in the Application Area during 2010 2 Summary of Statutory Protection for Selected Species 3 Biodiversity Action Plan for East Northants RMF 4 Copies of Consultee Correspondence 5 Descriptions of Ponds Surveyed for Great Crested Newts 6 Copy of Natural England European Protected Species Licence EPSM 2010-

2589A

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SUMMARY

1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 The East Northants Resource Management Facility (RMF), Stamford Road,

Northamptonshire, which lies immediately west of Stamford Road, the minor

road linking the village of King’s Cliffe and the A47 to the north, currently

comprises an active hazardous waste landfill, a soil treatment plant, clay

extraction operations and site infrastructure.

1.2 Augean PLC are now applying for planning permission to alter the existing

facilities and to construct new facilities for the recovery and disposal of

hazardous waste and disposal of low level radioactive waste at the existing

site. ESL (Ecological Services) Ltd has been commissioned by Augean PLC to

undertake baseline ecological surveys, identify potential impacts of the

application’s elements on the habitats and species present, assess the

probable significance of each impact identified and propose measures to

avoid, reduce or mitigate any significant impacts.

2 DESK STUDY AND CONSULTATIONS

2.1 Location and details of statutorily protected nature conservation sites were

obtained from relevant websites. Northamptonshire Biodiversity Records

Centre provided details of Local Wildlife Sites and records of protected and

valued species within 2km for Northamptonshire; Cambridgeshire and

Peterborough Environmental Records Centre similarly provided the same

information for sites and species in Peterborough.

2.2 All surveys were carried out using accepted standard methods. Results and

assessments were provided to Natural England, the Senior Environmental

Planner at Northamptonshire County Council and the Planning and

Biodiversity Officer for the Wildlife Trust for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire,

Northamptonshire & Peterborough and where relevant, discussed with them

before submission.

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3 HABITATS, PLANT COMMUNITIES AND PLANT SPECIES

3.1 Habitats present comprise the active landfill with bare ground, buildings,

structures, hard-standing and stored spoil, with semi-improved reseeded

grassland, hedges, trees and water bodies. The plant communities and

species present are generally common and widespread. Certain species with

a nationally more southern distribution are present on spoil piles which

originated from the London Olympic stadium site. Japanese knotweed is also

present but is being treated.

4 AMPHIBIANS

4.1 The presence of great crested newts was confirmed for the site in 2006 and in

2008 the population was translocated under Natural England licence to a

habitat created to the north of the site. Surveys in 2010 determined that small

numbers of great crested newts were still present and an application was

made to Natural England for a licence to remove them to the previously

created refuge, on the basis that these animals are part of the original

population. Licence No EPSM 2010-2589A was issued on this basis, to

complete the translocation, and this work was carried out in April-July 2011.

5 REPTILES

5.1 Suitable reptile habitat in the survey area is limited to three small and

disconnected areas of rough grassland around the margins. These areas,

together with areas of good reptile habitat along the woodland boundary off-

site to the north, were surveyed throughout spring-summer 2010. No reptiles

of any species were found in two of the on-site areas and only five common

lizards were found in the third. All four common species, adder, grass snake,

slow worm and common lizard, were found in the more suitable off-site

habitats, all of which have good connectivity with each other and the wider

area.

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6 BATS

6.1 A roost assessment determined that there are no trees, buildings or other

structures on the site with potential for use by roosting bats. Surveys for

foraging bats were carried out using static loggers - Anabat SD-1 ultrasound

recorders in waterproof cases – and by walked transects. Six Anabats were

deployed overnight on 16 June 2010 and eight on 28 July. Transects were

walked on the same nights by ecologists equipped with ultra-sound detectors

and night-vision equipment.

6.2 Four bat species were identified using the site, together with at least one

species from the genus Myotis. The results confirmed that foraging was

concentrated over the existing site lagoon and along the woodland edge to

the north of the site. The least productive habitats were the landfill, spoil

storage areas and adjacent arable crop, open landscapes with minimal

features to aid echolocation and very limited invertebrate species productivity.

7 OTHER MAMMALS

7.1 No evidence was found for use of the site by water voles.

7.2 Several badger setts, including at least one main sett, are present in

woodland to the north, but the presence of a high wall of gabion baskets along

the northern edge of the site curtails the badgers’ direct access to the site.

Throughout numerous survey visits to the site during 2010 no evidence of

badgers using the site was recorded and it is considered that the earthworm

population is likely to be low, with foraging opportunities similarly limited.

8 BIRDS

8.1 In total, 46 species were recorded during all surveys visits in 2010. Most of

these are common birds associated with arable farmland and woodland edge

habitats. Although 12 UK BAP Priority Species were recorded, only four of

these species were considered to be possibly or probably breeding on site.

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Only skylark was thought to have a single territory extending over the central

landfill area, with the other three using boundary hedgerows.

9 ASSESSMENT OF POTENTIAL IMPACTS

9.1 The prediction methodology and means of considering significance are set

out.

9.2 The time extension for the existing landfill will introduce no change to the

current working methods and removal of sparse common plant species will

continue. Existing clumps of Japanese knotweed have been treated and

monitoring will ensure that any re-growth or new clumps are similarly

controlled. The area is not used by any protected species and no mitigation

or protection is required.

9.3 Extension of the void to the west will remove the vegetated spoil heaps and

associated waterbodies but protected species have already been removed

from this area. Most of the vegetation is of interest in a site context only; on

site survival of the imported non-native southern species is of some limited

local interest and will be monitored. The agreed restoration plan will provide

much larger areas of more diverse interest, using plants of local provenance to

create new habitats.

9.4 The prepared void will have no plant communities and will not provide suitable

habitat for any protected species known to be present in this area. Filling the

void will therefore have no impact on biodiversity in any context, and the type

of waste used to fill the void will not affect this.

9.5 There are no significant plant communities in the area intended for clay

extraction and stockpiling, and no current use by protected species.

Restoration in other areas may introduce new communities and species

before this process is complete, but ongoing monitoring will ensure that

protection is in place, and adverse impacts will be avoided.

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9.6 Similarly, time extension for the soil treatment process will introduce no

change to the current working methods, and there is no potential for any

significant impact to plant or animal communities or protected species.

Ongoing monitoring will ensure that any new communities or species arriving

as a result of restoration are protected, and that adverse impacts are avoided.

9.7 Restoration of the whole quarry complex post-works is intended to produce a

very significant biodiversity gain.

[1185 words]

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1

EAST NORTHANTS RMF: ECOLOGICAL BASELINE SURVEY

AND ASSESSMENT REPORT

1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 The East Northants Resource Management Facility (RMF), Stamford Road,

Northamptonshire, is situated approximately 1.7km east south east of

Duddington and 2.6km north of the village of Kings Cliffe, and lies immediately

west of Stamford Road, the minor road linking King’s Cliffe and the A47 to the

north. The facility currently comprises an active hazardous waste landfill, a

soil treatment plant, clay extraction operations and site infrastructure.

1.2 The application is for the alteration of existing and the construction of new

facilities for the recovery and disposal of hazardous waste and disposal of low

level radioactive waste at the above facility. Details of the proposal are set out

in full in the Environmental Statement, but in summary the main elements of

this proposal comprise:

• Alteration of the operation of a soil treatment facility with an increase

from the currently consented capacity of 100,000tpa to 150,000 tpa of

contaminated materials comprising predominantly hazardous wastes.

• The soil treatment facility to be consented includes the following

activities:

• Screening;

• Crushing;

• Storage in stockpiles, bunkers and silos;

• Material washing;

• Stabilisation; and

• Bioremediation

• Construction of new landfill void for the disposal of hazardous wastes

and low level radioactive waste with an activity of up to 200Bq/g at a

direct input rate of up to 150,000tpa.

• The continuation of the filling of the landfill with hazardous waste and low

level radioactive waste, the subject of the extant planning consents.

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• A maximum input rate to the site for all wastes of 250,000 tpa.

• Extraction and stockpiling of clay and other suitable materials for

engineering purposes and the exportation of some clay and other

suitable materials for use in landfill engineering at the nearby Augean

Thornhaugh Landfill Site and for sale.

• The phased restoration of the site to woodland and grassland for

ecological benefit and public access following the completion of

landfilling.

• Completion of soil treatment and landfilling by the end of 2026.

1.3 ESL (Ecological Services) Ltd has been commissioned by Augean PLC to:

• undertake baseline ecological surveys of the application site, together

with a sufficient surrounding area to place it in context;

• identify potential impacts of each of the above elements on the habitats

and species present;

• assess the probable significance of each impact identified; and

• propose measures to avoid, reduce or mitigate any significant impacts.

1.4 This report provides the above information. Section 2 describes the desk-

based study carried out to locate existing information on the area, and also

the information obtained. Following sections provide, for each group of

species in turn, a description of the survey methods used and the results

obtained, and an assessment of the biodiversity importance of the population

of that group using the site. In Section 9 the potential impacts on each group

of each element listed in paragraph 1.2 are then identified and assessed, and

the necessary measures to prevent or mitigate significant impacts are

described. References are listed in Section 10.

1.5 English names for species are used throughout the text with the scientific

name also given in the text where a species not found on the site during the

surveys is referred to. Both English and scientific names for plant species are

as given by Stace, 2010. A full list of all species recorded from the site, with

scientific names, is given in Appendix 1. For statutorily protected species

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recorded on or considered likely to use the site, a summary of the legal

protection afforded to these species under domestic legislation is given in

Appendix 2.

1.6 Prior to the start and in consultation with the Site Manager, a risk assessment

was undertaken by the Project Manager in order to make all fieldworkers

aware of specific risks on site, with the required safe working methods. The

risk assessment was up-dated as necessary by fieldworkers on each visit to

inform further surveyors visiting the site. For any work near deep water

bodies, particularly at night it is standard ESL Policy to use at least two

fieldworkers.

1.7 ESL has also been commissioned by Augean PLC to produce a Biodiversity

Action Plan (BAP) for the site. Based on the results of a Biodiversity Audit

and detailed consideration of the UK and Northamptonshire Priority Species

and Habitats, this document sets out how the restoration will be accomplished

whilst achieving significant biodiversity gain. Detailed prescriptions are

provided for those parts of the site on which all works are completed. For the

remainder of the site, principles to be followed during restoration are set out,

with more detailed actions to be agreed at a later stage. This document is

provided as Appendix 3.

2 DESK STUDY AND CONSULTATIONS

2.1 SOURCES OF INFORMATION

2.1.1 The Natural England website was visited to identify any sites of International

Importance (Special Areas for Conservation, Special Protection Areas or

Ramsar sites) likely to be affected by the proposal, and any nationally

important sites (Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) or National Nature

Reserves (NNR) within 5km of the proposal area, and to provide context for

the site habitats.

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2.1.2 The Northamptonshire Biodiversity Records Centre (NBRC) was asked to

provide locations of non-statutory sites Local Wildlife Sites (LWS) within 2km

of the area and to provide details of any designations for these sites. NBRC

was also asked to provide records for statutorily protected, UK and local

Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) and other important species for

Northamptonshire within a 2km radius of the area and the Cambridgeshire

and Peterborough Environmental Records Centre (CPERC) was asked to

provide the same information for sites within this radius lying in Peterborough.

2.1.3 Survey results and assessments were provided to Natural England, the

Northamptonshire County Ecologist (Tina Cuss) and the Northamptonshire

Wildlife Trust (Alan Smith) and where relevant, discussed with them before

submission. Comments were actively sought from all three organisations to

ensure that both statutory and non-statutory biodiversity issues were fully

considered and where relevant, mitigated, and also that the planned

restoration optimised the potential for local biodiversity gain. Copies of this

correspondence are given in Appendix 4.

2.2 LOCAL CONTEXT

2.2.1 The Site is situated within the Rockingham Forest Joint Character Area 92 as

defined by Natural England. The Natural England website provides the

following overview:

‘Rockingham Forest is a well-wooded area of higher ground between the

Rivers Welland and Nene in Northamptonshire and the Soke of

Peterborough. The underlying geology is mainly limestone of Jurassic

age but this is generally covered by glacial till which gives rise to heavy

clay soils. The heavy nature of some of the soils is in part responsible for

the survival of woodland, which is one of the most important habitats of

the Natural Area, but also a product of the area’s historic status as a

royal hunting forest. The land between the wooded areas is mainly arable

with fragments of neutral grassland. Quarrying has been a feature of the

area for many centuries for the extraction of limestone for building and

ironstone for the local iron industry. This has resulted in geological

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exposures of interest and, in a few cases where the quarries are old, the

recolonisation of grassland such as the limestone grassland at Barnack

Hills and Holes.’

2.2.2 It is recognized that most of the land is under arable cultivation, for which

relevant potential enhancements suggested are:

• Planting new woodlands in strategic locations to accentuate wooded

appearance of landscape, link existing habitats, screen development and

provide community access;

• Recreating other habitats such as limestone grassland on set-aside land;

• Conserving and enhancing the best-preserved networks of hedgerows

and establishing hedgerow trees in suitable locations; and

• Managing and establishing green corridors, including ditches, headlands

and green lanes, as visual and wildlife links across arable areas.

2.3 STATUTORY SITES

2.3.1 The nearest internationally designated sites for nature conservation are

Rutland Water SPA and Barnack Hills and Holes SAC, both approximately

10km distant, to the north west and north east respectively. There is no

potential for the proposal to affect either of these sites.

2.3.2 Two SSSIs lie within 2km of the application site. The closest, Collyweston

Great Wood and Easton Hornstocks SSSI, NNR and LWS, lies

approximately 200m to the north at its closest point. The designation states

that it is a remnant of ancient Purlieu coppices of Rockingham Forest with

variants of ash-lime and oak-lime woodland which have small-leaved lime

Tilia cordata as the dominant species. It is specifically designated for its

outstanding range of semi-natural woodland types and extremely rich ground

flora. The SSSI is buffered from the site by broad-leaved and mixed

plantations, rough grassland, scrub and pioneer woodland spreading from the

existing woodland to the north. There is no access from the site, and Natural

England have agreed (A Mould, in lit., 29.06.2011) that ‘there are unlikely to

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be any significant impacts to this, or any other statutory site, as a result of the

proposals.’

2.3.3 Bonemills Hollow SSSI lies approximately 1.5km to the east of the site. It is

designated for its important calcareous and marsh grassland habitats.

However, by virtue of the distance from the proposal site, the presence of

significant barriers, particularly Collyweston Great Wood, and the nature of

the interest for which the site is designated, it is considered to be outside the

zone of influence of the proposed development.

2.3.4 Part or all of a further 10 SSSIs, listed with brief details below, lie between

2km and 5km from the application site. By virtue of their distance and the

presence of intervening barriers, including roads and arable land, all of these

sites are considered to be outside the zone of influence of the proposed

development.

• Racecourse Farm Fields SSSI (Northamptonshire): approximately 4km

N, designated for grazed Jurassic limestone grassland, some geological

interest.

• Whitewater Valley SSSI (Cambridgeshire): approximately 4.5km NE,

designated for marsh, tall fen and willow carr habitats.

• West, Abbot’s & Lound Woods SSSI (Cambridgeshire): approximately

4km ENE, designated for a range of lowland woodland types.

• Bedford Purlieus SSSI (Cambridgeshire): just over 2km E, designated

as ancient woodland showing a variety of woodland community types and

great diversity of herbaceous flora and associated fauna. Hazel dormice

Muscardinus avellana have been introduced to this site.

• Old Sulehay Forest SSSI (Northamptonshire): approximately 4.5km

ESE, designated as ancient woodland on calcareous strata.

• King’s Cliffe Banks SSSI (Northamptonshire): approximately 2.5km S,

designated as a fine example of oolitic limestone grassland. This site is a

small disused quarry.

• Wakerley Spinney SSSI (Northamptonshire): approximately 3.6km

WSW, designated as a small strip of native broad-leaved woodland and

semi-natural grassland, part ancient.

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• Luffenham Heath Golf Course SSSI (Leicestershire): approximately

4.5km WNW, designated for some of the best remaining areas of

calcareous grassland in Leics.

• Collyweston Slate Mine SSSI (Northamptonshire): approximately 2.6km

N; geological site, worked-out slate mine, type locality for this slate.

• Collyweston Quarries SSSI (Northamptonshire): approximately 3.2km

N, designated for rough grassland on Jurassic limestone, developed on

the site of a former limestone quarry.

2.4 NON-STATUTORY SITES

2.4.1 NBRC and CPERC provided details of six non-statutory sites situated within

2km. This includes Collyweston Great Wood & Easton Hornstocks, described

above. The remaining sites are:

• Fineshade Woods LWS, which lies approximately 150m to the west of

the Site at its nearest point. The designation states that ‘This very large

area of woodland offers one of the widest diversities of compartment

types of all the woods in the county.’ Most of the area lies on replanted

ancient woodland with a disused railway line running through it. Rare

plants present include orpine, small teasel, yellow star of Bethlehem and

small-flowered buttercup. All four common reptile species occur here.

• Fineshade Lane LWS is a sub-site of Fineshade Woods and lies 1.8km

to the west of the Site. It has been designated for the range of scrub

species occurring on the banks, ‘suggesting that they once held an

ancient hedgerow.‘

• Collyweston Quarry, located approximately 1.5km to the north-west, and

Exposure at Collyweston Quarry which lies 1.65km to the north-west

are both designated as Local Geological Sites (LGS).

• Cross Leys Quarry, which lies approximately 1.5km ENE, is a Regionally

Important Geological Site (RIGS).

2.4.2 The Northamptonshire Wildlife Trust (Alan Smith, pers. comm., 24.03.2011)

have agreed that it is unlikely that there will be any significant impact on any

of these sites as a result of the proposals.

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2.4.3 The NBRC also provided information on a number of Potential Wildlife Sites

(PWS) in the area of search. These are described as ‘sites that are either

known or thought to be of higher biodiversity value than the average

countryside but have not been confirmed to be of Local Wildlife Site (LWS)

standard.’ They were originally identified through both local knowledge and

examining aerial photographs for evidence of a diversity of habitats. It is

considered that all PWS are likely to have some importance for the county’s

biodiversity, either in their own right, or through buffering and linking current

LWS and contributing to Green Infrastructure. PWS can belong to one of

three categories:

1 Sites never fully surveyed and assessed against LWS criteria.

2 Sites surveyed and assessed against the LWS criteria but not currently

reaching the standard.

3 Sites previously recognised as LWS but not currently meeting the latest

LWS criteria.

2.4.4 Two PWS occur on or close to the proposal site; it is likely that neither have

ever been formally surveyed and assessed (A Smith, NWT, pers. comm.) The

land between the northern boundary of the proposal site and Collyweston

Great Wood and Easton Hornstocks NNR is currently listed as PWS No. 742

(hereafter referred to as ‘PWS off-site north’). This area is likely to have been

identified from maps as a buffer to the SSSI and LNR. It comprises mostly

broad-leaved woodland with some coniferous plantation that is contiguous

with the LNR, and provides the licensed re-location area for great crested

newts, described below. There is a slight degree of overlap (less than 100 m²)

along the southern edge of this PWS and the site boundary comprising a

narrow wedge of woodland edge and a small area of grassland. This PWS

meets the qualifying criteria for LWS status on the supported assemblage of

herpetofauna alone, but may also qualify against other designation criteria.

2.4.5 An area within the north eastern portion of the Site is also on this list as PWS

No. 743 (hereafter referred to as ‘PWS on-site’). This comprises species-poor

seeded grassland over capped-landfill together with part of the active landfill.

It would not currently meet any criteria for LWS designation. The habitats

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within this area are also described and evaluated below. The sites listed and

discussed above are shown in Figure 2.1.

2.5 PROTECTED AND NOTABLE SPECIES

2.5.1 Both CPERC and NBRC provided a large number of records for invertebrates

(moth and butterfly species). However all of the records were for Bedford

Purlieus or for Fineshade Woods and Easton Hornstocks respectively. No

invertebrate records were provided for the site itself.

2.5.2 The NBRC have one record for great crested newt Triturus cristatus from

Fineshade Woods, although it dates from 1983 and there have been no

subsequent records. The reptile records provided by the NBRC include six

records for slow-worm Anguis fragilis from Fineshade Woods with four from

1999-2008 and two which occurred pre-1990. Two records for common lizard

Lacerta vivipara were provided from 1990 and 1999, both from Fineshade.

There is only one record for grass snake Natrix natrix from Fineshade Woods

dating from 1948; however there are five records for adder Vipera berus, all

from Fineshades; two from 2006 and three pre-1990.

2.5.3 Although no species records for the site were provided by NBRC, the

designation for the PWS off-site north states that ponds in this area hold both

palmate and great crested newt. It further states that ‘good’ populations of

slow worm and common lizard and small populations of adder and grass

snake are supported by this area.

2.5.4 The NBRC provided 22 records for dormouse Muscardinus avellanarius, 15

for 1999 and the remainder from 1995-1998, all from Fineshade Woods.

They also hold four recent records for badger Meles meles all recorded within

2km of the site between 2002-2008, and nine for otter Lutra lutra. Eight of

these date 1995-1996 and one from 2008. The majority were recorded from

Fineshade Stream with the 2008 record from the A47 south of Vigo Wood

located to the north of the site.

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2.5.5 The NBRC also provided records for five species of bird listed on Schedule 1

to the Wildlife and Countryside Act, all recorded at Fineshade Woods. There

are six records for red kite Milvus milvus, one record for peregrine Falco

peregrinus, two records for (wintering) fieldfare Turdus pilaris, one record for

(wintering) redwing Turdus iliacus and one record for crossbill Loxia

curvirostra.

3 HABITATS, PLANT COMMUNITIES AND PLANT SPECIES

3.1 SURVEY METHODS

3.1.1 An extended phase 1 habitat survey (JNCC, 1993) of the site and adjacent

land was undertaken on 18 March 2010 by two experienced ecologists, with

additional habitat notes made during further survey visits in 2010. The habitat

map is shown as Figure 3.1.

3.2 SITE DESCRIPTION

3.2.1 The site supports the following habitats, which are described in more detail

below:

• Active landfill/bare ground, buildings/structures, and hard-standing

• Hedgerows

• Seeded grassland

• Semi-improved grassland

• Stored spoil

• Trees/tree belts

• Water bodies

Active landfill, buildings/structures and hard-standing

3.2.2 The active landfill cell and a number of vehicular tracks around the site

comprise repeatedly disturbed bare ground. A small number of buildings and

structures are present on the existing landfill site. The buildings are located in

the south-eastern corner of the site and comprise several portacabins and

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one open sided metal ‘barn’ which has a portacabin within it. All of the

buildings are currently maintained and in use as offices, a laboratory and a

canteen. On-site structures include a gas flare stack and machinery

associated with the Soil Treatment Area. Hard-standing is present around the

Soil Treatment Area and is associated with the buildings in the south eastern

corner.

Hedgerows

3.2.3 The western hedgerow is continuous, generally species-poor, and dominated

by hawthorn with occasional dog-rose and blackthorn. It is managed by flailing

to a height and width of approximately 1.5m. Approximately 20m at its

northern end is unmanaged and reaches a height of about 3m with spindle

and honeysuckle occasionally occurring. Ground flora is limited to common

species such as cock’s-foot, false oat-grass, dove’s-foot crane’s-bill, ground-

ivy, garlic mustard, cow parsley, rough chervil, white bryony and common

nettle.

3.2.4 The hedgerow which runs along the southern boundary of the site, dividing it

from arable farmland to the south, is separated into three sections by

entrances to a farm yard. All three sections are similar, being continuous and

managed by cutting to a height of approximately 1.5m and a width of about

1m. All are hawthorn dominated with blackthorn and dog-rose frequently

occurring and rarely field maple, wild privet and elder. Barren brome and cow

parsley are abundant in the base of the hedge with garlic mustard, white

bryony, dog’s mercury and creeping cinquefoil also present.

3.2.5 Along the eastern site boundary, in the section of hedgerow to the south of

the site entrance, elm is abundant with frequent hawthorn, occasional dog-

rose and blackthorn. The side facing the road has been cut to a height of

about 2m, with the remainder unmanaged. Ground flora is limited to common

hedgerow species such as garlic mustard and cow parsley; however, dog’s

mercury and lords-and-ladies do rarely occur. To the north of the entrance

the hedgerow is hawthorn and blackthorn dominated and managed by flailing

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to a width of 2.5m and a height of 2m. Field maple, bramble, wayfaring-tree

and spindle also occur rarely.

Seeded grassland

3.2.6 The capped landfill cells have been seeded to create grassland. This

grassland is poorly established with bare ground still plentiful and those

grasses present are stunted and lack vigour. Red fescue and perennial rye-

grass are the dominant grass species, but species such as colt’s-foot, spear

thistle and bristly oxtongue have begun to colonise from surrounding habitats.

Common knapweed, oxeye daisy and common bird’s-foot-trefoil also occur

sparsely in this grassland in the north east corner of the site.

Semi-improved grassland

3.2.7 At the edges of the existing landfill narrow strips of unmanaged species-poor

grassland persist next to hedgerows or have established over screening

embankments. Patches of more ruderal habitats and ephemeral

short/perennial occasionally occur within these areas. Grasses present are

common and widespread including barren brome, black-grass, false oat-

grass, soft-brome, cock’s-foot and creeping bent. Other common plant

species frequently present include cleavers, wild teasel, curled dock, creeping

thistle and creeping cinquefoil.

3.2.8 The embankment to the north of the site entrance is slightly more species-rich

with other species such as musk mallow, tansy, hairy tare, hoary cress,

perforate St John's-wort, red bartsia, common bird's-foot-trefoil, ribbed melilot

and common centaury all occasionally occurring. On the edge of the capped

landfill opposite the embankment, scattered butterfly-bush, silver birch,

bramble and wood small-reed are establishing, together with two small

patches of Japanese knotweed.

Stored Spoil

3.2.9 The western half of the existing landfill site comprises a large area of stored

contaminated spoil. A number of separate stockpiles are present and the

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spoil has been deposited unevenly across the area creating an undulating

terrain with gullies and depressions and a very rough uneven surface on

which vegetation is beginning to establish. Many of the gullies contained

small, mostly ephemeral, pools. Following the extended Phase I habitat

survey, a more detailed botanical survey was carried out over this area on 20

May 2010.

3.2.10 Vegetation cover is very variable over the spoil heaps with many bare areas

but generally there is about 50% cover and up to 85% cover in places. Typical

species dominating this habitat include a wide range of common pioneer and

ruderal species such as creeping bent, black mustard, groundsel, colt’s-foot,

mugwort, prickly sow-thistle and various willowherbs and docks. A number of

other species, occurring only occasionally, are more notable since they

normally have a more southerly distribution. These were eastern rocket,

goat’s rue, hawkweed oxtongue, hoary cress, narrow-leaved bird’s-foot-trefoil,

stone parsley, dwarf elder, Greek dock and Chinese mugwort.

Trees/Tree belts

3.2.11 Few trees are present on the site. A single mature ash stands within the

hedgerow in the south western corner and an embankment in this corner has

been planted with sapling tree/shrub stock, including ash, field maple, goat

willow, hawthorn, blackthorn and cherry. A short mixed line of eight mature

limes and ten mature poplars form a short tree belt behind the hedgerow to

the south of the site entrance.

Water bodies

3.2.12 A number of water bodies have established through the pooling of surface

water run-off in the contaminated spoil storage area. Three lagoons used to

store water for site processes are also present in the south and west of the

site. Most of the water bodies have no vegetation, very variable water levels,

turbidity and water quality and support few invertebrates. Several ponds are

however becoming established, with a range of marginal, emergent and

aquatic plant species including bulrush, soft-rush, celery-leaved buttercup,

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horned pondweed, small pondweed, common spike-rush, a stonewort, and

broad-leaved pondweed. These water bodies support limited invertebrate

assemblages and amphibians. Ponds 24 and 25, which fall within the site but

are separated from the rest of it by permanent newt fencing, have received

great crested newts during the trapping and relocation exercise, described

further below. A detailed description of all water bodies surveyed is provided

in Appendix 5.

Off-Site Habitats

3.2.13 To the west and south of the site are arable fields sown with cereal crops.

Immediately south of the site is a farmyard, surrounded by the site on all but

its southern side. It contains a small number of barns/grain driers of sheet-

metal construction and some derelict portacabins and lorry trailers, as well as

disused/stored farming machinery. Around the yard is a broad strip of

improved grassland which is cut for hay. In the south western corner is a

heavily shaded pond. To the east of the site, beyond Stamford Road, habitats

are dominated by buildings and hard-standing. These comprise Westhay

Cottages and Westhay Farm from which a haulage business operates.

3.3 ASSESSMENT OF BIODIVERSITY IMPORTANCE

3.3.1 The seeded grassland is relatively common and quickly established and in its

current state provides few opportunities for wildlife. It is therefore considered

to be of negligible value for biodiversity, as are the active landfill, buildings,

structures, hard-standing and the unvegetated ponds among the stored spoil.

The remaining habitats, although common, widespread and often disturbed,

have features which provide some value within the context of the site only.

These features are described below.

3.3.2 None of the boundary hedgerows qualify as ‘important’ under the Hedgerows

Regulations 1997 criteria. Given their low structural and species diversity

they are unlikely to provide opportunities for a wide range of species, but do

provide some connectivity with other habitats, both on and off-site. None of

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the trees are currently notable, being either immature or without features that

would provide opportunities for wildlife, but they have the potential to develop

such features in future.

3.3.3 As noted above, the stored spoil has species present which would be notable

in Northamptonshire since nationally they have a more southerly distribution.

Three in particular; dwarf elder, Greek dock and Chinese mugwort are typical

of the Thames valley. The spoil has originated from the Olympic stadium site

in London and clearly plants are establishing from the seed bank within the

spoil. The diversity of plant species present may support an invertebrate

assemblage, which in time may be of value. It would also provide foraging for

birds such as finches.

3.3.4 The semi-improved grassland is common and widespread and small in extent,

but would provide limited opportunities for a range of wildlife such as

invertebrates and small mammals. The vegetated ponds would similarly

provide some opportunities for invertebrates and support amphibians, despite

their limited botanical diversity.

3.3.5 Japanese knotweed, present among scattered scrub on the eastern edge of

the capped landfill, is an invasive alien species listed on Schedule 9 of the

Wildlife and Countryside Act, 1981, as amended. Although there is no duty

on landowners to control it, it it is an offence to plant, or cause Japanese

knotweed to grow, in the wild. Since it is capable of very fast and extensive

vegetative spread, and new plants can grow from very small lengths of root,

all parts of the plant and any soil contaminated with it are classed as

controlled waste.

4 AMPHIBIANS

4.1 INTRODUCTION

4.1.1 The presence of great crested newts on the site was first confirmed in 2005,

when a survey of six waterbodies on and around the site found a very small

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population in one of them. The surveys were repeated in 2007, by which time

the population had increased and spread to a total of four ponds, though still

centred on the original pond. A licence was obtained from Natural England to

move the great crested newts to a mitigation area north east of the site; this

had two existing ponds, which were enhanced, and a further two ponds were

created. Translocation was undertaken under this licence between March and

September 2008 and amphibian fencing was installed to prevent the animals

re-entering the site.

4.1.2 The initial walkover in 2010 identified the fact that waterbodies remain in the

western half of the site, in the area from which great crested newts were

moved in 2008. Connectivity with the refuge is curtailed by the presence of

the existing amphibian exclusion fencing along the northern, western and part

of the southern boundaries, and greatly reduced by the intensive arable

habitat and active road on the remaining sides. However, there are ponds to

the west of the site with good connectivity to the refuge, and connectivity

between these ponds and the site is poor, but exists. In order to ensure that

no animals had re-entered the site, or had not been found in 2008, the

surveys were repeated in 2010 as part of the baseline investigations.

4.2 SURVEY METHODS

4.2.1 All waterbodies within 500m of the site and having habitat connectivity with it

were identified using Ordnance Survey maps and Google aerial photography.

In total, 21 individual waterbodies, or closely linked clusters, were identified

within the site or close to the unfenced southern boundary. A further five

ponds are present just beyond the northern edge of the site, within or close to

the great crested newts mitigation/relocation area used by Faber Maunsell

under an Natural England licence in 2008. These ponds are shown in Figure

4.1; numbers relate to the descriptions in Appendix 5.

4.2.2 Each of these waterbodies, together with the surrounding terrestrial habitat,

was first assessed for its suitability for use by great crested newts. The

assessment included the provision of a quantitative measure of the pond’s

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suitability for the species using the Habitat Suitability Index endorsed by

Natural England (Oldham et al, 2000). The ten variables evaluated consider

the aquatic habitat, the surrounding terrestrial habitat and local pond density,

producing a score that reflects overall habitat quality. The assessment also

included some pond-netting in order to establish the presence of aquatic

invertebrates suitable as prey items, and also to identify any potential

predatory species.

4.2.3 Natural England Guidance recommends that four survey visits should be

undertaken between mid-March and mid-June, with at least two of the visits

between mid-April and mid-May, in order to establish presence or presume

absence of great crested newts. Ponds found to hold this species on any of

these four visits receive two additional visits i.e. are visited a total of six times,

in order assess the Population Size Class. Each pond was therefore surveyed

for the presence of amphibians on up to six occasions, using a combination of

standard methods (English Nature, 2001) as described below.

4.2.4 The weather conditions recorded on each survey visit are shown in Table 4.1

All surveys were carried out by teams of two ecologists, each led by one of

the following experienced amphibian surveyors: Andrew Stanworth NE licence

No: 20102462, Grant Berky, (20090904), Graeme Clayton (20092190), and

Pete Morrell (20090840).

Egg Search

4.2.5 A representative sample of the aquatic plants present was carefully examined

for the presence of great crested newt eggs. In addition, egg-laying strips

were placed in the margins of Ponds 1 and 2 since no egg laying vegetation

was present. These comprise black plastic strips approximately 15-20mm

wide and 500mm long, bound to garden canes in bunches of 5-10 with plastic-

covered wire. The canes were sunk into the substratum so that the strips

were floating freely below the surface; experience shows that these strips are

very readily accepted and used by great crested newts. These strips were

also examined on each survey. To minimise disturbance no further searching

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is carried out in any waterbody once a single egg has been found. Unused

egg-strips were all removed on the last visit.

Refuge Search

4.2.6 Stones, bricks and other rubble, planks, logs, etc in the pond margins and

adjacent terrestrial habitat to 5-10m were carefully lifted in order to scan for

amphibians sheltering underneath. After searching, each item was carefully

returned to the original footprint.

Torchlight Survey

4.2.7 Each pond was searched by torchlight between dusk and midnight. The

surveyor walked slowly around the margin, where accessible and safe to do

so, shining a 500,000 cp Clulite torch onto the surface of the water. Particular

attention was paid to areas around marginal vegetation and patches of open

water, with potential for male newts to display.

Netting

4.2.8 Evening pond-netting was carried out only following the torchlight search since

it has the potential to disturb sediment. A long-handled dip-net of 2-4mm

mesh was swept vigorously through the water at regular intervals over the

perimeter of the waterbody, for a period of 15 minutes per 50m of accessible

shoreline. All animals caught were examined and identified, aged and sexed,

under low-power torchlight without being removed from the net. They were

returned to the pond as quickly as possible after capture. Daytime pond

netting was carried out on at least one occasion at each pond to assess the

abundance and diversity of aquatic invertebrates and also to look for any newt

larvae present.

Bottle-Trapping

4.2.9 Each bottle-trap is constructed from a 2 litre plastic bottle, the top quarter of

which has been cut off and inserted upside down into the remainder. The

bottles are partially filled with water and set inverted, held at an angle of 45o

with an air bubble always present. When set they form a funnel through which

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a newt can readily swim, but once inside it is more difficult for the animal to

find the exit.

4.2.10 Where depth and substratum allowed, traps were placed around the pond

margins at a density of 1 trap per 2m of shoreline and anchored using a

garden cane. Bottle-trapping was not carried out at ponds where:

• the water clarity was good on all visits and any vegetation present did

not reach a level that impeded visibility; or

• health and safety considerations ruled it out due to steep banks and/or

unstable substrate; or

• the standing water level on any visit was too low to install traps; or

• regular but unpredictable use of the pond as part of site water level

management caused concern that water levels may drop, exposing

traps with newts in.

4.3 RESULTS

4.3.1 The maximum count of adult great crested newts recorded in each waterbody

by any method on each visit are given in Table 4.2. These results can be

used to provide an estimate of the population class size for each. Populations

can be classed as

• ‘small’ where the maximum count is up to 10;

• ‘medium’ where the maximum count lies between 11 and 100; and

• ‘large’ for a maximum count over 100.

4.3.2 The highest total count of great crested newts on any visit to the site itself was

29; small populations were found in Ponds 15, 18, 19, 21 and 22 and a

medium population in Pond 12. These ponds in the south-west of the site are

in the general location of the ponds destroyed under licence in 2008. A single

male great crested newt was recorded in a small pool at the base of a pile of

tyres, the remnant of the dried up Pond 6. This pond is not considered to be a

breeding pond and given the distribution of other ponds across the site shown

to support great crested newts, the record is considered to be of a dispersing,

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isolated individual. Ponds 24, 25 and 26 in the mitigation/re-location habitat

area to the north of the Site were found to support medium, small and small

populations respectively by UES in 2010 (Table 4.2). On this basis, the meta-

population for the site can be considered to fall in the medium size class but it

should be noted that this assessment provides a semi-quantitative value only.

4.3.3 The maximum counts of individuals of each other amphibian species in each

waterbody are shown in Table 4.3. Common frog and common toad were

occasionally recorded during surveys and populations of smooth newt were

present in 16 ponds, particularly where great crested newts were recorded.

Palmate newt was recorded in Ponds 12, 15 and 22 to 26.

4.4 IMPACT AVOIDANCE AND PROTECTION

4.4.1 An application was made to Natural England for a licence to remove the

remaining great crested newts to the previously created refuge to the north,

on the basis that these animals are part of the original population. Licence No

EPSM 2010-2589A was issued on this basis, to complete the translocation

(see Appendix 6) and this work was carried out in April-July 2011.

4.4.2 Habitat enhancements to the receptor area will be completed over winter

2011-12, in line with the BAP plans and the original licence, specifically

targeting the amphibian and reptile populations with the objective of

increasing the carrying capacity of this area for both groups.

5 REPTILES

5.1 SURVEY METHODS

5.1.1 Experienced ecologists specialising in reptile survey carried out a walkover of

the development footprint and surrounding habitats and identified areas

considered optimal for reptiles on 30 March 2010. All reptiles share basic

requirements for warmth, shelter and food. Being ectothermic (cold blooded),

they are attracted to habitats warmed by the sun in order to regulate body

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temperature. Suitable habitat comprises structurally diverse vegetation and

topography that supports good numbers of invertebrates. In addition there

should be both open areas for basking, particularly south facing slopes, and

dense patches of vegetation to provide shelter from predators (Beebee and

Griffiths, 2000).

5.1.2 Overall, suitable reptile habitat in the survey area is limited and fragmented

with individual areas small and disconnected. No suitable reptile habitat was

identified in the existing landfill, capped cells or spoil storage areas, all of

which are sparsely vegetated and/or disturbed. Three areas of suitable reptile

habitat were identified on the boundaries of the site: a wedge of rough

grassland and scrub along the northern site boundary which overlaps the

PWS off-Site north; narrow strips of rough grassland adjacent to the

hedgerows on the western and southern boundaries; and a small area of

improved grassland in the farmyard which connects to the hedgerow strips.

With the exception of the farmyard area the other habitats are separated from

the active site by newt fencing. Three further areas well beyond the site

boundaries to the west and south west with good connectivity to surrounding

habitats were also included in order to set the site in its local context.

5.1.3 In total, 55 artificial cover objects (ACOs: 0.5m2 sheets of corrugated

bitumen), were set in place around the optimal areas. They were placed in 10

groups, designated areas A-J (see Figure 5.1), and were inspected, together

with any other suitable refugia present on site, ten times in weather conditions

in which it could reasonably be expected that reptiles would be active (English

Nature, 1994). These include warm dry days, humid overcast conditions and

sunny spells following rainy weather. Reptiles may be found both on top of

the ACOs and under them as part of their thermoregulatory behaviour,

absorbing heat both directly from the sun and by conduction of the sheet itself.

5.1.4 On each visit date the identified areas were traversed in a methodical way,

looking ahead for reptiles basking on top of the ACOs and then turning over

each ACO in turn, recording any animals present. Direct observation was

also carried out on each visit. This involves walking slowly and quietly

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through areas of suitable habitat while watching and listening for animals or

movement (HGBI, 1998). All ACOs were removed at the end of the survey

period.

5.2 RESULTS

5.2.1 No reptiles of any species were found in areas E or H; the results for all other

areas are shown in Table 5.2. The most productive areas, with all four

common species recorded, were all off-site. The wedge of rough grassland in

PWS off-site north (areas A and B) had 14 common lizards, three slow

worms, four grass snakes and a pregnant adder. The off-site areas C and D

to the west of the north western site boundary share the connectivity to the

surrounding habitats and were also productive, with two common lizards,

three slow worms, five grass snakes and an adder recorded in these areas.

Only five common lizards were recorded in the habitats associated with the

southern and western boundaries (areas F-J).


5.3.1 The fact that all four common species of reptiles were recorded to the north of

the site, in areas with good connectivity to the SSSI woodland and other

habitats beyond, demonstrates that this general area is likely to be of local to

district value for its reptiles. This is borne out by the designation for the PWS

off-site north.

5.3.2 By comparison, the habitats within the active site are largely unsuitable for

colonisation by reptiles, and this area has very low value for this group.

However, extensive refugia trapping was undertaken at the same time as the

great crested newt translocation in order to locate any animals remaining from

the period before quarrying, and a small number of reptiles were found and

transferred to the refuge. The cleared active site is separated from the higher

value areas to the north by newt fencing, except along the southern and

eastern boundaries which are adjacent to arable and active roads. The small

number of animals found on the southern and western site boundaries is likely

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to represent animals moving along the western hedgerow from the

populations north of the site and demonstrates the potential for future

expansion of this population following restoration of the site.

6 BATS

6.1 INTRODUCTION

6.1.1 The objectives of the survey were to:

• determine whether there were any bat roosts on the application area;

• determine the species assemblage present;

• identify potentially important flyways and foraging routes; and,

• evaluate the use of the site by bats as a foraging resource relative to

adjacent habitats.

6.2 SURVEY METHODS

Roost assessment

6.2.1 The site was walked over and all trees and buildings were assessed

externally for their potential to support roosting bats.

Static logging survey

6.2.2 In order to determine the assemblage of species present and set the

application area in context with adjacent habitats, bat activity was sampled

using static Anabat SD-1 ultrasound detectors. Sampling was carried out on

16 June 2010 when six Anabats were deployed, and 28 July 2010 when eight

Anabats were deployed. On each occasion the Anabats were programmed to

switch on 20 minutes before sunset and switch off 30 minutes after sunrise.

The position of each Anabat is given in Figure 6.1. The weather conditions

were suitable for overnight activity surveys on both dates.

6.2.3 There are a number of ways of presenting Anabat data. For the purpose of

this study, each Anabat sound file containing at least 2 bat calls is defined as

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a ‘pass’. The number of passes should not be interpreted as a number of

individual bats, nor qualitatively, since the value of the information contained

in each pass will vary. The number of passes simply provides a level of

activity that is taken as a proxy for how well used (and so perhaps ecologically

important) a particular habitat is, often relative to another. Anabat data were

analysed using AnalookW software. Call parameters for species identification

were taken from Russ (1999). Due to call convergence, passes recorded by

the genus Myotis cannot be distinguished.

Walked transects

6.2.4 To supplement the static logger survey, walked transects were carried out on

the evenings of 16 June 2010 and 28 July 2010. On both occasions, a team

of two ecologists equipped with a Pettersson D240x time expansion detector

linked to an Edirol R09 recorder walked a pre-determined route around the

site taking in the boundaries and linear features considered to be of potentially

high importance to bats as flyways. The survey commenced 30 minutes post-

sunset and lasted for around one and a half hours.

6.3 RESULTS

Roost assessment

6.3.1 The only buildings on site are either steel framed/steel clad industrial buildings

or prefabricated portacabins. None has any realistic potential to support

roosting bats. All are in daily use and none are affected by work proposals.

There are no mature trees in the area to be impacted.

Static logging survey

6.3.2 The following species assemblage was recorded during the survey:

• common pipistrelle Pipistrellus pipistrellus

• barbastelle bat Barbastella barbastellus

• noctule Nyctalus noctula

• soprano pipistrelle Pipistrellus pygmaeus

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6.3.3 In addition, numerous calls by members of the Myotis genus were recorded.

Given the level of activity recorded by Anabats close to water, the bulk of

these calls are considered most likely to have been made by Daubenton's bat

Myotis daubentoni. The data recorded by each Anabat on each visit are

shown in Charts 6.1 and 6.2, which also states the dominant habitat within

30m of each.

Static Anabat Survey Results June 16 2010

014

0 0 0 00

221

0 1 0 10

126

0 4 0 40

144

0 0 0 00

50

100

150

200

250

Num

ber

of P

asses

B.barbastellus 0 14 0 0 0 0

Myotis sp 0 221 0 1 0 1

P.pipistrellus 0 126 0 4 0 4

P.pygmaeus 0 144 0 0 0 0

Anabat 1 Arable

CropAnabat 2 Lagoon Anabat 3 Landfill

Anabat 4 Wood

edge

Anabat 5 Soil

storage

Anabat 6 Wood

edge

Chart 6.1 Passes per bat species recorded overnight on 16 June 2010

Static Anabat Survey Results 28 July 2010

0 7 0 5 0 2 0 00

837

0 1 0 0 5 10 14 1 2 1 4 2 01

183

2

320

231

120

4038

025

4 0 20 6

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

700

800

900

Num

ber

of

Passes

B.barbastellus 0 7 0 5 0 2 0 0

Myotis sp 0 837 0 1 0 0 5 1

N.noctula 0 14 1 2 1 4 2 0

P.pipistrellus 1 183 2 320 2 31 120 4

P.pygmaeus 0 38 0 25 4 0 20 6

Anabat 1 Arable

crop

Anabat 2

Lagoon

Anabat 3

Landfill

Anabat 4 Wood

edge

Anabat 5 Soil

storage

Anabat 6 Wood

edge

Anabat 7

Hedgerow

Anabat 8 Soil

storage

Chart 6.2 Passes per bat species recorded overnight on 28 July 2010

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6.3.4 The location with the highest activity on both survey visits was the lagoon

(Anabat 2). Aquatic habitats provide productive foraging opportunities for bats

as large insect populations are concentrated in a small area. They also

provide a reliable source of drinking water during the summer months which is

particularly important to lactating bats. The activity levels are further

enhanced by the close proximity to the adjacent woodland which provides

additional sheltered foraging and a spatial marker to aid echolocation. This

function also explains why the next two most productive habitats were the

woodland edges and eastern hedgerow.

6.3.5 The least productive habitats were the landfill, spoil storage areas and arable

crop. All comprise open landscapes with few if any habitat features to aid

spatial mapping using echolocation. In addition, vegetation is limited in terms

of either species diversity or total cover resulting in very low insect productivity

and thus limited foraging opportunities.

Walked transects

6.3.6 The walked transects were dominated by passes by common pipistrelles with

the linear features such as woodland edge and hedgerows being the most

productive. They thus confirm the importance of these features, particularly

compared with the arable and landfill.

Possible Constraints to Survey

6.3.7 Bats are highly transient animals with complex life cycles. Activity levels are

influenced by a range of factors including local population size, prey

availability and weather conditions. This can lead to high inter-night variability

which can produce skewed results leading either to an under or over

evaluation of the habitats on site. In addition, some species are more easily

detected than others due to differences in call intensity, and due to call

convergence, some species are difficult to identify confidently to species level.

However, the activity levels recorded during the surveys are considered to be

generally representative of the ecological value of the habitats present. Bat

activity was higher in more productive feeding areas such as the lagoon and

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woodland edge, and was lower or absent on the open landfill and over arable

crop. If the sampling effort were increased it is likely that the overall outcome

would be the same.


6.4.1 The application area does not support a bat roost. The assemblage of bats

recorded includes three UK BAP Priority Species, namely; noctule, soprano

pipistrelle and barbastelle (Anon, 1999). Barbastelles are also listed on Annex

IV of the Conservation of Habitats & Species Regulations 2010 as a Special

Area of Conservation (SAC) species.

6.4.2 Common pipistrelles are great generalists and, as a typical ‘edge’ habitat

species, are well suited to the habitats on site, particularly at the woodland

edges and hedgerows. The habitat preferences of soprano pipistrelles

overlap with those of common pipistrelles with a bias towards areas of water

and woodland.

6.4.3 Noctules are typically open habitat species with high amplitude calls rendering

them detectable from more than 100m away. The survey data probably

represents both general foraging activity along woodland edge and calls

records by bats flying over the site. Barbastelle is a rare but widespread

species. Individuals are most closely associated with woodlands, but forage

far and wide. All of the barbastelle records were either from the lagoon or the

woodland edge.

6.4.4 On both survey dates, more that 99% of the passes by Myotis species were

recorded by the Lagoon Anabat. During the walked transects, Daubenton’s

bats were seen foraging over the lagoon and given the strong affinity that this

species has for water, it is more likely than not that most if not all of the Myotis

records are from Daubenton’s bats.

6.4.5 These results show that the main body of the application site provides very

poor foraging for bats, and is unlikely to have any biodiversity value for this

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group. The surrounding habitats, particularly the woodland to the north, are

likely to have much greater value, which increases the importance of edge

habitats around the site, such as the lagoon.

7 OTHER MAMMALS

7.1 WATER VOLES

Survey Methods

7.1.1 All waterbodies on the site were searched for signs of the presence of water

voles Arvicola terrestris. Such signs include burrows, runs, droppings and

latrines and typical feeding signs, including piles of cut vegetation. This

species tends to be found in watercourses where water is present all year

round. Ideal conditions are slow flowing water with steep, densely vegetated

banks suitable for burrowing. Waterways with sparse vegetation or those that

are heavily shaded are less favoured (Strachan and Moorhouse, 2006).

Results

7.1.2 No evidence of water vole presence was found at any of the waterbodies. All

the waterbodies are considered to be sub-optimal for this species. Most have

either shallow ruts without banks as such, or have sloping banks of friable

material with minimal or no bank or aquatic vegetation. The ditch leading

from Pond 24 (the lagoon used as a relocation site, see Photograph 24 in

Appendix 5) has vegetated banks suitable for burrowing, but has no

connections to any suitable habitat, was dry at the time of survey and shows

no evidence of holding water for prolonged periods.

7.2 BADGERS

Background

7.2.1 A search for signs of the presence of badgers in Collyweston Great Wood

was initially carried out in April 2002. Seven setts were recorded along with

numerous other signs, all tending to be towards the edge of the woodland.

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Five of the setts were considered active and two disused. The two disused

setts were small, three-hole outlier setts, likely to be associated with different

main setts. Of the five active setts two were considered to be main setts; one

just north of the site (18 holes, three disused) in what is now PWS off-site

north, whilst the larger main sett (46 holes, 18 disused) was close to the

north-eastern boundary of the wood.

7.2.2 Of the remaining active setts a two-hole outlier sett lay north of the 46-hole

main sett and probably associated with it, whilst the remaining two were in a

cluster of three setts in the south-western corner of the wood. This comprised

a three-hole and four-hole active sett and a disused three-hole sett all likely to

be associated with the 18-hole main sett. The remaining disused three-hole

sett was in the north-west of the wood and likely to be associated with the 46-

hole main sett. At the time of this survey there was evidence suggesting that

badgers from the 18-hole main sett were visiting the site with prints and

discarded bedding recorded directly south of the sett.

7.2.3 By the time the 2010 surveys took place a high wall of gabion baskets had

been built south of the main sett, curtailing the badgers’ direct access to the

site.

Survey Methods

7.2.4 As part of the extended Phase 1 survey on 18 March 2010 two ecologists,

with considerable experience in badger surveying, and knowledge of the

previous extent of badger use, searched for any evidence of badger activity

on the site and immediately adjacent land. Signs looked for were setts, dung

pits, pathways, paw prints, snagged hairs and feeding signs such as snuffle

holes and scratched trees. Surveyors on all later visits similarly checked for

such signs, and all evidence of fresh digging was investigated.

Results

7.2.5 The only sett recorded close to the site during these surveys was the main sett

in PWS off-site north, on the edge of Collyweston Great Wood. In May 2010

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the total count of holes had increased to 34 whilst activity had remained fairly

consistent at 16 active holes. The cluster of setts in the south-western corner

of Collyweston Great Wood were found to be predominantly disused. The

only badger evidence recorded in the vicinity was a print in an adjacent

marshy area. Throughout the numerous visits to the site during 2010 for

habitat and protected species surveys no evidence of badgers using the site

was recorded.

Assessment of Biodiversity importance

7.2.6 Collyweston Great Wood is likely to be locally important for its badger

population. However, there are very limited foraging opportunities on site for

badgers compared to the surrounding woodland. Most of the site is

inhospitable to them and any earthworm population is likely to be low.

Currently therefore, the site is of negligible importance for badgers.

8 BIRDS

8.1 SURVEY METHODS

8.1.1 Three visits were made to the site by an experienced ornithologist to record

and map all birds seen or heard, using Common Bird Census (CBC) species

codes and activity symbols (Marchant, 1983). The visit dates were 15 April, 15

May and 7 June 2010. All surveys were carried out between 05.30 and 10.00

hours. Survey dates, weather conditions and start and finish times are shown

in Table 8.1. Survey route and direction walked were also recorded on the

fieldwork maps to aid analysis.

8.1.2 Additionally, all birds seen or heard during the course of surveys on site

between March-June 2010 were recorded. These include nocturnal and

crepuscular species (such as owls) recorded during the evening surveys for

great crested newts and bats.

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8.2 RESULTS

8.2.1 The 30 species recorded using the site and its boundaries during the bird

mapping visits are listed, with the total number of each species recorded

during each visit, in Table 8.2. In total, 46 species were recorded during all

surveys visits in 2010 and these are included, with their probable site status,

on the bird species list in Appendix 1. Most of these are common birds

associated with arable farmland and woodland edge habitats.

8.2.2 The site list includes 12 UK BAP Priority Species, most of which are also Red

Listed as Species of Conservation Concern (Eaton et al, 2009). These

comprised cuckoo, skylark, yellow wagtail, dunnock, song thrush, marsh tit,

starling, house sparrow, linnet, bullfinch, yellowhammer and reed bunting.

Four of these species (skylark, dunnock, yellowhammer and reed bunting)

showed territorial behaviour, and were possibly or probably breeding on site.

Only skylark was thought to have a single territory extending over the central

landfill area, with all the others using boundary hedgerows.

8.2.3 Only one Schedule 1 species, red kite, was recorded; one or two red kites

were fairly regularly noted over-flying the site and foraging over adjacent land.

There is no nesting habitat for this species on site, but the surrounding

woodland-dominated landscape provides ideal nesting sites.


8.3.1 Although the bird list for the site includes many UK BAP Priority Species most

of these were associated with the boundary features with only skylark

probably nesting in the open areas of the site. There is no breeding habitat

for red kite, the only Schedule 1 species recorded. Overall, the site is

therefore only of local importance for its variety of breeding birds.

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9 ASSESSMENT OF POTENTIAL IMPACTS

9.1 PREDICTION METHODOLOGY

9.1.1 Impacts may be adverse, neutral or beneficial. In accordance with standard

guidance (IEEM, 2006) they are determined first by using the results of

baseline surveys, together with existing information derived from consultations

or desk study, to assess the conservation value of ecological receptors

(habitats, communities or species) on, using or close to the site, in local or

wider contexts (Sections 2-8 above). Consideration is then given to changes

in the existing milieu which would result from the development, on the extent

to which any of the receptors could be lost, damaged, disturbed or subject to

severance such as to reduce their viability as a result of any of these

changes, and the proportion of each community or species potentially lost or

damaged in any of these ways.

9.1.2 Magnitude. So far as possible the magnitude of an impact is described in

quantitative or semi-quantitative terms, eg as ha of area or % of a population.

9.1.3 Duration and Reversibility. A reversible impact is one for which recovery is

possible through natural regeneration or the working of mitigation measures

within a reasonable timescale, defined as far as possible in ecological terms,

such as the lifetime of a species. Where the impact cannot be mitigated, or

recovery is not possible within such a timescale, it is described as irreversible.

9.1.4 Seasonality and Frequency. The former considers whether an impact will

coincide with a critical stage of the year of life cycle for a particular species or

group, eg the breeding season, which might be avoided by carrying out works

outside this season. Frequency considers whether an impact will be

recurring, and if so, whether it will be occasional or continuous.

9.1.5 Geographic Scale and Assessment of Significance. Assessment of the

value of receptor considers each one in a range of contexts, from

international, national, regional, county or district through to local and site

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level. Examples of values at these levels in given in Table 9.1. A significant

impact at a particular level is defined as an impact on the integrity (site) or

conservation status (habitat or species) of the receptor in that context; if an

impact is not significant at this level, then it is considered at progressively

lower levels.

9.1.6 The baseline for the application will be the permitted quarrying, infilling and

restoration activities together with any agreed mitigation under the extant

planning permissions. Specific impacts which could occur, without mitigation,

as a result of the various components of this application include the following:

• a direct loss of existing habitats and plant communities on site;

• loss and/or severance of habitat for protected species; and

• killing or injuring protected species.

9.1.7 The following sections consider each relevant component of the application in

turn, determine the changes in the existing milieu which will be produced,

assess the significance of any effects of these changes, and describe the

necessary protection or mitigation measures. These are summarised in the

final section.

9.1.8 It should be noted that the working methods, plant and machinery, including

methods for dealing with wheel-washing, surface water, leachate, etc, will

remain the same as those in use to date on the currently consented areas.

Thus they will not produce a change in the milieu for the receptors present,

and therefore no assessment is made of impacts arising simply from their

continued use. Potential effects on surrounding statutorily protected sites and

on local wildlife sites other than those within the site have been considered in

Sections 2.3 and 2.4 above.

9.2 CONTINUATION OF FILLING OF THE CONSENTED LANDFILL

9.2.1 This component of the application will provide for continuing present activities

on the eastern part of the site for a longer period. These activities will remove

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all existing semi-natural vegetation and this change will be permanent in the

consented locations, but in the medium-longer term will be mitigated through

the agreed restoration plan. As described above, all habitats and plant

communities in this area are of negligible biodiversity value even in the

context of the site itself. Any adverse impact on this vegetation will therefore

not be significant and no mitigation will be required.

9.2.2 However, as each landfill cell is completed and capped the vegetation will be

restored to locally native habitats. Phased restoration will allow ground

vegetation to establish and begin to spread naturally, both vegetatively and

through seed production, and this in turn will hasten colonisation by

invertebrates. Phasing will also allow for small changes in the seed mix if

necessary to achieve the desired effect. All restoration will be in line with the

site Biodiversity Action Plan and approved restoration plans and will produce

a beneficial impact of moderate to major significance.

9.2.3 Clumps of Japanese knotweed were discovered on the eastern edge of the

landfill during 2010. These clumps were treated through the growing season

of 2011 in compliance with Environment Agency guidelines, and will then be

regularly monitored for signs of regrowth and retreated as necessary. The

rest of the landfill area will similarly be regularly monitored for new clumps,

and if any appear, treatment will be initiated and any spread will be prevented.

There will therefore be no adverse impact on semi-natural vegetation on site

or on adjacent land.

9.2.4 No great crested newts or reptiles are present in this area and current fencing

will ensure that they do not enter it during the extension period. Similarly, no

protected species currently forage over the area and although one skylark

display territory was considered to extend over it, there is no nesting cover in

the active landfill area. No other bird species were recorded there. There will

therefore be no adverse impact on any protected species.

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9.3 CONSTRUCTION OF NEW LANDFILL VOID

9.3.1 This stage will entail removal of the existing semi-natural vegetation of the

spoil heaps, with concomitant drainage of the ephemeral ponds and flooded

ruts between them. This change will again be permanent but the aquatic

plants and the majority of terrestrial plants are common and widespread

species typical of waste land and the loss of this small area of such species

will not be significant in any context. No mitigation is required, but in the

medium-longer term the area will be greatly enhanced through the agreed

restoration plan. Since the southern species which have arrived with imported

soil are not locally native no mitigation is required for their loss. However,

their presence and possible future survival is of some local interest,

particularly in the context of possible effects on vegetation cover as a result of

climate change. It is likely that this soil will be used on site and there is

therefore potential for some of these species to reappear in the future from

the seed bank. Any such survival and reappearance will be included in the

monitoring plans for the new habitat creation. The hedges to the west and

south of this area are currently species-poor and do not meet the criteria for

importance set out in the Hedgerow Regulations, 1997. As a BAP Habitat

however they will be protected and reinforced with further native species.

9.3.2 As described above, the remaining great crested newts were removed to the

previously created refuge to the north under Natural England Licence No

EPSM 2010-2589A during April-July 2011. Refugia trapping for reptiles was

also undertaken at the same time, with reptiles found also transferred to the

refuge, or elsewhere along the southern edge of Collyweston Great Wood.

There will therefore be no residual adverse impact on these populations.

9.3.3 Eventual restoration of the western area will also be undertaken in line with

the site BAP and approved restoration plans, again providing a range of

habitats for protected, BAP, and other valued species. Together these

enhancements will produce a beneficial impact of moderate to major

significance.

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36

9.4 FILLING THE NEW AND CONSENTED VOIDS WITH HAZARDOUS WASTE

AND LOW LEVEL WASTE

9.4.1 Prepared voids have no plant communities and will not provide suitable

habitat for any protected species known to be present in this area. Filling the

void will therefore have no impact on biodiversity in any context, and the type

of waste used to fill the void will have no effect on this.

9.4.2 The amphibian and reptile fencing will be maintained between the active site

and the refuge area for the duration of the works to protect these animals from

killing or injury. Badgers are present in the vicinity but are considered very

unlikely to enter the site during this phase due to the very sparse and

depauperate plant and soil invertebrate communities. No specific protection

is therefore required for this species.

9.5 EXTRACTION AND STOCKPILING OF CLAY

9.5.1 At the present time the active areas have no significant plant communities and

all protected species have been removed from the site to the prepared refuge

area, under licence where required. In the near-medium future there will

therefore be no impact on biodiversity or protected sites or species. However,

the timing of the start and duration of this work is at present unknown, and it is

therefore possible that new communities may develop in the interim in areas

to be affected. It is also possible that as restoration proceeds, with the

creation of new habitats and richer communities, badgers may be attracted

onto the site and the clay stockpiles could have the potential for sett creation

by this species.

9.5.2 The site BAP will include plans for monitoring use of the site by protected

species throughout the duration of works. This will ensure that protective

measures can be put in place as required. Any potential future adverse

impacts will thus be avoided.

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9.6 INCREASING THE CONSENTED CAPACITY OF THE SOIL TREATMENT

FACILITY

9.6.1 At the present time the area occupied by this facility and its surroundings has

no significant plant communities and great crested newts and common lizards

have being relocated to the prepared refuge. While this state obtains, there

will therefore be no impact on biodiversity or protected sites or species in any

context, and there will be no changes in the working methods to be used.

9.6.2 However, the planned restoration in line with the BAP will introduce changes

through the creation of new habitats elsewhere on the site during the working

life of the facility, and new communities of both plants and animals are

expected to have colonised the site by this time. The site BAP will therefore

include plans for monitoring use of the site by protected species throughout

the duration of works. This will ensure that protective measures can be put in

place as required. Any potential future adverse impacts will thus be avoided.

9.7 RESTORATION OF THE SITE TO WOODLAND AND GRASSLAND

9.7.1 As described above, at the present time the site has minimal biodiversity

value other than in the most immediate site context, comprising only highly

disturbed and sparsely vegetated secondary habitats and communities. The

planned restoration will be carried out in line with the site BAP, in order to

provide significant biodiversity gain. It will be designed to benefit amphibians,

reptiles and small mammals, including potentially dormice, for which

connectivity with the existing woodland to the north will be provided, and

foraging bats. All planting will include a high proportion of locally native

species, including berry-bearing bushes and scrub for birds and species-rich

grassland for invertebrates, and thus for bats and birds. Additional ponds

may also be created along the southern site boundary, to encourage

amphibians to spread.

9.7.2 The hedges will be gapped up with additional native woody species in order to

produce both species and structural diversity, and will include at least one

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38

standard tree for each 50m length. New hedges will be planted on

hedgebanks, providing habitat suitable for use by reptiles as hibernation sites

and basking areas. On completion of landfilling, all amphibian fencing will be

removed, allowing amphibians and reptiles to spread back into the area.

Providing a large area of suitable habitat in this way will also help to combat

the current isolation and fragmentation of populations.

9.7.3 Overall, the restored site will be designed to reach Local Wildlife Site

standard, providing habitat for a wide range of protected, BAP and other

valued species, including an extensive breeding bird community. In total the

site restoration will thus provide a positive impact of moderate to major

significance.

9.8 SUMMARY

9.8.1 All of the habitats which will be affected by the proposed works are highly

disturbed and secondary. They support mainly common ruderals and

species-poor plant communities of low biodiversity value, together with a

small number of non-locally native species and aliens believed to have been

imported with the contaminated spoil. Loss of these habitats and

communities will therefore not be significant, and no mitigation is required for

their loss.

9.8.2 The surveys carried out in 2010 demonstrated that a small part of the great

crested newt population was not removed during the earlier licensed

translocation. Natural England licensed further work to trap and remove the

remainder of the population to the previously prepared refuge during 2011,

and this was completed. Extensive ‘tinning’ in suitable habitat ensured that

the small number of common reptiles remaining among the spoil heaps were

also removed to more suitable habitat at the same time. There will therefore

be no adverse impact on any of these species.

9.8.3 There is no evidence of use of the site by water voles or badgers. There are

no trees or structures suitable for use by roosting bats, foraging use by bats is

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39

minimal, being restricted to the boundary habitats by the paucity of available

invertebrates over the internal habitats. The breeding bird population is

similarly almost completely restricted to the boundary hedges and the

northern edge habitats in the PWS off-site north, which will not be affected by

the planned works. No mitigation or protective measures are therefore

required for mammals or birds.

9.8.4 The area included in the PWS on-site currently has negligible biodiversity

value and does not meet any of the criteria for LWS selection. However,

significant biodiversity gain will be provided through the landscaping plan for

the eventual restoration, which will provide a greater variety of more species-

rich native habitats for a wide range of species. Removal of the amphibian

fence following restoration will allow both amphibian and reptile populations to

expand and to colonise this area. It is intended that the entire site will

eventually meet the LWS criteria

10 REFERENCES

Anon. 1999. UK Biodiversity Group Tranche 2 Action Plans. Volume 1:

Vertebrates and Vascular Plants. English Nature, Peterborough.

Beebee JC and Griffiths R. 2000. Amphibians and Reptiles Harper Collins,

London.

Eaton M A, Brown A F, Noble D G, Musgrove A J, Hearn R, Aebischer N J,

Gibbons D W, Evans A and Gregory R D. 2009. Birds of Conservation

Concern 3: the Population Status of Birds in the United Kingdom, Channel

Islands and Isle of Man. British Birds 102: 296-341.

English Nature. 1994 (and as updated). Species Conservation Handbook.

English Nature, Peterborough.

English Nature. 2001. Great Crested Newt Mitigation Guidelines. English

Nature, Peterborough.

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40

Faber Maunsell. 2007. Slipe Clay Pit Landfill Great Crested Newt Survey.

Unpublished Draft Report to Augean plc

Faber Maunsell. 2008. Licence No: EPSL 30130 C. Great Crested Newt

Licence Return. to Natural England Wildlife Licensing Unit, Bristol

Herpetofauna Groups of Britain & Ireland (HGBI). 1998. Evaluating local

mitigation/ translocation programmes: maintaining best practice and lawful

standards. Advisory notes for Amphibian and Reptile Groups. Froglife.

Halesworth. Suffolk

Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management. 2006. Guidelines for

Ecological Impact Assessment in the United Kingdom. IEEM, Winchester.

Joint Nature Conservation Committee. 1993. Handbook for Phase 1 Habitat

Survey. JNCC, Peterborough.

Marchant J H. 1983. Common Bird Census Instructions. British Trust for

Ornithology, Tring.

Oldham R.S., Keeble J., Swan M.J.S. & Jeffcote M. (2000). Evaluating the

suitability of habitat for the Great Crested Newt (Triturus cristatus).

Herpetological Journal 10 (4), 143-155

Russ, J. 1999. The bats of Britain & Ireland: echolocation calls, sound

analysis and species identification. Alana books. UK.

Stace C. 2010. New Flora of the British Isles. 3rd Edition, CUP, Cambridge.

Strachan R and Moorhouse T. 2006. Water Vole Conservation Handbook.

Second Edition. Wildlife Conservation Research Unit, Oxford.

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Statutory Sites [online] available from www.naturalengland.org.uk/

UK Biodiversity Action Plan [online] available from www.ukbap.org.uk/

(accessed 25.11.09)

11 GLOSSARY

Ancient woodland land that has been continually wooded since at

least 1600AD. Before 1600 planting of

woodland was uncommon so woodland that

pre-dates this is likely to have developed

naturally.

Aquatic plant species plants adapted to living in aquatic habitats,

often completely submerged, and able to grow

only in water or in completely saturated soil.

Assemblage all the species which occur together in a

particular habitat, and thus share (some)

aspect(s) of their ecology. May be confined to a

particular group of species, eg invertebrate or

bird assemblage.

(bat) Call amplitude a measure of the energy in the call, but often

presented as the loudness of the call.

(bat) Call convergence the point at or extent to which the call

parameters of similar species overlap.

(bat) Call intensity the sound pressure level of the call.

(bat) Call parameters the key characteristics of the call that are often

used for species identification.

Bat roost a place used by bats for shelter or protection;

protected under UK legislation.

Biodiversity generally the total variety of life on earth, but

may also refer to the variation within a species,

biome, country, etc.

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Biodiversity Audit a survey carried out to derive a list of all the

species (or lower groupings, eg sub-species,

varieties, etc) or habitats in a given location, but

may be confined to those determined to be of

conservation significance (eg BAP, protected or

notable species, qv).

Biodiversity gain an increase in the number and variety of

species or habitats of conservation significance.

Connectivity (of habitats) sufficient and close-enough links to

allow plants or animals of a particular species to

pass freely between habitat areas. The required

size of these links will depend on the size and

mobility or dispersal method of the species.

Echolocation one of the means by which bats navigate, hunt

and communicate.

Emergent plant species plants which grow in water, but pierce the

surface so that their upper parts are in the air

above.

Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey a survey which not only describes the habitats

found on a site but also provides species lists

and assesses habitats for their potential to

support protected and other notable species.

Invasive alien species species outside their natural range which are

able to spread rapidly and threaten local

biodiversity by out-competing native species.

Locally native species species which have adapted over time to local

conditions within a specified part of their

historical range.

Local Wildlife Site sites selected for their important or

characteristic local flora, fauna and/or habitat

interest which contribute to maintaining

biodiversity within a specified county.

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Marginal plant species plants which can grow close to water, with their

roots in damp or wet soil, but normally have the

remainder of their foliage in the air above.

Notable Species a term commonly used to encompass species

which are rare, scarce, protected or otherwise

of conservation importance (eg declining,

endemic, constituting a significant percentage

of the (UK/world) population) in a particular

context, such as a county or district.

Priority Species or Habitats originally, the species and habitats for which UK

Biodiversity Action Plans were prepared (Anon,

1999). Now superceded by Section 41 of the

Natural Environment and Rural Communities

Act 2006. This requires the Secretary of State,

having consulted Natural England, to publish ‘a

list of the living organisms and types of habitat

which… are of principal importance for the

purpose of conserving biodiversity.’ All BAP

Priority Habitats and Species thus became

species/habitat of principal importance for

biodiversity. This list must be regularly

reviewed, and the most recent review was

published in August 2008.

Protected species plant or animal species given statutory

protection in the UK by any of The Wildlife and

Countryside Act 1981; The Protection of

Badgers Act 1992; or The Conservation of

Habitats & Species Regulations 2010.

Red List species bird species of Conservation Concern in the

UK, as defined by a consortium of the leading

bird conservation organisations. All regularly

occurring species are listed in one of three

categories, depending on defined criteria, with

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the Red List the most critical. The lists were

most recently reviewed and published in 2009.

Ruderal plant species which are the first to colonise an

area of disturbed ground.

Schedule 1 species birds listed on Schedule 1 to the Wildlife and

Countryside Act 1981, which are protected by

special penalties at all times from being

intentionally killed, injured, or taken and whose

eggs, nests or dependent young are also

protected from being disturbed.

Secondary habitat an area occupied by (less valued) plant

communities which have arrived, or have been

planted, after clearance of the original native

vegetation; OR habitat which is not that of

choice for a particular species, but which is

capable of supporting a low density population

of that species.

Semi-natural vegetation comprises plant communities which have

developed naturally (ie were not deliberately

planted) or if planted, have been left to grow

naturally, and only lightly managed over a long

period. The majority of UK communities, with

the possible exception of litoral and high-alpine

zone communities, are included in this

description.

Sett any structure or place which displays signs

indicating current use by a badger; protected

under UK legislation.

Territory an area defended by an individual, pair or group

against intrusion by others of the same species,

and sometimes against other species.

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Transect survey the collection of specified data whilst navigating

a pre-determined route over a set distance.

Translocation the movement of living organisms from one

area, with free release in another area.

UK Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) a document describing the biological resources

of the UK and setting out detailed plans to aid

recovery for the most threatened species and

habitats.

Ultra-sound detectors electronic devices that detect, playback and (in

some models) record the sound that bats make.

Vegetative spread the dispersal of plants by asexual means,

involving suckering, layering, or the growth of

new plants from lengths of root, twig, etc.

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TABLES

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TABLE 4.1 WEATHER CONDITIONS DURING AMPHIBIAN SURVEY VISITS

Visit No. Date Ambient

temp Conditions

1 8 April 2010 10°C Clear, dry, still

2 29 April 2010 13°C 7/8 cloud, occasional light rain, light-moderate wind

3 10 May 2010 8°C Overcast, dry, occasional light-moderate wind

4 20 May 2010 18°C Clear, dry, still

5 1 June 2010 15°C Clear, dry, slight breeze

6 16 June 2010

15°C Clear, dry, slight breeze

TABLE 4.2 TOTAL NUMBER OF ADULT GREAT CRESTED NEWTS ON EACH

VISIT

Visit Pond No

1 2 3 4 5 6

1 - - - - - - 2 - - - - - -

4 - - - - - -

5 - - - - - -

6 1

7 - - - - - -

8 - - - - - -

9 - - - - - - 10 - - - - - -

11 - - - - - -

12 17 11 20 11 10 7

13 - - - - - -

14 - - - - - -

15 5 3 - 6 1 1

16 - - - - - - 17 - - - - - -

18 - - - 3 2 2

19 6 5 1 2 1 -

20 - - - - - -

21 - 1 - 1 4 1

22 1 1 1 4 1 4

Site Total

29 21 24 27 19 15

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Visit Pond No

1 2 3 4 5 6

3 - - - - - -

23 - - - - - -

24* - - - 4 28 6

25* 4 - - - 2 18

26* 3 5 1 - - -

Refuge Total

7 5 1 4 30 24

* These ponds surveyed by UES in 2010

TABLE 4.3 MAXIMUM NUMBER OF OTHER AMPHIBIANS IN EACH POND

Species Pond No Smooth

newt Palmate

newt Common

frog Common

Toad

1 5 - - -

2 - - - -

4 1 - - -

5 1 - 1 -

6 6 - - - 7 - - - -

8 - - - -

9 4 - - -

10 - - - -

11 - - - -

12 18 7 - -

13 - - - -

14 - - - -

15 1 2 - -

16 - - - -

17 - - - -

18 2 - 1 1

19 9 - - - 20 2 - - -

21 9 - - -

22 7 6 tadpoles -

3 - - - -

23 23 15 - -

24 51 7 - -

25 5 1 3 3

26 14 - - 2

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TABLE 5.1 WEATHER CONDITIONS DURING REPTILE SURVEY VISITS

Visit No. Date Ambient

temp Conditions

1 8 April 2010 12-16°C Dry, moderate breeze, 3/8 cloud

2 9 April 2010 10-14°C Dry, still, 5/8 cloud

3 15 April 2010 7-11°C Dry, light breeze, clear

4 22 April 2010 8-15°C Dry, light breeze, clear

5 30 April 2010

8-15°C Dry, moderate breeze, 4/8 cloud

6 11 May 2010 8-10°C Dry, still, 6/8 cloud with sunny intervals

7 13 May 2010 8-13°C Dry, still, 2/8-5/8 cloud

8 20 May 2010 14-20°C Dry, still, 1/8 cloud

9 7 June 2010 11-14°C Dry, still, 2/8 cloud

10 17 June 2010 13-16°C Dry, moderate breeze, 6/8 cloud with sunny intervals

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TABLE 5.2 RESULTS OF REPTILE SURVEY

Areas Visit

A B C D F G I J

1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

4 0 1F, 1juv common lizard 0 1juv grass snake 0 0 0 0

5 0 1F common lizard 0 2 juv grass snakes 0 0 0 0

6 0 0 0 1juv grass snake 0 0 0 0

7 0 1F (gravid) adder, 1F, 1juv common lizard

0 1ad grass snake, 1juv slow worm

0 0 0 0

8 1M common

lizard 2F common lizards

1juv slow worm, 1F

common lizard 0 0

1F common lizard

0 1M, 1F

common lizard

9 1ad grass snake

2 grass snakes, 1M, 1F common lizard, 1juv slow worm

0 1juv slow worm 0 0 1M common

lizard 0

10 2M common

lizards

4F, 1juv common lizard, 1ad grass snake, 2juv slow worms

1M common lizard, 1F adder

0 1F common

lizard 0 0 0

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TABLE 8.1: TIMES AND WEATHER CONDITIONS FOR BIRD SURVEYS

DATE SURVEY PERIOD

WEATHER

15.04.2010 06.15 – 10.00hrs

Light-Moderate NW wind, overcast (8/8 cloud cover), dry, 7˚C.

15.05.2010 05.30 – 09.00hrs

Still, mainly sunny (2/8 cloud cover), dry, 5-8˚C.

07.06.2010 05.00 – 09.00hrs

Light W wind, mainly sunny (2/8 cloud cover), dry, 10-11˚C.

TABLE 8.2: BREEDING BIRD SURVEY, MAXIMUM COUNTS EACH VISIT

Species Visit 1 Visit 2 Visit 3

mallard 2

red-legged partridge 8 5 2

pheasant 1 2

red kite 2 kestrel 1

woodpigeon 1 1 4

skylark 1 2

swallow 3

house martin 2

pied wagtail 1

wren 1 dunnock 4 1 3

robin 1 1

blackbird 1 1 1

song thrush 1

blackcap 1 1 1

whitethroat 5 3

chiffchaff 1 2 willow warbler 1 2

long-tailed tit 2 2

blue tit 4 1 4

great tit 2 3

carrion crow 2

house sparrow 3

chaffinch 7 2 5 greenfinch 2

goldfinch 4

linnet 7 2 3

yellowhammer 3 5 2

reed bunting 2

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TABLE 9.1 GEOGRAPHIC FRAME OF REFERENCE FOR DETERMINATION

OF IMPACTS

Importance of Receptor

Examples

International An internationally designated site or candidate site (eg SPA, SAC, Ramsar site, cSAC, CSI).

A European Protected Species listed in the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010.

National A nationally designated site (eg SSSI, NNR).

A viable area of a priority habitat identified in the UK BAP, or smaller areas of such habitat which are essential to maintain the viability of a larger whole.

A regularly occurring, nationally significant population/number of any internationally important species.

Regional Viable areas of key habitat identified as being of Regional value in the appropriate Natural Area profile.

Any regularly occurring, locally significant population of a species listed as being nationally scarce which occurs in 16-100 10km squares in the UK or in a Regional Authority BAP or relevant Natural Area on account of its regional rarity or localisation.

County or Metropolitan

County Council/Unitary Authority designated sites and other sites which the designating authority has determined meet the published ecological selection criteria for designation, including Local Nature Reserves selected on defined ecological criteria and Wildlife Trust sites.

Viable areas of habitat identified in a County BAP.

District Network of inter-connected hedgerows including some species-rich hedgerows.

Sites/features that are scarce within the District/Borough or which appreciably enrich the District/Borough habitat resource.

Other features identified as wildlife corridors or migration routes.

Local Diverse and/or ecologically valuable hedgerows or grassland.

Common species legally protected primarily for reasons of animal welfare (badger, reptiles).

Site Features of value to the immediate area only.

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APPENDIX 1

Species Recorded in the Application Area during 2010

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SPECIES RECORDED IN THE APPLICATION AREA DURING 2010

ENGLISH NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME DAFOR

PLANTS

annual meadow-grass Poa annua A

annual mercury Mercurialis annua R

apple Malus domestica R

ash Fraxinus excelsior R

barren brome Anisantha sterilis F

beaked hawk’s-beard Crepis vesicaria F

bittersweet Solanum dulcamara O

black horehound Ballota nigra R

black medick Medicago lupulina A

black mustard Brassica nigra O

black-grass Alopecurus myosuroides A

blackthorn Prunus spinosa R bramble Rubus fruticosus O

bristly oxtongue Picris echioides F

broad-leaved dock Rumex obtusifolius A

broad-leaved pondweed Potamogeton natans R

bulrush Typha latifolia F

bur chervil Anthriscus caucalis R

butterfly-bush Buddleja davidii O Canadian fleabane Conyza <anadensis R

celery-leaved buttercup Ranunculus sceleratus O

charlock Sinapis arvensis A

cherry Prunus sp R

Chinese mugwort Artemisia verlotiorum R

cleavers Galium aparine F clustered dock Rumex conglomeratus O

cock's-foot Dactylis glomerata F

colt’s-foot Tussilago farfara A

common bird's-foot-trefoil Lotus corniculatus O

common centaury Centaurium erythraea R

common chickweed Stellaria media F

common couch Elytrigia repens A common field-speedwell Veronica persica F

common figwort Scrophularia nodosa R

common fleabane Pulicaria dysenterica R

common fumitory Fumaria officinalis R

common knapweed Centaurea nigra O

common mallow Malva sylvestris O

common mouse-ear Cerastium fontanum F common nettle Urtica dioica A

common poppy Papaver rhoeas R

common ragwort Senecio jacobaea O

common reed Phragmites australis R

common spike-rush Eleocharis palustris R

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common toadflax Linaria vulgaris O

common vetch Vicia sativa O

compact rush Juncus conglomeratus R

cow parsley Anthriscus sylvestris O crack-willow Salix fragilis R

creeping bent Agrostis stolonifera A

creeping buttercup Ranunculus repens F

creeping cinquefoil Potentilla reptans F

creeping thistle Cirsium arvense A

curled dock Rumex crispus F

cut-leaved crane’s-bill Geranium dissectum O daffodil Narcissus agg R

daisy Bellis perennis R

dandelion Taraxacum sp A

dog-rose Rosa canina O

dog’s mercury Mercurialis perennis O

dove’s-foot crane’s-bill Geranium molle R

dwarf elder Sambucus ebulus R eastern rocket Sisymbrium orientale O

elder Sambucus nigra R

elm Ulmus sp O

false oat-grass Arrhenatherum elatius F

fat-hen Chenopodium album F

feverfew Tanacetum parthenium R

field forget-me-not Myosotis arvensis O

field horsetail Equisetum arvense O

field maple Acer campestre R

field pansy Viola arvensis R

floating sweet-grass Glyceria fluitans R

garlic mustard Alliaria petiolata F

germander speedwell Veronica chamaedrys R

goat willow Salix caprea O

goat’s rue Galega officinalis R

golden dock Rumex maritimus R

great lettuce Lactuca virosa R

great willowherb Epilobium hirsutum F

greater plantain Plantago major O

Greek dock Rumex cristatus R

ground-ivy Glechoma hederacea R

groundsel Senecio vulgaris A

hairy bitter-cress Cardamine hirsuta O

hairy sedge Carex hirta O

hairy tare Vicia hirsuta R

hard rush Juncus inflexus O

hawkweed oxtongue Picris hieracioides R

hawthorn Crataegus monogyna O

hedge bedstraw Galium mollugo R

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hedge bindweed Calystegia sepium O

hedge woundwort Stachys sylvatica O

hemlock Conium maculatum O

herb-robert Geranium robertianum R hoary cress Lepidium draba O

hoary ragwort Senecio erucifolius R

hoary willowherb Epilobium parviflorum R

hogweed Heracleum sphondylium R

honeysuckle Lonicera periclymenum R

horned pondweed Zannichellia palustris R

ivy-leaved toadflax Cymbalaria muralis R Japanese knotweed Fallopia japonica R

jointed rush Juncus articulatus R

knotgrass Polygonum aviculare F

lesser bulrush Typha angustifolia R

lesser trefoil Trifolium dubium F

lime Tilia sp O

lords-and-ladies Arum maculatum O marsh foxtail Alopecurus geniculatus R

marsh thistle Cirsium palustre R

medium-flowered winter-cress Barbarea intermedia F

mugwort Artemisia vulgaris O

musk mallow Malva moschata O

narrow-leaved bird’s-foot-trefoil Lotus glaber R

oxeye daisy Leucanthemum vulgare R

Oxford ragwort Senecio squalidus O

pedunculate oak Quercus robur R

pendulous sedge Carex pendula R

perennial rye-grass Lolium perenne A

perforate St-John’s-wort Hypericum perforatum R

pineappleweed Matricaria discoidea R

pink water-speedwell Veronica catenata R

poplar Populus sp R

prickly lettuce Lactuca serriola O

prickly sow-thistle Sonchus asper F

purple toadflax Linaria purpurea R

red bartsia Odontites vernus R

red clover Trifolium pratense O

red fescue Festuca rubra F

redshank Persicaria maculosa R

ribbed melilot Melilotus officinalis O

ribwort plantain Plantago lanceolata F

rosebay willowherb Chamerion angustifolium R

rough chervil Chaerophyllum temulum O

rough meadow-grass Poa trivialis F

round-leaved crane’s-bill Geranium rotundifolium R

Russian comfrey Symphytum x uplandicum R

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scarlet pimpernel Anagallis arvensis O

scentless mayweed Tripleurospermum inodorum A

selfheal Prunella vulgaris R

shepherd’s-purse Capsella bursa-pastoris O silver birch Betula pendula O

small pondweed Potamogeton berchtoldii R

smooth sow-thistle Sonchus oleraceus R

smooth tare Vicia tetrasperma R

soft-rush Juncus effusus O

soft-brome Bromus hordeaceus F

spear thistle Cirsium vulgare O spear-leaved orache Atriplex <rostrate O

spindle Euonymus europaeus R

square-stalked willowherb Epilobium tetragonum F

sticky mouse-ear Cerastium glomeratum R

stone parsley Sison amomum R

swine-cress Coronopus squamatus R

tansy Tanacetum vulgare R thyme-leaved speedwell Veronica serpyllifolia O

traveller’s-joy Clematis vitalba R

tufted hair-grass Deschampsia cespitosa O

turnip Brassica rapa A

wall speedwell Veronica arvensis O

water-plantain Alisma plantago-aquatica O

wayfaring-tree Viburnum lantana R

weld Reseda luteola F

welted thistle Carduus crispus R

white bryony Bryonia dioica R

white campion Silene latifolia R

white clover Trifolium repens F

white dead-nettle Lamium album O

wild carrot Daucus carota O

wild cherry Prunus avium R

wild mignonette Reseda lutea R

wild privet Ligustrum vulgare R

wild teasel Dipsacus fullonum O

willow Salix species O

winter-cress Barbarea vulgaris R

wood avens Geum urbanum O

wood small-reed Calamagrostis epigejos O

wood-sedge Carex sylvatica R

wormwood Artemisia absinthum R

yarrow Achillea millefolium R

yellow iris Iris pseudacorus R

Yorkshire-fog Holcus lanatus R

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KEY TO DAFOR (An estimate of relative abundance at a site)

D Dominant O Occasional

A Abundant R Rare

F Frequent

ENGLISH NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME SITE

STATUS

BIRDS

mallard Anas platyrhynchos [B]

red-legged partridge Alectoris rufa R

pheasant Phasianus colchicus [B]

grey heron Ardea cinerea F

red kite Milvus milvus F

sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus F buzzard Buteo buteo F

kestrel Falco tinnunculus F

moorhen Gallinula chloropus R

woodpigeon Columba palumbus [B]

collared dove Streptopelia decaocto F

cuckoo Cuculus canorus F swift Apus apus F

skylark Alauda arvensis R

sand martin Riparia riparia F

swallow Hirundo rustica [B]

house martin Delichon urbicum F

yellow wagtail Motacilla flava P

pied wagtail Motacilla alba R wren Troglodytes troglodytes R

dunnock Prunella modularis R

robin Erithacus rubecula R

blackbird Turdus merula R

song thrush Turdus philomelos R

mistle thrush Turdus viscivorus R

blackcap Sylvia atricapilla [B] whitethroat Sylvia communis B

chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita B

willow warbler Phylloscopus trochilus B

long-tailed tit Aegithalos caudatus R

blue tit Cyanistes caeruleus R

great tit Parus major R marsh tit Poecile palustris F

magpie Pica pica R

jackdaw Corvus monedula F

rook Corvus frugilegus F

carrion crow Corvus corone F

starling Sturnus vulgaris F

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ENGLISH NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME SITE

STATUS

BIRDS continued

house sparrow Passer domesticus F

chaffinch Fringilla coelebs R

greenfinch Carduelis chloris R

goldfinch Carduelis carduelis R

linnet Carduelis cannabina R

bullfinch Pyrrhula pyrrhula R

yellowhammer Emberiza citrinella R

reed bunting Emberiza schoeniclus R

Key to Status

B Held breeding territory, definitely/probably Bred [B] Possibly bred F Used the site for Feeding while breeding/summering elsewhere P Used the site on Passage R Resident, breeds and winters on the site

Note that different birds of a single species may use the site for different purposes

ENGLISH NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME

FISH

3-spined stickleback Gasterosteus aculeatus

AMPHIBIANS

great crested newt Triturus cristatus

palmate newt Lissotriton helveticus

smooth newt Lissotriton vulgaris

common toad Bufo bufo common frog Rana temporaria

REPTILES

adder Vipera berus

grass snake Natrix natrix

common lizard Lacerta vivipara

slow worm Anguis fragilis

MAMMALS

Daubenton's bat Myotis daubentoni

noctule Nyctalus noctula

common pipistrelle (45kHz) Pipistrellus pipistrellus

soprano pipistrelle (55kHz) Pipistrellus pygmaeus

barbastelle Barbastella barbastellus

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ENGLISH NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME

ODONATA

azure damselfly Coenagrion puella

common blue damselfly Enallagma cyathigerum

large red damselfly Pyrrhosoma nymphula emperor dragonfly Anax imperator

black-tailed skimmer Orthetrum cancellatum

broad-bodied chaser Libellula depressa

four-spotted chaser Libellula quadrimaculata

LEPIDOPTERA

Large skipper

Large white Pieris brassicae

Small white Pieris rapae

Green-veined white Peris napi

Orange tip Anthocharis cardamines

Small copper Lycaena phlaeas

Common blue Polyommatius icarus

Holly blue Celastrina argiolus

Small tortoiseshell Aglais urrticae

Painted lady Vanessa cardui

Peacock Nymphalis io

Small heath Coenonympha pamphilus

Mother Shipton moth Eucliddimera mi Clerk

Blood-vein moth Calothysanis amata

Yellow shell moth Euphyia bilineata

Cinnabar moth Callimorpha jacobaeae

Ruby tiger moth Phragmatobia fuliginosa

OTHER INVERTEBRATES

Green tiger beetle Cicindela campestris

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APPENDIX 2

Summary of Statutory Protection for Selected Species

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SUMMARY OF STATUTORY PROTECTION FOR SELECTED SPECIES

1 GREAT CRESTED NEWT

1.1 In England, Scotland and Wales, great crested newts are fully protected

under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, as amended by the

Countryside and Rights of Way (CRoW) Act 2000. They are also

protected under European legislation, being included on Schedule 2 of the

Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations 1994. Taken together,

this legislation makes it illegal, inter alia to:

• intentionally or recklessly kill, injure or capture a great crested newt

• damage or destroy habitat which a great crested newt uses for shelter

or protection

• deliberately disturb a great crested newt when it is occupying a place

it uses for shelter and protection.

1.2 These provisions apply to all life-stages of protected animals, and in the

case of amphibians, to both their terrestrial and aquatic habitats. Under

certain very stringent conditions, activities which could otherwise give rise

to an offence may be licensed by DEFRA.

2 REPTILES

2.1 All four of the more widespread species of native reptiles, that is common

lizard Lacerta vivipara, grass snake Natrix natrix, slow worm Anguis

fragilis and adder Vipera berus, are given partial protection under the

Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981 and as amended) which prohibits the

intentional killing, injuring or taking of any of these species. There is no

provision in the Act for licensing works which could give rise to an offence,

but it does provide a defence where the otherwise unlawful act can be

shown to be the incidental result of a lawful operation and could not

reasonably have been avoided. Permitted development or a development

which has received planning permission is clearly a lawful activity but the

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law thus requires that a reasonable effort be made to avoid killing or

injuring protected animals in the course of implementing this permission.

2.2 The habitats of rare reptile species are also protected under this Act, but

those of the common species listed above are not, and these animals are

also not protected from disturbance whilst occupying their habitat.

3 BATS

3.1 In England, Scotland and Wales, all species of bats are fully protected

under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and as amended, including by

the Countryside and Rights of Way (CRoW) Act 2000. They are also

protected by European legislation, being included on Schedule 2 of the

Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations 1994. Taken together,

this legislation makes it illegal, inter alia to:

• intentionally or recklessly kill, injure or capture a bat

• deliberately disturb a bat when it is occupying a roost

• damage, destroy or obstruct access to a bat roost

3.2 A bat roost is defined as being any structure or place that is used for

shelter or protection, and since it may be in use only occasionally or at

specific times of year, a roost retains such designation whether the bats

are present or not.

4 BADGERS

4.1 Badgers are fully protected by the Protection of Badgers Act 1992, which

subsumed all previous legislation covering this species. This Act makes it

an offence inter alia to:

• wilfully kill, injure or take, or attempt to kill, injure or take, a badger

• interfere with a badger sett by doing any of the following things,

intending to do any of these things or being reckless as to whether

one’s actions would have any of these consequences:

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- damaging a badger sett or any part of it;

- destroying a badger sett;

- obstructing access to, or any entrance of, a badger sett;

- disturbing a badger when it is occupying a badger sett.

4.2 A badger sett is defined in the Act as any structure or place which displays

signs indicating use by a badger. Although a sett may be empty at a

certain time, it may be used as part of a regular cycle throughout the year,

and may therefore be considered to be in use. Under certain conditions,

activities which could otherwise give rise to an offence may be licensed by

DEFRA (for agricultural or land drainage purposes) or Natural England (for

development covered by planning permission). A sett which can be shown

to have been unused for at least a full year is considered to fall outside the

Act.

5 BIRDS

5.1 The Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981 and as amended) protects all wild

birds and their nests and eggs. Under this Act it is an offence to:

• kill, injure or take any wild bird

• take, damage or destroy the nest of any wild bird while it is in use or

being built

• take or destroy the egg of any wild bird.

5.2 Bird nesting sites are not themselves protected when not in use and the

common species are not protected from disturbance whilst occupying their

nest-sites. However, certain rare breeding birds, listed on Schedule 1 of

the Act (e.g. barn owls), are also protected against disturbance whilst

building a nest or on or near a nest containing eggs or young.

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APPENDIX 3

Biodiversity Action Plan for East Northants RMF

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BIODIVERSITY ACTION PLAN FOR

EAST NORTHANTS RMF

VERSION 1 FINAL

APRIL 2011

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Biodiversity Action Plan for East Northants RMF MJCA 96

DOCUMENT CONTROL

TITLE: Biodiversity Action Plan for East Northants RMF VERSION: Version 1 Final DATE: April 2011 ISSUED BY: Anne Goodall AUTHORS: Graeme Clayton, Emily Cook CHECKED BY: Vanessa Tindale APPROVED BY: Anne Goodall ISSUED TO: Leslie Heasman

MJCA Baddesley Colliery Offices Main Road Baxterley Atherstone Warwickshire CV9 2LE

This report has been prepared by ESL with all reasonable skill, care and diligence, within the terms of the contract with the Client. The report is confidential to the Client. ESL accepts no responsibility of whatever nature to third parties to whom this report may be made known. No part of this document may be reproduced without the prior written approval of ESL.

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CONTENTS

Page EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1 INTRODUCTION 1 2 SITE BIODIVERSITY AUDIT 1 2.1 Survey Methods 1 2.2 Habitats 2 2.3 Species 7 3 IDENTIFICATION OF TARGETS AND RATIONALE FOR THOSE SELECTED 9 3.1 Rationale for Selection 9 3.2 Selected Habitats 9 3.3 Selected Target Species and Assemblages 13 4 PROPOSED ACTION PLAN FOR THE COMPLETED AREAS 15 4.1 The Northern Boundary 15 4.2 The North Slope 18 4.3 The Remaining Boundaries 20 5 PROPOSALS FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE SITE 21 6 REFERENCES 24 TABLES 1 Targets for the Selected Habitats and Species 25 2 Action Required to meet Habitat and Species Targets 27

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

1 Under the current consolidated planning permission EN/05/1264C the site is

due to be restored to woodland and agriculture. This document sets out how

to accomplish this while providing very significant biodiversity gain. The

proposals are divided into two parts: detailed recommendations for the part of

the site which will not be affected by any further works, and principles for

habitat creation in the restoration of the remainder on completion of works.

2 A Biodiversity Audit of the site was carried out in 2010, covering mainly the

completed areas and great crested newt reserve, but including the

immediately adjacent Potential Wildlife Site and the edge of Collyweston

Great Wood for context. The survey concentrated on identifying existing

habitats and species which are listed as Priorities in the UK and

Northamptonshire BAP. The completed areas of the site comprise woodland,

non-woodland trees, scrub, grassland, hedgerows and ponds. Most of these

habitats are currently of low biodiversity value.

3 In terms of species, the site and immediately adjacent areas to the north hold

an important herpetofauna assemblage, comprising five species of native

amphibians and four of native reptiles. Otherwise, as a result of its species-

poor and highly disturbed habitats it currently has low value for bats, breeding

birds and invertebrates, and is rarely even visited by badgers from setts in the

adjacent woodland.

4 BAP habitat targets were selected for their local importance and potential to

assist with meeting targets in the Northamptonshire BAP. These habitats are

species-rich hedgerows, lowland meadow, lowland mixed broadleaf woodland

and ponds. Selected target species are all UK and local BAP Priority Species

which either already occur on the site or are present in the local area and

could thus expand onto the site if suitable habitat is created and connectivity

provided. In addition to the herpetofauna assemblage, these comprise seven

mammals, including four bats, nine breeding birds and four butterflies or

moths.

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5 The proposed action plan for the completed areas covers the great crested

newt refuge, the north slope of the landfill and existing boundaries. For the

refuge it is proposed to:

• carry out enhancement works on and around the existing ponds,

including coppicing and felling invading birch and willow, removal of

invasive bulrush, pond-deepening where necessary and planting with

a wider selection of aquatic and marginal plants;

• pile the herbaceous arisings to create egg-laying habitat for grass

snakes; and

• scallop the woodland and scrub edges to increase micro-habitat

variation, using the woody arisings from this and the clearance around

the ponds to create wood piles and refugia;

For the north slope it is proposed to:

• create a number of low soil banks on the lower half of the slope,

extending some to the base of the slope to provide connectivity with

the adjacent woodland and scrub;

• sow the banks with a grassland seed mix and plant scattered bushes;

and

• use any coppiced or felled wood to create refugia and dead wood piles

for reptiles and amphibians close to the banks.

For the existing boundaries it is proposed to:

• gap up and double the width of existing external hedges with native

species, ensuring that all hedges have a minimum of 6 woody species

per 30m length;

• either promote standard trees from existing hedgerow components or

plant new hedgerow trees at 50m centres between the two shrub lines;

• manage all hedges at 1.5m high by trimming alternate sides or short

lengths on rotation in alternate years to allow the shrubs to berry and

fruit; and

• maintain rough grassland strips along both sides of the boundary

hedges

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6 The broad ecological principles for new habitat creation during restoration are

to:

• provide a range of locally native habitats which will both extend and

buffer those present in local SSSIs and county wildlife sites and also

provide suitable habitat for the selected target species; and

• ensure that all habitats created meet Northamptonshire Local Wildlife

Site criteria and, where relevant, contribute to meeting targets for the

Northamptonshire BAP.

More detailed principles are provided for creation and management of the four

selected habitats.

7 Two tables set out the selected habitats and species, and the specific targets

set for them, to be achieved by the completion of restoration, and the habitat

creation and management required in order to meet each habitat and species

target.

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1

BIODIVERSITY ACTION PLAN FOR EAST NORTHANTS RMF

1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Under the current consolidated planning permission EN/05/1264C, landfilling

of the site is due to be completed and the site restored to woodland and

agriculture. This document sets out how this can be accomplished, in

compliance with the relevant condition, whilst achieving significant biodiversity

gain. To this end it provides a Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) for the site,

based on the results of a Biodiversity Audit (Section 2) and following selection

of relevant habitats and species identified from the UK and Northamptonshire

BAPs (www.ukbap.org.uk/) (www.northamptonshirebiodiversity.org), described

in Section 3.

1.2 The site BAP is presented in two parts. For the areas of the site which will not

be affected by the remaining works, specific targets are identified and actions

are listed in Section 4. For the remainder of the site just the principles to be

followed during restoration, under either the current condition or any future

variation, have been set out in Section 5. More detailed actions to achieve

biodiversity gain in these areas will be determined in conjunction with the

restoration process. A full monitoring plan will also be agreed in consultation

with relevant bodies in due course.

1.3 English names of species are used in the text throughout. Scientific names

are given in the full species lists in the baseline ecological report (ESL, 2010).

2 SITE BIODIVERSITY AUDIT

2.1 SURVEY METHODS

2.1.1 Following the baseline surveys carried out through 2010 (ESL, 2010), a follow-

up survey for the present purpose was undertaken on 1 February 2011. This

comprised a walkover, concentrating on the habitats in the north-east of the

current site and the great crested newt translocation area, with particular

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attention given to potential UK or local BAP (LBAP) habitats. In each area of

potential BAP habitat a full species list with DAFOR abundance score was

compiled, the communities were described and notes were made on the

potential for enhancement. All hedgerows were examined and assessed

against the criteria for Importance for Wildlife and Landscape set out in the

Hedgerow Regulations (1997).

2.1.2 Land in the Potential Wildlife Site (PWS) Off-site North (ESL, 2010) to the

north of the application area was also included in this survey to provide

context and to ensure that new habitat creation on the site provides suitable

connectivity with and through this area to the wider landscape. A habitat map

is given as Figure 1 in the baseline survey report, ESL, 2010.

2.2 HABITATS

2.2.1 The northern area of the site, great crested newt refuge and the existing

boundaries together support the following habitats. These are described in

more detail below:

• Lowland mixed deciduous woodland (semi-natural broad-leaved

woodland, broad-leaved plantation and mixed plantation).

• Non-woodland trees,

• Scrub,

• Grassland (rough grassland, wet grassland and semi-improved

grassland),

• Hedgerows,

• Ponds.

2.2.2 The remainder of the site comprises a mosaic of active landfill, bare ground,

buildings and other structures, hard-standing, stored spoil and temporary

waterbodies. This area is described in ESL (2010). All of these habitats are

subject to active changes as a result of current and planned processes, and

will be restored on completion to provide further biodiversity gain, as outlined

in Section 5 below. Currently, the greatest interest in this area, in terms of

habitat, derives from a number of species which normally have a more

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southerly distribution and have arrived with spoil brought on to site from

London. These include eastern rocket, goat’s rue, hawkweed oxtongue,

hoary cress, narrow-leaved bird’s-foot-trefoil, stone parsley, dwarf elder,

Greek dock and Chinese mugwort.

2.2.3 The site is bounded to the north by Collyweston Great Wood, to the east by

Stamford Road, the minor road linking King’s Cliffe with the A47 to the north,

and to the south and west by arable farmland. There is an active farm

situated part way along the southern edge.

Lowland Mixed Deciduous Woodland

2.2.4 Along the north-eastern boundary of the site is a stand of semi-natural broad-

leaved woodland, with dominant trees including pedunculate oak and beech.

This woodland is largely open with relatively sparse cover of other species

including hawthorn, elder, European larch and silver birch, and with a dense

ground flora of bracken and bramble.

2.2.5 The remainder of the northern boundary strip comprises a stand of broad-

leaved and mixed plantation woodland. At the western end conifers

dominate this stand, but the proportions reverse further east merging into a

predominantly deciduous community. The main conifer species is European

larch with Douglas fir forming a fringe along the woodland edge, beyond which

is a line of pioneer silver birch. The ground flora includes bracken, occasional

bramble and lords-and-ladies.

2.2.6 The north-western site boundary comprises a hawthorn hedge and a row of

pedunculate oaks, beyond which an area of scrubby broad-leaved woodland,

dominated by willow and hawthorn, has developed. A game bird enclosure

lies within the western end of the stand with a woodland pond (described as

Pond 23 in ESL, 2010) directly east of the enclosure.

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Non-Woodland Trees

2.2.7 A single mature pedunculate oak stands within the boundary hedgerow in the

south western corner of the site and an embankment in this corner has been

planted with sapling tree/shrub stock, including ash, field maple, goat willow,

hawthorn, blackthorn and cherry. A line of eight mature limes and ten mature

poplars forms a short tree belt behind the hedgerow to the south of the site

entrance.

Scrub

2.2.8 Several different scrub communities are present along the southern edge of

the woodland stands. Furthest to the west, adjacent to the bordering scrubby

broad-leaved woodland, is a pocket of wet, marshy grassland surrounded by

bramble and gorse scrub on three sides. Around the existing great crested

newt ponds (identified as Ponds 8, 8a and 9 by Faber Maunsell (FM) (2007)

and as Ponds 25 and 26 by ESL (2010); Pond 8a is now defunct) there is

scattered to dense scrub dominated by gorse, wood small-reed and bramble.

The proportion of gorse varies from being dominant in some areas to just a

few scattered bushes amongst patches of dense wood small-reed elsewhere.

2.2.9 Several small blocks of willow scrub are present along the woodland edge,

with a line of bramble scrub found directly to the north and east of the gabion

wall along an earth embankment. Further east of this bank the scrub band on

the woodland edge disappears, with the woodland reaching the base of the

north facing slope. At the north-eastern corner of the site there is a dense

area of bramble scrub.

Grassland

2.2.10 A number of areas, including screening bunds along the eastern boundary and

in the south-west of the site and the north-facing capped slope on the northern

edge of the site have been seeded and have since developed into rough

grassland. The species composition in these areas includes common couch,

creeping bent, red fescue, oxeye daisy, bristly oxtongue, ragwort, teasel,

creeping thistle and yarrow, but the seeding has taken with varying levels of

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success. Grassland is reasonably well established on the eastern and south-

west bunds, but on the north-facing slope the mix has taken poorly due to soil

conditions and the northern aspect. The same species are present here as on

the screening bunds, but the slope is sparsely vegetated with large areas of

bare earth and moss still present.

2.2.11 A relatively small area of wet marshy grassland has begun to develop in one

of the scalloped scrub edges to the woodland on the northern periphery.

Currently it is species-poor, dominated by wood small-reed with small patches

of hard rush, but further species may colonise with time.

2.2.12 Strips of semi-improved grassland are present against the boundary

hedgerows. Grasses present are common and widespread including barren

brome, black-grass, false oat-grass, soft brome, cock’s-foot and creeping bent.

Other species frequently present include cleavers, wild teasel, curled dock,

creeping thistle and creeping cinquefoil.

Hedgerows

2.2.13 A variety of hedge types are present around the boundaries, as follows:

• A historically-laid species-poor hawthorn hedge forms the north-western

boundary, adjacent to the scrubby broad-leaved woodland. An earth

bank of less than 1m high lies directly to the south of this hedge, formed

by the excavation of the ditch running parallel to the bank.

• A newly planted hedge exists along the northern edge of the capped

landfill cell to the east of the site. This appears to be hawthorn-

dominated, although many of the individual shrubs have died.

• The eastern boundary hedge to the north of the site entrance is

dominated by hawthorn and blackthorn with occasional field maple,

bramble, wayfaring tree and spindle.

• To the south of the site entrance the hedgerow is less managed and has

started to merge with the short tree belt. Elm is abundant with frequent

hawthorn and occasional blackthorn and dog-rose. The ground flora is

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predominantly garlic mustard and cow parsley with occasional dog’s

mercury and lords-and-ladies.

• A continuous managed and hawthorn-dominated hedge forms the

southern site boundary, cut by occasional access points. Blackthorn and

dog-rose are frequent and there are occasional field maple, wild privet

and elder. The ground flora consists of barren brome and cow parsley

with garlic mustard, white bryony, dog’s mercury and creeping cinquefoil

also present.

• The managed species-poor continuous hedge along the western

boundary is dominated by hawthorn with less frequent blackthorn and

dog-rose. The ground flora consists of false oat-grass, cock’s-foot,

dove’s-foot crane’s-bill, ground-ivy, garlic mustard, cow parsley, white

bryony, rough chervil and common nettle.

2.2.14 None of these hedgerows qualify as important under criteria set out in the

Hedgerow Regulations (1997).

Ponds

2.2.15 A detailed description of all the waterbodies on site is given by ESL (2010).

Of these, Ponds FM 8 (ESL 25), FM 8a and FM 9 (ESL 26) are located within

the great crested newt relocation area. Pond 8/25 lies in rough grassland just

south of the scrub buffer along the woodland edge. Its limited aquatic

vegetation includes common water-plantain; emergent vegetation is

dominated by abundant bulrush, and occasional compact rush and common

club-rush and frequent hard rush are present at the margins.

2.2.16 Pond FM 8a forms a shallow elongated scrape running west to east along the

woodland edge. It currently holds little water and very limited species and is

surrounded by wood small-reed with dense gorse scrub beyond to the north.

Pond FM 9/ESL 26 forms a shallow pool at the base of the capped landfill,

adjacent to the wood with vegetation limited to a small patch of bulrush.

Directly to the north of the pond are some dead wood log piles suitable for use

as refugia by reptiles and amphibians.

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2.3 SPECIES

Amphibians

2.3.1 The baseline surveys demonstrated that five species of amphibian (great

crested newt, palmate newt, smooth newt, common toad (national BAP

species) and common frog) are present on site. Of these, great crested newt

and common toad are UK BAP species, and palmate newt is a

Northamptonshire LBAP species.

Reptiles

2.3.2 Reptile surveys in 2010 confirmed that the four common species of reptile,

adder, grass snake, common lizard and slow worm, use the site. All of these

are UK BAP species and were found around ponds FM 8, 8a and 9, along the

woodland edge, and extending in this habitat off site to the west. This general

area is likely to be of local to district value for its reptiles, borne out by the

designation for the PWS off-site north.

Bats

2.3.3 Surveys in 2010 confirmed that at present there is no suitable roosting habitat

for bats, and that the main body of the site provides very poor foraging for bats

and is unlikely to have any biodiversity value for this group. However the edge

habitats, including the north-west corner lagoon, the woodland edge to the

north and the eastern hedgerow, were used by small numbers of barbastelle,

noctule and soprano pipistrelle, all UK BAP Priority Species, and also by

common pipistrelle. A Myotis species, most likely to be Daubenton's bat, fed

over the lagoon in higher numbers. Brown long-eared bat, also a UK BAP

Priority Species, was not recorded during the 2010 surveys.

Other mammals

2.3.4 Four further UK BAP Priority Species are potentially present in this area, but

currently have no suitable habitat on the site. These are brown hare, water

vole, harvest mouse and dormouse. The site is too bare of vegetation and

lying-up places for brown hares. The waterbodies are currently sub-optimal

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for water vole, being either too shallow, not permanent, or with sloping banks

of friable material with minimal or no bank or aquatic vegetation. Harvest mice

need tall rough grassland or reeds, etc. Currently the woodland edge in the

northern part of the site is sub-optimal in structural diversity for dormouse,

which needs woodland, low scrub or bramble with effective connection to the

wider countryside via hedgerows.

2.3.5 From previous surveys (ESL, 2002) badgers (protected, but not a BAP or

LBAP species) are known to be present in Collyweston Great Wood, and

signs of use by this species have been found on the site in the past. However,

surveys in 2010 found no evidence of badgers using the active quarry site, in

part due to the construction of the gabion wall. It is also likely that the site

provides very limited foraging opportunities for badgers compared to the

surrounding woodland, since the earthworm population is likely to be low.

Birds

2.3.6 Breeding bird surveys carried out in 2010, together with casual recording on

all other survey visits, identified 46 birds species using the site. Of these, 12

are UK BAP Priority Species, with most also Red-Listed as Species of

Conservation Concern (Eaton et al, 2009). These were cuckoo, skylark,

yellow wagtail, dunnock, song thrush, marsh tit, starling, house sparrow,

linnet, bullfinch, yellowhammer and reed bunting, but only the four shown in

bold showed territorial behaviour and were possibly or probably breeding on

site. Red kite, a Schedule 1 species, is known to nest in local woodland and

was seen over-flying the site.

Invertebrates

2.3.7 Seven species of dragon- and damselflies and 12 species of butterfly and a

smaller number of day-flying moths, have been recorded on the site or

immediately adjacent land. Most of these are common but the small heath

butterfly and cinnabar moth are UK BAP species.

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3 IDENTIFICATION OF TARGETS AND RATIONALE FOR THOSE

SELECTED

3.1 RATIONALE FOR SELECTION

3.1.1 Wildlife throughout the UK and especially in Northamptonshire is experiencing

high levels of pressure from development; the majority of Northamptonshire

countryside is currently arable with a low biodiversity value. The

Northamptonshire LBAP covers 16 habitats and 167 species, and restoration

of the site to produce a mosaic of LBAP habitats will both contribute towards

achieving the targets in the LBAP and increase its value as habitat for

particular species groups.

3.1.2 Unless otherwise stated, the targets chosen are all UK and LBAP habitats and

species. They are either already present on site but require enhancement, or

not yet on site, but could be provided for and are likely to succeed. Of the

LBAP habitats selected, three are already present on site but all need

enhancing, expanding and management to attain LWS status – the aim here

will be to enhance the habitat variations on site that make the area unique.

The fourth LBAP habitat selected is not currently on site but could be created

during the restoration phase. The habitat targets were also chosen by

reference to the Joint Character Area in which the site lies, and all will be

created and managed to meet Local Wildlife Site standards.

3.1.3 In all cases, a network or mosaic of small areas may be sufficient for some

species to colonise new areas, and each habitat will link in with the wider

landscape. The selected habitats will also extend and buffer high biodiversity

habitats, mainly using scrub and rough grassland.

3.2 SELECTED HABITATS

Hedgerows

3.2.1 Reasons for choice as target habitat:

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• Present on site already but not ideal as they are species poor and lack

standard trees;

• Rockingham Forest JCA is a specific target area for hedgerows in the

LBAP;

• Contribute to the following targets of the LBAP: no net loss of hedgerows,

restore appropriate management of hedgerows, increase number of new

young hedgerow trees by 800 by 2015, increase the extent of species-rich

hedgerows by 40km by 2015 and new hedgerows to include hedgerow

trees;

• Provide corridors for movement, locally benefiting target species such as

bats and birds and as part of a wider network, assisting landscape scale

movement to defray future impacts of climate change;

• Blackthorn can provide an early nectar source for invertebrates; berry-

producing plants (hawthorn, clematis, bramble) are an invaluable food

source for target species (dormice, birds).

• Earth Banks associated with hedgerows

- provide open areas for invertebrates such as ground beetles to

warm up rapidly and forage;

- provide low bare banks for burrowing and ground nesting

invertebrates;

- provide movement corridors for herptiles and small mammals;

- provide suitable locations for creation of reptile hibernacula.

Lowland meadows


• Not currently on site but would be likely to succeed and would link up

adjacent habitats;

• Contribute to the following targets of the LBAP: establish 30 ha of LWS-

standard Neutral Grassland from arable or improved grassland by 2015;

• Associated target species of lowland meadows include brown hare,

harvest mouse and skylark;

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• Species-rich neutral grassland also provides invaluable habitat for

invertebrates, with valuable nectar sources including knapweed, yarrow,

red clover and trefoils;

• Creation of scalloped edges with woodland and scrub will increase the

range of aspects and microhabitats provided.

Lowland mixed deciduous woodland


• Already present to the north of the site and would link areas of surrounding

woodland which relates the restoration objectives to the interests of the

wider surrounding landscape

• Rockingham Forest JCA is a specific target area for hedgerows in the

LBAP;

• Historically wooded area – the site is situated within Rockingham Forest

Natural Area

• Would contribute to following LBAP targets for lowland deciduous

woodland: discourage planting of non-natives, highlight importance of

glades/rides and encourage management for these habitats, create new

native woodland in locations where it will enhance existing native

woodland, increase extent of native woodland by 240ha by creating native

woodland on ex-agricultural land

• Essential habitat for nationally important species including bats, birds and

reptiles

• The number of layers in vegetation, its density and number of old trees

increases bird numbers within a site

Ponds

3.2.4 Reason for choice as target habitat:

• Present on site already but need enhancement and management;

• Contribute to the following pond LBAP targets; re-introduce management

of existing ponds and create new ones, create full range of successional

stages at each pond-open water through marginal zones to scrub,

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woodland or grassland, achieve LWS standard of 50 ponds and create 25

LWS standard ponds;

• Important amphibian species are already known to use the existing ponds;

• Enhancing the existing ponds and creating new ones will benefit target

species including amphibians, reptiles, invertebrates and water voles and

provide key foraging habitat for bats, especially Daubenton’s bat.

Scattered scrub

3.2.5 Reason for choice as habitat to increase and maintain on site:

• Present on site already but requires enhancement and management;

• Although not yet identified as a national BAP habitat scrub has been

recognised as providing habitats of biodiversity importance and supports a

large number of species of conservation importance, particularly bird,

invertebrate and reptile species;

• Complements and links adjacent national and local BAP habitats such as

woodland and ponds;

• Provides an intermediate habitat between the open grassland and the

woodland areas –an important transitional mixture of habitats

• Blocks of low scrub are used by dormice;

• Many of the woodland species of interest (birds, invertebrates) use the

woodland scrub edge habitat;

• Blocks of scrub support breeding target bird species such as linnet and

bullfinch and many bird species use scrub for some part of their ecology

(eg. providing cover when feeding in the open, or as song posts);

• All four reptile species have been recorded using the scrub areas around

the ponds;

• Scattered scrub in grassland areas provides shelter and creates a warm

micro-climate for grassland butterfly species;

• Scrub such as willows and gorse can provide an early nectar source for

many invertebrate species;

• Maintaining a scalloped edge to the scrub areas maximises micro-habitat

variation for invertebrates.

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Rough grassland

3.2.6 Reason for choice as habitat to increase and maintain on site

• Although not recognised as a national BAP habitat it is recognised as

providing excellent intermediate habitat between habitats like scrub and

ponds

• Provides good cover to allow movement of species between core habitats

• Source of nectar, pollen and seeds for pollinating invertebrates and seed-

eating birds such as linnets

• Boosts numbers of over-wintering long-lived insects which are a valuable

source for breeding birds to feed their chicks

• Tussocky rough grassland strips provide an important habitat for small

mammals

• Rough grassland margins to be created for the periphery hedgerows which

can provide nesting habitat for one of the target species, yellowhammer

• Maximising the width of rough grassland corridors reduces edge effects

(ie. disturbance and increased predation)

3.3 SELECTED TARGET SPECIES AND ASSEMBLAGES

3.3.1 Amphibian and Reptile species assemblage

• Five amphibian species, including two UK BAP species (common toad and

great crested newt) and one LBAP species (palmate newt) are known to use

the site;

• Four UK BAP species (adder, slow worm, common lizard, grass snake) are

known to use the site;

• Management for this assemblage (eg creation of dead wood/log piles for

hibernation) will also benefit many amphibian species.

3.3.2 Bat species assemblage

• Five UK BAP species are known to use site for foraging;

• Can contribute to the LBAP targets for barbastelle by buffering existing ancient

woodland and extending woodland habitat with potential to provide future

mature/hollow trees;

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• Much of the enhancement of target habitats has potential to benefit this

assemblage.

3.3.3 Other mammal BAP priority species

• Brown hare is not currently present on site but is known to use adjacent land

and creation of new grassland and woodland habitats will benefit this species;

• Harvest mouse is not currently recorded on site, but creation of neutral

grassland fields and hedgerows has potential to benefit this species;

• Dormouse is known to be present in adjacent areas and creation of woodland

and scrub with a wide variety of flower, fruit and nut producing shrubs and

trees, including bramble and honeysuckle, in an intimate mosaic has potential

to benefit this species.

3.3.4 Bird BAP priority species

• Skylark numbers will potentially be increased by creation of new grassland

habitat with insects, spiders and weed seedlings for feeding and also seeds,

grain, and seedlings for winter flocks;

• Creation of new large hedges and areas of scrub will benefit dunnock, song

thrush, linnet, bullfinch, yellowhammer by providing additional and richer

feeding and nesting habitat;

3.3.5 Butterfly and Moth assemblage

• Two UK and LBAP priority species, small heath and cinnabar moth, are

currently present on the site in small numbers – creation of new meadow and

rough grassland areas will potentially benefit both species;

• Grizzled skipper and white admiral are also UK and LBAP priority species

which are not currently recorded on site, but creation of new flower-rich

lowland meadows and broad-leaved woodland with honeysuckle present and

connectivity to neighbouring Collyweston Great Wood, respectively, has the

potential to benefit these species;

• A wide range of lepidopteran species will also benefit from the micro-habitat

management aimed to benefit invertebrates

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4 PROPOSED ACTION PLAN FOR THE COMPLETED AREAS

4.1 THE NORTHERN BOUNDARY

4.1.1 The areas of land immediately available for habitat enhancement and new

habitat creation effectively comprise the boundaries of the site. The most

extensive of these areas is the northern edge of the site, a mosaic of habitats

including the great crested newt refuge.

4.1.2 Colleyweston Great Wood, to the north of the site, is listed in the Ancient

Woodland Inventory as ancient semi-natural woodland, although part of the

southern edge has been re-planted with conifers. It is separated from Easton

Hornstocks woodland to the east by Stamford Road, the two areas having

been declared a National Nature Reserve, and comprising the largest

Northamptonshire remnant of the ancient Purlieu coppices of Rockingham

Forest. The southern edge of the woodland where it abuts the site is fringed

with scrub of varying width, density and composition.

Photograph 1 Panorama of the great crested newt refuge and adjacent woodland.

4.1.3 This area (Photograph 1) already has high local or district importance for its

assemblage of amphibians and reptiles and future management of this area

will be directed primarily at maintaining and increasing this importance. The

fringing scrub will be opened up around the ponds by coppicing the larger,

sprawling willows and selective felling of some encroaching silver birch, with

arisings used to create a variety of herptile refugia. Some previously felled

trees and shrubs have been roughly piled at the back of Pond 9, but care

needs to be taken to ensure that these don’t appear unmanaged and

potentially an eyesore (Photograph 2). The smaller branches are probably

Pond 8 Pond 8a

Pond 9

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best put through a chipper and the wood chips integrated into refuge

construction or heaped as egg-laying incubation material for grass snakes.

Photograph 2 Pond 9 with piled felled Photograph 3 Pond 9 with

trees encroaching bulrush

4.1.4 Clearing back the scrub behind the ponds will also create a scalloped

woodland edge with sheltered south-facing glades. Towards the west of this

scrub is the densest area of gorse and this needs careful management to

maintain its patchy nature, encouraging the line of its scalloped edge and not

allowing it to become impenetrably dense. In this area the openness of the

scrub and the dampness of the soil have encouraged the colonisation of

tussocky wood small-reed. This useful cover surrounds the ponds, provides

connectivity and defines the boundary between the scrub and rough

grassland. It thus provides good habitat for herpetofauna, and maintaining the

openness of the scrub will encourage this to expand.

4.1.5 The three ponds in this area all require some immediate management to

improve their conservation value. Pond 8 has become choked with bulrush

(Photograph 3) and the aim will be to eradicate this as it is too aggressive for

the size of this pond. Amongst the bulrush is water-plantain and occasional

common club-rush with tussocks of hard rush beyond the margins. All of

these will be retained, and further egg-laying plants for newts will be

introduced, including brooklime, water forget-me-not, water mint and common

water-starwort. Other marginal plants such as purple-loosestrife, marsh-

marigold, ragged-robin and cuckooflower would also improve the diversity of

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the pond and surrounding marsh as well as providing useful nectar sources for

invertebrates.

4.1.6 Pond 8a was created as a mitigation pond but it is not functioning. It is

currently dry and will be deepened and its base will be puddled with clay to an

adequate depth for it to hold water. Once it is shown to be functioning, it will

also be planted up with the aquatic and marginal plants listed above.

4.1.7 The central patch of bulrush in Pond 9 will also be removed. The only other

vegetation in the pond is a species of charophyte forming fairly dense clumps.

It is unlikely to be used by newts for egg-laying purposes so planting up with

the aquatic and marginal plants listed above will follow the removal of the

bulrush. In a part of the margin is a concentrated algal bloom which may need

further investigation if it persists.

Recommendations

4.1.8 In summary, the following Management Prescriptions are recommended for

this area:

• Coppice willows and selectively fell some of the encroaching silver birch

to retain areas of open scrub behind the ponds. Aim to maintain

scattered bushes and clumps of scrub rather than continuous blocks in

order to create a habitat favoured by both reptiles and invertebrates.

• Ensure woodland and scrub edges are managed to create scalloped

edges with varied topography to maximise thermal micro-habitat

variation.

• Use any coppiced or felled wood to create refugia and dead wood piles

with various sizes of wood to provide a range of crevices are provided for

reptiles and amphibians.

• Create hibernacula by digging pits and filling with rubble, dead wood and

finally covering with earth, ensuring that access holes in to the

hibernacula are available; do not place in wet grassland area where they

are likely to flood.

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• Create grass snake egg-laying sites with bulrush and other vegetation

removed from ponds and placed in piles to rot down. Replenish the top

layers of these piles as vegetation decomposes.

• Manage the areas of scrub, including gorse, to ensure dense low growth

suitable for breeding birds and an important nectar and pollen source for

invertebrates.

• Deepen and properly seal the base of Pond 8a so that it holds water.

• Remove bulrush from existing ponds and replace with less invasive

marginal plants suitable for egg-laying by newts, and with shallow open

areas of margin for great crested newt mating displays.

• Increase the diversity of marginal plants around the ponds (purple-

loosestrife, marsh marigold, ragged robin and cuckoo flower) to

encourage invertebrates.

• Monitor for any invasive plants in ponds and remove immediately if they

appear.

4.2 THE NORTH SLOPE

4.2.1 Towards the north-east corner, the scrub becomes more scattered and is

absent in places. Where it does occur it is mainly dominated by bramble, an

excellent plant for invertebrates and important to dormice. This needs to be

encouraged through selective felling of the overgrowing hawthorn and silver

birch to allow more light to reach the ground flora. The woodland strip in this

area has narrowed considerably and the dominant habitat becomes the north-

facing slope down to the ponds, extending westwards almost to Pond 8

(Photograph 4). The slope has been seeded but has not taken well,

particularly towards the east; high exposure and the impoverished nature of

the soil are likely to be the main issues.

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19

Photograph 4 Northern slope down to Photograph 5 The southern hedge

the ponds

4.2.2 The north-facing aspect of the slope is not ideal for reptiles since the amount

of sun and warmth the ground receives is limited. Use by both amphibians

and reptiles would be greatly enhanced by creating some narrow, meandering

bunds of soil along the contours of the slope, connecting with similarly

meandering bunds down the slope into the scrub. These should be sown with

a rough grassland seed mix and planted with a scattering of bramble. The sun

should catch the south facing aspects of the bunds and encourage

invertebrate interest, as well as providing movement corridors for herptiles and

small mammals.

Recommendations


this area:

• Create a number of low soil banks on the lower half of the slope. Sow

with a grassland seed mix and plant some of the banks with scattered

bushes and clumps of scrub, including bramble.

• Extend some of these banks to the base of the slope to provide

connectivity with the existing woodland and scrub habitats.

• Use any coppiced or felled wood to create refugia and dead wood piles

for reptiles and amphibians close to the banks.

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20

4.3 THE REMAINING BOUNDARIES

4.3.1 The remaining areas where enhancement will be carried out in the current

stage are the existing boundary hedgerows and strips of grassland outside the

existing newt fence. The hedgerows along the western and southern

boundaries are trimmed hard almost without standard trees (Photograph 5).

Relaxing the management would allow some of the occasional oak and ash

shrubs to be selected and allowed to grow as standards. Both hedges are

species-poor however, and additional planting of standards will be needed to

reach the BAP target.

4.3.2 New habitat creation will comprise planting a second row of shrubs parallel to

the existing hedge with the stems alternating. Management will comprise

cutting alternate sides of the hedge every other year in order to allow flowering

and berry production, aiming to maintain the height at approximately 1.5m.

The eastern hedges on either side of the main entrance have been maintained

less severely and there is likely to be more opportunity to select new standard

trees.

Recommendations


this area:

• Gap up and double the width of existing external hedges with native

species to improve species diversity. Use 30–45cm sized plants notch

planted at 5 plants/linear metre with suitable protection.

• Ensure all hedges are species rich with a minimum of 6 woody species

per 30m length. Recommended species are hawthorn, blackthorn, elder,

hazel, spindle, wild privet and dog-rose, plus honeysuckle and bramble.

• Where available, select and promote standards from existing hedgerow

components.

• Where insufficient existing tree species are available, plant hedgerow

trees by hole planting at 50m centres between the two shrub lines,

clearly marking the saplings to define them are for protection and

MJCA



21

management purposes. Suitable tree species are ash, field maple and

pedunculate oak.

• Trim alternate sides of hedgerows, or alternate lengths on rotation, every

other year in order to allow the shrubs to berry and fruit; aim to manage

all hedges at 1.5m high.

• Maintain rough grassland strips along both sides of the boundary hedges

5 PROPOSALS FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE SITE

5.1 The broad ecological principles for new habitat creation during restoration are

to:

• provide a range of locally native habitats which will both extend and

buffer those present in local SSSIs and county wildlife sites and also

provide suitable habitat for the selected target species; and

• ensure that all habitats created meet Northamptonshire Local Wildlife

Site criteria and, where relevant, contribute to meeting targets for the

Northamptonshire BAP.

5.2 Habitats created should be based on those described in section 3.2 above.

Broad principles for each of these habitats are set out below.

5.3 Hedgerows

• All new hedges should be planted on banks, to provide safe movement

corridors for amphibians, reptiles and small mammals and to extend the

range of micro-climates for invertebrates. South-facing banks should be

steep-faced and left bare to provide nest-sites for solitary bees, and

basking sites for reptiles.

• All hedges should comprise a double row of shrubs and should meet the

minimum species requirement for UK BAP species-rich hedges.

• All external hedges should be managed at not less than 1.5m high, with

either opposite sides or short lengths of both sides cut on a two-year

rotation, to allow the shrubs to flower and set seed/nuts or berries.

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22

• All external hedges should have at least one standard native tree every

50m length.

5.4 Lowland Meadows

• Grassland should meet the Local Wildlife Site standard for neutral

grassland (see (www.northamptonshirebiodiversity.org), with at least 50

grassland species in total, of which at least 8 should be neutral

grassland indicator species. At least three different locally native seed

mixtures should be used to obtain this variety, with additional plug-

planting if necessary.

• Depending on the species present, the hay cut should be timed to allow

for optimal flowering and seed set. If stock are not available to graze the

aftermath, a further 1-3 further cuts may be necessary depending on

regrowth.

• A 3m margin of rough grassland should be retained around all sides of

each field to protect reptiles and provide over-wintering habitat for

invertebrates. This margin should be cut to not more than 100mm along

two sides of each field each year on a 2-year rotation after October.

5.5 Lowland Mixed Deciduous Woodland

• New native woodland should be based on the ancient semi-natural

stands present in the neighbouring Collyweston Great Wood, with oak-

birch woodland on the higher and dryer slopes and ash-maple stands in

lower and damper areas. Haphazard planting arrangement with tree

species in clumps interspersed by shrubs is preferred to regimented

planting in rows.

• Understorey species preferred by dormice, particularly hazel and

honeysuckle, should be present throughout

• At least 20% of the total area should comprise open rides and glades,

which provide important edge habitat, provide connectivity through the

site for grassland species and allow access for management and

amenity purposes.

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23

• So far as possible, both rides and glades should be orientated east-west

and rides should be wider than the height of the adjoining woodland

canopy. This will maximise the amount of sunlight received, benefiting

butterflies and reptiles.

• Both rides and glades should have scalloped edges (30-50m long and

10-20m deep) which create warm sheltered pockets of open habitat.

The ends of a ride should be narrowed to prevent the creation of wind

tunnels.

• Glade vegetation should be cut on rotation; the central grass zone

annually, a bordering herbaceous zone on a 2-3 year rotation and the

edging shrub zone on a 5 to 8 year rotation. Arisings from mowing

should be piled at intervals to provide egg-laying sites for grass-snakes.

• Brash from coppicing should be used to construct dead wood piles in

glades and rides and along the woodland edge to provide feeding and

basking sites for amphibians and reptiles.

• All south facing woodland edges should also have scalloped edges to

create sheltered enclaves. Woodland edge habitats should be cut on a

rotation of 8-20 years to maintain structural diversity.

5.6 Ponds

If possible, new ponds should meet the criteria of the Pond Conservation

‘Million Pond Project (www.pondconservation.org.uk/millionponds/). Such

ponds should be groundwater or rainwater fed, and should not received input

from streams or ditches, or run-off from arable land, all of which will introduce

excess nutrients and possibly pesticides and other pollutants. Similarly they

should not receive run-off from spoil heaps, but after restoration water

draining from the capped landfill will pass through relatively nutrient-poor soil,

with grassland and woodland habitats. Additional requirements are that:

• Ponds should be created in groups of 3-4 to allow for creation of

metapopulations of inhabitants and the creation of a range of different

habitats.

• Ponds should have broad, undulating drawdown zones, with shallow

slopes (<1:5) on most sides.

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• Ponds should have underwater bars and shoals to provide a range of

microhabitats.

• Initial planting should be minimal, assuming that other ponds are present

in the locality, to allow colonisation by locally native species and avoid

accidental introduction of invasive alien species or of fish.

• Ponds should be unshaded on at least three sides.

6 REFERENCES

ESL (Ecological Services) Ltd. 2002. Report on Badger Activity at Slipe Clay

Pit, Near King’s Cliffe, Northamptonshire. Unpublished report to MJCA.

ESL (Ecological Services) Ltd. 2010. East Northants RMF: Ecological

Baseline Survey and Assessment Report. Unpublished report to MJCA.

Faber Maunsell (2007). Slipe Clay Pit Landfill Great Crested Newt Survey.

Unpublished report to Augean plc

Northamptonshire's Biodiversity Action Plan available online at

www.northamptonshirebiodiversity.org (accessed from 31.01.11)

Pond Conservation: details of the Million Ponds Project available online at

www.pondconservation.org.uk/millionponds/ (accessed 25.03.11)

UK Biodiversity Action Plan available online at www.ukbap.org.uk/ (accessed

from 25.11.09)

MJCA



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TABLE 1 TARGETS FOR THE SELECTED HABITATS AND SPECIES

Species/ habitat Current Population/Area

Estimate Targets

habitats

hedgerows 2000m; all species-poor

at least double the current length of hedge.

all new/enhanced hedges to be species-rich with standard trees at least every 50m.

new hedges to stand on low banks

lowland meadows not currently present establish at least 5ha species-rich neutral grassland.

lowland mixed deciduous woodland

to be measured establish at least 5ha of broad-leaved woodland using locally native species

ponds 23 waterbodies, many shallow, ephemeral, unvegetated.

enhance three existing ponds and create at least 4 new ponds. All ponds to be suitable for amphibians and water voles.

amphibians and reptiles

great crested newt

palmate newt

common lizard

medium

maintain medium population through first stage; expand to large population by completion of restoration

common toad

slow worm

grass snake

adder

small

maintain current population through first stage, expand to medium population by completion of restoration

mammals

noctule

soprano pipistrelle

barbastelle

small numbers foraging but not roosting

brown long-eared bat

not currently recorded

significant foraging use and regular use of bat boxes to be recorded by completion of restoration.

brown hare not currently recorded regular sightings by completion of restoration

harvest mouse

dormouse not currently recorded

suitable habitat to be present and colonised by completion of restoration

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26

Species/ habitat Current Population/Area

Estimate Targets

ground-nesting birds

skylark small; possibly breeding at least 3 territories by completion of restoration

scrub or hedgerow birds

dunnock small; possibly breeding at least 10 territories by completion of restoration

song thrush small, no evidence of breeding

at least 3 territories by completion of restoration

linnet small, no evidence of breeding

at least 20 pairs by completion of restoration

bullfinch small, no evidence of breeding


yellowhammer small; possibly breeding at least 5 territories by

completion of restoration

reed bunting small; possibly breeding at least 3 pairs by completion of

restoration

hole-nesting birds

marsh tit small, no evidence of breeding

tree sparrow not currently recorded

evidence of nesting by completion of restoration

invertebrates

Grizzled skipper

White admiral not currently recorded


Small heath

Cinnabar moth small numbers present

maintain current population through first stage; expand to medium-large population by completion of restoration

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TABLE 2 ACTION REQUIRED TO MEET HABITAT AND SPECIES TARGETS

Species/Habitat Targets Ecological Requirements Habitat Creation Habitat Management

Hedgerows – species rich with hedgerow trees

(UK and LBAP Priority Habitat).

At least double the current extent of hedge

All site hedges to be species-rich.

new hedges to stand on low banks

At least six woody species per 30m length

Standard trees at least every 50m.

All woody species to be locally native.

Gap up or widen existing hedgerows with species including: hawthorn, blackthorn, spindle, wild privet, dog rose, elder, honeysuckle.

Plant or select and promote standards from existing hedgerow components including: ash, sessile and pedunculate oak, field maple

Plant a network of new species-rich hedgerows to link the new and created habitats using the same species; put all new hedges on raised banks.

Trim alternate sides of established hedges every other year, to allow shrubs to flower and fruit.

Gap up new hedge where failures occur.

Aim to manage all hedges at 1.5-2.5m high.

Lowland meadows


Establish at least 5ha of species-rich neutral grassland

Grassland to meet Local Wildlife Site standard, including:-

Sites supporting populations of:

1(i) 3 or more strong neutral grassland indicator species, or

1(ii) 8 or more neutral grassland indicator species in total.

2 more than 50 grassland species.

Sow grassland with a seed mixture containing a minimum of 8 neutral grassland indicator species. Use at least three different seed mixtures for variety.

Manage grasslands to give a variety of types and heights.

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Lowland mixed deciduous woodland


Establish at least 5ha of broad-leaved woodland using locally native species

Use species diversity of ancient woodland areas of neighbouring Colleyweston Great Wood as a model and seed resource.

Ensure planting includes species preferred by dormice (hazel, bramble and honeysuckle).

Collect seed from Colleyweston Great Wood and establish in a nursery for future planting.

Plant trees and shrubs in holes/trenches with adequate levels of nutrients.

Introduce coppicing once woodland is mature enough.

Retain dead wood on site – in situ unless there are safety implications.

Retain all arisings from management work on site in the form of brash piles, log piles etc.

Ponds


Enhance the three existing ponds and create at least 4 new ponds. All ponds to be suitable for amphibians and water voles.

A range of water depths and bank profiles.

Woody vegetation to be cut back to reduce silting up and prevent shading.

A good range of aquatic, marginal and emergent vegetation.

Enhance existing ponds by removal of bulrush, replacing with less invasive marginal plants.

Excavate at least four new ponds with a central depth of 1m and a long shelving margin for amphibian emergence. Plant up with suitable egg-laying plants for amphibians.

Monitor for invasive plant species and remove any which arrive.

Maintain relatively open and unshaded banks.

Monitor depth and silting and dredge ponds if necessary on rotation over a 10 year cycle.

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Amphibian species assemblage including great crested newt and common toad (UK BAP Priority Species)

Maintain current population class size through first stage; expand to larger class size by completion of restoration

Ponds without fish or wildfowl, retaining enough water through 8 summers out of 10 to allow animals to complete their life cycle.

At least 60% of surface to be unshaded, with at least some deep water.

A range of aquatic plant species suitable for egg-laying, and good numbers of aquatic invertebrates.

Build refuges and hibernacula, using bricks, rubble, logs, etc, as available, close to each new and existing pond.

Ensure pond surroundings include tussocky tall herbs and grasses, scrub and dead wood for feeding, shelter and hibernation

Monitor and manage all site ponds as given above.

Replenish habitat piles and other hibernacula opportunities in vicinity of ponds to support amphibians during their terrestrial phase.

Reptile species assemblage comprising slow worm, common lizard, grass snake and adder. (All UK BAP Priority Species)

Maintain current population class size through first stage; expand to larger class size by completion of restoration

Mosaic of generally open habitats including tussocky rough grassland, open scrub and woodland edge.

Opportunities for basking and foraging including south-facing banks, open log piles and rock piles.

Compost and wood chip heaps for egg-laying and incubation.

Extend areas of rough grassland and scattered scrub so that it fringes all new broad-leaved woodland.

Ensure all new hedge banks abut rough grassland with bramble patches.

Build ten new refuges and hibernacula.

Consider including purpose-build hibernation sites in hedge banks.

Maintain open nature of scrub.

Retain all arisings from woodland and scrub thinning to remain on site in the form of brash piles, log piles etc or integrated into new hibernacula.

Scallop edges of new woodland as it develops

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30


Bat species assemblage, including noctule, soprano pipistrelle, barbastelle and brown long-eared bat. (All UK BAP Priority Species)

significant foraging use and regular use of bat boxes to be recorded by completion of restoration.

Flying insects on which to feed.

Sheltered routes to reach feeding sites.

Good connectivity throughout the site and into the wider area in the form of high hedgerows.

Suitable roosting opportunities; to be provided by a range of boxes in the medium term, and by mature hedgerow and woodland trees in the longer term.

Provide tall hedges with regular hedgerow trees through altering cutting regime on existing hedges and planting more (see above).

Create ponds and plant with native aquatic and marginal species (see above).

Plant a wide range of locally native tree and shrub species

Provide bat boxes in suitable sites along the woodland boundary to the north.

Minimise use of insecticides anywhere on site.

Manage a core network of hedges at 1.5-2.5m to provide sheltered movement corridors.

Retain dead wood on site – in situ unless there are safety implications.

Inspect, maintain and replace bat boxes as necessary.

Provide bat boxes in new woodland as the trees grow up.

Monitoring use of the site for foraging and roosting.

Brown hare

(UK and LBAP Priority Species).

regular sightings by completion of restoration

Grass fields for feeding (mainly at night).

Tall grass, grassy hedge-bottoms, woodland margins with tall vegetation, for lying-up by day.

Create native grassland/ hay meadows for feeding.

Provide hedges and patches of scrub in close proximity to feeding areas and along site boundary.


Manage hedges, scrub and wood margins adjacent to grasslands, by mowing a 1m headland once annually after seed-set, and adjacent 1-4m strip twice annually, spring and autumn.

MJCA



31


Harvest mouse



Neutral grassland fields and hedgerows for feeding and refugia.

Provide hay meadows and grassy hedge bottoms with good links to the wider landscape.


Dormouse



A wide variety of flower, fruit- and-nut producing shrubs and trees, including bramble and honeysuckle, in an intimate mosaic for feeding and nesting.

Linked tree belts and hedges throughout the site.

Plant all woodland to dormouse specification.

Link all woodlands by hedge creation.

Manage dormouse wood by medium length (ca 15 years) small scale coppice with standards rotation.

Manage linking hedges to dense growth 2-2.5m high.

Ensure patency of arboreal routeways through woods.

Skylark



A diversity of grassland types for nesting.

Insects, spiders and weed seedlings for feeding.

Seeds, grain, and seedlings for winter flocks.

Provide a range of different grasslands and maintain areas of tussocky swards .

Manage some grassland as summer meadow – early mow, then shut up until hay harvest.

Manage other grasslands as spring meadow, no cut after October until late summer.

Ensure that skylark breeding areas are not mown May-July.

Minimise use of insecticides on site.

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32


Scrub-or hedge nesting birds, including dunnock, song thrush, linnet, bullfinch, yellowhammer and reed bunting

(All UK and LBAP Priority Species).

variously 3 to 20 pairs or territories by completion of restoration.

All of these species require:

Nest sites in bushes, hedges, patches of scrub; some also use patches of bramble, holes in banks, young trees or low forks in larger trees, or tall grass at the base of hedges.

Invertebrates and seeds for feeding (thrushes also take earthworms, molluscs, fresh fruit).

Dense cover for winter roosts.

Enhance existing hedgerows and plant a network of species-rich hedgerows with standard trees.

Ensure hedgerows on site have wide margins or ditches to provide nesting habitats.

Plant new native woodland areas around the edges of the site.

Plant some areas of dense shrubs close to rough grassland.

Maintain open areas of water such as ponds and open ditches throughout the summer.

Manage hedgerows on rotation to produce dense low growth and a range of heights, allowing at least 50% of hedges to flower and fruit each year.

Plant up gaps in hedgerows with native thorny species to provide nesting cover.

Provide flower rich grassland or hedge margins to provide a wide variety of invertebrate prey.

Manage new and existing woodlands to provide low cover for nesting and secure feeding.

Minimise use of herbicides and insecticides anywhere on site.

Manage blocks of scrub to provide dense low growth and a managed strip of tall grassland min 2m wide.

Manage ponds as above to maintain open areas of water.

Maintain areas of damp ground to provide earthworm and snail prey.

MJCA



33


Hole-nesting birds, including marsh tit and tree sparrow

(both UK and LBAP Priority Species).

evidence of nesting by completion of restoration

Tree holes in dry deciduous woodland, or nest boxes of suitable design.

Invertebrates in summer, with seeds or grain also in winter

Social feeding flocks (tit parties or finch/bunting flocks) may be joined in winter.

Plant a variety of hedgerow trees and dry and damp woodlands.

Provide nest boxes close to feeding areas until trees mature.

Plant a variety of under-storey trees, scrub and ground flora to maximise invertebrate populations.

Maintain all existing trees, felling or trimming only on safety grounds. Retain all dead wood on site, in situ, if possible.

Retain low stumps, dead or alive, in all woodland or hedges.

Maintain humid conditions in woodland by encouraging dense scrub/under storey growth in suitable areas.

Minimise use of insecticides and herbicides on site.

Grizzled skipper



Warm, sheltered meadows with high flower content and some bare ground.

Provide meadows with a wide variety of flowering herbaceous plants.


White admiral



Mature broad-leaved woodlands, including plantations, with straggly honeysuckle growth for egg-laying.

Plant broad-leaved woodland with connectivity to neighbouring Colleyweston Great Wood. Ensure planting of honeysuckle included.

As for dormouse.

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34


Small Heath


maintain current population through first stage; expand to larger population by completion of restoration

Occurs on grasslands with a short sparse sward in dry well-drained areas.

Foodplants include fine grass species such as meadow-grasses, fescues and bents.

Ensure areas of grassland creation include fine grasses in their species composition.

Manage areas of grassland to provide a shorter sward.

Cinnabar Moth


maintain current population through first stage; expand to larger population by completion of restoration

Can occupy a range of habitat types including waste ground and woodland rides but frequently found on well drained rabbit grazed grassland.

The main larval foodplant is common ragwort although also found on other ragworts and groundsels.

Retain some common ragwort in rough grassland areas around the site.

Allow common ragwort to colonise new areas of rough grassland.

MJCA



APPENDIX 4

Copies of Consultee Correspondence

MJCA



CORRESPONDENCE WITH ALAN SMITH,

The Wildlife Trust for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Northamptonshire &

Peterborough

ESL (ECOLOGICAL SERVICES) LTD

Telephone Conversation Record Sheet

Staff Member: ALG With Alan Smith Tel No: 01604 405285 Company: Northants Wildlife Trust Date: 24.03.11 Time: 10.40 Project/ref: MJCA 96/ ENMRF

Message: The consultation response received from AS, on behalf of NWT, made it clear that he was not aware that most of the surveys proposed had already been carried out. ALG therefore described the surveys undertaken to date and the results obtained. AS was pleased with the coverage and agreed that on the results obtained, adverse impacts would be minimal. ALG also described the biodiversity audit and the BAP, with selection of targets for habitat creation based on the Northants BAP. AS remarked that this had a major refresh and relaunch in July 2008 and is a dynamic document that potentially gets revised at intervals. He therefore suggested checking www.northamptonshirebiodiversity.org for the most current version. He was also pleased that communities and habitats were being assessed against the LWS criteria, and particularly that new habitat creation would aim to ensure that all new habitats meet these criteria. On the question of the southern species which have been introduced in spoil from London, AS felt that it could be difficult to completely eradicate them, since there is presumably a seed bank. He mentioned that one species had occurred previously in Northants (now gone?) and that on balance it would be interesting to leave them on site and watch for survival or otherwise of the southern species. In the context of climate change, their impact on local plant communities, should they survive, could be of interest in future years. The BSBI recorder is Mrs Gill Gent, now in her 80s and less active, who is assisted by Rob Wilson. There is an updated rare plant register and check list of species, obtainable from the country recorder or record centre. [text in blue revised following review by AS]

Action:

File: MJCA96/4

MJCA



From: Alan Smith [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: 20 April 2011 11:31 To: Anne Goodall Subject: RE: consultation last month Dear Anne,

Regarding your message, as here below, in relation to the two NCC Applications, 11/00001/SCO and 11/00002/SCO, at the East Northants Resource Management Facility near to King’s Cliffe, many thanks indeed for kindly sending me through a copy of these notes as a record of our earlier ‘phonecall about this matter.

Your memory is better than mine, and you had obviously made some notes at the time, but, reading through your Record Sheet here, I am indeed in broad agreement with what you have already put down there and believe that it is a true reflection of those headline matters in relation to this scheme that we discussed that day during our telephone conversation.

I would not take exception to anything that you have included on this particular Record Sheet, and would simply wish to bring the following few basic points to your attention :

- In the 2nd Paragraph, I don’t feel that the phrase that the Northants county BAP document “is being constantly updated” is an entirely accurate picture of the situation. What I was hoping to put across to you is that our BAP had a major refresh and relaunch in July 2008 and that it is a dynamic document that does indeed potentially get revised at certain intervals and that, therefore, the web address quoted is the best place to access and review the most current version.

- On a simple typo matter, in the very last line, it should of course read “county” ( and not ‘country’ ) recorder there.

- And, finally, looking back at the content of our original letter of consultee response, dated 18/03/11 sent to Northants CC about these two joined Scoping Requests, I was wondering if, during our ’phonecall of the 24th March, we had talked about the issue of Green Infrastructure in respect of this location ? This attention to the provision of local GI network connections will be an important aspect of this project in any future evaluation of information supplied on consultation to The Northants Wildlife Trust.

Many thanks again for this follow-up contact.

Alan.

Alan Smith Planning and Biodiversity Officer Direct line: 01604 774046, Office: 01604 405285 The Wildlife Trust for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Northamptonshire & Peterborough

MJCA



From: Anne Goodall Sent: 20 April 2011 11:55 To: Alan Smith Subject: RE: consultation last month Alan Thanks for this. I did make some notes, but they were scrappy and seeing your first correction I do remember now that you gave me a date and explanation – my notes hadn’t captured it all! I will amend. I can’t remember whether we discussed green infrastructure either, but in case we didn’t, this is certainly something we have taken on board. There are no footpaths etc that we can actually connect to, but we shall be creating one across the site which will run along the woodland edge, overlooking our meadow, and will also have a viewing spot at its highest point. This footpath has the potential to connect to Fineshades Wood (across land not in Augean’s ownership, but which is currently a 6m grassland strip adjacent to a hedge) should the Council wish to progress this in future. There will also be hedgerow, woodland, scrub and open connectivity with Collyweston Great Wood and the PWS immediately north of the site. The landscape consultants have produced an exhibition board which will be issued in due course; if you don’t see it, let me know and I will get permission to send a copy as soon as it is in the public domain. Best wishes, Anne Goodall ESL (Ecological Services) Ltd Email: [email protected]

MJCA



ESL (ECOLOGICAL SERVICES) LTD

Telephone Conversation Record Sheet

Staff Member: ALG With Alan Smith Tel No: 01604 405285 Company: Northants Wildlife Trust Date: 11.07.11 Time: 10.50 Project/ref: MJCA 96 Kings Cliffe

Message: The Augean documents arrived at NWT just before AS went on holiday, but since they hadn’t come from ENC, they were treated as a courtesy. AS explained that a quick look identified that it seemed to confirm all my earlier discussions with him, and he didn’t realise that any further response was required. ALG confirmed that NE had expressed satisfaction over the statutory issues, and that there were no changes over treatment of the non-statutory issues since our last discussion. AS confirmed that the two Potential Wildlife Sites on and close to the site have not been surveyed since their original selection (as described in the baseline report) and therefore have not been re-designated as Local Wildlife Sites. He indicated that the Biodiversity Record Centre would be very pleased to receive the ESL survey data in due course, since this will allow them to update their own records and the relevant committee to consider changing the status of the two areas.

Action:

File: MJCA96/4

MJCA



CORRESPONDENCE WITH TINA CUSS

Northamptonshire County Council

From: Anne Goodall [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: 11 July 2011 11:53 To: Tina Cuss Subject: East Northants RMF, Kings Cliffe Tina My company has carried out the ecological surveys for the forthcoming application on this site, and I have produced the draft impact assessment for it. I originally tried to contact you following your response to the scoping request in February this year, but unfortunately didn’t manage to catch you. It was clear from your response that at that time, in company with Natural England and the Wildlife Trust, you weren’t aware that we had actually completed most of the survey work in 2010, and that, for example, we have an EPS licence to complete the translocation of great crested newts. This information was all in the pre-application document which Augean sent out in May, with the hope that if there are remaining concerns, we could ensure they are addressed in the application. However, the consultation period has now passed and since I understand no response has been received from your department, I wanted to make sure that you have seen the document, and are happy with the work described, and the various mitigation/enhancement proposals contained in it. I rang to speak to you this morning but I understand that I’ve missed you again. However, I will try later, or ring tomorrow, and we can hopefully discuss the assessments and proposals at that time. Best wishes, Anne Goodall Managing Director ESL (Ecological Services) Ltd, 1 Otago House, Allenby Business Village, Crofton Road, Lincoln, LN3 4NL

MJCA



From: Tina Cuss [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: 11 July 2011 15:31 To: Anne Goodall Subject: RE: East Northants RMF, Kings Cliffe Anne I will take another look at the information I received in May. Is it too late to comment now? From memory the closing date was just last week? Regards Tina Cuss

From: Tina Cuss [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: 12 July 2011 13:00 To: Anne Goodall Subject: RE: East Northants RMF, Kings Cliffe Thank you Anne. The information is useful and I’ve now found the disc and located the Ecology assessments & proposals. It will take me a little time to go through the previous applications and find out what mitigation/compensation and enhancement is already secured. One thing strikes me about the Restoration Concept is that it doesn’t relate well to the phasing of the extraction/working/restoration and therefore the phasing of mitigation should be reconsidered. The benefits or mitigation proposed therefore will take a very long time to be achieved. The straight edge of the woodland is also perhaps not ideal. Regards Tina Cuss Senior Environmental Planner Northamptonshire County Council

From: Anne Goodall [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: 12 July 2011 14:54 To: Tina Cuss Subject: RE: East Northants RMF, Kings Cliffe As I understand it, the intention is that restoration should start on each area once filling and capping is completed. It isn’t currently possible to put dates to this, since demand for landfill space is entirely dependent on the state of the economy. Also, there is an approved scheme and timings in place at present, and until an extension is granted, these timings stand. So its all a bit in the air.

MJCA



With regard to the display board, this is most certainly quite broad-brush at present, and as I explained, our management plan sets out definite proposals for the completed area, and principles for the remainder, specifically to allow for fairly wide-ranging consultations with stakeholders. In practice a straight edge is most unlikely, especially along the south-facing side, where we’d want to have small glades for butterflies and basking reptiles. Cheers, Anne ESL (Ecological Services) Ltd Email: [email protected]

From: Tina Cuss [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: 13 July 2011 17:46 To: Anne Goodall Subject: FW: Kings Cliffe Landfill Management Plan Anne I do have some concerns still over cumulative impacts on ecology but from our conversations and info provided I hope they may all be addressed by the final restoration and ecological compensation/enhancement schemes etc. Regards Tina Cuss Senior Environmental Planner Planning Services Northamptonshire County Council 01604 236705

Note: the final comment above concerns discharge of conditions from the existing

permission, relating to great crested newt habitat management. These works are in hand and will be completed before the new permission is granted.

Anne Goodall

MJCA



APPENDIX 5

Descriptions of Ponds Surveyed for Great Crested Newts

MJCA



DESCRIPTIONS OF PONDS SURVEYED FOR GREAT CRESTED NEWTS

Pond 1 An ‘L’ shaped, linear drainage swale adjacent to the car park, supporting

semi-improved grassland dominated by perennial-rye grass, Yorkshire-fog, false

oat-grass, creeping bent and red fescue with occasional colt’s-foot, white clover,

creeping buttercup and germander speedwell. Much of the swale was dry at the

time of survey; however, the deeper western end was wet to a depth of

approximately 40cm and had sparse emergent bulrush and soft-rush. Water

clarity was very good. The swale had dried completely by the fourth survey visit.

HSI: 0.58 (below average)

Photograph 1 View east across Pond 1 Photograph 2 View south across Pond 2

Pond 2 A steep-sided, artificial lagoon with no aquatic or emergent vegetation,

used as part of the landfill site water level control system and subject to frequent

and extreme water level changes. Turbidity is variable, dependent on pumping

activity. HSI: 0.59 (below average)

Pond 3 A small, heavily-shaded pond in deciduous woodland, with no emergent

or aquatic vegetation. The water is turbid. Surrounding vegetation is dominated

by hawthorn with rare silver birch. The pond water levels dropped rapidly during

the course of the survey and the pond was dry by the fourth visit. HSI: 0.58

(below average)

MJCA



Photograph 3 View north across Pond 3 Photograph 4 View south across Pond 4

Pond 4 A small, oblong, farm yard pond surrounded by species-poor grassland.

The steep-sided banks are dominated by willow Salix species, hawthorn and elder

Sambucus nigra that provide almost total shade. Other bank vegetation includes

tufted hair-grass, bramble, cow parsley and creeping bent. Water clarity is good,

but no aquatic vegetation is present. HSI: 0.66 (average)

Pond 5 A medium-sized, steep-sided lagoon used as part of the landfill site water

level control system, so can be subject to unpredictable and extreme water level

changes. Emergent vegetation along the southern side of the pond is dominated

by bulrush with common reed and willow also present. Bank-side vegetation is

poorly established and includes creeping bent, bristly oxtongue and wood small-

reed. HSI: 0.74 (good)

Photograph 5 View east across Pond 5 Photograph 6 View north across Pond 6

Pond 6 A shallow-sided waterbody formed in a gulley between an earth bank and

one of the capped landfill cells. Bankside and emergent vegetation includes soft-

rush, bristly oxtongue, creeping bent, creeping buttercup, curled dock and spear

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thistle, with no aquatics. Water clarity is good. The pond was almost dry by the

sixth survey visit. HSI: 0.80 (good)

Pond 7 A shallow flash between heaps of stored spoil, dry by the second visit.

No aquatic vegetation is present and emergent vegetation is limited to sparse

curled dock and creeping bent. Water clarity is good. HSI: 0.48 (poor)

Photograph 7 View south across Pond 7 Photograph 8 Part of Pond 8 complex

Pond 8 complex Shallow areas of standing water accumulated between stored

spoil. No emergent or aquatic vegetation is present except sparse algae. Water

clarity is good. Poorly established bank-side vegetation includes tansy and colt’s-

foot. HSI: 0.53 (below average)

Pond 9 A shallow wet flash on stored spoil. Except for a few individual plants of

soft-rush, poor-quality marginal and emergent vegetation is limited to creeping

bent. A stonewort Chara species is present in some areas. Water clarity is good.

HSI: 0.61 (average)

Photograph 9 View north across Pond 9 Photograph 10 View west across Pond 10

MJCA



Pond 10 A collection of small pools formed in depressions on the stored spoil.

Water clarity is good but green algae cover most of the surface, particularly during

the later survey visits. Bulrush occurs occasionally in small clumps as both

marginal and emergent vegetation. Creeping bent is also present along with

occasional celery-leaved buttercup plants. HSI: 0.59 (below average)

Pond 11 A shallow pool of surface water run-off between piles of spoil. There is

no aquatic vegetation, some marginal creeping bent, and the only emergent is a

small patch of bulrush in one of the deeper parts of the pool. The water is slightly

turbid. An algal bloom was present on the water surface at the fourth survey visit.

HSI: 0.47 (poor)

Photograph 11 View west across Pond 11 Photograph 12 View west across Pond 12

Pond 12 A large, generally steep-sided, waterbody in the gully between a clay

stockpile and stored spoil. Marginal and emergent vegetation comprise bulrush,

soft-rush, celery-leaved buttercup and floating sweet-grass; particularly towards

the eastern end. Patches of a stonewort and small pondweed are also present.

Water clarity excellent. HSI: 0.80 (excellent)

Pond 13 A medium sized, relatively shallow, rectangular water body formed

where surface water has accumulated between stored spoil. It supports no

aquatic, emergent or marginal vegetation. Water clarity is very good. HSI: 0.60

(below average)

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Pond 14 A medium-sized irregular shaped water body supporting no aquatic,

emergent or marginal vegetation. Turbidity is relatively high. HSI: 0.68 (average)

Photograph 13 View NE across Pond 13 Photograph 14 View NE across Pond 14

Photograph 15 View south across Pond 15 Photograph 16 View south across pond 16

Pond 15 An irregularly shaped waterbody formed partly from a drainage channel

and sump. The deep sump and drainage channel support no vegetation, whereas

a shallower area to the south supports a stonewort, emergent celery-leaved

buttercup, bulrush, soft-rush and curled dock with marginal creeping bent.

Turbidity varies across the water body. HSI: 0.72 (good)

Pond 16 A medium-sized, steep-sided ‘L’ shaped lagoon forming part of the

landfill site water level control system, thus subject to frequent and extreme water

level changes. Emergent vegetation comprises small patches of bulrush and

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sparse soft-rush. An algal bloom was present on the surface in mid-June. HSI:

0.74 (good)

Pond 17 A small triangular waterbody with abundant blanketweed and bulrush.

Water clarity is good but the pond had dried out by the fourth visit. HSI: 0.57

(below average)

Photograph 17 View across pond 17 Photograph 18 View west across Pond 18

Pond 18 A narrow, steep-sided, rectangular water body choked with bulrush.

Water clarity is very good. Sticklebacks are present. HSI: 0.64 (average)

Pond 19 A shallow water body formed in a rectangular scrape. No aquatic

vegetation is present but emergent vegetation, including bulrush, common spike-

rush and water-plantain, is beginning to establish. Water clarity is very good.

HSI: 0.62 (average)

Photograph 19 View west across Pond 19 Photograph 20 View across Pond 20

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Pond 20 A small area of shallow, standing water accumulated in vehicle track

ruts. No aquatic or emergent vegetation is present. Water clarity is very good.

HSI: 0.48 (poor)

Pond 21 A small, shallow, water body with excellent water clarity. Stonewort is

abundant, with horned pondweed and emergent creeping bent and celery-leaved

buttercup occasionally present. Bank-side vegetation is poorly established. HSI:

0.63 (average)

Photograph 21 View west across Pond 21 Photograph 22 View across part of Pond 22

complex

Pond 22 complex Several small-medium, interconnected, waterbodies; the

number depending on water levels. All have relatively shallow profiles with

varying depth and very good water clarity. Aquatic vegetation comprises

abundant horned pondweed, frequent stonewort and a single plant of broad-

leaved pondweed. Emergent vegetation includes frequent creeping bent,

occasional bulrush, celery-leaved buttercup and common spike-rush and rare

soft-rush. HSI: 0.70 (average)

MJCA



Photograph 23 View north across Pond 23 Photograph 24 View west across Pond 24

Pond 23 A roughly rectangular, heavily-shaded pond located in deciduous

woodland to the north of the site. There is no aquatic vegetation, emergent

vegetation is limited to one area of greater pond-sedge Carex riparia and there is

occasional false oat-grass at the margins. Bankside vegetation includes

abundant hawthorn, occasional bramble and a range of woodland ground flora

including lords-and-ladies. Water clarity is very good. HSI: 0.57 (average)

Pond 24 A rectangular lagoon with adjoining ditch located adjacent to

Collyweston Great Wood, separated from the active site by newt fencing (visible

on the left of the photograph above). There is no aquatic vegetation and

emergent/marginal vegetation is limited to clumps of yellow iris. Bank-side

vegetation is poorly established. Water clarity is good. The pond was a receptor

site for great crested newts previously re-located from the site. HSI: 0.82

(excellent)

Pond 25 A pear-shaped pond lying in grassland adjacent to Collyweston Great

Wood, to the north of the site and separated from it by newt fencing. There is no

aquatic vegetation but the emergent vegetation is dominated by abundant

bulrush, with occasional common club-rush Schoenoplectus lacustris and frequent

hard rush present at the margins. The pond was a receptor site for great crested

newts previously re-located from the site. HSI: 0.80 (good)

MJCA



Photograph 25 View west across Pond 25 Photograph 26 View north west across Pond 26

Pond 26 A shallow pool formed at the base of the capped landfill, adjacent to

Collyweston Great Wood and separated from the site to the south by newt

fencing. Vegetation is limited to a small patch of bulrush. The pond was a

receptor site for great crested newts previously re-located from the site. HSI: 0.54

(below average)

MJCA



APPENDIX 6

Copy of Natural England European Protected Species Licence EPSM 2010-

2589A

CONSERVATION OF HABITATS AND SPECIES REGULATIONS 2010LICENCE ISSUED UNDER REGULATION 53(1) IN RESPECT OF CERTAIN EUROPEAN PROTECTED SPECIES:This licence authorises acts that would otherwise be offences under the above legislation

Any request for information in this licence will be considered under the Environmental Information Regulations 2004 and the Freedom of Information Act 2000 as appropriate.

Natural England Ref:

Wildlife Licensing UnitNatural England Burghill Road Westbury-on-TrymBristol, BS10 6NJ.T 0845 6014523F 0845 6013438 EPSM2010-2589 Suffix: A

Natural England, in exercise of the powers conferred on the Secretary of State by Regulation 53 of the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010, is satisfied that: there is no satisfactory alternative and the action authorised will not be detrimental to the maintenance the species concerned at a favourable conservation status in their natural range.

This licence is granted for the purpose of Over-riding Public InterestTo: Name in full: Dr Gene Wilson

Address:

Northamptonshire PE8 6XXPostcode:

East Northants Resource Management, Stamford Road, Kings Cliffe, .County:

Company Name: Augean PLC

Of the following species: The Max No Common Name (Latin Name):

To (authorised actions): By means of (method):

Amphibian

Capture. Disturb. Transport. Damage or Destroy Breeding Place. Damage or Destroy Resting Place. .

By hand/Hand Search. Drift fencing. Destructive search. Draining down pond/s. Bottle trapping. Pitfall Trapping. Refugia. Exclusion by temporary amphibian fencing.

Species Group:

Great Crested Newt: Triturus cristatus550

CONTINUED OVERLEAF

WML-L13a(01/08) EPSM2010-2589 A

Project Work Consented:

Hazardous Waste Landfill and Associated Operations

At Location: East Northants Resource Management FacilityStamford RoadKings Cliffe

OS Grid Ref:

NorthamptonshirePE8 6XX TF008800

between the dates of: 16/11/2010 and inclusive:15/11/2012This licence is granted subject to the licensee, including servants and named agents, adhering to the terms and conditions specified below and to the activities agreed in the Method Statement between the licensee and Natural England. The Method Statement for the mitigation scheme is appended to this licence. The following person is authorised to act on behalf of the licensee:

Consultant Name: Mr Hughes (ESL (Ecological Services) Ltd) Consultant Address: 1 Otago House, Allenby Business Village, Crofton Road, Lincoln,

Lincolnshire, LN3 4NL

Signature:

Name:

Date:

(for Natural England on behalf of the Secretary of State, Department for Environment, Food and Rural

Affairs)

Important Advice:

This licence authorises acts that would otherwise be offences under the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010. Any departure from the terms or conditions of the licence will be an offence against that Act;This licence conveys no authority for actions prohibited by any other legislation;This licence can be modified or revoked at any time by the Secretary of State or Natural England, but this will not be done unless there are good reasons for doing so. The licence is likely to be revoked immediately if it is discovered that false information had been provided which resulted in the issue of the licence. Any person who provided a false statement or information to obtain this licence is guilty of an offence and may be liable to prosecution;Bodies corporate and their directors/secretaries are liable for offences under the 2010 Regulations.

•

• •

•

17/11/2010

J Vickers

WML-L13a(01/08) EPSM2010-2589 A

Licence Conditions

The licensee is responsible for ensuring that operations comply with all terms and conditions of the licence. While engaged in the activities to which this licence applies the Licensee shall make a copy of the licence available for inspection on each site where the activities are taking place, and shall produce it on demand to any constable or an officer of Natural England.

No agent of the Licensee shall carry out any of the activities to which this licence applies unless authorised in writing by the licensee, appointing them the Licensee’s agent. The agent shall make a copy of the authorisation available for and shall produce it on demand to any constable or officer of Natural England.

The licensee must submit a written report of actions taken under licence, even if no action is taken, and sent to the Natural England officer at the address shown on the top of the report form, to arrive not later than 14 days (two weeks) after the expiry of the licence. Failure to make reports may result in the licence being revoked and/or the refusal to grant subsequent licences.

1.

2.

3.

4.

A person authorised by the licensee shall provide him/her with such information as is within his/her knowledge and is necessary for the Report, which the licensee is required to make to Natural England.

The Licensee shall permit an officer of Natural England, accompanied by such persons as he/she considers necessary for the purpose, on production of his/her identification on demand, reasonable access to the site for monitoring purposes and to be present during any operations carried out under the authority of this licence for the purpose of ascertaining whether the conditions of this licence are being, or have been, complied with. The Licensee shall give all reasonable assistance to an officer of Natural England and any persons accompanying him/her.

The licensee, including servants and named agents, must adhere to the activities agreed in the Method Statement between the licensee and Natural England.

All activities authorised by this licence, and all equipment used in connection herewith shall be carried out, constructed and maintained (as the case may be) so as to avoid cruelty, unnecessary injury or distress to any species covered by this licence.

5.

6.

7.

8.

Methods used in connection with the execution of this licence must comply with the guidance set out in the relevant published mitigation guidelines unless otherwise agreed with Natural England and set out in the attached Method Statement.

9.

Recommendations (Bat Licences only)

Natural England advises that where any individual is likely to come into contact with a bat in the operation of this licence, they should ensure that they wear suitable clothing and gloves and have been vaccinated against European Bat Lyssavirus (EBL).

a).

Special Conditions:

None

10.

11.

The ecologist named on this licence is authorised to appoint such persons in writing to enable them to handle Great crested newts for the specific task of relocating animals from pitfall traps and/or artificial refugia (e.g. carpet tiles) either to the opposite side of the exclusion fencing or to the receptor site, as appropriate. Those appointed persons will be classed as assistants and will only be covered by this licence if they have received appropriate training which includes the handling and welfare of the species. Such persons, who may be 'site staff' or 'field workers', are not required to hold individual Great crested newt licences and may work unsupervised. Persons appointed as assistants by the ecologist named on this licence will be required to produce on demand their written authorisation to a police constable or an officer of Natural England

The ecologist named on this licence shall be responsible for all activities of the persons they have appointed in connection with this licence, as referred to in condition 10, and must provide Natural England with a list of those persons appointed and notify it of any changes to that list.

Great crested newt licences only

WML-L13a(01/08) EPSM2010-2589 A

Postcode:

EPSM2010-2589 AOur Ref:

16 November 2010

Dr Gene Wilson

Northamptonshire

Co. Name:

PE8 6XX

County:

Address:Natural England

Wildlife Licensing UnitBurghill Road

Bristol, BS10 6NJ

T 0845 601 4523F 0845 601 3438

J Vickers

CONSERVATION OF HABITATS AND SPECIES REGULATIONS 2010LICENCE APPLICATION IN RESPECT OF CERTAIN EUROPEAN PROTECTED SPECIES

Dr WilsonDear

SITE: East Northants Resource Management Facility, Stamford Road, Kings Cliffe, , Northamptonshire, PE8 6XX

To:

I refer to your application for a licence in respect of the above site. Please find enclosed licence numbered:

EPSM2010-2589 AIt is essential that you read the conditions of the licence and make it available on site for inspection.

If there are any changes to the proposed works detailed in agreed Method Statement you should inform us as soon as possible. Such changes will likely require a modification to the licence and will need to be agreed by us before a modified licence can be issued.

East Northants Resource Management

Stamford Road

Kings Cliffe

Augean PLC

To help us, you will need to supply us with one paper copy and one CD or three paper copies of the revised Method Statement* (see the note below for specific requirements). This must be sent to the Wildlife Licensing Unit, not a Wildlife Adviser.

Describe any implications for the 'favourable conservation status' of the species licensed as a result of the changes proposed.

Changes to the Method StatementChanges must be identified using one or more of the following methods:

Covering LetterA modification submission should include a covering letter outlining the changes required and providing justification for the alterations. Please ensure the licence reference number is included in the covering letter to ensure the modification is processed as quickly as possible.

A summary of the changes to the licensed Method Statement and other documents;

A summary of the animals captured/ disturbed during the licensed works so far;

In addition, the following information must be provided either in the covering letter or, in the case of Great crested newt applications, on the cover sheet of the Method Statement itself:

A summary of progress with the licensed development/ operation;

Block- coloured text, or all the above.

Use different font colour;

Underline new text/ strikeout deleted text;

WML-L13a(01/08) EPSM2010-2589 A

Yours sincerely,

Senior Licensing Officer

J Vickers

For bat, dormouse and EPS (excluding Great crested newt) licence modifications (or resubmissions following a minded-to-refuse), please submit Document 2 (Delivery Information), together with any photos, maps and plans relevant to the Delivery Information. You only need submit Document 1 (Background Information) if you have altered anything in this document (for example, licensable activities, further survey information, etc.).

Method Statement for Great crested newt.For GCN licence modifications (or resubmissions following a minded-to-refuse), please submit the Method Statement in its entirety, together with all maps, plans, photos and appendices.

Any further documents needed to support the application, including any discussed with the Wildlife Adviser or Senior Licensing Officer assessing the application.

Updated maps, diagrams and figures, as appropriate.

An updated timetable which shows any changes to the programme and allows sufficient time for the assessment of the modified Method Statement by Natural England.

The modified Method Statement must include:

*Please note: Method Statement requirements below.Method Statement for bats, Dormouse and other EPS (Excluding Great crested newt).

If you have any questions relating to this licence or future European Protected Species licence applications, please take the time to read our document called 'How to get a licence' which can be found at the following link on the Natural England website;

www.naturalengland.org.uk/Images/WML-G12_tcm6-4116pdf

WML-L13a(01/08) EPSM2010-2589 A

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