preliminary ecological appraisal · project hirwaun primary school development location hirwaun,...

Preliminary Ecological Appraisal Hirwaun Primary School April 2019

Document Ref: ev190420.1.1 May 2019

Ecological Appraisal | Hirwaun Primary School Page | 2

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Rev. Date Description

01 10/2019 Issued

Document Information

Project Hirwaun Primary School Development

Location Hirwaun, Longfield, CF44 9NG

Title Hirwaun Primary Preliminary Ecological Report

Document Ref ev190120.1.1 Issue / Revision 01

File reference ev190120.1

Start Date 01/12/2018

Name Signature Date

Survey Carried Out

by

Owain Waters 25/04/2019

Document prepared

by

Owain Waters 01/05/2019

Checked by Julian Gregory

/05/2019

Authorised by Julian Gregory

/05/2019



Contents 1 Introduction .................................................................................................................... 5

1.1 Survey Area Description ................................................................................................................... 5

1.2 Works Required ............................................................................................................................... 6

1.3 Methodolgy...................................................................................................................................... 7

1.4 Limitations ....................................................................................................................................... 7

2 Data - Sewbrec............................................................................................................... 8

3 Observations .................................................................................................................. 9

3.1 Vegetation – Section A ..................................................................................................................... 9

3.2 Vegetation – Section B ................................................................................................................... 12

3.3 School Buildings – Exterior ............................................................................................................. 14

3.4 School Buildings – Interior .............................................................................................................. 16

3.5 Nesting Birds .............................................................................................................................. 18

3.6 Bats ............................................................................................................................................ 18

3.7 Common Mammal Species ......................................................................................................... 19

3.8 Common Reptile Species ............................................................................................................ 19

3.9 Common Amphibian Species ...................................................................................................... 19

3.10 Invasive Species ........................................................................................................................ 19

4 Recommendations ....................................................................................................... 20

4.1 Bat Species ..................................................................................................................................... 20

4.2 Bird Species .................................................................................................................................... 20

4.3 Common Reptiles & Amphibians .................................................................................................... 20

4.4 Common Mammals ........................................................................................................................ 21

4.5 Designated Sites ............................................................................................................................. 21

4.6 Invertebrates ................................................................................................................................. 21

4.6 Invasive Species ............................................................................................................................. 21

4.8 Biodiversity Enhancements ............................................................................................................ 21



Figure 1: Survey Area ................................................................................................................................ 5

Figure 2: New School Development Plan ................................................................................................... 6

Figure 3: Diagram of survey sections. ........................................................................................................ 7

Figure 4: Location of Designated Sites. Magic.gov..................................................................................... 8

Figure 5: Habitat Diagram ......................................................................................................................... 9

Figure 6: Recent vegetation management. .............................................................................................. 10

Figure 7: Old nest in small tree. ............................................................................................................... 10

Figure 8: Exterior of communal woodland. ............................................................................................. 10

Figure 9: Wet ground conditions beneath canopy. .................................................................................. 11

Figure 10: Dense cover behind mature tree. Old bird box attached. ....................................................... 11

Figure 11: Large mature tree along southern hedgerow boundary. ........................................................ 11

Figure 12: Dense bramble on raised earth bund. .................................................................................... 12

Figure 13: Watercourse below A465. ...................................................................................................... 12

Figure 14: Pond plant species along banks of narrow watercourse. ........................................................ 13

Figure 15: Meadow Grassland ................................................................................................................. 13

Figure 16: Worn path through grass. ....................................................................................................... 13

Figure 17: Broadleaf & Dense bramble corridor along school meadow boundary. ................................. 14

Figure 18: Additional drainage at northern boundary. Hole in security fence also observed. ................. 14

Figure 19: Mole hills outside of fenced grass play area. .......................................................................... 15

Figure 20: Grass embankment on the north facing edge of the school. .................................................. 15

Figure 21: Small cavity between window and building outer layer. ........................................................ 15

Figure 22: Small garden area outside infants building with rock garden. ................................................ 15

Figure 23: Similar cavity to previous observation on another corner of primary building. ...................... 16

Figure 24: Entrance and ventilation for boiler rooms. ............................................................................. 16

Figure 25: Boiler room in infants building with opening in upper tier. .................................................... 17

Figure 26: Cavity between outer concrete cladding and inner wall. ........................................................ 17

Figure 27: Interior of boiler room storage section. .................................................................................. 17

Figure 28: Interior of sports hall. ............................................................................................................. 18

Figure 29: Location of notable potential bat features. ............................................................................ 19



1 Introduction 1.0.1

EcoVigour have been commissioned by Morgan Sindall Ltd to undertake a Preliminary Ecological Survey (PEA) of the habitat and species present within the grounds of Hirwaun Primary School. A new school is to be constructed within the grounds and the old school then demolished.

1.0.2 This report includes a description of the survey methodology used, and mitigation measures recommended for the works going forward, to ensure that impacts on potential species present are appropriately managed.

1.1 Survey Area Description

1.1.1

The survey area covers the main school ground, attached woodland and meadow habitat, with additonal asessments of the interior of the school building itself. The Primary School consists of two independent buildings, the smaller infant year building andthe larger primary years building.

1.1.2 The school grounds boundaries are intercepted by the residential dwellings to the north, west and east, with narrow broadleaf woodland hedge habitats along multiple sections of these boundaries, sporadically broken with managed access gates or security fence.

1.1.3 The southern boundary of the school boarders the A465 dual carraigeway. A consistant broadleaf woodland belt and hedge corridor lays along this boundary, with a woodland communal area within the south west section of the school grounds.

1.1.4 To the east is a development/intensly managed meadow which is split away from the main school play grounds by a narrow watercourse flowing from below the A465 (South to North) towards the residential housing.. The watercourse is an unamed tributary of the Nant y Bwlch, which later flows into the Afon Cynon further north.

Figure 1: Survey Area



1.2 Works Required

1.2.1

The works consist of vegetation clearance to facilitate development of the new school structures (See figure 2 below). Temporary buildings will be placed in the existing car parks while the smaller infant school building is demolished. The new school is to be demolished and replaced in a phased manner to allow for continued schooling activities to take place.

1.2.2 Existing managed grassland perimeter around the school is to be taken in the extension of the new larger school design, while the meadow to the east is to remain (with some drainage and services works undertaken). Acoustic barriers are to be erected along the A470 boundary to the south of the new school ground.

Figure 2: New School Development Plan



1.3 Methodolgy

1.3.1

The survey comprised of the following:

• A thorough search of the trees and scrub at ground level, gently moving the branches of the trees and bush around to provide visibility.

• A visual assessment of the ground surrounding the vegetation was made for any signs or potential for mammal activity. Signs of activity include faeces, partially eaten nuts and berries, evidence of digging while foraging and mammal holes.

• The description of the habitat has been split into two vegetation sections A & B, with exterior and interior also in separate section in the document below. (see Figure 3 below).

• A data search via (Sewbrec) was requested to provide additional detail to the site walkover.

• A habitat suitability index assessment of the pond adjacent to the compound location was undertaken.

1.4 Limitations

1.4.1

Full access to all internal spaces of the school was not possible at the time of survey, due to potential asbestos in the wiring cavity within the internal structure and elevated areas within the boiler rooms with no stair or ladder access available. The boundary habitat of the A465 was inaccessible, therefore some features such as mammal holes or concealed invasive species may not have been identified.

1.4.2 The Ecological survey was undertaken during the spring period, with moderate intermitted showers, temperatures ranging between 10-15C. The Preliminary Ecological Appraisal format is the chosen approach for this survey.

Figure 3: Diagram of survey sections.



2 Data - Sewbrec Priority Species (e.g. Sch1,2,4&5 species):

• Eurasian Badger (Meles meles) – Single record of badgers during 2012 within 450m west of the school grounds.

• Bat Species – Daubentons, brown long eared, natterer’s, noctule and pipistrelle bats have all been recorded within 1km of the site. One record indicates a pipistrelle foraging around the school buildings but not recorded roosting.

• Bird Species – Several Schedule 1 Bird species including Barn owl (Tyto alba), Red Kite (Milvus milvus), Dunnock, Skylark, Osprey.

• Common Amphibians, there are several records of Common Toads & Frogs within 250m of the central point of the school.

• Common Lizards have been recorded within 1km, South west of the project area.

• Marsh fritillary – Within designated SAC site (Blaen Cynon, 1000m+ North). BAP Species:

• Hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) - There are several records of hedgehog within close proximity to the school development site.

Designated Sites:

• Blaen Cynon & Cors Bryn y Gaer (SAC)– Key Designated Features: Annex II species, 1065 Marsh fritillary butterfly. Blaen Cynon contains an extensive complex of damp pastures and heaths supporting the largest metapopulation of marsh fritillary on the southern edge of the Brecon Beacons National Park.

• Tir Mawr a Dderi-hir, Llwydcoed (SSSI) - The site supports purple moor-grass, rush pastures, lowland fen and lowland meadows. Marsh fritillary butterflies have been recorded at the site in several years since 1993.

Figure 4: Location of Designated Sites. Magic.gov



3 Observations 3.1 Vegetation – Section A

3.1.1

At the access to the school & staff carpark, recent vegetation clearance was evident, including coppicing & chipping of mature trees along the western boundary (Figures 6 & 7). Maintained grassland surrounds the perimeter of the school buildings (See figure 5, for main habitats within the development site). Old disused birds nests were noted along the maintained boundary.

3.1.2 Habitat connectivity along the southern vegetated corridor between the school grounds and A465 is dense and well established. Consisting primarily of broadleaf tree species and bramble shrub along the narrow sections. Several mature distinct trees are situated within the school boundary consisting of ash, oak, birch and blackthorn. (Figure 8).

3.1.3 Within the small communal woodland area, there are sections of planted broadleaf woodland which establishes the border between the school and the A465. Canopy cover is dense with wet ground conditions restricting diverse establishment of lower ground covering plant species (Figure 7). Predominately patches of grass and bramble dominate the woodland floor habitat.

3.1.4 Several large mature trees with dense ivy cover may provide a level of bat roosting potential. Several old bird boxes were noted on trees within the woodland (Figure 8).

3.1.5 Continuing along the southern boundary moving east is a raised earth bund, covered with dense bramble and scrub species. Individual trees are staggered in a single row throughout the hedge following the dual carriageway boundary (Figures 11 & 12).

3.1.6 A small narrow watercourse (Figure 13) splits the formilised managed grassland of the school with a wild unmanaged meadow. Broadleaf trees are situated along both sides of the narrow unnamed watercourse.

Figure 5: Habitat Diagram



Figure 6: Recent vegetation management. Figure 7: Old nest in small tree.

Figure 8: Exterior of communal woodland.



Figure 9: Wet ground conditions beneath canopy. Figure 10: Dense cover behind mature tree. Old bird box attached.

Figure 11: Large mature tree along southern hedgerow boundary.



3.2 Vegetation – Section B

3.2.1

In the next section of the site east of the watercourse is the aforementioned meadow area. Dense vegetation cover boarders almost the entirety of the field. There are numerous broadleaf species along the watercourse, the southern boundary & northern boundary.

3.2.2 Pond fern species are present in the small slow flowing section of the unnamed watercourse (Figure 14).

3.2.3 Tufty grass mounds are prevalent within all open areas of the meadow. Some fly tipping was observed with worn paths, likely from dog walkers (Figure 15 &17).

3.2.4 Mammal runs through the hedgerows were observed at the southern and northern boundaries (Figure 16).

3.2.5 The security fence next to the watercourse has been breached allowing members of the public to walk into the meadow area (Figure 18).

3.2.6 Domestic cats observed within the meadow.

3.2.7 No large mature trees within the meadow were noted, however as with the rest of the southern boundary, connectivity is well established. Birds observed foraging, entering and exiting dense vegetation.

Figure 12: Dense bramble on raised earth bund. Figure 13: Watercourse below A465.



Figure 14: Pond plant species along banks of narrow watercourse.

Figure 16: Worn path through grass. Figure 15: Meadow Grassland



3.3 School Buildings – Exterior

3.3.1

Within section B and the main exterior of the school is a narrow section of maintained grass embankment and a fenced play area for the infant school. Mole hills were observed on the outer edges of the fenced area (Figure 17).

3.3.2 There is limited to no habitat connectivity along the northern school boundary west of the watercourse. Isolated evergreens are situated close to the primary school outdoor yard (Figure 18).

3.3.3 Within the infant school hard surface play area is a raised garden. Within the garden is a rock/boulder garden, flower patches, small trees and trellis arches (Figure 20).

3.3.4 Along the extremities of the school buildings are several cavities where roofing or window frames meet the outer wall panels (21 & 23). Entrance appears to be clear and at an appropriate size and height for viable flight paths.

3.3.5 The boiler room for the primary school features an opening above the ventilation screen (Figure 24). Which prompted further investigation, while access was available via the onsite care taker.

3.3.6 Un-pictured next to the boiler room is a small outdoor building housing the gas supply valves. Inspection of this small building yielded no bat features.

Figure 17: Broadleaf & Dense bramble corridor along school meadow boundary.

Figure 18: Additional drainage at northern boundary. Hole in security fence also observed.



Figure 19: Mole hills outside of fenced grass play area. Figure 20: Grass embankment on the north facing edge of the school.

Figure 21: Small cavity between window and building outer layer.

Figure 22: Small garden area outside infants building with rock garden.



3.4 School Buildings – Interior

3.4.1

Following the survey of the exterior of the buildings, further investigation was undertaken within the school buildings and boiler rooms.

3.4.2 The majority of the school interior is well maintained, with no observed defects allow bats to readily enter building Access to the wiring cavity above the panel ceiling was not possible at this time, due to the presence of asbestos (Figure 26).

3.4.3 The boiler rooms of both buildings are predominantly in darkness with sporadic use/checks by school staff/caretaker. The cavity between the outer school wall and insulated interior can be seen in Figure 24. The cavity is narrow but appears to be extensive in length.

3.4.4 Within the infant school building is a raised roof access with light clearly bleeding through the exposed panels. Access to this upper area is not possible without roof access ladders (Figure 23).

3.4.5 No bat or bat droppings where observed in the accessible interior of the school during the survey.

Figure 23: Similar cavity to previous observation on another corner of primary building.

Figure 24: Entrance and ventilation for boiler rooms.



Figure 25: Boiler room in infants building with opening in upper tier.

Figure 26: Cavity between outer concrete cladding and inner wall.

Figure 27: Interior of boiler room storage section.



3.5 Nesting Birds

3.5.1

The survey was undertaken within the traditional bird nesting season (March – August inclusive). No nesting birds were confirmed within the nests, the nests observed were likely older crow nests.

3.5.2 However, numerous bird calls were noted, with several common species observed foraging throughout the entire external survey. The variety of dense vegetation, elevated areas and water sources provide ample opportunity for nesting birds.

3.5.3 It’s possible that established bird nests exist within the meadow area boundary.

3.6 Bats

3.6.1

No definitive features pertaining to the presence of bats during the survey in or around the school. However, numerous features and structural defects provide suitable roosting locations for several bat species. Dense ivy cover around some of the older mature trees may be suitable for temporary roosting or concealing bat features.

3.6.2 The boiler rooms of both buildings is of particular interest as a potentially suitably bat roosting site. The combination of warm conditions, the cavities between the inner walls and outer concrete cladding which are narrow but extensive in length create a potential roosting site

3.6.3 Openings exist at both boiler rooms which would allow bat flight lines. Combined with cavities on the edge of window frames present numerous opportunities for habitation. Limited light pollution along southern section of the school further increase viability.

Figure 28: Interior of sports hall.



3.7 Common Mammal Species

3.7.1

No mammal holes were identified within the survey area, pertaining to subterranean dwelling mammals such as badgers and rabbits. Although, distinct mammal runs in hedgerows were noted indicated suitable foraging within the meadow and connected area. Several mole hills where noted outside the fenced play area in section B.

3.7.2 The raised bunded area would likely be suitable for small borrows depending on the nature of the substrate within the bund structure.

3.8 Common Reptile Species

3.8.1

No common reptile species were observed during the survey however there are an abundance of basking areas and connection to the meadow habitat provide more than suitable conditions for a variety of reptile species such as common lizard and slow worms. The small garden outside the infant school containing the rock garden are also likely suitable for a small population of reptiles.

3.9 Common Amphibian Species

3.9.1

Again, as with reptile species no definitive evidence of amphibian presence was recorded. However, the small watercourse, wet ground conditions in areas and high levels of habitat connectivity created optimum conditions for common amphibians such as frogs and toads.

3.10 Invasive Species

3.10.1

No Schedule 9 Species such as Japanese Knotweed / Himalayan balsam were noted within the survey area at the time of survey, however limited access in some areas close to the A465 prevented a conclusive survey for potential invasive species.

Figure 29: Location of notable potential bat features.



4 Recommendations 4.1 Bat Species

4.1.1

All British bats and any place used for shelter/protection/breeding site/resting place (their roosts) are fully protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) and the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 (as amended).

4.1.2 The data search highlights local populations are present within the vicinity of the school, with one record noting flight paths outside the school building but no identified roosts.

4.1.3 Combining the suitible sized cavitirs observed, mature trees with ivy cover in the communual woodland, insulated boiler room cavities. Further investigation in the form of emergence surveys are required to accuratly assess the level of activity around the school and triangulate the locations of any roosts which may be in the area.

4.1.4 The buildings have been assessed to offer Medium potential for roosting bats. Therefore two surveys will be required, one dusk emergence and one dawn return to roost. Due to the shape of the buildings, four surveyors should be used to ensure there is line of sight onto all aspects of the building. The large mature trees within the communal woodland will be assessed by a licensed ecolgist prior to the strucutre emgence survey.

4.1.5 In the event that bats are found, mitigation, and a Natural Resources Wales European Protect Species (EPS) Licence may be required. Bat Licensing can take upto 8 weeks to be granted or longer depending on desired input by the legislator.

4.2 Bird Species

4.2.1

All nesting birds are protected by UK Law. Care needs to be taken during activities which could impact on nesting birds. These are predominantly activities such as site clearance and the demolition of buildings and structures.

4.2.2 Vegetation clearance and demolition works within the breeding season will be supervised by an ecologist.

4.2.3 The supervising ecologist and site personnel will undertake a visual survey for nesting birds prior to and during the removal of vegetation. Should an active nest be encountered, it requires (at least) a 10 metre exclusion zone of vegetation that will remain until the young birds have fledged and left the nest and the adults have abandoned the nest.

4.3 Common Reptiles & Amphibians

4.3.1

The presence of reptiles & amphibians has not been visually confirmed during the ecological assessment, but the ecological data search indicates that common reptile & amphibian species are present in the area. Presence will therefore be assumed due the suitable habitat available. The most likely species to be encountered at this site are slowworms, common lizards, toads & frogs.

4.3.2 All commonly occurring reptile species (common lizard, slow worm, grass snake and adder). are protected by UK law, making it an offence to injure or kill them. Therefore, all possible strategies to reduce the chances of this happening during any site activities must be implemented as 'best practice'.

4.3.3 Care must be taken to avoid killing or injuring reptiles & amphibians during site clearance. As the development requires significant land disturbance while maintained much of the meadow area. An exclusion methodology is recommended.



4.3.4 Installation of reptile exclusion fencing along the extremities of the meadow should take place prior to development works. Provided there are no developments proposed within the area, the meadow area will become a receptor site. An acoustic barrier is required in the new design, resulting in vegetation clearance and likely topsoil and earth material movement.

4.3.5 A watching brief should be implemented to supervise these destructive works. Any species found will be translocated to the fenced receptor area. Additionally, the small garden and boulder arrangement will require supervision during dismantling.

4.4 Common Mammals

4.4.1

No evidence of badgers was noted during the site walkover but there are some dense areas of vegetation which would obscure badger signs. In the event that a badger sett is encountered within the vegetation clearance area, works will cease immediately in that location, and the ecologist will be called to inspect the potential sett.

4.4.2 If the sett in question is deemed active, consultation will immediately be undertaken with Natural Resources Wales on the potential implications and requirement for a licence to carry out works in the vicinity of the sett.

4.4.3 In regard to Moles, although considered pests, this species is protected under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 from unnecessary suffering. Considerations should be made in removing these animals from the development area in the most humane manner possible.

4.5 Designated Sites

4.5.1

The site footprint does not reside within the SSSI’s. Additionally, the designated features that support the sites are unlikely to be affected by the proposed development works. No further scoping surveys are recommended in regards to Annex I & II features being impact by these development works.

4.6 Invertebrates

4.6.1

The meadow area likely provides a suitable habitat for a variety of invertebrate species. Checks were undertaken for potential Marsh Fritillary features (April- Caterpillar/moving to pupa stage). However, Devils-bit Scabious does not flower this early in the year, so it is not possible to fully evaluate the potential of this habitat for Marsh Fritillary habitation.

4.6 Invasive Species

4.7.1

Although no invasive species were positively identified, the principle contractor must remain vigilant for the potential spread of invasive species, which are common along road corridors. Should an invasive species be encountered, then a formal Invasive Species management plan would be required.

4.8 Biodiversity Enhancements

4.7.1

Timber and brash from vegetation clearance can be utilised to build additional hibernacula.

4.7.2 Wet ground conditions within the woodland is stifling tree growth and overall health. Some of the larger mature tree may require an arboriculturist to prune and remove dead limbs to improve longevity.

4.7.3 Removal of some of the younger broadleaf trees will improve light permeating through the canopy to the woodland floor. Combined with better ground drainage and active vegetation management. Wildflowers can be established to enhance the educational and wellbeing value of the woodland.

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