preliminary ecological appraisal report · britannia house caerphilly business park van road...

Director: Richard Dodd, BSc (Hons), CEcol, MCIEEM Wildwood Ecology Limited. Registered in England & Wales, Company No. 6646654 VAT No. 938019610

Registered Office: Queen Anne House, 66 Cricklade Street, Cirencester, Gloucestershire, GL7 1JN

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PRELIMINARY ECOLOGICAL APPRAISAL REPORT

LAND OFF CLEARVIEW COURT, SHIRENEWTON

MR DAVID ADAMS

DOCUMENT REF: WWE18120/PEA/REV_C | 30/10/2018

Mr David Adams Land off Clearview Court, Shirenewton WWE18120/PEA/Rev_C Preliminary Ecological Appraisal Report

© Wildwood Ecology Limited 2018 Page ii

Client: Mr David Adams

Site/Job: Land off Clearview Court, Shirenewton

Report title: Preliminary Ecological Appraisal Report

Report reference: WWE18120/PEA/Rev_C

Grid Reference: ST 48175 93661

Survey date(s): 18/06/2018

Surveyed by: Ms C Poole

Architect/Agent: LHS Planning

Planning reference: -

VERSIONING AND QUALITY ASSURANCE

Rev Status Date Author(s) Reviewed by Approved by

C FINAL 30/10/2018 Charlotte Poole Assistant

Ecologist Matt Davies MCIEEM

Senior Ecologist

DISCLAIMER

This document has been prepared by Wildwood Ecology Limited for Mr David Adams solely as a Preliminary Ecological Appraisal Report. Wildwood Ecology Limited accepts no responsibility or liability for any use that is made of this document other than by the client for the purposes for which it was originally commissioned and prepared. The evidence which we have prepared and provided is true, and has been prepared and provided in accordance with the guidance of The Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management’s Code of Professional Conduct. We confirm that the opinions expressed are our true and professional bona fide opinions.


© Wildwood Ecology Limited 2018 Page iii

SUMMARY P

urp

ose

• Wildwood Ecology was commissioned by Mr David Adams (the client) to undertake a Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA) of Land off Clearview Court, Shirenewton.

• The site is the subject of planning application that proposes a new residential development.

Wo

rk u

nd

erta

ken

• A PEA was undertaken consisting of a desk study and field survey undertaken in June 2018 following the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM) Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (2013) guidelines and standard Phase 1 Habitat Survey protocol (JNCC, 2010).

Key

issu

es

• In the absence of mitigation, the development may result in impacts on wildlife and habitats affecting the following protected species:

o Bats o Reptiles o Great crested newt o Common dormouse o Nesting birds o West European hedgehog

Rec

om

men

dat

ion

s

• Integrated bat tubes will be installed within the gable walls of plots 4 to 6.

• A new landscaping scheme will incorporate a new hedgerow feature to compensate for the loss of potential flight lines and commuting corridors for bats and other species.

• There will be no lighting of any new or retained boundary vegetation, or bat features incorporated within the new properties.

• A biodiversity method statement will be required to be agreed with the LPA ecologist in respect to reptiles, nesting birds, dormice and great crested newt.

• Bird boxes suitable for use by house sparrows, swift and starling will be installed on plots 1, 3 and 8.

• Gaps will be retained or created (as enhancement) in any newly created boundaries to allow hedgehogs to pass through the site.

• Native species of local provenance will be used for any new planting on the site (including trees).

Co

ncl

usi

on

s • If all recommendations are followed, then it is possible for the proposals to be undertaken and for there to be no net loss of biodiversity at the site.

• This ecological report will remain valid for a period of 2 years from the date of the last survey – i.e. until June 2020.


© Wildwood Ecology Limited 2018 Page iv

CONTENTS

Summary iii

List of figures iv

List of tables v

1 Introduction 1

2 Methodology 3

3 Results 5

4 Interpretation and Assessment 10

5 Conclusions and Recommendations 15

6 References 18

PEA plan 19

Proposed development plan 20

Proposed Ecological Recommendations 21

Survey images 24

Species list 28

Planning policy and legislation 29

Survey Calendar 34

List of figures

Figure 1 - Aerial image of the site (orange line shows the site boundary). Image used under licence (©2018 Google). Imagery date 17/06/2017. ......................................................................................................................... 1

Figure 2 - Proposed development plan. Provided by client ....................................................................................................20

Figure 3 - Proposed hedgerow compensation plan. Orange – site boundary; Yellow – 86.0m of existing onsite hedgerow; Red – Proposed vision splay surrounding proposed access road; Green – 82.0m proposed location for compensation hedgerow (image used under licence (©2018 Google). ..........................................21

Figure 4 - Proposed location of herp-fencing. Orange - site boundary; Light blue; proposed fencing location. Image used under licence (©2018 Google). ..........................................................................................................22

Figure 5 - Recommended locations for bat and bird nest boxes. Red - bat boxes; Green - bird nest boxes .......................23

Figure 6 - Likely bat flight lines following vegetation lines. Yellow indicates as present; red indicates hedge to be lost; blue indicates with new hedgerow. ..........................................................................................................23

Figure 7 - North east corner of the site. Photo taken from central access road within site .................................................25

Figure 8 - Western boundary. Photo taken from central access road within site .................................................................25

Figure 9 - South west corner of the site. Photo taken from north .........................................................................................25

Figure 10 - Hedgerow present along northern boundary and north east edge of the site. Photo taken from central access road ..................................................................................................................................................25

Figure 11 - Central onsite road. Photo taken from north looking south ................................................................................25


© Wildwood Ecology Limited 2018 Page v

Figure 12 - Western boundary and south west corner of site. Photo taken from north west corner .................................25

Figure 13 - Species poor hedgerow at south west of the site. Photo taken from south west corner ..................................26

Figure 14 - Area dominated by common hogweed. Target note 3 ........................................................................................26

Figure 15 - Arable land to the east of the site. Photo taken from westernmost grassland. .................................................26

Figure 16 - Northern boundary hedgerow ...............................................................................................................................26

Figure 17 - Wire and post fence separating arable land from the grassland. Photo taken looking south ...........................26

Figure 18 - Crop plants present in arable land. Barley and wheat..........................................................................................26

Figure 19 - Northern boundary hedgerow. View from access road to the north that bounds the hedgerow ....................27

Figure 20 - North east corner of grassland where hedgerow meets bracken and wire and post fence. Photo taken looking north .................................................................................................................................................27

List of tables

Table 1 – Sources of biodiversity and ecological records. ......................................................................................................... 3

Table 2 – Surveyor information. ................................................................................................................................................. 4

Table 3 – Summary of designated sites in range of the site. .................................................................................................... 5

Table 4 – Priority and protected species records found in the vicinity of the site within the last 10 years. ......................... 7

Table 5 – Summary of weather conditions during the PEA....................................................................................................... 8

Table 6 – Habitats and linear features present onsite. ............................................................................................................. 9

Table 7 – Indicative potential impacts of the proposed development affecting onsite protected species. ........................13

Table 8 – Recommendations. ...................................................................................................................................................15


© Wildwood Ecology Limited 2018 Page 1 of 33

1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Wildwood Ecology was commissioned by Mr David Adams (the client) to undertake a preliminary

ecological appraisal (PEA) of Land off Clearview Court, Shirenewton (the site) centred at grid reference

ST 48175 93661.

Site description

1.2 The site lies in the east of Shirenewton, a village in Monmouthshire.

1.3 The aerial image of the site (Figure 1) shows that the majority of the site is made up of grassland habitat

divided into two sections by an access road. The easternmost area consists of an area of land used for

arable crops (the north western corner of a larger adjacent field).

1.4 The site is bounded by an access road and residential properties in the north, residential properties in

the west and south west, agricultural fields (arable) to the east and grassland to the south east.

1.5 The wider landscape includes the town of Shirenewton, agricultural fields, pastureland and small parcels

of woodlands.

Figure 1 - Aerial image of the site (orange line shows the site boundary). Image used under licence (©2018 Google). Imagery date 17/06/2017.

Proposed development

1.6 The site is the subject of an outline planning application for the development of 11 residential dwellings;

seven consisting of a property with both front and rear gardens with either singular or multiple trees,

garage and driveway and four terraced properties with rear and front gardens.

1.7 The proposed plans include the insertion of an access road to the eastern section of the site with

accompanying vision splay, approximately 43.0m in length, therefore retaining approximately 35.0m of

hedgerow.



Purpose of this report

1.8 The purpose of this report is to provide sufficient information for the local planning authority to fully

assess the potential ecological impacts of the proposed development, or to identify what further

information is required before a full assessment can be made.

1.9 The result of the PEA has been used to inform whether further surveys are required, or to establish the

need for, and extent of, any mitigation or compensation measures required as part of the proposed

development.



2 METHODOLOGY

Desk study

2.1 A biodiversity desk study was undertaken in relation to the site in June 2018. The sources consulted and

the type of information obtained are summarised in Table 1.

Table 1 – Sources of biodiversity and ecological records.

Source Information requested

(search buffer from site centre/boundary)

South East Wales Biodiversity Records Centre (SEWBReC)

• Protected and priority species (2km)

• Sites of local importance/designation (1km)

Multi-Agency Geographic Information for the Countryside (MAGIC)1

• International statutory designations (5km)

• National statutory designations (2km)

2.2 The search buffers are considered to be sufficient to cover the potential zone of influence (ZoI2) of the

proposed development.

2.3 The impact of the proposed development on the biological integrity of any nearby designated protected

sites has been fully considered.

2.4 No previous survey information was available for the site itself.

Field survey

2.5 A field survey was undertaken on 18/06/2018.

2.6 All habitats present within the site with the potential to support rare, protected, or otherwise notable

species of flora or fauna (together with any direct signs) were noted.

2.7 In the context of this report, rare, protected, or otherwise notable species of flora or fauna were those

considered to meet any of the following criteria:

• Species protected by UK or European legislation (see Appendix VI);

• UK Post 2010 UK Biodiversity Framework priority species or Local Biodiversity Action Plan (LBAP)

species;

• Nationally rare or nationally scarce species;

• Species of Conservation Concern (e.g. JNCC Red List, RSPB/BTO Red or Amber Lists).

2.8 A PEA habitat map was drawn up incorporating target notes used to highlight features of particular

ecological interest (see Appendix I).

2.9 The Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981) as amended, makes it an offence to release or allow to escape

into the wild any animal, plant or micro-organism not ordinarily resident in the UK (as listed in Schedule

9 of the Act). Plant species listed in Schedule 9 were searched for during the survey. Examples include

species such as Japanese knotweed (Fallopia japonica) and Himalayan balsam (Impatiens glandulifera).

1 http://magic.defra.gov.uk/MagicMap.aspx 2 ZoI definition – ‘the areas/resources that may be affected by the biophysical changes caused by activities associated with a project’ (CIEEM, 2016).



Surveyor information

2.10 The PEA was undertaken by Ms Charlotte Poole. See Table 2 for further information.

Table 2 – Surveyor information.

Surveyor Licences Ecological experience

Charlotte Poole M.Sc., B.Sc. (Hons) Assistant Ecologist

-

Holds a 2:1 Honours degree in Biology and a Masters (Conservation and Geographical Information Systems). Experience of working with ecological consultancies and local authorities as a surveyor of bats and newts.

Limitations and assumptions

2.11 The desk study and field survey will not produce a comprehensive list of plants and animals as this will

be limited by factors that influence their presence (e.g. activity and dormancy periods). An assessment

can however be made of the habitats within the survey area, their nature conservation value and

potential to support protected or priority species.

2.12 No other limitations were encountered or assumptions made during either the desk study or the field

survey and it is considered that with the access gained and recording undertaken an accurate

assessment of the site’s ecological value has been made.



3 RESULTS

Desk study

Designated sites (statutory)

3.1 There were three international statutory designations (SACs) within 5km of the site and seven national

statutory designations (6x SSSIs and 1x AONB) within 2km (see Table 3).

Designated sites (non-statutory)

3.2 There were five non-statutory designations (all SINCs) within 1km of the site (see Table 3).

Table 3 – Summary of designated sites in range of the site.

Site name Designation Description / key reason for designation Distance & direction

Shirenewton Meadows SINC • Neutral grassland 0.2km N

Mynydd-Bach Meadows SINC • Neutral grassland 0.5km N

Wye Valley AONB

• Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) recognised in particular for its limestone gorge scenery and dense native woodlands, wildlife, archaeological and industrial remains.

0.6km N

Mwyngloddfa Mynydd -bach SSSI • Lesser horseshoe bat winter hibernation

roost. 0.6km N

Land off Usk Road/Wayside SINC • Neutral grassland and hedgerows 0.7km N

Longmead Wood SINC • No information available 0.8km SW

Wye Valley Lesser Horseshoe Bat Site

SSSI • 4 Lesser horseshoe bat summer roosts 0.8km NE

Wye Valley and Forest of Dean Bat Sites

SAC • Greater horseshoe bat

• Lesser horseshoe bat 0.8km NE

Llwyn y Celyn Wetland SSSI • Marshy grassland 0.9km N

Coombe Valley Woods SSSI • Semi-natural broadleaved woodland

• The common dormouse 1.8km W

Dinham Meadows SSSI/SINC

• Unimproved neutral grassland, associated with unimproved limestone grassland.

• Grizzled skipper butterfly

1.8km SE

Wye Valley Woodlands / Coedtiroedd Dyffryn Gwy

SAC

• Yew-dominated woodland

• Mixed woodland on base-rich soils associated with rocky slopes

• Beech forests on neutral to rich soils

• Lesser horseshoe bat

4.7km E

River Wye / Afon Gwy SAC/SSSI

• Running water supporting Ranunculion vegetation

• Otter

• Fish species including Atlantic salmon, Twaite shad, Allis shad, Sea lamprey, river lamprey and book lamprey, bullhead and a group of rare craneflies

• A population of flowering rush, which is a rare plant in Wales.

• Rare and scarce mosses and liverworts, including the rare flood-moss

• Goosander- The river is an important wintering area for this species

• White-clawed or Atlantic stream crayfish

4.8km E



• Aquatic invertebrates including mayflies, stoneflies, caddisflies, riffle beetles and the compressed river mussel.

• Rivers with floating vegetation often dominated by water-crowfoot

• Very wet mires often identified by an unstable 'quaking' surface

• An important population of the scarce club-tailed dragonfly



Priority and protected species

3.3 Table 4 summarises the priority and protected species records found within the local area within the

last 10 years.

Table 4 – Priority and protected species records found in the vicinity of the site within the last 10 years.

Protected & priority # of records (# species) Further information

Groups Species Onsite <500m >500m

Bats

Bechstein’s bat - - 1 Bechstein’s bat: unknown roost

type recorded 1.5km from the site dated 2018.

Brown long-eared bat

- - 2 Brown long-eared bat: day roost

recorded 1.2km from the site dated 2012.

Common pipistrelle - - 5 Common pipistrelle: unknown

roost type recorded 0.5km from the site dated 2009.

Lesser horseshoe bat

- - 20 Lesser horseshoe bat: hibernation

roost recorded 0.9km from the site dated 2011.

Noctule - - 2 Noctule: bat pass recorded 1.2km

from the site dated 2012.

Soprano pipistrelle - - 1

Unidentified pipistrelle

- - 1

Soprano pipistrelle: bat pass recorded 1.2km from the site

dated 2011.

Unidentified long-eared species

- - 1

Unidentified Myotis - - 1

Unidentified bat - - 1

TOTALS - - (-) 6 (35)

Mammals

(excluding bats)

European otter - - 1 Closest records to site:

European otter: spraint recorded 1.4km from the site dated 2013.

Common dormouse: Female dormouse with pink young and a pregnant female dormouse were recorded 1.9km from the site dated 2012.

Common dormouse - - 25

TOTALS - - (-) 2 (26)

Amphibians

Great crested newt - - 2 Closest record to site:

Great crested newt: 0.56km dated 2014

TOTALS - - (-) 1 (2)

Reptiles Adder - - 1 Closest records to site:

Adder: 3.2km dated 2016 TOTALS - - 1 (1)



Protected & priority # of records (# species) Further information

Groups Species Onsite <500m >500m

Birds

Schedule 1

-

- (-)

1 (1)

Schedule 1 species:

barn owl

Non-schedule 1 - 5 (20) 12 (30)

Non-schedule 1 species: bullfinch, corn bunting, cuckoo, dunnock, hawfinch, house sparrow, linnet, marsh tit, song thrush, spotted flycatcher, starling, willow tit and wood warbler.

Invertebrates

- 1 62 Other invertebrate species: dingy skipper, drab looper, grizzled skipper, long-horned bee, scarce hook-tip, red-shanked carder-bee and white admiral.

TOTALS - 1 6 (62)

Plants see further info - 1 (3) 3 (16) Species: bluebell, small Alison and small-flowered sticky eyebright.

Field survey

Timing and conditions

3.4 Prevailing weather conditions during the field survey are summarised within Table 5.

Table 5 – Summary of weather conditions during the PEA.

Date

Weather conditions

Temp [°C] Cloud cover [Oktas] Wind speed

[Beaufort scale] Rain

11/01/2018 19 4 F0/F1 None

3.5 The distribution and extent of habitats observed within the site is illustrated in the PEA plan (see

Appendix I). An accompanying species list (including scientific names) can be found in Appendix IV.

3.6 The habitats present onsite are described in detail in Table 6 using the standard Phase 1 survey habitat

classification hierarchical alphanumeric reference codes (JNCC, 2010).

3.7 Please also refer to Table 6 for a list and description of the onsite target notes. The positions for these

target notes are highlighted in the PEA plan in Appendix I.

3.8 The site was classified according to the following habitat types: B.6 poor semi-improved grassland, J.1.1

arable and C.1.1 continuous bracken.



Table 6 – Habitats and linear features present onsite.

Habitat type / Linear feature Species present Other observations

B2.2 Neutral grassland (semi-improved)

There are two large areas of semi-improved

neutral grassland present on site, the two

areas are located to the west and centre of

the site either side of the central access

road. The site is bounded on the west by a

wooden garden fence.

Creeping buttercup, ribwort

plantain, broad leaved dock,

smooth cat’s ear, cow parsley,

broad leaved willowherb, great

willowherb, creeping

cinquefoil, ground elder,

silverweed, red clover,

Yorkshire fog, common nettle,

ivy, common hogweed and

false oat grass.

• Large area dominated by

common hogweed (Target

Note 3).

• Grassland in general is mown

with grass cuttings not

removed at the time of visit

(Target Note 2).

• Grass height is varying creating

tussocks and open areas.

J1.1 Arable

To the east of the site is a section of arable

land separated from the semi-improved

neutral grassland by a post and wire fence.

Barley (with some wheat).

• Small scattering of wheat

plants in amongst barley crop.

(Target Note 1).

C1.1 Continuous bracken

In the north eastern area of the site there is

a small section of bracken located in

between the arable field and the northern

hedgerow.

Bracken -

J2.1.2 Species-poor, intact hedge

The site is bounded to the north by a

species-rich intact hedge.

Bramble, hazel, fern sp., hedge

bedstraw, herb Robert, bush

vetch, false oat grass, sweet

vernal grass, common nettle,

ivy, hawthorn, and common

hogweed.

• Large hedge (approximately

1.5m wide, 3-4m high and 86m

long) with species rich

understory.

• Hedgerow terminates in north

west corner of the site but

connects to further hedgerow

in the east.

J2.1.2 Species-poor, intact hedge

The site is bounded on the south west

edge by a species poor intact hedge.

Leyland cypress, hazel,

hawthorn, ivy -

J2.4 Fence

The central section of the site is separated

from the arable land by a post and wire

fence.

Yorkshire fog, sweet vernal

grass and common nettle

Onsite fauna

3.9 The presence of the following species was observed or detected around the site during the survey: robin

and blackbird.



4 INTERPRETATION AND ASSESSMENT

4.1 The proposed development will require displacement of onsite habitats and disturbance to their

associated features. This section concerns an assessment of ecological impacts resulting from the

proposed development.

4.2 The following interpretation and assessment is provided to ensure full compliance with both UK and

European legislation and both local and national planning policy (see Appendix V).

Designated sites

4.3 There were both statutory and non-statutory designated sites identified within the vicinity of the site

(see Table 3). The closest statutory site was the Wye Valley AONB, 0.6km to the north of the site. The

closest non-statutory site was the Shirenewton Meadows SINC, 0.2km to the north of the site.

4.4 There is some connectivity between the site and Shirenewton Meadows SINC via hedgerows and

treelines. Given the proximity of this non-statutory site to two statutory sites: Wye Valley Lesser

Horseshoe Bat Site (SSSI) and Wye Valley and Forest of Dean Bat Sites (SAC) – both 0.8km to the north

of the site) it can be anticipated that the proposed development could have an indirect impact due to

disturbance of wildlife (using hedgerows to commute to and from the site and using hedgerows to

commute through the site to forage) both during works and post works due to increased lighting,

reduction of foraging opportunities, barriers to movement and noise.

4.5 All other non-statutory designations mentioned above are sufficiently well separated from the site.

Given the scale of the proposed development, and the lack of likely impacts beyond the site boundary,

these nearby designated sites are sufficiently well separated so that no impacts on their designated

features are anticipated as a result of the works.

Priority and protected habitats

4.6 The following priority habitats (as listed in Section 7 of the Environment (Wales) Act 2016) were present

onsite: hedgerows and arable field margins.

4.7 These onsite habitats are of principal importance for maintaining and enhancing biodiversity in Wales.

Priority and protected species

4.8 The following priority species (as listed in Section 7 of the Environment (Wales) Act 2016) were present

or likely to be present onsite, or in the vicinity of the site: bats (commuting/foraging), common

dormouse, reptiles, great crested newts and West European hedgehog.

Bats

4.9 The local records search returned a number of records for bat species in the vicinity of the site (see

Table 4).

4.10 The closest bat record to site is for common pipistrelle 0.5km from the site dated 2009.

4.11 The onsite habitat (grassland and hedgerows) provide foraging resources and commuting routes for

bats. There is good connectivity via hedgerows and treelines from the site to surrounding areas, e.g.,

the nearby Wye Valley and Forest of Dean Bat Sites (SAC), the Wye Valley Lesser Horseshoe Bat Site

(SSSI) and the surrounding woodlands (Dinham Valley Woods, Parts of Gondra Great Wood (1 and 2),

Whitemill Common and Roughets Woods), that offer foraging opportunities.

4.12 Given the proximity of the site to the previously listed sites and the available connecting foraging and

commuting habitat, it can be assumed that bats will use the site for foraging and commuting. Therefore,



it is anticipated that the proposed development could have an indirect impact on bats that would be

using hedgerows to commute to and from the site to forage in addition to using hedgerows to commute

through the site to forage in other suitable habitats.

4.13 There are no features onsite that can be used by bats to roost within, and no record of any adjacent

structure with known roosts.

4.14 All bats and their roosts, irrespective of the number of bats, species, ad whether bats are present or

not, are fully protected by the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 and the Wildlife

and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended).

4.15 There may be a negative impact on bat species as a result of the proposed development, due to a loss

of foraging habitat and commuting routes (grassland and hedgerows) leading to habitat fragmentation

and direct and indirect disturbance both during works and post works due to increased lighting,

reduction of foraging opportunities, barriers to movement and noise.

Common dormouse

4.16 The local records search returned a number of records for common dormouse in the vicinity of the site

with the closest for a site 1.9km away (see Table 4).

4.17 Onsite habitats (onsite hedgerow) include species that are known to be used as a food resource by the

common dormouse e.g., hazel, bramble and hawthorn.

4.18 Off-site connecting habitats to the east of the site also include species that are known to be used as a

food resource by the common dormouse.

4.19 The northern boundary hedgerow terminates at the north-west corner of site and links to habitat to the

east which further links via hedgerows to the surrounding woodland areas (Dinham Valley Woods, Parts

of Gondra Great Wood (1 and 2), Whitemill Common and Roughets Woods). There are no gaps present

within the hedgerow onsite, however, small breaks are present within the same hedgerow offsite, to

accommodate access roads.

4.20 The proposed development will truncate the northern hedgerow via the insertion of an access road and

accompanying vision splay (approximately 43.0m in length). There is evidence that dormice will cross

roads (Chanin, 2012), though it is also known that they prefer to use linked features wherever possible

(Bright, 1998). Given that the onsite hedgerow terminates in the north west corner of the site (bound

by residential properties and gardens) and the hedgerow is connected to offsite habitat of similar value

in the east it is unlikely that the removal of this section of the hedgerow would have an impact on the

common dormouse population.

4.21 There may be a negative impact on common dormouse as a result of the proposed development should

the hedgerows be removed and/or the boundary features illuminated, in the absence of mitigation.

Reptiles

4.22 The local records search returned a single record for adder in the vicinity of the site (see Table 4).

4.23 There is some suitable habitat present onsite which may support reptiles, i.e, the semi-improved neutral

grassland and some tussocky areas (offering a diverse structure of vegetation with a range of heights)

providing some sources of shade and sun exposure.

4.24 At the time of the site visit the central section of the site had been mown with the grass cuttings left in

clumps on the grassland. This offered further opportunities for reptiles.



4.25 The site is managed throughout the year with cuts and, in particular, the eastern section has been in

arable use.

4.26 Reptiles are protected under Schedule 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended). This

legislation makes it illegal to intentionally kill or injure a common reptile. As a result, reptiles must be

removed (if present) from areas of development and relocated onto suitable release sites before any

site works can commence.

4.27 There may be a negative impact on reptiles as a result of the proposed development, in the absence of

mitigation.

European otter

4.28 The local records search returned a single record for European otter in the vicinity of the site (see Table

4).

4.29 There are no streams onsite or present within the boundary features.

4.30 The nearest watercourse is approximately 0.2km north of the site and is connected to the Mountain

Brook (0.8km north of the site).

4.31 The watercourse is separated from the site by arable fields, access roads (Spout Hill) and a small housing

estate. It is unlikely otter will be present onsite.

4.32 There will not be a negative impact on European otter as a result of the proposed development.

Great crested newt

4.33 The local records search returned two records for great crested newt in the vicinity of the site (see Table

4) towards the south-west. These are separated from the site by houses and roads, though there is

some connectivity of the site through hedgerows to off-site ponds and water courses the site may be

considered as suitable for great crested newt, in its terrestrial phase only.

4.34 There may be a negative impact on great crested newt as a result of the proposed development, in the

absence of mitigation, and if present.

Nesting birds

4.35 The local records search returned a number of records for nesting bird species in the vicinity of the site,

including barn owl, a Schedule 1 designated species (see Table 4). In addition, several bird species were

encountered onsite during the PEA.

4.36 There is sufficient habitat onsite (hedgerows) suitable for nesting birds to use, although no structures

or large trees with cavities suitable for use by barn owl are present.

4.37 There may be a negative impact on nesting bird species as a result of the proposed development, due

to loss of nesting and foraging habitat (onsite grassland and hedgerows).

European badger

4.38 The local records search returned no records for European badger in the vicinity of the site (see Table

4).

4.39 The lack of records for badger should not be assumed to be due to species absence but rather under-

recording.

4.40 No badger setts were observed to be present onsite, and no evidence of regular foraging use either,

though badger may use the site in order to forage occasionally.



4.41 As no setts were found to be present onsite, and as there is suitable foraging for badgers offsite, there

is unlikely to be a negative impact on European badger as a result of the proposed development.

West European hedgehog

4.42 The local records search returned no records for West European hedgehog in the vicinity of the site (see

Table 4).

4.43 Hedgehogs were not observed onsite during the PEA, however, it is likely that hedgehogs are present

within the onsite boundaries and within the local adjacent habitats.

4.44 In the absence of mitigation there may be a negative impact on West European hedgehog as a result of

the proposed development due to loss of foraging habitat (grassland).

Invertebrates

4.45 The local records search returned a number of records for priority and protected invertebrate species

in the vicinity of the site (see Table 4).

4.46 In relation to these, the site offers food sources for the red-shanked carder-bee (vetch and clover),

grizzled skipper (bramble) and long-horned bee (vetch and clover). The habitats present onsite and in

the immediate vicinity do not support these species however, with a limited foraging supply of flowering

plants.

4.47 Though the development will result in a loss of grassland habitat, the surrounding habitats and

hedgerows offer suitable food sources for more common invertebrate species that will use the same

species as found on site as foodplants.

4.48 There is unlikely to be a negative impact on invertebrate species as a result of the proposed

development

Plants

4.49 There were no priority or protected plant species found on site.

4.50 There will be no negative impacts on protected plants species as a result of the proposals.

Impacts of proposed development

4.51 Table 7 summarises the impacts of the proposed development on protected species that are or may be

present onsite.

Table 7 – Indicative potential impacts of the proposed development affecting onsite protected species.

Species Negative impact* (plus scale and nature of impact)

Bats Loss of foraging habitat (grassland) and commuting routes (proposed

fragmentation of onsite hedgerows, lighting).

Common dormouse Loss of habitat (onsite hedgerow) and commuting routes (proposed fragmentation

of onsite hedgerows, lighting).

European otter None.

Great crested newt Loss of habitat (grassland, hedgerows) used for the terrestrial phase of the great

crested newt life cycle.

Reptiles Loss of habitat (grassland) used for foraging.

Nesting birds Loss of suitable nesting and foraging habitat (grassland and onsite hedgerow).

European badger None.



Species Negative impact* (plus scale and nature of impact)

West European hedgehog Loss of foraging habitat (grassland) and nesting habitat (hedgerow).

Invertebrates None.

*Ultimate assessment of the scale and nature of impacts is dependent upon on final design of proposed development and exact habitats affected.



5 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

5.1 Wildwood Ecology was commissioned to undertake a Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA) of Land off

Clearview Court, Shirenewton

5.2 The site is the subject of an outline planning application for the development of 11 residential dwellings;

seven consisting of a property with both front and rear gardens with either singular or multiple trees,

garage and driveway and four terraced properties with rear and front gardens.

5.3 The proposed plans include the insertion of an access road to the eastern section of the site with

accompanying vision splay, approximately 43.0m in length, therefore retaining approximately 35.0m of

hedgerow.

Designated sites

5.4 There is some connectivity between the site and nearby designated sites (statutory and non-statutory),

including the SAC (Wye Valley and Forest of Dean Bat Sites). See Table 4 and paragraphs 4.4 and 4.5.

There may be some indirect impacts on the bats which may use these sites due to increased lighting,

and some reduction of foraging opportunities, in the absence of mitigation.

5.5 All other non-statutory designations mentioned above are sufficiently well separated from the site.

Given the scale of the proposed development, and the lack of likely impacts beyond the site boundary,

these nearby designated sites are sufficiently well separated so that no impacts on their designated

features are anticipated as a result of the works.

Protected species

5.6 Recommendations regarding protected species are shown in Table 8. See Survey Calendar in Appendix

VI for optimal survey timings.

Table 8 – Recommendations.

Species Recommendations

Bats

• New planting of a hedgerow with dead-hedging using brash from existing

hedgerow OR translocation of existing hedgerow with infill of new planting,

along the eastern boundary of the site creating an alternative north-south

route for commuting bats. See Appendix III for a proposed hedgerow

compensation plan.

• The hedgerow will consist of a mix of five native species of local provenance

and species of value to other protected species e.g. species favoured by

common dormouse (hazel, hawthorn, oak sp, blackthorn, guelder rose).

• The construction phase of proposed development will be undertaken during

daylight hours and a lighting plan will be produced to demonstrate that any

exterior lighting proposed post-development would not have a detrimental

effect on bats commuting along the boundaries of the site, or on any bat

roost features incorporated into Plots 4, 5 and 6 (integrated Schwegler bat

tubes). The lighting plan will need to show dark corridors for use by light

sensitive species which use the nearby SAC (example in Appendix III).

Common dormouse

• A dormouse method statement will be required to demonstrate how the development will proceed with consideration for dormice and will include compensation measures which will include, but not be limited to, the following.



• Compensation hedgerow (see above and Appendix III)

• Removal of the hedgerow will be undertaken using a two-stage strategy following best practice. All removal will be supervised by a licenced ecologist.

• Stage 1 - Above ground vegetation will be cut during winter (December 2018-February 2019) using hand held tools down to 300mm from ground level, following a check and supervised by a dormouse ecologist. There will be no breaking of ground. The resulting brash will be used to provide an immediate structure along the planted hedgerow on the eastern boundary. The stumps of the cut vegetation will remain undisturbed, if the ecologist states that there is scope for them to contain any below ground nests (i.e. hibernation nests)

• The hedgerow will be protected from any other onsite works by fencing where site boundaries allow

• Stage 2 - removal of the remaining 300mm vegetation, tree stumps, roots, soil and other ground works will be undertaken after May 2019 (and before the following winter). The remaining vegetation will be checked by a licenced ecologist (fingertip search) immediately prior to removal. Stumps will be removed in small sections by a ‘mini-digger’ with a bucket <300 mm wide.

European otter • No further surveys required.

• Any uncovered deep excavations or trenching will include a means of escape for any animals – a plank at no more than 30˚ will be adequate.

Great crested newt

• No further surveys required.

• Vegetation will be removed in winter (December 2018-February 2019) following the protocol discussed below in relation to reptiles.

• The use of one-way herp-fencing (see Appendix III for a proposed location of fencing) will stop any potential newts from entering the site during works and should be erected along the boundaries with turn backs. This fencing will be used to prevent reptiles and newts entering the site.

• In the unlikely event any great crested newts are encountered onsite works should be stopped immediately, and advice sought from the project ecologist.

Reptiles

• A reptile mitigation strategy will be followed.

• Vegetation will be removed in winter (mid-November 2018-February 2019), down to ground-level and maintained at this level until construction commences.

• All cuttings are to be removed from the site. The vegetation will be cut moving from the north of the site to the south to allow the movement of onsite reptiles, if present, to the south and offsite. Once this is complete, one-way herp-fencing will be installed.

• The use of one-way reptile fencing will stop any potential populations of reptiles from re-entering the site during site works and will be erected along the boundaries. See Appendix III for a proposed location of reptile fencing.

Nesting birds

• If habitats suitable for nesting birds are to be removed, then any vegetation clearance will take place outside of the bird nesting season, in line with the recommendations for dormice and other species.

• Bird boxes will be installed on plots 1, 3 and 8 to accommodate local bird populations.

European badger • As for otter above.

West European hedgehog

• No further surveys required.

• Gaps (13cm x13cm) will be left at the bases of all on-site fences/walls including site boundaries to allow passage of hedgehogs across the site. In addition, cautious working is advised to prevent killing or injury to this species, i.e. careful removal of leaf litter piles by hand.

Invertebrates • No further surveys required.



Biodiversity enhancement

5.7 Local Authorities have a duty (known as the ‘Biodiversity and resilience of ecosystems duty’) under the

Environment (Wales) Act 2016 to seek to maintain and enhance biodiversity in the exercise of their

functions.

5.8 Where possible the existing onsite habitat will be retained to ensure that species are not adversely

affected by the development. Native species of local provenance will be used for any new planting on

the site to support The Action Plan for Pollinators in Wales, 2013

(http://gov.wales/docs/desh/publications/130723pollinator-action-plan-en.pdf).

5.9 Bird nesting boxes and bat roosting boxes will be incorporated within the proposed building and

boundary features. A range of types should be used in order to cover a variety of species.

5.10 We recommend plots 4, 5 and 6 have integrated bat boxes (Schwegler bat tube 1FR) installed at the

apex of the eastern gable ends of the properties.

5.11 We recommend plots 1, 3 and 8 have a house sparrow terrace, swift box and starling box installed.

These will be installed at eaves height facing onto boundary vegetation, and where possible not above

doors or windows.

5.12 Details of positions of bird nesting boxes and bat boxes can be found in Appendix III.

Overall conclusion

5.13 The full ecological impacts of the proposed development cannot be fully assessed following the PEA

survey alone. Further survey work may be required (reptile and nesting birds) to inform the proposed

development. These surveys may be conditioned within the planning permission.

This ecological report will remain valid for a period of 2 years from the date of the last survey - i.e. until June

2020. Further surveys may be required to update the site information if planning is not obtained or works do

not commence within this time period.

http://www.legislation.gov.uk/anaw/2016/3/contents

http://gov.wales/docs/desh/publications/130723pollinator-action-plan-en.pdf



6 REFERENCES

Bright, P (1998) Behaviour of specialist species in habitat corridors: arboreal dormice avoid corridor gaps. Animal Behaviour 56 (6): 1485-1490

Chanin, P., (2012) Why Didn’t Dormice Cross the Gaps. The Dormouse Monitor. Issue 1 2012. People’s Trust for Endangered Species.

Collins, J. (ed.) (2016) Bat Surveys for Professional Ecologists: Good Practice Guidelines (3rd edn). The Bat Conservation Trust, London.

Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (April, 2013) Guidelines for Preliminary Ecological Appraisal. CIEEM, Winchester.

Institute for Environmental Assessment (1995). Guidelines for Baseline Ecological Assessment. E & FN Spon, Hong Kong.

Joint Nature Conservation Committee (2010). Handbook for Phase 1 habitat survey; A technique for environmental audit. Reprinted by JNCC, Peterborough.



PEA PLAN



PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT PLAN

Figure 2 - Proposed development plan. Provided by client



PROPOSED ECOLOGICAL RECOMMENDATIONS

Figure 3 - Proposed hedgerow compensation plan. Orange – site boundary; Yellow – 86.0m of existing onsite hedgerow; Red – Proposed vision splay surrounding proposed access road; Green – 82.0m proposed location for compensation hedgerow (image used under licence (©2018 Google).



Figure 5 - Recommended locations for bat and bird nest boxes. Red - bat boxes; Green - bird nest boxes

Figure 6 - Likely bat flight lines following vegetation lines. Yellow indicates as present; red indicates hedge to be lost; blue indicates with new hedgerow.

Towards Wye Valley and Forest of Dean Bat Sites SAC



SURVEY IMAGES



Figure 7 - North east corner of the site. Photo taken from central access road within site

Figure 8 - Western boundary. Photo taken from central access road within site

Figure 9 - South west corner of the site. Photo taken from north

Figure 10 - Hedgerow present along northern boundary and north east edge of the site. Photo taken from central access road

Figure 11 - Central onsite road. Photo taken from north looking south

Figure 12 - Western boundary and south west corner of site. Photo taken from north west corner



Figure 13 - Species poor hedgerow at south west of the site. Photo taken from south west corner

Figure 14 - Area dominated by common hogweed. Target note 3

Figure 15 - Arable land to the east of the site. Photo taken from westernmost grassland.

Figure 16 - Northern boundary hedgerow

Figure 17 - Wire and post fence separating arable land from the grassland. Photo taken looking south

Figure 18 - Crop plants present in arable land. Barley and wheat



Figure 19 - Northern boundary hedgerow. View from access road to the north that bounds the hedgerow

Figure 20 - North east corner of grassland where hedgerow meets bracken and wire and post fence. Photo taken looking north



SPECIES LIST

To be submitted to the appropriate Local Records Centre

Site Name: Land off Clearview Court, Shirenewton Provided by: Wildwood Ecology Ltd

Grid ref: ST 48175 93661 Verified by: Charlotte Poole

Common name Scientific Name

(if known) Number Comment

Creeping Buttercup Ranunculus repens

Ribwort Plantain Plantago lanceolata

Pignut Conopodium majus

White Clover Trifolium repens

Silverweed Potentilla anserina

Red Clover Trifolium pratense

Yorkshire-fog Holcus lanatus

Common Nettle Urtica dioica

Ivy Hedera helix

Broad leaved dock Rumex obtusifolius

Smooth cats ear Hypochaeris glabra

Cow parsley Anthriscus sylvestris

Hogweed Heracleum sphondylium

Broad leaved willowherb Epilobium montanum

Great willowherb Epilobium hirsutum

Creeping Cinquefoil Potentilla reptans

Ground elder Aegopodium podagraria

Bramble Rubus fruticosus agg.

Hawthorn Crataegus monogyna

Holly Ilex aquifolium

Herb Robert Geranium robertianum

Hazel Corylus avellana

Leyland cypress Cupressus macrocarpa x Xanthocyparis nootkatensis = X Cuprocyparis leylandii

Hedge bindweed Calystegia sepium

Bush vetch Vicia sepium

Hedge bedstraw Galium mollugo

False oat grass Arrhenatherum elatius

Sweet vernal grass Anthoxanthum odoratum

Crested dog's-tail Cynosurus cristatus

Cock's foot Dactylis glomerata

Elder Sambucus nigra

Robin Erithacus rubecula

Blackbird Turdus merula



PLANNING POLICY AND LEGISLATION

The following local and national planning policy and both primary and European legislation relating to nature

conservation and biodiversity status are considered of relevance to the current proposal.

Planning and biodiversity

Local Authorities have a requirement to consider biodiversity and geological conservation issues when

determining planning applications under the following planning policies.

Planning Policy Wales (2016) and Technical Advice Note 5 (2009)

Planning Policy Wales (Edition 9, November 2016) sets out the land use planning policies of the Welsh

Government, with Chapter 5 dealing with Conserving and Improving Natural Heritage and the Coast. The

advice contained within Planning Policy Wales (PPW) is supplemented for some subjects by Technical Advice

Notes (TAN’s).

TAN 5 (Welsh Government, 2009) specifically provides advice about how the land use planning system should

contribute to protecting and enhancing biodiversity and geological conservation. The TAN provides advice for

local planning authorities on the key principles of positive planning for nature conservation; nature

conservation and Local Development Plans; nature conservation in development management procedures;

development affecting protected internationally and nationally designated sites and habitats; and

development affecting protected and priority habitats and species.

Under Section 2.4 within the TAN 5, ‘when deciding planning applications that may affect nature conservation

local planning authorities should’:

• Pay particular attention to the principles of sustainable development, including respect for

environmental limits, applying the precautionary principle, using scientific knowledge to aid decision

making and taking account of the full range of costs and benefits in a long term perspective;

• Contribute to the protection and improvement of the environment, so as to improve the quality of life

and protect local and global ecosystems, seeking to avoid irreversible harmful effects on the natural

environment;

• Promote the conservation and enhancement of statutorily designated areas and undeveloped coast;

• Ensure that appropriate weight is attached to designated sites of international, national and local

importance;

• Protect wildlife and natural features in the wider environment, with appropriate weight attached to

priority habitats and species in Biodiversity Action Plans;

• Ensure that all material considerations are taken into account and decisions are informed by adequate

information about the potential effects of development on nature conservation;

• Ensure that the range and population of protected species is sustained;

• Adopt a step-wise approach to avoid harm to nature conservation, minimise unavoidable harm by

mitigation measures, offset residual harm by compensation measures and look for new opportunities

to enhance nature conservation; where there may be significant harmful effects local planning

authorities will need to be satisfied that any reasonable alternative sites that would result in less or no

harm have been fully considered;



Legislation and biodiversity

Certain species of animals and plants found in the wild in the UK are legally protected from being harmed or

disturbed. These species are listed in the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) or are named as

European Protected Species (EPS) in the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017. These two

main pieces of legislation have been consulted when writing this report and are therefore described in detail

within this section.

Other relevant legislation and policy documents that have been consulted include – The Environment (Wales)

Act 2016; The Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000; The Hedgerow Regulations 1997; Biodiversity Action

Plans, both UK-wide (UKBAP) and Local plans (LBAPs), and The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).

There is also legislation that legally protects certain animals - for example, the Protection of Badgers Act (1992)

protects badgers and their setts, and the Deer Act (1991) places restrictions on actions that can be taken

against deer species.

Environment (Wales) Act 2016

Section 6 of the Act places a duty on public authorities to ‘seek to maintain and enhance biodiversity’ so far as

it is consistent with the proper exercise of those functions. In so doing, public authorities must also seek to

‘promote the resilience of ecosystems’. The duty replaces the section 40 duty in the Natural Environment and

Rural Communities Act 2006 (NERC Act 2006), in relation to Wales, and applies to those authorities that fell

within the previous duty.

Public authorities will be required to report on the actions they are taking to improve biodiversity and promote

ecosystem resilience.

Section 7 replaces the duty in section 42 of the NERC Act 2006. The Welsh Ministers will publish, review and

revise lists of living organisms and types of habitat in Wales, which they consider are of key significance to

sustain and improve biodiversity in relation to Wales.

The Welsh Ministers must also take all reasonable steps to maintain and enhance the living organisms and

types of habitat included in any list published under this section, and encourage others to take such steps.

Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 (as amended)

The Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) [WCA] is the primary legislation for England and Wales for

the protection of flora, fauna and the countryside. Part I within the Act deals with the protection of wildlife.

Most European Protected Species offences are now covered under the Conservation of Habitats and Species

Regulations (see below), but some ‘intentional’ acts are still covered under the WCA, such as obstructing

access to a bat roost.

The WCA prohibits the release to the wild of non-native animal species listed on Schedule 9 (e.g. Signal Crayfish

and American Mink). It also prohibits planting in the wild of plants listed in Schedule 9 (e.g. Japanese Knotweed

and Rhododendron ponticum) or otherwise deliberately causing them to grow in the wild. This is to prevent

the release of invasive non-native species that could threaten our native wildlife.

The provisions relating to animals in the Act only apply to 'wild animals'; these are defined as those that are

living wild or were living wild before being captured or killed. It does not apply to captive bred animals being

held in captivity.

There are 'defences' provided by the WCA. These are cases where acts that would otherwise be prohibited by

the legislation are permitted, such as the incidental result of a lawful operation which could not be reasonable

avoided, or actions within the living areas of a dwelling house.



Licensing: certain prohibited actions under the Wildlife and Countryside Act may be undertaken under licence

by the proper authority. For example scientific study that requires capturing or disturbing protected animals

can be allowed by obtaining a licence – e.g. bat surveys.

Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017

The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 (which are the principal means by which the EC

Habitats Directive is transposed in England and Wales) update the legislation and consolidate all the many

amendments which have been made to the Regulations since they were first made in 1994.

These regulations provide for the:

• protection of European Protected Species [EPS] (animals and plants listed in Annex IV Habitats Directive

which are resident in the wild in Great Britain) including bats, dormice, great crested newts, and otters;

• designation and protection of domestic and European Sites - e.g. Site of Special Scientific Interest [SSSI]

and Special Area of Conservation [SAC]; and

• adaptation of planning controls for the protection of such sites and species.

Public bodies (including the Local Planning Authority) have a duty to have regard to the requirements of the

Habitats Directive in exercising their function – i.e. when determining a planning application.

There is no defence that an act was the incidental and unavoidable result of a lawful activity.

Licensing: it is possible for actions which would otherwise be an offence under the Regulations to be

undertaken under licence issued by the proper authority. For example, where a European Protected Species

has been identified and the development risks deliberately affecting an EPS, then a ‘development licence’ may

be required.

Species protection

The following protected species information is relevant to this report. Legislation is only discussed in relation

to planning and development; other offences may exist.

Amphibians

The common frog, common toad, common newt, and palmate newt receive limited protection under the

Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended), making it illegal to sell or trade them.

The Great Crested Newt and Natterjack Toad are fully protected under the Conservation of Habitats and

Species Regulations 2017 as European Protected Species. It is illegal to:

• Deliberately capture, injure, kill, or disturb either species,

• Intentionally or recklessly obstruct access to any structure/place used for shelter or protection, or

• Damage or destroy a breeding site or resting place.

Badger

Badgers are protected in the UK under the Protection of Badgers Act 1992. Under the act it is an offence to:

• Wilfully kill, injure, take, possess or cruelly ill-treat3 a Badger, or attempt to do so;

3 The intentional elimination of sufficient foraging area to support a known social group of Badgers may, in certain circumstances, be construed as an offence by constituting “cruel ill treatment” of a Badger



• To intentionally or recklessly interfere with a sett4 (this includes disturbing Badgers whilst they are

occupying a sett, as well as damaging or destroying a sett or obstructing access to it).

The legislation aims to protect the species from persecution, rather than being a response to an unfavourable

conservation status, as the species is in fact common over most of Britain; it is not intended to prevent properly

authorised development.

Bats

All British bats are classed as European Protected Species and therefore receive protection under the

Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017, making it an offence inter alia to:

• Deliberately kill, injure or capture a bat;

• Deliberately disturb bats;

• Damage or destroy a breeding site or resting place of a bat.

In addition, all British bats are also listed under Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as

amended) which contains further provisions making it an offence to intentionally or recklessly:

• Obstruct access to any structure or place which any bat uses for shelter or protection; or

• Disturb any bat while occupying a structure or place which it uses for that purpose.

If proposed development work is likely to destroy or disturb bats or their roosts, then a licence will need to be

obtained from Natural Resources Wales, which would be subject to appropriate measures to safeguard bats.

Birds

In the UK, the provisions of the Birds Directive are implemented through the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981

(as amended), the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017. All wild birds, their nests and eggs

are protected it an offence to:

• kill, injure, or take any wild bird;

• take, damage or destroy the nest of any such bird whilst it is in use or being built; or

• take or destroying an egg of any such wild bird.

The law covers all species of wild birds including common, pest or opportunistic species.

Special protection against disturbance during the breeding season is also afforded to those species listed on

Schedule 1 of the Act.

Dormice

The common dormouse is classed as a European Protected Species and therefore receive protection under

the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017, making it an offence inter alia to:

• Deliberately capture, injure, or kill a dormouse;

• Deliberately disturb dormice;

• Damage or destroy a breeding site or resting place of a dormouse.

In addition, the dormouse is listed under Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended)

which contains further provisions making it an offence to intentionally or recklessly:

• Obstruct access to any structure or place which a dormouse uses for shelter or protection; or

4 A sett is defined as “any structure or place which displays signs indicating current use by a Badger”. Advice issued by Natural England (June 2009) is that a sett is protected as long as such signs remain present, which in practice could potentially be for some time after the last actual occupation by Badger.



• Disturb a dormouse while occupying a structure or place which it uses for that shelter or protection.

Otters

The European Otter, Lutra lutra is a European Protected Species and therefore receive protection under the

Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017, making it an offence inter alia to:

• deliberately capture, injure or kill any wild otter;

• deliberately disturb wild otters;

• damage or destroy a breeding site or resting place of an otter.

In addition, the otter is listed under Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) which

contains further provisions making it an offence to intentionally or recklessly:

• disturbs an otter while it is occupying a structure or place which it uses for shelter or protection; or

• obstructs access to such a place.

If proposed development work is likely to destroy or disturb otters or their resting places, then a licence will

need to be obtained from Natural Resources Wales, which would be subject to appropriate measures to

safeguard otters.

Reptiles

Adders, slow worms, grass snakes and common lizards are protected against killing and injuring under

Schedule 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended). This legislation makes it illegal to

intentionally kill or injure a common reptile. As a result, reptiles must be removed from areas of development

and relocated onto suitable release sites before any site works can commence.

Smooth snakes and sand lizards are European Protected Species under schedule 5 of the Wildlife and

Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) and Schedule 2 of the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations

2017. This makes it illegal to carry out the following activities:

• Deliberately or recklessly disturb, capture or kill these animals;

• Deliberately or recklessly take or destroy eggs of these animals;

• Damage or destroy a breeding site or resting place of such a wild animal; or

• Keep, transport, sell or exchange, or offer for sale or exchange, any live or dead animal, or any part

of, or anything derived from such a wild animal.



SURVEY CALENDAR

Optimal survey period

Sub-optimal survey period

No surveys possible

This chart provides an overview for UK protected species commonly encountered during development and should be treated as guidance only. Most species require surveys across the whole season or within their optimal period as shown above to be accepted as part of a planning application. Contact Wildwood Ecology early to discuss your ecological needs and timescale. © Wildwood Ecology Ltd 2017

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survey

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Preliminary Ecological Appraisal

(Phase 1/Habitat survey)

Bats (scoping survey)

preliminary ecological appraisal report · britannia house caerphilly business park van road...

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