APPENDIX 11.8: PROPOSED LAY-BYS ECOLOGY REPORT...PROPOSED LAY-BYS ECOLOGY REPORT . Page 2 MYG...

MYG Appendix 11.8: Lay-Bys Ecology Report Page 1

Mynydd y Gwynt Wind Farm: Environmental Statement July 2014

APPENDIX 11.8:

PROPOSED LAY-BYS ECOLOGY REPORT

Page 2 MYG Appendix 11. 8: Lay-Bys Ecology Report


Summary

1. An ecological walkover survey has been undertaken on sections of the road along which there will a delivery of wind farm components to the Mynydd y Gwynt Wind Farm, where the creation of new lay-by areas may need to take place.

2. Survey work was carried out in June 2012. The purpose of the surveys was to highlight potential impacts which the works may have on protected and conservation priority species and habitats.

3. There will be some loss of semi-natural habitat such as semi-improved and unimproved neutral grassland but the habitat loss overall is negligible.

4. For protected species the most widespread potential impacts are to breeding birds and widespread reptiles such as Common lizard (Lacerta vivipara) and Slow-worm (Anguis fragilis).

5. The disturbance of breeding birds is a widespread issue of concern and to avoid this it is recommend that any cutting of trees, hedges and scrub is carried out outside of the nesting period during September through to February.

6. If any sections of hedge are scheduled to be removed it will be necessary to lodge a Hedgerow Removal Notice with the Local Planning Authority.

7. In order to safeguard widespread reptiles, it will be necessary to reduce to ground level any grassland vegetation and any scattered scrub within the grassland area. This should be carried out during the period reptiles are active from April to September. Before the vegetation is cut at two of the lay-bys the area should be searched for reptiles by a suitably qualified ecologist.

8. If works at any of the lay-bys involves move than the removal of grassland areas (i.e. includes the removal of hedge) then it will be necessary to exclude reptiles from the working areas with reptile fencing.



Introduction

9. The Mynydd y Gwynt Wind Farm will require wind turbine components to be delivered by lorry, because of their size as police escorted Abnormal Indivisible Loads (“AILs”). The AILs will need a number of lay-by areas along the route where they can pull completely off the road, and allow traffic to pass, driver rest to be undertaken, and peak travel hours avoided. Five potential lay-bys have been identified.

10. These areas were subject to survey, the purpose of which was to ascertain ecological constraints and the presence of or potential to support protected / Conservation priority species and habitats. The survey was carried out in June 2012.

11. Two of the proposed lay-bys are situated on the A478 between the junction with the two trunk roads, the A40 and the A487 near Cardigan in Ceredigion. Lay-by POI 22 is situated south of Llandissilio village and Lay-by POI 41 north of Rhoshill village.

12. Another two of the proposed lay-bys are situated on the trunk road A487 between Cardigan and Aberystwyth. Lay-by POI 59 is situated between the villages of Sarnau and Brynhoffnant, and Lay-by POI 114 is within the village of Llanfarian, near Aberystwyth.

13. The last of the five lay-bys is situated on the trunk road A44 between Aberystwyth and the Mynydd y Gwynt Wind Farm. Lay-by POI 151 is situated east of the village of Goginan.

14. There are already existing lay-bys at POI 22, POI 59 and POI 151. According to the Lay-by Modifications drawings provided by SBA, Lay-by POI 151 will not undergo any modifications in width and length while Lay-by POI 22 will be very similar in size to the existing lay-by. Lay-by POI 59 will be extended considerably in length at its western end.

15. The location of the lay-bys is provided in Figure 11.10 and modifications in Figure 11.11.

Methods

16. The areas of the proposed lay-bys were visited and surveyed. SBA supplied surveyors with aerial photography, photographs, maps and diagrams of the proposed lay-bys with proposed modification and / or extension outlined in pink. Notes were made on the habitat features present and dominant and conspicuous plant species were recorded. Photographs were taken at each of the sections surveyed.

17. During the survey, emphasis was placed on searching for evidence of and potential of habitats and features supporting protected or notable species, especially those listed under the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010, the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 (as amended), the List of Species & Habitats of Principle Importance for Conservation of Biological Diversity in Wales (Wales Biodiversity Partnership, 2007) and in local Biodiversity Action Plans. The range of methods used was as follows:

Bats

18. The trees within the site were appraised for their actual and potential suitability to support breeding, resting and hibernating bats in accordance with survey methods documented in the Bat Surveys: Good Practice Guidelines (Bat Conservation Trust 2007).



Reptiles

19. The site was assessed for its suitability to support reptiles based upon the abundance of suitable habitats such as structural diversity, hedgerows, scrub, rough grassland, rubble and banks etc. The site was assessed with respect to its potential for use for hibernation and spring/summer use based on guidance provided in the Herpetofauna Workers’ Manual (Joint Nature Conservation Committee, 2003) and the Reptile Management Handbook (Edgar, Foster & Baker 2011).

Badgers

20. The whole site was searched systematically, with particular attention being paid to features likely to support badger setts (e.g. earth embankments, wooded copses etc.). The location of all badger signs such as runs, dung pits, prints, hair, foraging snuffle holes found during the survey were mapped and all setts characterised as either main, annex, subsidiary or outliers in accordance with guidance given in Surveying Badgers (Harris, Cresswell & Jefferies, 1988).

Birds

21. All birds observed during the field survey were recorded, in addition to features capable of supporting nesting birds (e.g. trees, hedgerows, Bramble (Rubus fruticosus agg.), ruderal vegetation and rough grassland etc). The site was also assessed for its actual and potential suitability to support Schedule 1 and Biodiversity Action Plan priority species.

Other Species

22. The site was also assessed for its actual and potential suitability to support other protected or notable fauna in accordance with the Guidelines for Baseline Ecological Assessment (Institute of Environmental Assessment, 1995).



Results

Lay-by POI 22

Photo 11.1: Looking North along Lay-by POI 22

23. Lay-by POI 22 has an existing pull-in area predominantly covered in stone chippings. There is a hedgerow running along the western boundary that is about 1.5 metres in height and width. Although Sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus), is the dominant species in the hedge, there are at least 5 native woody species present within any 30 metre length. Other species include Ash (Fraxinus excelsior), Rose (Rosa sp), Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa), Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna), Oak (Quercus sp.), Hazel (Coryllus avellana) and Bramble (Rubus fruticosus agg.). Within the hedge and at its base amongst the piled up stone chippings, there are species typical of woodland flora such as Honeysuckle (Lonicera pericyclamen), Black Bryony (Tamus communis), Garlic Mustard (Alliaria petiolata), Herb-robert (Geranium robertianum), Wood avens (Geum urbanum), Ivy (Hedera helix), Male Fern (Dryopteris filix-mas), False Brome (Brachypodium sylvaticum), Hedge Bindweed (Calystegia sepium) and Common Figwort (Scrophularia nodosa).

24. This hedgerow meets some of the criteria which might qualify it as an Important hedgerow as part of the Hedgerow Regulations legislation of 1997. Historical and archaeological data has not been considered here but it forms an important part of the Regulations.



Photo 11.2: Looking South along Lay-by POI 22

25. As the hedge is adjacent to a road which is used as a public path and byway open to all traffic to qualify as an important hedge it needs to support at least 4 woody species and 2 features such as having gaps of less than 10% throughout the length of the hedge and at least 3 woodland species within 1 metre of the hedge.

26. Other vegetation present growing away from the base of the hedge is typical of roadside verges that are subject to only occasional mowing. In terms of the National Vegetation Classification (NVC) it can best be described as MG1 Arrhenatherum elatius grassland. Species present include False Oat-grass (Arrhenatherum elatius), Yorkshire fog (Holcus lanatus), Meadow Foxtail (Alopecurus pratensis), Rough Meadow-grass (Poa trivialis), Cock’s-foot (Dactylis glomerata), Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale agg.), Creeping Buttercup (Ranunculus repens), Ribwort Plantain (Plantago lanceolata) and Hogweed (Heracleum sphondylium). As the arable weeds, Cleavers (Galium aparine), Broad-leaved Dock (Rumex obtusifolia) and Nettle (Urtica dioica) are present, this indicates the grassland has been disturbed periodically such as scalping when the road-side verge is being cut or when the chippings were laid.

27. There are not any gaps along the length of the hedgerow making it very suitable habitat for a variety of nesting birds. Bullfinch (Pyrrhula pyrrhula) and Greenfinch (Chloris Chloris) were heard during the survey.

28. The juxtaposition of the rock chippings, tall grassland, woodland flora and hedgerow would be suitable, if sub-optimal habitat for widespread reptiles such as Common Lizard. It is unlikely that any other protected species would be present at the site.



Lay-by POI 41

Photo 11.3: Looking North-east along Lay-by POI 41

29. The area of the proposed new lay-by is predominantly semi-improved neutral grassland with some scattered European Gorse (Ulex europaeus) scrub. There is also a drain running along its length which has been back-filled with rubble and a small concrete platform acting as an entrance way into the adjacent field.

30. The sward is about 25 cm in height and is dominated by grasses with abundant Yorkshire Fog, frequent Red Fescue (Festuca rubra), occasional Rough Meadow-grass and Sweet Vernal-grass (Anthoxanthum odoratum) and rare Perennial Rye-grass (Lolium perenne) and Crested Dog-tail (Cynosurus cristatus). Herbs are present, especially frequent White Clover (Trifolium repens), occasional Ribwort Plantain and rare Dandelion, Greater Bird’s-foot-trefoil (Lotus pedunculatus), Common Mouse-ear (Cerastium fontanum), Sticky Mouse-ear (Cerastium glomeratum), Curled Dock (Rumex crispus), Cow Parsley (Anthriscus sylvestris), Common Knapweed (Centaurea nigra), Imperforate St John’s-wort (Hypericum maculatum), Common Vetch (Vicia sativa) and Cut-leaved Crane’s-bill (Geranium dissectum). Soft Rush (Juncus effusus) and Hard Rush (Juncus inflexus) are present near the concrete platform. The grassland area would be classed as MG6 Lolium perenne-Cynosurus cristatus in National Vegetation Classification (NVC) terms.



Photo 11.4: Looking South-west along Lay-by POI 41

31. The occasional small patches of dense Gorse are suitable habitat for nesting birds. Greenfinch and Wren (Troglodytes troglodytes) were heard during the survey.

32. The warm south-west facing aspect and the presence of a variety of different habitats such as long grass, scrub and the rubble make it highly likely that widespread reptiles such as Common Lizard and Slow-worm are present although they were not seen during the survey. It is unlikely that any other protected species would be present at the site.



Lay-by POI 59

Photo 11.5: Looking East along Lay-by POI 59

33. Lay-by POI 59 has an existing tarmacked pull-in area of similar width recommended for the new proposed lay-by. The lay-by will be extended to the west of the existing lay-by into an area of neutral grassland of about 25 centimetres in height and typical of roadside verges that are subject to only occasional mowing. In terms of the NVC it can best be described as MG1 Arrhenatherum elatius grassland. Grasses recorded include abundant False Oat-grass, frequent Cock’s-foot, Rough Meadow-grass and Red Fescue with occasional Yorkshire Fog and rare Perennial Rye-grass. Herbs present include locally frequent Nettle, occasional Hogweed, Ribwort Plantain, Broad-leaved Dock and Cleavers with rare Rose-bay Willowherb (Chamerion angustifolium), Creeping Buttercup, Cow Parsley, Hedge Woundwort (Stachys sylvatica), Dandelion, Meadow Buttercup (Ranunculus acris), White Clover, Greater bird’s-foot-trefoil, Cut-leaved Crane’s-bill and Common Vetch. There is also scattered Bracken (Pteridium aquilinum) and Bramble scrub along the road-side.

34. Along the hedge-bank which forms part of the northern boundary of the proposed lay-by there is scattered Hawthorn and Blackthorn plus one Laburnum (Laburnum sp.) tree and one small Elm (Ulmus sp.) tree at the base of the hedge-bank in the field.

35. The occasional small patches of Bramble scrub and the scattered trees on the hedge-bank provide suitable habitat for nesting birds.

36. The warm south facing aspect combined with the presence of a variety of different habitats



such as long grass and the scattered scrub and bracken produce a suitable habitat for widespread reptiles such as Common Lizard and Slow-worm although they were not seen during the survey. It is unlikely that any other protected species would be present at the site.

Photo 11.6: Looking West along Lay-by POI 59



Lay-by POI 114

Photo 11.7: Looking North along Lay-by POI 114

37. Along the entire road-side length of the proposed new lay-by there is a tarmacked footpath 1.6 metres wide. Away from the road, on the other side of the footpath there is a strip of herb-rich semi-improved neutral grassland before a tall, thick hedge is reached. The grassland has been kept short and the grass species present in the sward include abundant Red Fescue, occasional Yorkshire Fog, Perennial Rye-grass, Sweet Vernal Grass and rare Cock’s-foot, Soft-brome (Bromus hordeaceus) and Creeping Bent (Agrostis stolonifera). Herbs present include frequent Common Bird’s-foot-trefoil (Lotus corniculatus), occasional Yarrow (Achillea millifolium), Ribwort Plantain, White Clover, Nettle, Hogweed, Germander Speedwell (Veronica chamaedrys), Common Vetch, Selfheal (Prunella vulgaris), Common Knapweed and Barren Strawberry (Potentilla sterilis) with rare Lesser Trefoil (Trifolium dubium), Ragwort (Senecio jacobea), Voilet (Viola sp.), Herb-robert, Ground Ivy (Glechoma hederacea), Creeping Buttercup, Daisy (Bellis perennis) and Meadow Buttercup.

38. In terms of the NVC the grassland can best be described as intermediate between MG5 Cynosurus cristatus-Centaurea nigra meadow and MG6 Lolium perenne-Cynosurus cristatus.

39. The tall, thick hedge is at least 4 metres high and dominated by Dogwood (Cornus sanguinea) which has most probably been planted. Other woody species present include the occasional Ash, Hawthorn and Willow (Salix sp.).



40. The hedgerow provides suitable habitat for nesting birds. Blackbird (Turdus merula), Great Tit (Parus major) and Dunnock (Prunella modularis) were heard during the survey.

41. The juxtaposition of the hedgerow with the grassland provides suitable if sub-optimal habitat for common reptiles although they were not seen during the survey. The thick hedgerow at the base of a steep bank may be suitable for badgers but their presence is unlikely as there was not any evidence of badgers seen during the survey. It is unlikely that any other protected species would be present at the site.

Photo 11.8: Looking South along Lay-by POI 114



Lay-by POI 151

Photo 11.9: Looking East along Lay-by POI 151

42. The area of the lay-by to be modified is already covered in tarmac and stone chippings. On this area it is unlikely that any protected species or notable habitat would be present.

43. However, along the northern boundary of the lay-by there is a 5 metre strip of habitat suitable for widespread reptiles such as Common Lizard and Slow-worm and nesting birds. Chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs) and Blackbird were heard during the survey.

44. The habitat consists of a mosaic of neutral and acid grassland with scattered acid dry heath and a patch of dense European gorse scrub at the eastern end. There are also some scattered young native trees in front of the row of conifers.

45. Therefore the proposed lay-by should not affect any protected species or habitat of note unless, for any reason, it needs to be extended into the habitat along the northern boundary of the existing lay-by.



Photo 11.10: Looking West along Lay-by POI 151



Photo 11.11: Looking North-west along Lay-by POI 151



Summary

46. Table 1 provides an overview of the Lay-by locations and the ecological issues found there.

Table 1: Lay-By Summary Table

Lay By Ref.

Grid Ref.

Nesting Birds

Reptiles Dormice Badgers Bats Habitat

POI 22

SN

12154 20692

PP in hedgerow

PP at base of hedgerow and long vegetation

UP UP UP Hedgerow along western boundary of lay-by with uncut vegetation along the its base and at both north and south ends of the existing lay-by

POI 41

SN 18173

41608

PP in scattered scrub

PP in long grassland and rubble

NP UP NP Grassland with scattered scrub and line of rubble over new drain

POI 59

SN

32314

51205

PP in scattered scrub

PP in long grass and base of hedgebank

NP NP NP Grassland and a hedge-bank with scattered trees and scrub

POI 114

SN

59096

78101

PP in hedgerow

PP UP UP NP Grassland with a hedgerow

POI 151

SN

71153

81035

NP PP in northern boundary 5 metre strip

NP NP NP None

CP = Confirmed presence, PP = Potentially present, UP = Unlikely present, NP = No Possibility

Discussion

47. The majority of the semi-natural grassland habitats found on the proposed lay-by are semi-improved neutral grassland or species poor neutral grassland and have low ecological value.

48. A number of ecological issues have been raised, in response to cutting back of vegetation and the creation / extension / modification of the five lay-bys on sections of the road network. The most significant of these relate to breeding birds and widespread reptiles.

Nesting Birds

49. In the UK, all wild birds, their nests and their eggs are protected by law. In Wales the legislation that protects them is the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended).

50. To avoid disturbing breeding birds it is recommended that any cutting of trees, hedges and



scrub is carried out during the period September through to February. During this period birds will not be breeding and so will not be disturbed. If this is not possible operationally, then it is advised that a suitably qualified ecologist undertakes checks for nesting birds in advance of felling. Note however that cutting during the winter is the better option as if nesting birds are present then works will have to stop until the young have fledged.

Widespread Reptiles

51. Although none were seen during the survey widespread reptiles could potentially be present on several of the proposed lay-bys, especially lay-bys POI 41, POI 59 and POI 151 due to their warm aspect and the diversity of habitats present. Common Lizards and Slow-worms are the most likely species to be present and along with all reptiles they are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended), it being illegal to kill, injure or sell them.

52. To safe-guard the reptiles and to mitigate against any potential impacts on the reptiles, the following measures would need to be carried out at proposed lay-bys POI 22, POI 41, POI 59 and POI 114, when the reptiles are active during the months of April to September inclusive. That is, before they choose a hibernation site which may be located within the area to be developed.

1. A suitably qualified ecologist should search proposed lay-bys POI 41 and POI 59 before the following procedures are carried out.

2. The grassland vegetation should be carefully reduced to ground level including any grassland vegetation for 3 metres at either end of the lay-by.

3. All refuges such as logs, pieces of metal, etc. should be carefully removed from the site by hand.

4. If any reptiles are encountered during the clearance of the grassland and / or during the development they should be left alone and all work should be stopped until they have moved off the site.

53. Additionally, if the any work is carried out at lay-by POI 151 that would result in a reduction in the area of habitats procedures 1 – 4, above, should be followed.

54. If however, works at any of the lay-bys involve removal of sections of a hedgerow then it will be necessary to exclude reptiles from the working areas with reptile fencing and further advice should be sort.

Hedgerow Removal

55. Under the Hedgerow Regulations 1997 it is against the law to remove most areas of hedgerow. If any sections of Hedgerow are to be removed a ‘Hedgerow Removal Notice’ must be made to the local Planning Authority.

References

Bat Conservation Trust (2007) Bat Surveys – Good Practice Guidelines. Bat Conservation Trust, London.

Edgar, P, Foster, J and Baker, J (2011) Reptile Habitat Management Handbook.



Amphibian Reptile Conservation and Natural England. Peterborough.

Harris, S, Cresswell, P & Jefferies, D J (1988) Surveying Badgers. Mammal Society

Occasional Publication 9.

Institute of Environmental Assessment (1995) Guidelines for Baseline Ecological

Assessment. IEA Lincoln.

Joint Nature Conservation Committee (2003) Herpetofauna Workers’ Manual, JNCC

Wales Biodiversity Partnership (2007) List of Species & Habitats of Principle Importance for Conservation of Biological Diversity in Wales. Wales Biodiversity Partnership / Welsh Assembly Government.

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