BRANSTON ROAD HIGH SCHOOL, NEAR TATENHILL, …

BRANSTON ROAD HIGH SCHOOL, NEAR TATENHILL, STAFFORDSHIRE

BAT AND BIRD BOX STRATEGY

A Report to: Seddon Construction

Report No: RT-MME-122690-02-Rev A

Date: September 2016

Triumph House, Birmingham Road, Allesley, Coventry CV5 9AZ Tel: 01676 525880 Fax: 01676 521400

E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.middlemarch-environmental.com

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.middlemarch-environmental.com/

Branston Road High School, Near Tatenhill, Staffordshire RT-MME-122690-02-Rev A Bat and Bird Box Strategy

Middlemarch Environmental Ltd. Page 1

REPORT VERIFICATION AND DECLARATION OF COMPLIANCE

Report Version

Date Completed by: Checked by: Approved by:

Draft 13/07/2016

Tom Docker MCIEEM (Ecological Project

Manager) and Hannah Train (Ecological Project

Officer)

Dr Katy Read CEnv MCIEEM

MCIWEM C.WEM DipSM

(Executive Director)

Dr Philip Fermor CEnv MCIEEM

(Managing Director)

Final 19/08/2016



Officer)


MCIWEM C.WEM DipSM



(Managing Director)

Rev A 23/09/2016



Officer)


MCIWEM C.WEM DipSM



(Managing Director)

The information which we have prepared is true, and has been prepared and provided in accordance with 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.

DISCLAIMER

The contents of this report are the responsibility of Middlemarch Environmental Ltd. It should be noted that, whilst every effort is made to meet the client’s brief, no site investigation can ensure complete assessment or prediction of the natural environment. Middlemarch Environmental Ltd 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.



CONTENTS

1. INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................................ 3

1.1 PROJECT BACKGROUND ........................................................................................................................ 3 1.2 SITE DESCRIPTION AND CONTEXT .......................................................................................................... 3 1.3 DESCRIPTION OF DEVELOPMENT ............................................................................................................ 4 1.4 DOCUMENTATION PROVIDED .................................................................................................................. 4 1.5 HABITAT RETENTION, ENHANCEMENT AND CREATION .............................................................................. 4

2. ECOLOGICAL BASELINE AND SUMMARY OF IMPACTS .................................................................... 5

2.1 DESK STUDY RESULTS .......................................................................................................................... 5 2.2 SURVEY RESULTS ................................................................................................................................. 5 2.3 SUMMARY OF IMPACTS .......................................................................................................................... 5

3. BAT AND BIRD BOX STRATEGY ............................................................................................................ 7

3.1 BAT BOXES ........................................................................................................................................... 7 3.2 BIRD BOXES .......................................................................................................................................... 7 3.3 GENERAL PROTECTION MEASURES ........................................................................................................ 8

4. DRAWINGS ................................................................................................................................................ 9 REFERENCES AND BIBLIOGRAPHY ........................................................................................................... 11



1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 PROJECT BACKGROUND

In June 2016 Seddon Construction commissioned Middlemarch Environmental Ltd to produce a Bat and Bird Box Strategy associated with a proposed development of a high school and associated drop-off and pick-up facility at two adjacent parcels of land located either side of Branston Road, near Tatenhill, Staffordshire. This Bat and Bird Box Strategy forms part of a number of ecological works required to discharge pre-commencement planning conditions. Middlemarch Environmental Ltd has completed a suite of ecological survey works at the site to inform the Ecology chapter of an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). The following works have been undertaken to date:

Preliminary Ecological Assessment including Desk Study (RT-MME-121302-01);

Hedgerow Survey (RT-MME-121302-02);

Daytime Bat Survey of Trees (RT-MME-121302-03);

Badger Survey (RT-MME-121302-04);

Great Crested Newt Habitat Suitability Index Assessment (RT-MME-121302-05); and,

Winter Bird Survey (RT-MME-121302-06). Middlemarch Environmental Ltd has also been commissioned to undertake the following works to discharge pre-commencement planning conditions:

Construction Ecological Management Plan (CEcMP);

Arboricultural Method Statement and Tree Protection Plan;

Bat Survey of Trees; and,

Updated Badger Survey. The purpose of this report is to identify suitable locations for bat roosting boxes and bird nesting boxes, and detail how they will be incorporated within the design of the proposed development. 1.2 SITE DESCRIPTION AND CONTEXT

The survey area comprises two parcels of land either side of the Branston Road, located approximately 250 m east of the village of Tatenhill, near Burton upon Trent in Staffordshire. The south-western extent of the town of Burton Upon Trent lies approximately 850 m to the east. The western parcel of land occupies a footprint of approximately 10 ha and is centred at SK 2096 2169. The southern/eastern half of the field is flat with a gentle rise present on the northern/western margin becoming steeper on the north-western boundary where it becomes plantation woodland. The eastern surveyed section is approximately 2 ha in extent centred at SK 2118 2171. The topography of this area is flat and open. The two surveyed areas consisted of arable farmland enclosed by managed and unmanaged hedgerows and lengths of mixed fencing. The northern/north-western margin of the western parcel of land consisted of a belt of young broad-leaved plantation woodland which continues beyond the survey boundary occupying a steeply rising ridge and grading into areas of scrub and established woodland. The eastern parcel of land was bordered by Branston Road on its north-eastern and north-western sides and surrounded by arable farmland to the south-west and south-east. The western parcel of land is abutted along its north-eastern edge by a linear strip of scrub/woodland approximately 200 m in length and 30 m in width beyond which land use comprised improved grassland. Adjoining the western parcel adjacent to its eastern corner was a large detached residential property. The southern edge of the western parcel of land was delineated by Branston Road. Adjoining the western/south-western margin of the site was a green trackway edged by linear scrub/mature hedgerow beyond which was a large detached bungalow with associated outbuildings, surrounding landscaped gardens and small horse grazed paddocks. Land to the northwest was occupied by broad-leaved woodland on a rising ridge, rising to Battlestead Hill.



The wider landscape was primarily occupied by rolling mixed Staffordshire farmland with significant broad-leaved woodland cover. To the south, land use was a mixture of active and exhausted gravel workings, some of the latter of which had been incorporated into public open space. The village of Tatenhill was located to the west.

1.3 DESCRIPTION OF DEVELOPMENT

The western parcel of land is to become the site of the new Branston Road High School with associated sports pitches, recreation and hard surfaces for parking, pedestrian access and landscaping, whilst the small eastern section of land will be utilised for a drop-off and pick-up facility and associated landscaping.

1.4 DOCUMENTATION PROVIDED

The conclusions and recommendations made in this report are based on information provided by the client regarding the scope of the project. Documentation made available by the client is listed in Table 1.1.

Document Name / Drawing Number Author

Landscape Proposals / LP2027-WS-L-90-01 Rev H Entrust Architectural

Tree Constraints Plan / THL-0307 Rev 2 Tree Heritage

Appendix A: Tree Survey Schedule Tree Heritage

Branston Road High School Tree Plan / CDX8621/E&S/TreePlan

Staffordshire County Council / Amey

Table 1.1: Documentation Provided by Client

1.5 HABITAT RETENTION, ENHANCEMENT AND CREATION

It is understood that two mature trees and sections of hedgerow adjacent to Branston Road will be removed to accommodate the proposed highway improvement and site access infrastructure associated with the proposed development. However, the remaining trees and majority of hedgerow habitats will be retained and incorporated into the landscaping scheme for the development. In addition, new native species-rich hedgerow habitat will be created, along with areas of species-rich wildflower grassland and scattered trees. Many of these habitats will provide suitable habitat for birds, offering nesting, foraging and roosting opportunities. Foraging and commuting bat habitat will also be provided by these features. However, to further enhance the biodiversity value, bat boxes and bird boxes will be installed throughout the site. The details of specifications of the bat and bird boxes, as well as quantity and location, are discussed in Chapter 3.



2. ECOLOGICAL BASELINE AND SUMMARY OF IMPACTS

2.1 DESK STUDY RESULTS

2.1.1 Bats An ecological desk study was completed as part of Preliminary Ecological Assessment for the site (Middlemarch Environmental Ltd Report RT-MME-121302-01 Rev A). This desk study identified a total of 50 records of several bat species including common pipistrelle, soprano pipistrelle, noctule, whiskered bat and Natterer’s bat within a 2 km radius of the site, with the most recent record from 2013 and the closest record 230 m west of the site boundary. 2.1.2 Birds The desk study revealed numerous records of protected and notable bird species within a 2 km radius of the site, with many identified at Branston Water Park LNR, Branston Quarry, Newbold Quarry and Drakelow Nature Reserve, all open water habitats over 500 m from the development site. Bird species associated with open water habitats are considered unlikely to be regularly utilising the habitats within the proposed development site. Records of all seven species covered by Staffordshire’s Biodiversity Action Plan for ‘Farmland Seed-eating Birds’ (bullfinch, corn bunting, house sparrow, linnet, reed bunting, tree sparrow and yellowhammer) were identified in the desk study within a 2 km radius of the site, as well as a range of common bird species.

2.2 SURVEY RESULTS

2.2.1 Bats Middlemarch Environmental Ltd completed a Daytime Bat Survey of Trees (Report RT-MME-121302-03) at the site in 2015, which identified a total of six trees on or adjacent to the site with potential features suitable for roosting bats. A Potential Roost Feature (PRF) Inspection Survey of a single sessile oak Quercus petraea (Tree T1) was carried out by Middlemarch Environmental Ltd in May 2016 (RT-MME-121728-01). Tree T1 is to be removed to facilitate access into the proposed drop-off and pick-up facility and a full survey of the tree, including tree-climbing, was required to determine whether this tree supports a bat roost or any features suitable for roosting bats. All potential roosting features (flaking bark, tear-out scar, ivy growth) were fully inspected and it was considered that none of the features would be suitable for use by roosting bats. The site and immediate surroundings are considered to provide good foraging and commuting habitat for bats in the form of boundary hedgerows, hedgerow trees and adjacent broadleaved plantation woodland. 2.2.2 Birds Several bird species were identified on site during the Phase 1 Habitat Survey, including bullfinch, which is listed on Staffordshire’s Biodiversity Action Plan for ‘Farmland Seed-eating Birds’. Other birds listed on the Staffordshire Biodiversity Action Plan that were recorded on site during the field survey include grey partridge and skylark. The arable land provides suitable habitat for ground-nesting birds such as skylark and lapwing, whilst the woodland and hedgerow habitats recorded on or immediately adjacent to the site provide potential nesting habitat for a range of bird species.

2.3 SUMMARY OF IMPACTS

2.3.1 Bats It is understood that a mature hedgerow oak tree possessing potential features suitable for roosting bats, located along the north-eastern boundary of the eastern field adjacent to Branston Road, will be removed to accommodate access for the drop-off and pick-up facility, which may result in a decrease in the roosting resource for bats in the area. As detailed in Section 2.2.1, another mature oak tree within this hedgerow that is also due to be removed was subject to a Potential Roost Feature (PRF) Inspection Survey (Report RT-MME-121728-01), which concluded that none of the features identified (flaking bark, a tear-out scar and ivy growth) would be suitable for use by roosting bats. This tree is likely, however, to provide a foraging resource for bats and its removal, in addition to the removal of sections of hedgerow along Branston Road, may disrupt foraging and commuting pathways utilised by bats.



Disruption to potential roosting bats within retained boundary trees, or to bats utilising retained hedgerow and adjacent woodland habitats for foraging and commuting, may also occur as a result of noise, vibration and temporary illumination during the construction phase of the development. In the long-term, increased illumination due to the installation of artificial lighting has the potential to disrupt foraging and commuting habitat for bats, particularly around the peripheries of the site where dark corridors are present. Although the loss of potential roosting and foraging habitat may at least in the short-term reduce the suitability of the site for bats, extensive habitat creation proposed as part of the landscaping scheme for the development, including the installation of bat roosting boxes as outlined in Chapter 3, is likely to minimise any long-term impacts on bats. 2.3.2 Birds The construction phase of the proposed development has the potential to impact upon breeding birds through disturbance and loss of nesting habitat during the breeding season, predominantly as a result of the inappropriate timing of vegetation clearance works. Works within the areas of arable land could disturb any ground-nesting birds, such as skylark and lapwing, which may be utilising this habitat. The removal of vegetation may at least in the short-term reduce the suitability of the site for nesting birds, although habitat creation and the installation of bird nest boxes as outlined in Chapter 3 will enhance the site for a range of nesting birds and minimise any long term impacts.

All arable habitat within the site, likely to support breeding and wintering farmland and ground-nesting birds such as lapwing and skylark, will be permanently lost to accommodate the development, although this habitat is extensive in the wider landscape.



3. BAT AND BIRD BOX STRATEGY This Chapter outlines proposals regarding the bat and bird boxes to be installed as part of the proposed development. Proposed locations of bat and bird boxes are shown on Drawing C122690-02-01 in Chapter 4. The exact locations should be determined by a suitably qualified ecologist when the features are installed.

3.1 BAT BOXES

It is proposed that a series of bat roosting boxes are installed on buildings and retained trees on and adjacent to the site. The following boxes should be installed:

6 no. Schwegler 2F boxes, to be installed on semi-mature to mature retained trees.

3 no. Schwegler 2F-DFP boxes, to be installed on semi-mature to mature retained trees.

1 no. Schwegler 2 FN box, suitable for larger species, to be installed on a semi-mature to mature retained tree.

2 no. Schwegler 1 FQ roost box, to be installed on a new building away from direct illumination. 2 no. Schwegler 2F boxes and 1 no. Schwegler 2F-DFP box will be installed on each of three different appropriate trees which will be retained as part of the proposed development. The bat boxes will be placed on the trees at approximate angles of 120 degrees to provide a variety of climatic conditions (i.e. sun and shade at different times of the day). All bat boxes will be situated higher than 3 m from the ground to prevent any negative interference. Boxes should be regularly checked by a suitably qualified ecologist. If bats are found to be present, subsequent checks need to be undertaken by a licensed bat surveyor.

3.2 BIRD BOXES

It is proposed that a series of bird nest boxes are installed on buildings and retained trees on and adjacent to the site. The following boxes should be installed:

4 no. Schwegler 1B boxes, suitable for use by hole nesting species such as blue tit and great tit, to be installed on trees along the northern boundary of the western field.

4 no. Schwegler 1N boxes, suitable for species such as robin and wren, to be installed on trees along the northern boundary of the western field.

2 no. Schwegler sparrow terraces. These are suitable for use by house sparrow, and should be installed on the western end of the main school building, in proximity to vegetation.

3 no. Schwegler 3S Starling Boxes, to be installed on semi-mature to mature retained trees along the eastern boundary of the western field.

2 no. Schwegler Owl Box No. 4, suitable for use by stock dove, to be installed on semi-mature to mature retained trees along the eastern boundary of the western field. Green woodpeckers will sometimes use this box overnight.

2 no. No. Schwegler 17A Triple Cavity Swift Terraces, suitable for mounting on an exterior wall. These boxes can each support up to three nest pairs of swifts.

4 no. Schwegler House Martin Terrace No. 11, each providing two house martin nesting cups. These boxes can also be provided with dropping guards for use in public places, if required.

The bird boxes should be installed at a height of at least 3 m to prevent any negative interference. The best time to install bird boxes is in late winter and early spring, to allow birds time to adjust to them prior to the nesting season. It is proposed that precise locations will be agreed on site by a suitably qualified ecologist during the construction phase, particularly for the swift and house martin boxes. After the end of each breeding season, bird boxes should be cleaned with boiling water to kill any parasites. Annual cleaning is best carried out in October or November. The Woodland Trust should be consulted where bat or bird boxes are to be installed at locations outside of site boundary.



3.3 GENERAL PROTECTION MEASURES

Timing of Works All vegetation removal works and clearance of areas offering potential bird nesting habitat will be timed to occur outside of the bird nesting season. This is generally considered to extend from March to September inclusive, but is weather dependent. Where this is not feasible, any areas to be cleared will first be inspected by an experienced ecologist, with any nests identified marked out and an appropriate buffer zone implemented and maintained until the young have fledged and the nest has been abandoned naturally. Construction and Operational Phase Lighting Construction and operational phase lighting should be directed away from bat and bird boxes, as well as features of value to commuting, foraging or potential roosting bats such as broadleaved plantation woodland and hedgerows, to ensure dark corridors are maintained throughout the site and in proximity to bat and bird boxes. Good Horticultural Practice It is important to implement good horticultural practice in any landscaping scheme, including the use of peat-free composts, mulches and soil conditioners. The use of pesticides (herbicides, insecticides, fungicides and slug pellets etc) should be discouraged to prevent cumulative fatal effects to animals via the food chain, particularly invertebrates, birds and/or mammals. Any pesticides used should be non-residual.



4. DRAWINGS

Drawing C122690-02-01-Rev B – Bat and Bird Box Strategy

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0 10050 m

Triumph House, Birmingham Road, Allesley, Coventry CV5 9AZT:01676 525880 F:01676 521400

E:[email protected]

$

C122690-02-01-RevB

Project

Drawing

Client

Drawing Number

Scale @ A3

Approved By Drawn By

Date

RevisionC122690-02-01-RevB

1:2,000HT AM

September 2016Rev B

Seddon Construction Ltd

Bat and Bird Box Strategy

Branston Road High School, Tatenhill, Burton Upon Trent

LegendSite boundary

Bat boxes:# Schwegler 2F (2 in each location)# Schwegler 2F-DFP# Schwegler 2FN# Schwegler 1FQ

Bird boxes:! Schwegler 1B! Schwegler 1N! Schwegler 3S Starling Box

!Schwegler 17 A Triple Cavity SwiftTerrace

!Schwegler House Martin Terrace no.11

! Schwegler Owl Box no. 4! Schwegler Sparrow Terrace

This map is reproduced from the Ordnance Survey material with the permission of Ordnance Survey on behalfof The Controller of Her Majesty's Stationary Office. © Crown copyright. Unauthorised reproduction infringes

Crown copyright and may lead to prosecution of civil proceedings. Licence Number: 100040519



REFERENCES AND BIBLIOGRAPHY

British Standards Institution (2013). British Standard 42020: 2013. Biodiversity – Code of practice for planning and development. British Standards Institution, London.

Department for Communities and Local Government (2012). National Planning Policy Framework. Available:

http://www.communities.gov.uk/planningandbuilding/planningsystem/planningpolicy/planningpolicyframework

English Nature (2004). Bat Mitigation Guidelines. English Nature, Peterborough. Joint Nature Conservation Committee (2012). UK Post-2010 Biodiversity Framework. Available:

http://jncc.defra.gov.uk/pdf/UK_Post2010_Bio-Fwork.pdf Middlemarch Environmental Ltd. (2015). Branston Road High School, Tatenhill, Burton upon Trent:

Preliminary Ecological Assessment. Report RT-MME-121302-01 Rev A, December 2015. Middlemarch Environmental Ltd. (2015). Branston Road High School, Tatenhill, Burton upon Trent:

Daytime Bat Survey of Trees. Report RT-MME-121302-03 Rev A, December 2015. Middlemarch Environmental Ltd. (2016). Potential Roost Feature (PRF) Inspection Survey of a Single

Sessile Oak Tree (Tree T1) at the Proposed Branston Road High School, Tatenhill, Burton upon Trent. Report RT-MME-121728-01, 26th May 2016.

Staffordshire Biodiversity Action Plan (2001 – 2016). Available: http://www.sbap.org.uk/actionplan/index.php



http://jncc.defra.gov.uk/pdf/UK_Post2010_Bio-Fwork.pdf

http://www.sbap.org.uk/actionplan/index.php

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