Herpetofauna Survey Report...2020/07/14 · If reptiles or amphibians are seen on site, works must...

Herpetofauna Survey Report

Gaerwen Industrial Estate, Anglesey

Amber REI Holdings Ltd

Prepared By:

Harris Lamb | Grosvenor House | 75-76 Francis Road | Edgbaston | Birmingham B16 8SP

Telephone: 0121 455 9455 Facsimile: 0121 455 6595 E-mail: [email protected]

Job Ref: PE0123 Date: 13th July 2020

Herpetofauna Survey Report

Gaerwen Industrial Estate, Anglesey

_______________________________

Main Contributors

_______________________________

Issued By

Signature………………………………

Print Name: Rob Harrison BSc MSc MCIEEM

Date: 13/07/2020

_______________________________

Approved By

Signature………………………………

Print Name: Dr Holly Smith

Date: 14/07/2020

Job Ref: PE0123 July 2020

CONTENTS

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 4

1.0 INTRODUCTION 1

2.0 METHODOLOGY 6

3.0 RESULTS 9

4.0 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 14

APPENDIX A – EDNA LAB DATA 15

APPENDIX B – GCN FULL SURVEY RESULTS 17

APPENDIX C – PHOTOGRAPHIC PLATES 18

Job Ref: PE0123 July 2020

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Harris Lamb Property Consultants (HLPC) were commissioned by Amber REI

Holdings Ltd to complete a herpetofauna (amphibians and reptiles) survey of land at

Gaerwen Industrial Estate, Anglesey.

After seven survey visits to site during April-May 2020, no evidence of reptiles was

recorded on site and reptiles are not considered likely to be a receptor with respect to

the proposed development.

After six survey visits for amphibians, including an early and late season eDNA

sampling survey, no great crested newts were encountered and both eDNA results

were negative for great crested newts. Therefore, great-crested newts are not

considered likely to be a receptor with respect to the proposed development.

Taking a precautionary approach it is recommended works are undertaken following

a Reptile and Amphibian Method Statement (RAMS) in the very low likelihood reptile

and/or amphibians are found. The RAMS should include an ecological toolbox talk

prior to construction works commencing. If reptiles or amphibians are seen on site,

works must stop and a suitably qualified ecologist consulted for further advice.

Job Ref: PE0123 1 July 2020

1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background

1.1.1 Harris Lamb Property Consultancy (HLPC) was commissioned by Amber

REI Holdings Ltd to complete a herpetofauna (amphibians and reptiles)

survey of land at Gaerwen Industrial Estate, Anglesey (NGR: SH 47861

71356) hereafter termed the ‘site’.

1.1.2 Previous survey for herpetofauna was completed in 20181 to accompany a

planning application (ref: FPL/2019/128) for the site which was subsequently

refused by decision notice on 18/11/2019 for the reasoning:

‘(01) Insufficient information has been received with the planning application

to assess the extent of adverse effects on Great Crested Newts together

with any avoidance or mitigation measures required. Due to the lack of

information submitted it is considered that the proposal is contrary to the

provisions of Strategic Policy PS19 and Policy AMG5 of the Joint Local

Development Plan, Advice Contained within Planning Policy Wales (10th

Edition) and Technical Advice Note 5: Nature Conservation and Planning.’

1.2 Site location

1.2.1 The site is approximately 5.9ha in area and is shown on Figure 1 overleaf.

The site is dominated by buildings and bare ground associated with the

former use of the site as an abattoir. Areas of rough semi-improved

grassland, tall ruderals, scattered and dense scrub and ephemeral/short

perennial vegetation have developed within the former abattoir area due to

lack of use. Three poor semi-improved grassland fields are present on site

to the west and north west of the former abattoir.

1.2.2 The site is bordered by the A5 to the north, by a densely vegetated drainage

ditch and agricultural fields to the east, by a densely vegetated track

adjacent to which lies the Gaerwen Industrial Estate to the west and by

agricultural fields to the south.

1 WYG (2018) Gaerwen Industrial Estate Ecological Appraisal


1.2.3 Within the wider landscape, the land to the east, west and south is

dominated by agricultural land, and the land to the north is made up of the

town of Gaerwen.

1.2.4 The aim of the survey was to determine the presence or absence of reptiles

and amphibians (in particular great crested newt (GCN) Triturus cristatus).

Figure 1: Site location. Not to scale2.

1.3 Legislation

Reptiles

1.3.1 All terrestrial native reptiles are protected under Schedule 5 Section 9 of the

Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981) as amended which prohibits the

intentional killing and injuring, and trade (i.e. sale, barter, exchange,

transporting for sale and advertising to sell or to buy) of this species. See

www.legislation.gov.uk for full details.

2 WYG (2018) Gaerwen Industrial Estates Amber REI Holdings Ltd. Site Location Plan. Drawing Number: Figure 1

http://www.legislation.gov.uk/


1.3.2 In England and Wales the Natural Environment and Rural Communities

(NERC) Act 2006 lists UK Species of Principal Importance. All terrestrial

native reptiles are listed as UK Species of Principal Importance.

Great crested newt

1.3.3 Great crested newts are listed on Appendix II of the Bern Convention and on

Annexes II and IV of the EU Natural Habitats Directive. In Wales the great

crested newt is protected under Schedule 2 of the Conservation of Habitats

and Species Regulations 2017 (as amended) and under Schedule 5 of the

Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended).

1.3.4 It is an offence, with certain exceptions, to:

• Intentionally or deliberately capture, kill, or injure a great crested

newt;

• Intentionally or recklessly damage, destroy, and disturb a great

crested newt in a place used for shelter or protection, or obstruct

access to such areas;

• Damage or destroy a great crested newt breeding site or resting

place;

• Possess a great crested newt, or any part of it, unless acquired

lawfully; and

• Sell, barter, exchange, transport, or offer for sale great crested newt

or parts of them.

1.3.5 The legislation covers all newt life stages such that eggs, tadpoles and adult

newts are all equally protected. Actions that are prohibited can be made

lawful by a licence issued by the appropriate Statutory Nature Conservation

Organisation.

1.3.6 The great crested newt is a Priority Species under the UK Biodiversity Action

Plan and has been adopted as a Species of Principal Importance in Wales

under Section 42 of the NERC Act 2006.


1.4 Species Ecology

Reptiles

1.4.1 The most favoured habitats for most reptile species are heathland, scrub,

rough grassland, coastal dunes and moorland. Typically, they will only range

over 10’s of metres giving a home range of below 1000 square metres.

Between October and March, most reptiles hibernate below ground, often in

large mammal burrows or other refuges both natural and man-made.

1.4.2 Particularly high-risk areas of habitat for reptiles are:

• Dry, species-rich, undisturbed open habitat with a mix of sparse

and dense vegetation.

• Sunny hollows, banks or gullies.

• Disused rabbit burrows on dry south facing banks with some

vegetation/tree cover.

• Disused railway lines, old quarries or sand pits and pylon lines

crossing woodland as these are kept clear of trees creating suitable

open habitat.

Great crested newt

1.4.3 great crested newts have both terrestrial habitat requirements and also need

access to water for breeding. Froglife state that at most sites, the majority of

adults probably stay within around 250m of the breeding pond, so the

density of individuals gradually decreases away from the pond3.

1.4.4 Terrestrial habitat is required for foraging and shelter and can consist of

farmland, hedges, grassland, woodland/scrub, wetted margins waste land

and rubble/log piles.

1.4.5 Breeding sites for great crested newt are usually medium-sized ponds,

though ditches and other waterbody types may also be used less frequently.

Ponds with ample aquatic vegetation (which is used for egg-laying) seem to

be favoured. Great crested newts do not require very high water quality but

are normally found in ponds with a circum-neutral pH. Broad habitat type

3 Langton, T.E.S., Beckett, C.L., and Foster, J.P. (2001), Great Crested Newt Conservation Handbook, Froglife,

Halesworth.


varies greatly, the most frequent being pastoral and arable farmland,

woodland, scrub, and grassland. There are also populations in coastal

dunes and shingle structures. Great crested newts can be found in rural,

urban and post-industrial settings, with populations less able to thrive where

there are high degrees of fragmentation. The connectivity of the landscape

is important, since great crested newts often occur in metapopulations that

encompass a cluster of several or many ponds. This helps ensure the

survival of populations even if sub-populations are affected by, for example,

pond desiccation or fish introductions4.

1.4.6 In winter, when night temperatures fall below about 5°C, great crested newts

enter a period of low activity. The point in the year at which this occurs will

vary with annual variations in weather, but generally begins in late

September to mid-October and most animals are dormant by the end of

November. An overwintering site for a great crested newt may, like day

refuges, be an underground crevice or crack, such as a void in a tree stump

or bank, or under refugia such as rock piles or dead wood5.

4https://sac.jncc.gov.uk/species/S1166/#:~:text=Great%20crested%20newts%20do%20not,coastal%20dunes%20and

%20shingle%20structures. [accessed 13/07/2020] 5 Langton, T.E.S., Beckett, C.L., and Foster, J.P. (2001), Great Crested Newt Conservation Handbook, Froglife,

Halesworth.

https://sac.jncc.gov.uk/species/S1166/#:~:text=Great%20crested%20newts%20do%20not,coastal%20dunes%20and%20shingle%20structures.

https://sac.jncc.gov.uk/species/S1166/#:~:text=Great%20crested%20newts%20do%20not,coastal%20dunes%20and%20shingle%20structures.


2.0 METHODOLOGY

2.1 Desk Study

2.1.1 Review of previous surveys for the site have been undertaken. Specifically,

results from survey undertaken in 2018 have been reviewed and

incorporated into this report where necessary.

2.2 Survey

Reptiles

2.2.1 A reptile presence/absence reptile survey was undertaken in April and May

2020 by Harris Lamb ecologists using 120 artificial refugia in accordance

with Froglife (1999)6 and Herpetofauna Workers Manual7 guidelines. The

site is approximately 5.9 ha and the refugia density was c. 20 per hectare,

double the required density of 10 refugia per hectare.

2.2.2 Artificial refugia were constructed of c. 1.0 m x 1.0 m roofing felt as

recommended by Froglife. Artificial refugia were placed in the most

structurally diverse grassland or scrub edge habitats with areas of bare

ground/short vegetation across the site.

2.2.3 The artificial refugia were left to ‘bed in’ for approximately one month before

survey commenced. Once the artificial refugia had bedded in, seven non-

consecutive survey visits were carried out to determine the

presence/absence of reptile species on site. During each visit, the artificial

refugia were checked visually from a distance to determine whether reptiles

were basking on their surface. The artificial refugia were then carefully

approached and lifted to check for reptiles sheltering beneath them. Artificial

refugia were collected back in on the seventh visit.

Great crested newt

2.2.4 Great crested newt survey was completed alongside reptile survey between

April and July 2020 by Harris Lamb licenced ecologists. Survey was

undertaken within optimal weather conditions and consisted of:

6 Froglife (1999). Froglife Advice Sheet 10: Reptile Survey. Froglife, London 7 Gent and Gibson (1998). Herpetofauna Workers Manual


• Habitat Suitability Index (HSI) calculations8 of waterbodies identified

within 500m of the site boundary.

• Two environmental DNA (eDNA)9 sampling events, one at the start

of the season and one at the end of the season. Ponds suitable for

great crested newt identified by the HSI calculation were included in

this survey. Samples were sent to Surescreen Scientifics Ltd

laboratories who are enrolled in the Natural England proficiency

testing scheme.

• Six population count surveys were undertaken of ponds identified

as suitable for great crested newt in the HSI calculation. This

followed the standard Froglife methodology10 of three different

survey methods within each population count survey and included

torching, egg search, netting and terrestrial refuge search.

Terrestrial refuge effort included checks of existing refuge on site

(e.g. urban debris, rubble and logs) and the deployed 120 reptile

refuge mats.

2.3 Limitations

2.3.1 Surveys were undertaken at an ideal time of year when reptiles would be

active. On each survey visit weather conditions were optimal being dry with

temperatures between 9oC and 18oC. Survey dates were moved during the

survey period to allow visits to be undertaken in the most optimal conditions.

2.3.2 Great crested newt surveys were completed within optimal survey conditions

and the accepted survey season. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, for health

and safety reasons in line with government advice and advice from the

Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM),

overnight stays for bottle trapping were not included as a survey technique

for population counts. However, the requirement for survey is that three

8 ARG UK (2010) ARG UK Advice Note 5 – Great Crested Newt Habitat Suitability Index https://www.arguk.org/info-

advice/advice-notes/9-great-crested-newt-habitat-suitability-index-arg-advice-note-5/file [accessed 13/07/2020] 9 Biggs J, Ewald N, Valentini A, Gaboriaud C, Griffiths RA, Foster J, Wilkinson J, Arnett A, Williams P and Dunn F

2014. Analytical and methodological development for improved surveillance of the Great Crested Newt. Appendix 5.

Technical advice note for field and laboratory sampling of great crested newt (Triturus cristatus) environmental DNA.

Freshwater Habitats Trust, Oxford. 10 Langton, T.E.S., Beckett, C.L., and Foster, J.P. (2001), Great Crested Newt Conservation Handbook, Froglife,

Halesworth.

https://www.arguk.org/info-advice/advice-notes/9-great-crested-newt-habitat-suitability-index-arg-advice-note-5/file

https://www.arguk.org/info-advice/advice-notes/9-great-crested-newt-habitat-suitability-index-arg-advice-note-5/file


survey techniques for population count are undertaken. The surveys

included four techniques of torch survey, egg search, netting and refuge

search. The lack of bottle trapping is not considered to have negatively

impacted results and if newts were present then they would have been

recorded via the four methods used over the six survey visits.

2.3.3 Pond 1 at the time of survey had suffered from an oil leak and a thick oil film

was present on the surface of the water which would ultimately kill aquatic

life including great crested newt. This pond was assessed by population

count techniques, but due to the contamination, no eDNA sample was sent

to the laboratory. This is because the oil substance would denature the

sample and an invalid result would be returned. In addition, the oil substance

was unknown and for health and safety reasons it was decided to reduce

handling it or send it onto the lab in case of potential toxicity.


3.0 RESULTS

3.1 Desk Study

3.1.1 Desk study of local ecological record centre data returned one old great

crested newt record approximately 300m SE of the site in 1983. This

location does not tie in with the location of any known pond so is assumed to

be a terrestrial record, or a misplaced record location. No records of reptiles

were returned from the ecological record centre within a 2km radius of the

site.

3.1.2 Previous survey undertaken in 201811 stated that: ‘No signs of reptiles were

found during the walkover survey. It is considered the hardstanding,

buildings and agricultural poor semi-improved grassland fields do not

provide suitable habitat for reptile species. The ephemeral/short perennial

and scattered scrub habitats may provide habitat for basking reptiles with

the dense scrub, tall ruderals and rough semi-improved grassland offer

habitat for cover. However, such suitable habitat is minimal and fairly

isolated surrounded by agricultural, industrial and urban environments.

Thus, reptiles are unlikely to be present and are not considered further in the

assessment.’

3.1.3 For great crested newt, the 2018 survey stated: ‘There are no permanent

standing waterbodies on site. The small ephemeral pool recorded at the

base of an old disused water tank however this is unlikely to hold sufficient

water for a long enough period to allow GCN breeding.’ This pond was later

assessed via the eDNA technique along with four other ponds. The results

for this pond were positive for GCN eDNA. This positive GCN eDNA result

for this pond has prompted the further detailed survey in 2020 that this

report covers.

3.2 Field Survey

Reptiles

3.2.1 Weather during the survey visits was suitable for surveying for reptiles,

being dry and warm or mild. Froglife guidelines recommend ideal

11 WYG (2018) Gaerwen Industrial Estate Ecological Appraisal


temperatures for reptile survey between 9°C and 18°C which the surveys

adhered to. Survey results and weather conditions are provided in Table 1

below.

Table 1: Reptile Survey Conditions

Date Time (h) Weather conditions Results

1/4/2020 17:00 13⁰C, light cloud No sightings

7/4/2020 18:00 14⁰C, scattered cloud No sightings

15/4/2020 18:00 14⁰C, overcast No sightings




21/5/2020 19:00 17⁰C, overcast No sightings

Great crested newt

3.2.2 Within 500m of the site boundary thirteen waterbodies with potential to

support great crested newt were identified from digital mapping resources12.

The fourteen waterbodies are numbered on Figure 2.

12 https://magic.defra.gov.uk/ [accessed 27/03/2020]

https://magic.defra.gov.uk/


Figure 2: Site location. Not to scale.

3.2.3 The fourteen waterbodies were visited on 1/4/2020 to ground truth their

suitability and undertake Habitat suitability Index (HSI) calculations if

appropriate. Each of the waterbodies identified from mapping are bulleted

below with the rationale of whether they were screened in or out of the

assessment.

• Pond 1 – pool at base of water tank. Has previously tested positive

for GCN eDNA in 2018 - screened in

• Pond 2 – pool on-line with stream. Lacks macrophytes and is very

shaded but otherwise provides suitable habitat for GCN - screened

in

• Pond 3 – not present - screened out

• Pond 4 – dry field drain leading to stream. The feature did not hold

water at time of survey - screened out


• Pond 5 – dry field drain leading to stream. The feature did not hold

water at time of survey - screened out

• Pond 6 – sheep drink, only held water on the first survey visit and

lacks macrophytes - screened out

• Pond 7 – Dry at time of survey and succumb to succession -

screened out

• Pond 8 – not present - screened out

• Pond 9 – dry ditch separated by significant barriers to dispersal -

screened out


screened out


screened out

• Pond 12 – wet ditch with obvious flow and separated by significant

barriers to dispersal - screened out

• Pond 13 – rectangular concrete water tank, has steep concrete

sides but contains good macrophyte cover - screened in

• Pond 14 – rectangular concrete water tank, has wooden and

concrete steep sides and lacks aquatic plants, but contains leaf

litter and is adjacent to the pond that previously tested positive for

GCN eDNA in 2018 - screened in

3.2.4 It should also be noted that there are numerous water tanks on site. These

all have vertical metal sides and are all c.4m tall. Newts would not be able to

access these tanks and therefore they have been discounted from the

survey.

3.2.5 The results HSI results for the four waterbodies screened in are provided in

Table 2 below.


Table 2: Habitat Suitability Index Survey Results

ARGUK GCN HSI Calculator

Pond Name P1 P2 P13 P14

SI No SI Description SI Value SI Value SI Value SI Value

1 Geographic location 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5

2 Pond area 0.1 0.2 0.1 0.1

3 Pond permanence 0.9 0.5 0.5 0.9

4 Water quality 0.01 1 0.67 0.01

5 Shade 1 0.2 1 1

6 Water fowl effect 1 1 1 1

7 Fish presence 1 0.33 1 1

8 Pond Density 1 1 1 1

9 Terrestrial habitat 1 1 1 1

10 Macropyhyte cover 0.3 0.3 0.8 0.3

0.41 0.50 0.65 0.41

Poor Below Average Average Poor

HSI Score

Pond suitability (see below)

3.2.6 eDNA survey was undertaken of ponds P2, P13 and P14 on two occasions

on 15/4/2020 and 21/5/2020. Pond 1 was not tested via eDNA technique

since at the time of survey it had suffered from an oil leak and a thick oil film

was present on the surface of the water which would ultimately kill aquatic

life including great crested newts. This pond was assessed by population

count techniques, but due to the contamination, no eDNA sample was sent

to the laboratory. This is because the oil substance would denature the

sample and an invalid result would be returned. In addition, the oil substance

was unknown and for health and safety reasons it was decided to reduce

handling it or send it onto the lab in case of potential toxicity. All eDNA

samples tested negative for the presence of great crested newt (see

Appendix A for details).

3.2.7 All four ponds (1, 2, 13 and 14) and the terrestrial habitat on site were

assessed using population count survey methods during the first six reptile

survey dates (see Appendix B for full survey results). No signs of great

crested newt were recorded during any survey efforts.


4.0 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

4.1 Conclusion

4.1.1 No evidence of the presence of reptiles or great crested newt was recorded

on site during survey using a range of survey techniques. It is therefore

concluded reptiles and great crested newt are not likely to be a receptor with

respect to redevelopment of the site. The previous positive eDNA result for

pond 1 is thought to be a false positive based on the survey data collected in

2020.

4.2 Recommendations

4.2.1 It is recommended that a precautionary approach is adopted during the

proposed developments construction phase under a Reptile and Amphibian

Method Statement (RAMS) which could be secured via planning condition.

The RAMS should include appointment of an Ecological Clerk of Works to

deliver a toolbox talks prior to works commencing. This will highlight to the

potential of reptiles and amphibians being present on site and notify that if

either species is seen, works must stop and a suitably qualified ecologist

consulted.


APPENDIX A – EDNA LAB DATA



APPENDIX B – GCN FULL SURVEY RESULTS

Site

Date Date Date Date Date Date

Method 1 Method 1 Method 1 Method 1 Method 1 Method 1

Surveyors Surveyors Surveyors Surveyors Surveyors Surveyors

Male Female Male Female Male Female Male Female Male Female Male Female Male Female Male Female Male Female Male Female Male Female Male Female Male Female Male Female Male Female Male Female Male Female Male Female

Pond 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 Pond 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 Pond 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 Pond 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 Pond 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 Pond 1 0 0 0 0 0 0










Total 0 0 0 0 0 0 Total 0 0 0 0 0 0 Total 0 0 0 0 0 0 Total 0 0 0 0 0 0 Total 0 0 0 0 0 0 Total 0 0 0 0 0 0











































Great-crested newt Smooth newt Palmate newt Great-crested newt Smooth newt Palmate newt Great-crested newt Smooth newt Palmate newtGreat-crested newt Smooth newt Palmate newt Great-crested newt Smooth newt Palmate newt Great-crested newt Smooth newt Palmate newt

22/04/2020Weather 16⁰C, scattered cloud



Egg Search Egg Search Egg Search

01/04/2020Weather 13C, light cloud


15/4/202Weather 14⁰C, overcast

Egg Search Egg Search Egg Search

Gaerwen, Anglesey

Survey 1 Survey 2 Survey 3 Survey 4 Survey 5 Survey 6

01/04/2020Weather 13⁰C, light cloud



Great-crested newt Smooth newt Palmate newt Great-crested newt Smooth newt Palmate newt


Torching Torching Torching Torching Torching Torching



Great-crested newt Smooth newt Palmate newt Great-crested newt Smooth newt Palmate newtGreat-crested newt Smooth newt Palmate newt Great-crested newt Smooth newt Palmate newt


Refugia Search Refugia Search




Great-crested newt Smooth newt Palmate newt Great-crested newt Smooth newt Palmate newt





Great-crested newt Smooth newt Palmate newt Great-crested newt Smooth newt Palmate newtGreat-crested newt Smooth newt Palmate newt Great-crested newt Smooth newt Palmate newt

Smooth newt Palmate newt


Netting Netting



Netting Netting



Netting Netting

Great-crested newt

RH JR RH JR RH FM RH FM RH FM RH FM

Great-crested newt Smooth newt Palmate newtGreat-crested newt Smooth newt Palmate newt Great-crested newt Smooth newt Palmate newtGreat-crested newt Smooth newt Palmate newt Great-crested newt Smooth newt Palmate newt



APPENDIX C – PHOTOGRAPHIC PLATES


Plate 1. Example water tank

Plate 2. Water tanks and edge of scrub for reptile

surveys

Plate 3. Pond 6 that had dried

Plate 4. Pond 4 that had dried and doesn’t hold

water

Plate 5. Pond 5 that had dried and doesn’t hold

water

Plate 6. Pond 1 showing contamination


Plate 7. Pond 1 surface oil

Plate 8. Oil from pond 1 when attempting to collect

eDNA sample

Plate 9. Tanker and yellow spill kit above pond 1

Plate 10. General site character in fields away from

the buildings

Plate 11. Pond 2

Plate 12. Pond 13


Plate 13. Pond 14

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