rReceived 16/04/13

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Ecological Assessment

Woodland Hall Farm, Uttoxeter, ST14 8JS

April 2013

lisa.roberts

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P/2013/00436 Received 16/04/13

Ecological Assessment Woodland Hall Farm, Uttoxeter, ST14 8JS April 2013

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Notice to readers This report has been prepared by Absolute Ecology with all reasonable skill, care and diligence, within the terms of the contract with the client. The actions of the surveyor on site, and during the production of the report were undertaken in accordance with the Code of Professional Conduct for the Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (www.ieem.org.uk). No part of this document may be reproduced without prior written approval of Absolute Ecology.


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Non-technical summary

An Ecological Assessment of part of a field at Woodland Hall Farm, Uttoxeter, ST14 8JS was carried out in April 2013. The field is used as grazing and silage pasture and planning permission is being sought to permit the erection of a single wind turbine on site.

The aim of the survey was to identify features of ecological interest, undertake a basic search of habitats present for evidence of use, or potential use, by protected species, and to identify any other possible ecological constraints to the development.

The site is composed of improved grassland and as such is regarded as being of low ecological value. There is potential for protected species to occur in the surrounding area including bats, badgers, amphibians and nesting birds, but the likelihood of them occurring on the part of the site in question is regarded as negligible.

The nature of wind turbines means that bats and birds are usually the most likely species groups to be affected. This has been considered and it has been concluded that the proposed location of the turbines would mean that the risk of impacts on these species would be minimal. No impacts to other species are predicted and therefore no further survey work is recommended.


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Contents Notice to readers 2

Non-technical summary 3

Contents 4

1.0 Introduction 5

Background 5

Site Characteristics 5

2.0 Methodology 6

Desk Study 6

Habitat Survey 6

Fauna 6

Valuation of Ecological Features 6

Nomenclature 7

3.0 Legislation 8

4.0 Results 9

Desk Study 9

Habitats 10

Fauna 11

5.0 Development Constraints and Recommendations 14

Habitats 14

Protected and Notable Species 14

6.0 References 17

7.0 Plans 18


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1.0 Introduction

Background

1.1 Absolute Ecology was commissioned to undertake an Ecological Assessment of part of a field at Woodland Hall Farm, Uttoxeter, ST14 8JS (Grid Ref: SK 1089 3189). The field is used as grazing and silage pasture and planning permission is being sought to permit the construction of a single wind turbine on site. The present report details the findings of an Ecological Assessment of the site. The location of the proposed wind turbine is shown below in Figure 1. The proposed turbine has a hub height of 24.6m and a tip height of 35.7 with a blade swept diameter of approximately 20 m.

1.2 The aim of the survey was to identify features of ecological interest, undertake a basic search of habitats present for evidence of use, or potential use, by protected species, and to identify any other possible ecological constraints to the development.

Site Characteristics

1.3 The site is located in rural Staffordshire approximately 1.5 km to the southeast of Uttoxeter. The proposed location of the wind turbine is within a field of improved grassland accessed by a single-track road. The field is surrounded by a mix of well managed hedgerows, and hedgerows with trees. An existing turbine is present approximately 130 m to the west in an adjacent field. The surroundings are mainly a mix of arable and pasture fields, although there is a golf course to the northwest; an area of woodland, a railway line and the River Dove are located 300 m to the northeast.

Figure 1: Proposed turbine location (red dot).


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2.0 Methodology

Desk Study

2.1 MAGIC (Multi-Agency Geographic Information for the Countryside, 2013) was used to establish whether any of the following were present:-

• Statutory site designations on or within 1 km of the site.

• Statutory sites designated for bats or birds within 5 km of the site.

2.2 In order to compile background information on the presence of protected species in the vicinity of the site, the National Biodiversity Network online resource was used (NBN, 2013).

Habitat Survey

2.3 The site was visited on the 11th April 2013 and the turbine footprint, as well as the immediate surroundings, were surveyed in accordance with the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) Phase I Habitat Survey methodology (JNCC, 2007). This technique provides an inventory of the basic habitat types present and allows identification of areas of greater potential that might warrant further study.

2.4 The observable higher plant species in each habitat type within the site, and their abundance, were recorded using the DAFOR scale:

D Dominant

A Abundant

F Frequent

O Occasional

R Rare

Fauna

2.5 Habitats present on the site were searched for obvious signs of faunal activity, e.g. presence of badger setts, mammal tracks or herpetofauna under refugia. Any buildings and mature trees on, or near to the site were visually examined from the ground and within, if possible, to identify features with the potential to support roosting bats.

Valuation of Ecological Features

2.6 The value of areas of habitat and plant communities has been measured against published criteria where available. Biodiversity Action Plans (BAPs) have been searched to identify whether action has been taken to protect all areas of a particular habitat and to identify current factors causing loss and decline of particular habitats. The presence of injurious and legally controlled weeds has also been taken into account.


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2.7 When assigning a level of value to a species, its distribution and status (including a consideration of trends based on available historic records) has been taken into account. Other factors influencing the value of a species are: legal protection, rarity and Species Action Plans (SAPs). Guidance, where it is available, for the identification of populations of sufficient size for them to be considered of national or international importance has also been taken into account.

Nomenclature

2.8 The English name only of flora and fauna species is given in the main text of this report; however, scientific names are used for invertebrates where no English name is available. Vascular plants and charophytes follow the nomenclature of The Botanical Society for the British Isles (BSBI) 2007 database (BSBI, 2013) with all other flora and fauna following the Nameserver facility of the National Biodiversity Network Species Dictionary (http://www.nhm.ac.uk/nbn/), which is managed by the Natural History Museum.


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3.0 Legislation

3.1 The United Kingdom Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) 1994 sets out a strategy for implementing the Convention on Biological Diversity, which was signed by the United Kingdom at the Rio de Janeiro Earth Summit in 1992. The published report contains action plans for the United Kingdom’s most threatened species and habitat plans for the most vulnerable areas.

3.2 The Local BAP sets out the county’s part in the UK biodiversity planning process, in the form of local habitat and species action plans. Local BAPs are intended to focus resources, to conserve and enhance biodiversity, by taking account of national and local priorities.

3.3 Schedule 1 Part 1 of The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (and amendments) – this lists birds protected by special penalties at all times. It prohibits intentional killing/injuring, taking, possessing, disturbing and selling (including parts and derivatives, eggs, nests, etc. as applicable) as well as damaging, destroying or disturbing nests in current use or dependent young, etc.

3.4 Schedule 5 of The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (and amendments) – this prohibits deliberate killing, injuring, taking, possessing, disturbing and selling (including parts and derivatives) as well as damaging, destroying or obstructing any structure or place of refuge of listed fauna, such as Dormouse, Otter and bat species.

3.5 The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010, consolidate all the various amendments made to the Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations 1994, in respect of England and Wales. It is illegal to kill, disturb, destroy eggs, breeding sites or resting places, to pick, collect, take cuttings, uproot or destroy in the wild as well as keep, transport, sell/exchange and offer for sale/exchange species listed.

3.6 The Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 – this increases protection given by The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (and amendments). The offence to intentionally damage any structure or place that a wild animal listed in Schedule 5 of the Act uses for shelter or protection or deliberately disturbing any such animal while in such a structure or place is extended so that the offence also covers reckless damage or disturbance. The CRoW Act also places a duty on Ministers and Government Departments to have regard for the purpose of conserving biological diversity in accordance with the Convention on Biological Diversity.

3.7 The Protection of Badgers Act 1992 - this Act makes it illegal to wilfully kill, injure or take any Badger, or attempt to do so and it is an offence to intentionally or recklessly damage, destroy or obstruct access to any part of a Badger sett.

3.8 The Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act, 2006 - as well as creating Natural England, this act gives all public authorities the duty to have regard for conserving biodiversity within the commission of their duties. This includes a duty to restore and enhance as well as maintain biodiversity. The act also strengthens protection for Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and makes authorities liable for allowing damage to such sites or their features.

lisa.roberts

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4.0 Results

Desk Study

4.1 There are no statutory designated sites located within 1 km of the site.

4.2 There are no statutory designated sites for bats or birds within 5 km of the site.

4.3 The nearest statutory designated site is Forest Banks SSSI, located approximately 3.5 km to the south. This is designated for its diverse woodlands, which together with the Brackhurst SSSI, support an outstanding assemblage of moths and butterflies. The nearest designated site for which birds are a major factor in its designation is Blithfield Reservoir SSSI. This is located 7.5 km to the southwest and is Staffordshire’s largest area of standing water. The reservoir and its woodland and farmland surroundings is an important wintering locality for a variety of birds.

4.4 The proposed location of the wind turbine is isolated within a landscape of intensive agriculture with no habitat links to the designated sites. Taking into account the nature of the site and its isolation from these designated sites, it has been considered that any impacts to these sites as a result of the development would be negligible and no further consideration for these sites is necessary.

4.5 The NBN had the following records for protected and notable species within 2 km of the site:

Mammals – Otter

Birds – House Sparrow

4.6 The NBN holds a number of records of protected species within the 10 km square containing the site but more specific locations were not available. These include a number of species of bats and birds, as well as other mammals, reptiles and amphibians.


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Habitats

4.7 The following habitats or vegetation types were identified on the site or in the immediate surroundings during the course of the survey:

• Improved grassland

• Species-poor hedges and trees

• Standard tree

Improved grassland

4.8 The area where the turbine is to be situated and the access route is improved grassland. It is dominated by Perennial Rye-grass with frequent White Clover, occasional Creeping Buttercup, and rare individuals of Creeping Thistle.

Photograph 1: Improved grassland. Proposed location of wind turbine.

Species-poor hedge and trees

4.9 The boundaries of the field are a mix of species-poor hedgerow, and species-poor hedgerow and trees. The hedges are formed mainly by Hawthorn with occasional Blackthorn and rare individuals of Holly within the west hedgerow. This hedgerow was largely intact and well maintained. The hedgerow along the north boundary of the field is defunct in places although the hedge does contain a number of mature trees. These are mainly Pedunculate Oak although Sycamore and Hornbeam were also noted.


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Photograph 2: View of species-poor hedgerow and trees 60 m to the north of turbine location.

Standard trees

4.10 Two mature Ash trees are present approximately 70 m to the south of the proposed location of the wind turbine.

Photograph 3: Mature Ash standards.

Fauna

Bats

4.11 There are no specific records of bats within 2 km of the site although there are records of Daubenton’s Whiskered/Brandt’s, Brown Long-eared, Soprano Pipistrelle and Common


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Pipistrelle in the 10 km square containing the site. It was not specified whether these were records of roosts or of individual foraging bats. The site of the proposed turbine is unlikely to be used by foraging bats due to its open nature and poor habitat. A number of the trees in the hedgerow to the north had rot holes and splits that could potentially be used by roosting bats, as could the nearby farm buildings to the southwest.

4.12 The nearby hedgerows and trees may contain other trees that are suitable for roosting bats and they are also likely to be used by foraging bats and as navigational flight lines.

Badgers

4.13 There are records of Badgers within the 10 km square containing the site but more accurate locations were not available. The grassland on site provides good foraging habitat for Badgers and nearby areas of woodland to the northeast could hide setts. No evidence of Badgers such as hairs, dung pits, latrines or snuffle marks was recorded during the survey and even if setts were present in the nearby woodland it is unlikely they would be disturbed by the proposals.

Dormice

4.14 There are no records of Dormice occurring within in the vicinity of the site. The potential for the site to support Dormice is negligible. The nearby hedgerows and woodland provide minimal habitat but these are not connected to off site areas of more suitable habitat such as large areas of woodland and even if they were present they would not be affected by the proposals.

Water Voles and Otters

4.15 There are records of Otters within 2 km of the site but there are no watercourses on site or in the immediate vicinity. The site is therefore regarded as being unsuitable for both Otters and Water Voles.

Other mammals

4.16 There are no other records of other protected species of mammal within the 10 km square containing the site although there is a record of Hedge-hog which is a UK BAP Priority Species. The proposed location of the turbine is unsuitable for this species, which is more likely to be found in the nearby hedgerows. With regards to other mammals the grassland is expected to support only a small number of common small mammals.

Birds

4.17 House Sparrow is the most notable bird species to be recorded in the vicinity of the site. No birds were seen within the field itself but a small number of Blue Tits were observed foraging in the hedgerow to the north.

4.18 In terms of foraging habitat, the site of the turbine provides limited foraging habitat for range of bird species. However, in the wider context this area is small is small and is unlikely to be an important resource. The surrounding hedgerows and trees could be used by nesting birds and although none were observed during the survey it is possible that they nest here at other times of the year.

lisa.roberts

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Reptiles

4.19 There are records of Slow-worm and Common Lizard within the 10 km square containing the site but more specific locations were not available. The field itself is unsuitable for reptiles. Only the nearby hedgerows provide any cover for reptile species and these are considered to be of low potential.

Amphibians

4.20 There records of Common Toad, Common Frog and Great Crested Newt within the 10 km square containing the site but more specific locations were not available. The site provides only low value terrestrial habitat for amphibian species and no ponds are present on the site of the proposed turbine. With regard to the specially protected Great Crested Newt, four ponds are shown on maps of the area within 500 m of the proposed turbine location site, the nearest being 200 m to the east. Given the limited amount and poor quality of the habitat to be lost or disturbed it unlikely that Great Crested Newts would be present and any that might be present in the surrounding hedgerows would not be affected by the erection of the turbine.


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5.0 Development Constraints and Recommendations

5.1 Planning permission is being sought to permit the installation of a wind turbine with a hub height of 24.6m and a tip height of 35.7. The blade swept diameter is approximately 20 m. Possible ecological constraints and recommendations with regard to the proposed development are discussed below.

Habitats

5.2 The improved grassland on site is considered to be of negligible ecological value. Grassland of this type does not fit the criteria to qualify as a UK BAP Priority Habitat (JNCC, 2012).

5.3 A number of hedgerows are present in the surrounding area. The UK BAP Priority Habitats include all hedgerows with at least 80% cover of at least one woody UK native species (JNCC, 2012). The hedgerows surrounding the field containing the site had at least 80% cover of a native species and as such qualify as UK BAP Priority Habitats. However, no impacts to these habitats are predicted as a result of the proposals as access to the field can be achieved via existing gateways and farm tracks.

Protected and Notable Species

5.4 It is generally understood that wind farm developments are low impact with regard to land take; however, it is known that wind turbines can kill bats and birds either through direct strike or barotrauma. The main focus of the assessment was on the potential impacts to bats and birds during the operation of the turbine.

Bats

5.5 There are no records of bats within 2 km of the site although there are records of Daubenton’s Whiskered/Brandt’s, Brown Long-eared, Soprano Pipistrelle and Common Pipistrelle in the wider area. The site of the proposed turbine is in an exposed location and is an area of improved grassland. Taking this into account the site is considered to be of negligible value for bats. Hedgerows and trees in the vicinity of the site provide foraging and commuting habitats for a range of bat species and nearby farm buildings and trees may also provide roosting sites for bats.

5.6 The majority of bat species avoid open habitats and tend to forage and commute along linear features such as hedgerows, woodland edge, water courses or building edges. There is evidence to suggest that the further away from linear/habitat features, the greater the decline in activity, even for high flying species such as Noctule bats that tend to fly in open areas (Natural England, 2012).

5.7 The assessment of how the proposed wind turbine may affect bat populations has been undertaken in line with Natural England’s Technical Information Note TIN051, Bats and Onshore Wind Turbines. The risk of collision with turbines for various bat species is classified as low, medium or high. It is considered to be low for Common Pipistrelle and medium for Myotis species such as Whiskered and Brandt’s bats.


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5.8 The Technical Information Note concludes that potential impacts to bats caused by wind turbines are unlikely provided the blade tips of the turbine are at a minimum stand-off distance of at least 50 m from suitable features such as the hedgerows and trees. The proposed turbine’s blade swept diameter is more than 50 m from the hedge to the north and 80 m from the hedge to the west (see Appendix 1 for the scaled plan). Based on assessment guidelines set by Natural England, no significant risk to bat populations is likely during the operational phase of the turbine and no further survey work is recommended at this time.

Birds

5.9 Natural England’s Technical Information Note TIN051, Assessing the Effects of Onshore Wind Farms on Birds states that very small developments away from vulnerable bird species may only require a limited desk study to confirm low likelihood of an impact. The definition of a small scale wind farm is one that is less than five turbines, or with a maximum capacity of less than 5MW. Situations where detailed surveys and monitoring are likely to be required are where:

• Schedule 1 species and or Annex 1 species are present in significant numbers.

• The turbine is located within, or in the vicinity of, a designated or proposed

designated Special Protected Area (SPA), ornithological Ramsar site or ornithological SSSI especially when used by species that may be sensitive to wind farm effects.

• The turbine is located along known bird migration routes, flight paths, wetland sites

and other locations where potentially vulnerable species occur in relatively high concentrations.

• Topographical features such as ridges, valleys, cliffs and headlands may funnel bird

flight activity towards the turbine location.

5.10 The site and immediate surroundings are improved grassland and considered to be of negligible value to bird species. There are no large areas of open water, marsh or bog habitats apparent on maps of the area the closest being Blithfield Reservoir, located 7.5 km to the southwest. Nearby hedgerows and trees, and small areas of woodland in the wider area are likely to be used by smaller bird species as well as raptor and owl species. Raptor and owl species are regarded as being at particular risk of collisions with turbines; however, the improved grassland on site and surrounding it for a minimum distance of 50 m is of negligible value to these species and the risk to these species is regarded as low. No impacts to small birds are envisaged as these species tend to avoid open habitats and are more agile, thereby avoiding collisions.

5.11 The site and surroundings are not considered to be of any value to upland bird species. Wildfowl and waders are the most common bird groups susceptible to displacement disturbance but no suitable habitats are present in the area and therefore no impacts are perceived for these bird groups.

5.12 The proposals for the site are small scale and it is situated an exposed, isolated location. It is not considered that the wind turbine will have any significant impact on bird species during the operational phase. As the predicted risk for impact on bird populations is regarded as low, it is not considered necessary to carry out additional survey work.


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Other species

5.13 There is no evidence to indicate that any other protected species will be affected by the proposed turbine during the construction, operation and decommissioning of the turbine; no further surveys are recommended.

lisa.roberts

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6.0 References

BSBI (2013). BSBI 2007 List. [Online]. Available at: http://www.bsbi.org.uk/html/database.html [accessed on 12th April 2013].

The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010, SI 2010/490

Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000, (c.37), London: HMSO.

Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (2007). Guidelines for Ecological Impact Assessment in the United Kingdom. [Online]. Available at: http://www.ieem.net/ecia/ [accessed on 12th April 2013].

Joint Nature Conservation Committee (2007) Handbook for Phase I Habitat Survey – a Technique for Environmental Audit. JNCC: London.

Joint Nature Conservation Committee (2013). UK BAP Priority Habitats. [Online]. Available at: http://jncc.defra.gov.uk/page-5718 [accessed on 12th April 2013]

Multi-Agency Geographical Information for the Countryside (2012). MAGIC. [Online]. Available at: www.magic.gov.uk/ [accessed on 12th April 2013].

Natural England (2009) Technical Information Note TIN059; Bats and Single Large Wind Turbines: Joint Agencies Interim Guidance. Natural England, Peterborough.

Natural England (2010) Technical Information Note TIN069; Assessing the Effects of Onshore Wind Farms on Birds. Natural England, Peterborough.

Natural England (2012) Technical Information Note TIN051, Bats and Onshore Wind Turbines. Natural England, Peterborough

Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006, (c.16), London: HMSO.

NBN (2013). MAGIC. [Online]. Available at: http://data.nbn.org.uk/ [12th April 2013].

The Protection of Badgers Act 1992, (c.51), London: HMSO.

Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (and amendments). (c.69), London: HMSO


7.0 Plans

Location of Proposed Turbine

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