TECHNICAL APPENDIX A7.1 BEINNEUN WINDFARM PHASE1/NVC HABITAT SURVEY TARGET...

TECHNICAL APPENDIX A7.1

BEINNEUN WINDFARM PHASE1/NVC HABITAT SURVEY TARGET NOTES

Beinneun Windfarm Appendix A7.1 Environmental Statement – Technical Appendix Phase 1/NVC Habitat Survey Target Notes

Arcus Renewable Energy Consulting Ltd RidgeWind Ltd November 2011 Page 1

1 PHASE 1/NVC HABITAT SURVEY TARGET NOTES 1.1 INTRODUCTION

This Technical Appendix of the Environmental Statement (ES) presents baseline information from phase one and National Vegetation Classification (NVC) surveys undertaken in relation to the Development.

Phase 1 and NVC surveys were undertaken between August and November 2010; specifically 23rd-27th August 2010, 22nd-23rd September 2010, 27th-28th October 2010 and 16th November 2010.

1.2 RESULTS Results of the Phase 1 habitat survey, NVC survey are shown in ES Figures 7.3a-f, and Target Note locations are shown in Figure 7.1.1. This section presents species lists, sample quadrat data and target notes.

1.2.1 Species List Rarity status in this list below is taken from Stace 20101

Table 7.1.1: Species List

. There are three categories of rarity based on the number of 10 km x 10 km squares in the British Isles in which the plant occurs. There are 3,859 10 km x 10 km squares in the British Isles. Plants listed as uncommon occur in not more than 250 squares; scarce plants occur in not more than 100 squares, and rare plants have only been recorded from 15 squares.

Latin Name English Name Comment

Alchemilla alpina Alpine ladies mantle

Agrostis stolonifera Creeping bent

Agrostis canina Velvet bent grass

Agrostis capilaris Common bent grass

Arctostaphylos alpina Alpine bearberry Scarce

Arctostaphylos uva-ursi Bearberry

Antennaria dioica Mountain everlasting

Anthoxanthum odoratum Sweet vernal grass

Betula nana Dwarf birch Scarce

Betula pendula Silver birch

Blechnum spicant Hard fern

Calluna vulgaris Ling heather

Campanula rotundifolia Harebell

Carex binervis Green-ribbed sedge

Carex bigelowii Stiff sedge

1 Stace, C. 2010 New Flora of the British Isles 3rd edition Cambridge University Press, Cambridge

Appendix A7.1 Beinneun Windfarm Phase 1/NVC Habitat Survey Target Notes Environmental Statement – Technical Appendix

RidgeWind Ltd Arcus Renewable Energy Consulting Ltd Page 2 November 2011


Carex demissa Common yellow sedge

Carex echinata Star sedge

Carex flacca Glaucous sedge

Carex nigra Common sedge

Carex panicea Carnation sedge

Carex pulicaris Flea sedge

Carex pilulifera Pill sedge

Cetraria islandica A lichen

Cladonia arbuscula Lichen

Cladonia ciliata Lichen

Cladonia coccifera Lichen

Cladonia portentosa Lichen

Cladonia squamosa var squamosa Lichen

Cladonia unicalis Lichen

Cornus suecica Dwarf cornel Uncommon

Dactylorhiza maculata Heath spotted orchid

Deschampsia cespitosa Tufted hair-grass

Deschampsia flexuosa Wavy hair-grass

Dicranum sp Moss

Diphasium alpinum Alpine club moss

Drosera intermedia Intermediate-leaved sundew

Drosera rotundifolia Round-leaved sundew

Eleocharis palustris Common Spike-rush

Empetrum nigrum ssp nigrum Crowberry

Empetrum nigrum ssp hermaphroditum Crowberry Uncommon

Epilobium brunnescens New Zealand willowherb

Erica cinerea Bell heather

Erica tetralix Cross-leaved heath

Eriophorum angustifolium Common cotton-grass




Eriophorum vaginatum Hare's tail cotton-grass

Festuca ovina Sheep’s fescue

Festuca vivipara Festuca vivipara

Fontinalis antipyretica Moss

Gallium saxatile Heath bedstraw

Holcus lanatus Yorkshire fog

Huperzia selago Fir clubmoss

Hydrocotyle vulgaris Water pennywort

Hylocomium splendens Moss

Hypnum cupressiforme Moss

Hypnum jutlandicum Moss

Juncus acutiflorus Sharp-flowered rush

Juncus bulbosus Bulbous rush

Juncus effusus Soft rush

Juncus squarrosus Heath rush

Juncus triglumis Three-flowered rush Uncommon

Juniperus communis ssp nana Dwarf juniper Uncommon

Lycopodium clavatum Stag’s horn clubmoss

Menyanthes trifoliata Bogbean

Molinia caerulea Purple moor-grass

Myrica gale Bog myrtle

Nardus stricta Mat grass

Narthecium ossifragum Bog asphodel

Parnassia palustris Grass of Parnassus

Pedicularis palustris Marsh lousewort

Pedicularis sylvatica Lousewort

Pellia epiphylla A liverwort

Philonotis fontana A moss

Picea sitchensis Sitka spruce




Plagiothecium undulatum Moss

Pinguicula vulgaris Common butterwort

Pinus contorta Lodgepole pine

Platismatia glauca Lichen

Plagiothecium undulatum Moss

Pleurozium schreberi Moss

Pleurozia purpurea Purple spoonwort

Poa annua Annual meadow grass

Polygala serpyllifolia Heath milkwort

Polytrichum commune Moss

Potamogeton polygonifolius Bog pondweed

Potentilla erecta Tormentil

Ranunculus flammula Spearwort

Ranunculus acris Meadow buttercup

Ranunculus repens Creeping buttercup

Racomitrium lanuginosum Moss

Rhynchospora alba White-beaked sedge

Rhytidiadelphus loreus Moss

Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus Moss

Rhytidiadelphus triquetrus Moss

Rubus chamaemorus Cloudberry

Scabiosa pratensis Devils bit scabious

Scorpidium scorpioides Moss

Scorpidium revolvens Moss

Sphagnum affine? Moss

Sphagnum capillifolium Moss

Sphagnum compactum Moss

Sphagnum cuspidatum ssp cuspidatum Moss

Sphagnum cuspidatum ssp rubellum Moss




Sphagnum denticulatum Moss

Sphagnum fallax Moss

Sphagnum fuscum Moss

Sphagnum magellanicum Moss

Sphagnum palustre Moss

Sphagnum papillosum Moss

Sphagnum subnitens Moss

Sphagnum tenellum Moss

Taraxacum officinale ag Dandelion

Thalictrum alpinum Alpine meadow-rue

Trichophorum germanicum Deergrass

Trifolium repens White clover

Triglochin palustris Marsh arrowgrass

Utricularia intermedia agg Intermediate bladderwort Uncommon

Vaccinium myrtillus Blaeberry

Vaccinium vitis-idaea Cowberry

Viola palustris Marsh violet

1.2.2 Quadrat data Quadrat data is presented according to the Domin scale where:

• Cover of 91-100% is recorded as Domin 10; • Cover of 76-90% is recorded as Domin 9; • Cover of 51-75% is recorded as Domin 8; • Cover of 34-50% is recorded as Domin 7; • Cover of 26-33% is recorded as Domin 6; • Cover of 11-25% is recorded as Domin 5; • Cover of 4-10% is recorded as Domin 4; • Cover of less than 4% with many individuals is recorded as Domin 3; • Cover of less than 4% with several individuals is recorded as Domin 2; and • Cover of less than 4% with few individuals is recorded as Domin 1.

Target Note 1 Grid Reference NH 20350715

Mosaic of M15 Trichophorum germanicum-Erica tetralix wet heath and M17Trichophorum germanicum – Eriophorum vaginatum blanket mire. This area is very wet with acid flushes present throughout. M15 communities tend to occupy the tops of small knolls, with M17 being present in the flatter and wetter areas. M15 quadrat is presented below:



Species Domin Scale

Calluna vulgaris 9

Trichophorum germanicum 6

Myrica gale 5

Molinia caerulea 4

Erica tetralix 4

Sphagnum capillifolium 3

Cladonia arbuscula 3

Potentilla erecta 2

Narthecium ossifragum 2

Pleurozium schreberi 3

Target Note 2 Grid Reference NH 20679 06629

Area approximately 20 m x 20 m comprising M6 Carex echinata-Sphagnum recurvum/auriculatum mire located in a plateau. Owing to the co-dominance of C. echinata throughout, this habitat is considered to below to the C. echinata sub-community M6a. M. caerulea is also dominant and an extensive Sphagnum carpet is present mainly comprising S. palustre and S. capillifolium, but with S. denticulatum present in wetter areas. Vegetation height is approximately 25 cm.

Species Domin Scale

Calluna vulgaris 5

Carex echinata 6

Sphagnum palustre 3

Molinia caerulea 7

Erica tetralix 4



Potentilla erecta 2


Sphagnum denticulatum 2


Area of M19 Calluna vulgaris-Eriophorum vaginatum blanket mire approximately 20 m x 20 m.




Area of M19 Calluna vulgaris-Eriophorum vaginatum blanket mire approximately 45 m x 75 m located adjacent to a small lochan.

Target Note 5

Small area of U6 Juncus squarrosus – Festuca ovina grassland.

Target Note 6

Area of semi-natural self seeded Betula sp. lining watercourses within plantation woodland. Such areas are very wet, creating stunted growth in the trees.


Area of M15 Trichophorum germanicum - Erica tetralix wet heath and M18 Trichophorum germanicum-Eriophorum vaginatum blanket mire mosaic. This area appears to have been planted with Pinus sylvestris in a grouped planting scheme to create a more natural habitat; self seeded B. pendula and Juniper communis were also noted. Small areas of M18 Erica tetralix–Sphagnum papillosum raised mire are also present in flat wet valleys.


Area of tussoky M25 Molina-caerulea – Potentilla erecta mire present in a hollow with an approximate height of 30cm. This area is clearly dominated by M. caerulea, but it does represent a relatively rich form of M25 with a range of forbs, sedges and rushes also present, likely to be owing to a lack of intensive management.

Species Domin scale

Juncus effusus 4

Carex echinata 2

Galium aparine 2

Molinia caerulea 9

Succisa pratensis 1

Hylocomium splendens 2

Deschampsia flexuosa 2

Potentilla erecta 5


Carex nigra 2


Area of M19 Calluna vulgaris-Eriophorum vaginatum blanket mire in an area approximately 100 m x 50 m in size. This community is dominated by equal amounts of C. vulgaris and E. vaginatum with an approximate vegetation height of 25 cm.



Species Domin scale

Calluna vulgaris 8

Eriophorum vaginatum 8

Vaccinium myrtillus 4

Molinia caerulea 4



Arctostaphylos uva-ursi 4

Potentilla erecta 3

Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus 3

Cladonia sp. 2

Erica tetralix 2

Eriophorum angustifolium 5


Large exposed peat hagg, approximately 2 m deep.


Area of transitional M15 Trichophorum germanicum-Erica tetralix wet heath and M25 Molina-caerulea – Potentilla erecta mire in a valley grading north-east into M25 vegetation.

Species Domin scale

Calluna vulgaris 8

Carex echinata 2


Molinia caerulea 8




Potentilla erecta 3


Cladonia sp. 3

Erica tetralix 2




A very wet basin supporting M18 Erica tetralix–Sphagnum papillosum raised mire in an area approximately 120 m x 80 m in size. The approximate average vegetation height is 20 cm. A dense sphagnum carpet is present in most places with E. vaginatum scattered through the sphagnum rather than forming tussocks. The mire extends down a shallow slope into a valley in a northern direction where the slope becomes steeper the amount of C. vulgaris increases significantly and sphagnum becomes less dominant.

Species Domin scale

Calluna vulgaris 3


Sphagnum papillosum 6

Molinia caerulea 4


Racomitrium sp. 4


Potentilla erecta 2

Scorpodium revolvens 3

Cladonia sp. 4

Erica tetralix 4

Sphagnum palustre 5


A steep north facing slope dominated by H12 Calluna vulgaris – Vaccinium myrtillus heath. This area appears to be relatively unmanaged with heather being uniformly mature with an average approximate height of 50 cm.

Species Domin scale

Calluna vulgaris 9


Empetrum nigrum 3

Rubus chamaemorus 5



Vaccinium vitis-idaea 3




A very wet area of vegetation which does not fit discretely into a specific community, but is most similar to M20 Eriophorum vaginatum raised mire owing to the dominance of E. vaginatum. However this area represents a relatively rich form of this community, with a moderate sphagnum carpet present, mainly dominated by S. papillosum. Averis et al.2

Species

suggest this type of vegetation may be derived from Erica-Sphagnum papillosum mire M18. A number of M2 Sphagnum cuspidatum/fallax bog pools are also present.

Domin scale

Calluna vulgaris 4



Molinia caerulea 5


Polygala serpyllifolia 1


Potentilla erecta 4

Erica tetralix 2


Area of M19 Calluna vulgaris-Eriophorum vaginatum blanket mire with a high occurrence of S. capillifolium. This area is present on a shallow west facing slope with an average approximate vegetation height of 25 cm.

Species Domin scale

Calluna vulgaris 9



Cladonia sp. 4


Rubus chamaemorus 3



Erica tetralix 4

2 Averis et al. (2004). An illustrated guide to British upland vegetation.




Small area of M17 Trichophorum germanicum-Eriophorum vaginatum mire in a basin with Dactylorhiza maculata scattered throughout this area. It is very wet with small M3 Eriophorum angustifolium bog pools present throughout. Vegetation has an approximate average height of 25 cm.

Species Domin scale

Calluna vulgaris 7





Racomitrium sp. 3


Sphagnum palustre 5


Cladonia sp. 5

Drosera sp. 3

Sphagnum capillifolium subsp. rubellum 4


A single large peat hagg approximately 1.5 m high.


Area of M15 vegetation on a shallow west facing slope, with an average approximate vegetation height of 15 cm. This area is dominated by T. germanicum and C. vulgaris with a good cover of Cladonia sp. indicating it belongs to the sub-community M15c.

Species Domin scale

Calluna vulgaris 6

Molinia caerulea 2

Juncus squarrosus 2

Cladonia sp. 5



Potentilla erecta 2



Species Domin scale


Erica tetralix 4

Racomitrium sp. 3

Empetrum nigrum 2


An area of M15 vegetation on a shallow west facing slope, with an approximate average vegetation height of 25 cm.

Species Domin scale

Calluna vulgaris 5

Molinia caerulea 2

Sphagnum palustre 2

Myrica gale 9



Potentilla erecta 2


Erica tetralix 5


Drosera sp. 2




Area of transitional M15 – M25 vegetation.

Species Domin scale

Calluna vulgaris 8

Molinia caerulea 8


Carex echinata 2



Species Domin scale



Potentilla erecta 2


Erica tetralix 2

Cladonia sp. 3



Area of M15 with and approximate vegetation height of 15 cm. The constant cover of Cladonia sp. indicates this area belongs to the sub-community M15c.

Species Domin scale

Calluna vulgaris 6

Molinia caerulea 4

Juncus squarrosus 4

Cladonia sp. 7

Juncus acutiflorus 3


Potentilla erecta 1



Racomitrium sp. 4


H17 Calluna vulgaris – Arctostaphylos alpinus heath. Area of prostrate heath cropped by excessive winds at an altitude of 597 m, with a maximum vegetation height of 7 cm. This area is diverse with a range of species noted, many of which are alpine or montane species. The nationally scarce Arctostaphylos alpine is present throughout.

Species Domin scale

Calluna vulgaris 8

Molinia caerulea 1

Cladonia sp. 5



Species Domin scale

Polytrichum commune 2



Potentilla erecta 2




Racomitrium sp. 3


Empetrum nigrum 4

Agrostis canina 4

Nardus stricta 4

Carex panicea 5

Alchemilla alpine 4

Festuca vivipara 1

Arctostaphylos alpina 4


H17 Calluna vulgaris – Arctostaphylos alpinus heath. Area of prostrate heath cropped by excessive winds at an altitude of 609 m, with a maximum vegetation height of 6 cm. This area is relatively diverse with a range of species noted, many of which are alpine or montane species. The nationally scarce Arctostaphylos alpine is present throughout the sward. Juniperus communis has a patchy distribution but is present throughout this area.

Species Domin scale

Calluna vulgaris 8

Erica cinerea 5

Cladonia sp. 6

Juniperus communis 4


Potentilla erecta 5




Species Domin scale



Racomitrium sp. 2

Agrostis canina 2



M19 vegetation located at a high altitude (558 m), this represents a slightly drier form of M19 with limited sphagnum and a good cover of Cladonia sp. Vegetation has an approximate average height of 20 cm.

Species Domin scale

Calluna vulgaris 8



Cladonia sp. 4


Rubus chamaemorus 2



Juncus squarrosus 2



Transitional area between H16 Calluna vulgaris – Arctostaphylos uva-ursi heath and H12 Calluna vulgaris – Vaccinium myrtillus heath located on a shallow east facing slope with an approximate average vegetation height of 25 cm.

Species Domin scale

Calluna vulgaris 9



Cladonia sp. 2



Species Domin scale

Rubus chamaemorus 4




Area of M19 on a shallow east facing slope at an altitude of 602 m. The area is dominated by C. vulgaris and E. Vaginatum with a vegetation height of 25 cm.

Species Domin scale

Calluna vulgaris 7



Cladonia sp. 3




Juncus squarrosus 4


This area appears to represent a habitat transitional between H13 Calluna vulgaris – Cladonia arbuscula heath and H15 Calluna vulgaris – Juniperus communis heath owing to the relatively high coverage of C. arbuscula and J. communis with a constant cover of C. vulgaris. This heath is short and wind-clipped with a maximum height of 7 cm.

Species Domin scale

Calluna vulgaris 8

Empetrum nigrum 2



Carex flacca 2

Juniperus communis 4





Species Domin scale

Festuca vivipara 1


An area of M15 vegetation dominated by C. vulgaris and T. germanicum. Owing to the presence of a dense lichen carpet this area is considered to belong to the Cladonia sub-community M15c.

Species Domin scale

Calluna vulgaris 7

Empetrum nigrum 4

Racomitrium sp. 2

Cladonia sp. 7




Juncus squarrosus 3

Nardus stricta 2

Agrostis sp. 4

Potentilla erecta 2


Montane form of H10 present on a rocky outcrop at an altitude of 480 m. The vegetation is wind clipped with a maximum height of 6 cm and a number of alpine species are present.

Species Domin scale

Calluna vulgaris 6

Carex flacca 3

Erica cinerea 5

Lycopodium alpinum 2


Potentilla erecta 1




Species Domin scale


Racomitrium sp. 2


An area of M19 on a shallow north facing slope at an altitude of 464 m with a vegetation height of 20 cm.

Species Domin scale

Calluna vulgaris 8



Cladonia sp. 4


Empetrum nigrum 4

Rubus chamaemorus 2



Molinia caerulea 2


A very wet area of vegetation located within a small valley with an average vegetation height of 15 cm. This area is dominated by E. vaginatum over a dense Sphagnum carpet dominated by S. fallax, S. papillosum and S. capillifolium. This community is similar to Target Note 14 which does not fit discretely into a specific community, but is most similar to M20 Eriophorum vaginatum raised mire owing to the dominance of E. vaginatum and relatively low occurrence of C. vulgaris. It is likely to have been derived from Erica-Sphagnum papillosum mire M18.

Species Domin scale

Calluna vulgaris 4


Erica tetralix 4

Sphagnum fallax 7

Sphagnum capillifolium subsp. rubellum 6




Species Domin scale

Drosera sp. 2

Molinia caerulea 5



Similar to Target Note 31; M20 vegetation likely to have been derived from M18, comprising E. vaginatum over a dense Sphagnum carpet. This area also has a high cover of M. caerulea. Vegetation height is 35 cm.

Species Domin scale

Calluna vulgaris 2


Erica tetralix 4

Potentilla erecta 3

Carex nigra 1


Drosera rotundifolia 1

Molinia caerulea 7


Carex echinata 1


Area of M15 Trichophorum germanicum-Erica tetralix wet heath with an average vegetation height of 25 cm.

Species Domin scale

Calluna vulgaris 4


Racomitrium sp. 2

Potentilla erecta 4



Juncus squarrosus 4



Species Domin scale

Molinia caerulea 7



Area similar to Target Note 14; dominated by E. vaginatum with a dense Sphagnum carpet. This habitat does not fit discretely into a specific community, but is most similar to M20 Eriophorum vaginatum, likely to have been derived from Erica-Sphagnum papillosum mire M18. Vegetation height is approximately 30 cm.

Species Domin scale

Calluna vulgaris 5



Racomitrium sp. 3

Potentilla erecta 2



Juncus squarrosus 4

Molinia caerulea 4


Sphagnum fallax 3


Nardus stricta 4

Empetrum nigrum 2


M19 Calluna vulgaris-Eriophorum vaginatum blanket mire dominated by E. vaginatum and C. vulgaris. S. capillifolium has a patchy distribution; otherwise Sphagnum species are very limited.

Species Domin scale

Calluna vulgaris 7





Species Domin scale

Cladonia sp. 3




Empetrum nigrum 2


Target Note 36

Area of wind-clipped montane heath with a height of 6 cm belonging to the H13 community as indicated by the dominance of C. vulgaris and Cladonia sp. The nationally scarce A. alpina is also present throughout this area.

Species Domin scale

Calluna vulgaris 9

Empetrum nigrum 4

Cladonia sp. 5

Molinia caerulea 2

Carex flacca 1

Potentilla erecta 1



Nardus stricta 4

Racomitrium sp. 4

Agrostis sp. 1





Area of U4 Festuca ovina-Agrostis capillaris-Galium saxatile grassland located on a shallow south facing slope. Evidence of deer grazing is apparent and this habitat appears to be relatively diverse; most likely owing to a lack of intensive management. Small patches of C. vulgaris are scattered throughout, however this species is unlikely



to become established owing to regular grazing. In some areas M. caerulea is dominant, however such areas are patchy and small.

Species Domin scale

Molinia caerulea 2

Anthoxanthum odoratum 4

Ranunculus acris 3

Campanula rotundifolia 4

Festuca vivipara 3

Potentilla erecta 4

Trifolium repens 3

Ranunculus repens 3

Nardus stricta 2


Agrostis sp. 4

Carex rostrata 1

Juncus squarrosus 4

Taraxacum officinale agg. 2

Carex pulicaris 1

Galium saxatile 2

Deschampsia cespitosa 2



Relatively small area of M19 Calluna vulgaris-Eriophorum vaginatum blanket mire present on a ledge between two ravines. Owing to its location it is likely to be largely inaccessible to grazers. The vegetation height is approximately 25 cm and it is relatively diverse with a good structure. It is likely to belong to the Erica tetralix sub-community M19a owing to the presence of E. tetralix throughout.

Species Domin scale

Calluna vulgaris 8



Erica tetralix 5



Species Domin scale




Rhytidiadelphus loreus 2



Cladonia portentosa 2

Target Note 39

Transitional community between M15 Trichophorum germanicum-Erica tetralix wet heath and M19 Calluna vulgaris-Eriophorum vaginatum blanket mire dominated by C. vulgaris but with T. germanicum and E. vaginatum also present throughout. Small patches are locally dominated by Narthecium ossifragum.

Species Domin scale

Calluna vulgaris 9



Erica tetralix 2






Species-rich version of M25 Molinia caerulea-Potentilla erecta mire, dominated by M. caerulea with a tussoky structure. Owing to its relative diversity this community is likely to be in a transitional phase from U4 Festuca ovina-Agrostis capillaris-Galium saxatile grassland.

Species Domin scale

Molinia caerulea 8

Anthoxanthum odoratum 4

Ranunculus acris 4

Campanula rotundifolia 2



Carex echinata 1

Potentilla erecta 2

Juncus effusus 2

Sphagnum fallax 4

Agrostis sp. 2

Deschampsia cespitosa 1


Area of M19 vegetation dominated by mature C. vulgaris, but with E. vaginatum also present throughout. M. caerulea has a patchy distribution, dominating in small areas. Vegetation height is 40 cm.

Species Domin scale

Calluna vulgaris 9

Erica tetralix 2



Potentilla erecta 2

Cladonia sp. 2

Sphagnum fallax 2


Target Note 42

This hillside is a mosaic of M15 Trichophorum germanicum-Erica tetralix wet heath on slightly higher ground with M18 Erica tetralix–Sphagnum papillosum mire present in the wet hollows. An M15 quadrat is presented below. This area is within the lower reaches of the site and is the only area in which Myrica gale was recorded within the survey area.

Species Domin scale

Calluna vulgaris 8


Myrica gale 5

Potentilla erecta 1

Erica tetralix 4




Species Domin scale

Cladonia sp. 3

Molinia caerulea 4




Location of M3 Eriophorum angustifolium bog pool dominated by E. angustifolium, but with S. fallax, S. papillosum and S. capillifolium present at the margins.


Flat area approximately 20 m x 20 m comprising M6 Carex echinata-Sphagnum recurvum/auriculatum, with a vegetation height of 25 cm. C. echinata is spread evenly throughout the sward. C. vulgaris appears to be encroaching, this may be a result of under grazing.

Species Domin scale

Calluna vulgaris 5

Carex echinata 5


Potentilla erecta 1

Erica tetralix 4


Cladonia sp. 3

Molinia caerulea 7



Small area of M19 Calluna vulgaris-Eriophorum vaginatum blanket mire, approximately 20 m x 20 m.


Small area of M19 Calluna vulgaris-Eriophorum vaginatum blanket mire vegetation immediately south of a small lochan.

Target Note 47

Area of conifer plantation, predominantly sitka spruce, but with some lodgepole pine and scots pine also present.

Target Note 48



Mosaic of M15 Trichophorum germanicum-Erica tetralix wet heath generally located on small hillocks with M18 Erica tetralix – Sphagnum papillosum mire present in the flat valleys between.

Target Note 49

Mature Scots pine lining Allt Garbh-Dhoire, likely to provide habitat for nesting birds.


Flush of M25 grassland with M15 and M17 in surrounding area.


Small bog pool with Drosera intermedia, Menyanthes trifoliata and Eriophorum angustifolium. Utricularia present in this pool and others on the site.


Patches of M19 here on slopes above the loch.


More patches of M19 in mosaic with M17, with abundant Narthecium ossifragum.


Eriophorum species sampled from relatively base-rich flush, on examination this turned out to be Eriophorum angustifolium.


Carpets of Cladonia portentosa with much Narthecium ossifragum. Also recorded here were Arctostaphylos uva-ursi, Cladonia unicalis, Calluna vulgaris (wind-clipped), Polytrichum commune, Racomitrium lanuginosum and Trichophorum germanicum. Rubus chamaemorus and Vaccinium vitis-idaea.


Transition zone between H12 and M19


Transition into H21


M17 with Racomitrium hummocks and some bog pools.


Alternates in this area between grassy H12 and mixed M15 wet heath.


Patchy H13 near the cairn at this location. Carex pilulifera and Carex binervis recorded here.


Sphagnum fuscum hummocks in this area. Along the ridge is patchy H13 and H14. Some areas have extensive Cladonia with Juncus squarrosus. M3 and M2 bog pools. Empetrum nigrum ssp hermaphroditum occurs on the ridge top, with H21 heath fading in and out where there is more shelter on the slopes.


H21 with M19 occurring patchily through on deeper peat. Base-rich flush nearby with Sphagnum tenellum and much Narthecium ossifragum.




Rhynchospora alba near here. Also alpine clubmoss Lycopodium alpinum, and Alchemilla alpina. Slither of M19 at base of slope but steep ground alternates between H21 and H12 heath.


H21 with Empetrum nigrum ssp hermaphroditum. Also Rubus chamaemorus and Vaccinium vitis-idaea.


Large Sphagnum fuscum hummock


H13 and H14 start at this point.


Dwarf cornel Cornus suecica noted here.


Possible Juncus biglumis


Area of H13c habitat.

Species Domin scale

Calluna vulgaris 9

Cladonia cilliata 5

Empetrum nigrum ssp hermaphroditum 2

Festuca vivipara 4

Agrostis capillaris 2

Cetraria islandica 2

Lycopodium alpinum 2

Huperzia selago 3

Gallium saxatile 2


Racomitrium lanuginosum 2


Carex bigelowii 2


Cladonia coccifera 2




Edge between H21 and mire vegetation.


Complex series of mires with Sphagnum fuscum, S. compactum and S. subnitens


Transition vegetation between H21 and H13


H15

Cladonia unicalis, Cladonia vulgaris (prostrate), patchy Trichophorum, Juniperus communis ssp nanna, Cetraria islandica, Deschampsia flexuosa, Empetrum nigrum ssp hermaphroditumm Racomitrium and some Carex panicea.


Possible vegetative Anagallis tenella here with Trichophorum germanicum, Erica tetralix, Succisa pratensis, Calluna vulgaris, Racomitrium, Molinia caerulea, Carex echinata, Juncus squarrosus, Sphagnum tenellum and Deschampsia cespitosa.

Target Note 75 Grid Reference

Flushed area with much Narthecium ossifragum and some Sphagnum papillosum. Other species include S. palustre, Juncus squarrosus, Carex echinata and Trichophorum germanicum.


Patchy H10 with much Erica cinerea, more or less co-dominant with Calluna vulgaris.


H15 much J. communis with T. caespitosa.


Patchy H21. Antennaria dioica and cf Juncus bulbosus


Rich flush with Trichophorum germanicum, ?Sphagnum affine, Sphagnum tenellum, Juncus squarrosus, Narthecium ossifragum, Dicranum sp, Racomitrium lanuginosum, Calluna vulgaris and Potentilla erecta.


Prostrate wind clipped Calluna vulgaris with Caldonia unicalis, C. gracile, C. impexa, Carex bigelowii, Carex panicea, Racomitrium lanuginosum, Vaccinium myrtillus, Vaccinium uva-ursi, Empetrum nigrum ssp hermaphroditum.


Carex sp sampled from this location. Cladonia dominated.


Stand of Antennaria dioica.


Another Narthecium dominated flush with lots of Sphagnum tenellum.


Snowbed with much Nardus stricta.




Grazed area transitional between heath and grassland.


Location of Carex pulicaris.


Ridge with Juniperus communis and Arctostaphylos uva-ursi.


Bog pools and some Sphagnum fuscum hummocks.


Another series of Sphagnum fuscum hummocks.


Rich form of M25 vegetation, mostly Molinia caerulea but also with Calluna vulgaris, Erica tetralix and Eriophorum angustifolium.


Erosion feature, M17b mire vegetation with much Cladonia


Rock outcrop here with Juniperus communis, Racomitrium, Calluna vulgaris Huperzia, Cladonia and Parnassia palustris.


M15b, with Trichophorum germanicum, Erica tetralix, Narthecium ossifragum, Eriophorum angustifolium, Pleurozia purpurea, generally thin soils in this area.


M11 type Small sedge flush with Saxifraga aizoides, Carex bigelowii, Carex panicea


M11 type Small sedge mire with Eleocharis palustris, Carex pulicaris, Triglochin palustris, and Saxifraga aizoides, Carex panicea, small Juncus spp, and Juncus triglumis. Some Empetrum and Calluna vulgaris.


Thalictrum alpinum


Juniperus communis and Arctostaphylos uva-ursi


Small bowl of deeper peat with M17 vegetation.


Evidence of regular use of the bank-side by deer and sheep.


Fontinalis antipyretica abundant.

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Revision: ARef: 467/ES/001

Produced: LHuReviewed: SCApproved: IS

Date: 25/10/2011

1:35,000 Scale @ A3

Target NotesFigure A7.1.1

Beinneun WindfarmEnvironmental Statement

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TECHNICAL APPENDIX A7.1 BEINNEUN WINDFARM PHASE1/NVC HABITAT SURVEY TARGET...

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