Appendix 8.F Desk study data from Leicestershire .../media/PDFs/Generation/wind/onshore/... · Desk study data from Leicestershire Environmental Resources Centre, ... Environmental

l:\data\projects\ea-210\24421 winwick wind farm (sub file)\24421 winwick es final.doc © Entec UK Limited May 2010

Appendix 8.F Desk study data from Leicestershire Environmental Resources Centre, Northants Bat Group and the Environment Agency


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LeicestershireEnvironmentalResources Centre

“A Local Records Centre is anot-for-profit service runin partnership for thepublic benefit, whichcollects, collates, man-ages and disseminatesinformation of knownquality relating to thewildlife, wildlife sites andhabitats of a definedgeographical area”

Report:

Client:

Date:Holly Hayes, 216 Birstall Road,Birstall, Leicestershire LE4 4DGTel: 0116 267 1950Fax: 0116 2677112

Making Biodiversity Information Work Harder

Job:

a

BiodiversityInformationServices

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Biodiversity Information ReportAddressee.name

Addressee.position

Addressee.organisation

Addressee.address

Telephone No.

Coverage.spatial

Coverage.services

CreatorElaine ConnorEnquiry OfficerHolly Hayes, 216 Birstall Road, Birstall, Leicestershire, LE4 4DGTel: 0116 267 0010Email: [email protected]

Date.issuedFormat Adobe portable document (pdf)Identifier.jobIdentifier.invoiceMandate Biodiversity Information EnquiryPublisher Leicestershire Environmental Resources CentreRights.copyright Leicestershire County CouncilSource Leicestershire Environmental Resources CentreStatus Version 6SubjectTitleType Standard

ConfidentialityEnvironmental Information Regulations guidance has been taken into account by Leicestershire EnvironmentalResources Centre, acting on behalf of the suppliers of information on sensitive information contained withinthis document, between whom Data Exchange Agreements are in force.Environmental Exceptions (12(5)(g) and others) within the meaning of the Act apply to the informationcontained within this report which may therefore not be published or in any way disclosed to a third partywithout first negotiating with Leicestershire Environmental Resources Centre and the parties for whom it acts.Leicestershire Environmental Resources Centre publishes on the NBN Gateway.

This report contains sensitive information about the location of protected species and has beenprovided in confidence to assist you in your work. Because of this OS Grid References must bewithheld from documents destined for public consumption.

The following is part of LERC’s “Terms of Use” agreed with data providers:“Data may be used as required in support of the planning process, but will not be made public in any otherdocuments or in any other media without written permission from LERC. If items of a sensitive nature areindicated by LERC, published grid references will not locate them with accuracy greater than 1km withoutwritten permission from LERC.”

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Guidelines to LERC’s biodiversity information servicesThis brief guide to Leicestershire Environmental Resources Centre’s commercial biodiversity information services is provided as anoutline of typical procedures and interpretation.ProcedureA typical request for biodiversity information will take the following path:

1 Initial request from client in which the individual 1Km squares are listed, together with a list of the biodiversity informationrequired - the following example would be sufficient:“Grantham Canal species 1Km squares: SK7635, SK7735, SK7835, SK7634, SK7734, SK7834.

a. Statutory & non-statutory sites.b. Protected species, [BAP], [BoCC], [HSDir], [WCAct],[c. Key species inventory],[d. Red Data Book species = IUCN 1994]”- items in square brackets are optional, their inclusion will increase the time needed to do the job

2 LERC responds with an Authorisation form, usually sent and received back by fax. If we have reason to suppose you are anew client we would also send you a copy of our Charging Policy and Guide to Protected Species legislation.

3 LERC carries out the work within 10 working days (except for larger jobs) and sends it to you electronically (nowadays weare able to produce almost everything as Adobe pdf files.)

4 We send our Estimate to our LCC Finance Department for processing (we do not deal with Invoices directly) and youreceive an Invoice from them.

For more complex jobs please consult LERC staff (Elaine Connor or Darwyn Sumner). Our use of GIS means we can produce abetter job using the client’s own GIS shape files to precisely define the study areas.Please note that a check on the NBN Gateway (www.searchnbn.net) - where we have placed our sites and species records - maybe an informative first step.Species searches

Reports are created by referencing lists of species which are maintained in groups as follows:1. Species protected through National & International LegislationThese are taken mainly from the CRoW Act, WCAct & Biodiversity Action Plans and form the core area of interest for legislation.

A. Our Protected species list is recommended as the one which provides maximum cover of species designatedunder various legislation and comprises the following:

• CRoW Act Section 74 species (= section 42 of NERC Act)

• BAP species (Habitat Regulations)

• Protection of Badgers Act 1992

• Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 (the killing/injuring categories not necessarily present in CRoW or localBAP)

• Species described under the terms of Data Exchange Agreements with regional recording groups (e.g.selected items from KSI)

• KSI species currently being used in Local Wildlife Site criteria (see “Guide to protected species: Policy andLegislation”)

We are able to produce additional lists which cover just individual legislation as follows:1. The UK Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) - all species in the region which fall into the UK plan, this will also include

species not selected for special attention by Leicester, Leicestershire & Rutland Biodiversity Action Plan; forexample it includes The National Forest’s BAP species (Adder, Bluebell, Ruddy Darter dragonfly)

2. Birds of Conservation Concern (BoCC) - the RSPB’s Red and Amber species.3. Habitats & Species Directive (HSDir) - see Defra’s website www.defra.gov.uk/wildlife-countryside4. Wildlife & Countryside Act (WCAct) - this replaces and incorporates previous legislation including the Berne

Convention, & the EC Habitats Directive and takes into account all the Schedules within the Countryside & Rightsof Way (CRoW) Act 2000 (see www.jncc.gov.uk).

5. CRoW Act Section 74 - misleading to use on its own as it omits some species in the Habitats & Species Directive(HSDir), the UK Biodiversity Action Plan and others.

2. Key species inventory (KSI)• All the species listed in Lott, 1997• Additional species groups not listed in the 1997 inventory but published elsewhere (e.g. Bryophytes)• Additional species added from time to time when species on the various Red lists are discovered in

Leicestershire and Rutland• Any published revision to the Leicestershire & Rutland Key Species Inventory

We are also able to produce KSI lists based on individual groups such as birds, flowering plants, lepidoptera, spidersetc.

3. Red lists and Red Data Book species (RDB)International Union for the Conservation of Nature & Natural Resources (IUCN 1994) - this organisation replaces the Red

Data Book categories, see www.iucn.org

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MapsMaps produced for a single area of study depict the following categories of sites of wildlife interest:

1 Non-statutory sites: Local Wildlife Sites (standard map)The current evaluation system is termed “Local Wildlife Sites”, elsewhere in the country termed “SINCs”or even “SNCIs”. Theevaluation criteria are published in Guidelines for the selection of Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation in Leicester, Leices-tershire and Rutland by a partnership including Leicestershire county Council, Leicester City Council, English Nature, CharnwoodWildlife & Leicestershire & Rutland Wildlife Trust in 2001 (copies available from this office). Revision 3 of these guidelines is to bepublished shortly. This system forms the only valid one for local authorities’ Local Plans.The following system is discontinued as a practise but remains on our reports and maps as it still contains valuable data:

2 Non-statutory sites: Phase 1 evaluation (standard map)An ecological site evaluation system was employed by the Ecology Unit of Leicestershire Museums, Arts and Records Service for anumber of years. Many hundreds of Phase 1 habitat surveys were carried out under this system which resulted in the developmentof a 3-tier categorisation (Parish, District and County - level sites) which was used to inform past plans. A good deal of surveyinformation, including species lists, is held at LERC as a result of these surveys and on the whole this material remains in paperform.The map is a useful guide to sites that have been surveyed and considered important under the original system. This system underwhich the Parish, District and County level sites were identified has now been discontinued. It has been superseded by a new LocalWildlife Site (LWS) system, which concentrates on evaluating Local Wildlife Sites only. Parish, District and County level sites maystill retain some or all of their ecological value and with appropriate management may have improved. They are all classed aspotential Local Wildlife Sites (pLWS) and are being resurveyed to establish their current status.

3 Statutory sites and others (standard map)A map of the Statutory sites (SSSIs etc.) and others (e.g. Leicestershire & Rutland Wildlife Trust reserves) are normally includedwith the above two standard maps unless they obscure other details. Separate maps may be produced on request. Data sheets andformal Citations may be requested from LERC on the statutory areas depicted.

4 Biodiversity Action Plan habitats (on request)The Leicester, Leicestershire & Rutland Biodiversity Action Plan prioritises 18 “at-risk” habitats in the region. Whilst the currentevaluation system for Local Wildlife Sites includes plans to assess all the habitats detailed in the BAP, this work will take some timeto complete:

5 Protected speciesAs an aid to the interpretation of the protected species lists and in response to requests by customers, these maps were introducedin September 2007 to improve our services. At the moment the production of an up-to-date layer is extremely time consuming sountil we are able to develop a rapid system, please note the date on each “Protected species” map is January 2009.The map shows the presence of the protected species listed below and was created using a GIS layer. Take care to examine thespecies lists as species records on these lists after the map’s date will not appear on the map.

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Site listsInterpretation of site lists

Site lists are typically presented as follows:1. The 1Km square into which each site occurs2. Location name. This may differ from the Site name if the Site comprises more than one Location (see Reference)3. Digitised object number. This uniquely identifies the digitised polygon and will be seen displayed on maps and on the NBN

Gateway (if it is a Local Wildlife Site component)4. Grid ref. The full grid reference - centroid of the location to 6 figures5. Status: The current system of non-statutory Local Wildlife Sites is in this list as “Wildlife Sites”, the discontinued system of

three tiers (County, District and Parish) serve to indicate that surveys have been carried out in the past and may be obtainedfrom LERC. Items prefixed Hnn are locations that have been flagged as belonging to the habitat which makes up theLeicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Biodiversity Action Plans; this does not automatically mean that they are Local WildlifeSites but it most certainly means that they are scheduled for survey when time allows.

6. Reference: Document references (quoting these will enable us to locate older surveys should you wish further information).The bracketted number is the reference to the Local Wildlife Site.

7. Area (hectares)

The list only includes non-statutory locations which have been digitised and are shown on the maps. There may be many morelocations within the area searched, particularly those which are popular with amateur recorders (who provide about 80% of ourspecies data) but do not necessarily record to precisely defined polygons or travel in time. The list of species provided elsewhere inthis document may therefore refer to sites not listed.

Map legendThe following fill patterns and border colours are used to differentiate the different categories of site on the maps:

Please note that Biodiversity Action Plan Habitats are not normally supplied, those available may be included upon request butplease be aware that they may obscure other detail.ReferencesLott. D. 1997. An Inventory of Key Species in Leicestershire and Rutland. Leicestershire County CouncilMcPhail, J. 2005. Protected Species Decisions for Development Control. Leicestershire County CouncilSmith, G., 1997. Habitats regulations guidance note 1, The Appropriate Assessment (Regulations 48). The Conservation (Natural

Habitats &c) Regulations, 1994. English NatureSmith, G., 1997. Habitats regulations guidance note 2, Review of existing planning permissions and other consents. The Conserva-

tion (Natural Habitats &c) Regulations, 1994. English NatureSmith, G., 1997. Habitats regulations guidance note 3, The Determination of Likely Significant Effect under The Conservation

(Natural Habitats &c) Regulations, 1994. English NatureDepartment of the Environment, 1995. The Habitats Directive: How it will apply in Great Britain. Department of the Environment,

The Scottish Office, Joint Nature Conservation CommitteeSumner, D., 2005. Guide to protected species: Species Policy Legislation. Leicestershire Environmental Resources Centre.

Leicestershire County Council.Sumner, D., 2007. Guide to protected species: Species Policy Legislation. Leicestershire Environmental Resources Centre.

Leicestershire County Council.Sumner, D., 2006. Charging Policy 2006. Leicestershire Environmental Resources Centre. Leicestershire County Council.

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Scale 1:85000

Compiled 25 June 2009

Bat records request - South Leicestershire

Based upon the Ordnance Survey mapping with the permission of the Controller of HMSO « Crown Copyright. Unauthorised reproduction infringes Crown copyright and may lead to prosecution or civil proceedings.

Leicestershire County Council. Licence number LA 076724Protected species

Leicestershire Environmental Resources CentreCounty Council Holly Hayes, 216 Birstall Road, Birstall, Leicestershire LE4 4DG

Fax: 0116 267 7112 Tel 0116 267 0010/0008 (Switchboard 0000)

Job: 09-050This map displays the distribution of Protectedspecies. Last updated 07/Feb/2009. Please check thecurrent lists in this report for more recent data.

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Leicestershire Environmental Resources CentreHolly Hayes 216 Birstall Road Birstall LE4 4DG CONFIDENTIAL

Bat recordsDate Location RecorderSpeciesGrid reference29/10/1959 Vespertilionidae Vespertilionidae Ian M. Evans30/09/1962 Myotis daubentonii Daubenton's Bat Ian M. Evans30/09/1962 Myotis daubentonii Daubenton's BatH. Bosworth Tunnel (Bat roost) Ian M. Evans01/01/1981 - 31/12/1981 Plecotus auritus Brown Long-Eared BatKeepers Cottage (Bat roost) Northants Bat Group01/01/1981 - 31/12/1981 Plecotus auritus Brown Long-eared Bat Northants Bat Group11/07/1982 Plecotus auritus Brown Long-eared Bat Northants Bat Group11/07/1982 Plecotus auritus Brown Long-Eared BatKeepers Cottage (Bat roost) Northants Bat Group07/06/1983 Chiroptera BatsHome Farm (Bat roost) Nature Conservancy Council02/07/1984 Pipistrellus Common PipistrelleCranmar, Elmcroft Rd (Bat roost) Derek Lott02/07/1984 Pipistrellus Common Pipistrelle Derek Lott05/08/1987 Plecotus auritus Brown Long-eared Bat Jan Dawson12/04/1988 Plecotus auritus Brown Long-eared Bat Val Hennessy12/04/1988 Plecotus auritus Brown Long-Eared BatHome Farm (Bat roost) Val Hennessy27/05/1988 Vespertilionidae Vespertilionidae Unknown04/07/1988 Plecotus auritus Brown Long-eared BatCotesbach, Mkt. Harborough (Bat roost) Steve Grover22/08/1988 Vespertilionidae Vespertilionidae Sheila Walsh22/08/1988 Chiroptera BatsWarren Farm (Bat roost) Sheila Walsh08/09/1988 Chiroptera BatsWarren Farm (Bat roost) Lucy Eakes08/09/1988 Vespertilionidae Vespertilionidae Lucy Eakes10/09/1988 Vespertilionidae Vespertilionidae Val Hennessy20/09/1988 Chiroptera BatsStrawfield House (Bat roost) Jan Dawson20/09/1988 Vespertilionidae Vespertilionidae Jan Dawson13/10/1988 Vespertilionidae Vespertilionidae Lucy Eakes13/10/1988 Chiroptera BatsTall Trees, Theddingworth (Bat roost) Lucy Eakes01/01/1989 - 31/12/1989 Vespertilionidae Vespertilionidae Sheila Walsh24/07/1989 Vespertilionidae Vespertilionidae Val Hennessy

1Confidential: This report contains sensitive information about the location of protected species and has been provided in confidence to assist you in your work. Because

of this, OS Grid References must be withheld from documents destined for public consumption. Environmental Information Regulations Exception (12)(g).


Date Location RecorderSpeciesGrid reference22/08/1989 Plecotus auritus Brown Long-eared Bat Jan Dawson01/07/1990 Pipistrellus Common Pipistrelle Mary Fullylove23/03/1991 Plecotus auritus Brown Long-eared Bat Mary Fullylove23/03/1991 Plecotus auritus Brown Long-Eared BatHighcroft Ldge Farm (Bat roost) Mary Fullylove08/06/1993 Chiroptera BatsRailway farm (Bat roost) Jan Dawson08/06/1993 Vespertilionidae Vespertilionidae Jan Dawson01/07/1993 Vespertilionidae Vespertilionidae Val Hennessy01/07/1993 Chiroptera BatsMascot Main Street (Bat roost) Val Hennessy27/08/1993 Pipistrellus Common Pipistrelle Jan Dawson13/01/1997 Plecotus auritus Brown Long-Eared BatTanser Cottage, Walcote Road, South Kilworth Jan Dawson08/06/2000 Pipistrellus PipistrellusKilworth House (Bat roost) Andrew Harvey;Trudy Rossa06/11/2000 Chiroptera ChiropteraThe Bank, Bosworth Road Gaynor Allen27/11/2000 Chiroptera ChiropteraThe Bank, Bosworth Road Gaynor Allen23/08/2003 Vespertilionidae BatsTheddingworth Church (Bat roost) Unknown01/07/2004 Vespertilionidae BatsAvon Valley Farm (Bat roost) FPCRJuly 2004 Pipistrellus Common PipistrelleWakeley Farm (Bat roost)July 2004 Plecotus auritus Brown Long-eared BatWakeley Farm (Bat roost)14/07/2004 Plecotus auritus Brown Long-eared BatPack's Hill Farm (Bat roost) Howard Hillier16/07/2004 Chiroptera BatsMain Street, Branscombe (Bat roost) Terry Durnin;Vicki 10/09/2004 Plecotus auritus Brown Long-eared BatThe Old Corner House, Swimming Pool Jenny Harris15/09/2004 Plecotus auritus Brown Long-eared BatHigh Street, North Kilworth (Bat roost) Nathalie Cossa15/09/2004 Pipistrellus Common PipistrelleHigh Street, North Kilworth (Bat roost) Nathalie Cossa26/01/2005 Plecotus auritus Brown Long-eared BatStanford Hall Stables Richard Fox26/01/2005 Plecotus auritus Brown Long-eared BatStanford Hall Outbuildings Richard Fox03/05/2005 Pipistrellus Common PipistrelleHome Farm, Barn 2, Swinford (Bat roost)03/05/2005 Pipistrellus pygmaeus Soprano PipistrelleHome Farm, Barn 2, Swinford (Bat roost)03/05/2005 Plecotus auritus Brown Long-eared BatHome Farm, Barn 2, Swinford (Bat roost)03/05/2005 Chiroptera BatsHome Farm, Barn 2, Swinford (Bat roost)




Date Location RecorderSpeciesGrid reference30/05/2005 Plecotus auritus Brown Long-eared BatSwinford (Bat roost)30/05/2005 Nyctalus noctula Noctule BatBenefield House Bat Commuting route Jemma Gaskin;Nicholas Steggall30/05/2005 Pipistrellus PipistrelleBenefield House Bat Commuting route Jemma Gaskin;Nicholas Steggall18/01/2006 Pipistrellus Common PipistrelleAshacre, Hunters Close, Husbands Bosworth Tim Hextell;Tom Docker28/07/2006 Pipistrellus Common PipistrelleCotesbach Fields Farm Howard Hillier;Philip Parker 17/08/2006 Pipistrellus Common PipistrelleAshacre, Hunters Close, Husbands Bosworth Tim Hextell;Tom Docker28/09/2006 Pipistrellus Common PipistrelleDag Lane Ed J. Darby;Elspeth Cranston28/09/2006 Plecotus auritus Brown Long-eared BatDag Lane Ed J. Darby;Elspeth Cranston16/02/2007 Plecotus auritus Brown Long-eared BatBell Lane Howard Hillier25/03/2007 - 15/04/2007 Plecotus auritus Brown Long-eared BatSwinford (Bat roost) George Burton09/04/2007 Myotis daubentonii Daubenton's BatHusbands Bosworth Quarry Extension Philip Parker Associates09/04/2007 Nyctalus noctula Noctule BatHusbands Bosworth Quarry Extension Philip Parker Associates09/04/2007 Pipistrellus PipistrellusHusbands Bosworth Quarry Extension Philip Parker Associates09/04/2007 Pipistrellus Common PipistrelleHusbands Bosworth Quarry Extension Philip Parker Associates27/07/2007 Pipistrellus Common PipistrelleBell Lane Howard Hillier09/09/2007 Plecotus auritus Brown Long-eared BatCotesbach Fields Farm Howard Hillier;Philip Parker 06/07/2008 Pipistrellus Common PipistrelleFields north of Misterton Gorse Entec30/08/2008 Pipistrellus Common PipistrelleFields south of Porters Barn Entec

Total number of observations =72



Northants Bat Group

10 Bedford Cottages Great Brington

Northampton NN7 4JF

01604 770632 [email protected]

Entec UK Ltd Princes Exchange Princes Square Leeds LS1 4BY 26th June 2009

Winwick Warren 10km data search Bat Database Search There are currently 12 of the 17 UK bat species recorded in the county of Northamptonshire. The attached spread-sheet should in no way be taken as fully representative of the bat roosts in the area. The bat group has unsystematically collected the results since 1980 during surveys. Bats have a lifespan up to 30 years in the UK (present research) and so records from over the last two decades are a very good indicator of the presence in an area of these long-lived mammal species. Older records should not be ignored. These results are not to be used in place of thorough site-specific and species-specific bat surveys, which should be undertaken for all developments. These data are for your use on this contract and should not be passed on to third parties. The disused rail tunnels at Kelmarsh (and further north at Gt Oxenden) are used by a number of species for winter hibernation and possible swarming. The Grand Union canal passes close by the site and is used by a number of species for foraging as well as a commuter route. We have tracked Daubenton’s bats many kilometres each evening along this waterway. There have only been three records of serotine in Northamptonshire in 30 years, and these have all been foraging bats or bats passing over. Otter spraints have recently been found by the Grand Union canal NE of Yelvertoft. It appears that water voles are using the steam that runs along the eastern side of Yelvertoft. Phil Richardson

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Any bat records generated by your fieldwork, in any format, would be gratefully received to update and further our knowledge of bats for conservation purposes.

mailto:[email protected]

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Ref Site Grid ref Date Status

Pipistrelle 113 Ashby St Ledgers Church SP5768 from 1981 Roost 407 Clipston Church SP7181 1981 Roost

2153 Clipston, Barn in field, Naseby/Sibbertoft Rd SP7081 2007 Roost

406 Clipston, Kelmarsh Road SP7181 1997 Roost 1428 Cottesbrooke centre SP7073 1984 One grounded 164 Cottesbrooke, Station Road SP7173 1996 Roost 165 Cottsebrooke cottage SP7073 1991 Roost 432 Creaton, The Jetty SP7071 1985 Roost 1237 Crick centre SP5872 1988 One grounded 1270 Crick centre SP5872 1987 One grounded 436 Crick Church SP5872 from 1981 Roost 783 Crick, The High Leys SP5871 from 1986 Roost 1487 Crick, Ashby Drive SP5872 1983 One grounded 433 Crick, Oak Lane SP5872 1993 Roost 435 Crick, Rectory Close SP5872 1982 Roost 434 Crick, Rectory Close (2) SP5872 1982 Roost 453 East Haddon, Tilbury Rise SP6668 1989 Roost 1770 East Haddon, Northfield Green SP6668 2000 One grounded 454 East Haddon, Orchard Close SP6668 from 1983 Roost 455 East Haddon, Orchard Close (2) SP6668 from 1982 Roost 1271 East Haddon, Priestwell Court SP6668 1987 One grounded 2274 East Haddon, Ravensthorpe Road SP6668 2008 Roost 1248 East Haddon, cottage SP6668 1988 One grounded 1689 East Haddon, Tilbury Road SP6668 2000 Roost 52 East Haddon,Church Lane SP6667 1997 One grounded

1364 Elkington canal SP6276 1985 Foraging 182 Elkington, farm SP6376 1991 Roost 1149 Elkington, farm SP6276 1991 One grounded 799 Elkington, house SP6276 from 1982 Roost 1033 Great Brington church SP6665 from 1994 Roost 497 Guilsborough Church SP6772 from 1981 Roost 1333 Guilsborough School SP6773 1986 One grounded 499 Guilsborough, Church Mount SP6772 from 1982 Roost 498 Guilsborough, West Haddon Road SP6773 1992 Roost 2145 Guilsborough, The Green SP6773 2007 Roost 2001 Guilsborough, Naseby Road SP6773 2005 One grounded 1680 Guilsborough, The Green (2) SP6773 2000 Roost 1667 Guilsborough, The Green (3) SP6773 1999 Roost 512 Haselbech Church SP7177 from 1981 Roost 1059 Hollowell, Spring Close SP6971 1993 One grounded 524 Hollowell, Guilsborough Hill SP6872 1993 Roost 1050 Hollowell, Guilsborough Hill SP6872 1993 One grounded 1361 Hollowell, Church Hill SP6971 1985 One grounded 523 Hollowell, Creaton Rd SP6971 1993 Roost 1328 Hollowell, Orchard Close SP6871 1986 One grounded

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533 Kelmarsh, cottage SP7379 1997 Roost 2186 Kilsby centre, SP5671 2004 Roost 237 Lilbourne Church SP5677 from 1993 Roost 1028 Lilbourne churchyard SP5677 1994 Foraging 49 Long Buckby SP6267 1997 One grounded

1582 Long Buckby canal, north branch to Watford SP6065 1982 Foraging

1213 Long Buckby gated road SP6466 1989 One grounded 1584 Long Buckby Wharf bridge SP6165 1982 Roost 554 Long Buckby Wharf, cottage SP6165 1995 Roost 556 Long Buckby, Marriotts Road SP6367 1993 Roost 557 Long Buckby, Marriotts Road (2) SP6367 1990 Roost 555 Long Buckby, Marriotts Road (3) SP6367 1989 Roost 844 Long Buckby, Hall Drive SP6367 from 1983 Roost 845 Long Buckby, South Close SP6267 from 1982 Roost 1988 Long Buckby, Parkfield Road SP6267 2004 Roost 1272 Long Buckby, Brington Road estate SP6367 1987 One grounded 1401 Naseby centre SP6877 1984 One grounded 81 Naseby Church SP6878 from 1981 Roost

2010 Naseby, Church Street SP6877 2005 Roost 2251 Ravensthorpe Church SP6770 2008 Roost 1367 Ravensthorpe Reservoir grounds SP6770 from 1985 Foraging 642 Ravensthorpe, Little Lane SP6670 1997 Roost 644 Ravensthorpe, Paddock Close SP6670 from 1987 Roost 879 Ravensthorpe, Guilsborough Road SP6670 1983 Roost 643 Ravensthorpe, Guilsborough Rd (2) SP6670 1989 Roost 1215 Ravensthorpe, near pub SP6670 1989 One grounded 880 Ravensthorpe, opp Chequers pub SP6770 1983 Roost 878 Ravensthorpe, Guilsborough Rd (3) SP6670 1984 Roost 877 Ravensthorpe, Guilsborough Rd (4) SP6670 from 1984 Roost 895 Spratton, house SP7170 from 1985 Roost 1109 Spratton, Gorse Road SP7170 1992 One grounded 1800 Spratton, Church Road SP7170 2001 Roost 970 Spratton, house SP7170 1996 One grounded 671 Stanford Church SP5878 from 1981 Roost 1221 Stanford/Cold Ashby canal SP6178 1989 Foraging 315 Sulby, house SP6681 from 1982 Roost 1211 Sulby Reservoir/Lily Pond SP6581 1989 Roost 901 Sulby,house SP6581 1989 Roost 314 Sulby, cottage SP6582 1997 Roost 1360 Teeton centre SP6970 1985 One grounded 84 Thornby, house SP6775 1994 Roost

1506 Watford canal, west road bridge SP5969 1983 Foraging 701 Watford Church SP6069 1994 Roost 1730 Welford, Salford Close SP6480 2001 Roost 704 Welford, house SP6379 1994 Roost 1877 Welford, Newlands Road SP6480 2003 Roost 1334 West Haddon centre SP6371 1986 One grounded 85 West Haddon Church SP6371 1992 Roost

4

710 West Haddon, Field Close SP6372 1988 Roost 1977 West Haddon, Yelvertoft Road SP6272 2004 Roost 709 West Haddon, farm SP6370 1996 Roost 1423 West Haddon/Yelvertoft Canal SP6174 1984 Roost

1424 West Haddon/Yelvertoft canal, middle bridge SP6074 1984 Foraging

1561 Whilton canal, 1st bridge south of locks SP6163 1982 Foraging 1860 Whilton Church SP6364 from 2003 Roost 1950 Whilton, house SP6364 2004 One grounded 2063 Whilton, Brington Road SP6364 2006 Roost 1426 Winwick turn SP6173 1984 Foraging 1483 Winwick village SP6273 1983 One grounded 1516 Winwick village SP6273 1983 Foraging 1365 Yelvertoft Canal SP6074 1985 Foraging 734 Yelvertoft Church SP6075 from 1981 Roost 1031 Yelvertoft, Wards Lane SP6075 1994 One grounded 1886 Yelvertoft, Kirkhams Close SP6075 2003 Roost Common pipistrelle 2003 Clay Coton, farm cottage SP5976 2005 One grounded 71 Everdon Church SP5957 from 1989 Roost

2157 Everdon, house, SP5957 2007 Roost 2087 Everdon, Stubbs Road SP5957 2003 One grounded 2275 East Haddon, Ravensthorpe Road SP6668 2008 Roost 473 Great Brington, Back Lane SP6665 from 1996 Roost 2226 Great Brington, cottage, Back Lane SP6665 2008 Roost 2213 Great Brington, Whilton Road SP8665 2008 Roost 37 Kelmarsh Hall SP7379 from 1997 Foraging

2185 Lilbourne, outskirts farmland SP5676 2004 Foraging 1662 Long Buckby, Marriott's Road SP6367 1999 Roost 2103 Naseby, Hall Close SP6878 2007 Roost 2115 Naseby, Hall Close (2) SP6878 2007 Roost 942 Ravensthorpe Reservoir SP6870 from 1990 Roost 10 Ravensthorpe Reservoir grounds SP6770 from 1985 Foraging

1091 Stanford Reservoir, Blowers Lodge Bay SP6080 from 1992 Roost 1991 Welford, High Street SP6480 from 2004 Roost 2188 Whilton Locks, sewage farm SP6265 from 2004 Foraging 2255 Whilton Lodge, Watling Street SP6164 2008 Foraging 2088 Whilton, Village, cottage SP6364 2001 Roost 2206 Winwick, farm SP6173 2007 Roost Soprano pipistrelle 37 Kelmarsh Hall SP7379 1997 Foraging

2185 Lilbourne, outskirts farmland SP5676 2004 Foraging 43 Long Buckby SP6267 1997 One grounded 671 Stanford Church SP5878 from 1981 Roost 1091 Stanford Reservoir, Blowers Lodge Bay SP6080 from 1992 Foraging 2188 Whilton Locks, sewage farm SP6265 from 2004 Foraging Brown long-eared bat 113 Ashby St Ledgers Church SP5768 from 1981 Roost 114 Ashby St Ledgers, house SP5768 1984 Roost 117 Ashby St Ledgers, Main Street SP5768 1994 Roost

5

118 Ashby St Ledgers, Main St (2) SP5668 1993 Roost 115 Ashby St Ledgers, farm, Main St SP5768 1998 Roost 2287 Clipston, Pegs Lane SP7081 2008 Roost

2153 Clipston, Barn in field, Naseby/Sibbertoft Rd SP7081 2007 Roost

163 Coton, cottage SP6771 1997 Roost 164 Cottesbrooke, Station Road SP7173 1996 Roost 1304 Creaton conference centre SP7071 1987 Roost 169 Creaton, house, (old hospital) SP7071 from 1984 Present 1001 Creaton, house SP6953 1995 One grounded 2284 Creaton, farm SP7072 2008 Roost 168 Creaton, The Jetty SP7071 1994 Roost 436 Crick Church SP5872 from 1981 Roost 1434 Crick, Ashby Drive SP5872 1984 One grounded 433 Crick, Oak Lane SP5872 1993 Roost 2274 East Haddon, Ravensthorpe Road SP6668 2008 Roost 181 East Haddon, Ravensthorpe Road (2) SP6668 from 1979 Roost 1721 East Haddon, top of Ravensthorpe Rd SP6568 2000 Roost 182 Elkington, farm SP6376 1991 Roost 1033 Great Brington church SP6665 from 1994 Roost 2079 Great Brington, house SP6664 2006 Roost 1338 Great Brington, Bedford Cottages SP6665 from 1986 Foraging 1626 Great Brington, cottage, Back Lane SP6665 1988 Roost 200 Great Brington, Whilton Road SP6665 1983 Roost 2008 Great Brington, farm SP6665 2005 Roost 1751 Great Brington, Hamilton Lane SP6664 2001 Roost 201 Great Brington, Hamilton Lane (2) SP6664 1986 Roost 1158 Great Brington, The Reading Room SP6664 From 1991 Roost 59 Guilsborough SP6772 1997 One grounded

2136 Guilsborough,West Haddon Road SP6773 2007 Roost 1227 Guilsborough, barn1 mile west SP6673 1989 Roost 1306 Guilsborough, house SP6772 1987 One grounded 1641 Guilsborough, High St SP6773 1999 Roost 2034 Haselbech, Maidwell Road SP7177 2005 Roost 215 Haselbech, cottage SP7177 1992 Roost 740 Hollowell, Church Hill SP6871 1998 Roost 224 Hollowell, cottage, Church Hill SP6871 1997 Roost 422 Kelmarsh disused railway tunnel SP7579 from 1989 Hibernating 1647 Kelmarsh Hall SP7379 1999 Roost 2186 Kilsby centre, house SP5671 2004 Roost 237 Lilbourne Church SP5677 from 1993 Roost 2185 Lilbourne, outskirts farmland SP5676 2004 Foraging 1343 Long Buckby house SP6267 1986 Roost 243 Long Buckby Wharf, farm SP6165 1996 Roost 1193 Long Buckby, King Street SP6267 1990 One grounded 244 Long Buckby, Nunns Lane SP6267 1993 Roost 2152 Long Buckby, Brington Lane SP6367 2007 Roost 1791 Long Buckby, East Street SP6367 2001 One grounded 1686 Long Buckby, house on A428 SP6468 2000 Roost

6

2098 Long Buckby, nr Vanderplanks Covert SP6268 2007 Roost 245 Long Buckby, farm, West Haddon Road SP6569 1988 Roost 1155 Naseby house SP6679 1991 One grounded 2115 Naseby, Hall Close SP6878 2007 Roost 36 Ravensthorpe Reservoir, east building SP6770 from 1982 Roost 306 Spratton Church SP7170 1998 Roost 307 Spratton, Church Road SP7170 1990 Roost 1792 Spratton, house SP7069 2001 One grounded 1781 Spratton, Old Reading Room SP7170 2000 Roost 671 Stanford Church SP5878 from 1981 Roost 1012 Stanford Reservoir tunnel roost SP5980 1994 Roost 1369 Stanford Reservoir SP5980 from1985 Roost 1091 Stanford Reservoir, Blowers Lodge Bay SP6080 from 1992 Foraging 315 Sulby house SP6681 from 1982 Roost 314 Sulby, cottage SP6582 1997 Roost 2252 Teeton, house SP6970 2008 Roost 84 Thornby house SP6775 1994 Roost 328 Thornby, Estate Yard barn SP6775 1988 Roost 1850 Thornby, N end SP6775 2002 One grounded 327 Thornby, cottage SP6775 1998 Roost 1003 Watford SP6069 1995 One grounded 348 Welford house, Naseby Road SP6480 1994 Roost 1194 Welford, home, A50 SP6480 1990 One grounded 1994 Welford, Church SP6480 2004 Roost 1991 Welford, farm, High Street SP6480 from 2004 Roost 85 West Haddon Church SP6371 1992 Roost

1530 West Haddon farm SP6272 1983 Roost 1890 West Haddon, farm (2) SP6472 2003 Roost 1196 West Haddon, old chapel SP6371 1990 One grounded 2184 West Haddon, bungalow SP6371 2007 Roost 1081 West Haddon/Yelvertoft Canal SP6174 from 1993 Foraging 86 Winwick Church SP6273 from 1980 Roost 356 Winwick, Yelvertoft Road SP6173 1997 Roost 2206 Winwick, farm SP6173 2007 Roost 357 Winwick house SP6273 from 1980 Roost Daubenton's bat 940 Cottesbrooke Lakes SP7173 1996 Foraging 743 Crick Canal Tunnel SP5971 1998 Roost 1351 Elkington canal SP6276 from 1985 Foraging 422 Kelmarsh disused railway tunnel SP7579 from 1989 Hibernating 6 Kelmarsh Hall Lake SP7379 from 1997 Foraging

1544 Long Buckby canal, north branch to Watford SP6065 from 1982 Foraging

942 Ravensthorpe Reservoir SP6870 from 1990 Foraging 90 Sulby Reservoir SP6581 1988 Roost

1205 Sulby Reservoir/Lily Pond SP6581 1989 Foraging 1458 Watford canal, 1st bridge N of road SP5969 from 1983 Foraging 1459 Watford canal, nr M1 bridge SP5969 from 1983 Foraging 1460 Watford canal, west road bridge SP5969 1983 Foraging 1206 West Haddon/Yelvertoft Canal SP6174 from 1989 Foraging

7

1391 West Haddon/Yelvertoft canal, middle bridge SP6074 1984 Foraging

1543 Whilton canal, 1st bridge south of locks SP6163 from 1982 Foraging 2188 Whilton Locks, sewage farm SP6265 from 2004 Foraging

1 Yelvertoft Canal SP6074 1997 Foraging 1207 Yelvertoft/West Haddon Canal SP6075 from 1989 Foraging Natterer's bat 1122 Cold Ashby Church SP6576 from 1991 Roost 2163 Cottesbrooke, Hall, stables SP7173 2007 Roost 1089 Great Brington, Fox and Hounds SP6664 1992 One grounded 1999 Great Brington, farm SP6665 2005 One grounded 1202 Hollowell, by green SP6972 1989 One grounded 422 Kelmarsh disused railway tunnel SP7579 from 1989 Hibernating 81 Naseby Church SP6878 from 1981 Roost

1012 Stanford Reservoir tunnel roost SP5980 from 1988 Roost 1014 Stanford Reservoir, Blowers Lodge Bay SP6080 from 1992 Foraging 84 Thornby, house SP6775 1994 Roost 85 West Haddon Church SP6371 1992 Roost 86 Winwick Church SP6273 from 1980 Roost

Whiskered/Brandt's bat 165 Cottsebrooke, cottage SP7073 1991 Roost 2244 East Haddon, house SP6666 2000 Foraging 94 Guilsborough, High St SP6773 1991 Roost 96 Hollowell, Church Hill SP6971 1991 Roost 37 Kelmarsh Hall SP7379 from 1997 Roost 100 Ravensthorpe Reservoir, east building SP6770 from 1982 Roost 99 Ravensthorpe, Main St SP6670 1983 Roost 937 Stanford Reservoir, nr dam SP5980 from 1990 Foraging Whiskered bat 938 Stanford Reservoir, Blowers Lodge Bay SP6080 from 1990 Foraging 103 Watford, cottage SP6068 1994 Roost Brandt's bat 1091 Stanford Reservoir, Blowers Lodge Bay SP6080 from 1990 Foraging 1758 Welford, Salford Close SP6480 2001 One grounded Noctule 1166 East Haddon village SP6668 from 1990 Foraging 2275 East Haddon, Ravensthorpe Road SP6668 2008 Foraging 735 Great Brington village SP6665 1997 Foraging 37 Kelmarsh Hall SP7379 from 1997 Foraging

2185 Lilbourne, outskirts farmland SP5676 2004 Foraging

1553 Long Buckby canal, north branch to Watford SP6065 1982 Foraging

10 Ravensthorpe Reservoir grounds SP6770 from 1985 Foraging 1091 Stanford Reservoir, Blowers Lodge Bay SP6080 from 1992 Foraging 951 Stanford Reservoir, nr dam SP5980 from 1986 Foraging 1206 West Haddon/Yelvertoft Canal SP6174 1989 Foraging 1552 Whilton canal, 1st bridge south of locks SP6163 1982 Foraging 2188 Whilton Locks, sewage farm SP6265 from 2004 Foraging 1609 Winwick Church SP6273 from 1980 Foraging Serotine 1930 Stanford Reservoir, SP5980 2004 Foraging

8

PW Richardson

Environment Agency, Sentinel House, 9 Wellington Crescent, Fradley Park, Lichfield Staffordshire, WS13 8RR Customer Service Line: 08708 506 506 Email: [email protected] www.environment-agency.gov.uk G:Plan & CS/ER/File Plan December 2006/Influence & Inform/Request for Information/FOI and EIR Searches/ Responses/MC17528

Our Ref: MC17528/DE

Your Ref: Date: 16 July 2009

Ms J Caddick Entec UK Ltd Princes Exchange Princes Square Leeds LS1 4BY

Dear Ms Caddick RE: COLD ASHBY Thank you for your enquiry requesting information relating to the above site. WATER BODIES The following watercourses are within the 2km study area: Designated ‘Main River’:

- There are no Main Rivers within 2km of the site. - The Clay Coton Brook flows through the study area and is Main

River from immediately upstream of Yelvertoft. Ordinary watercourses: There are numerous ordinary watercourses throughout the study area. These watercourses may be of ecological importance and may contain protected species Other Waterbodies: Grand Union Canal There are a number of ponds lakes and pools in the study area. Given the possibility that great crested newts are in the area all waterbodies should be identified and their ecological value assessed, particularly for amphibians, but also for other notable species.


It is possible that a watercourse may flow in culvert through the site. We would strongly recommend that any culvert be opened up within an attractive green corridor as a feature though the site. GENERAL COMMENTS In the event of planning permission or land drainage consent being applied for at this site we would make the following comments: River/watercourse Corridors We would object unless a generous buffer zone, of sufficient width to maintain and enhance the wildlife, amenity and landscape value of the river corridor or associated terrestrial habitat, was left undisturbed around any waterbodies. This would include no infilling or raising of ground levels within the buffer zone. Culverts We would object to development that lead to culverting of any watercourse other than the minimum required for access. Culverts can form a barrier to wildlife and fragment the river corridor. We would require the following features to be built into the culvert design:

- Ideally any new watercourse crossing should be an open span bridge or be a suitably sized arch bridge with a natural bed.

- We would resist the use of culverts due to their detrimental impact upon movement of biodiversity, including fish.

- Any bridge/culvert should be designed to allow the free movement of all fish species present in the watercourse.

- Provision for the movement of terrestrial mammals for example shelves on the sides, connecting banks through the culvert.

- Built in nesting and roosting sites to accommodate birds and bats. Sustainable Urban Drainage We would object to new development which did not incorporate appropriate Sustainable Urban Drainage techniques and best management practices such as swales, infiltration ditches and attenuation ponds as a means of reducing the adverse effect of drainage from increased impermeable areas, on the water environment. In addition, the impact of the development can be reduced if outfalls are limited in number and make use of existing facilities where appropriate.


Further to this, the use of locally appropriate materials in the design of outfalls will limit deterioration of visual amenity. DESIGNATED SITES We do not have records of designated sites in this area. However our records are not definitive and the following organisations should be contacted for further details of any sites and advice on any restrictions they may place on future development. SCHEDULED ANCIENT MONUMENTS AND HISTORIC GARDENS. English Heritage, East Midlands, Hazelrigg House, 33 Marefair, Northampton NN1 1SR (01604 730320)

SITES OF SPECIAL SCIENTIFIC INTEREST (SSSIS): Natural England, First Floor, The Maltings, Wharf Road, Grantham, Lincolnshire, NG31 6BH Tel: 01476 584800 Fax: 01476 584838 Email: [email protected]

SECOND TIER NATURE CONSERVATION SITES Northants Wildlife Trust, Lings house, Billings Lings, Northamptonshire, NN3 8BE. (01604 405285) Wildlife Sites CONSERVATION AREAS, TREE PRESERVATION ORDERS AND LISTED BUILDINGS: Contact the following: Northamptonshire County Council, PO Box 163, County Hall, Northamptonshire, NN1 1AX (O1604 236236) PROTECTED SPECIES We do not hold any records of protected species within the 2km study area. However Our records are not definitive and it is entirely possible that protected species are present in the area. There are a number of watercourses within the study area. All watercourses in the area are potentially used by otter since they started to re-colonise the Avon catchment in the early 1990s. It is very likely that otters are, or soon will be, using the brook and canal network as a dispersal route. Otters are known to use the Clay Coton Brook at least as far upstream as Clay Coton.



Whether or not otter are currently found in the stretch directly affected by the proposal should not materially affect the detailed design or mitigation measures. All watercourses in the area need to be treated as if they are potentially used by otters. Mitigation for potential disturbance to otters should also include bankside cover and habitat improvements aimed at increasing fish density and numbers. We have no records of water vole within the study area. However it is possible that they are present, but have not be surveyed for. It is an offence to damage destroy or obstruct access to water vole habitat or disturb them which they are using any structure or place for shelter or protection. Further survey would be required to determine whether water voles are currently using any waterbodies within the site. Measures to avoid, reduce or remedy the impacts of any adverse effects of development would have to be agreed. We have no records of native white clawed crayfish within the study area. However it is possible that they are present, but have not be surveyed for. Further survey would be required to determine whether native crayfish are currently using any waterbodies within the site. Measures to avoid, reduce or remedy the impacts of any adverse effects of development would have to be agreed.

We have no records of Great Crested Newts within the study area. However it is possible that they are present, but have not be surveyed for. Individual newts and their habitats are protected. Because they regularly range 250m from breeding ponds and may well travel further if there are areas of high quality foraging and refuge or hibernating habitat the suitability of aquatic and terrestrial habitat within, and 500m from, the site for great crested newts will need to be assessed. If necessary measures to avoid, reduce or mitigate any adverse impacts of development would have to be agreed and could potentially require a Defra development licence, with respect to great crested newts. This could have implications in terms of the timing, extent and the nature of permitted development.


The information provided above is based on records and files from various sources and of varying reliability. We cannot accept any liability for any loss or damage arising from the interpretation or use of the information. A site inspection has not been carried out in relation to your request for information. This information is provided under the conditions for use of data or information attached. Yours sincerely DIANE EDWARDS External Relations Assistant Direct dial 01543 404971 Direct email. [email protected]



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Appendix 8.G Ecology survey update: great crested newt


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Ecology survey update: great crested newt

Great crested newts may disperse to distances of 500m from their breeding ponds (English

Nature1) and in some cases further. However they commonly occupy terrestrial habitats that

are within 250m of these ponds (Langton et al, 20012). Following the Winwick Wind Farm

design freeze, all ponds within 500m of the proposed turbine locations and access tracks were

identified from 1:10,000 OS maps and web-based aerial photographs. The locations of these

waterbodies, 18 in total, are shown below.

Pond inspections were undertaken by an Entec ecologist on the 29th April 2010 to assess

(‘screen’) whether any of the 18 ponds have the potential to support great crested newts. The

purpose of the screening exercise was to identify any ponds that need to be surveyed to

confirm presence/absence of great crested newts, in addition to the four ponds (Ponds C, D,

12 and 13) that have previously been surveyed (BSG, 2009a3).

The criteria used to assess the ponds suitability for great crested newts are based on those

contained in the Herpetofauna Workers Manual4 and are summarised as follows:

• Sufficient water depth to enable successful amphibian breeding from spring (egg laying)

through to autumn when the larvae mature and leave the water bodies;

1 English Nature (2001). Great Crested Newt Mitigation Guidelines. English Nature, Peterborough.

2 Langton, T., Beckett, C., and Foster, J. (2001). Great Crested Newt Conservation Handbook.

Published by Froglife

3 Baker Shepherd Gillespie (2009a) Winwick Windfarm: Great Crested Newt Survey Report

4 Gent, T and Gibson, S (1998) The Herpetofauna Workers Manual Joint Nature Conservation

Committee.

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• Presence of aquatic vegetation or other medium that could be used for egg laying;

• Obvious signs of poor water quality;

• Signs of other amphibians e.g. tadpoles;

• Evidence of fish being present (which reduces the likelihood of newt presence and may

limit population size); and

• Quality of surrounding habitat for great crested newts (e.g. presence of suitable refugia,

i.e. stable, cool, damp and shaded areas that may be used by great crested newts,

particularly during the winter months).

In applying these criteria a precautionary approach was adopted, since great crested newts are

frequently found breeding in waterbodies that do not provide optimum conditions for this

species. In order to provide a more robust assessment, and in line with Natural England

guidance, the waterbodies were also assessed using the Habitat Suitability Index (HSI)

method5.

The results of the screening survey are summarised in Table 8.G1. Those ponds subject to

great crested newt surveys in 2010 are highlighted in grey. Full results of the HSI assessments

are appended. Four of these ponds have previously been surveyed in 2009 to determine

presence/absence of great crested newts (BSG 2009a, Appendix 8.B). Based on the results of

the pond assessments, a further five ponds were subject to great crested newts surveys in

2010.

The five ponds that were potentially suitable for great crested newts were surveyed by a

licensed Entec ecologist on 7th, 10th, 11th and 12th May 2010 to determine presence/absence of

this species. The survey was carried out in accordance with Natural England guidelines

(English Nature, 2001) which recommend that at least three survey techniques are employed

during each visit. The following methods were carried out at each pond:

• Bottle trapping or netting: Bottle traps constructed from two litre plastic bottles were set

around the margin of each waterbody and checked early the next morning. For shallow

ponds (and where the night time temperature was forecast to dip below 5ºC) hand held

sweep nets were used along suitable marginal habitat and any adult or juvenile newts

caught recorded.

• Torch-light survey: Each waterbody was illuminated with a powerful torch after dusk, to

search for presence of great crested newts and other amphibians.

• Egg search: Suitable aquatic vegetation was searched for great crested newt (and other

amphibian) eggs.

The results of the pond surveys are summarised in Table 8.G2. A maximum count of seven

great crested newts were recorded in Pond 1. The Natural England guidelines assess

maximum counts of up to 10 individuals to represent a ‘small’ population (see page 28 of the

guidance).

5 The HSI was developed by Oldham et al. (2000) and measures the habitat suitability of a waterbody

by considering a range of factors though to affect great crested newts.

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Table 8.G1 Screening Survey Results

Pond ref.

Distance from windfarm infrastructure

HSI score

HSI value Grid reference

Pond description and survey requirements Photograph

A

Within the site boundary ~240m to access track

0.47 Poor SP639 742 Small pond (50m2) on field margin of pasture and arable field.

Pond almost completely dry at the time of survey but still had lots of aquatic / wetland plant species present. Willows were the dominant woody species present. Pond is connected to wooded pasture by hawthorn hedgerow. Pond also ‘screened-out’ during Phase 1 Habitat survey - no further survey work.

B ~410m to T4 0.67 Average SP641 741 Very small water body (0.75 m2) fed by spring and is used by

livestock for drinking. Water is clear and contains abundant aquatic vegetation but appears very shallow, maximum 10cm deep. It is situated within pasture field with connections via ditch to Crow Spinney (moderate terrestrial habitat). 410m is beyond the upper limit of the distance great crested newts commonly disperse to terrestrial habitats. Further GCN survey undertaken on a precautionary basis.

C

On site ~30m to access track

0.80 Excellent SP640 747 Large pond (875 m2) situated between arable fields in a

wooded area. Wood has several mature/ semi-mature oaks as well as willows and hawthorn scrub. Field margins have large steep banks of improved grass with some tall ruderal species. The terrestrial habitat surrounding the pond is excellent for GCN. The pond appears shallow and contains lots of dead leaves. There are small patches of emergent reeds and other aquatic plants present. Previously surveyed for GCN (Pond A, BSG 2009a, Appendix 8B)

Technical Note

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Pond ref.


HSI score



D

On site ~25m to access track

0.50 Below average

SP641 747 Small, shallow pond (48 m2) within wooded area between

arable field, woody species include oak, willow and hawthorn. Pond is coloured/turbid and contains algae. Previously surveyed for GCN (Pond D, BSG 2009a, Appendix 8B) - one torch survey and terrestrial search for GCN undertaken but determined it was unsuitable – no further survey work.

E On site ~100m to T3

0.35 Poor SP644 746 Very small pond (15 m2) situated within hedgerow between two

arable fields (rape seed). Hedgerow is dominated by hawthorn with occasional semi mature to juvenile oaks. Arable field margins are with (~4m) consisting of improved grass. Pond was almost dry at the time of survey, 100% shaded by hedge. Likely to be unsuitable to support GCN. No further survey work.

1 ~445m to T2 0.76 Good SP638 753 Medium sized (144 m2) pond situated within a golf course.

Water is clear and contains lots of aquatic vegetation. Pond is surrounded by short cut grassland. Woodland is nearby providing good terrestrial habitat. 445m is beyond the upper limit of the distance great crested newts commonly disperse to terrestrial habitats. Further GCN survey undertaken on a precautionary basis.

2 ~400m to T2 - - SP637 752 Dry at time of survey. Moist boggy ground present but no water present for breeding GCN. Rushes and other wetland plant species present. No further survey work required.

Technical Note

5


Pond ref.


HSI score



3 ~385m to T2 - - SP636 851 Dry at time of survey. Only emergent rushes present in a pasture field. No further survey work required.

4 ~385m to access

track 0.50 Below

average SP635 752 Very small pond (25 m

2) which was almost dry at the time of

survey. It is situated within a hedgerow next to pasture fields. The wider part of the hedgerow provides potential terrestrial habitat. Water was clear but very shallow with lots of emergent grasses. 385m is beyond the upper limit of the distance great crested newts commonly disperse to terrestrial habitats. Further GCN survey undertaken on a precautionary basis.

5 ~335 to access track 0.57 Below average

SP632 748 Very small pond (9 m2) which was almost dry. It is situated

within a pasture field with scrub and tall ruderal vegetation border. Vegetation present suggests that the pond sized will fluctuate throughout the year depending on rainfall. 355m is beyond the upper limit of the distance great crested newts commonly disperse to terrestrial habitats. Further GCN survey undertaken on a precautionary basis.

6

~25m to access track - - SP634 745 Dry at time of survey and appears to have been for some time. Rushes and grasses are present. No further survey work required.

Technical Note

6


Pond ref.


HSI score



7 ~12m to access track 0.39 Poor SP633 744 Very small pond (15 m2) which was almost dry. Pond is

situated within a hedgerow between pasture fields offering good terrestrial habitat. Water appears ~5cm deep with few emergent aquatic plants. Large old ash tree next to pond has good potential for bat roots. Likely to be unsuitable to support GCN. No further survey work.

8 ~35m to access track - - SP646 745 Dry at time of survey No further survey work required.

No photo

9 ~265m to access track

- - SP648 744 Dry at time of survey No further survey work required.

No photo


- - SP647 743 Dry at time of survey No further survey work required.

No photo


0.59 Below average

SP645 742 Small pond (120 m2) situated within arable field (oil seed rape)

surrounded by species-poor hedgerow and small patches of scrub containing several semi mature oaks. Road nearby is unlikely to be a barrier to newt dispersal. Pond has shallow banks and is shaded. The water contains lots of algae. Further GCN survey undertaken.

12

~470m to access track

0.69 Average SP643 739 Very small water body (36 m2) with lots of aquatic vegetation. It

is situated within pasture field bordering a wooded area (Warren Covert), which provides good potential terrestrial habitat for newts. Previously surveyed for GCN (Pond B, BSG 2009a, Appendix 8B)

Technical Note

7


Pond ref.


HSI score



13

~275m to access track

0.61 Average SP632 738 Medium-sized pond (225 m2) on a hedgerow in a pasture field.

It is used by cattle for drinking. Water is turbid and supports little aquatic vegetation. Signs of waterfowl activity were observed. Previously surveyed for GCN (Pond A, BSG 2009a, Appendix 8B)

Technical Note

8


Table 8.G2 Great Crested Newt Survey Results

Bottle Trap or Netting Survey Torch Survey and Egg Search

Pond Ref No.

Survey Date

Temp ºC

Turbidity6

Vegetation Cover

7

Number of Bottles

GCN8

Smooth Newt

Larvae Unknown GCN3

Smooth Newt

Larvae Eggs Unknown

Notes Max GCN Count

07/05/10 7 2 4 n/a 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

10/05/10 6 5 3 n/a 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

11/05/10 5 5 3 n/a 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

B

12/05/10 4 5 4 n/a 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Animal water trough created by installation of a concrete sill in front of spring ~3m x 1m. Did not bottle trap due to concrete base ~10cm deep at location of spring. Some of vegetation removed during netting survey to allow larger area for torching.

0

07/05/10 7 2 4 16 5m, 0f 2m, 2f 0 1 prob. female

palmate

2m, 1f 0m, 1f 0 2gcn - 5

10/05/10 6 5 4 n/a 0 1f 0 0 1m, 1f 7 0 0 0 2

11/05/10 5 4 4 n/a 0 2f 0 0 4m, 3f 6 0 smooth 0 7

1

12/05/10 4 5 4 n/a 1m 0 0 0 1m 4 0 0 0

Bottle traps were not used for last 3 surveys due to potential for very low overnight temperatures this

week. 1

6 Score of 0-5 with 0 being completely clear water and 5 being very turbid water

7 Score of 0-5 with 0 being no vegetation obscuring survey and 5 being survey completely obscured by vegetation

8 Note number of male, female and immature GCN

Technical Note

9


Bottle Trap or Netting Survey Torch Survey and Egg Search

Pond Ref No.

Survey Date

Temp ºC

Turbidity6

Vegetation Cover

7

Number of Bottles

GCN8

Smooth Newt

Larvae Unknown GCN3

Smooth Newt

Larvae Eggs Unknown

Notes Max GCN Count

07/05/10 7 4 5 (95%) n/a 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

10/05/10 6 5 5 n/a 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

11/05/10 5 4 5 n/a 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

4

12/05/10 4 4 5 n/a 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Too shallow for bottle trapping (10cm). The entire area was completely choked with flote grass. High turbidity meant that torching was very hard and ineffective. Netted and egg searched

the pond

0

07/05/10 7 2 5 (100%) n/a 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 - 0

10/05/10 6 5 5 n/a 0 0 0 0 0 1f 0 Smooth 0 0

11/05/10 5 4 5 n/a 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 1 0

5

12/05/10 4 4 5 n/a 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Smooth 0

Too shallow for bottle trapping (15cm). High coverage of Typha and Lemna minor together with a high turbidity level meant that torching was largely ineffective. Netted and egg

searched the pond.

0

07/05/10 7 2 4 10 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 smooth/palmate

- 0

10/05/10 6 3 3 n/a 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

11/05/10 5 3 3 n/a 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

11

12/05/10 4 2 3 n/a 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Bottle traps were not used for last 3 surveys due to potential for very low overnight temperatures this

week. 0


Appendix 8.H Ecology survey update: boundary survey


Technical Note 1

Ecology survey update: boundary survey

Introduction

Entec UK Ltd (Entec) was commissioned by E.ON Climate and Renewables (EC&R) to undertake a survey of hedgerows/boundaries that may be affected by the proposed Winwick Wind Farm. Due to the requirement to transport abnormal loads to the development site (see Appendix 10.B for details) and to construct new access tracks on-site (see Figure 3.1 for proposed route) sections of hedgerows/boundaries will need to be removed. The locations of the on-site access track crossings are shown below.

The Hedgerow Regulations 1997 notification system does not apply in situations where an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is conducted, however all potentially affected hedgerows were surveyed bearing in mind the criteria set out in the Hedgerow Regulations 1997 to inform the ecological assessment. To qualify as important based on structure and species composition, a hedgerow must be at least 30 years old, at least 20m in length, and contain a combination of a specified number of woody species and associated features. Associated features include a hedgebank, ditch, fewer than 10% gaps, end connections and standard trees. The number of woody species in the hedgerow is based upon an aggregate score of 30m sections; the number of 30m sections being determined by the overall hedgerow length. Note was also taken of any badger setts in carrying out the boundary survey (the results of which are confidential and have been issued with Appendix 8.D).

In addition, and two proposed crossings of the on-site access track over the Yelvertoft Brook were assessed for their suitability to support white clawed crayfish.

l:\data\projects\ea-210\24421 winwick wind farm (sub file)\final es\volume 3 appendices\appendix 8h (do not print page 5 confidential)\boundary survey_rev jc_jm.doc

© Entec UK Limited

Technical Note 2

Results of Boundary Survey

No hedgerows surveyed would qualify as important under the Hedgerow Regulations 1997 based on structure and species composition, but in all cases where hedgerows need to be removed nesting birds should be considered.

A5199/Nortoft (Appendix 10.B) Hedge/tree line which may need to be trimmed back to accommodate abnormal loads. The majority of the vegetation identified on the roadside is blackthorn ~1.5m-3m high. Behind the blackthorn are young ash and beech trees ~4m high, forming part of a small deciduous woodland behind the blackthorn. Woodland comprises dense dogs mercury in ground flora, also mature beech trees (~5m from road side) with branches overhanging into the roadside blackthorn vegetation. No evidence of badger was identified within 30m of the road for the length of hedge/wood between the two adjoining side roads.

Nortoft/West Haddon Road, Guilsborough (Appendix 10.B) Small branches of beech, holly and laurel with no bat roost potential were identified overhanging the road. There is a holly tree behind the wall at NGR 67464 73266. The tree is immediately behind a telegraph pole and covered with dense ivy with branches overhanging the Nortoft Road, this may need to be cut back to accommodate abnormal loads. It has medium potential for roosting bats.

West Haddon Road / B4036 near West Haddon (Appendix 10.B) Intact hawthorn hedge ~2m high. Dry ditch on roadside which is vegetated with tall ruderal vegetation beneath including hogweed, dandelion, cleavers and common nettle. No bat potential was identified in this vegetation. On the south side of the junction is an unmanaged hedge/ tree boundary comprising hawthorn, ash, elder and ivy ~4m high which may need to be trimmed back to accommodate abnormal loads. The boundary is defunct at the base becoming intact above the ground. Tall ruderal at the base (in ditch) including hogweed, dandelion, cleavers, common nettle and encroaching bramble. Proposed Main Site Entrance (Figure 3.4) Intact roadside hawthorn hedge ~1.5m high with mature lime and ash trees that have low-medium potential for bats. Up to ~78m of hedgerow will need to be removed to accommodate new site access; but no requirement for tree removal identified.

Access A A species-poor defunct hedgerow ~1.5m high with canopy species consisting of hawthorn and dog rose. ~5m of hedgerow will need to be removed to accommodate access track. There is a semi mature ash tree situated at NGR 64477 74700 ~6m from the hedge corner, the access track can be routed either side of this tree. Two knots noted in main trunk, 1st ~3m from ground and 2nd ~1m from ground with low bat roost potential.


© Entec UK Limited

Technical Note 3


© Entec UK Limited

ss to the south side of this area, therefore no impact upon this vegetation in nticipated).

ramble and elder. ~5m of hedgerow will need to be removed to ccommodate access track.

is required to accommodate access track. No potential r white clawed crayfish identified.

ain ~5m wide to south east end ntially be used for access.

to be removed to accommodate

or other may need to be removed to ccommodate access track. Tree at NGR 64276 674962 has ivy on the trunk but it is not

gh for roosting bats.

edge is managed (~1m high) intact hawthorn, Acer species, elder and blackthorn. ~5m of

rack. No potential for white lawed crayfish. Potential for kingfisher/ sand martin burrows in earth bank – check will be

nesting birds before construction works commence.

access through intact hawthorn and blackthorn managed hedgerow ~1.5m high. 1.5m of this hedgerow may need to be removed to accommodate required access width of

efunct hedge with canopy species comprising hawthorn, elder and field maple. ~5m of will need to be removed to accommodate access track.

rge existing gap and machine access ~15m-20m wide at eastern end of hedge which could potentially be used for access.

Access Bi Dense blackthorn growth in field corner and two trees with bat potential (on-site access track appears to croa Hedgerow ~2m high, managed, intact (some parts of base defunct) with species comprising ash, hawthorn, blackthorn, ba Stream with silty base, ~0.5m wide, ~15cm deep (maximum) with a slow flow and bordered by meadow sweet. Culvert installationfo Access Bii Existing gap in hedgerow with brick and pipe crossing over drof this boundary which could pote

Hedge is managed, ~1m high, with canopy species comprising hawthorn, elder, field maple, dog rose and blackthorn. Ash tree at NGR 64291 74950 with top blown out and large cavity down branch on eastern side has high bat roost potential. ~5m of hedgerow northwest of this ash tree will need access track.

Two young ash trees in hedgerow to northwest at NGR 64276 674962 and NGR 64288 674959 have low bat roost potential but oneadense enou Access Ci Hhedgerow will need to be removed to accommodate access track. Stream with gravel/silty base ~0.5m wide with steep sides; south side bank collapsed in places. Culvert installation is required to accommodate access tcrequired for Access Cii Existing~5m. Access D Dhedgerow Access E La

Technical Note 4


© Entec UK Limited

Hedge at access point crossing is defunct hawthorn, dog rose, cherry, elder, bramble and ash with three young trees (one cherry and two ash) having no roosting potential for bats. ~5m of hedgerow will need to be removed to accommodate access track.


Appendix 8.I Outline habitat improvement plan


Winwick Wind Farm

Ecological Enhancement Plan (Outline)

May 2010

ISSUING OFFICE:

Arden House Deepdale Business Park

Ashford Road Bakewell

Derbyshire DE45 1GT

TEL: 01629 815544

FAX: 01629 815577

Web: www.bsg-ecology.com Email: [email protected] Offices in: Bakewell, Oxford, Berwick-upon-Tweed & Monmouth

Registered in: Cardiff No. OC328772 Registered address: Arden House Deepdale Business Park Ashford Road Bakewell Derbyshire DE45 1GT

Members: A list of members is available at each office.

Client E.ON Ltd

Job Name Winwick Wind Farm

Report title Ecological Enhancement Plan

File reference

3844 06_008_final_eep_kv_DB_(05 05 10)_EM_FINAL.doc

Signed Name Position Date

Originated Dr Kate Vincent Senior Ecologist 11/04/10

Reviewed Philippa Harvey Principal Ecologist 13/04/10

Revised Dr Kate Vincent Senior Ecologist 05/05/10

3844 06_008_final_eep_kv_DB_(05 05 10)_EM_FINAL.doc Page 1

Report Contents

1 Introduction .......................................................................................2

1.1 Site Description................................................................................................ 2

1.2 Proposed work ................................................................................................. 2

1.3 Aims ................................................................................................................. 2

2 Biodiversity Character Assessment.......................................................3

2.1 Background ...................................................................................................... 3

2.2 Winwick Biodiversity Character Assessment .................................................... 3

2.2.1 Acid Sands Biodiversity Character Type..........................................................3 2.2.2 Key habitat features at Winwick .................................................................... 4 2.2.3 Biodiversity enhancement opportunities at Winwick ..................................... 6

2.3 Green Infrastructure ......................................................................................... 8

3 Ecological Enhancement Plan ............................................................ 10

3.1 Management Prescriptions ............................................................................ 10

3.1.1 Woodland .....................................................................................................10 3.1.2 Grassland......................................................................................................10 3.1.3 Hedgerows ................................................................................................... 11 3.1.4 Ponds............................................................................................................ 11 3.1.5 Ditch/Stream management ..........................................................................12 3.1.6 Beetle Banks .................................................................................................12 3.1.7 Farmland birds..............................................................................................12 3.1.8 Other species................................................................................................14 3.1.9 SUDS ............................................................................................................14 3.1.10 Decommissioning .........................................................................................14 3.1.11 Monitoring....................................................................................................14

Appendix 1............................................................................................ 18

Figure 1: Site Plan and Habitat Map ........................................................................ 18

Figure 2.1 Ecological Management Prescriptions: Year 1 ........................................ 18

Figure 2.2 Ecological Management Prescriptions: Ongoing.................................... 18

Appendix 2: Planting / seed mix specifications.......................................... 19


1 Introduction

1.1 Site Description

The site is composed of two working farms, located to the north east of Winwick village in

Northamptonshire, centred at National Grid Reference (NGR) E464046 N2744687. The B4036 road is

situated adjacent to the eastern site boundary, and the remainder of the site is bounded by further

farmland.

The site consists of a series of arable and improved grassland fields, with occasional field margins. Field

boundaries are frequently formed by hedgerows, with occasional drainage ditches. A number of farm

buildings and associated hard standing access tracks are located to the east of the site. Warren Covert, an

area of mature mixed woodland, is present to the south of the site. In addition, a number of small areas of

plantation broadleaved woodland are present throughout the site.

1.2 Proposed work

The proposed work involves the construction of a seven turbine wind farm, a permanent meteorological

mast, a substation compound plus associated site infrastructure including access tracks.

1.3 Aims

The ecological consultancy Baker Shepherd Gillespie was commissioned by E.ON Climate and Renewables

UK Developments Ltd (EC&R) to prepare an Ecological Enhancement Plan (EEP) of the proposed

development site.

This Ecological Enhancement Plan has two primary aims:

� to deliver biodiversity enhancement which will contribute to both local and strategic biodiversity

objectives.

� to deliver the development of Green Infrastructure. Projects which involve the protection and

enhancement of ecological features (and as a consequence contribute to the maintenance of

ecosystems) have an opportunity to contribute to a green infrastructure network of multi-

functional green spaces and interconnecting links.

This document comprises two separate sections. The first section is a Biodiversity Character Assessment.

This section evaluates the site and features within the site in relation to the objectives of the

Northamptonshire Biodiversity Character Strategy1. It also discusses how the project will contribute to

Green Infrastructure within the context of the local area.

The second section is the Ecological Enhancement Plan which details the ecological measures which will

achieve the stated aims of conserving and enhancing biodiversity and green infrastructure within the site.

The Ecological Enhancement Plan is only an outline document at this stage and provides potential ideas

for ecological improvement. This document could be subject to post consent consultations and

amendments and is seen as an evolving document. The suggestions for improvement within the EEP do

not need to be and have not been assessed in the ES and this should be seen as a stand alone document.

The UK Biodiversity Action Plan2 (UK BAP) sets out a programme for conserving biodiversity in the UK and

will be used to inform this EEP. The UK BAP has published lists of species and habitats that are

conservation priorities which are under threat because of their rarity and rate of decline.

1 Weblink: www.rnrenvironmentalcharacter.org.uk (Northamptonshire’s Environmental & Green Infrastructure Suite) April 2009.

2 www.ukbap.org.uk


2 Biodiversity Character Assessment

2.1 Background

The Northamptonshire Biodiversity Character Strategy1 considers the character and distinctiveness of

Northamptonshire's biodiversity, describing each of the county's component biodiversity character types

and biodiversity character areas. It is a landscape scale approach to conserving and enhancing biodiversity.

The Northamptonshire Biodiversity Action Plan3 helps to inform the Strategy by identifying priority

habitats and priority species for conservation and enhancement. Through a Biodiversity Character

Assessment, the Northamptonshire Biodiversity Character Strategy identifies the areas where these

habitats exist and where there is potential for their creation or restoration.

The Northamptonshire Biodiversity Character Strategy involves the following principles:

� A landscape scale approach will be taken to conserve and enhance biodiversity, whereby, for each

biodiversity character type, all characteristic habitats should be conserved, restored extended,

buffered and linked.

� Where no, or limited areas of characteristic habitats are retained the creation of new areas of

characteristic habitats will be encouraged and opportunities for creating new habitats should be

explored.

� Habitat restoration and creation schemes should seek to create large-scale mosaics of semi-

natural habitats that function as sustainable ecosystems and reinforce biodiversity character, as

well as being based on up-to-date ecological information and specialist ecological advice.

2.2 Winwick Biodiversity Character Assessment

2.2.1 Acid Sands Biodiversity Character Type

Winwick is situated within the Guilsborough and Spratton area. This area is identified in the Biodiversity

Character Strategy as one of a number of areas throughout Northamptonshire which are of the “Acid

Sands Biodiversity Character Type”. This character type occupies the highest elevations principally in the

west of Northamptonshire and the variety of soil types represents the changes in underlying geology.

Well-drained, fine and coarse loamy ferritic brown earth soils overlie the Northampton Sand Formation

and slightly stony, sandy loam soils are common, particularly on the higher ground.

The Acid Sands Biodiversity Character Type comprises “fragmented areas of broadleaved and mixed

woodland, much of which is of ancient origin, although the proportion of woodland varies across the

Biodiversity Character Areas. Occasional areas of lowland acid grassland occur mainly on the steepest slopes

and lowland neutral grassland is mainly confined to man-made sites. Overall the survival of semi-natural

habitats is low.”

The Northamptonshire Biodiversity Character Strategy identifies six key habitats within the Acid Sands

Biodiversity Character type. These are:

� Lowland neutral grassland

“Slightly acidic Lowland Neutral Grasslands would once have been widespread on the clay soils.

……However, due to agricultural improvement, neutral grasslands are only retained on man-made sites.”

3 Northamptonshire Biodiversity Partnership (2008) Northamptonshire Biodiversity Action Plan 2nd Edition. Northampton.


� Lowland acid grassland

“Acid grasslands are more widespread than heathland, but are limited in number. They tend to be found

on the slopes of hillsides where the Northampton Sand Formation lies over clay. Here rainwater filters

through the sandstone leaving well-drained soils.”

� Lowland mixed woodland

“Woodlands are generally fragmented but much that remains is of ancient origin….. The two main

woodland types are oak - bracken - bramble woods on the sandy soils and ash - field maple woods over

the clay soils …….Many replanted sites have a significant conifer component.”

� Lowland heathland

“The only extensive heathland occurs over the sandiest soils in the vicinity of Harlestone Firs in the

Harlestone and Brampton Heaths Biodiversity Character Area, northwest of Northampton. However, the

heaths area is heavily affected by the planting of conifers.”

� Hedgerows

“Grasslands tend to be bounded by stock proof hedges, which provide food and shelter for a wide variety

of species and forming the basis of important wildlife corridors. However, in arable areas, many

hedgerows have been removed to allow more efficient crop management and where hedges are retained

they often form low, discontinuous boundary features of limited biodiversity value.”

• Open standing water (field ponds, ornamental lakes and sections of canal)

“There are some concentrations of field ponds and occasional ornamental lakes on the clays of the Whitby

Mudstone Formation, although few are designated as Wildlife Sites. The Grand Union Canal is also a

feature of the Litchborough and Pattishall Biodiversity Character Area, providing an important wildlife

corridor in association with the adjacent grassland and hedgerows.”

In summary, within the Acid Sands Biodiversity Character Type, biodiversity can be enhanced by the

restoration, creation, buffering and linkage of broad-leaved woodland, lowland neutral or acid grassland,

hedgerows and open standing water to create large sustainable mosaics of characteristic habitats. Habitat

fragmentation should be further reduced through the conservation, restoration and buffering of

hedgerows to create functioning wildlife corridors. The strategy does not refer to specific measures

targeted towards individual species.

2.2.2 Key habitat features at Winwick

The paragraphs below describe the key habitat features which currently exist within the site. They should

be read with reference to the Site Map and Habitat Plan (Figure 1, Appendix 1).

Arable fields

Arable fields occur throughout the majority of the southern section of the site. The arable fields have

neutral grassland field margins of varying widths, with patches of tall ruderal vegetation. Species present

include false oat-grass Arrhenatherum elatius, cock’s-foot Dactylis glomerata, perennial rye-grass Lolium

perenne, red fescue Festuca rubra, creeping thistle Cirsium arvense, creeping buttercup Ranunculus repens,

broadleaved dock Rumex obtusifolius, great plantain Plantago major, with occasional compact rush Juncus

conglomeratus in the damper areas.

Grassland

The northern section of the site is predominantly composed of improved grassland fields, with two semi-

improved grassland fields. The improved grasslands are species-poor, dominated by perennial rye-grass,

with occasional white clover Trifolium repens and creeping buttercup. Tufted hair-grass Deschampsia

cespitosa, crested dog’s-tail Cynosurus cristatus and creeping thistle are occasionally present on the

steeper slopes. The semi-improved grassland fields are of a similar species composition, with markedly

less perennial rye-grass present in the sward. These fields are grazed by cattle and sheep.


Woodland

There are three areas of broad-leaved woodland located within the development site boundary at National

Grid References SP 636 744; SP640 747; and SP641 747. There is also a small localised area of broad-leaved

plantation connected to a hedgerow in the south western part of the development site.

There are also areas of woodland outside the development site, bordering the eastern and south-eastern

development site boundaries, including Warren Covert, which is a mature mixed plantation located

immediately adjacent to, but outside, the development site’s south east boundary. The canopy is mixed in

age and structure, and is generally continuous. Canopy species present include ash Fraxinus excelsior,

horse chestnut Aesculus hippocastanum, silver birch Betula pendula, holly Ilex aquifolium, elder and hazel

Corylus avellana. The shrub layer is discontinuous, and generally composed of regenerating trees. The

ground flora, where present, is species-poor, predominantly composed of Yorkshire fog Holcus lanatus,

with occasional common nettle Urtica dioica and young bramble, with isolated tussocks of tufted hair-

grass. Deadwood and occasional rubble piles are present throughout this woodland. The northern half of

the woodland is more open, located on a south-facing slope, with little shrub layer present. Here the

ground flora is sparse, with occasional foxglove Digitalis purpurea.

The southern boundary of the woodland is formed by a small stream, flowing in a westerly direction. The

channel width is variable, between 0.5 – 2 metres wide, with a sandy substrate, a high level of leaf litter

and exposed mud. The water was approximately 3cm deep at the time of survey. The banks are generally

composed of exposed earth, with occasional vegetation present. Further west, the stream is densely

overhung by hawthorn and bramble.

Crow Spinney is a broadleaved plantation, which also borders the development site’s south east boundary.

Hedgerows

The majority of the field boundaries are formed by species-poor hedgerows with occasional trees.

Hawthorn Crataegus monogyna is the dominant species throughout, with frequent blackthorn Prunus

spinosa and elder Sambucus nigra. Occasional species present include field maple Acer campestre, hazel,

rose Rosa sp., and bramble Rubus fruticosus agg.. There are occasional mature ash Fraxinus excelsior and

pedunculate oak Quercus robur trees present. The hedgerows are variable throughout the study site, and

some are more actively managed, therefore providing diversity in height.

There is a species-rich hedgerow located within the northern section of the site. Species present include

field maple, elder, hawthorn, bramble, ash, blackthorn, crab apple Malus sylvestris and bracken Pteridium

aquilinum.

Wet ditches

There are a number of drainage ditches within the development site. These typically extend along field

boundaries at the base of hedgerows. The ditches are typically less than 1m wide with relatively steep,

vegetated banks and support marginal vegetation

These ditches are variable, and are generally less than one metre wide, with relatively steep, vegetated

banks. Marginal vegetation present within the channels includes soft rush Juncus effusus and tufted hair-

grass. The banks are generally dominated by tall ruderal vegetation, including common nettle Urtica

dioica, hedge woundwort Stachys sylvatica, hogweed Heracleum sphondyllium, creeping thistle and hedge

bindweed Calystegia sepium, with occasional dog rose Rosa canina agg., guelder-rose Viburnum opulus and

elder.

Ponds

There are three ponds (Pond A-C) located within the site and three ponds located within 150 metres of the

site; two which contain water (Pond E and F) and one pond that does not contain open water (Pond D).


Pond A is located adjacent to an area of mature plantation broadleaved woodland, centred at OS grid

reference SP 640 747. The pond is approximately 25 metres x 20 metres, and the water is turbid. The banks

are steep and densely vegetated with tall ruderal vegetation including common nettle, cock’s-foot, false

oat-grass and willowherb Epilobium sp. Marginal vegetation is generally absent, restricted to a patch of

hard rush Juncus inflexus and brooklime Veronica beccabunga on the eastern pond margin. Arable fields

surround the pond in the wider area. Pond B is located approximately 110 metres to the east of Pond A

linked via a species-poor hedgerow with trees.

Pond B is located within an area of scrubby broadleaved woodland, centred at OS grid reference SP 641

747. The pond is approximately 5 metres x 5 metres. The pond is shallow, with a maximum depth of

approximately 50cm, and with shallow sloping banks. There is no marginal vegetation present. The pond is

completely shaded by the surrounding woodland. Arable fields surround the pond in the wider area.

Pond C is located at the base of a species-poor hedgerow, within a small stand of scrubby willow carr, in

the corner of two arable fields, centred at OS grid reference SP 639 742. The pond is limited to an area of

damp ground, with only occasional shallow pools of standing water. A wet ditch is located along the

northern limit of the pond. The pond’s marginal vegetation includes soft rush, brooklime, horsetail

Equisetum sp., Yorkshire fog, common nettle and creeping buttercup with occasional mosses. An improved

grassland field is located to the east of the pond, with arable fields situated to the north, south and west. A

species-poor hedgerow and wet ditch extend from the pond to the east and the west.

Pond D is located adjacent to the western site boundary within an improved grassland field, centred at OS

grid reference SP 634 745. The pond is approximately 10 metres x 10 metres, limited to an area of damp

ground with no open water present. Floating sweet-grass Glyceria fluitans and soft rush now cover the

surface of the pond. The banks of the pond are gently sloping, and grade into the surrounding improved

grassland habitat, with no distinct bankside vegetation present.

Pond E is located to the west of the site boundary, at the corner of two improved grassland fields, centred

at OS grid reference SP 632 738. The pond is approximately 13 metres x 8 metres, and the water is

relatively clear, with a maximum depth of approximately 1 metre at the time of survey. The eastern,

southern and western banks are steep, and the northern bank is gently-sloping. The marginal vegetation is

limited to the northern pond margin, where brooklime, willowherb and forget-me-not Myosotis sp. are

present. The pond is overhung by hawthorn and ash, which shade approximately 90% of the shores.

Species-poor hedgerows with trees are present to the south and west of the pond.

Pond F is located adjacent to the eastern boundary of Warren Covert at the base of a steep slope within an

improved grassland field, centred at OS grid reference SP 643 739. The pond is approximately 3 metres x 5

metres. The banks are steep and vegetated with species from the adjoining improved grassland field,

including perennial rye-grass and cock’s-foot. Brooklime is present at the margins of the pond.

Approximately 60% of the shore is shaded by a mature ash tree located on the eastern bank top, and by

overhanging holly and ash on the western bank.

UK BAP priority species found on site

There were eleven Priority species listed under the UK BAP2 that were found on site. These were skylark

Alauda arvensis, corn bunting Miliaria calandra, yellowhammer Emberiza citrinella, house sparrow Passer

domesticus, grey partridge Perdix perdix, starling Sturnus vulgaris, lapwing Vanellus vanellus and bullfinch

Pyrrhula pyrrhula as well as brown hare Lepus europaeus, common toad Bufo bufo and noctule bat Nyctalus

noctula. The Ecological Enhancement Plan’s recommended prescriptions will create and enhance foraging

or breeding habitats within the site for these priority species.

2.2.3 Biodiversity enhancement opportunities at Winwick

Given the existing character of the site, opportunities for enhancing biodiversity correspond well to a

number of objectives identified in the Northamptonshire Biodiversity Character Strategy and the local and


UK BAP. However, because of the type of the development (a wind farm), and since for some species of

bats and birds impacts are possible through collision with turbine blades, the creation of features such as

woodland and dense hedgerows, which could be attractive to these species, could be inappropriate within

certain areas of the site (i.e. in close proximity to proposed turbine locations). The recommended

enhancement opportunities are set out in more detail in the Table 1 below:

Table 1: Opportunities to contribute to the Northamptonshire Biodiversity Character Strategy objectives

Northamptonshire Biodiversity Character

Strategy Objectives

Opportunities at Winwick

Lowland neutral grassland

Conserve existing lowland neutral grasslands and

restore existing lowland neutral grasslands that are

currently in unfavourable condition.

There are no neutral grasslands currently within the

site.

Create new areas of lowland neutral grassland that

extend and link existing sites to create large

sustainable habitat units and reduce habitat

fragmentation.

Although no new areas of neutral grassland will be

created, there are opportunities to create grassy field

margin strips (neutral grassland) to provide pollen and

nectar sources for invertebrates and a food source for

birds.

Buffer existing lowland neutral grassland where habitat

creation is not possible to protect them from

potentially damaging environmental influences.

As there is no neutral grassland within the site, no

buffering is proposed.

Lowland mixed woodland

Conserve existing broadleaved woodlands and restore

existing lowland mixed woodlands that are currently in

unfavourable condition.

The woodland within the site could be conserved and

managed.

Creation of new areas of woodland that extend and link

to existing woodlands to create. New woodland

planting should comprise a mix of species typical of the

characteristic ash-field maple woodlands.

Within the turbine area

No additional woodland planting within the turbine

area is proposed in the short term but there is proposed

woodland planting in the long term (post de-

commissioning) within the turbine area.

Outside Turbine area

There is potential for some areas of tree planting within

the site outside the turbine area. This could possibly be

within the south or south-eastern area of the site near

Warren Covert. This would be undertaken prior to

construction.

Buffer existing lowland mixed woodlands where

habitat creation is not possible to protect them from

potentially damaging environmental influences.

No threats have been identified in relation to the

woodland within the site. No additional buffering is

proposed.

Hedgerows

Conserve existing hedgerows by appropriate

management to maintain woodland linkages and

reduce habitat fragmentation.

It is recommended that the hedgerow management is

designed to promote biodiversity.

Enhance existing hedgerows through gapping up and

the creation of uncultivated land and/or grassland field

margins to encourage the establishment of taller,

thicker hedges, improve habitat linkages and reduce

habitat fragmentation. The species mix should

comprise species typical of the locality and include a

small proportion of new hedgerow trees.

Some removal of hedgerows (~5m width at each

crossing point where no gap currently exists) is required

to allow the creation of access tracks. Furthermore, at

the site entrance a section of hedgerow of up to 80m in

length could need to be removed.

To compensate for this loss, at least an additional 125m

of species-rich hedgerow should be planted, resulting in

better linkages between poorly connected sections of


As the table above demonstrates, there are a number of opportunities to contribute towards the

objectives of the Northamptonshire Biodiversity Character Strategy, particularly in relation to field ponds

and hedgerows. In addition, there are opportunities to contribute to wider objectives of the UK and local

Biodiversity Action Plans in relation to farmland birds (e.g. yellowhammer Emberiza citrinella, linnet

Carduelis cannabina, reed bunting Emberiza schoeniclus and grey partridge Perdix prefix), through the

creation of wild bird seed mixture strips and hedgerow management, and for amphibians, through the

proposed pond restoration work.

2.3 Green Infrastructure

Green Infrastructure (GI) can be defined as “a network of multi-functional green spaces and interconnecting

links”4.

“At the strategic level, GI is an environmental system that supports the health, wellbeing and aesthetic values

of communities and the maintenance of functional ecosystems. It provides a process that makes the most of

existing and future assets, enables the environment to support and maintain natural processes, and sustains

land, air and water resources”4.

It is set within and contributes to a high quality natural and built environment and is required to deliver

“liveability” for new communities”1.

There is clearly a significant link between the objectives of the Biodiversity Character Strategy and the

development of Green Infrastructure, and projects which involve the protection and enhancement of

ecological features (and as a consequence contribute to the maintenance of ecosystems) have an

opportunity to contribute to both.

The proposed development site will provide a multi-functional green space. The site will be used to

generate clean and sustainable energy from wind power; it is used for food production; it supports

4 Weblink: www.rnrenvironmentalcharacter.org.uk (Northamptonshire’s Environmental & Green Infrastructure Suite) April 2009.

existing hedgerows and an overall increase in

hedgerows within the site.

Grassland field margins could be created along several

hedgerows within the site in combination with wild bird

seed mixture strips.

Open standing water (field ponds)

Conserve existing field and woodland ponds that are

currently in favourable condition.

The existing field ponds should be retained and

conserved within the site.

Restore field and woodland ponds that are currently in

unfavourable condition.

There is an opportunity for the four field ponds which

are currently in poor condition to be restored (ponds A,

B, C, and F).

Create buffer strips around field ponds to reduce the

impact of soil erosion and diffuse pollution.

It is recommended that where field ponds are directly

adjacent to arable land, grass margins should be

created around the ponds as a buffer.

Create new field and woodland ponds. No further field ponds are proposed.

Wildlife corridors

Enhance existing wildlife corridors along hedgerows

and streams which are beneficial to a wide range of

species, improve habitat linkages and reduce habitat

fragmentation.

The primary wildlife corridors within the site are

hedgerows. As set out above, the total length of

hedgerows should be increased and field margin habitat

creation will enhance the value of existing hedgerows

within the site.


farmland biodiversity, including a number of UK Biodiversity Priority Species (farmland birds and hare) and

priority habitats (woodland, field ponds and hedgerows). Biodiversity should be retained, and in some

cases enhanced, within the site. In addition, as the site is farmland it provides open countryside close to

West Haddon and Cold Ashby.

The A14 dual carriageway to the north of the site and to a lesser extent, the A519 to the east of the site and

the A428 to the south, form a barrier to the dispersal of wildlife and limit opportunities for improving links

and connectivity with adjacent habitats. To the north and west, generally similar open arable farmland

habitats and occasional small blocks of woodland, continue for a number of kilometres. The site is not well

placed to link major groupings of habitat, such as the wetlands in the Nene valley or woodlands to the

north-east of Kettering. As a consequence, no obvious strategic linking function has been identified in

relation to the site.

In this type of highly fragmented arable landscape, the main opportunity for improving links should be

achieved at a more local scale though the maintenance and enhancement of hedgerows and woodland,

the retention and creation of features such as field ponds and hedgerows, and through contributing to the

other objectives identified for the Acid Sands Biodiversity Character Type (see above).

The next section of the report is an Ecological Enhancement Plan which sets out a programme for

delivering these opportunities to protect and enhance biodiversity within the site.


3 Ecological Enhancement Plan

The approach takes into account important features on the farmland in particular biodiversity priorities. It

will take into account turbine layout and the creation of features in proximity to turbines to make sure the

risk of collision of bats and birds is avoided.

3.1 Management Prescriptions

Management prescriptions are set out below in relation to key habitat and species. These take the form of

explanatory text, tables detailing the specific management actions and plans showing the location of a

number of these management prescriptions. Figure 1 (in Appendix 1) details the current habitat areas

within the site and Figures 2.1 & 2.2 (in Appendix 1) highlight areas within the site that could be enhanced

for biodiversity with specific actions that should be undertaken at the initial stage, as well as details of

ongoing prescriptions respectively.

3.1.1 Woodland

Existing woodland habitats within the site will not be affected by the proposed development. However

there is potential to manage the existing woodland; Warren Covert and Crow Spinney to improve these

areas for wildlife.

3.1.1.1 Woodland edge management

The woodland edge should be allowed to grow out into the field edge through a 6m uncultivated strip

from edge of the wood.

3.1.1.2 Provision of a woodland creation

It is recommended that the planting of additional trees within the centre of the site (near the triangular

plantation) is not encouraged as an increase in connectivity could encourage bat use within the centre of

the wind farm.

Woodland creation away from the core wind farm area either at the southern edge of the site near to

Warren Covert, or in the north east section of the site is preferable. If an area is deemed suitable for tree

planting, the planting will start prior to wind farm construction.

Woodland planting near the existing triangular plantation should only be undertaken in the long-term

following the decommissioning phase.

3.1.2 Grassland

Due to the proposed site layout, impacts on the two areas of semi-improved and improved grassland

habitats will be avoided during the construction phase.

3.1.2.1 Grassland field margin creation

A wide field margin strip 500m long and 20m wide (1 hectare) has been proposed running east to west

along the southern hedge boundary of a field within the centre of the site (G2 Figure 2.1), adjacent to pond

B and south of turbine 2. In addition, 1710m of 6m (equating to 1.02ha) of wide grassland field margins

should be created adjacent to hedgerows. There is an opportunity for these margins to be sown with an

appropriate neutral grassland seed mixture. During the first year these margins should be cut four times

between May and August to promote the establishment of wild flowers.

Following establishment, the margins could be managed by cutting which should be carried out every two

years on a rotation basis from mid-July onwards. The cutting regime will allow the development of an

uneven sward and allow herbaceous species to flower. This will provide habitat and foraging areas suitable


for insects and a variety of farmland birds and barn owl which is a local BAP listed species. A recommended

species mix is set out in Appendix 2.

3.1.3 Hedgerows

Some removal of hedgerows (~5m width at each crossing point where no gap currently exists) is required

to allow the creation of access tracks. Shrubs will be planted to compensate for those removed, using

native species of local provenance and reflecting the species-mix of the hedgerow.

Furthermore, at the site entrance a section of hedgerow of up to 80m in length could need to be removed.

This hedgerow is species-poor and incorporates a number of lime and ash trees. The removal of this

hedgerow and localised hedgerow crossings will be compensated for by the creation of hedgerows of

greater length at other locations within the site and gapping-up of existing hedgerows.

Where proposed tracks/underground cables are located adjacent to hedgerows, a buffer zone/exclusion

zone (minimum of 5m wide) between the works easement and hedge will be maintained/demarcated.

At least an additional 125m of species-rich hedgerow should be planted. Sections of hedgerow should be

created to join existing, but poorly connected, sections of hedgerow within the site. (H2; Figure 2.1) These

gaps could be planted with a range of native, locally appropriate species (hawthorn, blackthorn, field

maple, hazel, and dogwood).

The proposed hedgerow planting will provide additional nesting and foraging opportunities for species

such as yellowhammer, reed bunting and grey partridge. Management of all the hedgerows, as specified

above, will enhance the structure of hedgerows and provide foraging and nesting opportunities

throughout the site.

In order to maintain the ecological value of the hedgerows, the hedgerows should be subject to a regular

management programme. Management will involve a combination of trimming on rotation (each

hedgerow should be cut every three years to allow hedgerows to fruit and to ensure that some foraging

and nesting habitats are always present), and increasing the number and size field margins adjacent to

hedgerows in some areas of the site. The introduction of rotational hedge laying should be considered and

a 2m strip of land from the centre of each hedge line should be left uncultivated to provide foraging

habitat for small mammals and farmland birds.

Hedgerow management should be carried out between November and February to avoid an impact on

nesting and foraging birds, and other wildlife. Mature or semi-mature trees present within the hedgerows

should be retained.

3.1.4 Ponds

A buffer/exclusion zone (minimum 20m wide) will be demarcated around each watercourse within the

working areas. No earthworks will take place within these buffers, other than localised works at locations

where the cable route and/or access track crosses water courses.

It is recommended that enhancement is carried out to restore four field ponds (ponds A, B, C, and F) which

are currently in poor condition. Restoration will involve scrub removal from within the former ponds,

opening up the pond banks to allow more light to reach the ponds, removal of accumulated silt, creation of

a grass buffer strips around the ponds where they are adjacent to arable land (using a neutral grassland

mix specified in Appendix 2). Ongoing management will involve occasional scrub management around the

ponds to maintain an open character. The management should be targeted, in particular, to benefit

amphibians which are present in other waterbodies within the site.

Pond B is within the woodland that could be adjacent to a 20 metre field margin strip running east to west

along the hedge boundary. Currently this pond is surrounded by scrub and vegetation and would benefit


form some scrub removal to reduce shading. This restoration along with the proposed wide field margin

adjacent to this pond and wooded area and stream will create a beneficial wildlife corridor running through

this section of the site.

Following restoration, through the creation of open water and the colonisation of marginal and aquatic

plants, the ponds will provide suitable breeding ponds for amphibians and will form part of a network of

breeding ponds within the site. It is also recommended that features which could be used by hibernating

newts are created in close proximity to the restored ponds. Such features (hibernacula) can be relatively

easily constructed from, for example, small l piles of wood and rubble/stones covered in soil and

vegetation.

Great crested newts and their habitats in water and on land are protected under the Wildlife and

Countryside Act 1981, and by the Habitats Regulations 1994 (as amended 2009). This species is also a

Priority Species under local and UK Biodiversity Action Plans.

Although, in their current state, these ponds are considered to be unsuitable breeding ponds for great

crested newts, given the legal protection afforded to this species, it is recommended that, as a precaution,

the pond management is carried out under supervision of an appropriately qualified ecologist. This will

ensure that, in the unlikely event great crested newts are encountered during the management work, an

appropriate course of action can be followed (e.g. ceasing work in this area and obtaining the appropriate

licence from Natural England).

The pond management should be carried out over winter months (November – February) as this is the

period when amphibians are unlikely to be present in the ponds and therefore disturbance will be avoided.

3.1.5 Ditch/Stream management

There are a number of ditches within the site and management of the bankside vegetation could benefit

species such as water vole (which is a UK BAP listed species). In order to establish varied bankside

vegetation, a 2m buffer zone from the centre of the ditch should be established and the vegetation cut

every two years on rotation between mid September and late February (D1; Figure 2.1).

3.1.6 Beetle Banks

One option could be to create an earth ridge between 2m and 4m wide and about 0.4m high and sow this

area with a mixture of perennial/tussocky grasses such as cocksfoot Dactylis glomerata and timothy grass

Phleum pratense. It is recommended that beetle banks are established across the middle of arable fields

that are larger than 20 hectares (E1; Figure 2.1).

Beetle banks provide essential over-wintering habitat for many insects and spiders5. These species only

travel up to 250 metres from grass field margins during spring, so they do not reach the centre of large

fields; therefore they enable these predatory insects to cover more of such fields. A beetle bank provides

good habitat for small mammals and for birds, such as corn buntings and skylarks, which prefer to nest in

open farmland, away from field boundaries5.

3.1.7 Farmland birds

All nesting birds are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (WCA), which makes it an

offence to intentionally kill, injure or take any wild bird or take, damage or destroy its nest whilst in use or

being built, or take or destroy its eggs.

In addition to this, for some rarer species (listed on Schedule 1 of the WCA), it is an offence to intentionally

or recklessly disturb them while they are nest building or at or near a nest with eggs or young, or to disturb

the dependent young of such a bird. Barn owl Tyto alba, a Schedule 1 species, has been recorded within the

5 RSPB (2009) Farming for Wildlife – Beetle Banks


site. Nesting has not been confirmed but several artificial nest boxes are present on mature trees within

the site. It is possible that these could be used in the future by nesting barn owls. If nesting barn owl were

present, and work was carried out in close enough proximity to the nest to disturb the nesting birds (both

adults and young), this could amount to an offence under the schedule one legislation.

During the construction period, the timing of site ground works (including site clearance, laying of tracks

and hard standing and temporary construction compound areas, turbine foundation excavations and

substation and meteorological mast footing construction) is an important consideration for the protection

of nesting birds.

Where an impact on nesting birds is possible, for example, in areas of the site where ground nesting birds,

such as skylark Alauda arvensis or lapwing Vanellus vanellus, could be present (for example, open arable

fields, grassland and set-aside), or where hedgerows could be affected, work should be undertaken outside

the bird nesting season (generally between March and August). This is likely to relate primarily to the initial

ground preparation works (such as vegetation clearance, soil stripping and hedgerow removal), although it

is possible that other elements of the work may also need to avoid this period. Further advice should be

sought if necessary.

Should any works affecting such habitats have to take place during the nesting season, they should only be

carried out following a check for nesting birds by a suitably experienced ecologist. If this check indicates

that no nesting birds are likely to be affected, then the works could proceed. If, however, nesting birds

were found to be present, then works would need to be delayed until the young birds have fledged and

nesting activity is complete within the area affected.

An additional 0.7ha of foraging habitat in the form of 6m wide wild bird seed mixture strips (to include

small seed bearing crops such as triticale, kale, quinoa, linseed, millet or sunflower) should be planted in

field margins in strategic areas across the farm (B4; Figure 2.1). This will benefit birds such as

yellowhammer, reed bunting, skylark, grey partridge and linnet, by providing a year round source of food.

The position of these features is marked on Figure 2.1; Appendix 1.

The proposed hedgerow planting, which is summarised above, will provide additional nesting and foraging

opportunities for species such as yellowhammer, reed bunting and grey partridge. Management of all the

hedgerows, as specific above, will enhance the structure of hedgerows and provide foraging and nesting

opportunities throughout the site.

In order to compensate for disturbance or other possible impacts on skylark, a number of skylark nesting

plots should be created in arable fields outside of the turbine envelope (B5; Figure 2.1). A total of 30 4x8m

plots could be created by lifting the 8m wide seed drill for 4m in the centre of fields whilst sowing in the

autumn. It is recommended that these are positioned throughout arable fields within the Winwick

landholding but outside the proposed wind farm area, at a maximum density of two per ha.

Overwintered stubble is an important winter food source for seed eating birds and brown hare Lepus

europaeus (which is a UK BAP listed species). The crop can be oilseed rape, linseed, cereals or field beans

and a light surface cultivation can be made before end of September to encourage seed germination. The

stubble can then be returned to the farm rotation from mid February onwards.

There are a number of nest boxes within the core turbine area that may need to be moved to reduce the

likelihood of collision (for example kestrel has recently used a nest box to breed in an area between turbine

2, 3 and 4). However the continued upkeep and preservation of these nest boxes could be maintained at a

new location both during and following the wind farm development.

The provision of additional barn owl, kestrel and tawny owl boxes could be undertaken within the south

west/north east area of site, outside the core turbine area.


3.1.8 Other species

By undertaking many of the suggested habitat improvement prescriptions, species such as grass snake

Natrix natrix, harvest mouse Micromys minutus and hare Lepus europaeus will all benefit and these are all

priority species listed within the UK BAP.

3.1.9 SUDS

SUDS, or Sustainable Drainage Systems are a sequence of water management practices and facilities

designed to drain surface water in a manner that will provide a more sustainable approach. Within this site

the adoption of SUDS practices are being considered to mitigate for hard standing resulting from the

construction phase of the development.

One option would be to create swales (shallow ditches) beside the access tracks and compound area and

the swales could then be linked into a balancing pond which then slowly disperses the water into the

stream.

3.1.10 Decommissioning

Decommissioning of the windfarm is anticipated after 25 years. During the decommissioning phase

possible ecological impacts have only been indentified in relation to nesting birds. As above, where an

impact on nesting birds is possible, for example, in areas of the site where ground nesting birds, such as

skylark or lapwing, could be present (for example, open arable fields, grassland and set-aside), or where

hedgerows could be affected, work should be undertaken outside the bird nesting season (generally

between March and August).

In addition, there may be further opportunities for restoration and habitat creation, such as new hedgerow

and woodland planting, for example woodland planting surrounding the triangular plantation. These

opportunities, and any other possible impacts, should be reviewed prior to the decommissioning phase.

3.1.11 Monitoring

Other specific monitoring is recommended to assess the success of some of the proposed mitigation and

habitat creation actions identified above (hedgerow planting, pond restoration, mitigation for skylark) and

is set out in Table 3 below. The purpose of this monitoring is to review success of the proposed

management measures and to identify and recommend remedial action where required. After the

measures have been initiated, there should be funding for ongoing maintenance and a commitment to

manage the site and undertake continuing monitoring.

The management for abnormal events / emergencies (such as pollution incidents) should be considered in

the detailed plan and EC&R will have a responsibility for these types of events


Table 2. Ecological Management Year 1: work required immediately prior to and during the

construction phase; See also Figure 2.1, Appendix 1.

Feature Work during construction

phase

Timing Details Ref*

Grassland Prepare site guidance

requesting contractors to

avoid areas of grassland;

where necessary identify

areas to avoid using

fencing

Prior to

construction

Phase

(G1)

Sow 1760m of 5m wide

grass and 500m of 20

meters wide field margins

adjacent to hedgerows

marked on Figure 2.1;

Appendix 1. Seed drilling

recommended.

Spring A grassland species mix is

specified in Appendix 2. Sowing

locations are identified on Plan

2; Appendix 1. These grassland

strips should be cut four times in

the first year between May and

June to promote establishment

of herbaceous plants. These

grasslands strips should not be

fertilised.

G2

Hedgerows Remove any hedgerow

sections required to allow

vehicle access outside the

bird nesting season

Sept–Feb (H1)

Planting new section of

hedgerow

Nov-Feb Species mix specified in

Appendix 2.

H2

Field ponds Restore existing field

ponds (A, B, C, and F).

Pond locations are shown

on Figure 1; Appendix 1.

Nov-Feb As a precaution, given the legal

protection afforded to great

crested newts, ecological

supervision should be required

for the pond restoration work.

P1

Sow grass buffer strips

around ponds where

required (i.e. where ponds

are directly adjacent to

arable land)

Autumn or

spring

A grassland species mix is

specified in Appendix 2

P2

Create hibernacula in

suitable habitats close to

ponds

Nov-Feb Construct at the same time as

ponds under ecological

supervision.

P3

Ditches Management of ditches in

order to establish varied

bank side vegetation

Mid

September-

late

February

A 2m buffer zone from the

centre of the ditch should be

established and the vegetation

cut every two years on rotation.

D1

Beetle

Banks

Creation of beetle banks

across large arable fields

Prior to

construction

Create an earth ridge between

2m and 4m wide and about

0.4m high and sow this area with

a mixture of perennial/tussocky

grasses such as cocksfoot

Dactylis glomerata and timothy

grass Phleum pratense.

E1

Farmland

birds

Brief contractors in relation

to risk of impacts on

nesting birds.

Prior to

construction

Ecological advice required. B1

Review work programme

to identify and

programme any elements

of the work to minimise



the likelihood of impacts

on nesting birds.

Carry out any vegetation

clearance and initial

ground preparation work

outside nesting season

Sept-Feb Ecological advice required (as it

maybe that unused nest boxes

are taken down and re-located).

B3

Sow 0.7ha of wild bird

seed mixture strips

Autumn /

spring

Sowing locations are identified

on Figure 2.1: Appendix 1. Sow

and manage as existing game

cover crops.

B4

Create 30 4x8m skylark

plots in arable fields

outside wind farm

boundary at a density of

2/ha.

Autumn This action could be achieved

by lifting the seed drill for four

metre intervals in the central

section of arable fields while

sowing in autumn, at a density of

2/ha.

B5

Re-locate nest boxes (for

kestrel/tawny owl/barn

owl) within the turbine

envelope

September-

February


Provision of additional nest

boxes (for kestrel/tawny

owl/barn owl) in areas

away from the turbine

envelope (south west and

north east of the site)

Prior to the

start of

construction

Ecological advice required. B6A

Other

species

Localised removal of any

tall vegetation, scrub and

grassland, using a hand-

held strimmer, particularly

around hedgerow bases,

either directly within or in

close proximity to

proposed working area.

Prior to the

start of

construction.

(O1)

* Reference codes (e.g. H2) relate to management actions shown on the Habitat Management Plans in

Appendix 1. General actions which do not relate to a specific location within the site (e.g. G1, H1 and O1)

have not been marked on the plans.


Table 3. Ecological Management: Ongoing; See also Figure 2.2, Appendix 1.

Feature Ongoing Management Timing Details Ref*

Grassland Cutting of grassland

margins. This could be

done annually or,

wherever possible, once

every 2 years on rotation.

Mid-July

onwards

Cutting period scheduled to allow

plants to flower and avoid nesting

birds; allow formation of tussocks

and taller grassland in a 1-2m wide

uncut strip immediately adjacent

to hedge bases. This area should

be monitored for pernicious

weeds, which should be treated

by spot spraying.

G3

Hedgerows Trim hedgerows within the

site on rotation

Nov-Feb Each individual hedgerow cut

every three years to allow fruiting

and availability of nesting habitat.

(H3)

Annual checks of newly

planted hedgerow for

first three years;

replacement of dead

trees/shrubs and missing

tree guards

Nov – Mar Avoid periods of frost when

planting replacement trees

H4

Control of weeds around

trees/shrubs twice

annually during summer

months for first three

years

May -

August

H5

Field ponds Review establishment of

restored ponds

Spring 2011 Any additional management

requirements should be reviewed

following a site visit. Ecological

advice required.

P4

Review management

requirements of ponds

Spring

2014

Any additional management

requirements should be reviewed

following a site visit. Ecological

advice required.

P5

Ditches Maintain diverse

vegetation structure

along ditches

Mid

September-

late

February

D2

Beetle

Banks

Maintain beetle banks Autumn E2

Farmland

birds

Maintain wild bird seed

mixture strips

Autumn /

spring

B7

Maintain skylark plots

outside wind farm

boundary at a density of

2/ha.

Autumn This action could be achieved by

lifting the seed drill for four metre

intervals in the central section of

arable fields while sowing in

autumn.

B8

Maintain nest boxes

across the site

September-

February


* Reference codes (e.g. G3) relate to management actions shown on the Habitat Management Plans in Appendix 1.

General actions which do not relate to a specific location within the site (e.g. H3) have not been marked on the plans.


Appendix 1

Figure 1: Site Plan and Habitat Map

Figure 2.1 Ecological Management Prescriptions: Year 1

Figure 2.2 Ecological Management Prescriptions: Ongoing


Appendix 2: Planting / seed mix specifications

Recommended hedgerow species Percentage

Hawthorn Crataegus monogyna 70%

Blackthorn Prunus spinosa 10%

Field maple Acer campestre 5%

Hazel Corylus avellana 5%

Buckthorn Rhamnus catharticus 5%

Dogwood Cornus sanguinea 5%

100%

Recommended grassland mixture*

Grasses

(80%)

Herbs

(20%)

Red fescue Festuca rubra 40%

Crested dog's-tail Cynosurus cristatus 20%

Sheep's fescue Festuca ovina 30%

Smooth meadow grass Poa trivialis 10%

Bird’s-foot trefoil Lotus corniculatus 5%

Common vetch Vicia sativa 7%

Field scabious Knautia arvensis 7%

Lady's bedstraw Galium verum 12%

Common knapweed Centaurea nigra 12%

Meadow buttercup Ranunculus acris 4%

Musk mallow Malva moschata 10%

Oxeye daisy Leucanthemum vulgare 10%

Selfheal Prunella vulgaris 15%

White campion Silene latifolia 5%

Wild carrot Daucus carota 8%

Yarrow Achillea millefolium 5%

100% 100%

Grassland sowing rate - 3 to 4g/m2

* Mix based on a standard native

neutral grassland/field margin mixture.

Documents

Appendix 8.F Desk study data from Leicestershire .../media/PDFs/Generation/wind/onshore/... · Desk study data from Leicestershire Environmental Resources Centre, ... Environmental