Precautionary Method Statement: Great Crested Newts Application/629000/6292… · Precautionary Method Statement: Great Crested Newts ... In the opinion of the surveyor, the level

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Precautionary Method Statement: Great Crested Newts St Stephens Hill Farm (Report P8.T4.16_GCN rev 01)

Proposed Chalets St Stephens Hill Farm, Admaston, Staffordshire

Precautionary Method Statement: Great Crested Newts

Report No. P8.T4.16_GCN Date: 21 April 2016 Holly Bowler BSc MCIEEM

Trust Ecology Flat 3 Maws Craft Centre, Jackfield, Shropshire TF8 7LR Tel: 01952 877861 Email: [email protected] Website: http://trustecology.co.uk

P/2016/01267Received 12 Sept 2016

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Precautionary Method Statement: Great Crested Newts St Stephens Hill Farm (Report P8.T4.16_GCN rev 01)

Project

Proposed Chalets

St Stephens Hill Farm, Admaston, Staffordshire, WS15 3NQ


Report No: P8.T4.16_GCN

Date: 21.04.2016

Description: Non-licensed Precautionary Method Statement to be implemented onsite to mitigate potential impacts to great crested newts and other common amphibians & reptiles in

relation to the development proposal.

Client Details Mr Peter Brown

Author Holly Bowler BSc (Hons) MCIEEM

Checked by Josh Bowler BSc (Hons)

This report must not be reproduced other than in full and should be read in its entirety. This report remains copyright of Trust Ecology.

The contents of this report may contain information regarding protected species of a sensitive nature.

Any reproduction of material must have prior permission from the author.

While the surveyor makes every reasonable effort, Trust Ecology cannot guarantee that all protected species have been identified and survey results are definitive.

2 Precautionary Method Statement: Great Crested Newts

St Stephens Hill Farm (Report P8.T4.16_GCN rev 01)


In order to limit the potential for committing an offence with respect to great crested newts, and to ensure the protection of common amphibians and reptiles, the following

advice is given:

1.0 Introduction

1.1 Legislation

The basic protection afforded to great crested newts is listed below: It is illegal to:

deliberately kill, injure or capture (or take) great crested newts deliberately disturb great crested newts deliberately take or destroy the eggs of great crested newts recklessly disturb great crested newts while it is occupying a structure of

place which is uses for shelter or protection or obstruct access to their places of shelter or protection;

damage or destroy a breeding site or resting place of great crested newts; possess or transport a great crested newt or any part of a great crested

newt, unless acquired legally; sell (or offer for sale) or exchange great crested newts or parts of great

crested newts.

Common reptile species (slow worm, grass snake, adder, common lizard) are protected against killing, injuring and sale under UK legislation. Other amphibians – common frog, common toad, smooth newt and palmate newt, are not offered the same legal protection but it is good practice to try to avoid harm to these species. Common toad is listed on Section 41 of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities (NERC) Act 2006 is a special of principle importance for the purpose of conserving biodiversity and thus must be regarded by the planning authority in exercising any of its functions.

1.2 Need for this Precautionary Method Statement Based on the findings from the daytime Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey and Great Crested Newt (GCN) Habitat Suitability Index (HSI) (Trust Ecology, 2016) it was concluded that GCN are present in surrounding habitats just over 100m from the site and are likely to be breeding in the ponds identified in the Ecological Appraisal report as being of average suitability or higher (Ponds 5-11 and associated ditch) over 100m from the proposed development area. Although their presence within the short grazed improved grassland that makes up the site is unlikely, there is a low risk of GCN in close proximity to working areas as the site is bordered by hedgerows, which are to be unaffected by the works. Individuals of common amphibian species, including common toad and smooth



newt, are present in the area as they were recorded in the surrounding habitats during the 2016 survey. In the opinion of the surveyor, the level of survey is sufficient to conclude that the risk to great crested newts from the proposal is low and can be further reduced through implementation of this Precautionary Method Statement under the direction of a suitably qualified and licensed great crested newt ecologist.

Natural England state that ‘licensable activities should ideally be designed out of developments…with careful planning of the development combined with simple precautionary measures’. Given the small scale of this development, impacts should be able to be avoided in this manner thus negating the need for a licence.

1.3 Where Amphibians might be found

Amphibians breed in ponds and other water bodies in spring, generally between February and June, with some variation with weather conditions. They spend much of the rest of their time on land, travelling, in some cases hundreds of metres from ponds. Amphibians need to find sheltered crevices and crannies in dense vegetation, under wood piles, in rubble etc. for hibernation and to shelter during the day and in dry periods. They may be found lying up among brickwork and stone walls, at and near ground level, where crevices and loose joints are present. Toads, in particular are frequently found in such places. Amphibians also will take shelter in cracks and cavities in the ground and may bury themselves into soft earth.

1.4 Where Reptiles might be found Reptiles are found in a mixture of habitats; grass snakes are often found in damp habitats associated with ponds, streams, ditches and wet grassland but can be found in drier areas too. Adders are generally associated with heathland and heathy woods whilst slow worms are found in a variety of habitats including grassland, scrub, gardens and allotments. Lizards are generally found in heathland and grasslands. Reptiles are shy and will try to escape if disturbed. Similarly to amphibians, reptiles may use fissures in walls, or rubble for hibernation or shelter. Hibernation: Normally reptiles will try to escape if disturbed by works, though amphibians may stay put in crevices and risk being entombed or squashed. During hibernation, or periods of cold weather, reptiles and amphibians become torpid and are unable to escape, so they are particularly vulnerable to harm. If disturbed during hibernation they are likely to die as no food is available in winter months.



2.0 Avoidance Measures: Protecting Amphibians and Reptiles

2.1 Location and Layout

- The proposed working area is sited just over 100m from ponds suitable for

GCN breeding.

- Although defunct hedgerows that bound the site could serve as terrestrial habitat for amphibians and reptiles, these are to remain unaffected by the development works and will be subject to post-development enhancement.

2.2 Timing and Duration

- Although March to June are good periods for reducing risk of encountering amphibians as they are more likely to be in ponds, this timing would conflict with the breeding bird period, which is to be avoided next to the SSSI. The works are planned to take place from approximately September through December; this timing is sensible considering that the project would not harm hibernation habitat.

- The project is of short-term in nature, and the duration of groundworks will be kept as short as possible.

- Works will be undertaken during daylight hours only (except for internal works

once chalets are in place) as GCN are most active at night.

2.3 Construction Methods and Special Precautions

2.3.1 Pre-construction Exclusion zone - An exclusion zone to protect hedgerows, trees and waterbodies is required

throughout the development period following BS guidance 5837:2012 and should be put in place prior to the onset of works. The use of ‘heras’ type fencing in this instance may cause issues as the fence footpads can provide attractive hibernacula which could increase risk to amphibians. The use of two-tiered electric fence wire and posts to enhance visibility is advised to create a 2m buffer zone from the hedges and trees where practical. This will serve as a low-impact solution for creating a boundary fence.

Improve habitat near the suitable ponds - Provide immediate cover and improve terrestrial habitat quality next to the

balancing ponds P5-P10 so GCN are less likely to be present onsite during the work. This can be achieved through:

o Installation of hibernacula (5 no. as illustrated in Fig 5.1 of the Ecological appraisal)

o Creation of log piles (several) o Planting of hedgerow and trees or scrub near to the pond but not too

close to ponds where over-shading would occur or excessive water absorbed



Locate these in areas where they will not get in the way of machinery needed to manage other habitats. The deep mulching of any tree-planted areas mimics a litter layer and can be very beneficial to GCN.

- Consider using electric fencing around the pond margins to prevent poaching

and allow a margin of uncut vegetation up to five metres or so in width around some of the pond margins and alongside nearby hedges or other boundaries to ensure the presence of some dense cover throughout the year.

Onsite habitat degradation - The vegetation/grassland within the development area should be maintained

at a height of 10-15cm or below through regular grazing, and kept short prior to and throughout the development period by strimming. This will discourage wildlife from entering this area of the site and to discourage amphibians and reptiles taking refuge within the development site.

Site compound - If a contractor’s compound is required it must be located entirely on an

existing area of hard standing within the St Stephens Hill Farm landholding and access to the compound area must only be via existing hard standing access tracks/drives.

2.3.2 During Construction

Development works are planned to commence in September 2016 (subject to planning approval). The following methodologies will be followed to reduce the likelihood of offences with respect to great crested newts. Site Induction/Toolbox Talk - All workers should be made aware via a ‘Toolbox Talk’ (conducted by a

suitably qualified ecologist at the onset of works) of this Precautionary Method Statement, protected species that could be found onsite, their protected status (see Legislation 1.0), where they might be found, methods to follow and that they should maintain a watch for Great Crested Newts (GCN), amphibians and reptiles during the period of works. A copy of the Ecological Appraisal (EA) report along with appended Overwintering and Breeding Bird reports should also be kept onsite, ensuring all workers adhere to the Mitigation Actions presented in Table 5.2 of those reports in relation to other protected species.

Site Vigilance and Sympathetic Working - Site staff must be made aware that if great crested newts are found onsite

there is a correct procedure in place to follow, and failure to halt works may result in committing an offence under the Habitats Regulations 2010.

- A handout containing information on what to look for and identifying newts is included at the end of this document and will be made available to all site staff.



If a newt is found:

- If it is suspected that a Great Crested Newt has been found, work must be suspended and the advice of a suitably licensed GCN ecologist sought. Contact details are supplied at the end of this Precautionary Method Statement. A Natural England development license may be required before works can continue. This may entail considerable delays and costs.

- Should the project over run significantly (by more than 1-2 years) then further advice must be sought to determine whether additional survey or licensing are required before work continues.

- At no point should any worker handle a Great Crested Newt or suspected Great Crested Newt. Unlicensed handling is illegal and untrained handling may cause the newt unnecessary stress and injury.

- If, using the supplied hand out at the end of this document, the site operatives

can CONFIDENTLY (100% certainty) identify that the newt found is NOT a Great Crested Newt, the newt can be carefully moved out of the area of works and placed in nearby habitat similar to that in which it was found. A newt found on land should not be placed into a pond or other water body.

If reptiles or amphibians (other than GCN) are found

- If any amphibians (other than Great Crested Newt) or reptiles are found within the working area they should be removed to an area outside of the working zone, preferably in dense vegetation, a rubble pile, or under lying wood (taking care not to squash them).

- Amphibians should be picked up by placing the fingers under the body and

lifting, not by grasping any part of them. They can be held still by placing a thumb gently on top of them, if necessary.

- Handling should be kept to a minimum and latex gloves should be avoided.

Vinyl, Nitrile and other non-latex gloves are ok and should be used where possible.

- If the amphibians/reptiles found are hibernating then they should be collected

up and placed in a covered box or bucket while a suitable shelter / hibernaculum is prepared for them under the advice of an ecologist.

Hand search and destructive searches

The following methodology will be followed immediately prior to any groundworks/ excavations:

- All potential refuges shall be searched and topsoil stripped within the

footprints of the chalets during the active season for amphibians (mid-March - Mid October, weather dependant). The hand search will be carried out by the GCN-licenced ecologist and the topsoil strip by careful use of an excavator and will be undertaken under the supervision of a licenced ecologist.

- Only when the licensed ecologist is completely satisfied that there remains no risk to amphibians may plant/machine continue to excavate and level the chalet pad areas.



- No excavated topsoil in or adjacent to any potential GCN terrestrial habitat. Additional Precautionary Working Methods - Works will be restricted to the designated development area and the impact of

works on adjacent habitats avoided by the clear demarcation of the works area.

- All proposed work must strictly be in accordance with all relevant Pollution

Prevention Guidelines (PPG) published by the Environment Agency which may include but is not limited to PPG1 (general), PPG5 (works in, near, or liable to affect watercourses) and PPG6 (work at construction & demolition sites). Contingency plans should be drawn up to address chemical spillage, collision, etc.

- Access will be via the existing track and over agreed routes only with no

exceptions.

- Trenches and other excavations should be backfilled before nightfall. If this is not possible, ramps must be left to allow all wildlife to easily exit.

- Avoid burning or machine removal of any potential hibernacula (wood piles,

debris etc.) without a thorough hand search for amphibians, reptiles and hedgehogs.

- All debris, rubble etc. collected during site clearance should be placed directly

into skips or removed from the site immediately to avoid it becoming used as refugia by amphibians and reptiles.

- All new building materials should be stored on pallets or in bags to prevent

them becoming used by terrestrial newts, amphibians and reptiles. Keep the site tidy.

- Any work that will result in temporary habitat disruption and reinstatement,

such as laying services needs ecological supervision. - Impact of vehicles/machinery on the ground must be minimised by

undertaking work from hardstanding or agreed areas only. - No potential refuge features should be removed, as these may be used by

hibernating amphibians. - The new reedbed/pond must be created post-development to avoid attracting

amphibians onsite during the development works.



Contact Details Trust Ecology Direct Dial: 01952 877861 Mobile: 07950 885783 Email: [email protected] Address: Trust Ecology Flat 3, Maws Craft Centre Jackfield Telford TF8 7LR



Great Crested Newt Identifying great crested newts (Information taken from the Great Crested Newt Handbook)

The great crested newt is the UK’s largest newt, reaching a maximum adult overall length of up to about 170mm.

Mature female length ranges from 90 - 170mm, typically reaching 110-130mm. Male newts may mature at a length of only 85mm (normally more), and grow to

an adult maximum of about 150mm, though more typically 110-120mm. Adults are easily distinguished from the two other native newt species, the

smooth and palmate newts, by size and colouring; these two smaller species reach a maximum of around 100mm.

The skin of adult crested newts is granular in appearance. It has a black or dark brown background colour with darker spots that in males extend onto the crest. It has very fine white spots on the lower flanks.

The male (below) has a jagged crest along the back that dips at the rear of the abdomen, and a smoother edged crest above and below the tail. The crest decreases in size outside the breeding season. There is a white, silver or grey stripe running from the tail tip along the central, fleshy section of the tail that fades as it approaches the abdomen.

Females (below) lack a crest and white tail stripe, but have a yellow-orange stripe

running along the bottom edge of the tail. Both sexes have a vivid orange or yellow belly with an irregular pattern of dark black spots or blotches.



On land, the great crested newt appears virtually black, and in males the

crest shrinks back against the body. Males of all newts have a relatively more swollen cloaca (vent).

Comparison: Great Crested Newt (darker) & Smooth Newt

On leaving the water, great crested newt juveniles are similar in appearance to

adults, apart from lacking the black spots/patterns that develop on the orange belly as they grow. The pattern becomes ‘fixed’ as the adults approach maximum size.



Documents

Precautionary Method Statement: Great Crested Newts Application/629000/6292… · Precautionary Method Statement: Great Crested Newts ... In the opinion of the surveyor, the level