ROYCROFT FARM UTTOXETER OTTER SURVEY · otters have been recorded on still waters (canals, lakes, ponds and reservoirs) as well as rivers and streams. Otters will also utilise habitats

ROYCROFT FARM UTTOXETER

OTTER SURVEY

A Report to Gleeson Strategic Land

Middlemarch Environmental Ltd. Triumph House

Birmingham Road Allesley Coventry CV5 9AZ

Tel: 01676 525880 Fax: 01676 521400

E-Mail: [email protected] Web Site: www.middlemarch-environmental.com

Report Number: RT-MME-114063-08

August 2013

P/2013/01287

Received 12/11/13

Roycroft Farm, Uttoxeter RT-MME-114063-08 Otter Survey

ROYCROFT FARM

UTTOXETER

OTTER SURVEY

CONTROLLED COPY

01 OF 02

01 GLEESON STRATEGIC LAND 02 MIDDLEMARCH ENVIRONMENTAL LTD

This study was conducted and compiled by Paula Bateson BSc (Hons), Grad CIEEM

This report is the responsibility of Middlemarch Environmental Ltd, It should be noted that whilst every effort is made to meet the client’s brief

no site investigation can ensure complete assessment or prediction of the natural environment

Contract Number C114063

August 2013

Middlemarch Environmental Ltd. Page 2


CONTENTS

1. INTRODUCTION.................................................................................................................................. 4

1.1 PROJECT INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................... 4 1.2 SITE INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................... 4 1.3 OTTER ECOLOGY ............................................................................................................................... 5

2. METHODOLOGY................................................................................................................................. 6 2.1 DESK STUDY ..................................................................................................................................... 6 2.2 FIELD SURVEY ................................................................................................................................... 6

2.2.1 Habitat Assessment ................................................................................................................ 6 2.2.2 Presence / Likely Absence Survey ......................................................................................... 6

3. RESULTS ............................................................................................................................................ 7 3.1 DESK STUDY RESULTS ....................................................................................................................... 7 3.2 FIELD SURVEY ................................................................................................................................... 7

3.2.1 Survey Constraints .................................................................................................................. 7 3.2.2 Habitat Survey ........................................................................................................................ 7 3.2.3 Presence / Likely Absence Survey ....................................................................................... 11

4. CONCLUSIONS & RECOMMENDATIONS ...................................................................................... 12 4.1 CONCLUSIONS ................................................................................................................................. 12

4.1.1 Habitats ................................................................................................................................. 12 4.1.2 Otters .................................................................................................................................... 12

4.2 RECOMMENDATIONS ........................................................................................................................ 12 REFERENCES AND BIBLIOGRAPHY ...................................................................................................... 13 APPENDICES ............................................................................................................................................ 14

APPENDIX 1 .............................................................................................................................................. 15 APPENDIX 2 .............................................................................................................................................. 18


Roycroft Farm, Uttoxeter RT-MME-114063-08 Otter Survey 1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 PROJECT INTRODUCTION

In July 2013, Gleeson Strategic Land commissioned Middlemarch Environmental Ltd to undertake a

survey for otter Lutra lutra along a section of Picknall Brook south of Roycroft Farm in Uttoxeter,

Staffordshire.

This survey forms part of a suite of ecological surveys instructed for the site. The following works have

been completed to date:

• Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey, Middlemarch Environmental Ltd Report RT-MME-113570-01;

• Great Crested Newt Habitat Suitability Index Assessment, Middlemarch Environmental Ltd Report

RT-MME-114063-01;

• Initial Bat Survey, Middlemarch Environmental Ltd Report RT-MME-114063-02;

• Initial Badger Survey and Badger Activity Monitoring, Middlemarch Environmental Ltd Report RT-

MME-114063-03;

• Reptile Survey, Middlemarch Environmental Ltd Report RT-MME-114063-04;

• Bat Transect Survey, Middlemarch Environmental Ltd Report RT-MME-114063-05;

• White-clawed Crayfish Survey, Middlemarch Environmental Ltd Report RT-MME-114063-06;

• Water Vole Survey, Middlemarch Environmental Ltd Report RT-MME-114063-07; and,

• Bat Surveys, Middlemarch Environmental Ltd Report RT-MME-114916.

1.2 SITE INTRODUCTION

The development site is located at Roycroft Farm in Uttoxeter, Staffordshire, at National Grid Reference

SK 078 334. The site measures approximately 14.26 ha and is situated within a residential and

agricultural area. At the time of the survey, the site was dominated by grazed improved pasture and hay

meadows. Species-poor intact and defunct hedgerows were located on most field boundaries and

contained scattered trees. Picknall Brook was located within the south of the site, flowing west to east and

a cluster of scattered trees with scrub and tall ruderal vegetation was located to the south of the brook. A

farm complex was located in the north-eastern part of the site, adjacent to Bramshall Road. Other

habitats recorded on site included scattered scrub, fence, wall, dense scrub and hardstanding. The wider

landscape consisted of residential properties to the north and east of the site, with agricultural land to the

south and west.

It is understood that residential properties and associated infrastructure will be constructed in the east of the

site, with the southern-most section of the side left aside as a flood plain for Picknall Brook, and the west of

the site left as open farmland. Due to flood risk and increased surface water runoff post development, a

linear swale / detention basin may be included within proposed development plans as a mitigation feature,

running north-south to the east of the site (Weetwood, 2013). Any overflow from the swale / detention basin


Roycroft Farm, Uttoxeter RT-MME-114063-08 Otter Survey will issue into Picknall Brook, and Middlemarch Environmental Ltd understands an outfall may be

constructed as part of these works, however proposals associated relating to this are not yet finalised.

1.3 OTTER ECOLOGY

Since individual otters can have a home range extending over 10 km, populations depend on the

conditions within the catchment. Otters have been recorded as exploiting virtually all types of water and

waterway in the UK. Although populations in England and Wales are confined to mainly fresh water,

otters have been recorded on still waters (canals, lakes, ponds and reservoirs) as well as rivers and

streams. Otters will also utilise habitats adjacent to the rivers / lakes and will travel overland between

waterbodies (Chanin, 2003).

Within a home range an otter may use many resting sites or ‘lay ups’. These include above-ground

shelters such as stands of scrub or areas of rank grass, and underground cavities such as under tree

roots and dry drainage pipes. Some resting places are used as breeding sites and are termed ‘holts’.

A summary of legislation relevant to otters is included in Appendix 1.


Roycroft Farm, Uttoxeter RT-MME-114063-08 Otter Survey 2. METHODOLOGY

2.1 DESK STUDY

As part of the Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey a desk study was undertaken to determine records of otter

within a 2 km radius of the site. This involved contacting appropriate statutory and non-statutory

organisations which hold ecological data relating to the survey area. Middlemarch Environmental Ltd then

assimilated and reviewed the desk study data provided by these organisations.

The consultees for the Desk Study were:

• National Biodiversity Network Gateway website;

• East Staffordshire Borough Council; and

• Staffordshire Ecological Record.

The data collected from these consultees is discussed in Chapter 3, section 3.1.

2.2 FIELD SURVEY

Picknall Brook was surveyed between National Grid References SK 07748 33302 and SK 07995 33311.

The survey also included the river banks and suitable terrestrial habitat adjacent to the brook.

2.2.1 Habitat Assessment

The methodology involved an assessment of the banks of the river, ditches and surrounding land with

regard to the suitability for otters and evidence of otter activity.

2.2.2 Presence / Likely Absence Survey

The survey area was searched for any evidence of otter including:

• Spraint;

• Slides;

• Holts;

• Couches;

• Footprints; or

• Individual otters.



3. RESULTS

3.1 DESK STUDY RESULTS

Desk study data received from the local records centre identified a single record of otter within a 2 km

search radius of the site, recorded in 2005, located along Picknall Brook 1.83 km west of the site area.

An assessment of the National Biological Network (NBN) dataset was also completed to determine any

records of otter from within the 10 km square in which the site exists. Results from the NBN dataset

identified twelve records of otter with 10 km of the site with the most recent being recorded in 2009. The

exact locations of the records were not provided.

Picknall Brook joins the River Dove approximately 4.5 km east of the site, along which otters are known to

be present (Derbyshire Mammal Group, n.d.).

According to East Staffordshire Borough Council Data (Bramshall Road Park, Uttoxeter, Manangement

Plan 2010-2014), evidence of otter has been found in the lower stretches of Picknall Brook, as far as the

Bridge Street bridge in the centre of Uttoxeter, 1.6 km downstream from the site.

3.2 FIELD SURVEY

The otter survey was undertaken on 8th August 2013 by Paula Bateson (Ecological Consultant) and Steve

Docker (Ecological Consultant). Weather conditions at the time of the survey are presented in Table 3.1.

Parameter Condition

Temperature (°C) 23

Cloud Cover (%) 20

Wind Force (Beaufort) F0

Precipitation Dry Table 3.1: Weather Conditions During Survey

An annotated Otter Survey Drawing (Middlemarch Environmental Ltd Drawing C114063-08-01) is

attached in Appendix 2. This drawing illustrates the location and extent of the water bodies included

within the survey. Any notable features or features too small to map are detailed using target notes.

3.2.1 Survey Constraints

Middlemarch Environmental is not aware of any heavy rainfall or flooding that could wash away signs of

otter in the days immediately preceding the survey.

3.2.2 Habitat Survey

This section describes the habitat characteristics along the sections of Picknall Brook included within the

survey.


Roycroft Farm, Uttoxeter RT-MME-114063-08 Otter Survey Picknall Brook flowed in an easterly direction adjacent to the southern site boundary. At the time of the

survey, the section of the brook within the site area measured approximately 3 m in width along the

straighter sections of the channel (Plate 3.1), up to 5 m at meandering sections. The depth of the brook

varied from approximately 1 m at the outside of meanders to 0.2 m where riffles were present over

pebbles and boulders (Plate 3.2). The rate of flow was considered slow at the time of the survey, and at a

low water level. Large broken logs and vegetation caught on a wire fence crossing the brook suggested

that the rate of flow and water level could increase significantly after heavy rainfall (Plate 3.3). Minimal

aquatic vegetation was recorded along the brook, comprising small areas of water mint Mentha aquatic

on the inside of meanders. The banks of Picknall Brook were formed of soft earth, and were steep sided

within the eastern half of the site. To the west, the banks possessed shallower angles. The majority of the

brook was unshaded, with tall ruderal vegetation as the dominant habitat along the river banks, including

species such as great willowherb Epilobium hirsutum, cow parsley Anthriscus sylvestris, common nettle

Urtica dioica and hedge woundwort Stachys sylvatica. Scattered trees and scrub lined the brook at the

western end creating a more shaded habitat, however tall ruderal vegetation was still present as the

dominant bank side vegetation. Several mature trees including a willow Salix sp., oak Quercus sp. and

beech Fagus sylvatica were located to the south of Picknall Brook. None of these provided sheltered

features suitable for otter lay ups e.g. root buttresses. Bullhead Cottus gobio fish were recorded present

throughout the section of the brook within the site area, providing a food source for otters.

Plate 3.1: Picknall Brook From The East Of The Site Area

Plate 3.2: Picknall Brook Within the West Of The Site Area

Plate 3.3: Evidence Of High Water Levels



To the east of the site area, the brook then flows through the south of Bramshall Road Park. This section

of the brook was channelled by vertical concrete banks, varying from 0.3 m to 1.5 in height. The concrete

banks, and structures associated with the channel such as a headwall and a bridge, provide suitable

features for otters to spraint on (Plate 3.4). The channel was mostly 6 m in width with a depth of

approximately 0.2 m, but widened to 11 m in width to the east (Plate 3.5). No aquatic or marginal

vegetation was present and the bank side habitat comprised the shortly mown amenity grassland of

Bramshall Road Park, utilised by dog walkers and the public.

Plates 3.4 & 3.5: Picknall Brook Through Bramshall Road Park

A large pond measuring approximately 65 m x 25 m was also present within Bramshall Road Park (Plate

3.6). This was linked to Picknall Brook via a narrow manmade stream (Plate 3.7). The pond measured

between 0.3 and 0.5 m in depth. A central island colonised by dense scrub and young scattered trees

was present. The banks of the pond were formed of soft earth and sloped at an angle of approximately

45o. Minimal aquatic vegetation was present comprising common water-starwort Callitriche stagnalis and

a band of marginal vegetation was present around the margins of the pond, including purple loosestrife

Lythrum salicaria and yellow iris Iris pseudacorus. Tall ruderal vegetation dominated the pond banks,

including species such as common nettle, great willowherb, broad-leaved dock Rumex obtusifolius,

hogweed Heracleum sphondylium with occasional bramble Rubus fruticosus agg. scrub. Shortly mown

amenity grassland of Bramshall Road Park surrounded the pond, utilised by dog walkers and the public.

No suitable lay-up opportunities or holts were recorded within the areas of Bramshall Road Park adjacent

to the brook.



Plate 3.6: Pond Within Bramshall Road Park Plate 3.7: Stream Connecting The Pond To

Picknall Brook

To the east of Bramshall Road Park, Picknall Brook is channelled by artificial banks to flow in a straight

line adjacent to the Uttoxeter to Stoke-on-Trent railway line. The brook along this section measured

approximately 6 m in width, and approximately 0.3 m in depth. Aquatic and marginal vegetation was

recorded within slower moving areas of the brook, which included reed sweet-grass Glyceria maxima

(Plate 3.8). The banks were formed by dry stone walls in the west, measuring 0.5 to 1 m in height, and

natural steep earth banks to the east. Frequent features that would be suitable for otters to spraint on

were also recorded, including boulders, felled tree trunks and stone slabs along the banks at small weirs

across the brook (Plate 3.9). Fish were recorded within the brook that would provide a food source for

otters. Much of the brook along this section was shaded by semi-mature to mature trees and scrub,

including weeping willow Salix babylonica, alder Alnus glutinosa, elder Sambucus nigra and hawthorn

Crataegus monogyna (Plate 3.10). No suitable lay-up opportunities or holts were recorded within the

buttresses of the trees adjacent to the brook. In less shaded areas, tall ruderal vegetation dominated the

ground flora of the banks and comprised common nettle, red campion Silene dioica, hogweed, cow

parsley and hedge woundwort (Plate 3.11). Public footpaths extended along each side of the brook up

until Hockley Road, 880 m downstream from the site. Several slides were recorded down the banks into

the river, however these were considered to be the result of dogs sliding from the footpaths, and no

evidence of otter (e.g. footprints) was recorded to be associated with these.



Plate 3.8: Marginal Vegetation Within Picknall

Brook

Plate 3.9: Wier Across Picknall Brook

Plate 3.10: Shaded Areas of Picknall Brook Plate 3.11: Unshaded Areas Of Picknall Brook

3.2.3 Presence / Likely Absence Survey

No evidence of otter (e.g. footprints, slides, holts, couches, footprints or individual otters) was recorded

during the field survey.



4. CONCLUSIONS & RECOMMENDATIONS

4.1 CONCLUSIONS

4.1.1 Habitats

Picknall Brook provides a food source for otters and points where otters can emerge on to the banks.

Features such as boulders and the concrete river banks through Bramshall Road Park provide suitable

places for otters to spraint when marking territories. No features suitable for otters to use as layups or

holts were recorded.

4.1.2 Otters

Biological records suggest otters have utilised Picknall Brook in the past, and an otter population may be

present within the local area. However, no evidence of otters e.g. spraints, slides, holts, couches and

footprints, was recorded along the brook or adjacent land during the field survey.

The channelling of water from the site to a single outlet would involve some small-scale works to a short

section of the river bank, however due to the mobility of the species, it is considered unlikely that otters

would be adversely impacted. Otters are particularly sensitive to disturbance, and the noise and presence

of large numbers of people and machinery during the proposed development works of the wider site area

may cause otters to avoid using that part of the brook. However it is not anticipated that this will have a

detrimental impact on otter populations due to the wide variety of more suitable habitats in the landscape.

4.2 RECOMMENDATIONS

R1 If development works have not commenced within 12 months this survey should be updated as

otter usage of the site may change.

R2 Any excavations on site should either be covered at night, or fitted with suitable mammal ramps

in order to avoid any mammals from becoming trapped.



REFERENCES AND BIBLIOGRAPHY

Chanin, P. (2003). Ecology of the European Otter. Conserving Natura 2000 Rivers Ecology Series No.

10. English Nature, Peterborough, 64

DEFRA. (2005). Fourth Quinquennial Review of Schedules 5 and 8 of The Wildlife and Countryside Act

1981. Department for Environmental, Food and Rural Affairs, London.

Derbyshire Mammal Group (no date) ‘Otters in Derbyshire’ [online] Available at:

<http://www.derbyshiremammalgroup.com/otter/otters_derbyshire.html> [Accessed 28/08/13]

East Staffordshire Borough Council. (no date). Bramshall Road Park, Uttoxeter, Management Plan 2010-

2014. East Staffordshire Borough Council, East Staffordshire.

Liles, G. (2003). Otter Breeding Sites. Conservation and Management. Conserving Natura 2000 Rivers

Conservation Techniques Series No. 5. English Nature, Peterborough.

ODPM. (2005). Planning Policy Statement 9: Biodiversity and Geological Conservation. Available from:

http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/planningandbuilding/pps9

Middlemarch Environmental Ltd (2013) Roycroft Farm, Uttoxeter: Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey

Report RT-MME-113570-01

NBN Gateway (2013) Occurrence of Lutra lutra (terrestrial mammal), in the 10km grid square SK03

[online] Available at: <

http://data.nbn.org.uk/gridSquares/10kmSquareSpeciesData.jsp?parentSq=SK03&allDs=1&desig=

0&spGrpKey=96&engOrd=0&src=1&homePageX=184&homePageY=254&spKey=23926&map=1&

mapService=tenKmSelectorGBv4> [Accessed 28/08/13]

Staffordshire Biodiversity Action Plan (2013) Action Plan: Species [online] Available at :

http://www.sbap.org.uk/actionplan/species/index.php [Accessed 20/08/13]


Roycroft Farm, Uttoxeter RT-MME-114063-08 Otter Survey APPENDICES

Appendix 1 Otter Legislation

Appendix 2 Middlemarch Environmental Ltd Drawing C114063-08-01

Otter Survey



APPENDIX 1

OTTER LEGISLATION



Otters

The otter benefits from world-wide protection under Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade

in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna. It also receives European protection under Appendix II

of the Bern Convention and Annexes II and IV of the EU Habitats Directive 94/43/EEC, which is

transposed into UK Law by means of The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010

(Habitats Regulations 2010).

Regulation 41 of the Habitats Regulations 2010, states that a person commits an offence if they:

• deliberately capture, injure or kill an otter;

• deliberately disturb otters; or

• damage or destroy a breeding site or resting place.

Disturbance of animals includes in particular any disturbance which is likely to impair their ability to

survive, to breed or reproduce, or to rear or nurture their young, or in the case of animals of a hibernating

or migratory species, to hibernate or migrate; or to affect significantly the local distribution or abundance

of the species to which they belong.

It is an offence under the Habitats Regulations 2010 for any person to have in his possession or control,

to transport, to sell or exchange or to offer for sale, any live or dead otter, part of an otter or anything

derived from an otter which has been unlawfully taken from the wild.

Whilst broadly similar to the above legislation, the WCA 1981 (as amended) differs in the following ways:

• Section 9(1) of the WCA makes it an offence to intentionally (rather than deliberately) kill, injure

or take any protected species.

• Section 9(4)(a) of the WCA makes it an offence to intentionally or recklessly* damage or destroy,

or obstruct access to, any structure or place which a protected species uses for shelter or

protection.

• Section 9(4)(b) of the WCA makes it an offence to intentionally or recklessly* disturb any

protected species while it is occupying a structure or place which it uses for shelter or protection.

*Reckless offences were added by the Countryside and Rights of Way (CRoW) Act 2000.

The Natural Environment and Rural Communities (NERC) Act 2006 places a duty on public bodies to

have regard for the conservation of biodiversity and maintains lists of species and habitats which are of

principal importance for the purposes of conserving biodiversity in England and Wales. These lists

supersede Section 74 of the CRoW Act 2000.

The United Kingdom Biodiversity Action Plan (UK BAP) first published in 1994 and updated in 2007, is a

government initiative designed to implement the requirements of the Convention of Biological Diversity to

conserve and enhance species and habitats. The UK BAP contains a list of priority habitats and species


Roycroft Farm, Uttoxeter RT-MME-114063-08 Otter Survey of conservation concern in the UK, and outlines biodiversity initiatives designed to enhance their

conservation status. The priority habitats and species in England correlate with those listed on Section

41 of the NERC Act.

Otters are listed on the UK BAP and Section 41 (England) and Section 42 (Wales) of the NERC Act 2006.

Otters are also priority species on the Staffordshire Local BAP.

The reader should refer to the original legislation for the definitive interpretation.



APPENDIX 2

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Drawing Number

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September 201300

Gleeson Strategic LandOtter Survey

Roycroft Farm, Uttoxeter

LegendSite boundary

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!H Target note

This map is reproduced from the Ordance Survey material with the permission of Ordnance Survey on behalfof The Controller of Her Majesty's Stationary Office. © Crown copyright. Unauthorised reproduction infringes

Crown copyright and may lead to prosecution of civil proceedings. Licence Number: 100040519

1. Bridge


MIDDLEMARCH ENVIRONMENTAL LTD

QUALITY ASSURANCE

ROYCROFT FARM

UTTOXETER

OTTER SURVEY

A Report to Gleeson Strategic Land

Report Number: RT-MME-114063-08

Revision Number: 00

Description: Final

Date: August 2013

Checked by:

Dr Katy Read

Associate Director

Approved by:

Dr Philip Fermor

Managing Director


Documents

ROYCROFT FARM UTTOXETER OTTER SURVEY · otters have been recorded on still waters (canals, lakes, ponds and reservoirs) as well as rivers and streams. Otters will also utilise habitats