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Wentlooge Renewable Energy Hub, Peterstone, Gwent levels

Appendix 12.2: Breeding Bird Survey

March 2020

A report on behalf of Wentlooge Farmers' Solar Scheme

Site Details

Site Name Wentlooge Renewable Energy Hub

Site Location Peterstone, Gwent levels

Central OS Grid Reference ST 27676 81864

Client Wentlooge Farmers' Solar Scheme

Quality Assurance

Report Title Appendix 12.2: Breeding Bird Survey

Author Kerri Watson BSc ACIEEM

Checked By Jon Garner Director; Choose an item.

Approved By Mark Witherall BSc MCIEEM

Revision No. 3

Issue Date 24 March 2020

Summary of Changes Updated

Revised By Kerri Watson BSc ACIEEM

Approved By Mark Witherall BSc MCIEEM

The content of this report that has been provided by Green Ecology is true and has been prepared and submitted in accordance with the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management’s Code of Professional Conduct. Its contents are compliant with British Standard BS42020: 2013 Biodiversity Code of Practice for Planning and Development. This report has been prepared for the exclusive use of the stated client and unless otherwise agreed in writing by Green Ecology, no other party may use, make use of or rely on the contents of the report. No liability is accepted by Green Ecology for any use of this report, other than for the purposes for which it was originally prepared and provided. Green Ecology has exercised due care in preparing this report. It has not, unless specifically stated, independently verified information provided by others. No other warranty, express or implied, is made in relation to the content of this report and Green Ecology assumes no liability for any loss resulting from errors, omissions or misrepresentation made by others. Any recommendation, opinion or finding stated in this report is based on circumstances and facts as they existed at the time that Green Ecology undertook the work. Nothing in this report constitutes legal opinion. If legal opinion is required, the advice of a qualified legal professional should be secured.

© Copyright GE Consulting Services (UK) Limited 2019

Wentlooge Farmers' Solar Scheme Wentlooge Renewable Energy Hub, Peterstone, Gwent levels

Appendix 12.2: Breeding Bird Survey 24 March 2020

Contents

1 Introduction ...................................................................................................................................................4 2 Nature Conservation Status & Legislation .................................................................................................4 3 Methods .........................................................................................................................................................5 3.1 Desk Study ..................................................................................................................................................5 3.2 Breeding Bird Survey ..................................................................................................................................5 3.4 Limitations ...................................................................................................................................................6 4 Results ...........................................................................................................................................................7 4.1 Desk-study ..................................................................................................................................................7 4.2 Survey Results ............................................................................................................................................8 4.3 Vantage Point Survey .............................................................................................................................. 12 5 References .................................................................................................................................................. 14

Appendix 1: BoCC 4 and BoCC 3 (Wales) selection criteria

Appendix 2: Survey times and weather conditions

Appendix 3: BBS transect complete species list with breeding and conservation status

Appendix 4: Results from breeding bird transects for Lapwing

Appendix 5: Results from breeding bird transects for ground-nesting species

Appendix 6: Results from Vantage Point Surveys undertaken for Lapwing during the Breeding Season (March - September)

Figures Referenced in this Technical Appendix

12.2.1: Breeding Bird Survey Transect Route and VP Locations

12.2.2: Breeding Bird Survey Results – Mallard – Year 1

12.2.3: Breeding Bird Survey Results – Mallard – Year 2

12.2.4: Breeding Bird Survey Results – Lapwing

12.2.5: Breeding Bird Survey Results – Skylark – Year 1

12.2.6: Breeding Bird Survey Results – Skylark – Year 2

12.2.7: Breeding Bird Survey Results – Cetti’s Warbler – Year 1

12.2.8: Breeding Bird Survey Results – Cetti’s Warbler – Year 2


Appendix 12.2: Breeding Bird Survey 4 24 March 2020

1 INTRODUCTION

This technical report details the findings of breeding bird surveys in relation to two proposed planning applications on land allocated as the Wentlooge Renewable Energy Hub, Peterstone, Gwent levels (central OS grid reference: ST 27676 81864). The surveys were commissioned by Wentlooge Farmers' Solar Scheme.

The proposed development will comprise rows of solar photovoltaic (PV) panels, and includes boundary fencing, access tracks, battery storage units, and associated infrastructure including grid connection buildings, transformer and inverter units.

The aims of this report are to identify the presence or likely absence of breeding birds within the Site boundary and surrounding landscape in order to inform an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the planning application.

2 NATURE CONSERVATION STATUS & LEGISLATION

The European Union (EU) meets its obligations to the protection of bird species under the Bern (79/409/EEC) and Bonn conventions and under the EU Directive 2009/147/EC ‘The Birds Directive’ (the codified version of Council Directive 79/409/EEC, as amended), in England and Wales, provisions of the EU ‘Birds Directive’ (and the Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations 1994 (92/43/EEC): the ‘Habitats Directive’) are implemented under the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010 (as amended).

All wild birds, their active nests and eggs receive protection under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) in respect of intentional killing and injury or damage and destruction. Certain species receive additional protection under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) via inclusion on Schedule 1 which prohibits disturbance of individuals or their dependent young at or near an active nest site.

The UK Biodiversity Action Plan (UK BAP) was succeeded in 2012 by the ‘UK Post-2010 Biodiversity Framework’ which demonstrated a whole-environment strategy on how the UK contributes to achieving the Convention on Biological Diversity’s (CBD) 20 Aichi Biodiversity Targets. In Wales, the former UK BAP was used to draw up lists of species and habitats of ‘principal importance’ which continue to be regarded as priorities under the Post-2010 Biodiversity Framework. In Wales these were identified under Section 42 of the NERC Act 2006 (Wales), which has now been superseded by Section 7 of the Environment Wales Act 2016 which also includes Wales only species. This list is currently under review in consultation with Natural Resources Wales (NRW). Section 7 species have been considered throughout this report.

The Birds of Conservation Concern 4 (BoCC4) published in 2015 by the UK’s leading bird conservation organisations (Eaton et al, 2015) is the latest in a series of assessments, the first of which (BoCC1) was published in 1996. They assess the conservation status of UK bird species using a well-established standardised approach resulting in three increasing levels of concern: Green, Amber and Red.

Birds of Conservation Concern 3 (Wales) 2016 (Johnstone & Bladwell, 2016) (BoCC3 (Wales)) is also taken into account; the list differs from BoCC4 in the categorising of some species. Appendix 1 gives the selection criteria for BoCC4 and BoCC3 (Wales) each category.

The above legislation and conservation status criteria are used to assign the appropriate conservation status to all bird species recorded during surveys presented in the results of this report. Species referred to collectively as ‘species of conservation concern’ fall in to one or more of the categories described above with the exception of ‘Green listed’ species alone.

http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:L:2010:020:0007:0025:EN:PDF

http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/site/en/consleg/1979/L/01979L0409-20070101-en.pdf



3 METHODS

3.1 Desk Study

The South East Wales Biodiversity Records Centre (SEWBReC) were consulted in October 2018 which included a search for records of protected and notable species within 3km of a central point of the Site. Full details are provided separately in Technical Appendix 11.1of the Environmental Statement (ES) – Technical Appendices.

3.2 Breeding Bird Survey

Surveys were undertaken over all fields within the proposed solar scheme and up to 250m buffer zone around the Site boundary and 550m buffer around formerly proposed turbine locations where access allowed, hereafter referred to as the “Survey Area”. The Survey Area and route are illustrated in Figure 12.2.1.

Given that the key species of concern with the potential to be impacted by the solar farm were ground nesting species e.g. lapwing, the survey method was based on the O’Brien and Smith 1992 methodology for censusing lowland breeding waders (Gilbert et al, 1998). This method was extended from three to four visits and to include all other species present. One of the May visits was undertaken in the evening with the aim of recording any drumming/chipping snipe. Surveys were undertaken on two consecutive years between April-June (inclusive) 2018 and 2019 (Appendix 2).

Surveyors walked set routes across the Survey Area, stopping regularly to scan and record birds on to no less than 1:10,000 field maps using standard British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) species and activity codes (Marchant, 1983). All fields were numbered (Figure 12.2.1). The survey method was extended to record all species of conservation concern e.g. Red and Amber listed species in BoCC4 (Eaton et al, 2015) and BoCC3 (Wales) (Johnstone & Bladwell, 2016). Other more common species e.g. Green listed or introduced/feral species were recorded as present but not mapped.

Due to the size of the Survey Area, it was split into three sections (Sections A-C) and surveyed using three surveyors. Surveys were undertaken in suitable weather conditions, in good visibility, avoiding strong winds above Force 4 (Beaufort Scale) and heavy rain. Survey date and weather conditions are given in Appendix 2.

Breeding bird status was assessed by using categories based on European Ornithological Atlas Committee Guidelines (EBCC, 2013) see Table 12.2.1.

Table 12.2.1: EBCC Breeding Bird Status Criteria

Breeding Status Activity in the field

Possible Species observed in breeding season in possible nesting habitat; Singing male(s) present (or breeding calls heard) in breeding season.

Probable A pair observed in suitable nesting habitat in breeding season; Permanent territory presumed through registration of territorial behaviour (song, etc.) on at least two different days; Courtship and display; Visiting probable nest-site; Brood patch on adult examined in the hand; Nest-building or excavating of nest-hole.

Confirmed Distraction-display or injury-feigning; Used nest or eggshells found (occupied or laid within period of survey); Recently fledged young (nidicolous species) or downy young (nidifugous species)*; Adults entering or leaving nest-site in circumstances indicating occupied nest (including high nests or nest holes; Adult carrying a faecal sac or food for young; Nests containing eggs



Breeding Status Activity in the field

Nests with young seen or heard

* Some bird species can move significant distances from the nest shortly after fledging therefore the presence of juvenile birds from highly dispersive species with no records of previous signs of breeding within the study area would be treated as a possible breeding record only.

Species nomenclature and systematic lists follow ‘The British List’ British Ornithologists Union (BOU) 2013. A full species list is given in the Appendices.

3.3 Vantage Point Surveys

Vantage point (VP) surveys were undertaken to enable collision risk modelling to assess the potential impacts of the three originally proposed turbines on sensitive bird species including Severn Estuary SPA and Ramsar Site qualifying or assemblage species (waders and wildfowl), plus Schedule 1 raptors. Seventy-two hours of observation at each of two VP locations (Figure 12.1.3) per year was undertaken between October 2017 and September 2019 covering all months of the year. The method used was based on the standard method for this survey published in SNH, 2014, this amounts to 144hrs of observation at two locations per year. Please note the three proposed wind turbines have now been dropped from the scheme, however the data is still useful as it gives bird flight activity across the site and therefore it has still been included in the results and analysis where appropriate.

The surveys comprised two-hour watches taking place from fixed locations to observe birds in flight in three separate height bands A 0-20m B 21-100m and C >100m. Flights of target species are recorded on to 1:10,000 field maps. Flights were timed using a stopwatch or countdown timer in 15 second bouts, the bird height in each of these bouts was recorded and clearly marked on the field maps adjacent to the flight line.

3.4 Limitations

Care has been taken to ensure that balanced advice is provided on the information available and collected during the study period(s), and within the resources available for the project. However, the possibility of important ecological features being missed due to survey timings, absence during surveys or the year of survey cannot be ruled out. In addition, the lack of evidence or records of protected species within the Survey Area does not preclude their presence.

Where livestock e.g. bulls, bullocks and cattle with calves at foot were present in fields they were not entered for health and safety reasons and were instead surveyed from field boundaries. Where breeding lapwing was present or suspected, to prevent disturbance, fields were not entered but were scanned from the boundaries.

Some fields within the buffer zone were not surveyed directly as access was not given. However, most areas were visible from within accessible fields or public rights of way. Therefore, this limitation was not considered detrimental to the integrity of the survey results and a reasonable assessment of bird activity was obtained.

The survey area was regularly disturbed by agricultural activities, a main line railway track which runs east-west immediately north of the Site, regular overhead aircraft activity including low flying helicopters and a model aircraft club field is situated within the application Site to the west (Field 5). In addition to this, contractors working on the railway network were present within the northwest area of the Site during the first winter of survey 2017/18 where an existing disused railway bridge was being removed. As these activities were happening with regularity it was considered unlikely to affect the overall results of the survey work.

Access to some land to the east of the survey area was curtailed from March 2019 to September 2019 due to on-going landowner negotiations. Surveys were not able to be undertaken in these fields during this period but were surveyed from adjacent land and public rights of way. It is considered that most of this land could be seen well and the activity of target species would not have been missed as a consequence. This did not affect Vantage point surveys.



All though breeding bird surveys were not undertaken in March, the winter bird surveys which were undertaken followed exactly the same route and any records and breeding activity of key species, namely lapwing, was recorded and included in the breeding results in this report and the ES chapter.

.

4 RESULTS

4.1 Desk-study

Two hundred and twenty-six species of birds were returned by SEWBReC during the 2km data search around the application area. This figure included vagrant and rare species. The results included 36 species that may potentially breed within the application area given the habitats present. Table 12.2.2 The full list of species is available in Appendix 11.1 - Desk Study.

Table 12.2.2: Desk Study Results Potentially Breeding Birds

Scientific Name Common Name Branta canadensis Canada Goose Tadorna tadorna Shelduck Tachybaptus ruficollis Little Grebe Cuculus canorus Cuckoo Tyto alba Barn Owl Dendrocopos major Great Spotted Woodpecker Fulica atra Coot Vanellus vanellus Lapwing Cyanistes caeruleus Blue Tit Parus major Great Tit Alauda arvensis Skylark Cettia cetti Cetti's Warbler

Phylloscopus trochilus Willow Warbler

Acrocephalus schoenobaenus Sedge Warbler

Sylvia atricapilla Blackcap Sylvia borin Garden Warbler Sylvia curruca Lesser Whitethroat Regulus regulus Goldcrest Acrocephalus scirpaceus Reed Warbler Locustella naevia Grasshopper Warbler Sturnus vulgaris Starling Turdus merula Blackbird Turdus philomelos Song Thrush Turdus viscivorus Mistle Thrush Muscicapa striata Spotted Flycatcher Passer domesticus House Sparrow Passer montanus Tree Sparrow Prunella modularis Dunnock Motacilla flava Yellow Wagtail Motacilla alba Pied Wagtail Chloris chloris Greenfinch



Scientific Name Common Name Linaria cannabina Linnet Carduelis carduelis Goldfinch Sitta europaea NuthHatch Emberiza citrinella Yellowhammer Emberiza schoeniclus Reed Bunting

4.2 Survey Results

A total of 73 species were recorded during the BBS transect surveys. Of these, five species were Severn Estuary SPA & Ramsar Site qualifying species (or Assemblage species): shelduck Tordana tordana, mallard Anas platyrhynchos, teal Anas crecca, lapwing Vanellus vanellus and curlew Numenius arquata. Two were ‘Birds Directive’ Annex 1 species: Little egret Egretta garzetta and peregrine falcon Falco peregrinus.

Ten were Red-listed and 28 Amber-listed in BoCC3 (Wales) (Johnstone and Bladwell, 2016), and 16 were Red-listed and 17 Amber listed in BoCC4 (Eaton et al, 2015). Fifteen species were listed in Section 7 of the Environment (Wales) Act 2016. A full list of species recorded during BBS survey and their breeding and conservation status is given in Appendix 3. Key species results are illustrated in Figures 12.2.2-12.2.8. Species of Conservation concern are given in Tables 12.1.3 and 12.2.4.

Table 12.2.3: Species of International and European Concern - Summary of Activity during Transect Surveys

Engl

ish

Vern

acul

ar

Nam

e

Scie

ntifi

c N

ame

SPA

Q

ualif

ying

/A

ssem

blag

e Sp

ecie

s R

amsa

r C

riter

ia

BoC

C4

Stat

us

BoC

C3

(Wal

es)

WC

A S

ch. 1

Sp

ecie

s

Ann

ex 1

(B

irds

Dire

ctiv

e)

E(W

)A 2

016

Sect

ion

7

Shelduck Tadorna tadorna Amber Amber - - - Generally recorded in low numbers flying over the survey area during all survey occasions. A small flock of 14 recorded foraging in Field 33 on 23rd May 2018. There was a peak count of 35 during the surveys undertaken on 23rd May and 6th June 2018. On the 12th June 2019, one bird was seen feeding within Field 83 (north of the application boundary) and considered it is possible it was breeding within a rabbit burrow, although no further evidence was recorded. Shelduck are not considered to be breeding within the survey area/application site, but it’s possible they are breeding locally to the Site. Mallard Anas

platyrhynchos

- Amber Amber - - -

Numerous records of pairs and groups throughout the survey area and during all surveys, generally noted in association with the ditches, reens and fishing ponds, but also occasional pairs recorded within the fields. One sighting of recently fledged young occurred during the survey on 13th May 2019 in Section B adjacent to Field 130. There was a peak count of 80 during the survey conducted on 10th April 2018. Confirmed breeding in the survey area including the Application Boundary. Estimated up to 20 breeding pairs (Figures 12.2.2-3). Teal Anas crecca Amber Amber - - - Four recorded flying over-head during the survey inducted on 9th April 2019 over Field 21. Not considered to be breeding within the survey area. Little Egret

Egretta garzetta - - Green Green - -

Two recorded foraging within the Field 13. Not considered to be breeding within the survey area. Peregrine Falco peregrinus - - Green Green - A single bird recorded flying over-head during the survey conducted on 9th April 2019. Not considered to be breeding within the survey area.



Engl

ish

Vern

acul

ar

Nam

e

Scie

ntifi

c N

ame

SPA

Q

ualif

ying

/A

ssem

blag

e Sp

ecie

s R

amsa

r C

riter

ia

BoC

C4

Stat

us

BoC

C3

(Wal

es)

WC

A S

ch. 1

Sp

ecie

s

Ann

ex 1

(B

irds

Dire

ctiv

e)

E(W

)A 2

016

Sect

ion

7

Lapwing Vanellus vanellus - Red Red - - A single bird was recorded within Field 52 during the survey conducted on the 6th June 2018. Up to three birds were recorded on site on 4th March 2019 in Fields 3, 25, 23 and flying over 35 and 128, these birds were recorded by two different observers but were considered to be the same birds moving around. Three birds were seen in flight which landed in Field 72, with another flying over Field 2 heading northwest on 13th March 2019. Three single birds were recorded in Fields 2, 23 and 25 on the same day (which may have been the same birds as seen in Field 72). A pair were recorded within Field 29 in the centre of the survey area on the 9th April 2019, however these were not seen there during subsequent breeding bird surveys. Two birds were recorded during VP surveys on Site in early-May in separate fields (23 and 25), but not afterwards. Lapwing are not considered to have bred on Site in 2018 or 2019, although may have been prospecting for a breeding site. Three flew over-head heading south over Fields 49 and 48 during the survey conducted on 23rd May 2019 (see Appendix 4 for more detailed records). Curlew Numenius

arquata

- Red Red - -

Single birds were recorded within Fields 106 and 115 during the survey conducted on 3rd May 2018; in Field 106 on 10th April 2018; Field 69 on 13th May 2019; and, Field 94 on 13th May 2019. Not considered to be breeding within the survey area.

Table 12.2.4: Species of UK Conservation Concern - Summary of Activity

English Vernacular Name

Scientific Name BoCC4 Status

BoCC3 (Wales) Status

WCA Sch. 1 Species

E(W)A 2016 Section 7

Mute Swan Cygnus olor Amber Green - - Recorded on seven survey occasions, singularly or in a pair in suitable nesting habitat or at a nest. Considered to be a maximum of three pairs, likely to be breeding on Horsecroft Reen and the reen on the southwestern boundary of Field 12 and confirmed as breeding on Broadway Reen. Grey Heron Ardea cinerea Green Amber - - Recorded on all eight survey occasions, largely as single birds within fields throughout the Site and in the wider area. Occasionally recorded in pairs flying overhead. Peak count of six birds recorded on 21st May 2019. No heronries recorded on Site or the wider survey area. Cormorant Phalacrocorax

carbo Green Amber - -

Recorded on three occasions flying overhead. Peak count of two birds on 13th May 2019. Not considered to be breeding on Site or the wider survey area. Snipe Gallinago

gallinago Amber Amber - -

Snipe were recorded on two survey occasions: 10th April 2018 and 9th of April 2019. On both occasions five single birds were flushed when walking through grassland habitats. The snipe were recorded early in the breeding season, with no courtship displays or drumming observed during the evening surveys undertaken in May. It is considered that snipe are using these field for feeding/ resting, but not breeding. Black-headed Gull

Chroicocephalus ridibundus

Amber Amber -

Two birds recorded flying overhead during the survey on 10th April 2018. Not considered to be breeding on Site. Herring Gull Larus argentatus Red Red -

Regularly seen flying overhead during all surveys and throughout the Site in small flocks between 1 and 10 birds. Notably, 25 birds seen flying over on 3rd May 2018 and 50 bird seen flying over on 10th April 2018. Occasionally small to medium flocks of up to 81 birds seen using the larger grassland fields for feeding/loafing. Not considered to be breeding on Site. Lesser Black-backed Gull

Larus fuscus Amber Amber - -






WCA Sch. 1 Species


Regularly seen in ones and twos flying overhead during all surveys and throughout the Site. Fifteen flew overhead during the survey on 10th April 2018. Forty-seven birds feeding in Field 34 during the survey on 10th April 2018, a flock of 70 using Field 27 (turbine field) and 50 were seen in a field north of the railway line on 9th April 2019. Not considered to be breeding on Site. Stock Dove Columba oenas Amber Amber - - Three stock doves seen flying overhead during the survey on 21st May 2019. The hedgerows and trees provide suitable nesting habitat however, given the behaviour and low numbers recorded it is considered that this species is not breeding on Site. Cuckoo Cuculus canorus Red Red -

Cuckoo singing heard to the northeast and south of the Site, possibly from two separate males on 13th of May 2019. Not considered to be breeding on Site. Swift Apus apus Amber Amber - - Individuals seen on two survey occasions and larger numbers of 10 seen on 12th June 2019 foraging overhead. Not considered to breeding on Site. Kestrel Falco

tinnunculus Amber Amber -

Individual birds seen in association with suitable nesting habitats. Seen on three survey occasions with a peak count of two birds (in separate locations) on 10th April 2018. Breeding considered possible in hedgerows adjacent to Fields 1, 49, 45 and off-Site north of the railway line. Peregrine Falco peregrinus Green Green - One bird flew over Field 2 on 9th April 2019. Not considered to be breeding on Site. Coot Fulica atra Green Amber - - Recorded on four survey occasions with a peak count of four birds on 12th June 2019. Considered a Probable breeder on the ponds and reens. Oystercatcher Haematopus

ostralegus Amber Amber - -

Recoded on two survey occasions. On 23rd of May 2018, two birds seen flying over Field 53. On 12th June 2019 a failed nest found adjacent to the pond edge in Field 51. Breeding confirmed (see Appendix 5). Marsh Tit Poecile palustris Red Red -

One bird recorded on 6th June 2018 off-Site adjacent to Broadway Reen. Not considered to be breeding on Site. Skylark Alauda arvensis Red Amber -

Recorded on all survey occasions, considered a probable breeder with birds regularly heard singing/displaying over grassland Fields 2, 3, 19-25, 27-32, 34-39, 42,44, 48-50, 55 and also in fields off-Site, north of the railway line. Peak count of 16 recorded during surveys on 9th April 2019 and 13th May 2019 (see Appendix 5). House Martin Delichon

urbicum Amber Green -

Low numbers seen flying/ feeding overhead over Fields 1 and 55 and off-Site. Recorded on three survey occasions with a peak count of two birds. Not considered to be breeding on Site but possible breeders on local farm buildings and houses. Cetti’s Warbler Cettia cetti Green Green - Singing males on all survey occasions throughout the Site in association within reens and dry ditches with scrub or hedgerows. Between 8 and 12 birds recorded during every visit. Probable breeders. Long-tailed tit Aegithalos

caudatus Green Amber - -

Recorded on six survey occasions in association with hedgerows trees and scrub throughout the Site. Peak count of six birds during surveys on 9th April 2019 and 12th June 2019 (during which fledglings were seen in hedgerow vegetation along the track adjacent to Field 3). Confirmed breeders. Willow Warbler Phylloscopus

trochilus Amber Red - -

Single males heard singing in the north of the Site in hedgerow boundary of Field 26 and north of the railway line during surveys held on 23rd May 2018 and 9th April 2019. Possible breeders.






WCA Sch. 1 Species


Whitethroat Sylvia communis

Green Amber - -

Males heard singing within hedgerows throughout the Site during seven survey occasions. Peak count of 14 birds during the survey held on 13th May 2019. Probable breeders. Goldcrest Regulus regulus Green Amber - - Two birds including a singing male recorded south-west of the Site on 10th April 2018. Hedgerow and mature trees on Site provide suitable nesting habitats. Possible breeders on Site. Green Woodpecker

Picus viridus Green Amber - -

An individual bird recorded on four survey occasions north of the Site. Possible breeder within mature trees off-Site but not considered to be breeding on Site. Starling Sturnus vulgaris Red Red -

Recorded during all survey occasions flying overhead and foraging in grassland and hedgerows in flocks of up to 95. Evidence to confirm breeding includes recently fledged young in the dead tree in between Field 27 and 30 and birds seen carrying food in Fields 14, 31, 33, 44, 47, 48 and 53. Mature trees and buildings adjacent to site offer suitable nesting habitat. A peak count of 224 on 23rd 5th 2018, with total numbers per survey during the other surveys ranging between 14 and 117. Confirmed breeders. Fieldfare Turdus pilaris Red Amber - On 9th of April 2019 a flock of 30 seen flying over Fields 21 and 40 birds seen within hedgerows adjacent to Field 1. Considered to be on migration, non-breeders. Redwing Turdus iliacus Red Amber Two birds seen flying over Field 1 on 9th April 2019. Considered to be on migration, non-breeders. Song Thrush Turdus

philomelos Red Amber -

Males heard singing from the more substantial hedgerows, scrub and trees of the Site and occasionally birds observed carrying food. Recorded during seven surveys with a peak count of six birds during the survey held on 23rd May 2018. Confirmed breeders. Mistle Thrush Turdus

viscivorus Red Amber - -

Low numbers recorded on four survey occasions. A family with recently fledged young recorded northwest of the Site in a hedgerow beyond the railway line. A single bird seen in the hedgerow forming the south-western boundary of Field 40. Other records include single birds or pairs foraging in grassland or flying overhead. Peak count of five birds during the survey held on 21st May 2019. Confirmed as breeding off-Site and probable breeders within more substantial areas of vegetation. House Sparrow Passer

domesticus Red Amber -

Breeding colonies identified within the farm buildings at the southern entrance to the Site, the buildings and stables next to the ponds in the centre of the Site, the cottages along the road that borders the southern boundary of the Site, Hawse Farm in the northeast of the Site and farm buildings and cottages to the northwest of the Site. Birds also recorded within hedgerows and fields in close by to these main colonies. Recorded during all surveys, with a peak count of 48 on the 6th June 2018. Confirmed breeding within buildings, probable within hedgerows. Dunnock Prunella

modularis Amber Green -

Singing males and males holding permanent territory identified within the more substantial hedgerow boundaries of Fields 44 and 45 and Hawse farm in the northwest, the stables in the centre, the buildings at the southern entrance to the Site and field boundaries off-Site to the north of the railway line. Low numbers recorded during all surveys with a peak count of nine birds during the survey held on 6th June 2018. Probable breeders. Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea Red Amber - - Recorded on three survey occasion; in hedgerows at the eastern extent of Field 4, in the vegetation southeast of Field 48, sat on the hedgerow between Field 46 and 47 and in a hedgerow north of the Site beyond the railway line. with a peak count of two birds on 6th June 2018. Suitable breeding habitat available on Site. Possible breeders Meadow Pipit Anthus

pratensis Amber Amber - -






WCA Sch. 1 Species


Recorded on four survey occasions with a peak count of 11 during the survey held on 9th April 2019. Suitable habitat available on Site and breeding considered possible within tussocky grassland Fields particularly Fields 3, 20, 29, 35, 39, 48, 55, 56 and all field margins (see Appendix 5). Greenfinch Chloris chloris Green Amber - - Recorded on six survey occasions with a peak count of four during the survey held on 21st May 2019. Possible breeders in the woodland and substantial hedgerow boundaries associated with Field 1. Also recorded within trees and shrubs bordering the road that runs parallel to the southern Site boundary and hedgerows off-Site, northwest of the railway line. Linnet Linaria

cannabina Red Red -

Recorded during all surveys with a peak count of 34 on the 12th June 2019. Possible breeders within hedgerows scrub and bramble throughout the Site as well as off-Site to the north of the railway line and to the northwest. Yellowhammer Emberiza

citrinella Red Red -

One bird recorded during the survey held on 23rd May 2018, flying over Field 48. Suitable habitats are available on Site, breeding considered possible. Reed Bunting Emberiza

schoeniclus Amber Amber -

Recorded during all surveys throughout the Site in association with Reens and ponds with scattered scrub or poorly structured hedgerows, with singing males and permanent territories noted. A peak count of 16 birds on 12 th June 2019. Probable breeders.

4.3 Vantage Point Survey

4.3.1 Breeding season - March to September

A total of nine target species were recorded in flight across the Site over two consecutive survey years 2017/18 and 2018/19. Of these species six were Severn Estuary SPA and/or Ramsar Site qualifying species namely shelduck, mallard, teal, lesser black-backed gull and lapwing. None of which were Annex I of the Birds Directive, one was listed in Section 7 of the Environment (Wales) Act 2017, one was BoCC4 and BoCC3 (Wales) Red-listed and three were BoCC4 and BoCC3 (Wales) Amber-listed. Summary accounts of key species are given in Table 12.2.5 providing records of key species from both years survey including their flight heights (low = 0-20m, medium = 21-100m, high = 100m or higher). Detailed results for lapwing are provided in Appendix 6.

Table 12.2.5 Target Species recorded during Vantage Point Surveys

Engl

ish

Vern

acul

ar

Nam

e

Scie

ntifi

c N

ame

SPA

Q

ualif

ying

Sp

ecie

s

Ram

sar

Crit

eria

BoC

C4

Stat

us

BoC

C3

(Wal

es)

WC

A S

ch. 1

Sp

ecie

s

Ann

ex 1

(B

irds

Dire

ctiv

e)

E(W

)A 2

016

Sect

ion

7

Shelduck Tordana tordana

Article 4.2 C6 Amber Amber - - -

During the summer period of both years there was a total number of 9 flocks recorded from Vantage Point 1 (VP1) totalling 29 birds, and from Vantage Point 2 (VP2) a total number of 7 flocks resulting in a total of 14 birds. Mallard Anas

platyrhynchos Article 4.2 - Amber Amber - - -

During the summer period of both years there was a total number of 59 flocks recorded from Vantage Point 1 totalling 130 bird, and from Vantage Point 2 a total number of 57 flocks resulting in a total of 131 birds. Teal Anas crecca Article 4.2 C6 Amber Amber - - - During the summer period for birds were seen from Vantage Point 2 on one survey occasion.



Engl

ish

Vern

acul

ar

Nam

e

Scie

ntifi

c N

ame

SPA

Q

ualif

ying

Sp

ecie

s

Ram

sar

Crit

eria

BoC

C4

Stat

us

BoC

C3

(Wal

es)

WC

A S

ch. 1

Sp

ecie

s

Ann

ex 1

(B

irds

Dire

ctiv

e)

E(W

)A 2

016

Sect

ion

7

Peregrine Falco peregrinus

- - Green Green ✔ ✔ -

During the summer period of both years a single bird was seen on two occasions from Vantage Point 1 and on 4 occasions from Vantage Point 2. Lapwing Vanellus

vanellus Article 4.2 - Red Red - - ✔

During the summer period of both years there was a total number of 12 flocks recorded from Vantage Point 1 totalling 133 birds, and from Vantage Point 2 a total number of 5 flocks resulting in a total of 13 birds (see Appendix 6 for more detailed records).

Marsh Harrier

Circus aeruginosus

- - Amber Amber ✔ ✔ -

One bird seen from Vantage Point 2 during the summer periods. Lesser black-back-gull

Larus fuscus - C6 Amber Amber - - -

During the summer period of both years there was a total number of 86 flocks recorded from Vantage Point 1 totalling 1163 birds, and from Vantage Point 2 a total number of 167 flocks resulting in a total of 463 birds. Curlew Numenius

arquata Article 4.2 C6 Red Red - - ✔

During the summer period of both years there were no birds recorded from Vantage Point 1. From Vantage Point 2, two flocks were recorded with a total of 18 birds.

Kestrel Falco tinnunculus

- - Amber Amber - - ✔

During the summer period of both years a single kestrel was seen on six occasions from Vantage Point 1 and on nine occasions from Vantage Point 2.



5 REFERENCES

British Ornithologists Union (2015) The British List, Available from http://www.bou.org.uk/thebritishlist/British-List.pdf, [Accessed 10/04/2017].

Eaton M., Aebischer N., Brown A., Hearn R., Lock L., Musgrove A., Noble D., Stroud D. & Gregory R. (2015) Birds of Conservation Concern 4: the population status of birds in the UK, Channel Islands and Isle of Man, British Birds 108: 708-746.

European Bird Census Council (2013) European Breeding Birds Atlas Methodology, (EBCC) accessed on line from http://www.ebba2.info/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/EBBA2_methodology_final.pdf 17/07/17.

Gilbert G. Gibbons D. W. & Evans J. (1998) Bird Monitoring Methods: a manual of techniques for key UK species, RSPB, Sandy.

Johnstone I & Bladwell S. (2016) Birds of Conservation Concern in Wales 3: the population status of birds in Wales, Birds in Wales 13, 3-31.

Marchant J.H. (1983) BTO Common Birds Census Instructions, BTO, Tring.

http://www.bou.org.uk/thebritishlist/British-List.pdf

http://www.ebba2.info/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/EBBA2_methodology_final.pdf



Appendix 1- BoCC 4 and BoCC 3 (Wales) selection criteria

BoCC4 Criteria for Selection of Species

◆ Red list criteria

Globally threatened

Historical population decline in UK during 1800–1995

Severe (at least 50%) decline in UK breeding population over last 25 years, or longer-term period (the

entire period used for assessments since the first BoCC review, starting in 1969).

Severe (at least 50%) contraction of UK breeding range over last 25 years, or the longer-term period

Amber list criteria

Species with unfavourable conservation status in Europe (SPEC = Species of European Conservation

Concern)

Historical population decline during 1800–1995, but recovering; population size has more than doubled

over last 25 years

Moderate (25-49%) decline in UK breeding population over last 25 years, or the longer-term period

Moderate (25-49%) contraction of UK breeding range over last 25 years, or the longer-term period

Moderate (25-49%) decline in UK non-breeding population over last 25 years, or the longer-term period

Rare breeder; 1–300 breeding pairs in UK

Rare non-breeders; less than 900 individuals

Localised; at least 50% of UK breeding or non-breeding population in 10 or fewer sites, but not applied to

rare breeders or non-breeders

Internationally important; at least 20% of European breeding or non-breeding population in UK (NW

European and East Atlantic Flyway populations used for non-breeding wildfowl and waders respectively)

Green list

Species that occur regularly in the UK but do not qualify under any of the above criteria



BoCC3 (Wales) Criteria for Selection of Species





Appendix 2 - Survey times and weather conditions

Breeding Bird Surveys Vi

sit N

umbe

r

Dat

e

Star

t Tim

e

Fini

sh

Sunr

ise

Suns

et

Tem

pera

ture

(d

egre

es

Cel

sius

) sta

rt

Tem

pera

ture

(d

egre

es

Cel

sius

) fin

ish

Win

d Sp

eed

(BFS

) sta

rt

Win

d Sp

eed

(BFS

) fin

ish

Win

d D

irect

ion

star

t

Win

d D

irect

ion

finis

h

Clo

ud

(okt

as)

star

t

Clo

ud

(okt

as)

finis

h

Prec

ipita

tion

star

t

Prec

ipita

tion

finis

h

Visi

bilit

y st

art

Visi

bilit

y fin

ish

1 10-04-18 07:20 11:56 06:27 20:00 9 10 3 3 E NE 8 8 Light rain

Light rain <2km <2km

2 03-05-18 18:10 21:20 05:40 20:38 12 10 2 2 E E 8 8 None None ≥2km ≥2km

3 23-05-18 06:00 09:50 05:09 21:08 12 15 4 4 NE NE 7 1 None None ≥2km ≥2km

4 06-06-18 05:50 09:40 04:56 21:24 10.5 15 0 1 NE NE 4 3 None None ≥2km ≥2km

5 09-04-19 07:00 09:30 06:30 19:58 9 9 1-2 1 ENE ENE 8 8 Light rain None 500m 1km

6 13-05-19 06:00 10:00 05:23 20:54 7 14 1 1 E E 1 1 None None ≥2km ≥2km

7 21-05-19 18:00 21:00 05:12 21:05 21.6 15 2 2 W W 2 1 None None ≥2km ≥2km

8 12-06-19 07:30 10:00 04:54 21:29 10 14.4 3-4 3 NE NE 8 8 None None ≥2km ≥2km

Vantage Point Surveys

Surv

ey

ID

Dat

e (

s)

Star

t Ti

me

Fin

ish

Tim

e

Hig

h T

ide

Low

Tid

e

Sun

rise

Sun

set

Tim

e o

f W

eat

he

r

Re

cord

Win

d (

BF)

Win

d D

ire

ctio

n

Tem

pe

ratu

re

(°C

)

Pre

cip

itat

ion

Clo

ud

Co

ver

(okt

as)

Clo

ud

he

igh

t

Vis

ibili

ty

Fro

st

Sno

w

No

tes

S18_VP1 16/04/2018 18:40 20:40 20:10 Start of survey 5 S 13 None 6 > 500m ≥2km None None

Snipe seen walking walking to vantage point.

Start of 2nd hour 5 S 12 None 7 > 500m ≥2km None None

End of Survey 5 S 12 None 8 > 500m >500m None None

S19_VP1 24/04/2018 13:00 15:00 15:17

Start of survey 2 S 13 Drizzle 8 ≤500m ≥2km None None

Start of 2nd hour 2 SW 13 Drizzle 8 ≤500m <2km None None

End of Survey 2 SSW 13

Light rain 8 ≤500m <2km None None



Surv

ey

ID

Dat

e (

s)

Star

t Ti

me

Fin

ish

Tim

e

Hig

h T

ide

Low

Tid

e

Sun

rise

Sun

set

Tim

e o

f W

eat

he

r

Re

cord

Win

d (

BF)

Win

d D

ire

ctio

n

Tem

pe

ratu

re

(°C

)

Pre

cip

itat

ion

Clo

ud

Co

ver

(okt

as)

Clo

ud

he

igh

t

Vis

ibili

ty

Fro

st

Sno

w

No

tes

S20_VP1 26/4/2018 09:30 11:30

Start of survey 4 W 11

Light rain 7 ≤500m ≥2km None None

Start of 2nd hour 4 W 11 None 6 ≤500m ≥2km None None

End of Survey 4 W 11 None 4 ≤500m ≥2km None None

S21-VP1 05/09/2018 12:30 14:30 14:20

Start of survey 4 SW 13 None 8 > 500m ≥2km None None

Start of 2nd hour 3 W 14 None 8 > 500m ≥2km None None

End of Survey 3 W 14 None 8 > 500m ≥2km None None

S22_VP1 15/5/2018 04:50 06:50 05:22

Start of survey 1 NW 4 None 0 N/A ≥2km None None

Start of 2nd hour 1 W 4 None 0 N/A ≥2km None None

End of Survey 0 W 4 None 0 N/A ≥2km None None

S23_VP1

30/05/18

08:45 11:45 Start of survey 2 NE 15

Moderate rain 8 > 500m <2km None None

Start of 2nd hour 2 NE 15

Light rain 8 > 500m <2km None None

End of Survey 2 NE 15 None 8 > 500m <2km None None

S24_VP1 06/12/2018 04:34 06:34 06:25 04:54

Start of survey 1 N 14 None 1 > 500m ≥2km None

Start of 2nd hour

End of Survey 2 NE 14 None 7 > 500m ≥2km None

S25_VP1 21/06/2018 12:10 14:10 14:08

Start of survey 2-3 N 17 None 2 ≤500m ≥2km None None

Start of 2nd hour 2-3 N 17 None 2 ≤500m ≥2km None None

End of Survey 2-3 N 17 None 2 ≤500m ≥2km None None

S26_VP1 26/6/2018 10:04 12:04 12:04

Start of survey 1 E 24 None 0 > 500m ≥2km None None

Start of 2nd hour

End of 2 SE 24 None 0 > 500m ≥2km None None



Surv

ey

ID

Dat

e (

s)

Star

t Ti

me

Fin

ish

Tim

e

Hig

h T

ide

Low

Tid

e

Sun

rise

Sun

set

Tim

e o

f W

eat

he

r

Re

cord

Win

d (

BF)

Win

d D

ire

ctio

n

Tem

pe

ratu

re

(°C

)

Pre

cip

itat

ion

Clo

ud

Co

ver

(okt

as)

Clo

ud

he

igh

t

Vis

ibili

ty

Fro

st

Sno

w

No

tes

Survey

S27_VP1 07/02/2018 14:45 21:45 21:33

Start of survey 4 NE 28 None 0 N/A ≥2km None None

Start of 2nd hour

End of Survey 4 NE 25 None 0 N/A 1km None None

s28_VP1 13/07/2018 04:39 06:39 07:45 05:09 21:25

Start of survey 1 ENE 17 None 3 > 500m ≥2km None None

Start of 2nd hour 1 E 17 None 4 > 500m ≥2km None None

End of Survey 1 E 17 None 5 > 500m ≥2km None None

S29_VP1 20/07/2018 11:30 13:30 13:23

Start of survey 3-4 SW 23 None 6 > 500m ≥2km None None

Start of 2nd hour

End of Survey 2-3 SW 24 None 3 > 500m ≥2km None None

S30_VP1 08/03/2018 09:25 11:35 11:36 05:39 20:58

Start of survey 2 NW 21 None 8 > 500m ≥2km None None

Model planes started being flown at 10:30 then sporadic flights thereafter.

Start of 2nd hour 1 NW 22 None 3 > 500m ≥2km None None

End of Survey 2 WSW 22 None 2 > 500m ≥2km None None

S31_VP1 08/09/2018 05:20 07:20 05:42 05:49 20:46

Start of survey 1 NW 14 None 7 > 500m ≥2km None None

Start of 2nd hour 1 NW 14 None 6 > 500m ≥2km None None

End of Survey 0 N/A 15 None 5 > 500m ≥2km None None

S32_VP1 23/08/2018 18:45 20:45 18:05 06:10 20:18

Start of survey 3 W 16 None 6 > 500m ≥2km None None



S33_VP1 09/04/2018 11:50 13:50 13:49

Start of survey 4 NE 16 None 8 > 500m ≥2km None None

Start of 2nd hour



Surv

ey

ID

Dat

e (

s)

Star

t Ti

me

Fin

ish

Tim

e

Hig

h T

ide

Low

Tid

e

Sun

rise

Sun

set

Tim

e o

f W

eat

he

r

Re

cord

Win

d (

BF)

Win

d D

ire

ctio

n

Tem

pe

ratu

re

(°C

)

Pre

cip

itat

ion

Clo

ud

Co

ver

(okt

as)

Clo

ud

he

igh

t

Vis

ibili

ty

Fro

st

Sno

w

No

tes

End of Survey 4 NE 16 None 8 > 500m ≥2km None None

S34_VP1 09/06/2018 06:10 08:10 04:29 06:32 19:46

Start of survey 0 N/A 10 None 1 > 500m ≥2km None None

Start of 2nd hour 0 N/A 11 None 2 > 500m ≥2km None None


S35_VP1 24/09/18 17:10 19:10 19:48 07:02 19:05

Start of survey 3 W 15 None 1 > 500m ≥2km None None


End of Survey 0 N/A 13 None 1 > 500m ≥2km None None

S36_VP1 10/04/2018 07:50 09:50 02:32 07:18 18:42

Start of survey 2 SW 14 None 8 ≤500m ≥2km None None

Start of 2nd hour

2 SW 14 None 8 ≤500m ≥2km None None

End of Survey

2 SW 14 None 8 ≤500m ≥2km None None

S54-VP1 08/04/2019 15:40 17:40 16:13 06:33 19:57 Start of survey 3 NW 13 None 8 > 500m ≥2km None None

Start of 2nd hour 3 N 13 None 7 > 500m ≥2km None None

End of Survey 3 N 12 None 7 > 500m ≥2km None None

S55-VP1 19/04/2019 18:50 20:50 20:24 06:09 20:15 Start of survey 1 NE 22 None 3 ≤500m ≥2km None None

Start of 2nd hour 1 NE 20 None 3 ≤500m 1km None None

End of Survey 1 N 18 None 2 ≤500m >500m None None


Towards the end of the survey, the cloud was very thin and there was hazy sunshine.

Start of 2nd hour 3 NE 16 None 4 ≤500m ≥2km None None

End of Survey 3 NE 17 None 8 ≤500m ≥2km None None

S57-VP1 10/05/2019 14:30 16:30 15:03 05:29 20:50 Start of survey 3 S 15 None 5 > 500m ≥2km None None

Start of 2nd hour 2 SW 15 None 6 > 500m ≥2km None None



Surv

ey

ID

Dat

e (

s)

Star

t Ti

me

Fin

ish

Tim

e

Hig

h T

ide

Low

Tid

e

Sun

rise

Sun

set

Tim

e o

f W

eat

he

r

Re

cord

Win

d (

BF)

Win

d D

ire

ctio

n

Tem

pe

ratu

re

(°C

)

Pre

cip

itat

ion

Clo

ud

Co

ver

(okt

as)

Clo

ud

he

igh

t

Vis

ibili

ty

Fro

st

Sno

w

No

tes

End of Survey 2 SW 15 None 2 > 500m ≥2km None None

S58-VP1 16/05/2019 04:45 06:45 05:46 05:19 20:58 Start of survey 1 NE 9 None 2 ≤500m <2km None None

Start of 2nd hour 1-2 NE 9 None 2 ≤500m ≥2km None None


S59-VP1 22/05/2019 08:00 10:00 10:06 05:11 21:07 Start of survey 1 E 11 None 6 > 500m ≥2km None None

Start of 2nd hour 1 SE 12 None 6 > 500m ≥2km None None

End of Survey 1 SW 15 None 6 > 500m ≥2km None None

S60-VP1 03/06/2019 12:20 14:20 Start of survey 3 SW 16 None 7 ≤500m ≥2km None None

Start of 2nd hour 3 WSW 17 None 7 ≤500m ≥2km None None


S61-VP1 11/06/2019 12:30 14:30 14:32 04:55 21:28 Start of survey 4 NE 12 Drizzle 8 ≤500m <2km None None

Start of 2nd hour 4 NE 12 None 8 ≤500m ≥2km None None


S62-VP1 26/06/2019 20:05 22:05 04:55 21:33 Start of survey 6 ENE 20 None 8 > 500m ≥2km None None

Start of 2nd hour 7 ENE 20 None 8 > 500m <2km None None

End of Survey 7 ENE 16 None 8 > 500m 500m None None

S63-VP1 05/07/2019 15:20 17:20 16:13 05:01 21:31 Start of survey 3 SW 25 None 6 ≤500m ≥2km None None

Start of 2nd hour SW 25 None 5 ≤500m ≥2km None None

End of Survey 3 SW 25 None 5 ≤500m ≥2km None None

S64-VP1 30/07/2019 16:30 18:30 18:34 05:32 21:04 Start of survey 3 W 19

Light rain 8 ≤500m ≥2km None None




Surv

ey

ID

Dat

e (

s)

Star

t Ti

me

Fin

ish

Tim

e

Hig

h T

ide

Low

Tid

e

Sun

rise

Sun

set

Tim

e o

f W

eat

he

r

Re

cord

Win

d (

BF)

Win

d D

ire

ctio

n

Tem

pe

ratu

re

(°C

)

Pre

cip

itat

ion

Clo

ud

Co

ver

(okt

as)

Clo

ud

he

igh

t

Vis

ibili

ty

Fro

st

Sno

w

No

tes



Start of 2nd hour 1-2 NE 23 None 3 ≤500m <2km None None

End of Survey 1 NE 21 None 3 ≤500m 1km None None

S66-VP1 05/08/2019 09:10 11:10 05:41 20:54 Start of survey 2 W 18 None 6 ≤500m ≥2km None None

Start of 2nd hour 2-3 W 18 None 6 ≤500m ≥2km None None


S67-VP1 12/08/2019 10:50 12:50 18:00 05:52 20:41 Start of survey 3 NW 17 None 5 ≤500m ≥2km None None

Start of 2nd hour 3-4 NW 17 None 5 ≤500m ≥2km None None

End of Survey 4 NW 18 None 5 ≤500m ≥2km None None

S68-VP1 13/08/2019 05:20 17:20 06:27 05:53 20:39 Start of survey 1 W 10 None 6 ≤500m >500m None None

Start of 2nd hour 1 W 11 None 4 ≤500m 1km None None


S69-VP1 14/09/2019 06:15 08:15 08:14 06:44 19:29 Start of survey 1 N 8 None 4 ≤500m 500m None None

Start of 2nd hour 1 NW 10 None 3 ≤500m <2km None None

End of Survey 1 NW 11 None 1 ≤500m ≥2km None None

S70-VP1 16/09/2019 15:00 17:00 21:28 06:48 19:25 Start of survey 1 W 21 None 7 ≤500m ≥2km None None


Few drops of rain during survey



Start of 3 E 15 None 0 ≤500m ≥2km None None



Surv

ey

ID

Dat

e (

s)

Star

t Ti

me

Fin

ish

Tim

e

Hig

h T

ide

Low

Tid

e

Sun

rise

Sun

set

Tim

e o

f W

eat

he

r

Re

cord

Win

d (

BF)

Win

d D

ire

ctio

n

Tem

pe

ratu

re

(°C

)

Pre

cip

itat

ion

Clo

ud

Co

ver

(okt

as)

Clo

ud

he

igh

t

Vis

ibili

ty

Fro

st

Sno

w

No

tes

2nd hour

End of Survey 3 E 17 None 0 ≤500m ≥2km None None

S72-VP1 30/09/2019 06:40 08:40 08:59 07:10 18:52 Start of survey 1 NW 11 None 7 ≤500m 500m None None

Start of 2nd hour 1 WSW 12 None 7 ≤500m <2km None None

End of Survey 1 SW 13 None 7 ≤500m ≥2km None None



Appendix 3 - BBS transect complete species list with breeding and conservation status

Scientific Name British (English) Vernacular Name

Breeding Status*

SPA Qualifying/ Assemblage Species

RAMSAR Qualifying Species

BoCC4 BoCC3 (Wales) WCA Sch. x

Birds Directive Annex I

Environment (Wales) Act Section 7 Red Amber Green Red Amber Green

Branta canadensis Canada Goose Probable - - - - x - - x - - -

Anser anser Greylag Goose Non-breeding - - - x - - x x - -

Cygnus olor Mute Swan Confirmed - - - x - - x - - -

Tadorna tadorna Shelduck Non-breeding x x - x - x - - -

Anas platyrhynchos Mallard Confirmed x - - x - x - - -

Anas crecca Teal Non-breeding x x - x - x - - -

Phasianus colchicus Pheasant Possible - - - - - - - - -

Ardea cinerea Grey Heron Non-breeding - - - - x - x - - -

Egretta garzetta Little Egret Non-breeding - - - - x - - x - x -

Phalacrocorax carbo Cormorant Non-breeding - - - - x - x - - -

Accipiter nisus Sparrowhawk Non-breeding - - - - x - - x - - -

Buteo buteo Buzzard Probable - - - - x - - x - - -

Gallinago gallinago Snipe Non-breeding - - - x - x - - -

Chroicocephalus ridibundus Black-headed Gull

Non-breeding - - - x x - - - x

Larus argentatus Herring Gull Non-breeding - - x - x - - - x

Larus fuscus Lesser Black-backed Gull

Non-breeding - - - x - x - - -

Columba oenas Stock Dove Possible - - - x - - - - - Columba palumbus Woodpigeon Confirmed - - - - x - - x - - -




Breeding Status*






Streptopelia decaocto Collared Dove Possible - - - - x - - x - - - Cuculus canorus Cuckoo Possible - - x - x - - - x

Apus apus Swift Non-breeding - - - x - x - - -

Dendrocopos major Great Spotted Woodpecker Possible - - - - x - - x - - -

Falco tinnunculus Kestrel Possible - - - x x - - - x

Falco peregrinus Peregrine Non-breeding - - - - x - - x x x -

Rallus aquaticus Water Rail Possible - - - - x - - x - - - Gallinula chloropus Moorhen Probable - - - - x - - x - - - Fulica atra Coot Possible - - - - x - x - - -

Haematopus ostralegus Oystercatcher Non-breeding - - - x - x - - -

Vanellus vanellus Lapwing Non-breeding x - x - x - - - x

Numenius arquata Curlew Non-breeding x - x - x - - - -

Pica pica Magpie Probable - - - - x - - x - - - Coloeus monedula Jackdaw Confirmed - - - - x - - x - - - Corvus frugilegus Rook Possible - - - - x - - x - - - Corvus corone Carrion Crow Confirmed - - - - x - - x - - - Poecile palustris Marsh Tit Possible - - x - x - - - - Cyanistes caeruleus Blue Tit Probable - - - - x - - x - - - Parus major Great Tit Probable - - - - x - - x - - - Alauda arvensis Skylark Probable - - x - - x - - x

Hirundo rustica Swallow Possible - - - - x - - x - - - Delichon urbicum House Martin Possible - - - x - - x - - - Cettia cetti Cetti's Warbler Probable - - - - x - - x x - -

Aegithalos caudatus Long-tailed Tit Possible - - - - x - x - - -




Breeding Status*






Phylloscopus trochilus Willow Warbler Possible - - - x x - - - -

Phylloscopus collybita Chiffchaff Probable - - - - x - - x - - -

Acrocephalus schoenobaenus Sedge Warbler Probable - - - - x - - x - - -

Sylvia atricapilla Blackcap Probable - - - - x - - x - - - Sylvia borin Garden Warbler Possible - - - - x - - x - - - Sylvia curruca Lesser Whitethroat Possible - - - - x - - x - - - Sylvia communis Whitethroat Probable - - - - x x - - - - Regulus regulus Goldcrest Possible - - - - x - x - - - Picus viridis Green Woodpecker Possible - - - - x - x - - - Acrocephalus scirpaceus Reed Warbler Probable - - - - x - - x - - - Troglodytes troglodytes Wren Probable - - - - x - - x - - - Sturnus vulgaris Starling Confirmed - - x - x - - - x

Turdus merula Blackbird Confirmed - - - - x - - x - - -

Turdus pilaris Fieldfare Non-breeding - - x - - x x - -

Turdus iliacus Redwing Non-breeding - - x - - x x - -

Turdus philomelos Song Thrush Confirmed - - x - - x - - x

Turdus viscivorus Mistle Thrush Confirmed - - x - - x - - - Erithacus rubecula Robin Probable - - - - x - - x - - - Saxicola rubicola Stonechat Possible - - - - x - - x - - -

Oenanthe oenanthe Wheatear Non-breeding - - - - x - - x - - -

Passer domesticus House Sparrow Confirmed - - x - x x - - x

Prunella modularis Dunnock Probable - - - x - - x - - x

Motacilla cinerea Grey Wagtail Possible - - x - - x - - - Motacilla alba Pied Wagtail Possible - - - - x - - x - - - Anthus pratensis Meadow Pipit Possible - - - x - x - - -




Breeding Status*






Fringilla coelebs Chaffinch Probable - - - - x - - x - - - Chloris chloris Greenfinch Possible - - - - x - x - - - Linaria cannabina Linnet Confirmed - - x - - x - x - - - Carduelis carduelis Goldfinch Probable - - - - x - - x - - - Emberiza citrinella Yellowhammer Possible - - x - x - - - x

Emberiza schoeniclus Reed Bunting Confirmed - - - x - x - - x



Appendix 4 - Results from Breeding Bird Transects for Lapwing (March – June 2018 and 2019) W

BS

Mar

ch

date

s

10/0

4/20

18

03/0

5/20

18

23/0

5/20

18

06/0

6/20

18

WB

S M

arch

da

tes

09/0

4/20

19

13/0

5/20

19

21/0

5/20

19

12/0

6/20

19

No.

bird

s

Fiel

d N

o.

No.

bird

s

Fiel

d N

o.

No.

bird

s

Fiel

d N

o.

No.

bird

s

Fiel

d N

o.

No.

bird

s

Fiel

d N

o.

No.

bird

s

Fiel

d N

o.

No.

bird

s

Fiel

d N

o.

No.

bird

s

Fiel

d N

o.

No.

bird

s

Fiel

d N

o.

No.

bird

s

Fiel

d N

o.

1 49↑ - - 3 49↑ - - 1 52 - - 2 29 - - - - - - 26 2↑ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3 128

† - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

1 2↑ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1 2 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1 25 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1 23 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1 128

↑ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

3 3↑ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

1 25 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1 23 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1 55↑ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

* From a pond in this field † From a reen on the boundary of this field × Perched on pylon ↑ In flight only



Appendix 5 – Results from Breeding Bird Transects for ground-nesting Species of UK Conservation Concern (oystercatcher, skylark, meadow pipit) (April-June 2018 and 2019)

Species

10/04/2018 03/05/2018 23/05/2018 06/06/2018 09/04/2019 13/05/2019 21/05/2019 12/06/2019 N

o. b

irds

Fiel

d N

o.

No.

bird

s

Fiel

d N

o.

No.

bird

s

Fiel

d N

o.

No.

bird

s

Fiel

d N

o.

No.

bird

s

Fiel

d N

o.

No.

bird

s

Fiel

d N

o.

No.

bird

s

Fiel

d N

o.

No.

bird

s

Fiel

d N

o.

Oystercatcher - - - - 2 52↑ - - - - - - - - 1 51▲

Skylark 1 42 4 104↑ 1 48↑ 1 100 1 41 1 39 1 100 1 2 1 38† 1 107 1 48 1 34 1 48 1 34 1 50 1 3 1 39 1 42 1 91 1 51† 1 48 1 50 1 35 1 19 1 35 1 34 1 34 1 55 1 49† 1 55 1 35 1 23

1 49† 1 31† 1 55 1 22 1 36* 1 29 2 21 1 28

1 28 - - 1 55 1 28† 1 35 2 23 1 21† 1 30 1 23 - - 1 23 1 23 1 50 1 27 2 28† 1 34

2 23 - - 1 3 1 23 1 29 1 24 1 34 1 34 1 3 - - 1 3 1 23 1 29† 1 24 1 20 1 55 1 3 - - 1 3 1 24 1 28 2 25† 1 30 1 50 - - - - 1 3 1 2 1 23 2 2 2 3 1 39 - - - - 1 3 1 2 1 3 1 3 1 2 1 48 - - - - - - 1 2 1 3 1 32 1 2 - -

- - - - - - 1 3 1 2 - - - - - - - - - - - - 1 3 - - - - - - - -

Meadow pipit 1 39↑ 1 83↑ 1 28↑ - - 1 3 - - - - - - 1 19↑ - - - - - - 1 35 - - - - - - 1 55 - - - - - - 1 48 - - - - - - 1 55 - - - - - - 1 48 - - - - - - 1 48↑ - - - - - - 7 48 - - - - - -

* From a pond in this field † From a reen on the boundary of this field × Perched on pylon ↑ In flight only ▲ Predated nest



Appendix 6 - Results from Vantage Point Surveys undertaken for Lapwing during the Breeding Season (March- September)

Vantage Point Location

Date Flock Size Behaviour notes

Lapwing 1 07/03/2018 1 Flying NW over fields 45 to 100 1 07/03/2018 1 Flying NW over fields 39 to 96 1 07/03/2018 16 Flying NW over fields 114 to 101 then back S to field 39 1 07/03/2018 7 Flying S over fields 110 to 118 1 07/03/2018 17 Flying SE over fields 113 to 118 1 07/03/2018 60 Flying SW over fields 101 to 15 then back NW to field 88 1 05/03/2019 1 Flying NE over fields 28 to 34 1 05/03/2019 2 Mobbed crow and landed in field 25 1 05/03/2019 1 Flew SE from field 25 and landed again in field 24 1 05/03/2019 1 Flying N over field 30 to 91 1 15/03/2019 10 Flying NE over field 25 and landed in field 27 1 22/03/2019 2 Flying NE over field 3 to 25 1 23/04/2019 1 Flying NE over field 23 and landing in field 29 2 07/03/2018 2 Flying NE over field 127 to 86 2 26/04/2018 1 Flying SW over field 26 to 128 2 02/07/2018 5 Flying E over field 59 to 16 2 15/03/2019 4 Took off from field 3 flew W and landed in field 5 2 05/07/2019 2 Flying NW over field 129 to 57


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Wentlooge Renewable Energy Hub, Peterstone, Gwent levels … · 2020-07-16 · Green Ecology is a trading name for GE Consulting Services (UK) Ltd registered number 08435536 Registered