West Yorkshire Police Estates Bishopgarth Complex, Westfield€¦ · 1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1. This report provides information from the Phase 1 Habitat Survey (including assessment

JULY 2014

West Yorkshire Police Estates

Bishopgarth Complex, Westfield Phase 1 Habitat Survey Report

RSK/MA/P660469-04-01

Bishopgarth Complex, Wakefield i Phase 1 Habitat Survey Report

RSK/MA/P660469-04-01

RSK GENERAL NOTES

Project No.: 660469

Title: Phase 1 Habitat Survey Report – Bishopgarth Complex, Wakefield

Client: West Yorkshire Police Estates Date: July 2014 Office: Helsby Status: Final

Author Will Holden Technical reviewer Sarah Harmer

Signature Signature

Date: 02/07/2014 Date: 04/07/14

RSK Environment (RSK) has prepared this report for the sole use of the client, showing reasonable skill and care, for the intended purposes as stated in the agreement under which this work was completed. The report may not be relied upon by any other party without the express agreement of the client and RSK. No other warranty, expressed or implied, is made as to the professional advice included in this report.

Where any data supplied by the client or from other sources have been used, it has been assumed that the information is correct. No responsibility can be accepted by RSK for inaccuracies in the data supplied by any other party. The conclusions and recommendations in this report are based on the assumption that all relevant information has been supplied by those bodies from whom it was requested.

No part of this report may be copied or duplicated without the express permission of RSK and the party for whom it was prepared.

Where field investigations have been carried out, these have been restricted to a level of detail required to achieve the stated objectives of the work.

This work has been undertaken in accordance with the quality management system of RSK Environment.

Bishopgarth Complex, Wakefield 1

Phase 1 Habitat Survey Report

RSK/MA/P660469-04-01

CONTENTS

1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY .................................................................................................................. 3

2 INTRODUCTION .............................................................................................................................. 4

2.1 Purpose of the Report .............................................................................................................. 4

2.2 Ecological Context .................................................................................................................... 4

2.3 Structure of this Report ............................................................................................................ 4

3 METHODS ........................................................................................................................................ 5

3.1 General ..................................................................................................................................... 5

3.1.1 Summary ...................................................................................................................... 5

3.2 Background Data Search ......................................................................................................... 5

3.3 Phase 1 Habitat Survey ............................................................................................................ 5

3.4 Invasive Plant Species ............................................................................................................. 6

3.5 Habitat Assessment for Protected Species .............................................................................. 6

3.5.1 Badger .......................................................................................................................... 6

3.5.2 Bats .............................................................................................................................. 7

3.5.3 Nesting Birds ................................................................................................................ 7

3.6 Survey Constraints ................................................................................................................... 7

4 RESULTS ......................................................................................................................................... 8

4.1 Background Data Search ......................................................................................................... 8

4.1.1 Designated Sites .......................................................................................................... 8

4.1.2 Noteworthy Species Records ....................................................................................... 8

4.2 Phase 1 Habitat Survey ............................................................................................................ 8

4.2.1 Overview ....................................................................................................................... 8

4.2.2 Amenity Grassland ....................................................................................................... 8

4.2.3 Rough Grassland.......................................................................................................... 9

4.2.4 Short Perennial Vegetation .......................................................................................... 9

4.2.5 Scrub ............................................................................................................................ 9

4.2.6 Hedgerows ................................................................................................................... 9

4.2.7 Woodland and Trees .................................................................................................... 9

4.2.8 Ornamental Planting ................................................................................................... 10

4.3 Protected Species .................................................................................................................. 10

4.3.1 Badger ........................................................................................................................ 10

4.3.2 Bats ............................................................................................................................ 10

4.3.3 Nesting Birds .............................................................................................................. 10

5 EVALUATION ........................................ ........................................................................................ 11

5.1 Designated Sites .................................................................................................................... 11

5.2 Habitats and Plants ................................................................................................................ 11

5.3 Protected Species .................................................................................................................. 11

5.3.1 Badger ........................................................................................................................ 11

5.3.2 Bats ............................................................................................................................ 11

5.3.3 Nesting Birds .............................................................................................................. 11

6 FIGURES ........................................................................................................................................ 12

7 REFERENCES ............................................................................................................................... 13



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APPENDIX 1 – BOTANICAL TARGET NOTES ............... ................................................................... 14

APPENDIX 2 LEGISLATION............................ ................................................................................... 17

Badgers .......................................................................................................................................... 17

Bats ................................................................................................................................................ 17

Birds ................................................................................................................................................ 18

Birds general protection .......................................................................................................... 18

Birds (specially protected species) ......................................................................................... 18



RSK/MA/P660469-04-01

1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

1. This report provides information from the Phase 1 Habitat Survey (including assessment of habitat for protected species) carried out at Bishopgarth Complex, Wakefield on the 26th June 2014, by RSK Environment. The survey was undertaken to provide a baseline for the redevelopment of the police training school site for a residential-led development.

2. The site is a police training centre comprising several buildings, access roads and car park hard standing. There are areas of lawn and amenity grassland around the site as well as ornamental planting, boundary hedgerows, lines of trees and small strips of woodland. The site is bordered to the north by a sports field, to the east by College Grove Road, to the south by Westfield Road and to the west by residential properties along Blenheim Road.

3. Taking into consideration the geographical region and the habitat types, protected species that could be encountered are:

• Badger;

• bats (several species); and

• nesting birds.

4. The areas of habitat that are suitable for Badgers are limited in size. No evidence of Badgers was recorded on the site. The survey was sufficient to show that Badgers are not present on the site and so no further surveys are required.

5. Upon inspection, none of the trees are suitable for roosting bats. However, some of the buildings are suitable. Details on which buildings are suitable and further requirement for bat activity surveys is provided in a separate bat report (Bat Initial Inspection Survey Report, RSK, 2014).

6. Removal of vegetation that might be used by nesting birds should only be carried out outside the nesting season (March to August inclusive). If this is not possible, then the vegetation should be checked for nests by an ecologist immediately prior to removal. If nests are found, they must be left undisturbed until the young have fledged.

7. Prior to demolition, buildings should be checked to determine whether they contain any nesting birds (including Pigeon). If nests are found, they must be left undisturbed until the young have fledged.



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2 INTRODUCTION

2.1 Purpose of the Report

This report presents the results of ecological surveys carried out in connection with proposed demolition and redevelopment of the police training facilities at the Bishopgarth Complex, Wakefield (Ordnance Survey Grid Reference SE 33071 21753). Surveys comprised a Phase 1 Habitat Survey including assessment of habitat for protected species.

The survey area (termed ‘the site’ throughout this report) includes all areas within the red line boundary (see Figure 1) and within a 30 m buffer of the red line boundary.

2.2 Ecological Context

The site is a former police training centre comprising several buildings, access roads and car park hard standing. There are areas of lawn and amenity grassland around the site as well as ornamental planting, boundary hedgerows, lines of trees and small strips of woodland. The site is bordered to the north by a sports field, to the east by College Grove Road, to the south by Westfield Road and to the west by residential properties along Blenheim Road.

The surrounding landscape is urban, with a mixture of residential and small commercial properties as well as schools and sports facilities.

2.3 Structure of this Report

The remainder of this report is structured as follows:

• Section 3 details the survey methods;

• Section 4 details the results;

• Section 5 gives an evaluation of the results;

• Section 6 gives the figures; and

• Section 7 gives references.

The appendices provide the Botanical Target Notes and Legislation.



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3 METHODS

3.1 General

3.1.1 Summary

The survey was carried out by Will Holden who is a full member of CIEEM (Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management), and experienced in botanical surveys and surveying for protected species (Badger, bats, birds, Great Crested Newt, Otter and Water Vole). The survey was carried out on the 26th June 2014 in suitable weather conditions.

3.2 Background Data Search

Background sources were consulted for records of statutory and non-statutory designated sites and protected and notable species and habitats within 2 km of the site boundary. Species included in the search parameters are:

• European protected species (listed on Schedules 2 and 4 of The Conservation of Habitats and Species (Amendment) Regulations 2012);

• nationally protected species under Schedules 1, 5 and 8 of The Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 and The Protection of Badgers Act 1992;

• species listed as Critically Endangered, Endangered or Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List

• all species listed on the RSPB Birds of Conservation Concern 2002-2007 as Red or Amber;

• Nationally Rare or Nationally Scarce species;

• notable invertebrates; and

• species that have Action Plans under the UK Biodiversity Action Plan (UKBAP) or are Priority Species under the Local Biodiversity Action Plan.

The sources consulted were:

• Ecology – West Yorkshire Joint Services;

• West Yorkshire Bat Group; and

• Multi-Agency Geographic Information for the Countryside (MAGiC).

3.3 Phase 1 Habitat Survey

The botanical surveys in this report centred on the Phase 1 Habitat Survey approach (Joint Nature Conservation Committee, 2010) as extended for use in Environmental



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Impact Assessment (Institute of Environmental Assessment, 1995). This involves the following elements.

• Habitat mapping using a set of standard colour codes to indicate habitat types on a Phase 1 Habitat Map; and

• Description of features of ecological or nature conservation interest in notes relating to numbered locations on the Phase 1 Habitat Map, called target notes.

Basic Phase 1 Habitat Survey methods are described in detail in Joint Nature Conservation Committee (2010). Limits to the achievable reliability of the method are discussed in Cherrill & McClean (1999). There are no firm guidelines to specify what extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey involves, but the Institute of Environmental Assessment (1995) suggests that it simply involves more extensive and detailed target notes.

Plant nomenclature in this report follows Stace (2010) for vascular plants. Plant names in text are given with scientific names first, followed by the English name in brackets. In a few cases, e.g. where flowers or fruits were absent, plants were identified to genus level only.

3.4 Invasive Plant Species

The survey involved searching for invasive plant species listed on Schedule 9 of The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended). Special attention was paid to field boundaries, watercourses, ponds and areas of tall-herb vegetation, because these are the areas most likely to support such species.

3.5 Habitat Assessment for Protected Species

The habitat was assessed for protected species, and any signs would have been recorded had they been encountered. The following protected species were considered:

• Badger;

• bats (several species); and

• nesting birds.

There are no ponds within 500 m of the site, therefore the site is not considered suitable for Great Crested Newts. There are no habitats present which are suitable for Otter or Water Vole. Due to the limited extent of suitable habitat and the isolation of the site, reptiles are almost certainly absent.

3.5.1 Badger

The site and all suitable areas within 30 m were surveyed for signs of Badger (Meles meles) activity including setts, foraging signs, paths (runs) and latrines. The entire survey area was assessed to identify areas that might be used by Badgers for sett building or foraging, and searched for signs of Badger including setts, foraging signs, paths (runs) and latrines were noted.



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3.5.2 Bats

Trees and buildings were assessed for their suitability to support roosting bats.

Habitats were assessed for their suitability for use by foraging and commuting bats. Although foraging requirements differ between bat species, good foraging habitat is generally sheltered with good numbers of insects, e.g. woodland, scrub, hedges, watercourses, ponds, lakes and some types of grassland. For commuting, well-connected hedgerows, woodland edges, watercourses and other linear features are generally favoured.

3.5.3 Nesting Birds

The site was assessed for its suitability for nesting or over-wintering birds, giving consideration to habitat factors such as cover, food availability and disturbance (among others). Birds nest in a wide variety of habitats including scrub woodland, hedges and trees, as well as on open ground.

3.6 Survey Constraints

These data are relevant for a maximum of 12 months. If more than one year elapses prior to commencement of the development it may be advisable to conduct a further ecology survey to ensure up-to-date information.



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4 RESULTS

4.1 Background Data Search

4.1.1 Designated Sites

There is one statutory designated site within 2 m of the site; Alverthorpe and Wrenthorpe Meadows Local Nature Reserve (LNR) lies 1 km west of the site. This is designated as a good example of urban hay meadows. It includes seven managed hay meadows plus two fields of scrub and an area with a large balancing pond and associated marshlands. There is a good community of meadow grasses and flowers and associated invertebrates.

There are two non-statutory designated sites within 2 km of the site. The closest of these is Alverthorpe Meadows Wakefield Nature Area, approximately 1.2 km west of the site.

4.1.2 Noteworthy Species Records

There are no records of protected species on the site.

There are records of Water Vole, Common Pipistrelle Bat, Soprano Pipistrelle Bat, Noctule Bat and Grass Snake within 2 km of the site.

4.2 Phase 1 Habitat Survey

4.2.1 Overview

A Phase 1 Habitat Map is provided as Figure 1, which shows the locations of Botanical Target Notes referred to in the text below. The site is predominantly buildings and hard standing. There are areas of amenity grassland and lawn, rough grassland, short perennial vegetation, scrub, hedgerows, woodland and ornamental planting.

No invasive plant species were recorded on the site.

4.2.2 Amenity Grassland

There are patches of lawn and amenity grassland around the boundary of the site and in patches across the site. The grassland has a short, open sward (approximately 5 cm long) and is regularly mown. This is dominated by Holcus lanatus (Yorkshire-fog) and Lolium perenne (Perennial Rye-grass). Broad-leaved herbs include Bellis perennis (Daisy), Plantago major (Greater Plantain), Prunella vulgaris (Selfheal) and Taraxacum sect. Ruderalia (Common Dandelion).



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4.2.3 Rough Grassland

The boundary of the site includes narrow strips of rough grassland bordering car parks, areas of scrub and lines of trees. These areas (Target Notes 3, 9 and 10) are dominated by the grasses Arrhenatherum elatius (False Oat-grass) and Dactylis glomerata (Cock’s-foot) with scattered Agrostis capillaris (Common Bent), Festuca rubra (Red Fescue) and Holcus lanatus (Yorkshire-fog). Broad-leaved herbs and ruderal species present include Anthriscus sylvestris (Cow Parsley), Cirsium arvense (Creeping Thistle), Epilobium hirsutum (Great Willowherb), Galium aparine (Cleavers), Geum urbanum (Wood Avens), Pentaglottis sempervirens (Green Alkanet), Plantago lanceolata (Ribwort Plantain), Rubus fruticosus agg. (Bramble), Rumex obtusifolius (Broad-leaved Dock) and Urtica dioica (Common Nettle).

4.2.4 Short Perennial Vegetation

Adjacent to the car park at the eastern end of the site is a patch of short perennial vegetation, colonising a patch of gravel (Target Note 7). This area is dominated by Epilobium hirsutum (Great Willowherb) and Galium aparine (Cleavers) with scattered Geum urbanum (Wood Avens), Plantago lanceolata (Ribwort Plantain), Polygonum aviculare (Knotgrass), Rubus fruticosus agg. (Bramble) and Sonchus oleraceus (Smooth Sow-thistle).

4.2.5 Scrub

There are patches of scrub along the boundary of the site at Target Notes 8, 10 and 12. These include scattered patches of ruderal vegetation and are predominantly at the base of lines of trees and boundary hedgerows. The scrub includes predominantly Rubus fruticosus agg. (Bramble) and Urtica dioica, with patches of Calystegia sepium (Hedge Bindweed) and Epilobium hirsutum (Great Willowherb).

4.2.6 Hedgerows

The boundary of the site includes hedgerows between the site and neighbouring gardens at Target Notes 4 and 10. There are also ornamental hedgerows across the site, at Target Notes 6, 11, 15, 17 and 18.

The hedgerows are species poor and generally consist of one of two species. These include Acer pseudoplatanus (Sycamore), Crataegus monogyna (Hawthorn), ×Cupressocyparis leylandii (Leyland Cypress), Fagus sylvatica (Beech), Ilex aquifolium (Holly), Ligustrum ovalifolium (Garden Privet) and Lonicera periclymenum (Honeysuckle).

4.2.7 Woodland and Trees

There are many semi-mature and mature trees (Target Notes 2, 3 and 8) which include Acer platanoides (Norway Maple), Acer pseudoplatanus (Sycamore), Aesculus hippocastanum (Horse-chestnut), Alnus glutinosa (Alder), Betula pendula (Silver Birch), Crataegus monogyna (Hawthorn), Fraxinus excelsior (Ash), Ilex aquifolium (Holly), Laburnum anagyroides (Laburnum), Malus sylvestris (Crab Apple), Prunus avium (Wild Cherry), Sambucus nigra (Elder), Sorbus aria (Common Whitebeam), Sorbus aucuparia



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(Rowan), Taxus baccata (Yew), Tilia ×europaea (Lime) and Ulmus procera (English Elm).

The trees are scattered throughout the site, within areas of amenity grassland and scrub. They also form a denser patch of woodland along the western boundary of the site.

These have been checked for bats and none have been deemed suitable for roosting.

4.2.8 Ornamental Planting

There are a variety of ornamental plants in planted borders and as single bushes in amenity grassland (Target Notes 5, 9, 13 and 14). Species present include Cotoneaster sp. (Cotoneaster species), Forsythia sp. (Forsythia species), Hebe sp. (Veronica species), Ilex aquifolium (Holly), Ligustrum ovalifolium (Garden Privet), Rosa sp. (Rose species), Skimmia sp. (Skimmia species) and Taxus baccata (Yew).

Ornamental trees and shrubs (Target Note 9, 14, 16) include ×Cupressocyparis leylandii (Leyland Cypress), Acer platanoides (Norway Maple), Prunus laurocerasus (Cherry Laurel), Prunus sp. (Cherry species), Sorbus aria (Common Whitebeam) and Syringa vulgaris (Lilac).

Ornamental hedges comprise Crataegus monogyna (Hawthorn), approximately 1.5 m x 1 m (Target Note 17) and Fagus sylvatica (Beech) and Hebe sp. (Veronica species) (Target Notes 15 and 18).

4.3 Protected Species

4.3.1 Badger

The amenity grassland is suitable for foraging Badger (Meles meles). There is no evidence of Badgers and no Badger setts were found. The survey is sufficient to show that Badgers are currently absent from the site.

4.3.2 Bats

The buildings are suitable for roosting bats and further surveys will be required. Details of the suitability of each building is given in a separate report (Bat Initial Inspection Survey Report, RSK, 2014).

4.3.3 Nesting Birds

The scrub and trees are suitable habitat for nesting birds. The buildings have evidence of use by Pigeons, including old nests and droppings.



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5 EVALUATION

5.1 Designated Sites

The designated sites are all of a sufficient distance from the site that they will not be impacted by the development.

5.2 Habitats and Plants

The habitats on the site are common and ubiquitous throughout the British lowlands. The hedgerows do not qualify as ‘important’ under the botanical criteria of The Hedgerow Regulations 1997, as garden hedges such as those on the boundaries are excluded from the regulations and the remainder are too species-poor. No further botanical surveys are required as the current level of survey was adequate to fully assess the value of the habitats encountered.

No Invasive plant species were recorded.

5.3 Protected Species

5.3.1 Badger

The areas of habitat that are suitable for Badgers are limited in size. No evidence of Badgers was recorded on the site. The survey was sufficient to show that Badgers are not present on the site and so no further surveys are required.

5.3.2 Bats

The trees are not suitable for roosting bats and no further surveys are required

Some of the buildings are suitable for roosting bats. Details are given in a separate report (Bat Initial Inspection Survey Report, RSK, 2014).

5.3.3 Nesting Birds

Removal of vegetation that might be used by nesting birds should only be carried out outside the nesting season (March to August inclusive). If this is not possible, then the vegetation should be checked for nests by an ecologist immediately prior to removal. If nests are found, they must be left undisturbed until the young have fledged.

Prior to demolition, buildings should be checked to determine whether any nesting birds (including Pigeon) are present. If nests are found, they must be left undisturbed until the young have fledged.



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6 FIGURES

Figure 1: Location and Phase 1 Habitat Survey Map



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7 REFERENCES

Cherrill, A. & McClean, C. (1999). Between-observer variation in the application of a standard method of habitat mapping by environmental consultants in the UK. Journal of Applied Ecology, 36, 989-1000.

HMSO The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (Variation of Schedule 9) (England and Wales) Order 2010.

Institute of Environmental Assessment (1995). Guidelines for Baseline Ecological Assessment. Spon, London.

Joint Nature Conservation Committee (2010). Handbook for Phase 1 Habitat Survey - a Technique for Environmental Audit (revised reprint). Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough.

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



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APPENDIX 1 – BOTANICAL TARGET NOTES

The following botanical Target Notes relate to locations given in Figure 1.

Target Note 1 – Amenity grassland with short (5 cm) open sward dominated by Holcus lanatus (Yorkshire-fog) and Lolium perenne (Perennial Rye-grass). Broad-leaved herbs include Bellis perennis (Daisy), Plantago major (Greater Plantain), Prunella vulgaris (Selfheal), Ranunculus bulbosus (Bulbous Buttercup), Senecio jacobaea (Common Ragwort), Stellaria media (Common Chickweed), Taraxacum sect. Ruderalia (Common Dandelion) and Trifolium repens (White Clover).

Target Note 2 – Semi-mature trees and ornamental shrubs along the boundary of the site. The filed layer is composed of amenity grassland. Trees and shrubs present include Acer pseudoplatanus (Sycamore), Crataegus monogyna (Hawthorn), Hedera helix (Ivy), Ilex aquifolium (Holly), Ligustrum ovalifolium (Garden Privet) and Taxus baccata (Yew).

Target Note 3 – Fence line with ornamental shrubs and semi-mature trees. The field layer is composed of rough grassland. Trees and shrubs present include Acer pseudoplatanus (Sycamore), Fraxinus excelsior (Ash), Ilex aquifolium (Holly), Ligustrum ovalifolium (Garden Privet) and Sambucus nigra (Elder). The rough grassland field layer is dominated by Agrostis capillaris (Common Bent) with broad-leaved herbs and ruderal species including Anthriscus sylvestris (Cow Parsley), Epilobium hirsutum (Great Willowherb), Galium aparine (Cleavers), Geum urbanum (Wood Avens), Pentaglottis sempervirens (Green Alkanet), Plantago lanceolata (Ribwort Plantain), Plantago major (Greater Plantain), Rubus fruticosus agg. (Bramble), Rumex obtusifolius (Broad-leaved Dock), Solanum dulcamara (Bittersweet), Stachys sylvatica (Hedge Woundwort) and Urtica dioica (Common Nettle).

Target Note 4 – Dense hedgerow bordering gardens. The hedgerow is approximately 2 m x 2 m and dominated by ×Cupressocyparis leylandii (Leyland Cypress) with scattered Ilex aquifolium (Holly) and Lonicera periclymenum (Honeysuckle). The field layer is composed of amenity grassland.

Target Note 5 – Ornamental planting and shrubs along a boundary fence between a building and the car park. The planting includes Cotoneaster sp. (Cotoneaster species) and Rosa sp. (Rose species), with Epilobium hirsutum (Great Willowherb) and Geum urbanum (Wood Avens).

Target Note 6 – Dense hedgerow dominated by Ligustrum ovalifolium (Garden Privet), approximately 4 m high and 2 m wide. There are scattered Acer pseudoplatanus (Sycamore) saplings. The field layer is predominantly amenity grassland with some small patches of ruderal species including Urtica dioica (Common Nettle).



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Target Note 7 – Patch of short perennial vegetation colonising an area of gravel and the edge of the car park. The vegetation is dominated by Epilobium hirsutum (Great Willowherb) and Galium aparine (Cleavers) with scattered Geum urbanum (Wood Avens), Hieracium sp (Hawkweed species), Plantago lanceolata (Ribwort Plantain), Polygonum aviculare (Knotgrass), Rubus fruticosus agg. (Bramble) and Sonchus oleraceus (Smooth Sow-thistle).

Target Note 8 – Line of mature and semi-mature trees along the boundary of the site. Trees and shrubs present include Acer platanoides (Norway Maple), Acer pseudoplatanus (Sycamore), Fraxinus excelsior (Ash), Ilex aquifolium (Holly) and Sorbus aria (Common Whitebeam). The field layer is a mixture of dense scrub and rough grassland and includes Chamerion angustifolium (Rosebay Willowherb), Elytrigia repens (Common Couch), Hedera helix (Ivy), Hypericum sp (St John’s-wort species), Ligustrum ovalifolium (Garden Privet) and Rubus fruticosus agg. (Bramble).

Target Note 9 – A strip of rough grassland with a long, dense sward (approximately 30cm). The grassland is dominated by Arrhenatherum elatius (False Oat-grass) and Dactylis glomerata (Cock’s-foot). Broad-leaved herbs and ruderal species include Senecio jacobaea (Common Ragwort), Hedera helix (Ivy), Galium aparine (Cleavers) and Plantago lanceolata (Ribwort Plantain). The fence boundary alongside this strip of grassland has several ornamental trees. This includes ×Cupressocyparis leylandii (Leyland Cypress), Acer platanoides (Norway Maple), Acer pseudoplatanus (Sycamore), Cotoneaster sp. (Cotoneaster species), Prunus sp. (Cherry species), Rosa sp. (Rose species), Sorbus aria (Common Whitebeam) and Syringa vulgaris (Lilac).

Target Note 10 – Wider strip of rough grassland and dense scrub along the boundary of the site. The vegetation is approximately 50 cm high and comprises Arrhenatherum elatius (False Oat-grass), Calystegia sepium (Hedge Bindweed), Cirsium arvense (Creeping Thistle), Dactylis glomerata (Cock’s-foot), Epilobium hirsutum (Great Willowherb), Festuca rubra (Red Fescue), Galium aparine (Cleavers), Plantago lanceolata (Ribwort Plantain), Rubus fruticosus agg. (Bramble), Senecio jacobaea (Common Ragwort), Tussilago farfara (Colt’s-foot) and Urtica dioica (Common Nettle). There are also several Acer pseudoplatanus (Sycamore) and Sorbus aucuparia (Rowan) trees present. The strip of vegetation is bordered by a dense Crataegus monogyna hedgerow boundary approximately 2 m high and 1 m wide.

Target Note 11 – Dense, ornamental hedge formed by a line of ×Cupressocyparis leylandii (Leyland Cypress) trees. The hedgerow is approximately 8 m high and 2 m wide. The field layer is composed of amenity grassland.

Target Note 12 – Line of semi-mature trees with ruderal and scrub vegetation at the base. The dense scrub continues along the western boundary of the site. Trees present include Acer pseudoplatanus (Sycamore), Betula pendula (Silver Birch), Prunus sp (Cherry species) and Tilia ×europaea (Lime). Species within the scrub and ruderal



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vegetation include Arrhenatherum elatius (False Oat-grass), Calystegia sepium (Hedge Bindweed), Galium aparine (Cleavers), Geum urbanum (Wood Avens), Holcus lanatus (Yorkshire-fog), Rubus fruticosus agg. (Bramble), Rumex obtusifolius (Broad-leaved Dock) and Urtica dioica (Common Nettle).

Target Note 13 – Ornamental shrub planting within formal beds, around the buildings. Species present include a mixture of Cotoneaster sp. (Cotoneaster species), Forsythia sp. (Forsythia species), Ilex aquifolium (Holly), Ligustrum ovalifolium (Garden Privet), Prunus laurocerasus (Cherry Laurel), Sambucus nigra (Elder) and Skimmia sp. (Skimmia species).

Target Note 14 – Continuation of a hedgerow, formed by a dense bush of Hebe sp. (Veronica species).

Target Note 15 – Low, dense Fagus sylvatica (Beech) hedge, approximately 1.5 m x 1 m. The ground below the hedge is entirely bare.

Target Note 16 – Ornamental tree planting and woodland composed of native and non-native species. This includes Acer pseudoplatanus (Sycamore), Aesculus hippocastanum (Horse-chestnut), Cotoneaster sp. (Cotoneaster species), Ilex aquifolium (Holly), Prunus sp. (Cherry species), Sambucus nigra (Elder), Taxus baccata (Yew) and Ulmus procera (English Elm). The field layer includes Galium aparine (Cleavers) and Urtica dioica (Common Nettle).

Target Note 17 – Low, dense hedgerow bordering a building and road. The hedge is composed entirely of Crataegus monogyna (Hawthorn), cut to approximately 1.5 m x 1 m. The ground under the hedge is bare.

Target Note 18 – Ornamental hedge of Fagus sylvatica (Beech) and Hebe sp. (Veronica species) bushes. Cut to approximately 1.5 m x 1 m. The ground under the hedge is bare.



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APPENDIX 2 LEGISLATION

Badgers

Meles meles (Badger) is protected in Britain under the Protection of Badgers Act 1992 and Schedule 6 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended).

The legislation affords protection to Badgers and Badger setts, and makes it a criminal offence to:

• Wilfully kill, injure, take, possess or cruelly ill-treat a Badger, or to attempt to do so;

• interfere with a sett by damaging or destroying it;

• to obstruct access to, or any entrance of, a Badger sett; or

• to disturb a Badger when it is occupying a sett.

Bats

All species of British bat are protected by The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) extended by the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000. This legislation makes it an offence to:

• intentionally kill, injure or take a bat;

• possess or control a bat;

• intentionally or recklessly damage, destroy or obstruct access to a bat roost; and

• intentionally or recklessly disturb a bat whilst is occupies a bat roost.

Bats are also European Protected Species listed on The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010. This legislation makes it an offence to:

• deliberately capture, injure or kill a bat;

• deliberately disturb bats, including in particular any disturbance which is likely (a) to impair their ability - (i) to survive, to breed or reproduce, or to rear or nurture their young; or (ii) hibernate or migrate, where relevant; or (b) to affect significantly the local distribution or abundance of the species to which they belong.

• damage or destroy a breeding site or resting place of a bat; and

• possess, control, transport, sell, exchange a bat, or offer a bat for sale or exchange.

All bat roosting sites receive legal protection even when bats are not present.



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Birds

Birds general protection

All species of bird are protected under Section 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended). The protection was extended by the CRoW Act.

The legislation makes it an offence to intentionally:

• kill, injure or take any wild bird;

• take, damage or destroy the nest of any wild bird while that nest is in use or being built; or

• take or destroy an egg of any wild bird.

Birds (specially protected species)

Certain species of bird are listed on Schedule 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) and receive protection under Sections 1(4) and 1(5) of the Act. The protection was extended by the CRoW Act. The legislation confers special penalties where the above mentioned offences are committed for any such bird and also make it an offence to intentionally or recklessly:

• disturb any such bird, whilst building its nest or it is in or near a nest containing dependant young; or

• disturb the dependant young of such a bird.

Documents

West Yorkshire Police Estates Bishopgarth Complex, Westfield€¦ · 1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1. This report provides information from the Phase 1 Habitat Survey (including assessment