EXTENDED PHASE ONE HABITAT SURVEY. Mid Wales Golf Centre Caersws Powys. Grid reference: SO

Transcription

1 Arbor Vitae Environment 1 EXTENDED PHASE ONE HABITAT SURVEY Mid Wales Golf Centre Caersws Powys Grid reference: SO

2 Arbor Vitae Environment 2 CONTENTS Executive summary 3 1 Introduction 1.1 Background Details of proposed works Scope of survey 4 2 Site Description 2.1 Location and landscape 5 3 Survey Methodology 3.1 Desk study Field survey Personnel Constraints 6 4 Survey Results 4.1 Desk study Habitats on site Protected species 8 5 Evaluation of results and potential ecological impact 5.1 Habitats Protected species 10 6 Mitigation and enhancement 6.1 Habitat mitigation Protected species mitigation Ecological enhancement 12 7 Conclusion 14 Figure 1 Location 15 Figure 2 Site layout 16 Figure 3 Aerial photograph 17 Appendix 1 Photographs 18 Appendix 2 Habitat suitability indices 21

3 Arbor Vitae Environment 3 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Planning permission is being sought to construct holiday lodges on land at the former Caersws Golf Centre. In order to evaluate the potential ecological impact of this development, Arbor Vitae were invited to carry out an Extended Phase One Habitat Survey. This included an assessment of the value or potential of the site to support protected species. The site was surveyed on the 15 October A desk study was carried out to ascertain existing nature conservation designations and known records for protected species within the vicinity. Three SSSIs lie within 2.5 kilometres of the site. However, no sites of ecological interest will be affected by the proposals. The land affected by the proposal largely comprises semi-improved grassland of minimal ecological value. The site is bounded on three sides by hedgerows with mature trees and it is also intersected by a hedgerow. Three small ponds, constructed as part of the gold course creation, lie within the site. No habitats other than semi-improved grassland and a small area of bramble scrub will be directly affected. An assessment was carried out for badgers, bats, breeding birds, and great crested newts (GCN). There is no evidence of badgers using the site. Breeding birds utilise the adjacent hedgerows for nesting. Mature trees around the edge of the site and within the site have some potential to provide roosting sites for bats. Bats could be affected by external lighting during and post construction. The three ponds were shown by edna analysis to support GCN. The installation of chalets or lodges will put individual GCN at risk and also take up potential terrestrial habitat. The site includes areas which have been identified in a GCN mitigation plan for adjacent land as GCN conservation areas. A new and comprehensive GCN mitigation scheme will need to be designed to encompass GCN issues on both this site and the adjacent development site. This will inevitably involve the application for a protected species mitigation licence from NRW. Mitigation for habitat loss, and additional biodiversity enhancement, includes creation of a pond, planting of new native hedgerows and the planting of additional native trees. Mitigation for protected species includes adoption of an appropriate external lighting plan which will not have an impact on bats, and the erection of bird nesting boxes and bat roosting boxes. A management plan will be produced to ensure retention, maintenance and improvement of habitat for GCN.

4 Arbor Vitae Environment 4 1 INTRODUCTION 1.1 BACKGROUND Arbor Vitae were commissioned to carry out a Phase One Habitat Survey, including a Protected Species survey, of land at Caersws. This land will be the subject of a planning application for the construction of holiday lodges. 1.2 DETAILS OF PROPOSED WORKS The proposed work will involve the construction of lodges on land formerly used as part of a golf course. The development will require the installation of an access track and appropriate services. The total land take-up will be approximately 6.5 hectares. 1.3 SCOPE OF SURVEY This report sets out to establish the base-line ecological condition of the site and to identify and evaluate any potential impacts which the scheme may have, taking account of any mitigation and enhancement to the ecology which the scheme can offer. Construction of the buildings inevitably involves a change of land use and therefore has the potential to remove existing habitat and to physically disturb protected species, if present. The nature of surrounding habitat indicated that the following species could theoretically be affected by physical disturbance of habitats. Protected species potentially affected: Badgers Bats Breeding birds Great crested newts

5 Arbor Vitae Environment 5 2 SITE DESCRIPTION 2.1 LOCATION AND LANDSCAPE The proposed construction site will occupy land which was formerly the Caersws Golf Course. This land lies on a hillside 1.6 kms to the south east of Caersws village at an altitude of 180 metres AOD. The site will occupy gently sloping land which appears to have once been divided into three small fields prior to conversion to a golf course. Establishment of this small course involved some site levelling to construct tees and greens. Small amounts of landscaping were carried out in the form of new single trees or occasional groups of trees. Three new ponds were constructed. The surrounding area as a whole is typical of an upland stock farm landscape. Fields are mainly in grass and are generally small in scale with wide, often tall, hedges separating them. Small patches of broad-leaved woodland are frequent, as also are patches of scrub and lines of trees along streams. The landscape character of the surrounding area is demonstrated by the aerial photograph in Figure 3. 3 SURVEY METHODOLOGY 3.1 DESK STUDY A number of data sets were investigated to ascertain the presence or otherwise of nearby land designations, scheduled sites or protected species. Sources which were used included MAGIC and Aderyn. 3.2 FIELD SURVEY A visit was made to the site on the 15 th October 2018 to survey the property. The site was surveyed to identify specific habitats and potential opportunities for protected species. Adjacent land was inspected for evidence of key habitats or key species. An assessment of the available habitats both on and adjacent to the site led to consideration of the potential of the site for the following protected species:

6 Arbor Vitae Environment 6 Badger Bats Breeding birds Great crested newts The survey methodology was tailored to evaluate the area for these species. Badger An area within 50 metres of the site was closely searched for the following signs of badger activity: setts, tracks and footprints, latrines, snuffle holes. Bats Any nearby habitat such as old trees containing cracks and crevices were inspected for any signs of use, from the ground. These would be categorised according to the Good Practice Guidelines, set out by the Bat Conservation Trust, 2 nd Edition. Breeding birds The habitat was assessed in terms of suitability for breeding birds, including any nearby hedgerows or trees. Great crested newts A map and ground search was made for any areas of open water within 500 metres. These were assessed in 2016 (as par of a study of adjacent land) for their suitability as breeding sites for GCN using the Habitat Suitability Index. edna analysis was carried out in 2017 which demonstrated that GCN were present in these ponds. 3.3 PERSONNEL The survey was carried out by Will Prestwood BSc Hons: an experienced ecologist and surveyor at Arbor Vitae Environment and Phillipa Stirling MSc, assistant ecologist. 3.4 CONSTRAINTS There were no constraints to the survey being carried out successfully although a breeding bird survey was not possible due to the time of the year in which the survey took place.

7 Arbor Vitae Environment 7 4 SURVEY RESULTS 4.1 DESK STUDY Nature conservation or other designations The nearest scheduled sites of ecological importance are: Caeau Cwm-ffrwd (SSSI) 2.5 kms Penstrowed Quarry (SSSI) 2.5 kms Gweunydd Penstrowed (SSSI) 2.5 kms No statutory or non-statutory designations within the area would be directly affected by this development. Protected species A study of adjacent land by Arbor Vitae in 2016 confirmed by edna analysis that the three ponds within this site supported great crested newts. 4.2 HABITATS ON SITE Semi-improved grassland The land in question occupies a former golf course. Grassland occupies the majority of the site, with the sward being semi-improved. The grassland was derived from earlier pasture land and for many years was maintained by mowing. In recent years, the area has been grazed by sheep. The sward is variable but much is dominated by crested dog s tail with Yorkshire fog (Holcus lanatus), sweet vernal grass (Anthoxanthum odoratum) creeping bent (Agrostis stolonifera) and perennial rye grass (Lolium perenne). It contains a very narrow range of other species. These include creeping buttercup (Ranunculus repens), meadow buttercup (Ranunculus acris), cuckooflower (Cardmane pratensis), and daisy (Bellis perennis). Hedgerows Three mixed species native hedgerows form the site boundary and a further hedge dissects the site from north to south. These hedgerows include a range of native species including hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna), blackthorn (Prunus spinosa), hazel (Corylus avellana), elder (Sambucus nigra), field maple (Acer campestre) and dog rose (Rosa canina). A number of mature trees, predominantly sessile oak and ash, grow in the hedgerows (see below).

8 Arbor Vitae Environment 8 None of the hedgerows will be directly affected by the development. Trees A number of mature trees survive from the earlier agricultural landscape, notably a row of mature ash which mark the line of a former hedgerow across the centre of the site. Several of these are diseased and in decline. A number of mature trees exist within the grassland and boundary hedgerows and a range of native and ornamental species were planted as part of earlier golf course development. These include oak, grey poplar, rowan, Himalayan birch, Lawsons cypress and whitebeam. Open water Three artificially constructed ponds exist, having been constructed when the course was created. These are all of a similar size and design, being roughly oval in shape. All have small islands and all have varying degrees of tree and shrub planting on their margins. They are generally steep-sided with only narrow fringes of marginal vegetation. Pond 1 is approximately 15m x 10m in size. It is surrounded by mown grass. Approximately 60% of the surface area of the pool has aquatic vegetation including floating sweet grass (Glyceria fluitans), duckweed (Lemna minor) and branched bur-reed (Sparganium erectum). Pond 2 is also recently constructed in a similar fashion to Pond 1. It measures approximately 20 x 35 metres and has a row of grey poplar along one edge. Pond 3 is similar in shape and size to Ponds 2 and 3 with a 40% of the surface covered by aquatic species. Again, grey poplar has been planted along one bank. 4.3 PROTECTED SPECIES Badgers No badger setts are located within 50 metres of the site and there is no evidence that badgers use the site for foraging or for access. Bats All mature trees were assessed for their potential to support bat roosts. Most boundary hedgerow trees are in healthy condition and do not show a wide range of features favoured by bats such as hollow limbs, cracks or crevices. Seven trees were ranked as having low

9 Arbor Vitae Environment 9 potential for bats whilst two oaks ranked as having moderate potential due to the presence of some deadwood (and loose bark), ivy and broken branches. A row of mature ash trees in the centre of the site includes several which are diseased and in decline. At least three of these trees include features such as holes and crevices which could provide roost sites. The hedgerows and mature trees are likely to act as foraging routes for bats. Breeding birds It is likely that breeding birds will be using the hedgerows on site for nesting during the breeding season. Species recorded on the site during the survey included several which are likely to be present and breeding during the spring and summer. These include: Blackbird Dunnock Wren Robin Chaffinch Goldfinch Blue tit Great tit Wood pigeon Carrion crow Nuthatch Great crested newts The three ponds within the site were initially assessed for GCN using the Habitat Suitability Index. All ponds had an HSI score of 0.78 indicating that they hold good potential for GCN. Subsequent edna analysis of water from the three ponds confirmed that all ponds supported GCN.

10 Arbor Vitae Environment 10 5 EVALUATION OF RESULTS AND POTENTIAL ECOLOGICAL IMPACT 5.1 HABITATS The main habitat associated with this site is semi-improved grassland. This is of negligible ecological interest. An alternative use for this land, now that its use as a golf course is over, would be reversion to improved agricultural land. The creation of a chalet park, with appropriate ecological and landscape design, arguably offers better ecological outcomes for the land than reversion to agriculture. Whilst the grassland is of limited intrinsic ecological interest, it does provide terrestrial habitat for great crested newts. Boundary hedgerows are species-rich, native hedgerows and as such are recognised as Biodiversity Action Plan habitats. No hedgerow will be removed and the scheme should have no negative impact as long as root protection zones are respected. All ponds will be retained, along with all groups of trees and single trees. 5.2 PROTECTED SPECIES Badgers No active sets were recorded within 50 metres of the site. The development will have no impact on badgers. Bats No trees with roosting opportunities for bats will be affected. It is likely that bats use the adjacent hedgerows along which to forage. Any increased illumination of the site may disrupt flight lines but this can be minimised by appropriate exterior lighting systems. Breeding Birds One of the bird species recorded during the survey, dunnock, is listed as a UK BAP species. Dunnock is also listed on the amber list of Birds of Conservation Concern. The nearby hedgerows provide good habitat for breeding birds, including dunnock. There may be some temporary disturbance to breeding birds if construction work takes place when birds are breeding but this is likely to be negligible.

11 Arbor Vitae Environment 11 Great crested newts The three ponds on site have been confirmed as breeding sites for GCN. Rough grassland near the ponds, along with hedgerows and scrub, offers good habitat for foraging and hibernation. Given the presence of GCN, the proximity of the ponds to the area of proposed development, and the suitability of the terrestrial habitat in that area for GCN, a mitigation licence will be required from NRW and a Mitigation Plan adopted to avoid damage to GCN. It should be noted that parts of the site are already identified as GCN conservation areas. These were adopted as part of the Mitigation Plan for GCN in connection with the proposed development of chalets on adjacent land to the south. Development on both sites requires development of a strategy which will accomplish mitigation for GCN and the protection/enhancement of sufficient and suitable terrestrial habitat.

12 Arbor Vitae Environment 12 6 MITIGATION AND ENHANCEMENT 6.1 HABITAT MITIGATION The loss of semi-improved grassland is regarded as a minor negative ecological impact and no specific mitigation is required. The new access tracks will take account of prescribed root protection areas in relation to the adjacent hedgerow and mature trees. No mitigation is required. 6.2 PROTECTED SPECIES MITIGATION Bats Artificial external lighting should be designed to minimise illumination of the adjacent habitats including the adjacent hedge lines and mature trees, the fringes of which may be used by bats for foraging. It is recommended that any slight disruption to bat foraging routes is mitigated by the erection of ten suitable roosting boxes. Breeding birds Although disturbance to breeding birds will be negligible, it is recommended that the opportunity is taken to improve the habitat for birds. This can readily be achieved through installation of nest boxes in the nearby mature trees. Great crested newts Some of the land occupied by chalets represents foraging habitat and possibly hibernation habitat for GCN. A GCN conservation plan will be needed, encompassing the needs of GCN on this site and the adjacent site to the south. Mitigation will require licensing by Natural Resources Wales. 6.3 ECOLOGICAL ENHANCEMENT The following measures are recommended in order to create ecological enhancements: Construction of at least one new pond to increase available GCN breeding habitat.

13 Arbor Vitae Environment 13 Preparation of GCN habitat management plan to identify opportunities for improving and managing habitat for GCN near to existing ponds. Planting of native trees and areas of scrub as part of the landscape plan associated with the development. New native hedgerow planting along access tracks to provide increased habitat connectivity and nesting sites. Erection of bird and bat boxes on or near the site to improve opportunities for these species.

14 Arbor Vitae Environment 14 7 CONCLUSION The habitat most affected by the proposals, semi-improved grassland, is of negligible ecological interest. However, it does provide terrestrial foraging habitat for great crested newts. Adjacent hedgerows and mature trees are of significant ecological value but will be largely unaffected by the proposals. Three ponds on the site have been shown to support GCN. Construction of chalets could harm individual GCN and also remove terrestrial habitat and migration routes. The site encompasses areas which have been identified as GCN conservation areas within a GCN mitigation scheme prepared for the adjacent site. A new comprehensive GCN mitigation scheme will therefore be needed to address the issue of GCN protection and conservation in relation to both sites. Given that trees and hedgerows will be protected, it is not anticipated that other protected species including bats and breeding birds will be impacted although exterior lighting systems need to be designed to avoid illumination of potential bat roost sites or foraging routes.

15 Arbor Vitae Environment 15 FIGURE 1: LOCATION

16 Arbor Vitae Environment 16 FIGURE 2: PROPOSED SITE LAYOUT

17 Arbor Vitae Environment 17 FIGURE 3: AERIAL PHOTOGRAPH Pond 1 Pond 3 Pond 2

18 Arbor Vitae Environment 18 APPENDIX 1: PHOTOGRAPHS General view of site from centre of site southwards General view of site from centre of site northwards Hedgerow and ditch through centre of site

19 Arbor Vitae Environment 19 One of sevral groups of trees planted when golf course was established Diseased ash tree with potential bat roost features

20 Arbor Vitae Environment 20 Pond 1 Pond 2 Pond 3

21 Arbor Vitae Environment 21 APPENDIX 2: HABITAT SUITABILITY INDICES

22 Arbor Vitae Environment 22