DEACON LANDSCAPES, WOOTON, KENT ECOLOGY DORMOUSE SURVEY ISSUE 1 NOVEMBER 2015

Transcription

1 DEACON LANDSCAPES, WOOTON, KENT ECOLOGY DORMOUSE SURVEY ISSUE 1 NOVEMBER 2015 Landscape Architects Ecology & Environment Masterplanning Arboriculture Historic Landscapes

2 ISSUE NO. AUTHOR CHECKED BY DATE One Andrew Bodey Tom La Dell LaDellWood LLP Stocks Studio Grafty Green Maidstone Kent ME17 2AP t: e: w: A practice registered with the Landscape Institute A practice registered with the CIEEM LaDellWood LLP Partnership no. OC Tom La Dell MA(Oxon)Botany DipLD CMLI CEnv MCIEEM FLS Lydia Wood BA (Hons) PGDipLA CMLI COPYRIGHT: The concepts and information contained in this document are the property of LaDellWood LLP. Use or copying of this document in whole or in part without the written permission of LaDellWood constitutes an infringement of copyright. LIMITATION: This report has been prepared on behalf of and for the exclusive use of LaDellWood LLP Client, and is subject to and issued in connection with the provisions of the agreement between LaDellWood LLP and its Client. LaDellWood accepts no liability or responsibility whatsoever for or in respect of any use of or reliance upon this report by any third party Dormouse Survey Report.doc 2

3 SUMMARY 1. During May 2015 LaDellWood were commissioned by Deacon Landscape to undertake a Phase 1 Habitat survey at the Deacon s Landscape site. Due to the presence of suitable habitats the presence of two records of dormice within the desktop data search further dormice nest tube survey was recommended. This report provides details of the dormouse survey on the site. 2. During May 2015 a total of 65 dormouse tubes were erected within suitable dormouse habitats at the site. Return visits to check for evidence of dormice within nest tubes was undertaken once a month between June and October The survey confirmed the presence of dormice at the site with a nest recorded within nest tube 4 during the October survey visit. 4. As the proposals will impact upon suitable dormouse habitats an EPSM licence will be required to undertake works at the site, details of the mitigation strategy that will be incorporated with the licence have been provided Dormouse Survey Report.doc 3

4 CONTENTS 1.0 Introduction 2.0 Methodology 3.0 Results 4.0 Protected Species Assessment 4.0 Recommendations 5.0 Conclusions Maps Map 1 Approximate Site Boundary Map 2 Dormouse Tube Locations Map 3 Dormouse Survey Results Annexes Annex 1 Protected Species Legislation Annex 2 LaDellWood Landscape Strategy 2257 Dormouse Survey Report.doc 4

5 1.0 Introduction Background 1.1 LaDellWood have been commissioned to undertake a dormouse presence or absence survey at the Deacon Landscapes site in the context of a planning application to develop the site for housing. The initial Phase 1 Habitat Survey of the site was undertaken by LaDellWood during May 2015, during the survey habitats at the site were considered suitable for dormice and a two records of dormice were located within 2km of the site, the closest record was located 0.3km subsequently further surveys were recommended at the site. to the north of the site, Scope of the Report 1.2 This report details the results of the ecological survey as a dormouse presence/absence survey, assesses the results and recommends any actions necessary to satisfy statutory guidance, National legislation (see Table 1.4) and the requirements of National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), 11: Conserving and enhancing the natural environment; and recommends mitigation measures where these are required. Site Context and Status 1.3 The habitat on the site consists of buildings, hard standings, bare ground, improved grassland, hedgerows & trees, scattered trees and plantation woodland. 1.4 The Deacon s Landscape site is approximately 2.3 hectares in size and located in a rural position within the village of Wootton, Kent. Access to the site is via Wootton Lane which runs south from Wootton Village. The Site is surrounded arable farmland and improved grassland fields. A network of hedgerows surrounds the site extending east to small areas of woodland. The site is located at NGR TR Ecologists 1.5 The site surveys were undertaken by Andrew Bodey BSc hons ACIEEM a suitably qualified an experienced surveyor with over 6 years experience of ecology practice including implementation of dormouse nest tube surveys. The report was also prepared by Andrew Bodey BSc hons ACIEEM. The report was checked by Tom La Dell MA (botany), MCIEEM, CMLI who has over forty years experience in ecology practice Dormouse Survey Report.doc 5

6 Site Proposals 1.6 The site proposals include the construction of residential properties and associated access road, gardens and parking. 2.0 Methodology Desk study 2.1 In order to establish baseline ecological data of the site Kent and Medway Biological Records Centre (KMBRC) were commissioned to complete an ecological data search for the site. The search included records of dormice within 2km of the site. Habitat Assessment 2.2 An assessment of suitable habitats at the site was undertaken during the Phase 1 Habitat Survey at the site undertaken during May The majority of the site offers limited habitat for dormouse, dominated by improved grassland. Boundary hedgerows, plantation woodland and scattered tree habitats at the site are considered optimal habitat for this species. Areas of hazel planted some twenty years ago are present within the plantation woodland and scattered trees to the west and north of the site. This species is commonly utilised as a food source. The hedgerows located on the eastern and western boundaries of the site also suitable offer food sources for this species as they contain occasional hazel Corylus avellana. Honeysuckle Lonicera sp. is also present and this is used in dormouse nests. Areas of bramble Rubus fruiticosus are also present and the fruits are an autumn food source for dormouse. Dormouse Presence or Absence Survey 2.3 The dormouse presence or absence survey followed methodologies set out in the dormouse conservation handbook (Bright et al. 2006). A total of 65 dormouse nest tubes were positioned at approximately 20m intervals within suitable habitats at the site. The tubes were erected on 29 th May 2015; map 1 shows the location of nest tubes at the site. All return survey visits were completed between the month of June and October The dormouse conservation handbook provides an index of probability of finding dormice within nest tubes based on a point scoring system (table 1.1 below). The scoring system is based on the use of a minimum of 50 tubes, increasing tube numbers increases the probability of detecting the species, for example, if 100 tubes are used at a site then 2257 Dormouse Survey Report.doc 6

7 index scores for each month can be doubled, however excessive numbers of tubes should not be used to reduce required survey effort. A spread of survey visits across the season is required. A minimum of score of 20 (using 50 tubes) is required to assume absence of the species at a site. Table 1.1 below provides a detail of the probability index scoring. Table 1.1: Index of Probability of finding dormice within nest tubes Month Index score May 4 June 2 July 2 August 5 September 7 October 2 November 2 The timings and weather conditions for each survey are provided in table 1.2 Table 1.2: Dormouse Survey Dates, Timings and Weather Conditions Survey Date Survey Timing Survey Weather 29/06/15 12:00 13:30 20 o C, 90%CC, Dry, light breeze 29/07/15 10:30 11:30 16 o C, 60% CC, Dry, Light breeze 28/08/15 11:00 12:35 16 o C, 90%, Dry, Moderate breeze 28/09/15 14:00 15:05 18 o C, 0%CC, Dry, Moderate breeze 27/10/15 12:50 13:50 16 o C, 60%CC, Dry Light breeze Limitation 2.6 The surveys were undertaken by a suitably experienced surveyor following guidance set out within the Dormouse Conservation Handbook. The surveys were undertaken between the months of May and October 2015 based on the use of 65 tubes an index score of 23 was achieved. A score of 20 is required to assume absence from a site. Considering the small areas of habitat surveyed at the site and the density of tubes used at the site this level of survey effort and index score is considered 2257 Dormouse Survey Report.doc 7

8 sufficient and presence was confirmed at the site. May was not surveyed as tubes were not erected in April. May, August and September are months when nest boxes are most frequently occupied therefore the chance of detected presence early within the survey period was less likely 2.7 The findings of this report represent the opinion of a professional and suitably qualified ecologist they do not constitute professional legal advice. The client may wish to seek further legal interpretation of wildlife legislation cited in this document. 3.0 Results 3.1 This section provides details of the results of the dormouse survey at the site. Location of recorded dormouse activity is shown on Map Table 1.3 below provides details of the results of each survey visit undertaken at the site. No evidence of dormice was found until the month of October. A single active dormouse nest was located within nest tube 4 located within areas of hazel plantation to the north of the site. Data from dormouse nest tube surveys provides evidence for presence or likely absence they do not provide an estimate of population densities. Table 1.3: Dormouse Presence or Absence Survey Results Survey Date Dormouse Evidence 29/06/15 No evidence found 29/07/15 No evidence found 28/08/15 No evidence found 28/09/15 No evidence found 27/10/15 Active dormouse nest found within nest box Dormouse Survey Report.doc 8

9 4.0 Protected Species Assessment 4.1 The survey results on site were assessed allowing consideration of the likely impacts of the development on dormice at the site. Table 1.4 assesses species and habitat present at the site and discusses the likely impact of the development. Table 1.4: Assessment of the potential impact on dormice and their habitats within and adjacent to the development site Species/habitat Dormouse Main Legislation and policy Annex II EC Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC implemented by Schedule 2 of the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act, 1981 (as amended). Species and Habitat Assessment The habitats on the site were considered suitable for supporting dormouse. A dormouse nest tube presence or absence survey was undertaken at the site. During the survey the presence of dormouse was confirmed with a single active nest recorded during the month of October within a thin strip of hazel plantation located to the north of the site. it is considered dormice will utilise all suitable habitats at the site which includes both the western and eastern boundary hedgerows and plantation woodland at the site. The location of records at the site is shown on map 2. Likely Impact of Proposals Suitable dormice habitats at the site will be lost during the proposed development. In the absence of mitigation there is potential for high impacts on dormice through injury and killing during clearance works. The proposed development includes the construction of 9 new residential dwellings. Potential impacts on dormice from new developments can include predation by domestic cats and increased levels of noise and light disturbances to suitable dormouse habitats. However considering the location of the site adjacent to Wootton Village cat predation is already likely to have be present for many years and the existing population of dormice are likely to be accustomed to this pressure. Therefore the potential small increase in domestic cat numbers from 9 new dwellings is likely to have a low 2257 Dormouse Survey Report.doc 9

10 impact on dormice. The proposed new residential properties will be situated in close proximity to suitable dormouse habitats it is considered there is potential for low moderate impacts through increased noise and lighting during and post development. The proposed works require the removal of small areas of plantation woodland dominated by hazel coppice located to the north of the site. This area of trees does provide connectivity to the western boundary hedgerow. However connectivity will be maintained to the western boundary hedgerow and habitats to the south of the site through the hedgerow on the eastern boundary of the site. It is considered there is potential for low moderate impacts on dormice through decrease in connectivity at the site. The proposed works will maintain the majority of suitable dormice habitat recorded during the surveys at the site. However the removal of small areas of hazel coppice plantation woodland located to the north of the site will reduce available foraging areas at the 2257 Dormouse Survey Report.doc 10

11 site. During the Phase 1 it was noted that recent management works had been undertaken at the site which had included the removal of a tree nursery plantation. At the time of survey the area was considered unsuitable for dormice comprising of bare ground with stacks of felled trees. An assessment of the former value of this area for dormice could not be made, however it was clear from felled timber present this area was dominated by semi mature willow, whilst willow will be utilised as a food source this area did not provide a diverse range of suitable foraging species such as the mixed deciduous woodland or species rich hedgerows within the surrounding landscape. It is considered there is potential for moderate impacts on dormice through decrease in available foraging habitats at the site. Further recommendations for mitigation have been given in section Dormouse Survey Report.doc 11

12 5.0 Recommendations The surveys confirmed the presence of dormice at the site. The proposals at the site require the removal of suitable areas habitat confirmed as supporting dormice therefore a European Protected Species Mitigation Licence (EPSM) will be required to undertake works at the site. The licence will include a detailed mitigation strategy aimed at reducing impacts and maintaining the favourable conservation status of dormice at the site. The mitigation strategy will include the following: Works to avoid the injury or killing of dormice 5.1 To minimise the risk to dormice any tree, scrub and hedgerow removal should be timed between September and October and carried out under the supervision of a dormouse licenced ecologist. During this period dormice are not breeding but still active. An alternative would be to coppice all trees, hedgerow and scrub during the winter months leaving a stump no less than 15 cm above ground level. The areas of coppiced vegetation should remain untouched until the following April allowing any dormice hibernating at ground level to disperse. After April all coppiced stumps can be removed. Onsite habitat creation and enhancement 5.2 The proposed works require the removal of small areas of plantation woodland dominated by hazel coppice located to the north of the site. Recent management works may have also reduced habitats available to dormice at the site. To mitigate the loss of habitat at the site and mitigate the decrease of connectivity to the western boundary hedgerow newly created areas of scrub and hedge plantings will be created along the eastern boundary and western boundary hedgerows. These new plantings will be at least 4m in width and run adjacent to the existing areas of plantation woodland to the west of the site and the eastern boundary hedgerow. The plantings will contain species of suitable foraging value for dormice such as oak, honeysuckle, dog rose and hawthorn. These areas of new plantings will sufficiently compensate the loss of small areas of foraging habitats at the site. The plantings will also enhance connectivity along the eastern boundary of the site ensuring dormice are able to commute through the site to western boundary hedgerow and habitats located to the south of the site. The proposed plantings will also minimise potential disturbances from lighting and noise from the new residential dwellings. The planting supplementing the hedgerows along the western and eastern boundaries will be within the shared management areas on the site rather than in private gardens so that their future management can be guaranteed. Location of plantings is shown within the Deacon Landscape LaDellWood Landscape Strategy (Annex 2) Dormouse Survey Report.doc 12

13 Dormouse Population Monitoring 5.3 The monitoring of the population of dormice at the site will be a condition of the EPSM licence and will be undertaken by a dormouse licensed ecologist. Monitoring will be undertaken for a minimum of three years. 6.0 Conclusions 6.1 The initial Phase 1 Habitat Survey at the site confirmed the presence of habitats considered suitable for supporting dormice. In addition two records of dormice were located within the 2km desk study search radius. The closest record was located 0.3km north of the site. Subsequently a dormouse nest tube survey was undertaken at the site. 6.2 The nest tube survey confirmed the presence of this species at the site with a single nest found during the October survey visit at the site. 6.3 The proposed works will require the loss of dormouse habitat at the site therefore an EPSM licence is required to undertake works at the site. The proposed mitigation which includes a sensitive clearance of suitable dormouse habitats and habitat creation and enhancement at the site will ensure the Favourable Conservation Status of Dormice is maintained at the site Dormouse Survey Report.doc 13

14 REFERENCES Bright, P., Morris, P., and Mitchell Jones, T. (2006). The dormouse conservation handbook; Second Edition. English Nature, Peterborough. JNCC (2010) Handbook for Phase 1 Habitat Survey a technique for environmental audit Joint Nature Conservation Committee 2257 Dormouse Survey Report.doc 14

15 MAP 1 Approximate Site Boundary 2257 Dormouse Survey Report.doc 15

16 MAP 2 Approximate Dormouse Tube Location Area of nursery tree plantation having been removed during management works at the site prior to the Phase 1 Habitat Assessment Dormouse Survey Report.doc 16

17 MAP 3 Dormouse Survey Results Nest tube 4 Location of dormouse nest found during the October survey visit Dormouse Survey Report.doc 17

18 ANNEX 1 LEGISLATION The following details legislation covering the protection of the UK species highlighted within the recommendations of this report, the information provided should be taken as a general guide, rather than comprehensive. In all cases readers should consult the relevant legislative documents in full and where necessary obtain further legal advice. Dormouse In England & Wales all dormice are protected under Annex II EC Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC. This European legislation is implemented in the UK by the Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations In addition dormice are afforded protection under The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) listed on schedule 5. The above legislation makes it illegal to carry out the following activities: deliberately capture, injure or kill a dormouse deliberately disturb a dormouse, including in particular any disturbance which is likely to: impair the ability to survive, breed, reproduce or nurture their young. Impair their ability to hibernate or migrate, or To affect significantly the local distribution and or abundance of the species Damage or destroy a breeding place a breeding site or resting place of a dormouse Possess, control, transport exchange or sell a dormouse or parts of a dormouse dead or alive. Activity that would result in the above offences being committed would require a EPSM licence to avoid committing an offence. Natural England has powers to grant a licence 2257 Dormouse Survey Report.doc 18

19 preserving public health or public safety or other imperative reasons of overriding public interest including those of a social or economic nature and beneficial consequences of primary importance for the environment; or for the purpose of health and safety Natural England can only issue a licence if it is satisfied that the activity meets one of the above purposes and is also satisfied of the following; there is no satisfactory alternative; and that the action authorised will not be detrimental to the maintenance of the population of the species concerned at a favourable conservation status in their natural range. In order to satisfy the above three tests Natural England and the LPA must be provided with survey information of sufficient quality. Without the survey information a licence/planning application cannot and should not be assessed or issued Dormouse Survey Report.doc 19

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21 Scrub mix Horse chestnut 5m Boundary 1.2m sheep netting fence 1.2 Grass Birch 12m Birch 12m 6m 6m wide scrub mix of mainly hazel, with some hawthorn, holly, privet and honeysuckle with oak and field maple Proposed native hedge planted three rows wide Field maple 16m Oak 18m Ash with severe lean over Wootten Lane Oak 22m New scrub between rear gardens and site boundary with mainly hazel with some hawthorn, holly, privet and honey suckle with oak and field maple. Field Maple 12m Field Maple 12m Yew 12m Plant between hedge and whip planting with mainly hazel with some hawthorn, holly, privet and honey suckle with oak and field maple. Oak 18m Ash 20m Oak 16m For details of planting within the site see 2257/15/B/3 Ash 16m Key 2 poor ash12m Oak 20m Whip planted areas - Management Year 1 Retain all shrubs. Thin by removing all trees with multiple trunks below 1m. Remove all willows and sallows. Coppice half the shrubs evenly throughout the area. Oak 20m Poor field maple Ash 20m Field maple 14m Whip planted areas - existing On bund - whip planted, poor field maple, hazel and hawthorn 10-12m Existing trees Existing trees measured in tree survey Canopy of existing whip planting some twenty years old Existing native hedges Proposed native tree planting near site access Proposed native hedge near site access Proposed native shrub mix along eastern, southern and western boundaries Existing banks Proposed banks 1.2m sheep netting fence Rev Description Date PLANNING 3 mature oaks Small Den Whip planted areas - Management Year 1 Retain all shrubs. Thin by removing all trees with multiple trunks below 1m. Remove all willows and sallows. Coppice half the shrubs evenly throughout the area. Metres Project Drawing title - DEACON LANDSCAPE, CANTERBURY - Landscape strategy - supporting details Scale Date Drawing number Rev 1:500@A2 1:1,000@A4 Aug 2015 t: e: info@ladellwood.co.uk w: Stocks Studio, Grafty Green, Maidstone, Kent ME17 2AP 2257/15/B/4