Survey of proposed new access track, construction traffic and ALV passing places for Reeves Hill wind farm, Knighton, Powys

Survey of proposed new access track, construction traffic and ALV passing places for Reeves Hill wind farm, Knighton, Powys Phase I walkover with Great Crested Newt habitat assessment and mitigation details Survey and report by Ecology Matters Ltd October 2011

1. Background a) b) This survey covers the proposed new access track, ALV and construction traffic passing places for Reeves Hill wind farm site, which is subject to a planning application with Powys county council. The new access track will connect the main highway to Llanshay Lane in order to enable turbines to be delivered to the proposed wind farm site at Reeves Hill. A Phase I survey was undertaken in May 2008 and the results formed part of the planning application. Following consultation from the Countryside Council for Wales (CCW) further work was requested, in particular with regard to Great Crested Newts as there are known records within the area. Ecology Matters Ltd have been contracted to undertake this work. 2. Methods a) A Phase I walkover survey was undertaken to confirm whether any of the habitats and features have changed since the initial survey of the new access track. The route and surrounding habitat was surveyed for its potential use by great crested newts. The results have been used to inform the type of mitigation that is required for the scheme. b) Each passing place was surveyed to assess its botanical richness/vegetation classification (to Phase I level). c) The potential for disturbance to breeding birds was noted. d) Any signs of mammals were noted, such as badger digging, hairs or latrines. e) The area was also considered in relation to potential impacts to great crested newts. f) The area was also considered in relation to the effect on any potential bat flight lines. g) Passing places surveyed are shown in figure 1 (drawing number 9T5421SK033/Sheet1). 2

3. Results of new access track survey a) The survey was undertaken on 23 rd June 2011. b) The majority of the site appears to be unchanged since the habitat survey in 2008. c) All the fields through which the access track will travel are now classed as improved (as opposed to semi improved). All hedges are in a similar condition to that surveyed in 2008. 3

8 7 6 5 4 3 9 10 2 1 Figure 1 Proposed access route with target notes 4

d) The following target notes refer to numbers in Figure 1: 1. Tall hedge of sycamore, blackthorn, hawthorn, some young oak, dog rose, and honeysuckle. This is quite a tall dense hedge and has potential for breeding birds, dormouse, bat flight route and a potential refuge for great crested newts. The hedge on the opposite side of the road has some planted ash, copper beech and sycamore. 2. Behind the farm sheds and parking areas are loose rocks and bricks which have potential as great crested newt hibernation sites. 3. A small cliff face/rocky outcrop with debris at the base including tree stumps which could provide newt hibernation and refuge sites (Figure 2). Figure 2 small cliff, potential newt hibernation site 4. An old crab apple tree at grid reference: SO 29757 71802. This is quite small but has a large cavity on its east side which could provide a bat roosting site, although no signs of bats were seen on the day of survey (Figure 3). It appears to be very close to the line of the proposed access route, and should be retained if possible. If it is to be felled it must be inspected at least one month before work is proposed to take place to ensure no bats are present. If bats are found to be present the removal of the tree will require a licence from the Welsh Government. 5

Figure 3 Apple tree and cavity 5. Caleck s Lane: An overgrown disused lane now just a thick double hedge/tree line which comprises mature hawthorn, hazel, elder and birch with a ground flora predominantly of nettles. Possible breeding blackbird and redstart were noted. There is high potential for this treeline to be used as a bat flight route, and good potential as a refuge and dispersing route for great crested newts. The new access track will create a large gap in this treeline. 6. Caleck s Pool a large pond just off Figure 1 at grid reference: SO 30013 71941. This pond has some open water and floating vegetation (Figure 4). It is quite shallow and partially silted up. There is high potential for great crested newts to breed in this pond. There is no evidence of ducks using the pond (which can reduce the likelihood of the presence of newts). 6

Figure 4 Large pond with great crested newt potential 7. Small narrow flowing stream. This stream flows down from the pond (target note 6), through an area of mature broadleaved woodland and alder carr and then across an open grazed field where it disappears into a culvert just before the quarry. It then flows down the west side of the quarry next to a strip of mature broadleaved woodland and this section of the stream has some aquatic vegetation. There is some potential for it to be used by newts but this is not high. 8. A remnant, overgrown hedge/tree line comprising hawthorn and hazel (Figure 5). This is a potential bat flight line, leading bats from the town into Lower Woodhouse Wood. It is partly broken at present but will be fragmented more by the new access route. Recommend planting hazel and hawthorn along edge of access track to connect this tree line back to road on east side of new access route. Figure 5 Treeline and potential bat flight route 7

9. There is a significant amount of loose rock and quarry face which has high potential as a hibernation site for great crested newts along the road edge and just set back from the road between the farm entrance and shed entrance (Figure 6). Figure 6 Rock face with high potential as a newt hibernation site 10. Sluice Pond - a large pond with a lot of floating vegetation suitable as a breeding site for great crested newts (Grid reference: SO 29665 71704). Just downstream (to the north at grid reference: SO 29616 71747) is another pool with vegetation which could also be a potential breeding site for newts. e) There is a fourth pond just to the north of Law s Barn at grid reference SO 3053771490 which was not surveyed as it is over 500m from the development. Aerial photography of this pond suggests it would also have potential as a breeding site for great crested newts. This pond is located on the old track way and newts could travel towards Caleck s Lane from here. f) No evidence of badgers or other protected species was found during the survey. 8

4. Results of survey of passing places a) b) c) The survey was undertaken on 23 rd and 24 th June 2011. Each passing places is discussed separately in the following section, in the order they are marked, starting at the passing place closest to Knighton and travelling south. ALV passing place 1 Figure 7 ALV 1 i ii iv. v. A hedge line on the west side of the carriageway will be set back approximately 1m. This consists of a mature hedge of mixed species: hawthorn, blackberry, elder, young ash, young oak, dog rose with small larch and alder trees. There is also a deep grass verge which includes: garlic mustard, red campion, angelica, hedge woundwort, mouse eared chickweed, goose grass, nettles, thistle, meadow buttercup, fumitory, clover, dock, plantain ribwort, common vetch, broadleaved willow herb and knapweed. The hedge will require translocation by 1m to the west. Details of hedgerow translocation can be found in the in final section. The hedge could contain nesting birds and so work should not be carried out during the bird breeding season (March to end of July). This passing place is near to a potential great crested newt pond. Any works to the grass verge here would require initial strimming to lower the vegetation height followed by a fingertip search. It is recommended work is undertaken 9

here during the great crested newt hibernation period to reduce potential disturbance (November to February). v vi There is a well established animal path by the larch tree. There is no indication to suggest this is a badger path. It is more likely to be used by foxes and pheasants as pheasant feathers were seen nearby. The field behind the hedge is currently ungrazed. Before this field is cleared to allow movement of the hedge the vegetation must be strimmed and fingertip searched for great crested newts. Figure 8 west side of hedge at ALV 1, to be moved back 1m d) ALV passing place 2 Figure 9 ALV 2 10

i ii iv. At this point there is a mature tall hazel hedge which it is proposed to set back by 2m on the east carriageway. Species within the hedge include: hazel, holly, blackthorn, hawthorn, dog rose, foxglove, speedwell, thistle, oak, blackberry, goose grass, dogs mercury, sycamore, nettle, angelica, red Campion, cranesbill (shining), yarrow, elder, greater stitchwort, knapweed, rosebay willow herb, common vetch, hawkweed. There is an animal path within the area which may be a badger path. A full badger survey will be required to ensure no setts are close by (within 30m of any construction work). This hedge appears to be quite old and very long established and is species rich. This hedge will be translocated in its entirety and set back by 2m. Figure 10 ALV2 left side of picture, right side is preferred e) Hedge trim Just to the south of ALV 2 it is proposed to trim a section of hedge to accommodate rear overhang of blade. This section of hedge has clearly been trimmed in the past and is not species rich although it does contain hawthorn, elder, dog rose, hazel and holly. There are animal/pheasant paths under the hedge. Trimming should be undertaken out of the bird nesting season and done carefully to avoid any other potential users. 11

Figure 11 Hedge trim right hand side of picture i Behind this section of hedge to be trimmed is a small plot of young planted woodland which contains a pond. When a survey of the ponds in the area is undertaken to determine the presence of great crested newts it is recommended that this pond is also surveyed. f) ALV passing place 3 Figure 12 ALV 3 It is proposed to move the hedge line back by approximately 3.5m to the west. 12

i ii iv. This is a fairly species poor low hedge including hawthorn, blackthorn, and elder with a ground storey of dog rose, angelica, hedge woundwort, buttercup, and raspberries. The field behind the hedge is currently a hay/silage field. This passing place is close to the pond mentioned in the previous section. Therefore a fingertip search of the hedge and grass verge will be required before it is moved. Immediately to the north of this section, on a corner, is a large mature ash tree. This is not mentioned on the works schedule however, it is possible that the lower limb may require trimming to allow tall vehicles access along the road. This ash tree has potential for roosting bats and any limbs that need to be removed should be inspected carefully before removing to determine the likelihood of bats being present. If possible it is recommended this tree is left intact due to its high potential wildlife value. Figure 13 Ash tree extending low over road 13

g) ALV passing place 4 Figure 14 ALV 4 i ii It is proposed to move the hedge/fence back (west) by 1m. This is a fairly species poor hawthorn hedge with a ground storey that includes bracken, rosebay willow herb, angelica, nettle, cleavers, buttercup and dock. The field behind consists of improved grassland. There are no wildlife issues with this section. h) Construction traffic passing place 1 and ALV passing place 5 Figure 15 passing place 1 and ALV 5 14

Figure 16 passing place 1 i ii iv. It is proposed that the fence/hedge line will be set back between 3.2m and 3.5m. This comprises a fairly tall old hawthorn, with elder, willow, birch and pine. There are a few gaps and the hedge is quite thin. The hedge finishes by an elder tree and the boundary continues as a fence only. It may be preferable to replant this hedge rather than move it as it is species poor. A yellow hammer was heard nearby during the survey. This bird species often nests in hedges and it is important to ensure no work takes place during the nesting season (March to end of July). i) Construction Traffic Passing Place 2 Figure 17 Passing place 2 15

i There will be improvements to the existing standard passing place. This will not affect any existing boundaries and there are no wildlife issues. j) Construction Traffic Passing Place 3 Figure 18 Passing place 3 i ii There will be improvements to the existing informal passing opportunity. The boundary consists of a fence line with a grass verge including: dog rose, meadowsweet, angelica, nettle, buttercup, bracken, bramble, hedge woundwort, gorse, dogs mercury. The grass verge may need re-establishing if this is affected by any alterations. 16

k) ALV passing place 6 Figure 19 ALV 6 i ii iv. This is an existing junction and there are no apparent alterations to the existing road boundaries. The hedge includes ash, birch and blackthorn. The grass verge includes bracken, nettle, buttercup, cleavers, red campion, thistle, rosebay willow herb. There are mammal (or pheasant) paths within the conifer woodland on the west side of this area. No habitats will be affected here. 17

l) Construction Traffic passing Place 4 Figure 20 Passing place 4 There will be no change to the existing boundaries. m) Construction Traffic passing Place 5 Figure 21 Passing place 5 There will be no change to the existing boundaries. 18

n) ALV passing place 7 and 8 Figure 22 ALV 7 and ALV 8 There will be no change to the existing boundaries. o) Site Access 1 Figure 23 Site Access 1 i Fence/hedge to be reinstated behind splay. There are three small stunted rowan trees that are likely to be lost during the construction of this site access. New rowan trees should be planted either side of the site access track. 19

p) ALV passing place 9 Figure 24 ALV 9 i ii The construction will affect a grass verge which includes cleavers, bracken, dock, thistle, meadow vetchling, vetch, angelica, bramble and buttercup. There is also a hawthorn at the north end and on the corner of the track to the quarry is a young sycamore. Generally this area is not species rich and there are no wildlife issues here. q) Site Access 2 Figure 25 Site Access 2 20

i ii There is a small section of wall approximately 3m long on the south side of the access road with a fence behind; it is proposed to move the fence behind the visibility splay. This wall is relatively close to a pond and wall where great crested newts were found (in a previous survey) so there is a possibility that great crested newts could use this section of wall. A survey of this wall took place on 17 th May 2011 and no newts were found. The road widening will directly abut the wall but will not disturb it. It is recommended to retain a strip of vegetation in front of the wall to retain its potential use by great crested newts. Providing the wall is not disturbed there will be no necessity to obtain a licence. The field which the new track will extend into is currently sheep grazed, the grass is very short and as such is not suitable for great crested newts. If before construction the grass has become longer (e. no grazing has taken place) then newts could use this area and a fingertip search will be required before construction takes place. r) Site Access 3 21

Figure 26 Site Access 3 i There is a low remnant drystone wall set back from the road with a fence behind it and a bracken verge in front. There is also a small young oak tree. There is some potential for this wall to be used by great crested newts and it will need further Inspection before the work can be undertaken. 22

5. Conclusions a) New track: i ii iv. v. v vi vii The habitat types on the site of the new access track appear to be unchanged since the habitat survey in 2008. There is some potential for great crested newts around this development area, although no notable sites will be affected by the development. There are three ponds which appear suitable as breeding sites for great crested newts within 500m of the development area (SO 30013 71941, SO 29665 71704 and SO 29616 71747). All the hedgerows and tree lines have some potential to be used by great crested newts and a few rocky banks and discarded tree stumps have potential as hibernation sites. In general the surrounding habitat, being improved grassland, provides limited use to newts and there is unlikely to be a high newt population here. However, the proposed development could have an effect on limiting dispersal of the newts from the ponds to their hibernation sites. All work that could impinge on newts within 500m would need a licence to disturb the animals. The construction of the access route will not damage any known newt sites but may affect their access to refugia and hibernation sites. The access route will fragment potential bat flight routes and will result in a small loss of potential bird nesting sites. There are historical records for dormouse within the area, but no recent records (since 1987). The hedgerows appear suitable and during this survey all potentially affected hedges were searched for any signs of dormouse, but none were found. 23

b) ALV and passing places: i ii In many instances it is proposed to move the hedge by a few metres. Many of the hedges are relatively old and have evidence of being laid. There is some difficulty in re-establishing hedges and in some instances it may be beneficial to start again rather than try and translocate. Site Access 3 may affect potential newt habitat. A full survey of this wall will be required before construction takes place. All other sites will have minor impact and with suitable mitigation will be acceptable. 6. Mitigation recommendations for new access track a) Bat flight routes and bird nesting sites: i There will be a relatively large gap created in the tree lines of Caleck s Lane when the track is constructed through here. This will require some replanting following construction. A closed gate can help to continue the flight route and if trees or shrubs should be planted on either side. If the apple tree with a cavity has to be felled, extra bat roosting sites should be provided. Three bat boxes (Schwegler type as they are long lasting) should be installed in mature trees by the rocky outcrop (target note 3 in Figure 1). b) Extra tree or hedgerow planting: i Any trees or hedges to be cleared should be replaced by alternative plantings close to the area removed or within the development area, with 3 trees replanted for every tree removed. It is recommended to plant individual hawthorn or rowan trees along the east side of the track between Caleck s Lane and the quarry, each tree spaced 2m apart or in groups with 2m gaps between to allow stock through. This will create a new sheltered flight route for bats and may also aid newts in travelling across the site, but will be spaced to allow stock to continue to cross this area. This will 24

also provide extra nesting sites for birds. Young trees must be fenced off from stock. ii iv. v. It is also recommended to plant hawthorn and hazel trees on the east side of the furthest north section of the access track, from the quarry to the main road. This will maintain a link for bats travelling from the town to the woodland. Plant a hedge along the access track from Llanshay Lane to Llanshay Farm. All tree and hedgerow species should be Welsh species of local provenance. c) Newts: i ii iv. v. v The construction of the access route will not damage any known newt sites but may affect their access to refugia and hibernation sites. Mitigation will be required in terms of providing culverts under the access track suitable for newts and positive enhancements to the area such as construction of piles of stones and hedgerow planting. A safe working method will also be required for construction staff. All hedges and rocky banks to be disturbed during construction must be fingertip searched before any clearance work commences. The search must go hand in hand with clearance, so that no areas are cleared without checking having taken place on the same day. This will require an ecologist on site during the construction works. A pile of stones suitable for hibernation should be constructed upstream of the access track on the edge of the existing wet woodland, at approximately SO 29884 71937. Pile of stones should also be incorporated into new hedgerow plantings and any existing suitable hedgerows. Fence the edge of the track to allow taller vegetation to grow up. Fence the edge of the stream to allow taller vegetation to grow up. Access for farm animals will be required so gateways should be installed. 25

d) Culverts: A culvert will be installed over the stream. This will need to be of suitable design for newts. It is important to ensure the culvert base is covered with substrate from the stream to create a more natural appearance for the newts. The base of the culvert should be low enough that the newts can easily crawl (or swim) through the culvert e. there should not be a lip too steep (for the newts to gain access). The final design and positioning will be agreed on site with the contractors. i In general small tracks with low traffic volume do not act as a barrier for newts, especially if taller vegetation is present either side of the track. Dry culverts may need to be installed along sections of the access track if it is raised above the surrounding ground level to allow safe passage of newts. ii No work that could disturb hibernating newts should take place during their hibernation period November to March. 7. Mitigation recommendations for passing places a) Great crested newts: The construction of the passing places will not damage any known great crested newt sites but could affect one potential hibernation area and other refuge sites under hedges. i All hedges, grass verges and rocky banks to be disturbed during construction must be fingertip searched before any clearance work commences. The search must go hand in hand with clearance, so that no areas are cleared without checking on the same day. This will require an ecologist on site during the construction works. ii No work that could disturb hibernating great crested newts should take place during their hibernation period November to March. 26

8. Safe Working Methods a) b) c) d) e) f) g) h) No trees or hedges to be cleared during the bird breeding season, March to end July. A fingertip search should take place each morning before clearance work commences. In the Holloway - any tall vegetation should be strimmed first to reduce the chance of newts being present. This vegetation should then be fingertip searched. Any rocks, corrugated iron sheets, tree stumps etc. should be checked by an ecologist before work in the area commences to ensure no great crested newts are present. All potential refugia should be removed from the construction route before commencement of work. Llanshay Lane this is a significant hedge to be removed. Initially top the trees, gradually reducing in height until it is possible to search within the hedge for newts. Any great crested newts caught during the fingertip search should be released into a similar habitat type as close as possible to the site of capture. Potential release sites should be identified before construction work commences. A watching brief will be required for an on-site ecologist. Details on hedge moving: i ii iv. v. Hedges should only be moved in the dormant season (November to March). If the hedge has not been recently flailed then do this first. Alternatively, coppice or trim the hedge. Dig a trench of approximately 1m deep and 1m wide in the middle with side/s shallow tapered. If lifting from the road side one side of the trench can be fairly straight. Using a large excavator with a specially adapted blade fixed to its bucket, cut beneath the hedge from both sides to free it and sever the roots. Where the hedge is to be moved directly back (from a road), scraping the root ball back (rather than lifting) may be possible. Working from the opposite side of the hedge to the bucket, pull the whole bank towards the excavator. Tracking up and down the hedge, repeatedly pull each section of hedge back by a very small 27

distance to avoid it breaking up at all. Alternatively lift each section at a time (with great care) and carry in excavator bucket to the new site. Place immediately in the prepared trench which is to be their final destination. They should not be stored for any length of time, but the trench filled in as soon as possible with soil v vi If the vegetation on the top of the hedge is gappy plant up with locally appropriate species at a suitable density (usually 4/6 plants per metre in a double staggered row). The hedges will require future maintenance. This may need to include further remedial repairs; replacement planting and a cutting regime which encourages recovery of the hedge. Report by Dr S Cartmel On behalf of Ecology Matters Ltd 18/10/11 28