13
Cambrian Ecology Ltd Anwylfan Croesor Penrhyndeudraeth Gwynedd LL48 6SS [email protected] 07765 254035 Caer Felin, Pencarnisiog Proposed Caravan/Glamping site Development Preliminary Ecological Assessment 6 th May 2019 Report by: Chris Hall ACIEEM Client: Alan Kelly, Caer Felin, Pencarnisiog, Ty Croes, Anglesey, LL63 5RU Planning Authority: Isle of Anglesey County Council, (IoACC) Grid Reference: SH 354 738 (Approximate site centre)

Caer Felin, Pencarnisiog Proposed Caravan/Glamping site ... · Caer Felin, Pencarnisiog Proposed Caravan/Glamping site Development Preliminary Ecological Assessment 6th May 2019 1

  • Upload
    others

  • View
    4

  • Download
    0

Embed Size (px)

Citation preview

Page 1: Caer Felin, Pencarnisiog Proposed Caravan/Glamping site ... · Caer Felin, Pencarnisiog Proposed Caravan/Glamping site Development Preliminary Ecological Assessment 6th May 2019 1

Cambrian Ecology Ltd Anwylfan

Croesor Penrhyndeudraeth

Gwynedd LL48 6SS

[email protected] 254035

Caer Felin, Pencarnisiog Proposed Caravan/Glamping site Development

Preliminary Ecological Assessment 6th May 2019

Report by: Chris Hall ACIEEM

Client: Alan Kelly, Caer Felin, Pencarnisiog, Ty Croes, Anglesey, LL63 5RU

Planning Authority: Isle of Anglesey County Council, (IoACC)

Grid Reference: SH 354 738 (Approximate site centre)

Page 2: Caer Felin, Pencarnisiog Proposed Caravan/Glamping site ... · Caer Felin, Pencarnisiog Proposed Caravan/Glamping site Development Preliminary Ecological Assessment 6th May 2019 1

Cambrian Ecology Ltd/Preliminary Ecological Assessment /Caer Felin, Pencarnisiog/06/05/2019

CONTENTS

1. Summary

2 Introduction

3 Methodology

4 Survey Limitations

5 Results

6 Habitat Evaluation and Impact Assessment

7 Species Evaluation and Impact Assessment

8 Mitigation Measures

9 Legal Implications

10 Appendices

10.1 Site Photographic Record 10.2 Phase 1 Habitat Map 10.3 Review Table

Figure 1: Site Location

Page 3: Caer Felin, Pencarnisiog Proposed Caravan/Glamping site ... · Caer Felin, Pencarnisiog Proposed Caravan/Glamping site Development Preliminary Ecological Assessment 6th May 2019 1

Cambrian Ecology Ltd/Preliminary Ecological Assessment /Caer Felin, Pencarnisiog/06/05/2019

Caer Felin, Pencarnisiog Proposed Caravan/Glamping site Development

Preliminary Ecological Assessment

6th May 2019

1. Summary

Cambrian Ecology Ltd was commissioned by the client Alan Kelly, to carry out a Preliminary

Ecological Assessment (PEA) of the location of a proposed caravan/glamping site at Caer Felin,

Pencarnisiog.

An ecological survey report is required to accompany the necessary planning application to be

submitted to IoACC.

Following comments received from the IoACC Biodiversity Officer, a Phase 1 Habitat Survey was

carried out in addition to two great crested newt, (GCN) ‘torching’ surveys and a Habitat Suitability

Index (HSI) assessment of a pond on the site boundary.

The habitat survey found that the only habitats that will be affected are heavily improved grassland

and two small sections of species-poor hedge that will require removal to create a new site access.

The two GCN surveys were negative and the HSI scored the pond 0.69 which is ‘Average’ potential

to support GCNs.

A biological records search was carried out with the Local Records Centre, (LRC) Cofnod as

recommended in the guidance from the Chartered Institute of Ecology & Environmental

Management, (CIEEM). This enables the proposed development site to be assessed in a wider

context and a potential wider ‘zone of influence’ of the development to be taken into account.

The data search revealed no records of GCNs or any other species or protected/designated sites that

could be impacted by the proposals.

Habitat loss will be restricted to improved grassland and two small sections of species-poor hedge.

No negative impact on habitats is therefore anticipated.

From a protected species perspective, there is some potential for birds to nest in the sections of hedge

which will require removal, in addition to the potential for bats to use these linear landscape features

as commuting routes. Precautionary measures have therefore been recommended to minimise any

potential impacts.

In order to address the requirements for planning authorities to seek Biodiversity gain as a routine

part of the planning process, under Section 6 of the Environment Wales Act (2016), the IoACC

Biodiversity Officer’s comments have been taken on board and some recommendations are made for

enhancements. These include recommendations for the composition any new planting, the

Page 4: Caer Felin, Pencarnisiog Proposed Caravan/Glamping site ... · Caer Felin, Pencarnisiog Proposed Caravan/Glamping site Development Preliminary Ecological Assessment 6th May 2019 1

Cambrian Ecology Ltd/Preliminary Ecological Assessment /Caer Felin, Pencarnisiog/06/05/2019

management of the site to increase food resources and floral diversity, and the management of the

pond to increase its value to Biodiversity.

2. Introduction

Cambrian Ecology Ltd was commissioned by the client Alan Kelly, to carry out a PEA of the

location of a proposed caravan/glamping site at Caer Felin, Pencarnisiog.

An ecological survey report is required to accompany the necessary planning application to be

submitted to IoACC.

The site is located at Grid Reference SH 354 738.

3. Methodologies

3.1 Habitats

The Habitat survey was carried out on 30th April 2019 by ecologist Chris Hall. The survey took the

form of an extended Phase I survey and identified baseline ecological conditions, as well as any

important or notable habitats. All habitats within the proposed development site were classified and

species lists were drawn up for each habitat type identified and the habitat condition was assessed.

In the context of this report, important or notable habitats are considered to be those which are of a

sustainable size and which meet any of the following criteria:

Habitats which have a high intrinsic ecological value, i.e. they support a diverse range of

vascular plant and/or faunal species

Mature or semi-natural habitats in built-up areas

Any ‘Section 7 Wales Priority habitats

Local BAP habitats considered having a significant extent and/or ecological interest

Invasive Non-Native Species, (INNS)

All habitats considered to have the potential to support rare, protected or otherwise notable species of

flora and fauna were noted, as were any direct signs of these species. Where possible, habitats were

cross-referenced to any relevant ‘Section 7 Welsh’ priority habitats or IoACC’s Biodiversity Action

Plan.

3.2 Protected Species

A protected species survey of the site was also carried out by Kate Williamson on 30th April 2019.

The site was assessed on its potential to support any protected or important species. During this

survey, a search was made for field signs of protected or notable species and assessments made of the

potential of habitats to support these species. In the context of this report important or notable

species are considered to be those that meet any of the following criteria:

Species protected by British or international law

Section 7 Wales priority species or local BAP species

Nationally rare or scarce species

Page 5: Caer Felin, Pencarnisiog Proposed Caravan/Glamping site ... · Caer Felin, Pencarnisiog Proposed Caravan/Glamping site Development Preliminary Ecological Assessment 6th May 2019 1

Cambrian Ecology Ltd/Preliminary Ecological Assessment /Caer Felin, Pencarnisiog/06/05/2019

Species of Conservation Concern (e.g. JNCC Red List, RSPB/BTO Red or Amber lists)

3.3 Great Crested Newts

Two ‘torching’ surveys for GCNs were carried out by GCN Licence holder Kate Williamson

(76538:OTH:SA:2017) assisted by Chris Hall on 3rd April and 30th April 2019. Due to the pond only

scoring an ‘average’ in the HSI assessment, combined with the assessment of the terrestrial habitat,

this is considered to be a proportionate level of survey work.

3.4 Desk Study

The desktop study aims to collate existing information about relevant priority species within 1km of

the survey area. This information has relevance to the likelihood of these priority species being

present within the survey area, as well as giving context to any species records from the actual site.

A data search for protected species and designated was conducted with the Local Environmental

Records Centre; Cofnod. The search parameters were 1km from the survey site area.

4 Survey Limitations

Field signs for protected and important species are often difficult to find or absent from a site. For

this reason, the site and its habitats are assessed on their potential to support these species.

5 Results

5.1 Habitat

The habitat on the proposed development site comprises a very limited range of habitats, dominated

by heavily gazed, improved grassland. This grassland habitat and two short sections of species-poor

hedge which is growing on a clawdd are the only habitats that will be impacted by the proposals.

Also present is a pond which is to be retained along with two hedgerow trees.

Improved Grassland

Improved grassland is the dominant habitat on the southern part of the site with perennial ryegrass;

(Lolium perenne) being the dominant species. Also present as minor components are common bent;

(Agrostis capillaris), creeping buttercup; (Ranunculus repens), creeping thistle; (Cirsium arvense),

common sorrel; (Rumex acetosa). This habitat is heavily grazed.

Pond

There is a small, triangular pond in the north-east corner of the site. This water-body appears to be

suffering from a long-term lack of management and soft rush; (Juncus effusus) has now encroached

on a significant proportion of the pond. Aquatic/emergent vegetation is restricted to lesser

duckweed; (Lemna minor), hemlock water-dropwort; (Oenanthe crocata) and reed mace; (Typha

latifolia). Open water is restricted to an area which is heavily shaded by over-hanging willows;

(Salix spp). Ducks were recorded as being present during the survey of 30th April.

Page 6: Caer Felin, Pencarnisiog Proposed Caravan/Glamping site ... · Caer Felin, Pencarnisiog Proposed Caravan/Glamping site Development Preliminary Ecological Assessment 6th May 2019 1

Cambrian Ecology Ltd/Preliminary Ecological Assessment /Caer Felin, Pencarnisiog/06/05/2019

Species Poor Hedge

There is a species-poor hedge on the site boundary growing on a clawdd. The dominant species is

hawthorn; (Crataegus monogyna) with blackthorn; (Prunus spinosa) and gorse; (Ulex europaeus)

also present. The hedge is fenced to protect it from gazing livestock and additional species present

include foxglove; (Digitalis purpurea), cleavers; (Gallium aparine), red campion; (Silene dioica),

nettle; (Urtica dioica) and bramble.

Trees

In addition to the willow trees on the east bank of the pond, there are also two hedgerow sycamores;

(Acer pseudoplatanus) on the south-eastern boundary opposite Caer Felin house.

Fig.2: Aerial photograph of the proposed development site and surrounding habitat

5.2 Protected Species

The protected species survey was negative.

5.3 Great Crested Newts

The two torching surveys for GCNs were negative. Small numbers of palmate newts; (Lissotriton

helveticus) were recorded during the survey of 30th April but no evidence of amphibian breeding in

the form of tadpoles was recorded during either of the surveys.

Page 7: Caer Felin, Pencarnisiog Proposed Caravan/Glamping site ... · Caer Felin, Pencarnisiog Proposed Caravan/Glamping site Development Preliminary Ecological Assessment 6th May 2019 1

Cambrian Ecology Ltd/Preliminary Ecological Assessment /Caer Felin, Pencarnisiog/06/05/2019

5.4 Desk Study

This data search revealed that there are no designated or protected sites within the 1km radius search

area, or that will potentially be affected by the proposals.

There are no records of GCNs within the 1km search parameter and only one record of an ‘unknown’

bat species.

There are no records of any other species that could potentially be affected by the proposals.

6 Habitat Evaluation and Impact Assessment

6.1 Habitat

From a botanical point of view, the improved grassland habitat and two short sections of hedge that

will be lost are species poor with a very limited range of common and widespread species. No

negative impact is therefore anticipated as a result of the loss of these habitats.

There is however the potential for a positive impact as a result of the proposals due to the

implementation of a more favourable management regimes to boost the floristic diversity of the

grassland habitat and the productivity of the hedges. This in turn will be of benefit to a range of

other taxa.

There is also the potential for a positive impact on Biodiversity by introducing regular management

to the pond which will soon be lost if a level of intervention is not implemented.

7 Species Evaluation and Impact Assessment

7.1 Bats

Although no roosts will be lost, and there are no potential roosts on the site, there is the potential for

the movements of bats to be inhibited by the presence of inappropriate lighting if this lighting causes

the illumination of linear landscape features such as the hedge line on the western site boundary.

The eastern boundary hedge is already illuminated by street lighting. Any impact would however be

likely to be minimal due to the very good habitat connectivity of the wider landscape.

7.2 Great Crested Newts

Even if GCNs were present on this site, the majority of habitat loss is restricted to heavily grazed,

improved grassland that is not considered to be suitable GCN terrestrial habitat. This factor,

combined with the negative results of the surveys, the lack of GCN records in the data search, and

the ‘average’ score of the pond in the HSI index, indicate that any negative impact on this species is

unlikely.

7.3 Nesting Birds

Page 8: Caer Felin, Pencarnisiog Proposed Caravan/Glamping site ... · Caer Felin, Pencarnisiog Proposed Caravan/Glamping site Development Preliminary Ecological Assessment 6th May 2019 1

Cambrian Ecology Ltd/Preliminary Ecological Assessment /Caer Felin, Pencarnisiog/06/05/2019

There is the potential for nesting birds to be present in the sections of hedge that will require removal

to create a new access. If this disturbance occurred during the nesting season resulting in the failure

of the brood, this could have a negative impact on birds at a local level.

All birds, with the exception of some ‘pest species’ which can be controlled under licence are

protected while nesting.

There is however also the potential for a positive impact on birds by introducing a more favourable

management regime for the hedges to improve productivity in relation to flower and fruit production.

8 Mitigation Measures

8.1 Habitats

The only habitats that will be lost are heavily improved grassland and two small sections of hedge

comprising common and widespread species of no conservation concern. No mitigation measures

are therefore required from a habitat perspective.

8.2 Protected Species

Bats

To prevent the inhibition of bat movements, the installation of any exterior lighting must take the

following into account:

Exterior lighting must be kept to a minimum and must be directional.

To prevent lighting inadvertently being left on, exterior lighting must be movement activated.

There must be no illumination of the boundary features.

Nesting Birds

The removal of small sections of hedge to create the new access must take place outside of the

nesting bird season (1st March to 30th September). If this is not possible within work schedules, then

the vegetation must be checked for any active bird nests by an experienced ecologist prior to

clearance commencing. In the event of any nesting being recorded, the clearance works must be

delayed until such time as any chicks have fledged.

8.3 Biodiversity Gain

Under Section 6 of the Environment Wales Act (2016), Planning Authorities are required to seek

Biodiversity gain as a routine part of planning consents being issued. The following

recommendations are made to enhance the Biodiversity value of the site post-development.

Grassland Management

The current sward of improved grassland carried minimal Biodiversity benefit. It is therefore

recommended that areas are included within the site design that have the potential to be re-sown with

Page 9: Caer Felin, Pencarnisiog Proposed Caravan/Glamping site ... · Caer Felin, Pencarnisiog Proposed Caravan/Glamping site Development Preliminary Ecological Assessment 6th May 2019 1

Cambrian Ecology Ltd/Preliminary Ecological Assessment /Caer Felin, Pencarnisiog/06/05/2019

an appropriate lowland meadow wild flower mix. If this is possible, the following management

regime must then be implemented.

The re-seeded grassland habitats will be subjected to an annual mowing.

This mowing will take place once the plants have produced seed. The timing of this will vary

from year to year depending on weather conditions but will usually be sometime in

July/August.

The cut material must be removed otherwise this will decompose favouring the coarser

grasses and more robust species.

The use of any fertilisers will be avoided as the general aim is to gradually reduce soil

fertility to the benefit of the wild flower element of the sward.

New Planting

It is recommended that the planting of species of value to wildlife are included in any landscaping

scheme which will help to compensate for the lack of species diversity in the existing hedges

Native plants suitable for inclusion in a new planting scheme include:

Holly; (Ilex aquifolium)

Hazel; (Corylus avellana)

Elder; (Sambucus nigra)

Dog rose; (Rosa canina)

Guelder rose; (Viburnum opulus)

Rowan; (Sorbus aucuparia)

Whitebeam; (Sorbus aria)

Cherry; (Prunus avium)

Bird cherry; (Prunus padus)

Cherry plum; (Prunus cerasifera)

Crab apple; (Malus sylvestris)

If specimen trees are to be introduced it is recommended that native oak; (Quercus petraea) is

utilised. Due to the current Biosecurity issues involved with the planting of ash; (Fraxinus

excelsior), this species should be avoided.

Hedge Management

It is recommended that beneficial hedge management practices are introduced such as the rotational

management of hedges to maximise fruit production to the benefit of wildlife. Advice regarding this

management can be found on the RSPB website at:

ww2.rspb.org.uk/Images/Englishhedgerows1_tcm9-133255.pdf

This practice will carry long term benefits for birds that feed on berries and bats which may use the

hedges as flight paths and feeding corridors.

Due to the lack of suitable trees on the site for mounting bird and bat boxes, it is not recommended

that these are utilised.

Page 10: Caer Felin, Pencarnisiog Proposed Caravan/Glamping site ... · Caer Felin, Pencarnisiog Proposed Caravan/Glamping site Development Preliminary Ecological Assessment 6th May 2019 1

Cambrian Ecology Ltd/Preliminary Ecological Assessment /Caer Felin, Pencarnisiog/06/05/2019

Pond Management

The pond in the north-east corner of the site is currently unmanaged which in the long term will

result in the loss of this feature as a wildlife habitat. The following recommendations are made to

safeguard the habitat in the future and to increase its value to Biodiversity.

The fence around the pond should be retained to prevent access by visitors and their dogs

which could cause physical damage to the habitat in addition to disturbance.

The installation of a gate in the fence would be beneficial as difficult access is likely to

inhibit regular management.

The urge to stock the pond with ornamental fish (or fish of any kind) must be resisted as fish

have a negative impact on the Biodiversity of small water-bodies such as this.

The overhanging willows should be retained as there are specific invertebrates which thrive

in shady conditions.

Some of the soft rush around the pond margins should be physically removed to create more

open water. It is however recommended that approximately 30% of this vegetation is

retained to provide bankside cover for any emerging amphibians.

It is recommended that no new aquatic plants are introduced as this also carries the risk of

introducing invasive species.

9 Legal Implications

9.1 Nesting Birds

Under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, all nesting birds and their nests are protected. Once a

bird places a single piece of material then it constitutes a nest. It is then an offence to cause damage

to the bird, nest, eggs or chicks and immediate habitat which is likely to result in damage by causing

the bird to desert its nest. This covers all bird species, with a small number of exceptions (pest

species which can be controlled by special license.

In 2000, the Countryside and Rights of Way Act (CROW Act) was made law, strengthening the legal

protection for many species and introducing a ‘reckless disturbance’ offence.

Planning Authorities are also obliged to take nesting birds into account in relation to planning

decisions following guidance from the Welsh Government detailed in Technical Advice Note (TAN)

5.

10 Appendices

10.1 Site photographic record

Page 11: Caer Felin, Pencarnisiog Proposed Caravan/Glamping site ... · Caer Felin, Pencarnisiog Proposed Caravan/Glamping site Development Preliminary Ecological Assessment 6th May 2019 1

Cambrian Ecology Ltd/Preliminary Ecological Assessment /Caer Felin, Pencarnisiog/06/05/2019

Above: The heavily improved grassland that dominates the site

Above: The species-poor hedge around the site boundary

Page 12: Caer Felin, Pencarnisiog Proposed Caravan/Glamping site ... · Caer Felin, Pencarnisiog Proposed Caravan/Glamping site Development Preliminary Ecological Assessment 6th May 2019 1

Cambrian Ecology Ltd/Preliminary Ecological Assessment /Caer Felin, Pencarnisiog/06/05/2019

Above: The hedges are fenced to protect them from livestock

Above: Vegetation encroachment of the pond

Page 13: Caer Felin, Pencarnisiog Proposed Caravan/Glamping site ... · Caer Felin, Pencarnisiog Proposed Caravan/Glamping site Development Preliminary Ecological Assessment 6th May 2019 1

Cambrian Ecology Ltd/Preliminary Ecological Assessment /Caer Felin, Pencarnisiog/06/05/2019

10.2 Phase 1 Habitat Map

10.3 Review Table

Name Task Date Chris Hall Author 16.05.2019 Kate Williamson Review 17.05.2019