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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)
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
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
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
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.
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.
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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