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NORTHAMPTON SHOOTING GROUND SYWELL, NORTHAMPTONSHIRE UPDATED PHASE 1 HABITAT SURVEY FOR JOHN DRAKE AND CO ON BEHALF OF MR AND MRS MUTTOCK November 2013

NORTHAMPTON SHOOTING GROUND, SYWELL PHASE 1 HABITAT SURVEY UPDATE 2013

Landscape Science Consultancy Ltd L:\LSC\J14.09 J14.09b update Sywell Shooting Ground\Reports\Sywell Extended Phase 1 FINAL REV C.doc

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CONTENTS

1.0 Introduction 2.0 Site Description 3.0 Legislation and Policy 4.0 Methodology 5.0 Results 6.0 Impacts 7.0 Recommendations 8.0 Conclusion

References Figure 01A: Phase 1 Habitat Survey Appendix 1: Target Notes

Report Ref No: J14.09a

Author: Hilary Ludlow MSc MCIEEM CMLI CEnv

Scientific check:

Hilary Ludlow MSc MCIEEM CMLI CEnv

Presentation check: Zoe Lewis BA (Hons)

Date: November 2013



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1.0 Introduction 1.1 Landscape Science Consultancy Ltd (LSC Ltd) was commissioned by John Drake

and Co to update a previous ecological assessment dated 2009 on an area of land at the Northamptonshire Shooting Ground, Sywell, Northamptonshire. The survey was carried out in respect of a proposed application for an extension of a planning application. The baseline ecological assessment of site conditions has been updated and recommendations for ecological enhancement have been made.

1.2 The aim of the ecological survey was to identify all relevant aspects of ecology

on the development site and assess their relative importance, as well as determining the likely scale and magnitude of ecological impact from the development proposals. A background data search was undertaken in 2009.

1.3 An extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey of the site was undertaken on 21st

November 2013 by principal ecologist Hilary R Ludlow MSc CMLI MCIEEM CEnv. This included an examination of key habitats and all potential ecological constraints present on the site, including the presence and potential presence of protected species.

1.4 The impacts of the development proposals are discussed and recommendations

made for mitigation and enhancement. 2.0 Site Description 2.1 The site is located to the south of the A43 main trunk road, at Sywell,

Northamptonshire. The surrounding landscape is rural with arable and pasture fields. There are direct links from the site to the wider landscape through the hedgerows that line the A43 and demarcate the field boundaries.

2.2 The majority of the survey area is managed amenity grassland with mature and

semi-mature trees in hedge lines along some of the boundaries and tall bunds with rough grassland forming the remaining boundaries. Throughout the site there are scattered groups of planted trees and groups of self seeded shrubs and saplings. A stream runs from the north east of the overall site boundary into a balancing pond to the immediate north east of the survey area. The outflow from the pond runs along the southern boundary of the survey area into a culvert which takes the water offsite.

2.3 The site is enclosed on the south, north and west by high acoustic mounds. 2.4 The location of the site is shown in Map 1 and an aerial photograph with the

extent of the area surveyed is shown in Map 2.



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Map 1. Showing the location of the site (indicated by the red circle)

Map 2. Showing the site in the context of surrounding habitats in the wider landscape

(indicated by the red line)

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3.0 Legislation and Policy

The potentially relevant legislation is summarised below.

3.1 Statutory Legislation

The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010 The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010, or the ‘Habitat Regulations 2010’, transposes European Directives into English and Welsh legislation. Under these regulations, wild animals of a European Protected Species and their breeding sites or resting places are protected under Regulation 41. Such wild animals of a European Protected Species include great crested newts, otters, dormice and all species of bat. It is an offence to deliberately capture, injure or kill any such wild animal and in the case of great crested newts, deliberately take or destroy their eggs. It is also an offence to deliberately damage or destroy a breeding site or resting place of any such wild animal. Wild animals of a European Protected Species are also protected from disturbance under Regulation 41. Disturbance of such wild animals includes in particular any disturbance which is likely:

(a) To impair their ability -

to survive, to breed or reproduce, or to rear or nurture their young; or in the case of animals of a hibernating or migratory species, to

hibernate or migrate; or (b) To affect significantly the local distribution or abundance of the species to

which they belong.

The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) affords protection to wild birds in England and Wales under Part 1. It is an offence to intentionally kill, injure or take any wild bird. It is also an offence to intentionally take, damage or destroy the nest of any wild bird whilst it is in use or being built, or intentionally take or destroy their eggs. If the wild bird is included on the Schedule 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended), it is additionally an offence to intentionally or recklessly disturb the wild bird whilst on the nest during the breeding season. Certain species of animal, such as the water vole, are offered ‘full protection’ under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) by being included in Schedule 5 in respect of certain offences under Section 9. Such offences include:

9(1) Intentional killing, injuring or taking of a Schedule 5 animal;



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9(4a) Intentional or reckless damage to, destruction of or obstruction of any

structure or place used by a Schedule 5 animal for shelter or protection; 9(4b) Intentional or reckless disturbance of a Schedule 5 animal occupying such a

structure or place.

Widespread species of native reptiles occurring within England and Wales such as the adder or common lizard are protected against intentional killing and injuring under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) only. Animals of a European Protected Species are now only protected under offences 9(4a) and 9(4b) of Section 9, the main legislative tool covering such animals is under the ‘Habitats Directive 2010’. The Protection of Badgers Act 1992 Badgers are primarily protected by The Protection of Badgers Act 1992, under which it is an offence to wilfully kill, injure, take, possess or cruelly ill-treat a badger, or to attempt to do so and to intentionally or recklessly interfere with a sett. Sett interference includes disturbing badgers whilst they are occupying a sett, as well as damaging or destroying a sett or obstructing access to it.

3.2 Planning Policy

The National Planning Policy Framework (‘the Framework’) sets out the Government’s planning policies for England and how these are expected to be applied (DfCLG, 2012). Local Planning Authorities have an obligation to prepare their Local Plans “consistent with the principals and policies set out within the Framework, including a presumption in favour of sustainable development (Para 151)”. Planning decisions must be undertaken in accordance with the Local Plan unless material considerations indicate otherwise. The Framework requires Local Planning Authorities to set out a strategic approach for conserving and enhancing the natural environment, thereby “planning positively for the creation, protection, enhancement and management of networks of biodiversity and green infrastructure (Para 114)”. When determining planning applications, the Framework outlines that “if significant harm resulting from a development cannot be avoided (through locating on an alternative site with less harmful impacts), adequately mitigated, or, as a last resort, compensated for, then planning permission should be refused (Para 118)”.

3.3 Biodiversity Action Plans

The UK Biodiversity Action Plans (BAPs) were drafted for ‘Priority’ species and habitats in which specific conservation targets were set and are regularly reviewed. BAP features do not receive any legal protection but have



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biodiversity value within a national context. The UK BAPs also serve as a framework for local biodiversity conservation efforts. The Biodiversity Plan for Northamptonshire lists the local priority habitats and species for which conservation targets have been developed. There are no habitats or species listed in the Plan that are of potential relevance to this site.

4.0 Methodology 4.1 Desktop Study

Natural England’s ‘Nature on the Map’ and the ‘MAGIC’ websites were accessed for locations of statutory nature conservation sites within 1km of the survey site. Northamptonshire Biological Records Centre was consulted with regard to protected species and statutory and non-statutory nature conservation sites within a 1km radius of the survey area.

4.2 Field Surveys

Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey

Based on the JNCC (2007) guidelines, a walkover of the site was undertaken on 21st November 2013 to update the records for the macro-habitats present and note target points of interest. This method provided an overview of existing communities and associations within the site and points of ecological interest which can then be incorporated into recommendations for the future, developing linkages, reducing fragmentation and strengthening existing habitats. Species lists for the main habitat areas were compiled. Plant nomenclature follows Stace (1997). The UK priority Species/Red Data book/locally important species lists were used to establish national, regional and local status of any rarer plants, animals or invertebrates recorded during the survey. The ecological survey of the site considered all relevant aspects of ecology in order to provide sufficient detail to: identify and assess the overall habitat pattern of the site and associated

linkages relevant to the proposals, highlighting the terrestrial habitats present;

assess the current ecological status and sensitivity, particularly in relation to any statutory designations;

identify presence or possible presence of protected species; identify constraints to development; identify any notifiable weeds; provide recommendations if mitigation is necessary.



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4.3 Assessment of Ecological Value and Potential Impacts

The ecological value and potential impacts of the development proposals to site receptors are determined using a standardised methodology based on guidance provided by the Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (IEEM, 2011) and the Design Manual for Roads and Bridges (DfT, 2008). The guidelines propose an approach to ecological impact assessment that involves professional judgement based on available guidance and information.

The methodology used to determine the ecological value and potential impacts to site receptors are given in Tables 01, 02 and 03, below:

Table 01: The criteria used for determining the ecological value of site receptors, based on a geographical form of reference (Source: IEEM 2011).

Ecological Value Geographical Frame of Reference

Very High International and European Value

High National and Regional Value

Medium County or District Value

Low Parish (or Local) Value or within the Zone of Influence

only

Negligible Slight or no Value

Table 02: The criteria used for determining the magnitude of impacts to site receptors (Source: IEEM 2011 & DfT 2008).

Magnitude Criteria

Major

Loss of resource and/or quality and integrity; severe damage to key characteristics, features or elements (Adverse).

Large scale or major improvement of resource quality; extensive restoration or enhancement; major improvement of attribute quality (Beneficial).

Moderate

Significant impact on the resource, but not adversely affecting the integrity; partial loss of/damage to key characteristics, features or elements (Adverse).

Benefit to, or addition of, key characteristics, features or elements; improvement of attribute quality (Beneficial).

Minor

Some measurable change in attributes quality or vulnerability; minor loss of, or alteration to, one (maybe more) key characteristics, features or elements (Adverse).

Minor benefit to, or addition of, one (maybe more) key characteristics, features or elements; some beneficial impact on attribute or a reduced risk of negative impact occurring (Beneficial).

Negligible

Very minor loss or detrimental alteration to one or more characteristics, features or elements (Adverse).

Very minor benefit to or positive addition of one or more characteristics, features or elements (Beneficial).



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Magnitude Criteria

No change No loss or alteration of characteristics, features or elements; no

observable impact in either direction.

Table 03: The criteria used for determining the significance of impacts to site receptors (Source: IEEM 2011 & DfT 2008).

MAGNITUDE OF IMPACT

ECOLOGICAL VALUE OF RECEPTOR

Negligible Low Medium High Very High

No Change Neutral Neutral Neutral Neutral Neutral

Negligible Neutral Neutral to Slight

Neutral to Slight Slight Slight

Minor Neutral to Slight

Neutral to Slight Slight Slight to

Moderate Moderate to

Large

Moderate Neutral to Slight Slight Moderate Moderate to

Large Large to

Very Large

Major Slight Slight to Moderate

Moderate to Large

Large or Very Large Very Large

5.0 Results 5.1 Desktop Study 5.1.1 Statutory Sites of Nature Conservation Interest

There are no statutory sites of nature conservation interest within 1km radius of the survey area.

5.1.2 Non-Statutory Sites of Nature Conservation Interest There is one non-statutory site of nature conservation interest within 1km of the survey site. This is the Sywell Wood Potential Wildlife Site (pWS) to the south west of the site.

5.1.3 Protected Species

Records exist for protected species within the 1km search radius. Badgers have historically been recorded along the A43 route corridor.

5.2 Habitats

5.2.1 Bunds The area at TN1 is an acoustic bund to the south of the shooting ground. The bund demarcates the survey area, but also extends to the east, marking the southern boundary of the rifle range. The dominant habitat on the bund is developing rough grassland with a closed grassland sward. Grass species



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include rye (Lolium perenne), cocks foot (Dactylis glomerata), false oat grass (Arrhenatherum elatius), rough meadow grass (Poa trivialis), timothy (Phleum pratense), creeping bent (Agrostis stolonifera), red fescue (Festuca rubra) and tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea). Herbaceous species within the sward include sow thistle (Sonchus asper), creeping cinquefoil (Potentilla reptans), dock (Rumex sp), hairy willowherb (Epilobium hirsutum), hogweed (Heracleum sphondylium), ribwort plantain (Plantago lanceolata), ox-eye daisy (Leucanthemum vulgaris) and creeping thistle (Cirsium arvense). Species of recently disturbed ground occurred at the base of the bund by the track including teasel (Dipsacus fullonum), scentless mayweed (Tripleurospermum inodorum). Scrub species encroaching into the rough grass include seedlings of hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna), dogwood (Cornus sanguinea) and elder (Sambucus nigra).

Photograph 1. Bund to south of survey area

5.2.2 Disturbed Ground TN2 is an area of disturbed ground situated between the track and the stream that runs along the southern boundary of the survey area. Grass species include rye (Lolium perenne), sterile brome (Anisantha sterilis) false oat grass (Arrhenatherum elatius), rough meadow grass (Poa trivialis), timothy (Phleum pratense), creeping bent (Agrostis stolonifera) and tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea). Herbaceous species within the sward include sow thistle (Sonchus asper), creeping cinquefoil (Potentilla reptans), dock (Rumex sp), hairy willowherb (Epilobium hirsutum), spear thistle (Cirsium vulgare) and creeping thistle. Scrub species encroaching include hawthorn and elder (Sambucus nigra). Other species synonymous with disturbed ground include teasel, groundsel (Senecio vulgaris), plantain (Plantago media and P. lanceolata), nipplewort, (Lapsana communis), mullein (Verbascum thapsus), mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris), field speedwell (Veronica persica), spurge (Euphorbia sp), common mallow (Malva sylvestris) and nettle (Urtica dioica).



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Photograph 2. Area of disturbed ground adjacent to the track

5.2.3 Stream A stream flows from the balancing pond at TN11 and forms a boundary of the site. The stream has a width of ~4m from bank-top to bank-top. The banks are steep and the bottom 0.5m is almost vertical. The stream channel has a depth of ~2m.

The stream course is overgrown except at the entrance to the culvert. The bank tops are vegetated with tall ruderals including hairy willow herb, nettle, bramble (Rubus fruticosus agg), smooth sow-thistle (Sonchus oleraceus), spear thistle, hogweed, fleabane (Pulicaria dysenterica), tufted hair grass (Deschampsia cespitosa) and meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria).

The banks are dominated by mature hawthorn stands with occasional goat willow (Salix caprea) and young ash (Fraxinus excelsior) and oak (Quercus robur), some of which reach up to 8m in height. Other species present include dog rose (Rosa canina).

Photograph 3. Culvert of stream at TN3



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Photograph 4. Stream (TN3) overgrown with vegetation The stream course is heavily shaded by the dense vegetation. Where the light penetrates small patches of watercress (Rorippa nasturtium-aquatica) have established with clumps of rush (Juncus sp).

Photograph 5. Showing vegetation in the stream course A stand of Portuguese laurel (Prunus lusitanica) has been planted and become well-established at the north-eastern end of the stream, near to the culvert from the balancing pond.

5.2.4 Amenity Grass An area of amenity grass dominates the survey area. The sward is actively managed with a regular mowing regime, maintaining a short sward height. Species present within the sward include clover (Trifolium sp), red fescue (Festuca rubra), rye (Lolium perenne), creeping thistle (Cirsium arvense), creeping buttercup (Ranunculus repens), dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) and cocks foot (Dactylis glomerata).



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At TN5, on the right hand side of the grassland sward, are four newly planted saplings.

Photograph 6. Planted saplings at TN5 TN6 is a small earth mound within the amenity sward. The mound has a height of approximately 1.75m and is vegetated by tall ruderals including creeping thistle, nettle, hogweed, teasel, cocksfoot, false oat grass, tufted hair grass and dock.

Evidence of rabbit activity was noted within the mound, with several holes present.

Photograph 7. Earth mound at TN6 with scrub and ruderal vegetation at the base

5.2.5 North West Perimeters Seven Leyland cypress (Cupressocyparis leylandii) at the entrance to the site, with three on one side and four on the other. Adjacent to the Leylandii lies a small, uncultivated mound with rough grass, ruderals and three saplings; two horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum) saplings approximately between 2 –



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3.5m high and one ash sapling with a height of approximately 5m. Evidence of rabbit activity was noted within the mound, with several holes present.

Photograph 8. Bund with Leyland cypress at the entrance to the survey site

5.2.6 Perimeter Bund – North East TN 8 is an earth bund approximately 6 – 7m in height. On the southern (site) side, the bund is vegetated by tall ruderals, dominated by nettle and creeping thistle with similar ruderals to the bund at TN1. Two eucalyptus saplings and a damaged horse chestnut sapling occur towards the base of the bund.

Photograph 9. Earth bund at TN8



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Photograph 10. North west end of bund The earth mound at TN9 meets TN8 in the north western corner of the survey site. The earth mound supports tall ruderal vegetation, although some areas of the mound show evidence of recent disturbance. Scrub is beginning to naturally regenerate with species present including elder, dog rose, ash, grey willow (Salix cinerea), eared willow (Salix aurita) and stands of hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna). The scrub has reached a height of approximately 8m.

Photograph 11. TN9

5.2.7 Hedge TN10 is an unmanaged, mature hawthorn and blackthorn (Prunus spinosa) dominated hedge line. The hedge is comprised of a triple row of planting over a ditch with a width at the southern end of approximately 10m and a height that varies along its length. Where the shade is dense, little undergrowth occurs. Where light penetrates, the understorey comprises ruderals and bramble scrub with self-set eared willow and ash saplings. The hedgerow shows evidence of having been laid at some time in the past. A number of ash trees are present along its length with occasional young oak (Quercus robur) stands.



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Photographs 12. Mature hedge

Photograph 13. Hedge and understorey at TN10 At the north east end the hedge narrows and becomes a double row with additional sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus).



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Photograph 14. Hedge with sycamore stands Adjacent to the hedge is an area of amenity grass with a length of earth mound, approximately 4m high, vegetated by tall ruderals, TN12 and TN13. A number of saplings have been planted in the grass by the bund.

5.2.8 Offsite Pond TN11 is an offsite balancing pond present to the south east corner of the survey area. The pond is fed by a stream that flows along the southern boundary of the rifle range. The pond in turn then flows into the stream at TN3. The pond has water lilies present on its surface and fish have been recorded in the pond.

Photograph 15. Pond at TN11 The amenity grass habitats are of negligible biodiversity value. The remaining habitats on site are of low local biodiversity value.



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5.3 Species

No evidence of protected species, such as badger, was noted on site at the time of survey. The pond immediately offsite from the development proposals had coarse fish present and was unlikely to support a successful breeding population of great crested newt. The habitats on site, such as the amenity grassland, are sub-optimal habitat for the terrestrial phase of the newt. The rough grass and tall ruderals on the bunds that are to be removed could provide foraging habitat for newts. There are no records of meta-populations of GCNs in the area. The stream course was examined for a potential water vole population. The water level in the stream is regularly very low and the stream would provide sub-optimal habitat for water vole. No evidence of water vole was found at the time of survey. There are no habitats suitable for grass snake on site and no trees sufficiently mature to support bat roosts. A number of rabbit warrens were noted within the bunds on site.

6.0 Impacts

In the area of amenity grass, the proposals are to create an undulating area for clay pigeon shooting within the grassland, with inert waste material used to create an elevated plateau. The proposals would result in the removal of the amenity turf and existing low perimeter bunds. In the amenity grass area of TN13 the existing bund would be extended and raised. The bund would not encroach on the mature hedge, with a 5m wide access track maintained for any works required. The removal of the amenity sward, re-contouring of the perimeter bunds, recently planted saplings and the rank grass with tall ruderals would have a negligible impact on the local biodiversity of the site as a whole. The mature hedge along the ephemeral ditch and the stream on the opposite boundary would be retained, giving a neutral impact to these habitats. The overall magnitude of the impact of the proposals on the local biodiversity is, therefore assessed, from Table 3, as being neutral. The new elevated plateau would be planted with native indigenous trees and shrubs which would enhance the biodiversity of the proposed development area and would increase the contribution of this area to the wider site.



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In the long term, the proposals would have a positive beneficial impact on the site’s biodiversity.

7.0 Recommendations 7.1 Habitats 7.1.1 The mature hedge line with semi-mature trees is an important feature on the

site. Although the proposal is to retain that hedge line, the new bunds would be built up close to the hedge. Compaction of soil within the root zone of the hedge by heavy machinery is therefore a potential risk. In order to avoid any impacts on the retained hedge the following recommendation is made: Recommendation: In all cases consideration should be given to ensuring site works are as far away as possible from retained trees and shrubs within, and along, the development site boundaries. In any instance British Standard (BS) 5837 ‘Guide for Trees in Relation to Construction’ (British Standards Institute 2012) should be followed with regards to working nearby retained trees. Work within a Root Protection Area should be avoided to prevent damage to the root structure of each tree. The protected zone should be clearly demarcated by visible Netlon fencing before work commences. If work must take place within this area it should be undertaken carefully by hand following BS 5837.

7.1.2 The retained stream should be regularly cleared on a five year cycle to control the vegetation growth. An unmanaged buffer of uncut vegetation, of at least 1m width, should be retained along the stream bank in order to maximise the ecological value of the water course.

7.1.3 In respect of habitat enhancement, the re-contouring of the ground offers

potential for planting a mix of native indigenous trees and shrubs. The planting could be extended up the west facing side of the perimeter acoustic bunds. To ensure that the height of the planting does not exceed requirements from the airport in respect of flight lines, the canopy trees should be planted towards the base of the bunds. Recommendations: i) Following the re-contouring, areas of disturbed ground along the margins and

bunding should be planted with native indigenous shrubs at staggered spacing 2m apart including:

Trees Ash Fraxinus excelsior Aspen Populus tremula Field maple Acer campestre Crab apple Malus sylvestris



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Goat willow Salix caprea Whitebeam Sorbus aria

Shrubs

Hawthorn Crataegus monogyna Midland Hawthorn Crataegus laevigata Dogwood Cornus sanguinea Wild privet Ligustrum vulgare Holly Ilex aquifolium Blackthorn Prunus spinosa Buckthorn Rhamnus catharticus

ii) To allow for the natural development of a diverse ground flora unplanted

areas should be allowed to re-vegetate naturally which would result in a diverse flora suited to the ground conditions.

iii) Where grass seeding is necessary a wild flower mix could be used that would

respond to close mowing.

7.2 Species

7.2.1 The hedgeline, small trees and areas of scrub have the potential to support breeding birds. Recommendation: To avoid negative impacts to nesting birds any clearance works on site should be conducted outside the bird breeding season (March-September). If works are conducted between March and September a nesting bird survey must be carried out by a qualified ecologist prior to clearance. Any located nests must then be identified and left undisturbed until the young have left the nest.

7.2.2 No evidence of any other protected species was noted on site at the time of survey.

8.0 Conclusion

The proposed development would result in the loss of areas of amenity grassland and alteration of bunds vegetated by common widespread tall grasses, tall ruderals, occasional shrubs and conifer trees. Young tree saplings would also be removed. The ecological value of the habitats to be removed is negligible. The area would be re-contoured with a plateau of raised topography. Recommendations are made for the consideration of trees retained on site, landscaping to enhance the biodiversity of the site, stream management to



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maximize the ecological value of the water course and protection of breeding birds during the works stage.



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References BCT (2012) Bat Surveys – Good Practice Guidelines. Bat Conservation Trust, London British Standards Institute (BSI) (2012). BS 5837 ‘Guide for Trees in Relation to Construction – Recommendations’ DfCLG (2012). National Planning Policy Framework, DfCLG, London. HMSO (1981). Wildlife and Countryside Act. HMSO, London HMSO (2010). Conservation and Natural Habitats Regulations. HMSO, London HMSO (2000). Countryside and Rights of Way (CRoW) Act. HMSO, London HMSO (2006). Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006. HMSO, London. JNCC (2007). Handbook for Phase 1 Habitat Survey. Peterborough Stace, C. (1999). Field Flora of the British Isles. Cambridge University Press

Websites: MAGIC www.magic.gov.uk Natural England www.naturalengland.org.uk Northamptonshire Biodiversity Action Plan



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APPENDIX 1

TARGET NOTES



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Target Note Description

TN1

Acoustic bunding dominated by closed grassland sward. Grass species include rye (Lolium perenne), sterile brome (Anisantha sterilis), cocks foot (Dactylis glomerata), false oat grass (Arrhenatherum elatius), rough meadow grass (Poa trivialis), timothy (Phleum pratense), creeping bent (Agrostis stolonifera), red fescue (Festuca rubra) and tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea). Herbaceous species within the sward include sow thistle (Sonchus asper), creeping cinquefoil (Potentilla reptans), dock (Rumex sp), hairy willowherb (Epilobium hirsutum), hogweed (Heracleum sphondylium), ribwort plantain (Plantago lanceolata), ox-eye daisy (Leucanthemum vulgaris) and creeping thistle (Cirsium arvense). Species of recently disturbed ground occurred at the base of the bund by the track including teasel (Dipsacus fullonum), scentless mayweed (Tripleurospermum inodorum). Scrub species encroaching into the rough grass include seedlings of hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna), dogwood (Cornus sanguinea) and elder (Sambucus nigra).

TN2

An area of disturbed ground between the track and the line of the stream. Grass species include rye (Lolium perenne), sterile brome (Anisantha sterilis) false oat grass (Arrhenatherum elatius), rough meadow grass (Poa trivialis), timothy (Phleum pratense), creeping bent (Agrostis stolonifera) and tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea). Herbaceous species within the sward include, sow thistle (Sonchus asper), creeping cinquefoil (Potentilla reptans), dock (Rumex sp), hairy willowherb (Epilobium hirsutum), spear thistle (Cirsium vulgare) and creeping thistle. Scrub species encroaching include hawthorn and elder (Sambucus nigra). Other species synonymous with disturbed ground include teasel, groundsel (Senecio vulgaris), plantain (Plantago media and P. lanceolata), nipplewort, (Lapsana communis), mullein (Verbascum thapsus), mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris), field speedwell (Veronica persica), spurge (Euphorbia sp), common mallow (Malva sylvestris) and nettle (Urtica dioica).

TN3

Stream that flows from the balancing pond at TN11. The stream has a width of ~4m from bank-top to bank-top. The banks are steep and the bottom 0.5m is almost vertical. The stream channel has a depth of ~2m. The stream course is overgrown except at the entrance to the culvert. The bank tops are vegetated with tall ruderals including hairy willow herb, nettle, bramble (Rubus fruticosus agg), smooth sow-thistle (Sonchus oleraceus), spear thistle, hogweed, fleabane (Pulicaria dysenterica), tufted hair grass (Deschampsia cespitosa) and meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria). The banks are dominated by mature hawthorn stands with occasional goat willow (Salix caprea) and young ash (Fraxinus excelsior) and oak (Quercus robur), some of which reach up to 8m in height. Other species present include dog rose (Rosa canina). The stream course is heavily shaded by the dense vegetation. Where the light penetrates small patches of watercress (Rorippa nasturtium-aquatica) have established with clumps of rush (Juncus sp).

A stand of Portuguese laurel (Prunus lusitanica) has been planted and become well-established at the north-eastern end of the stream, near to the culvert from the balancing pond.

TN4

An area of amenity grass that dominates the survey area. The sward is actively managed with a regular mowing regime, maintaining a short sward height. Species present within the sward include clover (Trifolium sp), red fescue (Festuca rubra), rye (Lolium perenne), creeping thistle (Cirsium arvense), creeping buttercup (Ranunculus repens), dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) and cocks foot (Dactylis glomerata).



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Target Note Description

TN5 Four newly planted saplings on the right hand side of the grassland sward.

TN6

Small earth mound within the amenity sward. The mound has a height of approximately 1.75m and is vegetated by tall ruderals including creeping thistle, nettle, hogweed, teasel, cocksfoot, false oat grass, tufted hair grass and dock. Evidence of rabbit activity was noted within the mound, with several holes present.

TN7

Seven Leyland cypress (Cupressocyparis leylandii) at the entrance to the site, with three on one side and four on the other. Adjacent to the Leylandii a small uncultivated mound with rough grass, ruderals and three saplings: two horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum) saplings approximately between 2 – 3.5m high and one ash sapling with a height of approximately 5m. Evidence of rabbit activity was noted within the mound, with several holes present.

TN8

Earth bund approximately 6 – 7m in height, On the southern (site) side, the bund is vegetated by tall ruderals, dominated by nettle and creeping thistle with similar ruderals to the bund at TN1. Two eucalyptus saplings and a damaged horse chestnut sapling occur towards the base of the bund.

TN9

Earth mound that meets TN8 in the north western corner of the survey site. The earth mound supports tall ruderal vegetation, although some areas of the mound show evidence of recent disturbance. Scrub is beginning to naturally regenerate with species present including elder, dog rose, ash, grey willow (Salix cinerea), eared willow (Salix aurita) and stands of hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna). The scrub has reached a height of approximately 8m.

TN10

An unmanaged, mature hawthorn and blackthorn (Prunus spinosa) dominated hedge line. A triple row of planting over a ditch with a width at the southern end of approximately 10m and a height that varies along its length. Where the shade is dense little undergrowth occurs. Where light penetrates the understorey comprises ruderals and bramble scrub with self-set eared willow and ash saplings. The hedgerow shows evidence of having been laid at some time in the past. A number of ash trees are present along its length with occasional young oak (Quercus robur) stands. At the north east end the hedge narrows and becomes a double row with additional sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus).

TN11

An offsite balancing pond present to the south east corner of the survey area. The pond is fed by a stream that flows along the southern boundary of the rifle range. The pond in turn then flows into the stream at TN3. The pond has water lilies present on its surface and fish were noted within the pond at the time of survey.

TN12 An earth mound approximately 4m high vegetated by tall ruderals.

TN13 Amenity grass with a similar mix as TN4.

TN14 Offsite rubble pile with occasional areas vegetated by tall ruderals, buddlea seedlings and valerian.

Documents

NORTHAMPTON SHOOTING GROUND SYWELL, …€¦ · L:\LSC\J14.09 J14.09b update Sywell Shooting Ground\Reports\Sywell Extended Phase 1 FINAL REV C.doc 6 9(4a)Intentional or reckless