Volume 2 - Appendix D.3 Breeding Birds Survey ReportJuncti… · Bird Monitoring Methods: A Manual of Techniques for Key UK Species. RSPB, Sandy. M2 Junction 5 Improvements Environmental

M2 Junction 5 Improvements Environmental Statement

Volume 2 - Appendix D.3 Breeding Birds Survey Report

June 2019 Status: A1 APPROVED - PUBLISHED

Document Ref: HE551521-ATK-EBD-RP-LE-000018

M2 Junction 5 Improvements Environmental Statement Volume 2 - Appendix D.3 Breeding Birds Survey Report

Revision C03 Page 2 of 29

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This document and its contents have been prepared and are intended solely for Highways England’s information and use in relation to M2 Junction 5 Improvement. Atkins Limited assumes no responsibility to any other party in respect of or arising out of or in connection with this document and/or its contents.

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Document Title Volume 2 - Appendix D.3 Breeding Bird Survey Report

Author LS

Owner Camelia Lichtl

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Document Status A1

Revision History

Version Date Description Originator Checker Reviewer Authoriser

C03 21/05/19 Final for Publication

LS AR LS HC

C02 09/03/19 Draft 2 for HE Review

LS AR LS HC

Reviewer List

Name Role

Environment Support Centre SES Environment Group

The original format of this document is copyright to Highways England



Table of contents

Chapter Pages

Appendix D. 3 Breeding Bird Survey Report 5

D.1 Introduction 5

D.2 Methodology 6

D.3 Results 10

D.4 Evaluation 15

D.5 Conclusion 15

Appendix A. Survey area species list and breeding status 18

Appendix B. Kent Local Biodiversity Action Plan Species 21

B.1 Notable species 21

B.2 Retrievable species 22

B.3 Standard bearers/quality indicator species 22

Appendix C. Figures 24

Tables Table D.1: Summary of Relevant Legislation 5 Table D.2: Survey dates/times and weather conditions 8 Table D.3: Breeding Criteria 8 Table D.4: Notable breeding species 12 Table D.5: Notable probable breeding species 13 Table D.6: Notable possible breeding species 14


Appendix D.3

(Breeding Bird

Survey Report)

M2 Junction 5 ImprovementsEnvironmental Statement

Volume 2 - Appendix D.3 Breeding Birds Survey Report


Appendix D. 3 Breeding Bird Survey

Report

D.1 Introduction

Terms of Reference

D.1.1 Atkins Limited (Atkins) was commissioned by Highways England to undertake

breeding bird surveys to inform the Environmental Statement (ES) for the M2

Junction 5 Improvements Scheme (hereafter referred to as ‘the Scheme’).

D.1.2 The purpose of the breeding bird surveys was to collect sufficient information,

such that the value of the habitats within and surrounding the Scheme for

breeding birds could be assessed, and the potential impacts of the Scheme on

breeding birds be fully evaluated.

D.1.3 This Technical Appendix presents ecological information relating to the breeding

bird surveys undertaken for the Scheme, including methodology, results of the

desk study and field surveys, an evaluation of the nature conservation value of

bird species, and details of the species assemblages present within the Survey

Area.

D.1.4 This report provides factual information to support the ES, which will accompany

the planning application for the Scheme.

Legislation

D.1.5 Relevant legislation in relation to breeding birds is provided in Table D.1. below

Table D.1: Summary of Relevant Legislation

Species Legislation Offences Licensing procedures and guidance

Birds Wildlife and Countryside

Act 1981 (as amended) S.1

Intentionally kill, injure or take any wild bird; intentionally take,

damage or destroy the nest of any wild bird while that nest is in use or being built;

intentionally take or destroy the nest or eggs of any wild bird.

Intentionally or recklessly disturb a Schedule 1 species

while it is building a nest or is in, on or near a nest containing eggs or young; intentionally or

recklessly disturb dependent young of such a species [e.g. most birds of prey, kingfisher,

barn owl, black redstart, little ringed plover].

No licences are available to disturb any birds in regard to development.

Licences are available in certain circumstances to damage or destroy nests, but these only apply to

the list of licensable activities in the Act and do not cover development.

General licences are available in respect of ‘pest species’ but only for certain very specific purposes e.g. public health, public safety, air safety.

Guidance documents:

NE Standing Advice for protected species 2013



D.2 Methodology

Desk Study

Designated Sites

D.2.1 The Multi-Agency Geographic Information for the Countryside (MAGIC)1 website

was used to obtain information on relevant statutory designated sites designated

on account of their ornithological importance within 2 km of the Scheme

boundary, based on current best practice guidance within the Design Manual for

Roads and Bridges (DMRB)2 and Chartered Institute for Ecology and

Environmental Management (CIEEM) guidance3.

D.2.2 Desk study records of non-statutory designated sites and roadside nature

reserves within 2 km of the centre of the Scheme (Grid Reference TQ 85499

62166) were requested in July 2017 from Kent and Medway Biodiversity Records

Centre (KMBRC).

Biological Records

D.2.3 Records of notable and legally protected species of birds were requested from

KMBRC (as supplied by the Kent Ornithological Society) from within 1 km of the

Scheme in November 2018.

D.2.4 Species of principal importance for the conservation of biodiversity listed under

Section 41 of the Natural Environment & Rural Communities Act (NERC) 20064,

the Red and Amber lists of Birds of Conservation Concern 4 (BoCC4)5 and the

Kent Local Biodiversity Action Plan (LBAP)6 were reviewed as part of the data

gathering exercise to identify relevant bird species considered to be important for

biodiversity at the site. The Kent Bird Report7 and Kent Breeding Bird Atlas8 were

reviewed to ascertain the population status of certain species within the county.

Field Survey

Defining the Survey Area

D.2.5 Extended Phase 1 habitat surveys were undertaken during 2015, 2016, 2017

and 2018, which appraised the habitats within and adjacent to the Scheme for

1 Multi-Agency Geographic Information for the Countryside (2018) Available at: https://magic.defra.gov.uk/MagicMap.aspx [accessed

22nd October 2018] 2 Highways Agency (1993), DMRB Volume 11: Section 4 Part 1 HD44/09 Assessment of Implications (of Highways and/or Roads Projects) on European Sites (including Appropriate Assessment) 3 CIEEM (September 2018). Guidelines for Ecological Impact Assessment in the UK and Ireland: Terrestrial, Freshwater, Coastal and Marine. Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management, Winchester. 4 Section 40 of the NERC Act 2006 sets out the duty for public authorities to conserve biodiversity in England. Habitats and species of

principal importance for the conservation of biodiversity as identified by the Secretary of State for England, in consultation with Natural England, are referred to in Section 41 of the NERC Act 2006 for England. The list of habitats and species was updated in 2008 and is known as the England Biodiversity List. 5 Eaton MA, Aebischer NJ, Brown AF, Hearn RD, Lock L, Musgrove AJ, Noble DG, Stroud DA and Gregory RD (2015) Birds of Conservation Concern 4: the population status of birds in the United Kingdom, Channel Islands and Isle of Man. British Birds 108, 708–746. Available at: britishbirds.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/BoCC4.pdf 6 Kent Biodiversity Action Plan Steering Group (1997) The Kent Biodiversity Action Plan: A framework for the future of Kent’s wildlife. Available at: https://www.medway.gov.uk/downloads/file/279/kent_biodiversity_action_plan 7 Kent Ornithological Society (2018) Kent Bird Report 2016. 8 Clements, R., Orchard, M., McCanch, N. and Wood, S. (2015) Kent Breeding Bird Atlas 2008-13. Kent Ornithological Society



their suitability to support breeding birds and informed the scope of the breeding

bird surveys.

D.2.6 The locations with the greatest potential to support notable and protected bird

species were considered to be Church Wood and Chestnut Wood, both ancient

woodlands (listed on the Ancient Woodland Inventory9), although these sites are

not designated due the presence of bird species or assemblages. Other habitats

within the extended Phase 1 habitat survey area included plantation woodland,

arable land, built-up areas, poor semi-improved grassland, hedgerows and

scattered scrub.

D.2.7 The breeding bird Survey Area comprised all areas within the Scheme boundary

and accessible land within 100 m of the Scheme and extended up to 500 m in

certain areas. This was due to the survey transects being limited to Public Rights

of Way (PRoWs), as access to private land adjacent to the Scheme had not

been granted at the time (see Section 2.4 Limitations).

D.2.8 The Survey Area was designed to ensure that the assessment considered all

potential impacts on all species present in the area within which an impact may

occur, i.e. the Ecological Zone of Influence (EZoI), as well as those impacts

which could occur within the footprint of the Scheme. This included species

which may be sensitive to disturbance over large distances during the breeding

season, such as certain raptor species. The extent of the Survey Area also

considered any potential design changes to the Scheme.

Breeding Bird Survey Method

D.2.9 The method employed for breeding bird surveys broadly conformed to that used

for the Common Bird Census (CBC) survey, devised and run between 1962 and

2000 by the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO)10. CBC uses a mapping method

in which a series of visits are made to a site during the breeding season, and

observations of birds, by sight or sound, are recorded on a map.

D.2.10 Four survey visits were carried out, which was considered proportionate for a

relatively localised road improvement Scheme, allowing sufficient observations of

birds to produce clusters of registrations and minimising the risk of overlooking

scarce and/or notable species.

D.2.11 Walked transects commenced approximately 30 to 90 minutes before dawn to

coincide with peak bird activity, and to record crepuscular species that may be

present in the Survey Area, such as owls and nightingale. Kent is considered to

be a major British stronghold for nightingale6 and holds over a quarter of the UK

breeding population7; therefore, this species could be present within suitable

habitat (e.g. dense scrub) located within the survey area. Transects lasted

approximately 2.5 to 3.5 hours. The direction in which the transect was walked

9 Natural England Open Data (2018) Ancient Woodlands (England). Available at: https://naturalengland-defra.opendata.arcgis.com/datasets/ancient-woodlands-england 10 Gilbert et al. (1998). Bird Monitoring Methods: A Manual of Techniques for Key UK Species. RSPB, Sandy.



was varied between visits to optimise detection and minimise recording bias.

Surveys were not carried out in heavy rain, poor visibility or strong wind as birds

are under-recorded in such conditions. The surveys were led by David Darrell-

Lambert, an experienced ornithologist, with over 20 years of professional bird

survey and assessment experience.

D.2.12 Dates of survey visits are shown in Table D.2. along with weather conditions

encountered on each visit.

Table D.2: Survey dates/times and weather conditions

Date Start/end time

Sunrise Temperature (oC)

Cloud (Octas)11

Wind (Beaufort)12

Rain

06/06/2018 03:30 - 07:10

04:56 8 - 10 8 2 None

20/06/2018 04:26 - 06:49

04:54 12 - 15 8 3 - 4 None

28/06/2018 03:45 - 06:30

04:56 13 8 0 None

09/07/2018 04:02 - 06:38

05:05 15 - 18 1 0 None

D.2.13 The surveyor, with the aid of binoculars, recorded all observations of birds by

either sight or sound by walking through the Survey Area at a slow and steady

pace. The positions of the recorded birds were plotted as accurately as possible

(to the nearest 10-20 m) on a suitably scaled base map, i.e. a ‘visit map’.

Standard BTO codes and symbols were used for mapping species (including sex

and age, e.g. juvenile, immature or adult) and bird activity (including singing,

alarm-calling, nest-building and location, carrying food or faecal sacs, territorial

disputes and copulation).

Assessment

Breeding Status and Territory Analysis

D.2.14 Registrations of birds during the surveys were judged to be ‘breeding’, ‘probable

breeding’, ‘possible breeding’, or ‘non-breeding’ according to the criteria in Table

D.3 below. Breeding behaviour includes displaying, singing, territorial activity,

agitated or defensive behaviour or pairs of adults together.

Table D.3: Breeding Criteria

Category Criteria

Breeding Adults observed at nest

Nest with eggs

Unfledged young

Carrying nest material, food or faecal sac

11 https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/guides/observations-guide/how-we-measure-cloud 12 https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/guides/marine/beaufort-scale



Category Criteria

Present in one location (within normal territory range) on at least two occasions and displaying behaviour indicative of breeding on at least one occasion

Probable Breeding Present in suitable breeding habitat in the same location (within normal territory range) on more than one occasion

Displaying breeding behaviour on one occasion only

Possible Breeding Present in suitable breeding habitat on one occasion

Non-Breeding Present in non-suitable habitat for breeding

Immature birds

D.2.15 The data captured during the four survey visits were analysed to provide an

estimate of the number of notable species territories within the EZoI and their

locations. The EZoI was considered to be 100 m, although this was extended up

to 500 m for any Schedule 1 species confirmed, probably or possibly breeding in

the Survey Area and deemed to be susceptible to disturbance at greater

distances during the breeding season (see section 3.2. Field Survey).

D.2.16 Data from the ‘visit maps’ was transferred to a single survey map showing

territories for each notable species, giving an indication of where notable bird

species were recorded and where they may be (i.e. probably/possibly) breeding.

Recordings of notable species can be viewed in Figures 1 to 4 in Appendix C.

Defining Important Bird Species

D.2.17 For the purpose of this assessment, notable bird species are defined as those

which are either listed as species of principal importance for the conservation of

biodiversity in England1, are identified as Red or Amber BoCC2, Annex I listed

species on Directive 2009/147/EC (the Birds Directive), those listed on Schedule

1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended), and/or species listed

on the Kent Biodiversity Action Plan6.

Determination of Bird Community Importance

D.2.18 The importance of the notable breeding bird population in relation to the Scheme

was assessed and defined in a geographical context. The frame of reference for

notable populations of breeding birds in terms of their nature conservation

importance in a geographical context has been determined in-line with guidance

set out in Interim Advice Note (IAN) 130/1013.

Limitations

D.2.19 Ornithological surveys are affected by a variety of factors which affect the

presence of birds such as season, weather, climate, migration patterns, food

availability, species behaviour and the presence of predators. Therefore, bird

surveys for this Scheme may not have produced a complete bird list and the

absence of evidence of any particular species within the Survey Area (or a part

13 Highways Agency (2010) Interim Advice Note 130/10 Ecology and Nature Conservation: Criteria for Impact Assessment. Available at:

http://www.standardsforhighways.co.uk/ha/standards/ians/pdfs/ian130.pdf



of the Survey Area), should not be taken as conclusive proof that the species is

not present or that it will not be present in the future.

D.2.20 The M2 and A249 were subject to a high volume of traffic towards the end of

each survey visit due to increases in commuter traffic volume, which resulted in

significant noise pollution surrounding the road network. Birds are generally

sensitive to noise pollution; therefore, it is not considered that any significant

assemblages of notable species would be present in the areas of vegetation

immediately surrounding the road network that were subject to the highest levels

of noise pollution during the surveys.

D.2.21 Due to the late commissioning of the surveys, the field work started in early

June. As such it is possible that earlier breeding activity for some notable

species such as jackdaw, mistle thrush and bullfinch may have been missed.

However, due to the survey coverage and repeated visits, it is considered that

any early breeding species have been recorded, if and where present within the

EZoI, and that the survey results comprise an accurate account of the breeding

species within the EZoI.

D.2.22 Access to all land parcels within 100 m of the Scheme was not granted by the

time the surveys were undertaken. As such surveys of certain areas, particularly

at the north east area of the Scheme, could only be undertaken from PRoWs,

which were up to 500 m from the Scheme in places.

D.2.23 Following safety considerations for access to Bowl Reed Farm property on Oad

Street, an additional private access was added to the proposed Scheme in

February 2019. This this small area supports a species poor intact hedge of

Leyland cypress, which offers limited nesting and foraging potential for breeding

birds due to it being of a single coniferous species. Given the late addition of this

area to the Scheme design, the hedge was not included in the scope for the

breeding bird survey. Taking account of the limited extent and diversity of the

habitat present, this area is not anticipated to be of additional value to breeding

birds.

D.2.24 Therefore, the results of these bird surveys and the subsequent assessment

provide an indication of the use of the EZoI by breeding bird species during the

survey period. The results can therefore be used with confidence during the

analysis of potential impacts resulting from the Scheme.

D.3 Results

Desk Study

Designated Sites

D.3.1 There are no statutory designated sites within 2 km of the Scheme. The closest

statutory designated site that has been specifically designated with respect to its

ornithological importance is Medway Estuary and Marshes SPA, located



approximately 4.3 km to the north. This site is designated under Articles 4.1 and

4.2 of the EC Directive 79/409/EEC for supporting populations of European

importance of wintering and passage wildfowl and waders; breeding avocet and

little tern, and for regularly supporting at least 20,000 waterfowl.

D.3.2 There are five non-statutory designated sites within the desk study area. This

comprises Queendown Warren Kent Wildlife Trust (KWT) reserve, Squirrel

Wood, Stockbury Valley Local Wildlife Site (LWS) and Stockbury Wood LWS,

and two Roadside Nature Reserves (RNR), i.e. Honeycrock Hill RNR (MA04)

and Church Hill, Stockbury RNR (MA11).

D.3.3 Nine ancient woodland sites listed in the Ancient Woodland Inventory (AWI)9 are

present within 2 km of the Scheme, which includes two sites (Church Wood and

Chestnut Wood) within 100 m of the Scheme. However, these sites are relatively

small, they are disturbed by their proximity to the M2 motorway and they are

predominantly late-cycle coppice woodlands with a sparse under storey

vegetation with few large mature trees and standing deadwood. These

woodlands are therefore unlikely to be favoured by rarer notable species

associated with ancient woodland, such as nightingale, willow tit and lesser

spotted woodpecker.

D.3.4 Other habitats present within the Survey Area, including plantation broad-leaved

woodland, scrub, agricultural habitats and built-up areas provide suitable habitat

to support an assemblage of notable and common bird species.

Biological Records

D.3.5 The desk study identified recent records (i.e. since 2007) of 59 different bird

species within 1 km of the Scheme, which comprised 48 species recorded within

the breeding season (i.e. April to July inclusive). Twenty-two of these records are

notable, which includes three species on Schedule 1 of the Wildlife and

Countryside Act 1981 (hobby, Mediterranean gull and fieldfare). Nine species are

on the Red List and seven species on the Amber List of the BOCC45 species.

Eight species are listed as species of principal importance for the conservation of

biodiversity in England4 and 13 species noted as key bird species in the Kent

Local Biodiversity Action Plan6. Forty of these species have been confirmed by

the Kent Ornithological Society (KOS) as breeding within the study area.

D.3.6 The Kent Local Biodiversity Action Plan comprises a species action plan for

nightingale, and habitat action plans which contain 89 associated key bird

species, i.e. important species that are associated with one or more of the

habitats6. This comprises:

• 35 ‘notables’, i.e. species which rely upon the habitat;

• 12 ‘retrievables’, i.e. species formerly in association with the habitat but which have recently become extinct, or are on the verge of extinction, and which could be re-established if correct conditions were created; and



• 42 ‘standard bearers/quality indicator species’ (and four additional groups of species, i.e. waders and wildfowl, ‘all woodpeckers’, owls and seabirds). These are species that are expected to be present in most good examples of the habitat.

D.3.7 The full list of these species can be seen in Appendix B.

Field Survey

D.3.8 A total of 42 species were recorded within the full breeding bird Survey Area.

The full survey species list and their breeding and conservation status can be

seen in Appendix A.

D.3.9 Thirty-six species were recorded within the 100 m EZoI. Two additional species

(skylark and kestrel) were recorded just outside of the 100 m; as such it is

considered likely that at least part of a territory of these species is within the EZoI

(see Table D-4 and Table D-5 for further details). Four of the 42 species

recorded were outside of the EZoI and not considered to have any part of a

territory within the EZoI.

D.3.10 Of the 38 species recorded within or immediately adjacent to the EZoI, 17 are

breeding species, 13 are probable breeding species, six are possibly breeding

and two are non-breeding species.

D.3.11 Seventeen of these species recorded as having territories (or part of) within the

EZoI are notable. This comprises six species on the Red List and five species on

the Amber List of the BoCC45. Seven species are species of principal importance

for the conservation of biodiversity in England4. One species is listed as ‘notable’

and 10 species are listed as ‘standard bearers/quality indicator species’

respectively on the Kent Biodiversity Action Plan6.

D.3.12 One species (hobby) listed on Schedule 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act

1981 (as amended) was recorded within the EZoI.

D.3.13 All notable species recorded, along with estimated population size within the

relevant EZoI (100 m from the Scheme for all species with the exception of

hobby, which has an EZoI of 500 m), legal protection and conservation status,

are set out in Table D-4 to Table D-6 below according to their breeding status.

Breeding

Table D.4: Notable breeding species

Species Estimated territories/ pairs

Location Status14

Goldfinch 10 Singing birds were recorded throughout the EZoI, with small concentrations

KBAP(s)

14Key to abbreviations: Annex 1 – listed on Annex 1 of the EC Directive 2009/147/EC of the European Parliament on the conservation of wild birds. KBAP(n) / KBAP(s) – Kent Biodiversity Action Plan species (notable) / (standard bearers/quality indicator species)

Red list / Amber list – Red or Amber listed on the Birds of Conservation Concern 4




Location Status14

around Bowl Reed to the east of the EZoI and Vale House and Cottages to the south.

Skylark

1 One singing bird was recorded just outside of the EZoI, in the north east section to the south of Danaway/north west of Bow Reed. It is therefore highly likely that part of its territory is within the EZoI.

Additional birds were recorded further afield but these were considered unlikely to have part of their territory within the EZoI.

Red list, SPI, KBAP(s)

Song thrush

10 - 11 Singing birds were recorded throughout the EZoI, associated with semi-natural and plantation woodland, hedgerows, scattered trees and gardens.


Whitethroat

5 - 7 The majority of singing birds were recorded at the south west of the Scheme, generally associated with hedgerows, road verges and adjacent arable habitat. An additional singing bird was recorded to the east of the Scheme at Whipstakes Farm, just outside of the EZoI, but possible that part of its territory was within.

KBAP(s)

Probable breeding

Table D.5: Notable probable breeding species


Location Status14

Great spotted woodpecker

3 One nest was recorded in Church Wood approximately 100 m outside of the EZoI, and an individual was recorded calling approximately 200 m from the nest site, within the EZoI. As such it is considered likely that part of this breeding pair’s territory is within the EZoI.

Other calling birds were recorded at the east of the Scheme near Bowl Reed and to the north west, just outside of the EZoI, at Sittingbourne and Melton Regis Golf Course.

KBAP(s)

Green woodpecker

2 - 3 Calling adult birds were recorded during three visits at Sittingbourne and Melton Regis Golf Course in the north west, and during one visit just north of Borden Hill in the south east of the Scheme.

KBAP(s)

Schedule 1 – listed on Schedule 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) SPI – Species of principal importance for the conservation of biodiversity in England under Section 41 of the NERC Act 2006




Location Status14

An additional bird was recorded just outside of the EZoI, at the south of Church Wood, which could possibly have part of its territory within the EZoI.

Hobby

1 This species was recorded on two occasions (6th and 20th June) less than 500 m apart, at the south of the Scheme at Whipstakes Hill and the south of Church Wood. It is therefore possible that these recordings are either of the same bird or pair. This species is considered to most likely be breeding within Church Wood15.

Schedule 1, KBAP(n)

House sparrow

> 7 All recordings were taken at the north of Scheme at Danaway.

Red list, SPI

Jackdaw

unknown Small numbers of resting and foraging birds were recorded within the EZoI at Danaway and Bowl Reed. It is considered likely that this species is breeding at these locations, but as this species is a colonial nester the number of pairs could not be determined.

KBAP(s)

Stock dove

1 One bird was recorded displaying just outside the 100 m buffer, in the south east section, north west of Borden Hill Farm. It is considered likely that part of the territory is within the EZoI.

Amber list, KBAP(s)

Yellowhammer

1 A singing bird was recorded on one occasion in the south west of the Scheme, to the south of Church Wood.


Possible breeding

Table D.6: Notable possible breeding species


Location Status14

Kestrel

0 - 1 One bird was recorded just outside the EZoI, flying south over Sittingbourne and Melton Regis Golf Course. This species was also recorded foraging to the south of Danaway, approximately 650 m away, so it is possible that this species is breeding within the EZoI.

Amber list

Linnet

0 - 2 Two birds were recorded calling within the EZoI near to suitable breeding habitat. One was recorded to the north of the Scheme at Sittingbourne and Melton Regis Golf Course and the other to the south west, south of Church Wood.


Starling

unknown Four resting birds were recorded within the EZoI at Danaway, with 30 birds recorded foraging in a group at Bowl Reed. It is considered possible that this species is breeding at these locations, but the number of pairs could not be determined due to

Red list, SPI

15 Darrell-Lambert, D. October 2018, pers. comm.




Location Status14

the lack of breeding behaviour recorded and this species nests in loose colonies.

Description of Bird Assemblages

D.3.14 The assemblage of breeding birds is largely typical of woodland and scrub,

agricultural habitats and built-up areas within Kent.

D.3.15 The presence of semi-natural broadleaved woodland within the Survey Area has

resulted in the recording of associated notable species including great spotted

woodpecker, green woodpecker, hobby and song thrush. Notable species

associated with agricultural habitats include linnet, skylark, stock dove and

yellowhammer, and those associated with built-up areas include house sparrow,

jackdaw and starling.

D.4 Evaluation

D.4.1 The Kent population status of the notable species that breed or probably/possibly

breeding within the EZoI is either abundant, common, widespread, or

numerousError! Bookmark not defined.; and the EZoI does not meet any of the published

selection criteria for Kent Wildlife Sites17. As such the breeding bird assemblage

within the EZoI is not considered to be of county importance.

D.4.2 However, the assemblage of breeding bird species, including species notable for

their conservation concern status, is important for preservation of genetic

diversity within the local context. It is therefore considered to be of local value in

accordance with IAN 130/10 (i.e. they are ‘populations/communities of species

considered to appreciably enrich the habitat resource within the local context,

including…genetic exchange’13).

D.5 Conclusion

D.5.1 A total of 42 species of birds were recorded within the full breeding bird Survey

Area, 20 of which are notable.

D.5.2 Thirty-six species were recorded within the 100 m EZoI, and two additional

species (skylark and kestrel) were recorded just outside of the 100 m; as such it

is considered likely that at least part of a territory of these species is within the

EZoI. Four of the 42 species recorded were outside of the EZoI and not

considered to have any part of a territory within the EZoI.

D.5.3 Of these 38-species recorded within or immediately adjacent to the EZoI, 17 are

breeding species, 13 are probable breeding species, six are possibly breeding

and two are non-breeding species. Seventeen of these species are notable. This

comprises six species on the Red List and five species on the Amber List of the

BoCC4. Seven species are species of principal importance for the conservation



of biodiversity in England. One species is listed as notable and 10 species are

standard bearers/quality indicator species on the Kent Biodiversity Action Plan.

D.5.4 One species (hobby) listed on Schedule 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act

1981 (as amended) was recorded.

D.5.5 The bird communities recorded are considered typical for the habitats present

within the EZoI, and the majority of species recorded are considered to be

common and widespread. It is also considered that the numbers of individuals of

common species present are generally what could be expected for an area of

this size, in this part of the country7,8.

D.5.6 However, certain habitats provide nesting and foraging resources for

assemblages of notable species such as semi-natural broadleaved woodland

(including areas of ancient woodland) and scrub, agricultural habitats and built-

up areas.

D.5.7 The breeding bird assemblage within the EZoI is considered to be of local

importance.

Appendices

M2 Junction 5 ImprovementsEnvironmental StatementVolume 2 - Appendix D.3 Breeding Birds Survey Report


Appendix A. Survey area species list and breeding status

BTO Code

Common Name Scientific Name Notable Status16 Territory within relevant EZoI17

Breeding Status

B. Blackbird Turdus merula Yes Breeding

BC Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla Yes Breeding

BH Black-headed gull Chroicocephalus ridibundus Amber List BoCC Yes Non-breeding

BT Blue tit Cyanistes caeruleus Yes Breeding

BZ Buzzard Buteo buteo Yes Probable breeding

C. Carrion crow Corvus corone corone Yes Breeding

CH Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs Yes Breeding

CC Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita Yes Breeding

CT Coal tit Periparus ater Yes Probable breeding

CD Collared dove Streptopelia decaocto Yes Breeding

D. Dunnock Prunella modularis Amber List BoCC, SPI Yes Breeding

GC Goldcrest Regulus regulus Yes Breeding

GO Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis KBAP(s) Yes Breeding

GS Great spotted woodpecker Dendrocopos major KBAP(s) Yes Probable breeding

GT Great tit Parus major Yes Probable breeding

G. Green woodpecker Picus viridis KBAP(s) Yes Probable breeding

16 Key to abbreviations: Annex 1 – listed on Annex 1 of the EC Directive 2009/147/EC of the European Parliament on the conservation of wild birds.

KBAP(n) / KBAP(s) – Kent Biodiversity Action Plan species (notable) / (standard bearers/quality indicator species) Red list / Amber list – Red or Amber listed on the Birds of Conservation Concern 4 Sch. 1 – listed on Schedule 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended)

SPI – Species of principal importance for the conservation of biodiversity in England under Section 41 of the NERC Act 2006 17 100 m unless otherwise stated



BTO Code


Breeding Status

GR Greenfinch Carduelis chloris Yes Probable breeding

HG Herring gull Larus argentatus Red List BoCC, SPI No Non-breeding

HY Hobby Falco subbuteo Sch. 1, KBAP(n) Yes (500 m) Probable breeding

HS House sparrow Passer domesticus Red List BoCC, SPI Yes Probable breeding

JD Jackdaw Corvus monedula KBAP(s) Yes Probable breeding

J. Jay Garrulus glandarius Yes Probable breeding

K. Kestrel Falco tinnunculus Amber List BoCC Yes Possible breeding

LB Lesser black-backed gull Larus fuscus Amber List BoCC Yes Non-breeding

LI Linnet Carduelis cannabina Red List BoCC, SPI, KBAP(s) Yes Possible breeding

LO Little owl Athene noctua Yes Possible breeding

LT Long-tailed tit Aegithalos caudatus Yes Possible breeding

MG Magpie Pica pica Yes Probable breeding

MU Mediterranean gull Larus melanocephalus Sch. 1, Annex 1, Amber List BoCC, KBAP(n) No Non-breeding

RL Red-legged partridge Alectoris rufa No Possible breeding

R. Robin Erithacus rubecula Yes Breeding

RO Rook Corvus frugilegus Yes Breeding

S. Skylark Alauda arvensis Red List BoCC, SPI, KBAP(s) Yes Breeding

ST Song thrush Turdus philomelos Red List BoCC, SPI, KBAP(s) Yes Breeding

SG Starling Sturnus vulgaris Red List BoCC, SPI Yes Possible breeding

SD Stock dove Columba oenas Amber List BoCC, KBAP(s) Yes Probable breeding

SL Swallow Hirundo rustica Yes Possible breeding

TC Treecreeper Certhia familiaris KBAP(s) No Non-breeding

WH Whitethroat Sylvia communis KBAP(s) Yes Breeding



BTO Code


Breeding Status

WP Wood pigeon Columba palumbus Yes Breeding

WR Wren Troglodytes troglodytes Yes Breeding

Y. Yellowhammer Emberiza citrinella Red List BoCC, SPI, KBAP(s) Yes Probable breeding


Revision C03

Appendix B. Kent Local Biodiversity

Action Plan Species

B.1 Notable species

Species Associated habitat

Avocet Grazing marsh, intertidal mud and sand flats

Bearded tit Reedbeds

Bewick's swan Lowland farmland

Bittern Reedbeds

Brent goose Lowland farmland, intertidal mud and sand flats

Bullfinch Old orchards

Cetti's warbler Reedbeds

Common tern Saltmarsh

Crossbill Woodland and scrub

Firecrest Woodland and scrub

Fulmar Maritime cliffs

Goshawk Woodland and scrub

Great crested grebe Standing water

Grey partridge Hedgerows

Grey plover Intertidal mud and sand flats

Hawfinch Woodland and scrub

Hen harrier Reedbeds

Hobby Woodland and scrub, hedgerows

House martin Maritime cliffs

Kingfisher Rivers and streams

Kittiwake Maritime cliffs

Little tern Saltmarsh

Marsh harrier Grazing marsh, reedbeds

Mediterranean gull Saltmarsh

Nightjar Woodland and scrub, heathland and mire

Peregrine Maritime cliffs

Pochard Standing water

Redshank Saltmarsh

Redstart Woodland and scrub

Sand martin Maritime cliffs

Savi's warbler Reedbeds

Snipe Grazing marsh




Tufted duck Standing water

Wigeon Lowland farmland

Wood warbler Woodland and scrub

B.2 Retrievable species


Bittern Reedbeds

Chough Maritime cliffs

Cirl bunting Lowland farmland

Dartford warbler Heathland and mire, vegetated shingle

Kentish plover Vegetated shingle

Little tern Vegetated shingle

Osprey Standing water

Peregrine Maritime cliffs

Quail Lowland farmland

Stone curlew Heathland and mire, vegetated shingle

Woodlark Heathland and mire

Wryneck Old orchards

B.3 Standard bearers/quality indicator species


Barn owl Lowland farmland

Bar-tailed godwit Intertidal mud and sand flats, saltmarsh

Black-tailed godwit Intertidal mud and sand flats, saltmarsh

Bullfinch Lowland farmland

Corn bunting Lowland farmland

Curlew Intertidal mud and sand flats, saltmarsh

Dunlin Intertidal mud and sand flats, saltmarsh

Goldfinch Lowland farmland

Grey partridge Lowland farmland

Hen harrier Grazing marsh

House martin Urban habitats

Jackdaw Lowland wood-pasture and historic parkland

Knot Intertidal mud and sand flats, saltmarsh

Lapwing Lowland farmland, grazing marsh

Lesser spotted woodpecker Woodland and scrub

Linnet Hedgerows, lowland farmland




Long-eared owl Woodland and scrub

Nightingale Woodland and scrub

Nuthatch Lowland wood-pasture and historic parkland

Oystercatcher Intertidal mud and sand flats, saltmarsh

Pintail Intertidal mud and sand flats

Pochard Grazing marsh

Redshank Grazing marsh

Red-throated diver Marine habitats

Reed bunting Lowland farmland, reedbeds

Reed warbler Reedbeds

Ringed plover Intertidal mud and sand flats, saltmarsh

Sanderling Intertidal mud and sand flats, saltmarsh

Sedge warbler Reedbeds

Skylark Lowland farmland

Song thrush Lowland farmland

Stock dove Lowland wood-pasture and historic parkland

Stonechat Heathland and mire

Swift Urban habitats

Teal Grazing marsh

Tree pipit Woodland and scrub

Treecreeper Lowland wood-pasture and historic parkland

Turtle dove Lowland farmland

Water rail Reedbeds

Whitethroat Hedgerows

Wigeon Grazing marsh

Yellowhammer Hedgerows

Waders and wildfowl Standing water

Owls Old orchards

Seabirds Marine habitats

Woodpeckers Old orchards



Appendix C. Figures

Figure 1 Breeding Bird Survey Visit 1 06.06.2018




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Project Origina tor V olume

NumberRoleT ypeL oca tion

L EGENDScheme Bounda ry100m EZ oI500m EZ oI

Conservation ConcernrebmA Amber L ist Species

deR Red L ist Species_̂ Schedule 1 Species!( Kent BAP Species

XYSpecies of Principa lImporta nce

Behaviours═ Ala rm ca ll_ Ca lling

psid Displa ying / Displa yFlight

f Feeding→ Flyingl Nestr Resting( Singing

Dra wing Number

Rev:A3Origina lSize:

Sca le 1:10,000

ROAD IMPROV EMENT PROGRAMMEM2 Junction 5

Dra wing T itle

Project T itle

0 1Kilometres

Sta tusDra wing Suita bility

Client

T his ma p is reproduced from Ordna nce Survey ma teria l with the permission of Ordna nce Survey on beha lf of the controller of Her Ma jesty's Sta tionery Office. © Crown Copyright. U na uthorised reproduction infringes Crown copyright a nd ma y lea d to prosecution or civil proceedings.CL IENT NAME: Highwa ys Engla nd L ICENCE NU MBER: 100030649

FIGU RE 1BREEDING BIRD SU RV EY V ISIT 1

06.06.2018

Sta tus

17/05/19

Epsom Ga tewa yAshley AvenueEpsomSurreyKT 18 5ALT el: +44 (0) 1372 726140Fa x: +44 (0) 1372 740055www.a tkinsgloba l.comCopyright © Atkins L imited (2019)

Project Ref. No:

Sheet:

Description

Revision Dra wn Checked Reviewed Authorised Issue Da te

Sta tus

Description


Sta tus

Description


Sta tus

Description


Sta tus

Description

Revision Dra wn Checked Reviewed Authorised Issue Da te --- 1 of 1

HE551521 - AT K - EBDXX - GS - GI - 000006

In a ddition to the ha za rds/risks norma lly a ssocia ted with the types of work deta iled on this dra wing, note the following significa nt residua l risks (Reference sha ll a lso be ma de in the design ha za rd log)

SAFET Y , HEAL T H AND ENV IRONMENT AL INFORMAT ION

Construction

Ma intena nce / Clea ning

Decommission / Demolition

U se

None

None

None

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T ra nsect RouteSpecies (BTO Codes).B Bla ckbirdCB Bla ckca pHB Bla ck-hea ded GullTB Blue T itZB Buzza rd.C Ca rrion CrowCC Chiffcha ff

DC Colla red DoveHC Cha ffinch.D Dunnock.G Green WoodpeckerCG GoldcrestOG GoldfinchRG GreenfinchSG Grea t Spotted WoodpeckerTG Grea t T it

GH Herring GullSH House Spa rrowYH Hobby.J Ja yDJ Ja ckda w.K KestrelBL L esser Bla ck-ba cked GullTL L ong-ta iled T itGM Ma gpie

UM Mediterra nea n Gull.R RobinOR Rook.S Skyla rkDS Stock DoveTS Song T hrushHW Whitethroa tPW Wood PigeonRW Wren

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deR Red L ist Species_̂ Schedule 1 Species!( Kent BAP Species




f Feeding→ Flyingr Resting( Singing

Dra wing Number


Sca le 1:10,000


Dra wing T itle

Project T itle

0 1Kilometres


Client


Sta tus

17/05/19


Project Ref. No:

Sheet:

Description


Sta tus

Description


Sta tus

Description


Sta tus

Description


Sta tus

Description


HE551521 - AT K - EBDXX - GS - GI - 000007



Construction



U se

None

None

None

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T ra nsect RouteSpecies (BTO Codes).B Bla ckbirdCB Bla ckca pHB Bla ck-hea ded GullTB Blue T itZB Buzza rd.C Ca rrion Crow

DC Colla red DoveHC Cha ffinch.D Dunnock.G Green WoodpeckerCG GoldcrestOG GoldfinchRG GreenfinchTG Grea t T itSH House Spa rrow

YH Hobby.J Ja yDJ Ja ckda wBL L esser Bla ck-ba cked GullIL L innetTL L ong-ta iled T itGM Ma gpie.R RobinOR Rook

.S Skyla rkDS Stock DoveGS Sta rlingTS Song T hrushHW Whitethroa tPW Wood PigeonRW Wren.Y Y ellowha mmer


20.06.2018

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deR Red L ist Species!( Kent BAP Species



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Dra wing Number


Sca le 1:10,000


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Project T itle

0 1Kilometres


Client


Sta tus

17/05/19


Project Ref. No:

Sheet:

Description


Sta tus

Description


Sta tus

Description


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Description


Sta tus

Description


HE551521 - AT K - EBDXX - GS - GI - 000008



Construction



U se

None

None

None

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T ra nsect RouteSpecies (BTO Codes).B Bla ckbirdCB Bla ckca pTB Blue T it.C Ca rrion CrowCC Chiffcha ff

DC Colla red DoveHC Cha ffinch.D Dunnock.G Green WoodpeckerOG GoldfinchRG GreenfinchTG Grea t T it

SH House Spa rrow.J Ja yBL L esser Bla ck-ba cked GullOL L ittle OwlTL L ong-ta iled T itGM Ma gpie.R Robin

OR RookGS Sta rlingTS Song T hrushCT T reecreeperHW Whitethroa tPW Wood PigeonRW Wren


28.06.2018

P01A1

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deR Red L ist Species!( Kent BAP Species





Dra wing Number

Rev:P01A3Origina lSize:

Sca le 1:10,000


Dra wing T itle

Project T itle

0 1Kilometres


Client


Sta tus

A1 17/05/19


PUBLISHED A1

Project Ref. No:

Sheet:

Description


Sta tus

Description


Sta tus

Description


Sta tus

Description


Sta tus

Description

Revision Dra wn Checked Reviewed Authorised Issue Da teP01 KK RD LS HC

PU BL ISHED

--- 1 of 1

HE551521 - AT K - EBDXX - GS - GI - 000009



Construction



U se

None

None

None

None

T ra nsect RouteSpecies (BTO Codes).B Bla ckbirdCB Bla ckca pHB Bla ck-hea ded GullTB Blue T itZB Buzza rd.C Ca rrion CrowCC Chiffcha ff

DC Colla red DoveHC Cha ffinchTC Coa l T it.D Dunnock.G Green WoodpeckerCG GoldcrestOG GoldfinchSG Grea t Spotted WoodpeckerTG Grea t T it

SH House Spa rrow.J Ja yDJ Ja ckda w.K KestrelBL L esser Bla ck-ba cked GullIL L innetGM Ma gpie.R RobinLR Red-legged Pa rtridge

OR Rook.S Skyla rkDS Stock DoveGS Sta rlingLS Swa llowTS Song T hrushHW Whitethroa tPW Wood PigeonRW Wren


09.07.2018

© Crown copyright (2019). You may re-use this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence: visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/ write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email [email protected]. Printed on paper from well-managed forests and other controlled sources. Registered office Bridge House, 1 Walnut Tree Close, Guildford GU1 4LZ Highways England Company Limited registered in England and Wales number 09346363

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