appendix 1.9 magham down - wealden district · lws adjacent n ancient and/or semi-natural woodland...

53
Appendix 1.9 – Magham Down 989

Upload: others

Post on 14-Oct-2020

2 views

Category:

Documents


0 download

TRANSCRIPT

Page 1: Appendix 1.9 Magham Down - Wealden District · LWS Adjacent N ancient and/or semi-natural woodland containing ancient earthworks and have had a long history of varying use and management

Appendix 1.9 – Magham Down

989

Page 2: Appendix 1.9 Magham Down - Wealden District · LWS Adjacent N ancient and/or semi-natural woodland containing ancient earthworks and have had a long history of varying use and management

Sites

088_3110 Land Adjoining Woodside Cottage 184_3110 Land Adjoining the Former Red Lion PH

391_3110 Onslow House

759_3110 Land at 3 Sussex Cottages 788_3110 Land to the West of Old Road

793_3110 Orchard Cottage, Old Lane

990

Page 3: Appendix 1.9 Magham Down - Wealden District · LWS Adjacent N ancient and/or semi-natural woodland containing ancient earthworks and have had a long history of varying use and management

088/3110 Land Adjoining Woodside Cottage

Ecological Assessment

Site overview

This small site is situated on Featherbed Lane in a semi-rural area east of Horsebridge and north of Magham

Down bordering an area of extensive ancient and semi-natural deciduous woodland (Park Wood comprising 75 Ha).

The site itself comprises a linear area of hardstanding adjacent to some dwellings and to the main road.

The local soils are slightly acid loamy and clayey soils with impeded drainage.

Ecological baseline: search radii from site boundary

Sites of European and national importance: 1km

Sites of local importance and protected and/or notable species: 500m

Ponds and waterbodies: 250m

Ecological baseline: designated sites

A number of designated sites have been recorded from within the search radius; refer to Figure 9.4 designated sites mapping for more details of locations.

Sites of European importance

None

Sites of national importance

None

Sites of local importance

Site Distance from site

(approx.)

Direction Key habitat/ features of interest

CW97 Jarvis’s, Nobody’s Wood & Park Wood Complex LWS

Adjacent N

These sites form a large area of mostly ancient and/or semi-natural woodland containing ancient earthworks and have had a long history of varying use and management. The woodlands are mainly oak with a history of coppiced hornbeam, sweet chestnut and hazel, with some areas of ash and alder in calcareous and wetter soils, respectively. The wooded stream valley supports a diversity of bryophytes and ferns.

Ancient woodland Adjacent N One named Ancient Woodland lies adjacent to the site

Deciduous woodland Adjacent N Priority Habitat lies adjacent to the site

991

Page 4: Appendix 1.9 Magham Down - Wealden District · LWS Adjacent N ancient and/or semi-natural woodland containing ancient earthworks and have had a long history of varying use and management

088/3110 Land Adjoining Woodside Cottage

Ecological baseline: protected species A number of protected species have been recorded from within the search radius; refer to Figure 9.5 protected

species mapping for more details of locations.

Records covered a broad range of species, including some of the following:

- Birds (lesser spotted woodpecker, grey heron)

- Invertebrates (wall, white admiral, purple emperor butterflies)

- Mammals (brown-long eared bat, soprano pipistrelle, Natterer’s bat, whiskered bat, Bechstein’s bat)

Ecological baseline: non-native species

No non-native species records were available for the site. The presence of non-native species cannot however

be discounted on this basis.

The following non-native species have previously been recorded from within the search radius:

- Plants; cherry laurel, rhododendron, parrot’s-feather

Setting and green infrastructure

The site lies in a rural wooded landscape with a strong surrounding green infrastructure network comprising

deciduous woodland, but with no ‘in-site’ vegetation. The surrounding land use is a mixture of woodland, including ancient woodland, farmland and residential dwellings located along the highway.

There are no watercourses on or close to the site.

There is one pond within the search area of 250m and 11 within a 500m radius. Local wildlife corridors and green infrastructure connectivity are mapped at Figure 9.3A.

‘Blue’ infrastructure connectivity and ponds are mapped at Figure 9.3B.

Management and habitat condition

The majority of the site comprises hardstanding and borders a woodland strip. Scrub, ruderal vegetation,

bracken and trees can also be found within the site. The semi-natural vegetation appears largely unmanaged.

Habitat Description

Figure 088/3110/E01 shows the results of the Phase I survey and the habitats present. Each of these is described below.

A1.1.1 Broadleaved semi-natural woodland

The site abuts an area of designated ancient woodland, which is dominated by mature oak Quercus robur. Other species include ash Fraxinus excelsior, hazel Corylus avellana, holly Ilex aquifolium, silver birch Betula pendula, sweet chestnut Castanea sativa and hawthorn Crataegus monogyna. The understorey vegetation

includes species such as native bluebell Hyacinthoides non-scripta, herb robert Geranium robertianum, enchanter’s nightshade Circaea lutetiana, wood sage Teucrium scorodonia, bracken Pteridium aqulinum and

nettles Urtica dioica.

A2.1 Dense/continuous scrub

Dense/continuous scrub is present within the site. Species present include bramble Rubus fruticosus agg.,

buddleia Buddleja davidii, grey willow Salix cinerea, common nettle Urtica dioica and soft rush Juncus effusus.

992

Page 5: Appendix 1.9 Magham Down - Wealden District · LWS Adjacent N ancient and/or semi-natural woodland containing ancient earthworks and have had a long history of varying use and management

088/3110 Land Adjoining Woodside Cottage

A3.1 Scattered broadleaved trees

A number of scattered trees are present within the site.

These arrange from immature to mature specimens and comprise a mixture of planted specimens and trees

which may have arisen naturally. Species present include oak Quercus robur, ash Fraxinus excelsior, alder Alnus sp. and silver birch Betula pendula.

A3.2 Scattered coniferous trees

A number of scattered ornamental coniferous trees are present within the site (species unknown).

C1.1 Bracken - continuous

Several areas of continuous bracken Pteridium aquilinum are present within the site.

C1.2 Bracken - scattered

Scattered bracken Pteridium aquilinum is also present within the site.

C3.1 Tall ruderal

Tall ruderal vegetation is also present and these areas are dominated by common nettles Urtica dioica.

J1.3 Ephemeral/short perennial

There are several areas of ephemeral vegetation within the site. Some are associated with the hard-standing

and some with the building footings. There is also a mound of earth that has been colonised by nettles Urtica dioica.

Species present within these areas include fig-leaved goosefoot Chenopodium ficifolium, ground ivy Glechoma hederacea, dandelion Taraxacum agg., ivy Hedera helix, hoary willowherb Epilobium parviflorum, bramble Rubus fruticosus agg., creeping thistle Cirsium arvense, spear thistle Cirsium vulgare, prickly sowthistle

Sonchus asper, knotgrass Polygonum aviculare agg., creeping cinquefoil Potentilla reptans, greater plantain Plantago major, common ragwort Senecio jacoabea, bristly ox-tongue Helminthotheca echioides, red goosefoot

Chenopodium rubrum, black nightshade Solanum nigrum and fat hen Chenopodium album.

J2.1.1 Native species-rich hedge with trees

The hedge bordering the side, adjacent to the road, comprises this habitat. Hedge species include blackthorn

Prunus spinosa, oak Quercus robur, hazel Corylus avellana, hawthorn Crataegus monogyna, holly Ilex aquifolium and ivy Hedera helix with tree species including ash Fraxinus excelsior, silver birch Betula pendula

and oak.

The hedge base flora species include dandelion Taraxacum agg., bracken Pteridium aquilinum, broadleaved

dock Rumex obtusifolius, prickly sowthistle Sonchus asper, cleavers Galium aparine, nettle Urtica dioica, cuckoo

pint Arum maculatum and knotgrass Polygonum aviculare agg.

J2.4 Fence

A small section of fencing is present separating the land from the neighbouring garden.

J2.6 Dry ditch

Recent, man-made dry ditches are present in the form of footings for buildings/garages. Species present here include greater willowherb Epilobium hirsutum, American willowherb Epilobium ciliatum, bramble Rubus fruticosus agg., soft rush Juncus effusus, redshank Persicaria maculata, meadow vetchling Lathyrus pratensis and buddleia Buddleja davidii but nettle Urtica dioica predominates.

J4 Hardstanding and bare ground

Ephemeral species are associated with the hardstanding and bare ground and are listed in J1.3.

993

Page 6: Appendix 1.9 Magham Down - Wealden District · LWS Adjacent N ancient and/or semi-natural woodland containing ancient earthworks and have had a long history of varying use and management

088/3110 Land Adjoining Woodside Cottage

Target Notes

1 Mound of earth with ephemeral vegetation

2 Wood pile

3 Building footings

4 Scrap metal pile

Protected species

The site is considered to have potential to support the following protected species and features:

Species/Features Present/potentially present

(suitable habitats onsite)

Veteran trees There are no veteran trees on site.

Notable site habitats

The site features species rich hedgerow and borders ancient woodland.

If these habitats are likely to be impacted by development proposals then habitat surveys would be advisable.

Rare and scarce plants The presence of uncommon plant species on the site is possible, given the proximity to the ancient woodland area.

Rare and scarce invertebrates The site may have potential to support rare or scarce invertebrates.

Amphibians including great crested newts

Some site habitats (woodland, ruderal) are suitable for this group and there are a number of ponds in the local area; these

are some distance from the site. The presence of amphibians, including great crested newt cannot be ruled out.

Reptiles The following habitats are suitable for this species group (hedgerow, woodland, ruderal, bracken) and presence on site is likely.

Breeding/Wintering birds

The hedgerow and adjacent woodland habitats are likely to support nesting birds. The proximity to high quality bird nesting and foraging habitats including a large tract of woodland and pasture means that the presence of less common species cannot be ruled out.

The site is not considered likely to support significant populations of wintering birds

Dormouse The adjacent woodland and hedgerow habitats have potential to support dormouse.

994

Page 7: Appendix 1.9 Magham Down - Wealden District · LWS Adjacent N ancient and/or semi-natural woodland containing ancient earthworks and have had a long history of varying use and management

088/3110 Land Adjoining Woodside Cottage

Aquatic mammals including water vole and otter There are no habitats on site suitable for these species.

Terrestrial mammals including badger No badger setts or other signs were noted during the Phase I survey. However, the habitats in the local area are very suitable for this species and foraging use cannot be ruled out.

Bats (roosting potential) Some of the trees on the site boundary are of sufficient size, or age, or have structural features which are suitable for bats. Detailed bat inspections have not been undertaken.

Bats (foraging and commuting) The site is likely to offer bat foraging opportunity and may also be used by bats moving between wooded areas within the local landscape.

Indicative Ecological Appraisal

The table below summarises the likely or potential value of ecological receptors with a provisional assessment of the unmitigated impact of any development. This assessment is indicative until such time the recommended

further surveys can be undertaken. The precautionary principal has been adopted in arriving at this assessment.

Feature Level of

value Scale

Unmitigated

impact

Confidence

level

Mitigated

impact

Sites of European importance

N/A N/A

Sites of national importance N/A N/A

Sites of local importance Medium County Moderate Adverse

Probable Moderate Adverse

Habitats Lower Parish Moderate Adverse

Probable Neutral

Veteran trees N/A N/A

Plants Unknown Unknown

Invertebrates Unknown Unknown

Amphibians including great crested newts

Unknown Unknown

Reptiles Unknown Unknown

Breeding birds Unknown Unknown

Dormice Unknown Unknown

Aquatic mammals including water voles and otters

N/A N/A

Terrestrial mammals including badgers

Unknown Unknown

Bats Unknown Unknown

Recommendations for further survey

Detailed development proposals must be informed by an updated Phase 1 Habitat Survey and species surveys

as set out below to identify the likely mitigation requirement in respect of these habitats and species and ensure

that potential impacts are identified and appropriate mitigation developed.

995

Page 8: Appendix 1.9 Magham Down - Wealden District · LWS Adjacent N ancient and/or semi-natural woodland containing ancient earthworks and have had a long history of varying use and management

088/3110 Land Adjoining Woodside Cottage

Recommended further survey

Survey type Season for survey Survey

required?

Phase III NVC habitat survey May to September ✓

Hedgerow survey May to October ✓

Rare plant survey April to September (depending upon species) ✓

Invertebrate survey April to September (depending upon species) ✓

Great crested newt survey March to June ✓

Reptile survey April to June and September to October ✓

Breeding bird survey April to June ✓

Wintering bird survey December to February X

Dormouse survey April to November ✓

Badger survey Year round (Spring/Autumn are optimal) ✓

Water vole survey April to October X

Otter survey Year round (Spring is optimal) X

Bat inspection survey (trees) Year round (Winter is optimal) ✓

Bat inspection survey (buildings) Year round X

Bat activity survey April to October ✓

Bat emergence/re-entry survey May to August NK

Impact avoidance

Should development at this site proceed, consideration should be given to the following impact avoidance

measures:

• All site boundary features including hedgerow and woodland at the periphery of the site should be

protected in the built scheme.

• All mature trees should be retained in-situ.

Outline mitigation

Should development at this site proceed, generic (standard) mitigation for impacts upon habitats and species

is set out below. Further detailed or species-specific mitigation may be required dependent upon the outcome of the recommended protected habitat or species surveys.

• Ensure a minimum 10m working offset from retained habitats.

• To mitigate for loss of woody vegetation, semi-natural planting should include berry bearing native trees

and shrubs to enhance food availability for wildlife. The proposed planting should be structurally diverse

with tree, shrub and ground layers with areas of dense scrub as well as more open areas.

• Ornamental planting should constitute at least 50% by area of native species or species of known value

to wildlife, such as fruiting/berrying species and species known to provide a good nectar source. All ornamental planting should be structurally diverse with tree, shrub and ground layers with areas of

dense planting as well as more open areas. • Vegetation removal required for the construction phase should take place outside of the breeding bird

season to prevent disturbance to birds nesting on site within retained hedgerows and trees. Harm to

active birds’ nests during site clearance would be avoided by this work taking place outside the bird

nesting season of March to July inclusive. • Herras or similar secure fencing should be deployed to ensure that retained habitats remain undisturbed

for the duration of the development.

996

Page 9: Appendix 1.9 Magham Down - Wealden District · LWS Adjacent N ancient and/or semi-natural woodland containing ancient earthworks and have had a long history of varying use and management

088/3110 Land Adjoining Woodside Cottage

• Retained habitats should not be illuminated either deliberately or via light spill. If external lighting, e.g.

security lighting, is required, it should be reduced to a minimum, and designed in accordance with

guidelines from the Bat Conservation Trust. • Trenches should be filled in prior to the end of the working day, or a plank left leaning up from the base

of the trench to the surface so animals falling in can exit the excavation.

• Pipework should be closed off at the end of each working day to avoid animals becoming trapped.

• Long term management of habitats should be detailed in a Landscape and Habitat Management Plan

(LHMP), including newly created as well as retained habitats to ensure the long-term viability of such habitats. Any LHMP should include remedial measures should regular monitoring record a decline in

habitat quality or quantity.

Potential enhancements A number of enhancement measures could be employed in order to increase the value of the site to wildlife, including the following:

• Contribution to ‘B-Lines’ project through seeding with native wildflower seed mix and use of native

flowering trees and shrubs in planting scheme. • Creation of a new wildlife pond in a secluded corner of the site.

• The boundary vegetation should be strengthened by further planting, including berry bearing species to

provide for bird foraging, and native species to attract insects. A structurally diverse range of plants

should be used, including shrubs large enough to support nesting birds. • Creation of permanent wildflower grassland and native scrub habitat on the site boundaries and within

areas of public open space.

• In-site structural native tree and shrub planting to provide cross-site corridors and a foraging resource

for a variety of species. • Design site planting so as to link in to, or add to, surrounding habitat areas (woodland, hedgerow, etc.).

• Supplementary planting in gaps in tree and hedgelines will improve connectivity with the surrounding

area.

• Creation of wildlife habitat including grassland, woodland and scrub on land outside the development

site boundary.

• Enhancement of any proposed SUDs features using native wetland plants, and trees, shrubs etc.

• Implementation of good practice with regard to hedgerow maintenance, such as leaving one side of the

hedgerow uncut, and the cutting of one side of hedgerow on alternate years, will benefit hedgerow species such as breeding birds, small mammals and bats.

• Erect bat boxes (e.g. Schwegler) suitable for a range of bat species, on retained standard trees or

buildings in unlit parts of the site. • Erect bird boxes (e.g. Schwegler) suitable for a range of bird species, on retained standard trees or

buildings in undisturbed parts of the site.

• Creation of habitat piles, using woody arisings (brash) from site clearance. These should be stacked in

a quiet, sheltered corner of the site to form piles measuring approximately 1m x 1m x 1m.

• Retain logs from felled trees, and partly bury them in a quiet, sheltered corner of the site to provide

dead-wood beetle habitat e.g. for stag beetle.

Summary

Likelihood of ecological interest: protected habitats and or species

High Medium Low Negligible

997

Page 10: Appendix 1.9 Magham Down - Wealden District · LWS Adjacent N ancient and/or semi-natural woodland containing ancient earthworks and have had a long history of varying use and management

D D D D D D

D D D D D D

D D D D D DD D D D D D

D D D D D D

D D D D D D

D D D D D D D D

D D D D D D D D

D D D D D D D D

D D D D D D D D

D D D D D D D D

D D D D D D D D

D D D D D D D D

D D D D D D D D

D D D D D D D D

D D D D D D D D

D D D D D D D D

D D D D D D D D

D D D D D D D D

D D D D D D D D

D D D D D D D D

D D D D D D D D

D D D D D D D D D

D D D D D D D D D

D D D D D D D D D

D D D D D D D D D

D D D D D D D D D

D D D D D D D D D

D D D D D D D D D

D D D D D D D D D

D D D D D D D D D

D D D D D D D D D

D D D D D D D D D

D D D D D D D D D

D D D D D D D D D

D D D D D D D D D

D D D D D D D D D

D D D D D D D D D

D D

D D

D D

D D

D D D

D D D

D D D

D D D

D D D

D D D D D

D D D D D

D D D D D

D D D D D

D D D D D

D D D D D

D D D D D

D D D D D

D D D D D

D D D D D

D D D D D

D D D D D

D D D D D

D D D D D

D D D D D

D D D D D

D D D D D

D D D D D

D D D D D

D D D D D

D D D D D

D D D D D

D D D D D

D D D D D

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

! !

! !

.

.

.

.

363

Reproduced from the Ordnance Survey map with the permission of the controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office. Licence number: AL 100002205. © CROWN COPYRIGHT.

L16418 Hailsham Area Action PlanMagham DownLand adjoining Woodside Cottage

Figure 088/3110/E011:500@A3

October 2016

Phase 1 Habitat Survey

Locations of features indicative only

1

2

3

4

998

Page 11: Appendix 1.9 Magham Down - Wealden District · LWS Adjacent N ancient and/or semi-natural woodland containing ancient earthworks and have had a long history of varying use and management

184/3110 Land Adjoining the Former Red Lion PH, Magham Down

Ecological Assessment

Site overview

The site is situated in the village of Magham Down, bordering pasture.

The site comprises grassland, including playing fields. A small commercial premises and various other small buildings and minor structures are present on site.

The local soils are slightly acid loamy and clayey soils with impeded drainage.

Ecological baseline: search radii from site boundary

Sites of European and national importance: 1km

Sites of local importance and protected and/or notable species: 500m

Ponds and waterbodies: 500m

Ecological baseline: designated sites

A number of designated sites have been recorded from within the search radius; refer to Figure 9.4 designated sites mapping for more details of locations.

Sites of European importance

Site

Distance

from site (approx.)

Direction Key habitat/ features of interest

Pevensey Levels Ramsar

340m S

Pevensey Levels Ramsar covers a large, mostly unfragmented area of lowland wet grassland. It is designated for supporting an outstanding assemblage of wetland plants and invertebrates, and is one of the best site in Britain for freshwater molluscs, aquatic beetles and dragonflies.

Pevensey Levels Special Area of Conservation (SAC)

340m S

Pevensey Levels SAC comprises large areas of grazing marsh and is designated for supporting good populations of Ramshorn snail across a wide spatial distribution.

Sites of national importance

Site

Distance

from site (approx.)

Direction Key habitat/ features of interest

Pevensey Levels SSSI 340m S

Pevensey Levels SSSI is a large area of grazing meadows with a complex system of ditches. It supports a number of nationally rare and scarce aquatic plants and invertebrates, in addition to over 1% of the

total British population of wintering lapwings.

999

Page 12: Appendix 1.9 Magham Down - Wealden District · LWS Adjacent N ancient and/or semi-natural woodland containing ancient earthworks and have had a long history of varying use and management

184/3110 Land Adjoining the Former Red Lion PH, Magham Down

Sites of local importance

Site

Distance

from site (approx.)

Direction Key habitat/ features of interest

CW97 Jarvis’s, Nobody’s Wood & Park Wood Complex LWS

650m NW

These sites form a large area of mostly ancient and/or semi-natural woodland containing ancient earthworks and have had a long history of varying use and management.

The woodlands are mainly oak with a history of coppiced hornbeam, sweet chestnut and hazel, with some areas of ash and alder in calcareous and wetter soils, respectively. The wooded stream valley supports a diversity of bryophytes and ferns.

Notable Road Verge: Amberstone Roundabout

780m W Early purple and green winged orchids

Ancient woodland 650m (nearest) NW Fifteen named Ancient Woodlands lie within the search area

Coastal and floodplain grazing marsh

340m S Priority Habitat lies within 1km of the site associated with the Pevensey Levels.

Deciduous woodland (Priority Habitat)

650m (nearest) N Numerous areas of woodland lie within the search area

Good quality semi-

improved grassland (Priority Habitat)

780m (nearest) SW Priority Habitat lies within 2 km of the site

Traditional orchard (Priority Habitat)

175m (nearest) E Small areas indicated as orchards areas of Priority Habitat lies within 1 km of the site

Ecological baseline: protected species A number of protected species have been recorded from within the search radius; refer to Figure 9.5 protected species mapping for more details of locations.

- Records covered a broad range of species, including some of the following:

- Birds (lesser spotted woodpecker, barn owl, red kite, grey heron, lapwing, hobby, little egret, snipe,

swallow, Cetti’s warbler, house martin)

- Mammals (noctule, pipistrelle sp. Long-eared sp.)

- Flowering plants (frogbit, greater yellow-cress, tubular water drop-wort)

Ecological baseline: non-native species

No non-native species records were available for the site. The presence of non-native species cannot however

be discounted on this basis.

The following non-native species have previously been recorded from within the search radius:

- Plants; cherry laurel, hybrid bluebell, floating pennywort, Nuttall’s waterweed, winter heliotrope

Setting and green infrastructure

The site lies in a semi-rural landscape on the outskirts of the small village of Magham Down and about 1km east of the urban area of Horsebridge. There is a moderately strong green infrastructure network comprising boundary

1000

Page 13: Appendix 1.9 Magham Down - Wealden District · LWS Adjacent N ancient and/or semi-natural woodland containing ancient earthworks and have had a long history of varying use and management

184/3110 Land Adjoining the Former Red Lion PH, Magham Down

hedgerows and within about 300m of coastal floodplain grazing marsh. The site is used as a playing field.

Surrounding land use is a mixture of pasture, and urban habitats.

There are no watercourses on site but the Magham Sewer and associated ditch network is within 250m.

There are an estimated 10 ponds within the search area. Local wildlife corridors and green infrastructure connectivity are mapped at Figure 9.3A.

‘Blue’ infrastructure connectivity and ponds are mapped at Figure 9.3B.

Management and habitat condition

The grassed areas of the site are mown amenity playing fields. The hedges appear to be regularly managed.

Habitat Description

Figure 184/3110/E01 shows the results of the Phase I survey and the habitats present. Each of these is

described below.

A2.1 Dense/continuous scrub

There are several areas of this scrub type located towards the west of the site. Along the western boundary a small area, which functions as a hedge section, comprises bramble Rubus fruticosus agg. exclusively. Along a

fenceline that divides the north western area of buildings from the site’s interior field bramble also dominates.

Other species present include rose Rosa spp. (cultivated), and juvenile ash Fraxinus excelsior. Along the northern boundaries, beyond which runs the A271, species present include juvenile plum Prunus spp., oak Quercus robur and field maple Acer campestre.

A2.2 Scattered scrub

There are several areas of scattered scrub located towards the north of the site. Along a northern section of the eastern site boundary species present include elm Ulmus spp, goat willow Salix caprea, hazel Corylus avellana,

ivy Hedera helix and bramble Rubus fruticosus agg. Just west of this location, within the field, ivy, elder Sambucus nigra, and bramble occur in a small area. Along a small section of the site’s western boundary, towards the north western-most corner of the site, in the vicinity of the buildings, bramble is present.

A3.1 Scattered broadleaved trees

Scattered broad-leaved trees mainly occur within the site along boundaries. The eastern boundary features is

delineated solely by these trees. Tree species present include ash Fraxinus excelsior, with some sycamore Acer pseudoplatanus. Hawthorn Crataegus monogyna, hazel Corylus avellana, blackthorn Prunus spinosa, holly Ilex aquifolium, and elder Sambucus nigra are also present. Ground flora associated with this feature includes nettle

Urtica dioica, bracken Pteridum aquilinum, foxglove Digitalis purpurea, hybrid bluebell Hyacinthoides x massartiana, red campion Silene dioica, common bent Agrostis capillaris, hedge woundwort Stachys sylvatica,

Russian comfrey Symphytum x uplandicum, and ivy Hedera helix which also climbs many of the trees. In the

field, close to the northern boundary of the site a mature oak Quercus robur is present, as well as field maple Acer campestre.

A3.2 Scattered coniferous trees

These trees are present in the west of the site and form the main boundary feature. Cypress comprises the

predominant species present with one Norway spruce Picea abies located near the north west area of buildings.

B4 Improved grassland

The main area of this grassland type in in the northern section of the field. Here grass diversity is low with

dominant perennial ryegrass Lolium perenne. Associated forbs include dandelion Taraxacum agg., broad-leaved dock Rumex obtusifolius, and daisy Bellis perennis. At the margins there are occasionally found knotgrass

Polygonum aviculare, and shepherds purse Capsella bursa-pastoris. The other area of this grassland type within the site is located between the buildings at the northwest corner. Here Yorkshire fog Holcus lanatus dominates.

1001

Page 14: Appendix 1.9 Magham Down - Wealden District · LWS Adjacent N ancient and/or semi-natural woodland containing ancient earthworks and have had a long history of varying use and management

184/3110 Land Adjoining the Former Red Lion PH, Magham Down

Associated forbs include common sorrel Rumex acetosa, creeping cinquefoil Potentilla reptans, meadow buttercup

Ranunculus acris, creeping buttercup Ranunculus acris, broad-leaved dock Rumex obtusifolius, yarrow Achillea millefolium, dandelion, and ground ivy Glechoma hederacea.

C1.1 Bracken - continuous

There are two areas of continuous bracken Pteridium aquilinum, occurring along the northern and eastern boundaries of the site. Along the eastern boundary bracken is present exclusively, whereas at the north

accompanying species include hogweed Heracleum spondylium, bramble Rubus fruticosus agg. and nettle Urtica dioica.

C1.2 Bracken - scattered

Scattered bracken Pteridium aquilinum occurs toward the north eastern corner of the site along which a boundary marks the division between a neighbouring residential plot.

C3.1 Tall ruderal

At the eastern side of the north western area of buildings, protruding into the field, is a small area of this

community type. Nettle Urtica dioica is dominant. Other species present include broad-leaved dock Rumex obtusifolius, creeping thistle Cirsium arvense, and hedge bindweed Calystegia sepium.

J1.2 Amenity grassland

The southern section of the site’s field is mown more regularly than the north. Here perennial ryegrass Lolium perenne dominates. Yorkshire fog Holcus lanatus is also present, as is red fescue Festuca rubra. Associated forbs

include selfheal Prunella vulgaris, white clover Trifolium repens, creeping buttercup Ranunculus repens, common birdsfoot trefoil Lotus corniculatus and dandelion Taraxacum agg.

J2.3.1 Species-poor hedge, intact

Toward the north west corner of the site, dividing a neighbouring residential plot, garden privet Ligustrum ovalifolium is dominant. Holly Ilex aquifolium is also present. Hedgebase flora includes bramble Rubus fruticosus agg., ivy Hedera helix, hedge bindweed Calystegia sepium, pendulous sedge Carex pendula, bracken Pteridium aquilinum, and nettle Urtica dioica. At the northeastern corner, dividing a neighbouring residential plot, is a

boundary marked by a garden hedge composed exclusively of cyprus.

J2.3.2 Species-poor hedge with trees

The site’s southern boundary features this hedgerow type. Tree species present include oak Quercus robur, elm

Ulmus sp., and ash Fraxinus excelsior. Structurally the hedge is mostly composed of wild privet Ligustrum vulgare, though hazel Corylus avellana and snowberry Symphoricarpos alba are also found. Groundflora includes bramble Rubus fruticosus agg. nettle Urtica dioica, and wood avens Geum urbanum.

J2.4 Fence

A variety of fencing types are present along the northern, eastern, and western site boundaries.

J2.6 Dry ditch

A ditch runs along the eastern site boundary Associated species include those listed under A3.1.

J3.6 Buildings

There are a number of buildings on site. These are primarily located in the west and northwest of the site and

include a small commercial premises, and various other small buildings and minor structures. There are also two

storage sheds located in the western part of the site’s field.

J4 Hardstanding and bare ground

The site’s hardstanding is located primarily at the northwest corner and is used as an entrance for vehicles and parking. Associated vegetation is generally sparse.

1002

Page 15: Appendix 1.9 Magham Down - Wealden District · LWS Adjacent N ancient and/or semi-natural woodland containing ancient earthworks and have had a long history of varying use and management

184/3110 Land Adjoining the Former Red Lion PH, Magham Down

Target Notes

1 Temporary structure and storage area

2 Wood pile

Protected species

The site is known to support, or considered to have potential to support the following protected species and features:

Species/Features Present/potentially present

(suitable habitats onsite)

Veteran trees There are no veteran trees on site.

Notable site habitats

The site features hedgerow habitats.

If these habitats are likely to be impacted by development proposals then habitat surveys would be advisable.

Rare and scarce plants The site is considered unlikely to support rare or scarce plants.

Rare and scarce invertebrates The site is considered unlikely to support rare or scarce invertebrates.

Amphibians including great crested newts

Some site habitats (boundary hedgerow, scrub and ditch) are suitable for this group and there are a number of ponds in the local area. The presence of amphibians, including great crested newt cannot be ruled out.

Reptiles The following habitats are suitable for this species group (hedgerow, scrub, ditch) and presence on site is possible.

Breeding/Wintering birds

The hedgerow and scrub habitats are likely to support nesting birds. Nesting birds may also use the site buildings where access to structures is possible.

The site is not considered likely to support significant populations of wintering birds

Dormouse The hedgerow habitats have some potential to support dormouse.

Aquatic mammals including water vole and otter There are no habitats on site suitable for these species.

Terrestrial mammals including badger No badger setts or other signs were noted during the Phase I survey. However, the habitats in the local area are very suitable for this species and foraging use cannot be ruled out.

Bats (roosting potential) None of the site trees are of sufficient size, or age, or have structural features which are suitable for bats. However,

1003

Page 16: Appendix 1.9 Magham Down - Wealden District · LWS Adjacent N ancient and/or semi-natural woodland containing ancient earthworks and have had a long history of varying use and management

184/3110 Land Adjoining the Former Red Lion PH, Magham Down

detailed bat inspections have not been undertaken and presence cannot be ruled out.

The buildings on site are unlikely to be used by a significant population of roosting bats as single-skin structures tend not to offer sufficient insulation. However, the local landscape features a number of habitats which are highly suited to bat foraging use and detailed bat inspections have not been undertaken and so the existence of an on-site roost cannot be ruled out.

Bats (foraging and commuting) The site is likely to offer bat foraging opportunity and may also be used by bats moving between wooded areas within the local landscape.

Indicative Ecological Appraisal

The table below summarises the likely or potential value of ecological receptors with a provisional assessment of the unmitigated impact of any development. This assessment is indicative until such time the recommended

further surveys can be undertaken. The precautionary principal has been adopted in arriving at this assessment.

Feature Level of

value Scale

Unmitigated

impact

Confidence

level

Mitigated

impact

Sites of European importance

Very High European Unknown

Sites of national importance High National Unknown

Sites of local importance Medium County Neutral Probable

Habitats Lower Parish Minor Adverse Probable Neutral

Veteran trees N/A N/A

Plants N/A N/A

Invertebrates N/A N/A

Amphibians including great crested newts

Unknown Unknown

Reptiles Unknown Unknown

Breeding birds Unknown Unknown

Dormice Unknown Unknown

Aquatic mammals including water voles and otters

N/A N/A

Terrestrial mammals including badgers

Unknown Unknown

Bats Unknown Unknown

Recommendations for further survey

Detailed development proposals must be informed by an updated Phase 1 Habitat Survey and species surveys as

set out below to identify the likely mitigation requirement in respect of these habitats and species and ensure

that potential impacts are identified and appropriate mitigation developed.

Recommended further survey

Survey type Season for survey Survey required?

Phase III NVC habitat survey May to September X

1004

Page 17: Appendix 1.9 Magham Down - Wealden District · LWS Adjacent N ancient and/or semi-natural woodland containing ancient earthworks and have had a long history of varying use and management

184/3110 Land Adjoining the Former Red Lion PH, Magham Down

Hedgerow survey May to October ✓

Rare plant survey April to September (depending upon species) X

Invertebrate survey April to September (depending upon species) X

Great crested newt survey March to June ✓

Reptile survey April to June and September to October ✓

Breeding bird survey April to June ✓

Wintering bird survey December to February X

Dormouse survey April to November ✓

Badger survey Year round (Spring/Autumn are optimal) ✓

Water vole survey April to October X

Otter survey Year round (Spring is optimal) X

Bat inspection survey (trees) Year round (Winter is optimal) ✓

Bat inspection survey (buildings) Year round ✓

Bat activity survey April to October ✓

Bat emergence/re-entry survey May to August NK

Impact avoidance

Should development at this site proceed, consideration should be given to the following impact avoidance measures:

• All site boundary features including scrub and hedges at the periphery of the site should be protected in

the built scheme. • All mature trees should be retained in-situ.

Outline mitigation

Should development at this site proceed, generic (standard) mitigation for impacts upon habitats and species is set out below. Further detailed or species-specific mitigation may be required dependent upon the outcome of

the recommended protected habitat or species surveys.

• Ensure a minimum 10m working offset from retained habitats.

• To mitigate for loss of woody vegetation, semi-natural planting should include berry bearing native trees

and shrubs to enhance food availability for wildlife. The proposed planting should be structurally diverse

with tree, shrub and ground layers with areas of dense scrub as well as more open areas. • Ornamental planting should constitute at least 50% by area of native species or species of known value to

wildlife, such as fruiting/berrying species and species known to provide a good nectar source. All

ornamental planting should be structurally diverse with tree, shrub and ground layers with areas of dense planting as well as more open areas.

• Vegetation removal required for the construction phase should take place outside of the breeding bird

season to prevent disturbance to birds nesting on site within retained hedgerows and trees. Harm to active birds’ nests during site clearance would be avoided by this work taking place outside the bird nesting

season of March to July inclusive.

• Herras or similar secure fencing should be deployed to ensure that retained habitats remain undisturbed

for the duration of the development. • Retained habitats should not be illuminated either deliberately or via light spill. If external lighting, e.g.

security lighting, is required, it should be reduced to a minimum, and designed in accordance with

guidelines from the Bat Conservation Trust. • Trenches should be filled in prior to the end of the working day, or a plank left leaning up from the base

of the trench to the surface so animals falling in can exit the excavation.

• Pipework should be closed off at the end of each working day to avoid animals becoming trapped.

1005

Page 18: Appendix 1.9 Magham Down - Wealden District · LWS Adjacent N ancient and/or semi-natural woodland containing ancient earthworks and have had a long history of varying use and management

184/3110 Land Adjoining the Former Red Lion PH, Magham Down

• Long term management of habitats should be detailed in a Landscape and Habitat Management Plan

(LHMP), including newly created as well as retained habitats to ensure the long-term viability of such

habitats. Any LHMP should include remedial measures should regular monitoring record a decline in habitat quality or quantity.

Potential enhancements A number of enhancement measures could be employed in order to increase the value of the site to wildlife,

including the following:

• Contribution to ‘B-Lines’ project through seeding with native wildflower seed mix and use of native

flowering trees and shrubs in planting scheme.

• Creation of a new wildlife pond in a secluded corner of the site.

• The boundary vegetation should be strengthened by further planting, including berry bearing species to

provide for bird foraging, and native species to attract insects. A structurally diverse range of plants should be used, including shrubs large enough to support nesting birds.

• Creation of permanent wildflower grassland and native scrub habitat on the site boundaries and within

areas of public open space.

• Enhancements to the boundary habitats, including thinning out or removal of non-native species, and

replacement planting with native species. • In-site structural native tree and shrub planting to provide cross-site corridors and a foraging resource for

a variety of species.

• Design site planting so as to link in to, or add to, surrounding habitat areas (woodland, hedgerow etc.).

• Supplementary planting in gaps in tree and hedgelines will improve connectivity with the surrounding area.

• Creation of wildlife habitat including grassland, woodland and scrub on land outside the development site

boundary. • Enhancement of any proposed SUDs features using native wetland plants, and trees, shrubs etc.

• Implementation of good practice with regard to hedgerow maintenance, such as leaving one side of the

hedgerow uncut, and the cutting of one side of hedgerow on alternate years, will benefit hedgerow species

such as breeding birds, small mammals and bats. • Erect bat boxes (e.g. Schwegler) suitable for a range of bat species, on retained standard trees or buildings

in unlit parts of the site.

• Erect bird boxes (e.g. Schwegler) suitable for a range of bird species, on retained standard trees or

buildings in undisturbed parts of the site.

• Creation of habitat piles, using woody arisings (brash) from site clearance. These should be stacked in a

quiet, sheltered corner of the site to form piles measuring approximately 1m x 1m x 1m. • Retain logs from felled trees, and partly bury them in a quiet, sheltered corner of the site to provide dead-

wood beetle habitat e.g. for stag beetle.

Summary

Likelihood of ecological interest: protected habitats and or species

High Medium Low Negligible

1006

Page 19: Appendix 1.9 Magham Down - Wealden District · LWS Adjacent N ancient and/or semi-natural woodland containing ancient earthworks and have had a long history of varying use and management

I I I II I I II I I II I I I

I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I II I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I II I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I II I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I II I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I II I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I II I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I II I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I II I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I II I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I II I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I II I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I II I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I II I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I II I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I II I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I II I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I II I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I II I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I II I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I II I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I II I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I II I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I II I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I

D D DD D D

D D D

D D D

D D D D

D D D DD D D D

A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A AA A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A AA A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A AA A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A AA A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A AA A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A AA A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A AA A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A AA A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A AA A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A AA A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A AA A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A AA A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A AA A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A AA A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A AA A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A AA A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A AA A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A AA A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A AA A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A AA A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A AA A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A AA A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A AA A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A AA A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A AA A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A AA A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A AA A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A AA A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A AA A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A AA A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A AA A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A AA A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A AA A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A

||||||||||||||

||||||||||||||

|||||||||||||

|||||||||||

|||||

DDD

DDD

DD

DDDD

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!!

!

!

!

! !!

.

.1

2

4

Reproduced from the Ordnance Survey map with the permission of the controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office. Licence number: AL 100002205. © CROWN COPYRIGHT.

L16418 Hailsham Area Action PlanMagham DownLand Adjoining the Former Red Lion PH

Figure 184/3110/E011:1000@A3

October 2016

Phase 1 Habitat Survey

Locations of features indicative onlyText

1007

Page 20: Appendix 1.9 Magham Down - Wealden District · LWS Adjacent N ancient and/or semi-natural woodland containing ancient earthworks and have had a long history of varying use and management

391/3110 Onslow House, Magham Down

Ecological Assessment

Site overview

The site is situated in a rural area east of Horsebridge on the outskirts of the village of Magham Down with

direct access onto the Amberstone Road (A271). It is in an area of pasture and scattered rural residential dwellings.

The site itself comprises two parcels, an open arable field and a smaller partially wooded adjacent field bordered by hedgerows and is in horticultural use containing a garden and some polytunnels. The surrounding land use

is farmland, village residential and commercial developments and small areas of scrub and woodland.

The local soils are slightly acid, loamy and clayey with impeded drainage.

Ecological baseline: search radii from site boundary

Sites of European and national importance: 1km

Sites of local importance and protected and/or notable species: 500m

Ponds and waterbodies: 500m

Ecological baseline: designated sites

A number of designated sites have been recorded from within the search radius; refer to Figure 9.4 designated

sites mapping for more details of locations.

Sites of European importance

Site

Distance

from site

(approx.)

Direction Key habitat/ features of interest

Pevensey Levels Ramsar

400m S

Pevensey Levels Ramsar covers a large, mostly unfragmented area of lowland wet grassland. It is designated for supporting an outstanding assemblage of wetland plants and invertebrates, and is one of the best site

in Britain for freshwater molluscs, aquatic beetles and dragonflies.

Pevensey Levels Special Area of Conservation (SAC)

400m S

Pevensey Levels SAC comprises large areas of grazing marsh and is designated for supporting good populations of Ramshorn snail across a wide spatial distribution.

Sites of national importance

Site Distance from site

(approx.)

Direction Key habitat/ features of interest

Pevensey Levels SSSI 400m S

Pevensey Levels SSSI is a large area of grazing meadows with a complex system of ditches. It supports a number of nationally rare and scarce aquatic plants and invertebrates, in addition to over 1% of the total British population of wintering lapwings.

1008

Page 21: Appendix 1.9 Magham Down - Wealden District · LWS Adjacent N ancient and/or semi-natural woodland containing ancient earthworks and have had a long history of varying use and management

391/3110 Onslow House, Magham Down

Sites of local importance

Site

Distance

from site (approx.)

Direction Key habitat/ features of interest

Notable Road Verge: Amberstone Roundabout

450m W Early purple and green winged orchids

Coastal and floodplain

grazing marsh 200m SW Priority Habitat lies within 1km of the site.

Traditional orchard 450m E Priority Habitat lies within 1 km of the site

Ecological baseline: protected species A number of protected species have been recorded from within the search radius; refer to Figure 9.5 protected

species mapping for more details of locations.

Records covered a broad range of species, including some of the following:

- Birds (lesser spotted woodpecker, red kite, grey heron, hobby, lapwing, barn owl, little egret, snipe,

swallow, Cetti’s warbler, house martin)

- Mammals (brown-long eared bat, pipistrelle sp., noctule bat, hedgehog)

- Plants (tubular water-dropwort, frogbit)

Ecological baseline: non-native species

No non-native species records were available for the site. The presence of non-native species cannot however be discounted on this basis.

The following non-native species have previously been recorded from within the search radius: - Plants; cherry laurel, winter heliotrope, Canadian waterweed, Nuttall’s waterweed, floating pennywort,

hybrid bluebell

Setting and green infrastructure

The site lies in a semi-rural landscape on the outskirts of the small village of Magham Down and about 0.8km

east of the urban area of Horsebridge. There is a moderately strong green infrastructure network comprising

robust hedgerows both internally and at the site perimeter which link to the surrounding landscape.

Surrounding land use is a mixture of pasture, including grazing marsh, and rural village habitats. It is within

about 300m of coastal floodplain grazing marsh

There are no watercourses on site but the ditch network associated with Magham Sewage Works is within

500m.

There are an estimated 15 ponds within the search area.

Local wildlife corridors and green infrastructure connectivity are mapped at Figure 9.3A.

‘Blue’ infrastructure connectivity and ponds are mapped at Figure 9.3B.

1009

Page 22: Appendix 1.9 Magham Down - Wealden District · LWS Adjacent N ancient and/or semi-natural woodland containing ancient earthworks and have had a long history of varying use and management

391/3110 Onslow House, Magham Down

Management and habitat condition

The larger field is mown hay meadow. The majority of the hedges appear to be regularly managed. The area

of plantation woodland and garden areas are managed.

Habitat Description

Figure 391/3110/E01 shows the results of the Phase I survey and the habitats present. Each of these is described below.

A1.1.2 Broadleaved plantation woodland

The woodland located in the southern half of the central field was planted in 1988. Tree species present include

silver birch Betula pendula, aspen Populus tremula, oak Quercus robur, hornbeam Carpinus betulus, hazel Corylus avellana, beech Fagus sylvatica, sweet chestnut Castanea sativa, white poplar Populus alba, crab apple

Malus sylvestris, and sycamore Acer pseudoplatanus. Most of the understorey is frequently mown to create a network of paths. Nevertheless, the understorey vegetation features herb robert Geranium robertianum, wood

dock Rumex sanguineum, ground elder Aegopodium podagraria, ivy Hedera helix, foxglove Digitalis purpurea,

hybrid bluebell Hyacinthoides x massartiana, stinking iris Iris foetidissima, selfheal Prunella vulgaris, nettle Urtica dioica, common bent Agrostis capillaris, creeping bent Agrostis stolonifera, and hogweed Heracleum sphondylium.

A3.1 Scattered broadleaved trees

Scattered broad-leaved trees within the site are mainly concentrated in the east of the residential garden area. Species include copper beech Fagus sylvatica, oak Quercus robur, and ash Fraxinus excelsior. The ash trees

show obvious signs of dieback.

A3.2 Scattered coniferous trees

Two conifer trees sit along the western border of the site’s broad-leaved plantation woodland.

B2.2 Semi-improved neutral grassland

The large field at the west of the site is used for hay harvesting. Yorkshire fog Holcus lanatus is dominant, and

red fescue Festuca rubra also occurs. Soft rush Juncus effusus is also found occasionally, indicating impeded

drainage. Associated forbs include common fleabane Pulicaria dysenterica, common sorrel Rumex acetosa, creeping buttercup Ranunculus repens, meadow buttercup Ranunculus acris, white clover Trifolium repens, and broad-leaved dock Rumex obtusifolius. Meadow vetchling Lathyrus pratensis and greater birdsfoot trefoil Lotus uliginosus also have a patchy presence.

C1.1 Bracken - continuous

Two relatively significant areas of continuous bracken Pteridium aquilinum are present along hedge boundaries,

north and south, in the larger western B2.2 field.

C1.2 Bracken - scattered

There is a small area of more scattered bracken Pteridium aquilinum at the site’s southern-most corner in the

larger western field.

J1.2 Amenity grassland

There are several areas of this grassland type, most of which are located toward the eastern side. In the

residential garden at the very east of the site Yorkshire fog Holcus lanatus dominates. Perennial ryegrass Lolium perenne and red fescue Festuca rubra are also present. Associated forbs include creeping buttercup Ranunculus acris, dandelion Taraxacum agg., white clover Trifolium repens, greater plantain Plantago major, and selfheal Prunella vulgaris. Elsewhere common bent Agrostis capillaris and creeping bent Agrostis stolonifera

have alternate dominance, but associated forbs are of a similar species mix.

1010

Page 23: Appendix 1.9 Magham Down - Wealden District · LWS Adjacent N ancient and/or semi-natural woodland containing ancient earthworks and have had a long history of varying use and management

391/3110 Onslow House, Magham Down

J1.4 Introduced shrub

There are several areas of introduced shrub within the site that form residential garden shrubberies at the very east and commercial plots in adjacent fields and enclosed areas to the west.

J2.1.1 Native species-rich hedge, intact

The southern boundary of the large western field includes hawthorn Crataegus monogyna, holly Ilex aquifolium, ash Fraxinus excelsior, goat willow Salix caprea, grey willow Salix cinerea and blackthorn Prunus spinosa. Hedgebase species include honeysuckle Lonicera periclymenum, bramble Rubus fruticosus agg., ivy

Hedera helix, and sweet vernal grass Anthoxanthum odoratum.

J2.3.1 Species-poor hedge, intact

The western boundary of the commercial garden operation adjacent to the residential garden at the east of

the site is composed of conifers exclusively. The northern boundary of the large western field is dominated by hawthorn Crataegus monogyna. Juvenile ash Fraxinus excelsior is also present. Hedgebase species include

bracken Pteridium aquilinum, bramble Rubus fruticosus agg., hogweed Heracleum spondylium, and common

knapweed Centaurea nigra agg.

J2.3.2 Species-poor hedge with trees

The western border of the residential garden at the east of the site comprises field maple Acer campestre trees and hawthorn Crataegus monogyna hedging.

J2.4 Fence

Barbed wire and chain-link fencing are present along the southern, eastern, and western site boundaries bordering the urban edge of Magham Down.

J2.6 Dry ditch

Along the southern boundary of the site within the broad-leaved plantation woodland area species include ivy

Hedera helix, ground ivy Glechoma hederacea, wood avens Geum urbanum, herb robert Geranium robertianum, and male fern Dryopteris filix-mas. Vegetation is dense along the more exposed dry ditch section

that runs along part of the southern boundary of the large western field. Species here include great willowherb

Epilobium hirsutum, hogweed Heracleum spondylium, bramble Rubus fruticosus agg., Yorkshire fog Holcus lanatus, creeping bent Agrostis stolonifera, false oat grass Arrhenatherum elatius, hemlock water dropwort

Oenanthe crocata, hedge bindweed Calystegia sepium, and field rose Rosa arvensis.

J3.6 Buildings

Two residential buildings and various other small buildings and minor structures related to a small plant nursery

operation are present toward the east of the site.

J4 Hardstanding and bare ground

The sole area of hardstanding within the site is located at the east and is used for residential car parking. It is well maintained and largely devoid of vegetation.

Protected species

The site is known to support, or considered to have potential to support the following protected species and

features:

Species/Features Present/potentially present

(suitable habitats onsite)

Veteran trees There are no veteran trees on site.

1011

Page 24: Appendix 1.9 Magham Down - Wealden District · LWS Adjacent N ancient and/or semi-natural woodland containing ancient earthworks and have had a long history of varying use and management

391/3110 Onslow House, Magham Down

Notable site habitats

The site features species rich hedgerow and grassland habitats.

If these habitats are likely to be impacted by development proposals then habitat surveys would be advisable.

Rare and scarce plants

There are nearby records for rare plants (aquatic).

The presence of uncommon plant species is considered unlikely.

Rare and scarce invertebrates

No records of invertebrates were returned with the data search.

The site is considered unlikely to support rare or scarce invertebrates.

Amphibians including great crested newts

Some site habitats (dry ditch, hedgerows, plantation and meadow) are suitable for this group and there are a number of ponds in the local area. The presence of amphibians, including great crested newt cannot be ruled out.

Reptiles The following habitats are suitable for this species group (hedgerow, woodland, grassland, dry ditch) and presence on site is likely.

Breeding/Wintering birds

The hedgerow and woodland habitats are likely to support nesting birds. Nesting birds may also use the site buildings where access to structures is possible.

The site is not considered likely to support significant populations of wintering birds

Dormouse

No records of dormouse were returned within the search area.

The woodland and hedgerow habitats have potential to support dormouse.

Aquatic mammals including water vole and otter There are no habitats on site suitable for these species.

Terrestrial mammals including badger No badger setts or other signs were noted during the Phase I survey. However, the habitats in the local area are very suitable for this species and foraging use cannot be ruled out.

Bats (roosting potential)

None of the site trees are of sufficient size, or age, or have structural features which are suitable for bats. However, detailed bat inspections have not been undertaken and presence cannot be ruled out.

The buildings on site have potential to be used by roosting bats. The local landscape features a number of habitats which are highly suited to bat foraging use. Detailed bat inspections have not been undertaken and so the existence of an on-site roost cannot be ruled out.

1012

Page 25: Appendix 1.9 Magham Down - Wealden District · LWS Adjacent N ancient and/or semi-natural woodland containing ancient earthworks and have had a long history of varying use and management

391/3110 Onslow House, Magham Down

Bats (foraging and commuting) The site is likely to offer bat foraging opportunity and may also be used by bats moving between wooded areas within the local landscape.

Indicative Ecological Appraisal

The table below summarises the likely or potential value of ecological receptors with a provisional assessment

of the unmitigated impact of any development. This assessment is indicative until such time the recommended further surveys can be undertaken. The precautionary principal has been adopted in arriving at this assessment.

Feature Level of value

Scale Unmitigated impact

Confidence level

Mitigated impact

Sites of European importance

Very high International Minor adverse Possible Neutral

Sites of national importance

High National Minor adverse Possible Neutral

Sites of local importance

N/A N/A

Habitats Lower Parish Moderate Adverse

Probable

Veteran trees N/A N/A

Plants N/A N/A

Invertebrates N/A N/A

Amphibians including great crested newts

Unknown Unknown

Reptiles Unknown Unknown

Breeding birds Unknown Unknown

Dormice Unknown Unknown

Aquatic mammals including water voles and otters

N/A N/A

Terrestrial mammals including badgers

Unknown Unknown

Bats Unknown Unknown

Recommendations for further survey

Detailed development proposals must be informed by an updated Phase 1 Habitat Survey and species surveys

as set out below to identify the likely mitigation requirement in respect of these habitats and species and ensure that potential impacts are identified and appropriate mitigation developed.

Recommended further survey

Survey type Season for survey Survey

required?

Phase III NVC habitat survey May to September ✓

Hedgerow survey May to October ✓

Rare plant survey April to September (depending upon species) X

Invertebrate survey April to September (depending upon species) X

Great crested newt survey March to June ✓

Reptile survey April to June and September to October ✓

Breeding bird survey April to June ✓

1013

Page 26: Appendix 1.9 Magham Down - Wealden District · LWS Adjacent N ancient and/or semi-natural woodland containing ancient earthworks and have had a long history of varying use and management

391/3110 Onslow House, Magham Down

Wintering bird survey December to February X

Dormouse survey April to November ✓

Badger survey Year round (Spring/Autumn are optimal) ✓

Water vole survey April to October X

Otter survey Year round (Spring is optimal) X

Bat inspection survey (trees) Year round (Winter is optimal) ✓

Bat inspection survey (buildings) Year round ✓

Bat activity survey April to October ✓

Bat emergence/re-entry survey May to August NK

Impact avoidance

Should development at this site proceed, consideration should be given to the following impact avoidance

measures:

• All site boundary features including scrub and hedges at the periphery of the site should be protected

in the built scheme.

• All mature trees should be retained in-situ.

• Retention of areas of scrub and woodland, and linear features such as hedgerows wherever possible

throughout the site.

Outline mitigation

Should development at this site proceed, generic (standard) mitigation for impacts upon habitats and species

is set out below. Further detailed or species-specific mitigation may be required dependent upon the outcome

of the recommended protected habitat or species surveys.

• Ensure a minimum 10m working offset from retained habitats.

• To mitigate for loss of woody vegetation, semi-natural planting should include berry bearing native trees

and shrubs to enhance food availability for wildlife. The proposed planting should be structurally diverse with tree, shrub and ground layers with areas of dense scrub as well as more open areas.

• Ornamental planting should constitute at least 50% by area of native species or species of known value

to wildlife, such as fruiting/berrying species and species known to provide a good nectar source. All

ornamental planting should be structurally diverse with tree, shrub and ground layers with areas of dense planting as well as more open areas.

• Vegetation removal required for the construction phase should take place outside of the breeding bird

season to prevent disturbance to birds nesting on site within retained hedgerows and trees. Harm to active birds’ nests during site clearance would be avoided by this work taking place outside the bird

nesting season of March to July inclusive. • Herras or similar secure fencing should be deployed to ensure that retained habitats remain undisturbed

for the duration of the development.

• Retained habitats should not be illuminated either deliberately or via light spill. If external lighting, e.g.

security lighting, is required, it should be reduced to a minimum, and designed in accordance with

guidelines from the Bat Conservation Trust. • Trenches should be filled in prior to the end of the working day, or a plank left leaning up from the base

of the trench to the surface so animals falling in can exit the excavation.

• Pipework should be closed off at the end of each working day to avoid animals becoming trapped.

• Long term management of habitats should be detailed in a Landscape and Habitat Management Plan

(LHMP), including newly created as well as retained habitats to ensure the long-term viability of such habitats. Any LHMP should include remedial measures should regular monitoring record a decline in

habitat quality or quantity.

1014

Page 27: Appendix 1.9 Magham Down - Wealden District · LWS Adjacent N ancient and/or semi-natural woodland containing ancient earthworks and have had a long history of varying use and management

391/3110 Onslow House, Magham Down

Potential enhancements A number of enhancement measures could be employed in order to increase the value of the site to wildlife,

including the following:

• Contribution to ‘B-Lines’ project through seeding with native wildflower seed mix and use of native

flowering trees and shrubs in planting scheme.

• Creation of a new wildlife pond in a secluded corner of the site.

• The boundary vegetation should be strengthened by further planting, including berry bearing species to

provide for bird foraging, and native species to attract insects. A structurally diverse range of plants should be used, including shrubs large enough to support nesting birds.

• Creation of permanent wildflower grassland and native scrub habitat on the site boundaries and within

areas of public open space. • Enhancements to the retained woodland habitat, including coppicing and long-term management

• In-site structural native tree and shrub planting to provide cross-site corridors and a foraging resource

for a variety of species.

• Design site planting so as to link in to, or add to, surrounding habitat areas (woodland, hedgerows etc.).

• Supplementary planting in gaps in tree and hedgelines will improve connectivity with the surrounding

area.

• Creation of wildlife habitat including grassland, woodland and scrub on land outside the development

site boundary. • Enhancement of any proposed SUDs features using native wetland plants, and trees, shrubs etc.

• Implementation of good practice with regard to hedgerow maintenance, such as leaving one side of the

hedgerow uncut, and the cutting of one side of hedgerow on alternate years, will benefit hedgerow

species such as breeding birds, small mammals and bats. • Erect bat boxes (e.g. Schwegler) suitable for a range of bat species, on retained standard trees or

buildings in unlit parts of the site.

• Erect bird boxes (e.g. Schwegler) suitable for a range of bird species, on retained standard trees or

buildings in undisturbed parts of the site.

• Creation of habitat piles, using woody arisings (brash) from site clearance. These should be stacked in

a quiet, sheltered corner of the site to form piles measuring approximately 1m x 1m x 1m. • Retain logs from felled trees, and partly bury them in a quiet, sheltered corner of the site to provide

dead-wood beetle habitat e.g. for stag beetle.

Summary

Likelihood of ecological interest: protected habitats and or species

High Medium Low Negligible

1015

Page 28: Appendix 1.9 Magham Down - Wealden District · LWS Adjacent N ancient and/or semi-natural woodland containing ancient earthworks and have had a long history of varying use and management

D D D D D

D D D D DD D D D D

D D D D D

D D D D DD D D D D

D D D D D

A A A AA A A AA A A AA A A AA A A AA A A AA A A AA A A AA A A AA A A AA A A AA A A AA A A A

A A A A A A A A A A AA A A A A A A A A A AA A A A A A A A A A AA A A A A A A A A A AA A A A A A A A A A AA A A A A A A A A A AA A A A A A A A A A AA A A A A A A A A A AA A A A A A A A A A AA A A A A A A A A A AA A A A A A A A A A AA A A A A A A A A A AA A A A A A A A A A AA A A A A A A A A A A

A A A A A A A A A AA A A A A A A A A AA A A A A A A A A AA A A A A A A A A AA A A A A A A A A AA A A A A A A A A AA A A A A A A A A AA A A A A A A A A AA A A A A A A A A AA A A A A A A A A A

A A A A A A AA A A A A A AA A A A A A AA A A A A A AA A A A A A AA A A A A A AA A A A A A AA A A A A A AA A A A A A AA A A A A A AA A A A A A AA A A A A A AA A A A A A AA A A A A A A

A A AA A AA A AA A A

VVVVVVVVVV

VVVVVVVVVV

VVVVVVVVVV

VVVVVVVVVV

VVVVVVVVVV

VVVVVVV

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

265

Reproduced from the Ordnance Survey map with the permission of the controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office. Licence number: AL 100002205. © CROWN COPYRIGHT.

L16418 Hailsham Area Action PlanMagham DownOnslow House

Figure 391/3110/E011:1000@A3

October 2016

Phase 1 Habitat Survey

Locations of features indicative only

1016

Page 29: Appendix 1.9 Magham Down - Wealden District · LWS Adjacent N ancient and/or semi-natural woodland containing ancient earthworks and have had a long history of varying use and management

759/3110 Land at 3 Sussex Cottages, Magham Down

Ecological Assessment

Site overview

This small site is situated in the village of Magham Down in a rural area east of Horsebridge with direct access

onto the Amberstone Road (A271).

The site itself comprises a single grassed plot with some hardstanding and residential dwellings on each side.

The surrounding land use is farmland, village development and small areas of scrub and woodland.

The local soils are slightly acid, loamy and clayey with impeded drainage.

Ecological baseline: search radii from site boundary

Sites of European and national importance: 1km

Sites of local importance and protected and/or notable species: 500m

Ponds and waterbodies: 250m

Ecological baseline: designated sites

A number of designated sites have been recorded from within the search radius; refer to Figure 9.4 designated sites mapping for more details of locations.

Sites of European importance

Site

Distance

from site (approx.)

Direction Key habitat/ features of interest

Pevensey Levels Ramsar

550m S

Pevensey Levels Ramsar covers a large, mostly unfragmented area of lowland wet grassland. It is designated for supporting an outstanding assemblage of wetland plants and invertebrates, and is one of the best site in Britain for freshwater molluscs, aquatic beetles and dragonflies.

Pevensey Levels Special Area of Conservation (SAC)

550m S

Pevensey Levels SAC comprises large areas of grazing marsh and is designated for supporting good populations of Ramshorn snail across a wide spatial distribution.

Sites of national importance

Site

Distance

from site

(approx.)

Direction Key habitat/ features of interest

Pevensey Levels SSSI 550m S

Pevensey Levels SSSI is a large area of grazing meadows with a complex system of ditches. It supports a number of nationally rare and scarce aquatic plants and invertebrates, in addition to over 1% of the total British population of wintering lapwings.

1017

Page 30: Appendix 1.9 Magham Down - Wealden District · LWS Adjacent N ancient and/or semi-natural woodland containing ancient earthworks and have had a long history of varying use and management

759/3110 Land at 3 Sussex Cottages, Magham Down

Sites of local importance

Site Distance from site

(approx.)

Direction Key habitat/ features of interest

Coastal and floodplain grazing marsh

450m SW Priority Habitat lies within 1km of the site.

Traditional orchard 350m NE Priority Habitat lies within 1 km of the site

Ecological baseline: protected species A number of protected species have been recorded from within the search radius; refer to Figure 9.5 protected species mapping for more details of locations.

Records covered a broad range of species, including some of the following:

- Birds (lesser spotted woodpecker, red kite, grey heron, hobby, lapwing, barn owl, little egret, snipe,

swallow, Cetti’s warbler, house martin)

- Mammals (pipistrelle sp.)

- Plants (tubular water-dropwort, frogbit, greater yellow-cress)

Ecological baseline: non-native species

No non-native species records were available for the site. The presence of non-native species cannot however be discounted on this basis.

The following non-native species have previously been recorded from within the search radius:

- Plants; cherry laurel, winter heliotrope, Canadian waterweed, Nuttall’s waterweed, floating pennywort, hybrid bluebell

Setting and green infrastructure

The site lies in a semi-rural landscape in the small village of Magham Down and about 1km east of the urban

area of Horsebridge. There is scant vegetation on site but the site lies in an area of countryside which features

moderately strong green infrastructure connectivity. Surrounding land use is a mixture of pasture, including

grazing marsh, and rural village habitats. The site is within about 300m of coastal floodplain grazing marsh

(Pevensey Levels).

There are no watercourses on site but the Magham Sewer and associated ditch network is within 250m.

There is 1 pond within the search area, though many more exist within 500m of the site.

Local wildlife corridors and green infrastructure connectivity are mapped at Figure 9.3A.

‘Blue’ infrastructure connectivity and ponds are mapped at Figure 9.3B.

Management and habitat condition

The grassed areas of the site are mown. The majority of the hedges appear to be regularly managed.

Habitat Description

Figure 759/3110/E01 shows the results of the Phase I survey and the habitats present. Each of these is described below.

1018

Page 31: Appendix 1.9 Magham Down - Wealden District · LWS Adjacent N ancient and/or semi-natural woodland containing ancient earthworks and have had a long history of varying use and management

759/3110 Land at 3 Sussex Cottages, Magham Down

A2.2 Scattered scrub

A small area of scattered scrub is present within the site. Species present here include dog rose Rosa canina and young ash Fraxinus excelsior, with nettle Urtica dioica.

A3.1 Scattered broadleaved trees

A single ash tree Fraxinus excelsior is present within the site.

C1.2 Bracken - scattered

Some scattered bracken Pteridium aquilinum is present within the site.

C3.1 Tall ruderal

An area of tall ruderal vegetation is present in the south of the site. This area is dominated by common nettle Urtica dioica. Other species present include hedge bindweed Calystegia sepium, ivy Hedera helix and black

nightshade Solanum nigrum.

J1.2 Amenity grassland

The majority of the site comprises this habitat. The sward is dominated by Yorkshire fog Holcus lanatus with

some perennial rye grass Lolium perenne. The south of the site also shows an abundance of knotgrass Polygonum aviculare agg. and greater plantain Plantago major. Other species recorded include yarrow Achillea millefolium, creeping cinquefoil Potentilla reptans, ribwort plantain Plantago lanceolata, dandelion Taraxacum agg., and broad-leaved dock Rumex obtusifolius.

J1.3 Ephemeral/short perennial

Ephemeral vegetation is present in association with the hard standing. This area is dominated by knotgrass Polygonum aviculare agg. and greater plantain Plantago major.

J2.3.1 Species-poor hedge, intact

Species-poor hedges are present within the site. The southern hedge is comprised of solely privet Ligustrum ovalifolium. The more central hedge is comprised of hawthorn Crataegus monogyna, wild privet Ligustrum vulgare and ivy Hedera helix, with large bindweed Calystegia sylvatica.

J2.4 Fence

Fencing is present within the site.

J3.6 Buildings

Buildings on the site include garaging and garden sheds that are in use.

J4 Hardstanding and bare ground

Ephemeral species are associated with the hard-standing.

Protected species

The site is known to support, or considered to have potential to support the following protected species and features:

Species/Features Present/potentially present

(suitable habitats onsite)

Veteran trees There are no veteran trees on site.

Notable site habitats The site has no notable habitats

Rare and scarce plants The site is considered unlikely to support rare or scarce plants.

1019

Page 32: Appendix 1.9 Magham Down - Wealden District · LWS Adjacent N ancient and/or semi-natural woodland containing ancient earthworks and have had a long history of varying use and management

759/3110 Land at 3 Sussex Cottages, Magham Down

Rare and scarce invertebrates The site is considered unlikely to support rare or scarce invertebrates.

Amphibians including great crested newts

No amphibian records were returned with the data search.

Some site habitats (hedgerow) are suitable for this group and there are ponds in the local area. The presence of amphibians, including great crested newt cannot be entirely ruled out.

Reptiles The following habitats are suitable for this species group (hedgerow) and presence on site is possible, but unlikely.

Breeding/Wintering birds

The hedgerow habitats are likely to support common nesting birds. Nesting birds may also use the site buildings where access to structures is possible.

The site is not considered likely to support significant populations of wintering birds

Dormouse The site is unlikely to support dormouse.

Aquatic mammals including water vole and otter There are no habitats on site suitable for these species.

Terrestrial mammals including badger No badger setts or other signs were noted during the Phase I survey. However, the habitats in the local area are very suitable for this species and occasional foraging use cannot be ruled out.

Bats (roosting potential)

None of the site trees are of sufficient size, or age, or have structural features which are suitable for bats. However, detailed bat inspections have not been undertaken and presence cannot be ruled out.

The buildings on site are unlikely to be used by a significant population of roosting bats as single-skin structures tend not to offer sufficient insulation. However, the local landscape features a number of habitats which are highly suited to bat foraging use and detailed bat inspections have not been undertaken and so the existence of an on-site roost cannot be ruled out.

Bats (foraging and commuting) The site is likely to offer minimal bat foraging opportunity but may be used by bats moving between wooded areas within the local landscape.

Indicative Ecological Appraisal

The table below summarises the likely or potential value of ecological receptors with a provisional assessment

of the unmitigated impact of any development. This assessment is indicative until such time the recommended further surveys can be undertaken. The precautionary principal has been adopted in arriving at this assessment.

1020

Page 33: Appendix 1.9 Magham Down - Wealden District · LWS Adjacent N ancient and/or semi-natural woodland containing ancient earthworks and have had a long history of varying use and management

759/3110 Land at 3 Sussex Cottages, Magham Down

Feature Level of

value Scale

Unmitigated

impact

Confidence

level

Mitigated

impact

Sites of European importance

Very High European Neutral Probable

Sites of national importance High National Neutral Probable

Sites of local importance Medium County Neutral Probable

Habitats Lower Parish Minor Adverse Probable

Veteran trees N/A N/A

Plants N/A N/A

Invertebrates N/A N/A

Amphibians including great crested newts

Unknown Unknown

Reptiles Unknown Unknown

Breeding birds N/A N/A

Dormice N/A N/A

Aquatic mammals including water voles and otters

N/A N/A

Terrestrial mammals including badgers

Unknown Unknown

Bats Unknown Unknown

Recommendations for further survey

Detailed development proposals must be informed by an updated Phase 1 Habitat Survey and species surveys

as set out below to identify the likely mitigation requirement in respect of these habitats and species and ensure that potential impacts are identified and appropriate mitigation developed.

Recommended further survey

Survey type Season for survey Survey

required?

Phase III NVC habitat survey May to September X

Hedgerow survey May to October X

Rare plant survey April to September (depending upon species) X

Invertebrate survey April to September (depending upon species) X

Great crested newt survey March to June ✓

Reptile survey April to June and September to October ✓

Breeding bird survey April to June X

Wintering bird survey December to February X

Dormouse survey April to November X

Badger survey Year round (Spring/Autumn are optimal) ✓

Water vole survey April to October X

Otter survey Year round (Spring is optimal) X

Bat inspection survey (trees) Year round (Winter is optimal) ✓

Bat inspection survey (buildings) Year round ✓

Bat activity survey April to October ✓

Bat emergence/re-entry survey May to August NK

Impact avoidance

Should development at this site proceed, consideration should be given to the following impact avoidance

measures:

1021

Page 34: Appendix 1.9 Magham Down - Wealden District · LWS Adjacent N ancient and/or semi-natural woodland containing ancient earthworks and have had a long history of varying use and management

759/3110 Land at 3 Sussex Cottages, Magham Down

• All site boundary features should be protected in the built scheme.

• All mature trees should be retained in-situ.

• Retention of linear features such as hedgerows wherever possible throughout the site.

Outline mitigation

Should development at this site proceed, generic (standard) mitigation for impacts upon habitats and species

is set out below. Further detailed or species-specific mitigation may be required dependent upon the outcome of the recommended protected habitat or species surveys.

• Ensure a minimum 10m working offset from retained habitats.

• To mitigate for loss of woody vegetation, semi-natural planting should include berry bearing native trees

and shrubs to enhance food availability for wildlife. The proposed planting should be structurally diverse

with tree, shrub and ground layers with areas of dense scrub as well as more open areas.

• Ornamental planting should constitute at least 50% by area of native species or species of known value

to wildlife, such as fruiting/berrying species and species known to provide a good nectar source. All ornamental planting should be structurally diverse with tree, shrub and ground layers with areas of

dense planting as well as more open areas. • Vegetation removal required for the construction phase should take place outside of the breeding bird

season to prevent disturbance to birds nesting on site within retained hedgerows and trees. Harm to

active birds’ nests during site clearance would be avoided by this work taking place outside the bird nesting season of March to July inclusive.

• Herras or similar secure fencing should be deployed to ensure that retained habitats remain undisturbed

for the duration of the development.

• Retained habitats should not be illuminated either deliberately or via light spill. If external lighting, e.g.

security lighting, is required, it should be reduced to a minimum, and designed in accordance with guidelines from the Bat Conservation Trust.

• Trenches should be filled in prior to the end of the working day, or a plank left leaning up from the base

of the trench to the surface so animals falling in can exit the excavation. • Pipework should be closed off at the end of each working day to avoid animals becoming trapped.

• Long term management of habitats should be detailed in a Landscape and Habitat Management Plan

(LHMP), including newly created as well as retained habitats to ensure the long-term viability of such

habitats. Any LHMP should include remedial measures should regular monitoring record a decline in

habitat quality or quantity.

Potential enhancements A number of enhancement measures could be employed in order to increase the value of the site to wildlife,

including the following:

• Contribution to ‘B-Lines’ project through seeding with native wildflower seed mix and use of native

flowering trees and shrubs in planting scheme.

• The boundary vegetation should be strengthened by further planting, including berry bearing species to

provide for bird foraging, and native species to attract insects. A structurally diverse range of plants should be used, including shrubs large enough to support nesting birds.

• In-site structural native tree and shrub planting to provide cross-site corridors and a foraging resource

for a variety of species.

• Design site planting so as to link in to, or add to, surrounding habitat areas (e.g. woodland, hedgerow).

• Supplementary planting in gaps in tree and hedgelines will improve connectivity with the surrounding

area. • Enhancement of any proposed SUDs features using native wetland plants, and trees, shrubs etc.

1022

Page 35: Appendix 1.9 Magham Down - Wealden District · LWS Adjacent N ancient and/or semi-natural woodland containing ancient earthworks and have had a long history of varying use and management

759/3110 Land at 3 Sussex Cottages, Magham Down

• Implementation of good practice with regard to hedgerow maintenance, such as leaving one side of the

hedgerow uncut, and the cutting of one side of hedgerow on alternate years, will benefit hedgerow

species such as breeding birds, small mammals and bats. • Erect bat boxes (e.g. Schwegler) suitable for a range of bat species, on retained standard trees or

buildings in unlit parts of the site.

• Erect bird boxes (e.g. Schwegler) suitable for a range of bird species, on retained standard trees or

buildings in undisturbed parts of the site. • Creation of habitat piles, using woody arisings (brash) from site clearance. These should be stacked in

a quiet, sheltered corner of the site to form piles measuring approximately 1m x 1m x 1m.

• Retain logs from felled trees, and partly bury them in a quiet, sheltered corner of the site to provide

dead-wood beetle habitat e.g. for stag beetle.

Summary

Likelihood of ecological interest: protected habitats and or species

High Medium Low Negligible

1023

Page 36: Appendix 1.9 Magham Down - Wealden District · LWS Adjacent N ancient and/or semi-natural woodland containing ancient earthworks and have had a long history of varying use and management

D D D DD D D D

D D D D

D D D D

A A A A AA A A A AA A A A AA A A A AA A A A AA A A A AA A A A AA A A A AA A A A AA A A A AA A A A AA A A A AA A A A AA A A A AA A A A AA A A A AA A A A AA A A A AA A A A A

A A A A A A A A A A A A AA A A A A A A A A A A A AA A A A A A A A A A A A AA A A A A A A A A A A A AA A A A A A A A A A A A AA A A A A A A A A A A A AA A A A A A A A A A A A AA A A A A A A A A A A A AA A A A A A A A A A A A AA A A A A A A A A A A A AA A A A A A A A A A A A AA A A A A A A A A A A A AA A A A A A A A A A A A AA A A A A A A A A A A A AA A A A A A A A A A A A AA A A A A A A A A A A A AA A A A A A A A A A A A AA A A A A A A A A A A A AA A A A A A A A A A A A AA A A A A A A A A A A A AA A A A A A A A A A A A AA A A A A A A A A A A A AA A A A A A A A A A A A AA A A A A A A A A A A A AA A A A A A A A A A A A A

A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A AA A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A AA A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A AA A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A AA A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A AA A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A AA A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A AA A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A AA A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A AA A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A AA A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A AA A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A AA A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A AA A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A AA A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A AA A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A AA A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A AA A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A AA A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A AA A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A

D D D

D D D

D D D

D D D

D D D

D D D

D D D

D D D

D D D

D D D

D D D

D D D

D D D

D D D

D D D

D D D

D D D

D D D

D D D

D D D

D D D

D D D

D D D

D D D

D D D

D D D

D D D

D D D

D D D D

D D D D

D D D D

D D D D

D D D D

D D D D

D D D D

D D D D

D D D D

D D D D

D D D D

D D D D

D D D D

D D D D

D D D D

D D D D

D D D D

D D D D

D D D D

D D D D

D D D D

D D D D

D D D D

D D D D

D D D D

D D D D

D D D D

D D D D

D D D D

!

Reproduced from the Ordnance Survey map with the permission of the controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office. Licence number: AL 100002205. © CROWN COPYRIGHT.

L16418 Hailsham Area Action PlanMagham DownLand at 3 Sussex Cottages

Figure 759/3110/E011:150@A3

October 2016

Phase 1 Habitat Survey

Locations of features indicative only

1024

Page 37: Appendix 1.9 Magham Down - Wealden District · LWS Adjacent N ancient and/or semi-natural woodland containing ancient earthworks and have had a long history of varying use and management

788/3110 Land to the West of Old Road, Magham Down

Ecological Assessment

Site overview

The site is situated in a rural area east of Horsebridge on the outskirts of the village of Magham Down with

direct access onto Old Road and the Amberstone Road (A271). It is in an area of mixed farmland and rural villages.

The site itself comprises an open field bordered by hedgerows. The surrounding land use is farmland, village

residential and commercial developments and small areas of scrub and woodland.

The local soils are slightly acid, loamy and clayey with impeded drainage.

Ecological baseline: search radii from site boundary

Sites of European and national importance: 1km

Sites of local importance and protected and/or notable species: 500m

Ponds and waterbodies: 500m

Ecological baseline: designated sites

A number of designated sites have been recorded from within the search radius; refer to Figure 9.4 designated

sites mapping for more details of locations.

Sites of European importance

Site Distance from site

(approx.)

Direction Key habitat/ features of interest

Pevensey Levels Ramsar

600m S

Pevensey Levels Ramsar covers a large, mostly unfragmented area of lowland wet grassland. It is designated for supporting an outstanding assemblage of wetland plants and invertebrates, and is one of the best site in Britain for freshwater molluscs, aquatic

beetles and dragonflies.

Pevensey Levels Special Area of Conservation (SAC)

600m S

Pevensey Levels SAC comprises large areas of grazing marsh and is designated for supporting good populations of Ramshorn snail across a wide spatial distribution.

Sites of national importance

Site

Distance

from site (approx.)

Direction Key habitat/ features of interest

Pevensey Levels SSSI 600m S

Pevensey Levels SSSI is a large area of grazing meadows with a complex system of ditches. It supports a number of nationally rare and scarce aquatic plants and invertebrates, in addition to over 1% of the total British population of wintering lapwings.

1025

Page 38: Appendix 1.9 Magham Down - Wealden District · LWS Adjacent N ancient and/or semi-natural woodland containing ancient earthworks and have had a long history of varying use and management

788/3110 Land to the West of Old Road, Magham Down

Sites of local importance

Site

Distance

from site (approx.)

Direction Key habitat/ features of interest

CW97 Jarvis’s, Nobody’s Wood & Park Wood Complex LWS

350m NW

These sites form a large area of mostly ancient and/or semi-natural woodland containing ancient earthworks and have had a long

history of varying use and management. The woodlands are mainly oak with a history of coppiced hornbeam, sweet chestnut and hazel, with some areas of ash and alder in calcareous and wetter soils, respectively. The wooded stream valley supports a diversity of bryophytes and ferns.

Ancient woodland 350m (nearest) NW + NE Several named Ancient Woodlands lie within the search area

Coastal and floodplain grazing marsh

450m SW Priority Habitat lies within 500m of the site associated with the Pevensey Levels.

Deciduous woodland (Priority Habitat)

650m (nearest) N Several areas of woodland lie within the search area

Traditional orchard (Priority Habitat)

300m (nearest) E A number of areas indicated as orchards areas of Priority Habitat lies within 1 km of the site

Ecological baseline: protected species A number of protected species have been recorded from within the search radius; refer to Figure 9.5 protected species mapping for more details of locations.

Records covered a broad range of species, including some of the following:

- Birds (lesser spotted woodpecker, barn owl, red kite, grey heron, lapwing, hobby, little egret, snipe,

swallow, Cetti’s warbler, house martin)

- Mammals (pipistrelle sp., brown long-eared bat, long-eared sp.) - Flowering plants (frogbit, tubular water drop-wort)

Ecological baseline: non-native species

No non-native species records were available for the site. The presence of non-native species cannot however

be discounted on this basis.

The following non-native species have previously been recorded from within the search radius:

- Plants; cherry laurel, hybrid bluebell, floating pennywort, Canadian waterweed, Nuttall’s waterweed,

winter heliotrope

Setting and green infrastructure

The site lies in a semi-rural landscape on the outskirts of the small village of Magham Down and about 1km

east of the urban area of Horsebridge. There is a moderately strong local green infrastructure network

comprising perimeter hedgerow and scattered trees which link to the wider countryside, but no internal woody

1026

Page 39: Appendix 1.9 Magham Down - Wealden District · LWS Adjacent N ancient and/or semi-natural woodland containing ancient earthworks and have had a long history of varying use and management

788/3110 Land to the West of Old Road, Magham Down

vegetation. It is within about 300m of coastal floodplain grazing marsh. Surrounding land use is a mixture of

pasture, and rural village habitats. There are no buildings on site.

There are an estimated 18 ponds within the search area.

Local wildlife corridors and green infrastructure connectivity are mapped at Figure 9.3A.

‘Blue’ infrastructure connectivity and ponds are mapped at Figure 9.3B.

Management and habitat condition

The grassed areas of the site are mown or grazed meadow. The boundary hedges appear to be regularly

managed.

Habitat Description

Figure 788/3110/E01 shows the results of the Phase I survey and the habitats present. Each of these is

described below.

A3.1 Scattered broadleaved trees

A number of scattered trees are present within the site, being mainly on a northern, unhedged site boundary.

Species present include poplar Populus spp., silver birch Betula pendula, beech Fagus sylvatica, and purple

plum Prunus ‘pissardii’.

B4 Improved grassland

The majority of the site comprises sheep grazed ley grassland. The sward is dominated by perennial rye grass

Lolium perenne and red clover Trifolium pratense. Other species include Yorkshire fog Holcus lanatus, white clover Trifolium repens, creeping thistle Cirsium arvense, nettle Urtica dioica and broadleaved dock Rumex obtusifolius.

The field borders contain a few additional species such as germander speedwell Veronica chamaedrys, pale

persicaria Persicaria lapathifolia, creeping buttercup Ranunculus repens and smooth hawk’s beard Crepis capillaris.

C1.1 Bracken - continuous

There is an area of continuous bracken Pteridium aquilinum in the south of the site.

J2.1.1 Native species-rich hedge, intact

The majority of the hedges fall into this category. Species present include ash Fraxinus excelsior, elder

Sambucus nigra, hawthorn Crataegus mongyna, spindle Euonymus europaeus, field maple Acer campestre, grey poplar Populus x canescens, blackthorn Prunus spinosa, cherry Prunus avium, bramble Rubus fruticosus agg., sycamore Acer pseudoplatanus, hazel Corylus avellana, hornbeam Carpinus betulus and dogwood Cornus sanguinea.

Ground flora species include hogweed Heracleum spondylium, bristly ox-tongue Helminthotheca echioides, creeping cinquefoil Potentilla reptans and nettle Urtica dioica.

J2.3.1 Species-poor hedge, intact

Some of the northern hedge sections comprise this habitat. Species present include hawthorn Crataegus mongyna, blackthorn Prunus spinosa and bramble Rubus fruticosus agg. Ground flora species include creeping

thistle Cirsium arvense, nettle Urtica dioica, and bracken Pteridium aquilinum.

J2.4 Fence

Fencing is present along all of the site boundaries.

1027

Page 40: Appendix 1.9 Magham Down - Wealden District · LWS Adjacent N ancient and/or semi-natural woodland containing ancient earthworks and have had a long history of varying use and management

788/3110 Land to the West of Old Road, Magham Down

Protected species

The site is known to support, or considered to have potential to support the following protected species and

features:

Species/Features Present/potentially present

(suitable habitats onsite)

Veteran trees There are no veteran trees on site.

Notable site habitats The site features species rich hedgerow. If this habitat is likely to be impacted by development proposals then habitat surveys would be advisable.

Rare and scarce plants The presence of uncommon plant species is considered unlikely.

Rare and scarce invertebrates The site is considered unlikely to support rare or scarce invertebrates.

Amphibians including great crested newts

No records of amphibians exist within 500m of the site.

Some site habitats (hedgerows and grassland) are suitable for this group and there are a number of ponds in the local area. The presence of amphibians, including great crested newt cannot be ruled out.

Reptiles

No records of reptile were returned with the data search.

The following habitats are suitable for this species group (hedgerow) and presence on site is likely.

Breeding/Wintering birds

The hedgerow habitats are likely to support nesting birds.

The site is not considered likely to support significant populations of wintering birds

Dormouse No records of dormouse were returned with the data search.

The hedgerow habitats have potential to support dormouse.

Aquatic mammals including water vole and otter There are no habitats on site suitable for these species.

Terrestrial mammals including badger No badger setts or other signs were noted during the Phase I survey. However, the habitats in the local area are very suitable for this species and foraging use cannot be ruled out.

Bats (roosting potential)

None of the site trees are of sufficient size, or age, or have structural features which are suitable for bats. However, detailed bat inspections have not been undertaken and presence cannot be ruled out.

1028

Page 41: Appendix 1.9 Magham Down - Wealden District · LWS Adjacent N ancient and/or semi-natural woodland containing ancient earthworks and have had a long history of varying use and management

788/3110 Land to the West of Old Road, Magham Down

Bats (foraging and commuting) The site is likely to offer bat foraging opportunity and may also be used by bats moving between wooded areas within the local landscape.

Indicative Ecological Appraisal

The table below summarises the likely or potential value of ecological receptors with a provisional assessment of the unmitigated impact of any development. This assessment is indicative until such time the recommended

further surveys can be undertaken. The precautionary principal has been adopted in arriving at this assessment.

Feature Level of

value Scale

Unmitigated

impact

Confidence

level

Mitigated

impact

Sites of European importance

Very High European Unknown

Sites of national importance High National Unknown

Sites of local importance Medium County Moderate Adverse

Probable Moderate Adverse

Habitats Lower Parish Minor Adverse Probable

Veteran trees N/A N/A

Plants N/A N/A

Invertebrates N/A N/A

Amphibians including great crested newts

Unknown Unknown

Reptiles Unknown Unknown

Breeding birds Unknown Unknown

Dormice Unknown Unknown

Aquatic mammals including water voles and otters

N/A N/A

Terrestrial mammals including badgers

Unknown Unknown

Bats Unknown Unknown

Recommendations for further survey

Detailed development proposals must be informed by an updated Phase 1 Habitat Survey and species surveys as set out below to identify the likely mitigation requirement in respect of these habitats and species and ensure

that potential impacts are identified and appropriate mitigation developed.

Recommended further survey

Survey type Season for survey Survey required?

Phase III NVC habitat survey May to September X

Hedgerow survey May to October ✓

Rare plant survey April to September (depending upon species) X

Invertebrate survey April to September (depending upon species) X

Great crested newt survey March to June ✓

Reptile survey April to June and September to October ✓

Breeding bird survey April to June ✓

Wintering bird survey December to February X

Dormouse survey April to November ✓

Badger survey Year round (Spring/Autumn are optimal) ✓

Water vole survey April to October X

1029

Page 42: Appendix 1.9 Magham Down - Wealden District · LWS Adjacent N ancient and/or semi-natural woodland containing ancient earthworks and have had a long history of varying use and management

788/3110 Land to the West of Old Road, Magham Down

Otter survey Year round (Spring is optimal) X

Bat inspection survey (trees) Year round (Winter is optimal) ✓

Bat inspection survey (buildings) Year round X

Bat activity survey April to October ✓

Bat emergence/re-entry survey May to August NK

Impact avoidance

Should development at this site proceed, consideration should be given to the following impact avoidance measures:

• All site boundary features should be protected in the built scheme.

• All mature trees should be retained in-situ.

Outline mitigation

Should development at this site proceed, generic (standard) mitigation for impacts upon habitats and species

is set out below. Further detailed or species-specific mitigation may be required dependent upon the outcome

of the recommended protected habitat or species surveys.

• Ensure a minimum 10m working offset from retained habitats.

• To mitigate for loss of woody vegetation, semi-natural planting should include berry bearing native trees

and shrubs to enhance food availability for wildlife. The proposed planting should be structurally diversewith tree, shrub and ground layers with areas of dense scrub as well as more open areas.

• Ornamental planting should constitute at least 50% by area of native species or species of known value

to wildlife, such as fruiting/berrying species and species known to provide a good nectar source. Allornamental planting should be structurally diverse with tree, shrub and ground layers with areas of

dense planting as well as more open areas.

• Vegetation removal required for the construction phase should take place outside of the breeding bird

season to prevent disturbance to birds nesting on site within retained hedgerows and trees. Harm toactive birds’ nests during site clearance would be avoided by this work taking place outside the bird

nesting season of March to July inclusive.• Herras or similar secure fencing should be deployed to ensure that retained habitats remain undisturbed

for the duration of the development.

• Retained habitats should not be illuminated either deliberately or via light spill. If external lighting, e.g.

security lighting, is required, it should be reduced to a minimum, and designed in accordance with

guidelines from the Bat Conservation Trust.• Trenches should be filled in prior to the end of the working day, or a plank left leaning up from the base

of the trench to the surface so animals falling in can exit the excavation.

• Pipework should be closed off at the end of each working day to avoid animals becoming trapped.

• Long term management of habitats should be detailed in a Landscape and Habitat Management Plan

(LHMP), including newly created as well as retained habitats to ensure the long-term viability of suchhabitats. Any LHMP should include remedial measures should regular monitoring record a decline in

habitat quality or quantity.

Potential enhancements

A number of enhancement measures could be employed in order to increase the value of the site to wildlife, including the following:

• Contribution to ‘B-Lines’ project through seeding with native wildflower seed mix and use of native

flowering trees and shrubs in planting scheme.• Creation of a new wildlife pond in a secluded corner of the site.

1030

Page 43: Appendix 1.9 Magham Down - Wealden District · LWS Adjacent N ancient and/or semi-natural woodland containing ancient earthworks and have had a long history of varying use and management

788/3110 Land to the West of Old Road, Magham Down

• The boundary vegetation should be strengthened by further planting, including berry bearing species to

provide for bird foraging, and native species to attract insects. A structurally diverse range of plants

should be used, including shrubs large enough to support nesting birds. • Creation of permanent wildflower grassland and native scrub habitat on the site boundaries and within

areas of public open space.

• In-site structural native tree and shrub planting to provide cross-site corridors and a foraging resource

for a variety of species. • Design site planting so as to link in to, or add to, surrounding habitat areas, e.g. woodland, hedgerow

etc.

• Supplementary planting in gaps in tree and hedgelines will improve connectivity with the surrounding

area. • Creation of wildlife habitat including grassland, woodland and scrub on land outside the development

site boundary.

• Enhancement of any proposed SUDs features using native wetland plants, and trees, shrubs etc.

• Implementation of good practice with regard to hedgerow maintenance, such as leaving one side of the

hedgerow uncut, and the cutting of one side of hedgerow on alternate years, will benefit hedgerow

species such as breeding birds, small mammals and bats. • Erect bat boxes (e.g. Schwegler) suitable for a range of bat species, on retained standard trees or

buildings in unlit parts of the site.

• Erect bird boxes (e.g. Schwegler) suitable for a range of bird species, on retained standard trees or

buildings in undisturbed parts of the site. • Creation of habitat piles, using woody arisings (brash) from site clearance. These should be stacked in

a quiet, sheltered corner of the site to form piles measuring approximately 1m x 1m x 1m.

• Retain logs from felled trees, and partly bury them in a quiet, sheltered corner of the site to provide

dead-wood beetle habitat e.g. for stag beetle.

Summary

Likelihood of ecological interest: protected habitats and or species

High Medium Low Negligible

1031

Page 44: Appendix 1.9 Magham Down - Wealden District · LWS Adjacent N ancient and/or semi-natural woodland containing ancient earthworks and have had a long history of varying use and management

I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I II I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I II I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I II I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I II I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I II I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I II I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I II I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I II I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I II I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I II I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I II I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I II I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I II I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I II I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I II I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I II I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I II I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I II I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I II I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I II I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I II I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I II I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I II I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I II I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I II I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I II I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I II I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I II I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I II I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I II I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I II I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I II I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I II I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I II I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I II I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I II I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I II I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I II I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I

VVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVV

VVVVVV

VVVVVV

VVVVVV

VVVVVV

VVVVVV

VVVVVV

VVVVVV

VVVVVV

VVVVVV

VVVVVV

VVVVVV

VVVVVV

VVVVVV

VV

!

!

!

!

265

4

4Reproduced from th e Ordnance Survey map with th e permission of th e controller of Her Majesty ’s Stationery Office. Licence number: AL 100002205. © CROWN COPYRIGHT.

L16418 Hailsham Area Action PlanMagham DownLand at West of Old Road

Figure 788/3110/E011:1000@A3

October 2016

Phase 1 Habitat Survey

Locations of features indicative only

1032

Page 45: Appendix 1.9 Magham Down - Wealden District · LWS Adjacent N ancient and/or semi-natural woodland containing ancient earthworks and have had a long history of varying use and management

793/3110 Orchard Cottage, Old Lane

Ecological Assessment

Site overview

This site is situated in a fairly remote rural area outside of the Magham Down settlement. It has direct access

to Old Road and borders pasture, arable land, woodland, and urban habitats.

The site itself comprises pasture, arable land, copses and a small woodland area, and small areas of scrub.

Two small buildings, associated with Orchard Cottage, also feature on site.

The site itself comprises an elongated parcel of land, partially vegetated with trees and shrubs and bordered

by a residential dwelling on the north side and by woodland or arable land. The surrounding land use is

farmland, village development and deciduous woodland.

The local soils are slightly acid, loamy and clayey with impeded drainage.

Ecological baseline: search radii from site boundary

Sites of European and national importance: 1km

Sites of local importance and protected and/or notable species: 500m

Ponds and waterbodies: 250m

Ecological baseline: designated sites

A number of designated sites have been recorded from within the search radius; refer to Figure 9.4

designated sites mapping for more details of locations.

Sites of European importance

None

Sites of national importance

None

Sites of local importance

Site

Distance

from site

(approx.)

Direction Key habitat/ features of interest

Ancient woodland 50m (nearest) NE

Several named Ancient Woodlands lie within the search area

Deciduous woodland (Priority Habitat)

25m (nearest) N Several areas of woodland lie within the search area

Traditional orchard (Priority Habitat)

25m (nearest) S A number of areas indicated as orchards areas of Priority Habitat lies within 500m of the site

Ecological baseline: protected species A number of protected species have been recorded from within the search radius; refer to Figure 9.5 protected

species mapping for more details of locations.

1033

Page 46: Appendix 1.9 Magham Down - Wealden District · LWS Adjacent N ancient and/or semi-natural woodland containing ancient earthworks and have had a long history of varying use and management

793/3110 Orchard Cottage, Old Lane

Records covered a broad range of species, including some of the following:

- Birds (hobby)

- Invertebrates (variable damselfly)

- Mammals (common pipistrelle, bat sp., long-eared sp.)

Ecological baseline: non-native species

No non-native species records were available for the site and no records were returned within 500m. The

presence of non-native species cannot however be discounted on this basis.

Setting and green infrastructure

The site lies in a rural landscape outside the small village of Magham Down and just over 1.5km east of the

urban area of Horsebridge. There is strong green infrastructure with internal and peripheral trees and shrubs

leading to semi-natural ancient and deciduous woodland. Surrounding land use is a mixture of pasture,

woodland, and rural village habitats.

The Puckeridge Stream forms part of the east boundary and a south flowing ditch runs along the remainder

of the east boundary.

Up to 7 ponds are thought to lie within 250m of the site.

Local wildlife corridors and green infrastructure connectivity are mapped at Figure 9.3A.

‘Blue’ infrastructure connectivity and ponds are mapped at Figure 9.3B.

Management and habitat condition

The larger grassed area of the site is mown or grazed meadow and one field corner is under arable

cultivation. The hedges and other habitats do not appear to be regularly managed.

Habitat Description

Figure 793/3110/E01 shows the results of the Phase I survey and the habitats present. Each of these is described below.

A1.1.1 Broadleaved semi-natural woodland

At the north west of the site, bordering the arable field to the west, a small woodland is present. Oak Quercus robur is dominant. Other tree species present include goat willow Salix caprea. The understorey is generally sparsely vegetated but nettle Urtica dioica has a patchily dominant presence. Other species include creeping

buttercup Ranunculus repens, Yorkshire fog Holcus lanatus, bittercress Cardamine sp., and great willowherb Epilobium hirsutum, which occurs at the margins.

A2.1 Dense/continuous scrub

To the west of the site, at the along the east border of the arable field bramble Rubus fruticosus agg. is

dominant. Other species present include cherry Prunus spp., hogweed Heracleum sphondylium, nettle Urtica dioica, and great willowherb Epilobium hirsutum.

A2.2 Scattered scrub

Along the southern border of the improved field at the north of the site, scattered scrub includes elder Sambucus nigra, rose Rosa sp., hawthorn Crataegus monogyna, bramble Rubus fruticosus agg., nettle Urtica dioica, and hedge bindweed Calystegia sepium.

A3.1 Scattered broadleaved trees

1034

Page 47: Appendix 1.9 Magham Down - Wealden District · LWS Adjacent N ancient and/or semi-natural woodland containing ancient earthworks and have had a long history of varying use and management

793/3110 Orchard Cottage, Old Lane

A number of scattered trees are present within the site, generally along unhedged boundaries but also within

the amenity grassland garden area of Orchard Cottage, including a small apple Malus pumila, and cherry Prunus spp. orchard. Along the southern border of the improved field at the north of the site, a line of trees occurs

including horse chestnut Aesculus hippocastaneum, ash Fraxinus excelsior, and oak Quercus robur. Honeysuckle Lonicera periclymenum is also present. The east half of the site’s southern border, which runs

adjacent to Old Road features lime Tilia spp., sycamore Acer pseudoplatanus, and holly Ilex aquifolium.

B2.2 Semi-improved grassland

The site’s northern section includes this grassland community type. There is a diverse mix of grasses present,

though no particular species shows obvious dominance. Species include common bent Agrostis capillaris, creeping bent Agrostis stolonifera, meadow grass Poa sp., timothy Phleum pratense, sweet vernal grass

Anthoxanthum odoratum, and cock’s foot Dactylis glomerata. Associated forbs include common sorrel Rumex acetosa, broad-leaved dock Rumex obtusifolius, dandelion Taraxacum agg., lesser hawkbit Leontodon saxatile,

white clover Trifolium repens, and bracken Pteridium aquilinum, which occurs occasionally and only along the

eastern fenceline adjacent to the amenity grassland garden of Orchard Cottage. The field displays evidence of a medieval ridge and furrow system (observable on Google Maps), indicating that the site may also have some

historical value.

C3.1 Tall ruderal

At the southern corner of the northern improved field nettle Urtica dioica is dominant. Other species present

include wood dock Rumex sanguineum, bramble Rubus fruticosus agg., creeping buttercup Ranunculus repens, and Yorkshire fog Holcus lanatus.

G2 Running water

A small stream runs along the eastern boundary of the site. No aquatic species are present, perhaps due to

the stony substrate. Nevertheless, the banksides, which are occasionally strimmed, are densely, and diversely vegetated. Tufted hair grass Deschampsia cespitosa occurs patchily along the banks. Other species present

include pendulous sedge Carex pendula, false brome Brachypodium sylvaticum, cock’s foot Dactylis glomerata,

harts tongue Asplenium scolopendrium, ground elder Aegopodium podagraria, herb robert Geranium robertianum, nettle Urtica dioica, hedge woundwort Stachys sylvatica, common sorrel Rumex acetosa, red

campion Silene dioica, wood avens Geum urbanum, selfheal Prunella vulgaris, water mint Mentha aquatica, bush vetch Vicia cracca, water figwort Scrophularia auriculata, soft rush Juncus effusus, and St. John’s wort

Hypericum sp.

J1.1 Arable

A wheat field occurs at the very west of the site. The associated vegetation is notably impoverished.

J1.2 Amenity grassland

An area of amenity grassland is present at the east of the site, featuring as an extended garden section of

Orchard Cottage. Yorkshire fog Holcus lanatus dominates. Other grasses present include perennial ryegrass Lolium perenne, common bent Agrostis capillaris, and creeping bent Agrostis stolonifera. Associated forbs

include common sorrel Rumex acetosa, creeping buttercup Ranunculus repens, white clover Trifolium repens, selfheal Prunella vulgaris, and dandelion Taraxacum agg.

J2.1.1 Native species-rich hedge, intact

Along the site’s eastern border, adjacent to the watercourse, the hedge is dominated by hawthorn Crataegus monogyna. Other species include ash Fraxinus excelsior, dog rose Rosa canina, hazel Corylus avellana, sycamore Acer pseudoplatanus, and field maple Acer campestre. Hedgebase flora includes herb robert Geranium robertianum, creeping buttercup Ranunculus repens, false brome Brachypodium pinnatum, enchanter’s nightshade Circaea lutetiana, bramble Rubus fruticosus agg., ivy Hedera helix, and ground ivy

Glechoma hederacea. The western half of the site’s southern boundary, which runs adjacent to Old Road, is dominated by hawthorn, but also includes hazel, hornbeam Carpinus betulus, oak Quercus robur, goat willow

Salix caprea, crack willow Salix x fragilis, spindle Euonymus europaeus, honeysuckle Lonicera periclymenum

1035

Page 48: Appendix 1.9 Magham Down - Wealden District · LWS Adjacent N ancient and/or semi-natural woodland containing ancient earthworks and have had a long history of varying use and management

793/3110 Orchard Cottage, Old Lane

and ash. Hedgebase species present include ivy, bramble, primrose Primula vulgaris, bracken Pteridium aquilinum, nettle Urtica dioica, hogweed Heracleum spondylium, and black bryony Tamus communis.

J2.4 Fence

Barbed wire features as the sole fence type present within the site.

J2.6 Dry ditch

The stream which runs along the eastern boundary of the site continues along the southern boundary where it is more shaded, and has (temporarily) become a dry ditch. Species present include ivy Hedera helix, common

bent Agrostis capillaris, male fern Dryopteris filix-mas, and dog’s mercury Mercurialis perennis. A section of dry

ditch also runs along the southern border of the improved field located at the north of the site. Here species include water mint Mentha aquatica, nettle Urtica dioica, wood dock Rumex sanguineus, dog rose Rosa canina,

ground ivy Glechoma hederacea, bracken Pteridium aquilinum, as well as species listed under A2.2.

J3.6 Buildings

Two small buildings, associated with Orchard Cottage, occur within the amenity grassland garden area at the

east of the site. These include a garden-related storage shed and a small summer house.

Target Notes

1 Compost heap

Protected species

The site is known to support, or considered to have potential to support the following protected species and features:

Species/Features Present/potentially present

(suitable habitats onsite)

Veteran trees There are no veteran trees on site.

Notable site habitats

The site features species rich hedgerow and grassland.

If these habitats are likely to be impacted by development

proposals then habitat surveys would be advisable.

Rare and scarce plants

No records for rare and scarce plants were returned with the data search.

The presence of uncommon plant species in the grassland cannot be ruled out.

Rare and scarce invertebrates

One record of variable damselfly was returned with the data search.

The site is considered unlikely to support rare or scarce invertebrates.

Amphibians including great crested newts

Some site habitats are suitable for this group (hedgerow, woodland, grassland), and although there are few ponds in

close proximity to the site the presence of amphibians, including great crested newt cannot be ruled out.

1036

Page 49: Appendix 1.9 Magham Down - Wealden District · LWS Adjacent N ancient and/or semi-natural woodland containing ancient earthworks and have had a long history of varying use and management

793/3110 Orchard Cottage, Old Lane

Reptiles

No records of reptiles exist within 500m of the site.

The following habitats are suitable for this species group (hedgerow, woodland, grassland) and presence on site is likely.

Breeding/Wintering birds

The hedgerow and woodland habitats are likely to support nesting birds. Nesting birds may also use the site buildings where access to structures is possible.

The proximity to high quality bird nesting and foraging habitats including a large tract of woodland and pasture means that the presence of less common species cannot be completely ruled out.

The site is not considered likely to support significant populations of wintering birds

Dormouse

There are no records of dormouse within 500m of the site.

The woodland and hedgerow habitats have potential to support dormouse.

Aquatic mammals including water vole and otter The watercourse may have some potential to support water vole and the presence of otter cannot be entirely ruled out.

Terrestrial mammals including badger No badger setts or other signs were noted during the Phase I survey. However, the habitats in the local area are very suitable for this species and foraging use cannot be ruled out.

Bats (roosting potential)

None of the site trees are of sufficient size, or age, or have structural features which are suitable for bats. However, detailed bat inspections have not been undertaken and presence cannot be ruled out.

The buildings on site have potential to be used by a population of roosting bats. The local landscape features a number of habitats which are highly suited to bat foraging use and detailed bat inspections have not been undertaken and so the existence of an on-site roost cannot be ruled out.

Bats (foraging and commuting) The site is likely to offer bat foraging opportunity and may also be used by bats moving between wooded areas within the local landscape.

Indicative Ecological Appraisal

The table below summarises the likely or potential value of ecological receptors with a provisional assessment of the unmitigated impact of any development. This assessment is indicative until such time the

recommended further surveys can be undertaken. The precautionary principal has been adopted in arriving at this assessment.

Feature Level of value

Scale Unmitigated impact

Confidence level

Mitigated impact

Sites of European importance

N/A N/A

1037

Page 50: Appendix 1.9 Magham Down - Wealden District · LWS Adjacent N ancient and/or semi-natural woodland containing ancient earthworks and have had a long history of varying use and management

793/3110 Orchard Cottage, Old Lane

Sites of national importance N/A N/A

Sites of local importance Medium County Moderate Adverse

Probable Moderate Adverse

Habitats Lower Parish Moderate Adverse

Probable

Veteran trees N/A N/A

Plants Unknown Unknown

Invertebrates N/A N/A

Amphibians including great crested newts

Unknown Unknown

Reptiles Unknown Unknown

Breeding birds Unknown Unknown

Dormice Unknown Unknown

Aquatic mammals including water voles and otters

Unknown Unknown

Terrestrial mammals including badgers

Unknown Unknown

Bats Unknown Unknown

Recommendations for further survey

Detailed development proposals must be informed by an updated Phase 1 Habitat Survey and species

surveys as set out below to identify the likely mitigation requirement in respect of these habitats and species

and ensure that potential impacts are identified and appropriate mitigation developed.

Recommended further survey

Survey type Season for survey Survey required?

Phase III NVC habitat survey May to September ✓

Hedgerow survey May to October ✓

Rare plant survey April to September (depending upon species) ✓

Invertebrate survey April to September (depending upon species) X

Great crested newt survey March to June ✓

Reptile survey April to June and September to October ✓

Breeding bird survey April to June ✓

Wintering bird survey December to February X

Dormouse survey April to November ✓

Badger survey Year round (Spring/Autumn are optimal) ✓

Water vole survey April to October ✓

Otter survey Year round (Spring is optimal) ✓

Bat inspection survey (trees) Year round (Winter is optimal) ✓

Bat inspection survey (buildings) Year round ✓

Bat activity survey April to October ✓

Bat emergence/re-entry survey May to August NK

Impact avoidance

Should development at this site proceed, consideration should be given to the following impact avoidance

measures:

• All site boundary features including hedgerows and the watercourse should be protected in the built

scheme.

1038

Page 51: Appendix 1.9 Magham Down - Wealden District · LWS Adjacent N ancient and/or semi-natural woodland containing ancient earthworks and have had a long history of varying use and management

793/3110 Orchard Cottage, Old Lane

• All mature trees and woodland habitat should be retained in-situ.

• Retention of areas of scrub wherever possible throughout the site.

Outline mitigation

Should development at this site proceed, generic (standard) mitigation for impacts upon habitats and species

is set out below. Further detailed or species-specific mitigation may be required dependent upon the outcome of the recommended protected habitat or species surveys.

• Ensure a minimum 10m working offset from retained habitats.

• To mitigate for loss of woody vegetation, semi-natural planting should include berry bearing native

trees and shrubs to enhance food availability for wildlife. The proposed planting should be structurally

diverse with tree, shrub and ground layers with areas of dense scrub as well as more open areas.

• Ornamental planting should constitute at least 50% by area of native species or species of known

value to wildlife, such as fruiting/berrying species and species known to provide a good nectar source.All ornamental planting should be structurally diverse with tree, shrub and ground layers with areas of

dense planting as well as more open areas.• Vegetation removal required for the construction phase should take place outside of the breeding bird

season to prevent disturbance to birds nesting on site within retained hedgerows and trees. Harm to

active birds’ nests during site clearance would be avoided by this work taking place outside the birdnesting season of March to July inclusive.

• Herras or similar secure fencing should be deployed to ensure that retained habitats remain

undisturbed for the duration of the development.

• Retained habitats should not be illuminated either deliberately or via light spill. If external lighting, e.g.

security lighting, is required, it should be reduced to a minimum, and designed in accordance withguidelines from the Bat Conservation Trust.

• Trenches should be filled in prior to the end of the working day, or a plank left leaning up from the

base of the trench to the surface so animals falling in can exit the excavation.• Pipework should be closed off at the end of each working day to avoid animals becoming trapped.

• Long term management of habitats should be detailed in a Landscape and Habitat Management Plan

(LHMP), including newly created as well as retained habitats to ensure the long-term viability of such

habitats. Any LHMP should include remedial measures should regular monitoring record a decline in

habitat quality or quantity.

Potential enhancements

A number of enhancement measures could be employed in order to increase the value of the site to wildlife,

including the following:

• Contribution to ‘B-Lines’ project through seeding with native wildflower seed mix and use of native

flowering trees and shrubs in planting scheme.

• Creation of a new wildlife pond in a secluded corner of the site.

• The boundary vegetation should be strengthened by further planting, including berry bearing species

to provide for bird foraging, and native species to attract insects. A structurally diverse range of plantsshould be used, including shrubs large enough to support nesting birds.

• Creation of permanent wildflower grassland and native scrub habitat on the site boundaries and within

areas of public open space.

• Enhancements to the retained woodland habitat, including a woodland extension and thinning out

non-native deciduous tree species, and replacement planting with native species.• In-site structural native tree and shrub planting to provide cross-site corridors and a foraging resource

for a variety of species.

• Design site planting so as to link in to, or add to, surrounding habitat areas, for example woodland,

hedgerows etc.

1039

Page 52: Appendix 1.9 Magham Down - Wealden District · LWS Adjacent N ancient and/or semi-natural woodland containing ancient earthworks and have had a long history of varying use and management

793/3110 Orchard Cottage, Old Lane

• Supplementary planting in gaps in tree and hedgelines will improve connectivity with the surrounding

area.

• Creation of wildlife habitat including grassland, woodland and scrub on land outside the development

site boundary.• Enhancement of any proposed SUDs features using native wetland plants, and trees, shrubs etc.

• Implementation of good practice with regard to hedgerow maintenance, such as leaving one side of

the hedgerow uncut, and the cutting of one side of hedgerow on alternate years, will benefit

hedgerow species such as breeding birds, small mammals and bats.• Erect bat boxes (e.g. Schwegler) suitable for a range of bat species, on retained standard trees or

buildings in unlit parts of the site.

• Erect bird boxes (e.g. Schwegler) suitable for a range of bird species, on retained standard trees or

buildings in undisturbed parts of the site.• Creation of habitat piles, using woody arisings (brash) from site clearance. These should be stacked in

a quiet, sheltered corner of the site to form piles measuring approximately 1m x 1m x 1m.

• Retain logs from felled trees, and partly bury them in a quiet, sheltered corner of the site to provide

dead-wood beetle habitat e.g. for stag beetle.

Summary

Likelihood of ecological interest: protected habitats and or species

High Medium Low Negligible

1040

Page 53: Appendix 1.9 Magham Down - Wealden District · LWS Adjacent N ancient and/or semi-natural woodland containing ancient earthworks and have had a long history of varying use and management

I I I I I I I I I I I I I I II I I I I I I I I I I I I I II I I I I I I I I I I I I I II I I I I I I I I I I I I I II I I I I I I I I I I I I I II I I I I I I I I I I I I I II I I I I I I I I I I I I I II I I I I I I I I I I I I I II I I I I I I I I I I I I I II I I I I I I I I I I I I I II I I I I I I I I I I I I I II I I I I I I I I I I I I I I

I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I II I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I II I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I II I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I II I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I II I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I II I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I II I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I II I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I II I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I II I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I II I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I II I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I II I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I II I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I II I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I II I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I II I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I II I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I II I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I II I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I II I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I II I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I II I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I II I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I II I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I II I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I II I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I II I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I

A A A A A A A A A A A AA A A A A A A A A A A AA A A A A A A A A A A AA A A A A A A A A A A AA A A A A A A A A A A AA A A A A A A A A A A AA A A A A A A A A A A AA A A A A A A A A A A AA A A A A A A A A A A AA A A A A A A A A A A AA A A A A A A A A A A AA A A A A A A A A A A AA A A A A A A A A A A AA A A A A A A A A A A AA A A A A A A A A A A AA A A A A A A A A A A AA A A A A A A A A A A AA A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A

A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A AA A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A AA A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A AA A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A AA A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A AA A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A AA A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A AA A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A AA A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A AA A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A AA A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A AA A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A AA A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A AA A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A AA A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A AA A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A AA A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A AA A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A AA A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A AA A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A AA A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A AA A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A AA A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A AA A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A AA A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A AA A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A AA A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A

VVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVV

VVVVVVVVVV

VVVVVVVVVV

VVVVVVVVVV

VVVVVVVVVVVVV

VVVVVVVV

VVVVVVVV

VVVVVVVV

VVVVV

DDD D

DD

!!

!!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

Reproduced from the Ordnance Survey map with the permission of the controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office. Licence number: AL 100002205. © CROWN COPYRIGHT.

L16418 Hailsham Area Action PlanMagham DownOrchard Cottage

Figure 793/3110/E011:500@A3

October 2016

Phase 1 Habitat Survey

Locations of features indicative only

1

1041