appendix e: ecology and arboriculture

SEGEN LTD LANCASTER UNIVERSITY WIND TURBINE PLANNING APPLICATION APPENDIX E

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Appendix E: Ecology and Arboriculture


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E.1 Bat Survey Coverage Map


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E.2 Phase 1 Habitat Map


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E.3 Fauna and Flora Recorded Within 1km radius of the Campus – Inventory 1


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E.4 Fauna and Flora Recorded Within 1km radius of the Campus – Inventory 2


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E.5 Arboriculture Impact Assessment

LANCASTER UNIVERSITY

Lancaster Wind Farm

ARBORICULTURAL IMPACT STUDY

UNDERTAKEN BY: IN ASSOCIATION WITH:

Roger Cartwright Andrew Lee N.C.H Landscape and Woodlands BOWLAND TREE SERVICES Woodwell Cottage 6 Ashford Close Lindeth Road LANCASTER Silverdale LA1 4QH CARNFORTH LA5 0TX

December 2009

Bowland Tree Services Arboricultural Impact Study

Carried out by LANDSCAPE AND WOODLANDS – 2nd & 21st December 2009

© 2006 Bowland Tree Services


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1. Introduction

• An Arboricultural Impact Study (AIS) is an assessment of the impact that development will have in relation to the trees on a specific site. Data has been collected on the woodland and significant trees on the site and recommendations

have been made on retention, removal, mitigation and future management in relation to the Wind Farm development.

• The recommendations have been made for both arboricultural and landscape reasons.

• Suggestions will be provided on suitable replanting and new planting options.

1.1 Site Location

Farm and woodland,

Between M6 Motorway and Hazel Rigg Lane,

Experimental Field Station – Environmental Science,

Lancaster University

LANCASTER

LA1 4YW

The site is a long hilltop ridge (approx. 23.5 hectares) of farmland, including three old estate woodlands, together with one field at the north end used as an experimental Field Station by the Environmental Science Department and a

meteorological field station. The ridge is well defined and slopes steeply from north to south. The woodland consists of two belts on either side of the ridge, together with a small hilltop copse on the Northern boundary of the site.

1.2 The Development

It is proposed to erect two wind turbines (each approximately 100 metres high), together with access roads and hard standing.

2.0 Woodland and Trees at Site

This survey is to provide more detailed information about the woodland and individual trees to assist with the planning application for the wind farm and for landscape design to mitigate the visual impact and compensate for any loss of

trees.

It is not an individual in-depth hazard evaluation of each individual tree. Trees to be retained may need closer inspection to specify a long-term management plan.

2.1 Description

• Motorway Wood - approx. 1.8 hectares


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This is a mixed woodland consisting mainly of well grown oak, Quercus petraea, ash, Fraxinus excelsior, wild cherry, Prunus avium and birch, Betula pendula, with occasional beech Fagus sylvatica and an understorey of holly, Ilex

aquifolium and hazel, Corylus avellana.

It has the appearance of an ancient semi-natural wood; with many mature, timber sized trees, aged over 100 – 150 years. It is shown on Yates map of 1786 and on all other maps up to the present with no change in area. There is a

historical environmental record HER (site no. 19) of a woodland boundary bank on the south boundary.

There appears to have been little recent active management of this wood.

• Beck Wood - approx. 2.2 hectares

This woodland is growing in a shallow wet ghyll along the course of the beck - It is semi-natural woodland, probably growing on an ancient woodland site. It is not clearly shown on Yates map of 1786 – although it is reasonable to assume

that there would have been a riverine belt of alder and ash, too small to be recorded on a map of this scale. This wood is shown (with the exception of the northern ponds and sluice) on both the Tithe Map of 1841 and the OS map of

1847. The full modern extent is first shown on the 1st edition OS, 25 inches to 1 mile map of 1895.

It consists mainly of sycamore, Acer pseudoplatanus, oak, Quercus petraea, birch, Betula pendula, ash, Fraxinus excelsior, alder, Alnus glutinosa, with occasional rowan, Sorbus aucuparia, wych elm, Ulmus glabra, willow, Salix species and

an understorey of holly, Ilex aquifolium. There is a boundary hedge of hawthorn and blackthorn, which is slightly suppressed and gappy.

The trees are mostly large pole sized coppice regrowth (aged about 50 - 70 years) growing on large old stools, aged over 100 – 150 years. The woodland is generally neglected, although there are signs of random thinning, with some

stacked piles of firewood-sized logs left in the north end of the wood.

• North Copse - approx. 0.3 hectares

This is a small wood, planted on a mound, around an old pond site (HER site no. 24) - in a prominent situation, possibly intended for shelter, as well as being a significant landscape feature. It is a mixed wood with a core of veteran oak,

Quercus petraea, beech Fagus sylvatica, sycamore, Acer pseudoplatanus, ash, Fraxinus excelsior, with Scots pine, Pinus sylvestris and birch, Betula pendula. There is an understorey of holly, Ilex aquifolium with hazel, Corylus avellana and

a boundary hedge of hawthorn.

We did not enter this wood, which is outside the development area and is being used for storage of farm equipment.

2.2 Schedules of Surveyed Trees

The attached schedule lists the data collected on significant individual trees.


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Key for Condition listed in the last column of the schedules:

A = Excellent

B = Good/fair

C = Low quality and value

R = Very Poor/Irreversible

DBH = Diameter at breast height

With the exception of tree no. 5 all of the field and hedgerow trees are significant veterans (or potential veterans) in good condition. Tree no.7 is a notable ancient tree that should be recorded as being of both aesthetic and historic

value. Even though it is on the boundary of the development site - special care should be taken to protect its setting when carrying out any work, such as landscape planting associated with the development.

3.0 Comments and Recommendations

The woodlands are all broadly in category A (although individual trees also occur in B to C) they are all in a good stable condition, with no serious problems. This hilltop ridge is extremely exposed to the prevailing southwest winds and is

about 5 miles from the sea. The woodland tree canopy is shaped by this exposure, exacerbated by salt laden wind. The tree growth on the higher ground is noticeably stunted – see description of trees nos. 3, 4 and 7 (schedule sheet no

2).

With the exception of trees nos. 1 and 2 the construction of the turbines should have no adverse effect on any of the field and hedgerow trees and neither Motorway Wood nor North Copse is directly affected by the proposed

turbine construction.

Turbine 1 appears to have very little impact on either trees or woodland.

The only possible loss appears to be tree no. 3 and up to 150m. of the associated hedgerow, which though unfortunate is not a significant landscape and tree loss in this area.

Turbine 2

The south end of Beck Wood and field trees nos. 1 and 2 are within the area of clearance (100m) around turbine 2.

From a tree conservation point of view it would be preferable for the position of turbine 2 to be moved slightly to the northwest. This would place it within the wind funnel along the ridge between the two woods where besides leaving

the woodland and field trees intact, it would possibly be less likely to be affected by any wind turbulence caused by the woodland.

We understand that the positions of the turbines are fixed and there is no onsite alternative for the second turbine. This is due to the considerable number of site constraints encountered (see constraints maps Appendix B Fig B4-B9).

The planning consultants have investigated the possibility of siting within the recommended set back zone of the M6 but the Highways Agency will not tolerate this under any circumstances.


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3.1 Tree and Woodland Removal

We consider that the clearance of this small area (approx. 0.36ha) of Beck Wood and 606m of hedgerow is not an insurmountable landscape and woodland conservation problem.

Similarly, Trees nos. 1 and 2 are both attractive veterans (category A trees) in reasonably good condition, which are significant in the local landscape. Although their removal will be a local landscape loss, this will have to be accepted

as an unfortunate part of the environmental cost of this development.

Regarding the clearance of the southern area of Beck Wood, the trees are mainly Sycamore and overgrown coppice in this area, see schedule of felling, sheet no. 3. Although there are good young ‘maiden’ oak and sycamore that could

- with thinning - allow the wood to remain in perpetuity and be managed as coppice with standards. This area of woodland can be replaced by a larger area of new planting that will in time provide considerably increased benefits.

The future woodland edge that we have marked follows the route of an old woodland access track (there is a metal wicket gate entrance) and is unlikely to be subject to significant wind damage. The selective thinning marked along this

boundary leaves the strongest specimens to remain as an irregular edge that should minimise future wind damage.

This clearance would be little different from a normal forest clear felling for timber or coppice production.

With appropriate care the felled woodland will regenerate naturally as coppice regrowth – but this may not be acceptable within the ‘sweep’ of the turbines as the regrowth will develop at up to 1m height growth per annum and in 10

to 15 years will be as tall as the existing wood . Subject to any engineering requirements for turbine blade clearance - If this area has to remain as open ground – inclusion of the cleared area within the field enclosure to allow grazing,

combined with regular scrub cutting as necessary, would be the most appropriate and cost effective future management.

3.2 Mitigation

It will be a matter of balancing the costs and benefits - Old trees are impossible to replace within our lifetime but only a relatively small part of the woodland and the beck is affected and this can be replaced and extended to provide

alternative practical and significant environmental gains. The ecological survey in chapter 5 of the ES has already identified this possibility.

3.3 Trees to be Retained and Requiring Work

Trees that are to be retained will require some work, for example tree surgery (where appropriate) to convert them into pollards or pruning to lift crowns to allow easier access and dead wooding – this refers to the exposed woodland

edge after clearance in Beck Wood.

3.4 Retained Trees: Not Requiring Work but Requiring Monitoring

This applies to the exposed woodland edge in Beck Wood.


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3.5 Access Facilitation Pruning

Careful planning will be required to ensure that there is no encroachment during construction, into the woodland areas - to facilitate access for large items, site cabins, large plant etc, also materials delivery vehicles will need

accommodating and trees along the access track may need protecting.

3.6 Root Pruning

Root severance and pruning by excavation etc. should ideally be avoided but in the event of roots being found past the exclusion zone (see 3.3) where excavation work must be carried out the roots must be pruned by hand using a sharp

blade.

4. Tree and Woodland Protection

Trees that are to be retained adjoining the construction areas must be protected during the development process.

4.1 Protective Fencing

The site requires the construction of protective fencing to protect the woodland boundary, retained individual trees, the beck and any special habitat (requiring protection) identified in the ecological survey. The fencing must be

constructed according to BS 5837 - 2005. The fence is constructed from scaffold tubes sunk into the ground at 3 m centers minimum 2.3 m high with weld mesh panels wired to uprights and horizontals. The finished fencing must be

sturdy enough to withstand impacts and include notices forbidding entry and storage of materials and machinery. This fencing must be in place and inspected by the engineer/planning department before any site activity is undertaken

other than authorised tree removal

4.2 Fencing Distances from Trees

The minimum distances that the fencing should be from the trees are recommended in BS 5837:2005. The fencing is shown on the accompanying Tree Protection Plan and the position of this fence is critical - it must be accurately

placed.

4.3 Exclusion Zone

The fencing marks a total exclusion zone into which no construction traffic may enter; this includes vehicles, workmen, and building materials. The fencing must be erected before any materials or machinery is brought on site. This

exclusion zone is to stop compaction of the soil around the trees and also to stop contamination by materials such as oil or petrol and physical damage to trees by plant. There must be no grade changes of the soil within the exclusion

zone. The exclusion zone must be strictly adhered to and must be enforced by the site manager/engineer.


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4.4 Site Storage and Facilities

All facilities and storage must be kept in the compound area as shown on the accompanying Tree Protection Plan. This includes toilets and site offices - care must be taken in planning drainage from offices, any toilet waste should be

removed from site. Tools should be washed in the compound and all materials must be stored within the compound. Any use of petrol or oil such as refueling vehicles must be confined to the compound. Any material that may

contaminate the soil (washings from vehicles concrete mixings etc) must be at least 10 meters from any tree bole that is to be retained.

4.5 Root Barriers

The need for root barriers should be assessed when the detailed design drawings have been finalized.

4.6 Hard Surfaces and Pathways

If the new development has roads, hard surfaces or pathways that have to be built close to the trees then the construction of these features must take into account the roots lying below. Any hard surfaces built over roots including

roads, paths and car parking must be built to be “root friendly“. This means that they must be permeable to allow air and water to pass through the surface to reach the roots.

4.7 Service Trenches and Drains

The site access route for new electricity cables (over or underground), drains and other services needs to avoid the protection zones for trees.

SEE NOTE IN 3.5 AND 4.3 ABOVE

5. New Planting

This development will involve the removal of up to three field and hedgerow trees and up to 0.36 hectares of woodland and 606 of hedgerow.

As compensation for these losses and to provide substantial landscape/environmental gains, suitable areas for new planting and natural colonization will be shown on the Habitat Mitigation Plan Appendix F section F7.

5.1 Ground Preparation

Ground preparation for new planting and woodland colonization on the ‘improved’ agricultural land on this site needs special consideration – deep ploughing and topsoil inversion is desirable, as described in 3.2 above.

5.2 Tree Species

Tree species suitable for the site include:

• Oak, Quercus petraea,

• Ash Fraxinus excelsior

• Alder, Alnus glutinosa

• Rowan, Sorbus aucuparia


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• birch Betula pendula

Other species such as: wild crab apple, yew and Scots pine could be also planted.

Shrub planting will also be needed as understorey within tree belts and as hedges and thickets.

This can include:

• hawthorn Crataegus monogyna

• blackthorn, Prunus spinosa

• holly Ilex aquifolium

• hazel Corylus avellana

These should all be local provenance trees planted in the planting session after construction is completed.

6. Post Construction Aftercare and Planting Method Statements

Thinning and Replanting Prescription

The management plan for the University Woodlands recommends the following that could also be applied to the woodlands on this site:

The old growth woods – generally light silvicultural thinning to favour veteran and ancient trees and good specimens of native species such as Oak, Ash, Wych elm, Holly and Yew. Good specimens of Beech, Sweet chestnut, Horse

chestnut, Lime, Scots pine, European larch and other conifers will also be retained and favoured - particularly where they are of aesthetic value and are (or have potential as) veteran trees.

These woods should be thinned at 10 to 15 year intervals, except where final spacing has been achieved and ‘continuous cover’ management can be practiced – a decision can then be made to harvest individual and small groups of

trees on a sustainable basis. Where possible gaps in these woods will be filled by natural regeneration – small fenced enclosures (deer and rabbit proof) are required to achieve this (Gengards may be adequate in some situations)

After the construction work is finished there are still some tree issues that will need attention to ensure that the retained trees continue to develop normally and to avoid future problems.

6.1 Inspection Schedule

The woodlands trees that have been retained should be inspected annually by a forestry/arboricultural professional to ensure that they do not fall into decline. The effects of construction work close to trees can take several years to

show up as stress in trees. With regular inspection the trees can be monitored and any problems dealt with quickly.

6.2 Method statement for planting whips and small pot grown plants

For whips or small pot grown plants to establish new woodland or hedgerows, ground clearance will be required to provide a little space for the plants to flourish. An area should be ‘screefed’ (cleared of ground vegetation) to provide

approximately a 50 cm circle of clear ground for planting.

Small feathered trees should be pit planted - whips can be slot planted.


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Using a spade form an L shaped slot and place the whip at the apex of the slot and ensure the plant is buried to the nursery mark and not above or below it the plant can then be firmed in by foot.

The planting area should then be mulched to a depth of 50 mm to suppress weed growth this area will need to be weeded twice a year for the first five years and the mulch toped up as required to help the plants establish.

6.3 Small pot grown plants

Holly tends to be pot grown and needs a spades length, width and depth pit digging and the sides and bottom of the pit forking over.

Then the depth adjusting to fit the plant the plant should then placed in the pit and back filled with soil and firmed in by foot the same amount of space and the same level of care about depth of planting, aftercare and

weeding/mulching etc will need to be undertaken as with the whips.

6.4 Watering

Although whips and small pot grown plants establish easer than standards any under story planting may suffer drought stress as they will have many plants around them competing for the available water and therefore will need to be

watering through the growing seasons late spring, summer and early autumn as necessary until they have established, one or two years should suffice.

6.5 Plant protection

All planting and coppice areas will need protecting by appropriate fencing against deer, hares and rabbits.

6.6 Planting timing

All planting work should be undertaken in the first planting season after construction is completed i.e. December to end of March.

As this will be a planning condition [if consent is granted] this planting work must be undertaken as and when instructed by the planning department.

7. Accompanying Plans

Tree and Woodland Survey

Site plan plotting woodland and trees described on schedule.

Proposed Mitigation

Site plan plotting trees and woodland to be retained - showing possible areas for replanting and new planting.

Tree and Woodland Protection Plan

To be prepared (if required) showing woodland and trees to be retained and removed (incorporating protective fencing plan.)


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Tree Survey Drawing


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E.6 North Lancashire Bat Group

E6 i. North Lancashire Bat Group Records


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E6. ii. Bat Activity Map


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E.7 Bird Activity Map


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E.8 Designated Important Bird Areas


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appendix e: ecology and arboriculture

Documents