bat method statement

Bat Method Statement At Newark Academy London Road New Balderton Newark NG24 3AL NGR: SK 81307 52538 For Kier Construction

Prepared for: Kier Construction Prepared by: Kathryn James Approved by: Toby Hart, Managing Director

UES reference: UES01348/02 Date: 5th September 2014

United Environmental Services Ltd 1 Booths Park Chelford Road Knutsford Cheshire WA16 8QZ Telephone 01565 757788 Mobile 07736 683151 [email protected] www.ues.org.uk

Data Protection

mailto:[email protected]

../../../../../../../../../../../Downloads/www.ues.org.uk

Newark Academy / Bat MS / September 2014 / UES01348/02 of 15

Contents 1 Introduction ........................................................................................................... 3 2 Works to be covered by a EPSL ........................................................................... 4

2.1 General.............................................................................................................. 4 2.2 Impacts without mitigation ................................................................................. 4

3 Mitigation proposals and bat protection procedures .......................................... 5

3.1 Timings .............................................................................................................. 5 3.2 Placement of interim bat boxes .......................................................................... 5 3.3 Toolbox talk prior to start on site ........................................................................ 5 3.4 Soft demolition techniques ................................................................................. 5 3.5 On-going advice ................................................................................................ 5

4 Bat compensation measures ................................................................................ 6

4.1 Compensation for loft dwelling bats ................................................................... 6 4.2 Compensation for crevice dwelling bats ............................................................. 6

5 Monitoring .............................................................................................................. 8 6 Long term and post development impacts .......................................................... 9 Appendices .................................................................................................................. 10

Appendix 1 – Site plan ............................................................................................... 10 Appendix 2 – Photographs ........................................................................................ 11 Appendix 3 – Impact avoidance measures ................................................................ 12 Appendix 4 – Location of bat boxes ........................................................................... 13 Appendix 5 – Landscape design for bats ................................................................... 14 Appendix 6 – External lighting ................................................................................... 15


1 Introduction

United Environmental Services Ltd (UES) were commissioned in 2013 to carry out an ecological assessment of the Newark Academy site. The applicant plans to demolish the buildings on site and replace them with a new school. The site footprint totals approximately 14ha and consists of a number of school buildings and hard-standing play areas and car parks. The buildings on the Newark Academy site provide roosting opportunities for crevice roosting bats, and the surrounding habitat and good connectivity with nearby features make it highly suitable for foraging and commuting bats. UES carried out a bat presence / absence survey of the Newark Academy site in August 2013 and 2014 (UES01348/01). 3 species of bat were recorded on site: Common pipistrelle Pipistrellus pipistrellus, Brown long-eared Plecotus auritus and Noctule Nyctalus noctula. Common pipistrelle bats were recorded roosting in the east building in both 2013 and 2014. 3 bats were recorded roosting in 2013, however this had reduced to 1 in 2014. In summary, Newark Academy is used by single or low numbers of Common pipistrelle bats. Bats present are likely to be males, non-breeding females or non-breeding juveniles. The building is unlikely to be a maternity roost. Due to the presence of roosting bats any works to the south and east buildings will need to be carried out under a European protected species licence issued by Natural England (see Appendix 1 – Site plan). Works to other areas of site can proceed unrestricted. This document sets out all the necessary procedures, timings and compensation measures to avoid impacts on bats during works on site and avoid any potential breaches of protected species legislation. The report should be read in conjunction with appendices 1 – 5.


2 Works to be covered by a EPSL

2.1 General The applicant plans to demolish the buildings on site and replace them with a new school. Due to the presence of roosting bats any works to the south and east buildings will need to be carried out under a European protected species licence issued by Natural England (see Appendix 1 – Site plan).

2.2 Impacts without mitigation

Without mitigation the development could have the following impacts on bats and their roosts in the building:

Killing or direct harm to bats

Disturbance

Entombment

Loss of day roost


3 Mitigation proposals and bat protection procedures

Bat protection procedures are designed to ensure that the construction personnel have a high level of understanding about bats and the legislation which protects them, and provide them with the necessary guidance and mechanism should any bats be discovered during the development process. The following points will form the structure of the method statement to safeguard any bats in the unlikely event that they are present.

3.1 Timings

The low population of bats affected and the proposed soft demolition techniques (3.4) negate the need for timing restrictions in relation to this development.

3.2 Placement of interim bat boxes

A Schwegler 2FN bat box (Appendix 4, bat box location 2 or 3) should be placed in a tree nearby prior to the start of works on site, as a precautionary measure, in case any bats are discovered during the demolition. The box should be sited at a height of between 3 and 6 metres in a suitable tree away from any potential disturbance, as specified by the onsite ecologist. The tree will remain in situ after the works have been completed on site.

3.3 Toolbox talk prior to start on site

A bat ecologist will deliver a toolbox talk to the contractors responsible for the demolition. The talk will cover bat ecology, bats and the law, and what to do if bats or field signs of bats are found during the works.

3.4 Soft demolition techniques Sensitive areas of the building, such as bargeboards and concrete wall panels are to be removed by hand. A suitably qualified bat ecologist will be on site to supervise the work. In the unlikely event that a bat is discovered during the work then it will be removed by the onsite ecologist and placed in the interim bat box as detailed in section 3.2 above.

3.5 On-going advice

United Environmental Services Ltd will remain on-call throughout the development in case any further advice is needed or bats are encountered.


4 Bat compensation measures

4.1 Compensation for loft dwelling bats

No loft dwelling bat species were recorded roosting on site, therefore no specific compensation measures are required in relation to loft dwelling bats.

4.2 Compensation for crevice dwelling bats 4.2.1 General

A maximum of 3 Common pipistrelle bats was recorded roosting in between concrete wall panels in 2013 and 2014. See Appendix 1 – Site plan and Appendix 2 – Photographs for location.

. 4.2.2 Created roosting opportunities

In addition to the compensation measures proposed in section 3.2 the following features will be installed throughout site. The target species likely to use these measures are Common pipistrelle Pipistrellus pipistrellus bats. Bats are fully protected under European Law and are part of the Local and National BAP. See Appendix 4 – Location of bat boxes.

2 x Schwegler 1FF bat box (location 1) Location 1 is a sturdy 3.75m high close board, south facing fence. 2 bat boxes are to be installed to the east of this fence above a covered cycle store. The bat boxes are to be positioned as high as possible. The Schwegler 1FF bat box is spacious enough for bats to use as a summer roost or nursery site and is open at the bottom, allowing droppings to fall out so it does not need cleaning. The 1FF is manufactured from long-lasting Woodcrete, which is a blend of wood, concrete and clay which will not rot, leak, crack or warp, and will last for at least 20 - 25 years, making it suitable for long-term mitigation projects. Woodcrete is breathable and maintains a stable temperature inside the box and the 1FF is painted black to absorb warmth. It also provides a good rough surface for bats to cling on to and climb. The inner dimensions of the 1FF have a reducing width making it ideal for bat species which inhabit crevices such as pipistrelle and noctule bats.

3 x Schwegler 2FN bat box (location 2 and 3) Location 2 and 3 are within tree lines which are known flight paths. The 2FN Bat Box has two entrances - one at the front and one at the rear against the tree. Bats often creep into the rear entrance but leave by the front. It has a domed roof to allow the bats to form roosting clusters for warmth, and an increased internal height compared to the Schwegler 2F bat box. The 2FN bat box should be sited in trees and is best positioned at a height of between 3 to 6 metres. Bat boxes should ideally be sited in open sunny positions.

http://www.nhbs.com/schwegler_2f_bat_box_general_purpose_tefno_158629.html


4.2.3 Landscaping

Tree lines to the east and south of site, where bats were recorded foraging, are to be retained. Landscape design should aim to improve movement across the site by providing hedgerows or other linear features. Species are to be native, of local provenance or have a proven benefit to biodiversity (see Appendix 5 – Landscape design for bats).

4.2.4 External lighting

When planning external lighting consideration should be given to the commuting and dispersal routes used by bats (see Appendix 1 – Site plan). External lighting should be directed away from the building, in particular the bat boxes (see 3.2 and 4.2.2), and away from the tree lines to the east and south of site. See Appendix 6 – External lighting for further details.


5 Monitoring

Due to the low population of bats affected no monitoring is proposed although UES reserve the right to do this on an ad hoc and voluntary basis.

A post development visit ensuring all the compensation measures have been implemented will be arranged.


6 Long term and post development impacts

There will be no fragmentation or isolation as a result of the proposed development. Under the current scheme no linear features will be lost or altered and habitat linkages will remain unchanged.

With the mitigation and compensation measures specified the impact on species locally should be low to negligible. There should be no long term impacts on bat species locally as a result of the development.


Appendices

Appendix 1 – Site plan

Newark Academy Bat presence / absence

survey

KEY

Bat roost 2013 Bat roost 2014 Bat flight path 2014

T1

T2

T3

T4

Newark Academy EPS licence plan

KEY

Works to this area are to be conducted under an EPSL for bats

Newark Academy / Bat MS / September 2014 / UES01348/02 Page 11 of 15

Appendix 2 – Photographs

Photograph 1. Car park and trees to the west of school.

Photograph 2. West aspect of west building.

Photograph 3. Southwest corner of south building.

Photograph 4. Prefabricated buildings to the southeast of site.

Photograph 5. South aspect of south building.

Photograph 6. Southeast corner of south building.

Photograph 7. East aspect of east building.

Photograph 8. Northeast corner of two storey section of east building.

Photograph 9. Boiler room to the northeast of the east building.

Photograph 10. North aspect of school.

Photograph 11. North aspect of school.

Photograph 12. Chimney tower to the northwest of school.

Photograph 13. Central courtyard.

Photograph 14. South courtyard.

Photograph 15. All-weather pitch and playing field to the west of site.

Photograph 16. Roost 1 location.


Photograph 20. Close up of Roost 4.


Appendix 3 – Impact avoidance measures

Habitat feature Likely development effect of contractor Control/mitigation measures for contractor Mitigation effect

Low Medium High Low Medium HighAll contractors involved in the construction works made aware of the

possibiltiy of bats being present and their responsibilities.Ensure contractors behave responsibly

X X

Soft demolition techniques are to be employed during the removal of bargeboards and concrete wall panels.

Ensure bats are not directly harmed

X X

Suitably qualified ecologist on site during stripping of sensitive areas Ensure that in the unlikely event of bats being found they are not injured

X X

Bat box set up in trees locally prior to start on site In the unlikely event of bats are discovered during the works they can be immediately re-housed close to the original site. The boxes will also act as additional interim roost space until the construction

works are complete. X X

Long term loss of bat roosting space

Bat roosting opportunities created in the new building Ensure bats have sufficient roosting opportunities available locally

X X

Landscaping Advice given to the planning team about retaining tree lines, and use of landscape design to encourage movement across site and

planting of species with a proven benefit to biodiversity.

To ensure flight paths and foraging opportunites are retained and enhanced on site. X X

Disturbance to bats caused by external lighting

Advice given to the planning team about any proposed external lighting.

To ensure flight paths and roost entrances are not affected by external lighting X X

Scale of potential impact without mitigation Scale of impact with mitigation

Disturbance, direct harm to bats during works

Building

Site in general


Appendix 4 – Location of bat boxes

1.2.7.1 Core Site Masterplan

CEM05_140414

Nottingham PSBP - The Newark AcademyLandscape Masterplan - Core Site 1:500

1:500 @A11:1000 @A3

KEY ITT Vol V Part A

ITT Vol V Part B

ITT Vol V Part C

Vehicular Entrance 1.2.3Existing one-way circulation retained

Pedestrian Routes 2.2.6 2.2.2

Pedestrian Priority Crossing 2.5.11/13 2.2.2

Bus Set-down/ Pick-Up 2.5.14 2.2.2/ 2.5.14

Entrance Boulevard

Parent Drop-O� (5 cars) 2.5.14 2.2.2

Sta� Parking (93 spaces) 2.5.11

Visitor Parking (10 spaces) 2.5.15

Accessible Parking (5 spaces) 1.5.5 2.5.15

Cycle Parking (300 spaces) 2.5.15 2.5.15inc. 80 covered spaces

Existing Mounding/ Trees Retained 1.2.1

Arrival Plaza 2.3/2.4.17

Secure Minibus Parking

Secure External Store (8m2)

Sprinkler Compound

Multi-Use Games Area 1.22 2.5.7 2.5.72 x Netball (Priority)

2 x Basketball

3 x Tennis

Existing Netball Courts Retained 2.5.4 2.5.6

Future Pitch Provision 2.5.8 2.5.4Youth U13/ U14 11 v11 82 x 50m

North Dining Terrace 2.5.5

Passive Hard Surfaced Space 2.5.4

South Dining Terrace 2.5.5

Allotment/ Food Tech Garden

Social Lawn

Existing Grass Amphitheatre

Future Pitch Provision 2.5.4Youth U15/ U16 11 v11 91 x 55m

Inner Courtyard

Service Route & Delivery Yard 2.2.2 2.4.17

Secure Bin Store

Screening/ Low Planting 2.11.1

Existing Habitat Retained 1.2.1

New hedge/shrubs as screening 2.11.1

Vehicular Exit

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Kathryn

Callout

Bat box location 1

Kathryn

Callout

Bat box location 2

Kathryn

Callout

Bat box location 1

Kathryn

Callout

Bat box location 2

Kathryn

Callout

Bat box location 3


Appendix 5 – Landscape design for bats

Taken from: Gunnell, K., Grant, G and Williams, C. 2012. Landscape and urban design for bats and biodiversity. Bat Conservation Trust

The following table is a suggested species list of plants that can provide benefit for bats either

by providing a food source for insects or roost potential. The plants listed are predominantly

native to Britain. The small group of non-native plants is included for their documented value

for wildlife. This list has been checked against Natural England’s list of invasive non-native

plants. Also see the non-native species secretariat (NNSS) website.

Taken from: Gunnell, K., Grant, G and Williams, C. 2012. Landscape and urban design for bats and biodiversity. Bat Conservation Trust

Type Benefit

HP – Herbaceous perennial C – Moth caterpillar food plant

Bi – Biennial S – Sap sucking insects (e.g Whiteflies)

BiP – Biennial perennial F – Flowers attract adult moths

T – Tree R – Good roost potential

S – Shrub

H – Herb

B – Bulb

C – Creeper / climber

A - Annual


Appendix 6 – External lighting

Taken from the Bat Conservation Trust

Lighting scheme in relation to bats The two most important features of street and security lighting with respect to bats are:

1. The UV component. Low or zero UV installations are preferred to reduce attraction of insects to lighting and therefore to reduce the attraction of foraging bats to these areas.

2. Restriction of the area illuminated. Lighting must be shielded to maintain dark areas, particularly above lighting installations, and in many cases, land adjacent to the areas illuminated. The aim is to maintain dark commuting corridors for foraging and commuting bats. Bats avoid well lit areas, and these create barriers for flying bats between roosting and feeding areas.

UV characteristics:

Low

Low pressure Sodium Lamps (SOX) emit a minimal UV component.

High pressure Sodium Lamps (SON) emit a small UV component.

White SON, though low in UV, emit more than regular SON.

High

Metal Halide lamps emit more UV than SON lamps, but less than Mercury lamps

Mercury lamps (MBF) emit a high UV component.

Tungsten Halogen, if unfiltered, emit a high UV component

Compact Fluorescent (CFL), if unfiltered, emit a high UV component.

Variable

Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) have a range of UV outputs. Variants are available with low or minimal UV output.

Glass glazing and UV filtering lenses are recommended to reduce UV output.

Street lighting

Low-pressure sodium or high-pressure sodium must be used instead of mercury or metal halide lamps. LEDs must be specified as low UV. Tungsten halogen and CFL sources must have appropriate UV filtering to reduce UV to low levels.

Lighting must be directed to where it is needed and light spillage avoided. Hoods must be used on each lamp to direct light and contain spillage. Light leakage into hedgerows and trees must be avoided.

If possible, the times during which the lighting is on overnight must be limited to provide some dark periods. If the light is fitted with a timer this must be adjusted to reduce the amount of 'lit time' and provide dark periods.

Security and domestic external lighting

The above recommendations concerning UV output and direction apply. In addition:

Lighting should illuminate only ground floor areas. Light should not leak upwards to illuminate first floor and higher levels.

Lamps of greater than 2000 lumens (150 W) must not be used.

Taken from the Bat Conservation Trust

Movement or similar sensors must be used. They must be carefully installed and aimed, to reduce the amount of time a light is on each night.

Light must illuminate only the immediate area required, by using as sharp a downward angle as possible. Light must not be directed at or close to bat roost access points or flight paths from the roost. A shield or hood can be used to control or restrict the area to be lit.

Wide angle illumination must be avoided as this will be more disturbing to foraging and commuting bats as well as people and other wildlife.

Lighting must not illuminate any bat bricks and boxes placed on buildings, trees or other nearby locations.

bat method statement

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