Ecological Deliverability Report Land at J25, Taunton

Summerfield Developments (SW) Ltd March 2015

Report status Prepared by Authorised Date Draft (for review) Ross Bower BSc CEnv

MCIEEM Matt Jones BSc MSc

CEnv MCIEEM 24.3.2015

Environmental Assessment & Design Ltd 3 Colleton Crescent

Exeter EX2 4DG

Tel: 01392 260420 Fax: 01392 434603

Email: info@eadconsult.co.uk www.eadconsult.co.uk

Contents

1 Introduction 1 1.1 Introduction 1 1.2 Approach 1

2 Biodiversity baseline 3 2.1 Designated sites of nature conservation value 3 2.2 Habitats 4 2.3 Protected and Notable Species 7

3 Conclusion and recommendations 11 3.1 Potential ecological constraints 11 3.2 Recommended further survey, assessment and consultation 12

4 References 14

Figures

Figure 1: Site location Figure 2: Phase 1 Habitat plan, target notes and photographs Figure 3: Designated sites of nature conservation value

Appendices Appendix 1: Species legislation and conservation status Appendix 2: Plant species list

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1 Introduction

1.1 Introduction EAD was commissioned by Summerfield Developments (SW) Ltd to undertake an ecological deliverability study for a potential strategic employment site at land adjoining M5 Junction 25, Taunton, Somerset (approximate NGR ST256243; refer to Figure 1). The study is documented in this report and includes the following:

• Preliminary ecological baseline of the site; • Potential ecological constraints to the development of the site; • Assessment of the site in terms of suitability for development; and • Further ecological work necessary for a planning submission.

All work has been undertaken in accordance with the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management’s (CIEEM) Code of Practice.

1.2 Approach A preliminary understanding of the ecological baseline of the development site (hereafter referred to as ‘the site’) was derived through desk study and site survey.

1.2.1 Desk study Biodiversity information was requested for a study area of 3km radius around the centre of the site from Somerset Environmental Records Centre (SERC), extended to 5km radius for bat records. Information requested included the location and details of the following:

• Designated sites of nature conservation value (statutory and non-statutory; extended to 10km for European statutory designated sites using the Defra MAGIC website);

• Previous records of protected and/or notable species, including Species of Principal Importance for Conservation in England (‘Priority Species’) and Somerset Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) Priority Species.

Information was also obtained from the following websites:

• www.magic.gov.uk – Information on statutory protected sites up to 15km from the site;

• www.naturalengland.co.uk – Information on protected sites, Natural Area profiles and ‘Priority Habitats’; and

• www.nbn.org.uk – Protected species distribution.

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1.2.2 Site survey An Extended Phase 1 Habitat survey of the site was undertaken on 16 March 2015. The survey followed standard IEA Guidelines (1997) and JNCC methodology (2010) and involved a surveyor recording the habitats on the site and the presence/potential presence of protected and notable1 species. The results of the survey were detailed on a Phase 1 Habitat plan; refer to Figure 2. Target notes were used to identify specific features of ecological interest.

1 Notable species are those which hold a specific conservation status e.g. Priority Species, IUCN Red Data Species. Some notable species may also be legally protected; refer to Appendix 1.

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2 Biodiversity baseline

2.1 Designated sites of nature conservation value The site does not lie within or adjoining any statutory or non-statutory designated sites of nature conservation value; refer to Figure 3. Three internationally designated sites lie within 10km of the application site; Hestercombe House Special Area of Conservation (SAC), Quants SAC, Somerset Levels and Moors Special Protection Area (SPA) and Ramsar Site. Further details of these sites are presented in Table 2.

Table 2: Internationally designated sites within 10km of proposed application site

Site Name Distance and direction from site

Designated features

Hestercombe House SAC 4.3km N Lesser horseshoe bats

Somerset Levels and Moors SPA and Ramsar Site

4.3km E Wintering / passage bird populations: • Bewick’s swan • Golden plover • Shoveler • Teal • Wigeon • Lapwing

Quants SAC 8.5km SW Marsh fritillary

There are three Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) within 5km of the site; further details are provided in Table 3 and Figure 3.

Table 3: SSSIs within 5km of proposed application site

SSSI Name Distance and direction from site

Designated features

Hestercombe House 4.3km N Lesser horseshoe bats

Thurlbear Wood and Quarrylands

2.7km S Broadleaved woodland, calcareous grassland and scrub

Curry and Hay Moors 4.3km E Grazing marsh and ditches supporting important wintering and breeding bird populations, invertebrates and otter.

Eight non-statutory Local Wildlife Sites (LWS) occur within 3km of the site. Details of these sites are provided in Table 4 and Figure 3.

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Table 4: Local Wildlife Sites within 3km of the site

LWS Name Distance and direction from site

Designated features

River Tone and Tributaries

720m NE Biologically rich river and tributaries with a variety of associated habitats and legally protected species.

Stoke Wood 690m SE Ancient broadleaved semi-natural woodland, some recent broadleaved planting and areas of grassland.

Ten Acre Copse 2km SE Ancient broadleaved semi-natural woodland.

Broughton Brook 1.9km S Fast flowing stream with wooded banks, rare invertebrate record.

Knowl Wood 1.7km SE Ancient semi-natural broadleaved woodland

Blackbrook Pavilion 100m W Hedgerows with legally protected species.

Thorn Clump 2.5km E Semi-improved grassland and clump of trees with Somerset notable species.

Bridgwater and Taunton Canal

1.1km NE Aquatic habitat with notable plant species and water voles.

There are also two Local Nature Reserves within 3km of the centre of the site; Children’s Wood / Riverside Park, and South Taunton Streams; refer to Figure 3 for locations.

2.2 Habitats 2.2.1 Habitats within site boundary

The survey area covered an area of approximately 60ha and comprised agricultural land including arable, improved grassland and poor semi-improved grassland fields bounded by narrow strips of broadleaved woodland, hedgerows, fences and ditches. Watercourses and several ponds were also present, and a complex of farm buildings was located in the north of the site. Detailed habitat descriptions are provided below, which should be read in conjunction with the habitat map, target notes [TNs] and accompanying photographs; refer to Figure 2. A list of plant species recorded during the survey, including scientific names, is provided in Appendix 2.

Arable Arable fields were present throughout the site. At the time of survey, several of these fields had been recently ploughed and the rest contained brassica crops. Field margins measured 1m-3m and comprised coarse grasses and ruderal species.

Buildings and hardstanding A complex of agricultural buildings was present in the north of the site. This comprised several chicken sheds and associated outbuildings, which were mainly of timber/ concrete construction with corrugated roofs.

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Broadleaved trees Occasional mature and semi-mature broadleaved trees were present within hedgerows and along field boundaries within the site. Species included oak, ash and sycamore [e.g. TN29].

Coniferous trees A line of semi-mature cypress trees was present in the south-west of the site [TN7].

Ditches Ditches occurred along several of the field margins [e.g. TN29]; most were dry or contained shallow water at the time of the survey. Associated species included hemlock water-dropwort, fool’s watercress and floating sweet-grass. Ditches are a Priority Habitat under the Somerset BAP.

Hedgerows Hedgerows occurred along most of the field boundaries within the site. These were predominantly between 1.5m and 3m tall and were a mix of unmanaged hedgerows and hedgerows subject to regular agricultural management (i.e. annual flailing). Mature hedgerow trees, mainly pedunculate oak, ash and willow, occurred along several of the hedgerows. Shrub species included hawthorn, blackthorn, willow, field maple, elm, hazel, holly, dog-rose and elder. The ground-flora was generally species-poor and included upright hedge-parsley, lords-and-ladies, dog’s-mercury, harts-tongue fern, soft shield-fern, ground-ivy and ivy.

Hedgerows have potential to qualify as ‘important’ under the ecological criteria of the Hedgerow Regulations 1997 (as amended). All hedgerows are Priority Habitats and Somerset BAP Priority Habitats. Hedgerow trees are also a Priority Habitat under the Somerset BAP.

Improved grassland Improved grassland occurred in several fields in the east of the site and comprised cattle grazed pasture. It was species-poor and dominated by common agricultural species including perennial rye-grass, red fescue, Yorkshire fog, white clover and creeping buttercup.

Plantation broadleaved woodland A block of immature plantation woodland was present along the northern boundary of the site. This was recently planted (<5 years) over poor semi-improved grassland. Tree and shrub species include oak, hawthorn, hazel, rose species, ash, elder and blackthorn.

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Poor semi-improved grassland This habitat was present within several cattle grazed fields within the centre of the site and comprised the majority of margins around arable fields throughout the site. The grassland was species-poor and dominated by grasses such as Yorkshire fog, cock’s-foot, rough meadow grass, red fescue and false-oat grass. Other recorded species included creeping buttercup, broadleaved dock and dove’s-foot crane’s-bill.

Running water Streams up to approximately two metres in width occurred on both the western and eastern site boundaries, with a south to north flow direction. The substrate largely comprised of sediment or gravel and associated species included watercress, brooklime and floating sweet-grass. Streams are a Priority Habitat. Running water was also present in several shallow ditches within the site.

Scrub The western boundary of the site bordered the M5 motorway, and was buffered by a large bank of continuous dense bramble and willow-dominated scrub. An old green lane, which was overgrown with dense bramble and hawthorn scrub, was present in the east of the site. Smaller areas of dense scrub and scattered scrub were present throughout the site, with bramble scrub also frequent within hedgerows.

Semi-natural broadleaved woodland Several narrow belts of broadleaved woodland occurred along field margins within the site [e.g. TN10, 16 & 28]. The canopy comprised mature pedunculate oak, willow, field maple and ash. The scrub-layer included hawthorn, elder, blackthorn, wild privet and bramble. Ground flora included lords-and-ladies, ivy, ramsons and dog’s mercury. Woodland is a Priority Habitat as well as a Somerset and Taunton Deane BAP Habitat.

Standing water Eight ponds were recorded with the site [refer to TN12, 13, 15, 18, 21, 22, 28 & 30] and a further pond was recorded immediately adjacent to the northern site boundary [TN27]. Ponds within the site were shallow, had limited aquatic or marginal vegetation and were shaded by overhanging trees and shrubs. Standing water/ponds are Priority Habitats and a Somerset BAP habitat.

Tall ruderal This occurred in some field margins and was dominated by common nettle, with other species including hogweed, broadleaved dock and willowherb species.

2.2.2 Surrounding habitats The site was located on the south-eastern side of Taunton, adjoining Junction 25 of the M5 motorway. Areas to the north and west of the site were predominantly urban,

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comprising the motorway and areas of residential and commercial built development. A Park & Ride car park adjoined the site to the north. Areas to the south were predominantly agricultural, comprising pasture and arable bounded by hedgerows.

2.3 Protected and Notable Species2 2.3.1 Plants

Desk study Notable plant records from within the study area include the Nationally Scarce species Bithynian vetch, rye brome, sea clover, short-leaved water-starwort, slender tare, stinking hellebore and yellow vetchling and the Priority Species autumn lady’s-tresses, corn spurrey. Bluebell, cut-grass and early gentian, which are legally protected, have also been recorded, together with 96 County Notable species.

Site survey No notable plant species were recorded during the Extended Phase 1 survey, and their presence was considered unlikely. No legally controlled invasive/non-native species, such as Japanese knotweed, were recorded during the survey; the survey was, however, undertaken early in the growing season when such species may not have been evident.

2.3.2 Invertebrates Desk study A number of notable invertebrate species have been recorded within the study area including the Priority Species of butterfly brown hairstreak, dingy skipper, Duke of Burgundy, grizzled skipper, small heath, wall and white-letter hairstreak, and cinnabar moth, which is also a Priority Species. Mole cricket, which is a legally protected Priority Species, has also been recorded.

Site survey Hedgerow and pond/ditch habitats were suitable for a range of common / widespread invertebrate species. Blackthorn within hedgerows may provide suitable egg-laying habitat for the Priority Species brown hairstreak. The presence of other notable invertebrate species was considered unlikely.

2.3.3 Amphibians Desk study The desk study identified records of common toad, palmate newt and smooth newt. Common toad is a Priority Species, palmate and smooth newt are County Notable

2 The legislation and conservation status of the species listed is detailed in Appendix 1.

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species. There were no records of great crested newt within the study area; published data from the NBN website identified the closest record of this legally protected Priority Species approximately 3.5km to the north-west of the site.

Site survey Ponds within and adjoining the site provided suitable habitat for breeding amphibians, potentially including great crested newt. Hedgerows, woodland, scrub, grassland and field margins provided potential terrestrial habitat.

2.3.4 Reptiles Desk study Grass snake, slow-worm and common lizard have been recorded in the study area. All reptiles are legally protected, Priority Species and Somerset BAP species.

Site survey Hedgerows, woodland, ditches and associated margins provided suitable habitat for reptiles. The majority of arable and grassland habitat within the site provided sub-optimal habitat,

2.3.5 Birds Desk study A number of notable bird species have been recorded in the study area. The following ‘Schedule 1’ species, Priority Species and ‘Species of Conservation Concern’ (SoCC) (Eaton et al., 2009) records are considered relevant to the site:

• Barn owl (Schedule 1). • Barn swallow (Amber). • Cetti’s warbler (Schedule 1). • Bullfinch (Amber). • Kestrel (Amber). • Kingfisher (Amber, Schedule 1). • Nightingale (Amber). • Woodcock (Amber). • Common linnet (Red, Priority Species). • Green woodpecker (Amber). • Grey partridge (Red, Priority Species). • Dunnock (Amber). • House martin (Amber). • House sparrow (Red, Priority Species). • Marsh tit (Red, Priority Species). • Redwing (Red). • Reed bunting (Amber, Priority Species). • Sand martin (Amber).

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• Skylark (Red, Priority Species). • Song thrush (Red, Priority Species). • Spotted flycatcher (Red, Priority Species). • Stock dove (Amber).

All birds, their nests and young are legally protected; those listed on Schedule 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) receive additional protection against disturbance when nesting.

Site survey A number of bird species were recorded during the Extended Phase 1 survey. These included stock dove, redwing, song thrush and dunnock, which are SoCC and/or Priority Species. It was considered that hedgerows and woodland within the site provided suitable nesting habitat for a range of common/widespread species, including SoCC/Priority Species such as song thrush and dunnock. The presence of ground nesting species such as skylark was considered possible within arable fields. Areas of unmanaged grassland provided suitable hunting habitat for barn owls, although the majority of the site provided sub-optimal habitat this species; no likely nest sites were identified.

2.3.6 Bats Desk study At least 12 bat species have been recorded in the wider 5km study area comprising Bechstein’s, Brandt’s, brown long-eared, common pipistrelle, Daubenton’s, lesser horseshoe, Natterer’s, noctule, soprano pipistrelle, western barbastelle and whiskered bats. No roosts have been identified within or adjoining the site. All bats are legally protected and a number are Priority Species and Somerset BAP species.

Site survey A number of mature trees were identified during the Phase 1 survey that were likely to have high or moderate potential to support roosting bats (Category 1* or 1), when assessed in accordance with Bat Conservation Trust (BCT) guidance (Hundt, 2012). Buildings were considered to provide low potential to support roosting bats. Hedgerow, woodland, stream and ditch habitats were considered to provide suitable foraging/commuting habitats and corridors for a range of bat species. Grassland is likely to provide seasonal foraging habitat.

2.3.7 Badgers Desk study Badger is a legally protected species and has previously been recorded in the study area.

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Site survey A detailed survey for badgers was not undertaken during the Extended Phase 1 survey; however a number of mammal holes were identified within the site that were highly likely to be associated with badger. A number of mammal paths and crossing points were also recorded, together with dung pits.

2.3.8 Hazel dormouse Desk study There is a single record of hazel dormouse record from within the study area; this was located approximately 140m to the south west of the site boundary, along the M5 motorway verge. Hazel dormouse is legally protected and is a Priority Species and Somerset BAP species.

Site survey Hedgerows, scrub and woodland provided suitable habitat for this species.

2.3.9 Otter and water vole Desk study There are several water vole and otter records from within the study area. Both are legally protected species, Priority Species and Somerset BAP species.

Site survey Streams and some of the ditches provided suitable conditions for water vole and otter.

2.3.10 Other mammals Desk study Hedgehog, which is a Priority Species, has been recorded within the study area.

Site survey Hedgerows, woodland, grassland and scrub provided suitable habitat for hedgehog. Brown hare, a further Priority Species, could also be present in arable and grassland habitats.

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3 Conclusion and recommendations

3.1 Potential ecological constraints There are no overriding ecological constraints to the development of the site. Development could be undertaken in accordance with biodiversity policies within the National Planning Policy Framework and ecological elements of Policy CP8 of the Taunton Deane Borough Council Adopted Core Strategy (2012). Specifically, it is considered that development could deliver biodiversity gain for the site.

The Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA) of the Taunton Deane Site Allocations and Development Management Plan (Somerset County Council, 2014) identifies an Ecological Zone of Influence (EZI) for each European Site potentially affected by development within the Borough. The proposed development site lies outside of the EZI for all European Sites, and it is therefore that the proximity of Hestercombe House SAC, Quants SAC and Somerset Levels and Moors Special Protection Area (SPA) and Ramsar Site would not be a constraint to development at this location. Taunton Deane Borough Council should be able to ‘screen out’ the need for an Appropriate Assessment for the proposed development, in accordance with their role as ‘Competent Authority’ under the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010 (as amended). Impacts to other statutory and non-statutory sites are also considered highly unlikely. The site lies outside of the ‘SSSI Impact Risk Zone’ for Thurlbear Wood and Quarrylands SSSI.

The other ecological issues relate to the potential presence of ‘Important’ hedgerows, invasive plant species and the potential presence of the following protected and notable species:

• Brown hairstreak butterfly. • Great crested newt. • Reptiles such as slow-worm, common lizard and grass snake. • Breeding birds. • Bats. • Badger. • Hazel dormouse. • Water vole. • Otter.

Depending on the development proposals, further survey would be undertaken to determine the presence of some/all of these species to inform the development layout, planning application and any requirement for Natural England Development Licences; refer to Section 3.2. Potential adverse impacts on these species, should they occur,

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could be mitigated through careful design of the layout and/or species-related mitigation measures e.g. timing of vegetation removal; zoning and fencing of areas during construction; and translocation of species outside of the areas of development.

3.2 Recommended further surveys, assessment and consultation 3.2.1 Further surveys and assessment

Table 5 provides the scope and timing for further (Phase 2) ecological surveys that could be required (based on a start date of April).

Table 5: Timetable for recommended further surveys (based on a start date of March)

Survey Survey period

Hedgerow survey according to the Hedgerow Regulations 1997 (as amended)

Single survey visit during May or June.

Invasive plant survey Single visit between July and September.

Brown hairstreak survey Single survey visit between November and December. Only required if suitable habitat would be affected and not required if presence of species assumed.

Great crested newt survey Habitat Suitability Index (HSI) assessment of ponds within 250m of the application site, followed by an eDNA water survey in mid April. If presence confirmed, six survey visits of pond(s) in April-June using bottle/torchlight methods to produce population estimate.

Reptile survey Seven survey visits between April and June.

Breeding bird survey Three survey visits between April and June.

Hazel dormouse survey Nesting tube survey between April and September; search for feeding signs in September.

Badger survey (including 30m outside of the site boundary wherever possible)

Single survey visit in April.

Bat activity surveys and static bat detectors

Six monthly activity surveys between April and September, including deployment of static detectors for a minimum of three nights per month.

Bat roost surveys of trees and buildings

Inspection of trees and buildings in April to assess their suitability to support roosting bats. Further surveys may be required between May and September depending on the results of the inspections and development proposals.

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Survey Survey period

Otter and water vole survey Single survey visit in April.

The above survey information would provide a complete ecological baseline for the site, against which the ecological impacts of the proposed development could be assessed. This could be documented in an Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA) to support a planning application for the site, carried out according to CIEEM Guidelines (2006). Assuming commencement in March, surveys could be completed by September.

3.2.2 Consultation The proposed scope of the surveys and assessment would be agreed initially with Taunton Deane Borough Council and Natural England. Depending on the results of the surveys, further consultation would be undertaken with these parties to discuss any species-specific mitigation strategies.

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4 References

Department for Communities and Local Government, 2012. National Planning Policy Framework. DCLG, London.

CIEEM, 2006. Guidelines for ecological impact assessment, Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management.

Eaton MA, Brown AF, Noble DG, Musgrove AJ, Hearn R, Aebischer NJ, Gibbons DW, Evans A and Gregory RD (2009) Birds of Conservation Concern 3: the population status of birds in the United Kingdom, Channel Islands and the Isle of Man, British Birds 102, pp296–341.

English Nature, 1994. Species Conservation Handbook. JNCC.

English Nature, 2001. Great crested newt mitigation guidelines. English Nature.

Froglife, 1999. Reptile survey: an introduction to planning, conducting and interpreting surveys for snake and lizard conservation. Froglife Advice Sheet 10. Froglife.

Hundt L, 2012. Bat Surveys – Good Practice Guidelines. Bat Conservation Trust, London.

Institute of Environmental Assessment, 1995. Guidelines for baseline ecological assessment. Chapman and Hall (Spon).

JNCC, 2010. Handbook for Phase-1 Habitat Survey: a technique for environmental audit. JNCC, Peterborough.

Somerset County Council, 2014. Habitat Regulations Assessment of Taunton Deane Borough Council’s Site Allocations and Development Management Plan – Pre-submission.

Websites www.jncc.gov.uk (Joint Nature Conservation Committee)

www.magic.gov.uk (MAGIC)

www.naturalengland.org (Natural England)

www.nbn.org.uk (National Biodiversity Network)

www.rspb.org.uk (Royal Society for Protection of Birds)

Figure 1: Site location Plan

Figure 2: Phase 1 habitat plan, target notes and photographs

Target note number

Description

1 Mammal hole suitable for badger, hidden by ivy, some recent spoil. Potential badger outlier.

2 Species-rich hedgerow with adjoining dry ditch, with occasional small areas of standing water. Hedge <5m, with occasional trimmed sections. Blackthorn, elm, willow, elder, hazel, bramble; some semi-mature trees. Ground flora included lords and ladies, ramsons and common nettle.

3 Hedgerow similar to TN2 but with some semi-mature alder, field maple and ash, and a large mature crack willow with multiple broken limbs; Cat 1, other trees mainly Cat 2.

4 Arable sown with brassica crop. Access route along western boundary; 3-5m poor semi-improved grassland.

5 Badger sett in old spoil heap with at least seven active entrance holes, and potentially more entrances hidden within surrounding dense scrub.

6 Watercourse along western boundary, mainly hidden by scrub. C. 2m wide, 50cm deep with steep / vertical earth banks; moderately fast flowing in places. Some mammal holes visible in bank. Dense willow and bramble scrub along highway verge. Dormouse tubes present along boundary.

7 Cypress hedge <5m.

8 Rank, unmanaged poor semi-improved grassland, mainly flat but with steeply banked down to fenced southern boundary. Mainly coarse grasses (Yorkshire fog, cocksfoot etc.); herbs included creeping cinquefoil, cut-leaved crane’s-bill, hogweed, ground ivy and yarrow. Bramble scrub encroaching from boundary in places, together with occasional young blackthorn.

9 East boundary of field with mature willow (with mistletoe), Cat 2-1. Also bramble and willow scrub, and some buddleia. Shallow ditch along boundary, mainly bramble-covered, c.1m wide, 5cm deep with slow-flowing water.

10 Narrow belt of broadleaved woodland on a steep north-facing embankment. Mainly mature willow, with some ash and field maple, also elder and a small number of cypress along the southern boundary. Ground flora included lords and ladies, hartstongue, ivy, ramsons and bramble.

11 Probable outlier badger sett on woodland bank, some recent spoil.

12 Large dead crack willow with woodpecker holes, broken limbs and some ivy cover; Cat 1-1*. Small area of shallow (<5cm) standing water adjacent, likely to be ephemeral. No aquatic vegetation.

13 Pond, c. 3m wide, 20m long, 30-40cm deep, shaded by bramble and elder scrub. Large mature ash to SE. No aquatic vegetation.

14 Mammal holes visible in scrub; not inspected in detail but potentially suitable for badger.

15 Pond, 5-7m wide, 20+m long, 40-50cm deep. Shaded by mature oak and willow (Cat 2-1). No aquatic vegetation visible. Pollarded veteran oak on E bank; cat 1*.

16 Belt of broadleaved woodland with oak, ash, willow and blackthorn. Ground flora included lords-and-ladies, ivy, ramsons and dog’s mercury.

17 3+ mammal holes present in scrub, not inspected in detail but suitable for badger.

18 Pond, 4m x 8m, 30cm deep. Shaded by broadleaved trees. Pendulous sedge around margins, some fool’s watercress and hemlock water-dropwort in shallows.

19 Hedge with some mature / semi-mature trees including ash, willow and field maple. Some mammal holes visible.

20 Badger dung pit.

21 Ditch / pond, 2-3m wide, 30m long. Heavily shaded with no aquatic vegetation visible.

22 Pond, 10m x 3m, c. 20cm deep. No aquatic vegetation.

23 Hedgerow on low earth bank with mature oak at northern end and mature ash towards southern end, mainly Cat 2.

24 Row of poplar <30m. Some understorey planting of ash, holly, hazel and blackthorn.

25 Chicken sheds and associated agricultural buildings. Mainly timber / concrete construction with corrugated roofs. Unlikely to be of value to bats.

26 Immature plantation woodland planted over poor semi-improved grassland. Planted tree and shrub species include oak, hawthorn, hazel, rose species, ash, elder and blackthorn.

27 Large man-made pond with reed bed immediately outside of site boundary.

28 Pond within small area of woodland, approximately 4-5m wide, 12m long. Heavily shaded with no aquatic vegetation visible. Broadleaved woodland comprised oak, ash, willow, wild privet and blackthorn. Two mature willows immediately adjacent to pond were likely Category 1.

29 Wide pond/ditch along field boundary. Approximately 2-3m wide and 200m long. Approximately 50cm deep. Fools water-cress present.

30 Pond within flooded green lane. Approximately 3-4m wide and 5m long. Fools water-cress present.

31 Old green lane which has become filled with dense scrub. Wet ditch runs the length of the green lane.

32 Stream along site boundary. Approximately 1.5m wide and 0.5m deep, relatively fast flow, mud substrate, steep grass banks. Potential habitat for water vole.

Figure 3: Designated sites of nature conservation value within 2km

(information supplied by Somerset Environmental Records Centre, March 2015)

Reproduced under EAD Ordnance Survey Licence 100046104

Appendix 1: Species legislation and conservation status

Invertebrates A number of UK invertebrates are protected by international and national legislation, including the EC Habitats Directive (1992) and the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended). In addition, numerous species are Priority Species.

Plants All wild plants are protected against unauthorised removal or uprooting under Section 13 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended). Plants listed on Schedule 8 of the Act (e.g. stinking goosefoot, red helleborine, monkey orchid) are afforded additional protection against picking, uprooting, destruction and sale. Bluebell (Hyacinthoides non-scripta) is protected against sale only. Further species are also protected under the Conservation of Habitats and Species 2010 (as amended).

Notable plant species include those that are listed as:

• Nationally vulnerable – A taxon is Vulnerable when the best available evidence indicates that it meets any of the criteria A-E for Vulnerable, and is therefore considered to be facing a high risk of extinction in the wild (Cheffings C M & Farrell L (Eds) (2005) Species Status No. 7 – The Vascular Red Data List for Britain, JNCC (online)

• Nationally scarce – species recorded in 16-100 hectads in Great Britain • Nationally rare – species occurring in 15 or fewer hectads in Great Britain

Section 14 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) prohibits the planting of certain invasive plant species in the wild, or otherwise causing them to grow there. Prohibited plants are listed on Part 2 of Schedule 9 and include Japanese knotweed, Himalayan balsam and giant hogweed.

Amphibians There are seven native amphibian species present in Britain. These are afforded varying degrees of protection under national and European legislation. Great crested newts and their habitat are afforded full protection under UK and European legislation, including the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended), the Countryside and Rights of Way (CRoW) Act 2000 and the Conservation of Habitats and Species 2010 (as amended). Together, this legislation makes it illegal to:

• Deliberately capture, injure or kill a great crested newt. • Damage or destroy any place used for shelter or protection, including resting or breeding

places; or intentionally or recklessly obstruct access to such a place. • Deliberately, intentionally or recklessly disturb great crested newts.

Great crested newt and common toad are Priority Species.

Reptiles Slow-worm, viviparous/common lizard, adder and grass snake are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) against intentional killing and injuring. These species are also Priority Species.

Birds The bird breeding season generally lasts from March to early September for most species. All birds are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981) (as amended) and the Countryside & Rights of Way (CRoW) Act 2000. This legislation makes it illegal, both intentionally and recklessly, to:

• kill, injure or take any wild bird; • take, damage or destroy the nest of any wild bird while it is being built or in use; • take or destroy the eggs of any wild bird

Furthermore, birds listed on Schedule 1 of the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) are protected against intentional or reckless disturbance whilst nest building and when at or near a nest containing eggs or young. Dependent young of Schedule 1 species are also protected against disturbance.

In addition to this legal protection, the leading governmental and non-governmental conservation organisations in the UK have reviewed the population status of the birds regularly found here and produced a list of birds of conservation concern. Of the 246 species assessed, 52 were placed on the Red List of high conservation concern, 126 on the Amber List of medium conservation concern and 68 on the Green List of low conservation concern:

• Red list species are those that are Globally Threatened according to IUCN criteria; those whose population or range has declined rapidly in recent years; and those that have declined historically and not shown a substantial recent recovery.

• Amber list species are those with an unfavourable conservation status in Europe; those whose population or range has declined moderately in recent years; and those with internationally important or localised populations.

Badgers Badger (Meles meles) is a widespread and common species. However, they are legally protected under The Protection of Badgers Act 1992, due to animal welfare concerns. Under this legislation it is illegal to:

• Wilfully kill, injure, take, or cruelly ill-treat a badger, or attempt to do so

• Intentionally or recklessly interfere with a sett by disturbing badgers whilst they are occupying a sett, damaging or destroying a sett, or obstructing access to it.

A badger sett is defined in the legislation as “any structure or place, which displays signs indicating current use by a badger”.

Bats There are 18 species of bats found in the UK, 17 of which are known to breed here. The conservation status of these species is summarised in the table below:

Common name Scientific name IUCN Red List* UK Priority

Greater horseshoe Rhinolophus ferrumequinum LC Yes

Lesser horseshoe Rhinolophus hipposideros LC Yes

Daubenton’s Myotis daubentonii LC No

Brandt’s Myotis brandtii LC No

Whiskered Myotis mystacinus LC No

Natterer’s Myotis nattereri LC No

Bechstein’s Myotis bechsteinii NT Yes

Alcathoe bat Myotis alcathoe DD No

Greater mouse-eared Myotis myotis LC No

Common pipistrelle Pipistrellus pipistrellus LC No

Soprano pipistrelle Pipistrellus pygmaeus LC Yes

Nathusius’s pipistrelle Pipistrellus nathusii LC No

Serotine Eptesicus serotinus LC No

Noctule Nyctalus noctula LC Yes

Leisler’s Nyctalus leisleri LC No

Barbastelle Barbastellabarabastellus NT Yes

Brown long-eared Plectorus auritus LC Yes

Grey long-eared Plectorus austriacus LC No

*IUCN categories: LC Least Concern, NT Near Threatened, DD Data Deficient

All bat species are afforded full protection under UK and European legislation, including the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) and the Conservation of Habitats and Species 2010 (as amended). Together, this legislation makes it illegal to:

• Deliberately capture, injure or kill a bat. • Damage or destroy a bat roost; or intentionally or recklessly obstruct access to bat roosts. • Deliberately, intentionally or recklessly disturb, a bat, including in particular any disturbance which is likely:

• to impair their ability to survive, to breed or reproduce, or to rear or nurture their young, or

• in the case of animals of a hibernating or migratory species, to hibernate or migrate; or

• to affect significantly the local distribution or abundance of the species to which they belong.

A bat roost is defined in the legislation as “any structure or place which a bat uses for shelter or protection”. Roosts are protected whether or not bats are present at the time.

Otter Otters (Lutra lutra) are fully protected under UK and European legislation, including the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended), the Countryside and Rights of Way (CRoW) Act 2000 and the Conservation of Habitats and Species 2010 (as amended). Together, this legislation makes it illegal to:

• Deliberately capture, injure or kill an otter • Damage or destroy any structure or place used for shelter or protection by an otter; or

intentionally or recklessly obstruct access to such a place. • Deliberately, intentionally or recklessly disturb an otter whilst it is occupying a structure or

place which it uses for shelter or protection

Otter is listed as a Priority Species.

Water vole Water voles are afforded full protection under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended), which make it illegal to:

• Kill, injure or take a water vole. • intentionally or recklessly destroy, damage or obstruct access to any structure or place

that is used by a water vole for shelter or protection. • intentionally or recklessly disturb a water vole whilst it is in a place used for shelter or

protection.

Water vole is also a Priority Species.

Common/Hazel dormouse The common dormouse is fully protected under UK and European legislation, including the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended), the Countryside and Rights of Way (CRoW) Act 2000 and the Conservation of Habitats and Species 2010 (as amended). Together, this legislation makes it illegal to:

• Deliberately capture, injure or kill a dormouse. • Damage or destroy any structure or place used for shelter or protection by a dormouse; or

intentionally or recklessly obstruct access to such a place. • Deliberately, intentionally or recklessly disturb a dormouse whilst it is occupying a

structure or place which it uses for shelter or protection

The dormouse is a Priority Species.

Appendix 2: Plant species list

Scientific Name Common Name Trees Acer campestre Field maple Corylus avellana Hazel Crataegus monogyna Hawthorn Fraxinus excelsior Ash Ilex aquifolium Holly Populus sp. Poplar species Ligustrum vulgare Wild Privet Prunus spinosa Blackthorn Quercus robur Pedunculate oak Salix sp. Willow species Sambucus nigra Elder Ulmus sp. Elm species - Cypress species Shrubs Buddleja davidii Butterfly bush Rosa sp. Rose sp. Rubus fruticosus agg. Bramble/Blackberry Herbs Achillea millefolium Yarrow Apium nodiflorum Fool's-water-cress Arum maculatum Lords-and-Ladies Allium ursinum Ramsons Cirsium arvense Creeping thistle Cirsium vulgare Spear thistle Epilobium sp. Willowherb sp. Galium aparine Cleavers Geranium dissectum Cut-leaved Crane's-bill Hedera helix Ivy Geranium molle Dove's-foot Crane's-bill Glechoma hederacea Ground-ivy Heracleum sphondylium Hogweed Oenanthe crocata Hemlock water-dropwort Mercurialis perennis Dog's Mercury Picris echiodes Bristly ox-tongue Potentilla reptans Creeping cinquefoil Ranunculus repens Creeping buttercup Rumex crispus Curled dock Rumex obtusifolius Broad-leaved dock Urtica dioica Common nettle Torilis japonica Upright Hedge-parsley Viscum album Mistletoe Grasses, sedges and rushes Arrhenatherum elatius False oat-grass Carex pendula Pendulous sedge Dactylis glomerata Cock’s-foot Festuca rubra Red fescue

Scientific Name Common Name Holcus lanatus Yorkshire-fog Juncus effusus Soft rush Lolium perenne Perennial rye-grass Phragmites australis Common reed Typha latifolia Bulrush Poa trivialis Rough Meadow-grass Ferns and horsetails Phyllitis scolopendrium Hart's-tongue Polystichum setiferum Soft Shield-fern