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EXTENDED PHASE 1 HABITAT SURVEY

BOURNE MILL

ROMAN WAY, FARNHAM, SURREY

A Report to Genesis Housing Association

Middlemarch Environmental Ltd. Triumph House

Birmingham Road Allesley Coventry CV5 9AZ

Tel: 01676 525880 Fax: 01676 521400

E-Mail: [email protected] Web Site: www.middlemarch-environmental.com

Report Number: RT-MME-100773a Rev 1

December 2007

WBC PLANNING

Note

WA/2008/0845 06-MAY-2008

Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey: Bourne Mill, Farnham, Surrey RTMME-100773a Rev 1

Middlemarch Environmental Ltd.


BOURNE MILL ROMAN WAY, FARNHAM, SURREY

CONTROLLED COPY

01 OF 02

01 GENESIS HOUSING ASSOCIATION 02 MIDDLEMARCH ENVIRONMENTAL LTD

This report was compiled by Marie Davies, James Calow MSc, CEnv, MIEEM, AIEMA, AMIEnvSc,

Anna Dudley MSc, AIEEM and Dr Philip Fermor MIEEM CEnv

The contents of this report are the responsibility of Middlemarch Environmental Ltd. It should be noted, that whilst every effort is made to meet the client’s brief,

no site investigation can ensure complete assessment or prediction of the natural environment

Contract Number C100773a

December 2007



CONTENTS

1. INTRODUCTION................................................................................................4

1.1 BACKGROUND.................................................................................................4 1.2 SITE DESCRIPTION ..........................................................................................4

2. METHODOLOGY ..............................................................................................5

2.1 DESK STUDY...................................................................................................5 2.2 EXTENDED PHASE 1 HABITAT SURVEY...........................................................5

3. DESK STUDY RESULTS...................................................................................6

3.1 INTRODUCTION ...............................................................................................6 3.2 NATURE CONSERVATION SITES ......................................................................6 3.3 PROTECTED SPECIES ......................................................................................7

4. EXTENDED PHASE 1 HABITAT SURVEY .................................................11

4.1 INTRODUCTION .............................................................................................11 4.2 HABITATS .....................................................................................................11 4.3 FAUNA ..........................................................................................................17

5. DISCUSSION .....................................................................................................19

5.1 NATURE CONSERVATION SITES ....................................................................19 5.2 HABITATS .....................................................................................................19 5.3 PROTECTED SPECIES......................................................................................21

6. CONCLUSIONS ................................................................................................24

6.1 NATURE CONSERVATION SITES ....................................................................24 6.2 HABITATS .....................................................................................................24 6.3 PROTECTED SPECIES......................................................................................24

APPENDIX 1..............................................................................................................28

APPENDIX 2..............................................................................................................30

APPENDIX 3..............................................................................................................31



1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 BACKGROUND

In August 2007, Genesis Housing Association commissioned Middlemarch

Environmental Ltd to carry out an Extended Phase I Habitat Survey at Bourne Mill in

Farnham, Surrey. It is understood that the site is to be transformed into a mixed use

development.

To fulfil the above brief to assess the existing ecological interest of the site, a desk

study and an Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey were undertaken.

The Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey was performed on the 20th November 2007.

This report details and provides the following information:

• Desk Study

• Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey

1.2 SITE DESCRIPTION

The site is located in Farnham, Surrey, adjacent to the north-west side of Bourne Mill

Roundabout, which connects Guildford Road (A325) and Farnham By-Pass (A31).

The site is located at National Grid Reference SU 852 476.

The scope of the site survey was limited to ‘The Site A’ as detailed in a letter from

Churchill HUI (Ref: 4055-35 PRB/pb). This area is equivalent to ‘Site 1’ as indicated

on Format Milton Architects Drawing No. 5106 (AP) 00.02 C.

The site comprises of a parcel of land to the north of Bourne Mill. The land currently

contains broadleaf woodland, tall ruderal, running water and several ponds with some

connecting swamp / marginal vegetation, and an area of scrub. There are main roads

and a large roundabout to the north and east of the site, the Mill House building and

parking area to the south of the site, and residential houses/flats to the west of the site.

The total area of the site is approximately 10,000m².



2. METHODOLOGY

2.1 DESK STUDY

A desk study was undertaken to determine the nature conservation designations and

protected species that have been recorded within a 1 km radius of the site. This

involved consulting statutory and non-statutory organisations. Middlemarch

Environmental Ltd then assimilated and reviewed the desk study data provided by the

organisations.

The consultees for the Desk Study were:

• Multi-Agency Geographic Information for the Countryside (Magic Web site

for statutory conservation sites)

• Surrey Biological Records Centre

The data collected from these consultees is discussed in Section 3.

2.2 EXTENDED PHASE 1 HABITAT SURVEY

To fulfill the brief of undertaking an ecological assessment of the site, an Extended

Phase 1 Habitat Survey was conducted (JNCC, 1993). This is a standard technique for

classifying and mapping British habitats. The aim is to provide a record of habitats that

are likely to be ecologically important. During the Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey,

the presence, or potential presence, of protected species was also recorded.



3. DESK STUDY RESULTS

3.1 INTRODUCTION

From the details provided by the consultees, relevant ecological data has been

reviewed. The results from these investigations for the site are summarised below in

Sections 3.2 and 3.3. Data are provided in Appendix 2.

3.2 NATURE CONSERVATION SITES

There are no nature conservation sites with statutory protection within a 1 km radius

of the site.

There are three Sites of Nature Conservation Importance (SNCI), with non-statutory

designation within a 1km radius of the site:

(i) Snayleslynch- River Wey SNCI, which is centred on National Grid

Reference SU 855 473. This site is an area of 8.25 hectares, and its nearest

boundary is located approximately 0.2km south of the survey site. The site

is a wetland habitat, containing rare and notable species.

(ii) Farnham Park SNCI, which is centred on National Grid Reference SU 842

481. This site is an area of 128 hectares, and its nearest boundary is located

approximately 0.5km north-west of the survey site. The site contains an

exceptional population of notable amphibian species in its ponds, and is

also a high quality invertebrate site.

(iii) River Wey- North SNCI, Which is located at National Grid References SU

813 447 – SU 874 435. This river is 14km long, and at the nearest point it

is 0.4km south-east of the survey site. The site is of significant interest

because it contains a rich diversity of aquatic and marginal fauna.

There are also two sites within 1km radius of the survey site that have been identified

as potential Local Nature Reserves (LNR). These are Farnham Park (116 ha area,

centred on SU 841 479) and Weybourne Nature Area (2 ha area, centred on SU 854

485).



The desk study also identifies local Habitat Action Plans (HAPs), including a number

covering habitats found within the search area. These include; Woodland, Wetland

(incorporating rivers and streams, fen, marsh, swamp and linear reed bed), Standing

Open Water/Large Reedbeds, Farmland and Urban habitats.

3.3 PROTECTED SPECIES

The data search identified records of 12 protected species (excluding bird species)

within 1 km of the site. These species are listed in Table 3.1.



Scientific Name Common Name Number of records

Date of Most Recent Record

Approx. distance of nearest record

from site

Local BAP

UK BAP Protection

Anguis fragilis Slow-worm 1 1990 1000m WCA5 (killing, injuring & sale only), BC3

Arvicola terrestris Water vole 2 2002 710m WCA5

Bufo bufo Common toad 1 1990 1000m WCA5 (sale only), BC3

Capreolus capreolus Roe deer 5 2005 320m BC3

Erinacueus europaeus Hedgehog 3 1999 320m BC3

Lucanus cervus Stag beetle 3 1998 950m WCA5 (sale only), ECH, BC3

Lutra lutra Otter 1 2003 710m WCA5, ECH, BC2

Natrix natrix Grass snake 2 1994 1000m WCA5 (killing, injuring & sale only), BC3

Rana temporaria Common frog 3 1992 320m WCA5 (sale only), ECH, BC3

Ruscus aculeatus Butcher’s broom 1 1991 1000m ECH

Triturus cristatus Great crested newt 2 1998 710m WCA5, ECH, BC2

Triturus vulgaris Smooth newt 1 1998 1000m WCA5 (sale only), BC3 Notes BC2 Berne Convention Annex II BC3 Berne Convention Annex III

CITES: Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species Appendix 1 CROW: Countryside Rights of Way 2000 ECH: EC Habitats Directive

CNH: Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations 1994 Surrey BAP: Local Biodiversity Action Plan UK BAP: United Kingdom Biodiversity Action Plan WCA5 Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981; Schedule 5

Table 3.1 Records of Protected Species Recorded Within 1 km of the Site



The data search identified records of 35 bird species within 1km of the site, protected

under Appendix II of the Bern Convention, several of which are also red/amber listed

Birds of Conservation Concern. These species are listed in Table 3.2 below.

Kingfisher and redwing are additionally protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife &

countryside Act. Spotted flycatcher and reed bunting are UK BAP species.

Scientific Name Common Name No. of records

Conservation Concern

Accipiter nisus Sparrowhawk 1 Acrocephalus schoenobaenus Sedge warbler 1 Aegithalos caudatus Long-tailed tit 2 Alcedo atthis Kingfisher 3 Amber list Carduelis carduelis Goldfinch 2 Carduelis chloris Greenfinch 1 Certhia familiaris Treecreeper 1 Dendrocopos major Great spotted woodpecker 1 Dendrocopos minor Lesser spotted woodpecker 1 Red list Emberiza citrinella Yellowhammer 1 Red list Emberiza schoeniclus Reed bunting 1 Red list Erithacus rubecula Robin 3 Falco tinnunculus Kestrel 1 Hirundo rustica Swallow 1 Luscinia megarhynchos Nightingale 1 Motacilla alba yarrellii Pied wagtail 1 Motacilla cinerea Grey wagtail 1 Muscicapa striata Spotted Flycatcher 1 Red list Parus ater Coal tit 1 Parus caeruleus Blue tit 4 Parus major Great tit 3 Parus palustris Marsh tit 1 Red list Phylloscopus collybita Chiffchaff 1 Phylloscopus trochilus Willow warbler 2 Picus viridis Green woodpecker 3 Amber list Prunella modularis Dunnock 1 Regulus regulus Goldcrest 1 Amber list Saxicola torquata Stonechat 1 Sitta europea Nuthatch 1 Sylvia atricapilla Blackcap 2 Sylvia borin Garden warbler 1 Sylvia communis Whitethroat 1 Sylvia curruca Lesser whitethroat 1 Troglodytes troglodytes Wren 1 Turdus iliacus Redwing 1

Table 3.2 Records of bird species within 1km of site



The desk study also identified records of additional non-protected but notable/rare

species (a moss, several flowering plants and numerous invertebrates), and records of

additional non-protected but local species (several flowering plants, numerous

inverebrates and harvest mouse Micromys minutus), within 1 km of the site.

The absence of records should not be taken as confirmation that species are absent

from the search area.



4. EXTENDED PHASE 1 HABITAT SURVEY

4.1 INTRODUCTION

The Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey was undertaken on 20th November 2007. The

weather conditions during the survey are shown in Table 4.1.

Parameter Weather Temperature °C 08

Cloud % 100 Precipitation Showers

Wind (Beaufort Scale) F1 Table 4.1 Weather conditions during the survey

The results of the Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey are presented below. An annotated

Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey Drawing (Middlemarch Environmental Ltd Drawing

Number C100773-01) is attached in Appendix 2. This drawing illustrates the location

of all the habitat types recorded at the site.

4.2 HABITATS

The following habitat types were recorded within the public access areas of the survey

area (listed in alphabetical order not that of ecological significance):

• Bare Ground

• Broadleaved Woodland

• Dense Scrub

• Fence

• Poor Semi Improved Grassland

• Running Water

• Scattered Scrub

• Standing Water

• Swamp / Marginal Vegetation

• Tall Ruderal



These habitats are outlined below. Their ecological significance and the potential

impact of the works upon them are discussed in Section 5, Discussion.

Bare Ground

There is a gravel access point to the site. Species colonising the gravel access point

included ribwort plantain (Plantago lanceolata), yarrow (Achillea millefolium), hedge

mustard (Sisymbrium officinale) and creeping bent (Agrostis stolonifera).

Broadleaved woodland

Areas of broadleaved woodland occur predominantly in the northern and western part

of the site and also on the eastern site boundary. The woodland areas comprise

extensively of mature trees with lots of dead wood and associated fungi including

blushing bracket (Daedaleopsis confragosa), sulphur tuft (Hypholoma fasciculare)

and many zoned polypore (Trametes versicolor). There are also a number of mature

willows along the southern site boundary. Species found in these areas include

sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus), willow species (Salix spp.), alder (Alnus glutinosa),

ash (Fraxinus excelsior), and in the south eastern section of the woodland Italian alder

(Alnus cordata). The canopy of the woodland was relatively open. Some trees had

been felled at the northern end of the survey area adjacent to the road at the time of

the survey (Target Note 1). Occasional ivy (Hedera helix) was noted on the trees

although none of the ivy was dense (and thus obscuring any suitable bat features).

The understorey of the woodland shows signs of previous coppice management and

comprised of species such as hazel (Corylus avellana), hawthorn (Crataegus

monogyna), holly (Ilex aquifolium), rose (Rosa sp.) and guelder rose (Viburnum

opulus). The field layer of the woodland areas comprised of herb robert (Geranium

robertianum), ivy (Hedera helix), nettle (Urtica dioica), brome species (Bromus sp.),

with a number of ferns including common polypody (Polypodium vulgare) and

common male fern (Dryopteris filix-mas), mosses and lichens. Most of the

understorey areas were dry, apart from the south eastern section of the woodland

where a wetter understorey with reed mace (Typha latifolia) was noted.



The centre of the site was enclosed by a fence (see Middlemarch Environmental

Drawing No. C100773a-01) and was dominated by young, multistemmed common

alder (Alnus glutinosa) carr with occasional hazel (Corylus avellana) coppice (Target

Note 4).

The understorey of this section of the woodland was dominated by small pools

covered in duckweed (Lemna sp.) with sedges (Carex sp.), nettles (Urtica dioica),

Umbellifers (Apiaceae) with occasional reed mace Typha latifolia and tufted hair

grass (Deschampsia cespitosa).

Broadleaved woodland has potential for a range of species including dormouse

Muscardinus avellanarius, badger Meles meles and bats. There was no positive

indication of these species during the current surveys.

The mature trees also provide suitable habitat for nesting birds and roosting sites for

bats. However the mature trees occurring within the site did not appear to have

suitable features e.g. decaying limbs/holes for bat species.

A large wooden structure was noted adjacent to the western site boundary (Target

Note 3). This had no features suitable for use by roosting bats.

Dense Scrub

Large thickets of dense bramble (Rubus fruticosus agg.) scrub with occasional teasel

(Dipsacus fullonum) occur within along the northern and western peripheries. In

addition, a large area of willow scrub (Target Note 5). It was not possible to fully

survey this area due to the unstable nature of the substrate and so it is not known what

species comprised the understorey of this habitat.

This habitat is of moderate ecological value to breeding and feeding birds,

invertebrates and small mammals.



Fencing

There are a variety of fences across the site (see Middlemarch Environmental

Drawing No. C100773a-01). Some sections of the fence have bramble (Rubus

fruticosus) growing up them. The fence habitat has low ecological value.

Poor Semi-improved Grassland

This habitat was recorded along the road on the eastern periphery of the site and the

southern part of the central portion of the site and at the time of the survey was

unmown. Another area of grassland habitat was present in the southern part of the

site, although this could not be accessed for health and safety reasons.

Species present within the area adjacent to the road include brome (Bromus sp.)

Perennial rye grass (Lolium perenne), red fescue (Festuca rubra), and occasional

canary grass (Phalaris sp.) Melilot species (Melilotus sp.), hedge mustard

(Sisymbrium officinale), docks (Rumex sp). and cleavers (Galium aparine) are also

common within the sward. The grassland habitat provides feeding resources for birds

and refuge for herpetofauna.

Running Water

A shallow stream enters the survey area to the north (see Middlemarch Environmental

Drawing No. C100773a-01) and at the point of entry is very narrow (c. 0.2 m) with

lots of sedges (Carex sp.) in the channel. Banks are generally shallow (<45o) sloping,

and the stream bed comprising of silt and detritus. Some parts of the channel contain

fools water cress (Apium nodiflorum) but generally the stream is clear of vegetation

and clear flowing in this section. Further downstream the stream joins Pond 2. When

the stream flows out of the pond it is joined by a run-off channel from storm water

drains (Pond 1) which make the stream very turbid and much faster flowing.

Following this point the banks become much steeper (between 45o and 90o) with

occasional water starwort (Callitriche sp.). The running water provides valuable

habitat for aquatic mammals such as the water vole.



In addition to the stream a wet ditch starts in the centre of the site and flows past pond

3. This ditch could not be surveyed in detail due to health and safety reasons due to

the unstable nature of the substrate in this area (deep silt).

Scattered Scrub

The southern end of the site has occasional willow (Salix sp.) scrub. Also at the

northern end of the site was occasional elder (Sambucus nigra) and hawthorn

(Crataegus monogyna). This habitat is of moderate ecological value to breeding and

feeding birds, invertebrates and small mammals.

Standing Water

Six small ponds were recorded within the survey area (marked P1 to P6 on

Middlemarch Environmental Drawing No. C100773a-01). Pond 1 is a concrete lined

area of standing water where water enters the site from a drain under the adjacent

road. A small island is present within the centre, with sedge (Carex sp.) and fool’s

watercress (Apium nodiflorum) present (Target Note 6). The Pond is 2m x 2m. Pond

2 has been created by a meander in the stream that runs through the site and has a

flow going through it. The pond is approximately 6m x 6m, is heavily shaded and

contains water starwort (Callitriche sp.) and brooklime (Veronica beccabunga).

Pond 3 is located within the centre of the site and has a flow running through it. The

pond contains an island which is vegetated with trees. The pond is approximately 6 m

x 12 m and is totally shaded. Pond 4 is an area of standing water in the southern

portion of the site with abundant common reed (Phragmites australis). The area

surrounding the pond was very boggy and further investigation of this habitat was not

possible.

Pond 5 is irregular in shape and is the largest standing water body in the survey area.

Due to dense scrub coverage and the unstable nature of the substrate around the pond

an approximation of size could not be made.

The pond had areas of marginal vegetation including reed mace (Typha latifolia),

brooklime (Veronica beccabunga) and water starwort (Callitriche sp.). Pond 6 is a



small wet area, comprising of very shallow water, approximately 2m x 15m. The pond

has a fringe of reed mace (Typha latifolia) and it was completely shaded by mature

willows. The ponds provide valuable habitat for herpetofauna and also aquatic

mammals such as the water vole.

Swamp / Marginal Vegetation

This habitat was associated with the pond and running water areas within the site with

typical species including common reed (Phragmites australis), reed mace (Typha

latifolia), sedges (Carex spp). brooklime (Veronica beccabunga), and water starwort

(Callitriche sp.). These habitats provide nesting opportunities for water birds such as

swans and moorhens. They also act as wildlife corridors.



Tall Ruderal

An area of tall ruderal is located to both the west and east of the site (see

Middlemarch Environmental Drawing No. C100773a-01). The species found within

the western tall ruderal habitat include nettle (Urtica dioica), willowherb (Epilobium

sp.) and buddleia (Buddleia davidii). To the east the tall ruderal habitat contains nettle

(Urtica dioica), willowherb (Epilobium sp.) but also teasel (Dipsacus fullonum),

hogweed (Heracleum sphondylium) and occasional ground ivy (Glechoma

hederacea), red campion (Silene dioica) and bramble (Rubus fruticosus). The tall

ruderal habitat provides feeding resources for birds and refuge for herpetofauna.

4.3 FAUNA

During the survey a number of bird and mammal species were noted. The season/time

of year dictates the species liable to be present.

Birds

Bird species observed on site at the time of survey are shown in Table 4.2.

Scientific Name Common Name Alcedo atthis Kingfisher

Anas platyrhynchos Mallard Branta cauadensis Canada goose Columba palumbus Wood pigeon Erithacus rubecula Robin

Gallinula Chloropus Moorhen Garrulus glandarius Jay

Parus caeruleus Blue Tit Parus major Great Tit

Pica pica Magpie Prunella modularis Dunnock

Turdus merula Blackbird

Table 4.2: Bird species recorded on site

The bird species recorded are mainly common apart from the kingfisher which is a

Wildlife and Countryside Act Schedule 1 listed species and has RSPB Amber Status.



Mammals

A dead brown rat (Rattus norvegicus) was recorded at the time of the survey.

A mammal hole was noted at the northern end of the site (Target Note 2). This hole

was considered to be too small to be utilised by badger or fox. No evidence of badger

or fox was found within the entrance to this hole.

Several habitats within the site are potentially of particular value to a range of

protected species. However, it should be noted that Extended Phase 1 Habitat

Surveys are not specific to protected species and only provide an indication of suitable

habitat. The potential for other (protected) species to be present on site was also

assessed at the time of survey, and is discussed in Section 5.



5. DISCUSSION

This section discusses evidence drawn from the desk study and field survey, assesses

the ecological value of the site and identifies the potential ecological impacts of the

development at the site.


The desk study did not locate any nationally important conservation sites within 1 km

of the site. There are five non-statutory conservation sites within 1 km. There are

three Site of Nature Conservation Importance (SNCI), with non-statutory designation

within a 1km radius of the site; Snayleslynch- River Wey, Farnham Park and River

Wey- North. Weybourne Nature Area potential Local Nature Reserve (LNR) also

occurs within 1 km of the site. Due to the nature of the works, the hydrology of the

Snayleslynch – River Wey SNCI, Weybourne Nature Area and River Wey North

SNCI may be affected and the local authority should be consulted over the proposals

to ensure that any risks are minimised.

The proposed works are unlikely to impact upon the Farnham Park SNCI and

potential LNR.

5.2 HABITATS

This section provides a summary of the ecological value of the habitats recorded on

site in local and national context. Table 5.1 summarises the habitats recorded on site

in relation to Local and National BAPs.

Habitat Local BAP National BAP

Broadleaf Woodland Woodland Broadleaf, Mixed and Yew

Woodland Wet Woodland

Standing Water Open Water and Large Reedbeds Ponds Running Water Wetland Rivers and Streams Poor Semi Improved Grassland Urban Neutral Grassland Swamp & Marginal Vegetation Wetland Fen, Marsh and Swamp

Table 5.1: Habitats Recorded on Site & BAP Status Notes. Bold indicates a priority habitat, underlined indicates Broad Habitat



Table 5.2 summarises the overall ecological values of the habitats on this site. Overall

the habitats range from low to high ecological value. The values have taken the

following into consideration:

• Frequency of the habitat at Local and National level

• Spatial extent of the habitat at Local and National level

• Conservation designations of the habitats at Local and National level

• Species diversity within the site and habitat

• Presence of Local and National BAP species

• Presence of other notable species.

For example if the habitats are uncommon and/or small in spatial extent at a local

level it is likely to have a higher ecological value than a habitat that is common and

covers a greater spatial area within the local landscape. The habitat ecological value

also takes the range of species likely to be supported by the habitat and the ease at

which it can be recreated into account. For example poor semi-improved grassland

generally support a lower range of species than, for example broadleaf woodland, and

are also more readily recreated so therefore have lower ecological value.

Habitat Habitat value Local value National value

Bare Ground Low Low Low

Broadleaved Woodland High High High

Dense Scrub Moderate Moderate Low

Fence Low Low Low

Poor Semi Improved Grassland Moderate Moderate Moderate

Running Water High High High

Scattered Scrub Moderate Moderate Low

Standing Water High High High

Swamp / Marginal Vegetation High High High

Tall Ruderal Low Low Low

Table 5.2 Ecological Value of Habitats Identified Within the Site



Four of the habitats within the site (swamp and marginal vegetation, broadleaf

woodland, standing water and running water) could be considered as having high

ecological value both at a national level and at a local level as a result of these habitats

being identified within the UK and Surrey Biodiversity Action Plans (BAP). Wet

woodlands and ponds are both listed as Priority Habitats on the UK Biodiversity

Action Plan. Several of the habitats can be considered as having moderate ecological

value within the local context as a result of them generally being uncommon locally.

As individual examples, and within the context of the site, the habitats identified

cover the whole ecological value spectrum. These habitats occur at least occasionally

elsewhere within the local landscape (e.g. Snayleslynch – River Wey SNCI), but the

development of the site will have a detrimental impact to the habitat resource within

the local area. Appropriate planting and ecological enhancements within the

development will help to reduce this impact.


The desk study identified a number of protected species within 1 km of the site. The

field survey identified potential presence and/or suitable habitat of several protected

species. The species / groups are listed alphabetically and relevant legislation is

provided in Appendix 3.

Amphibians

The desk study identified records of several amphibian species within 1km of the site.

The most important of these is great crested newt (Triturus cristatus), as it is the only

fully protected species. There is potential for this species to occur in the ponds on site.

Badgers

It is not known whether badgers occur in the local area (as this information was

excluded from the desk study). Evidence of badgers was not noted during the site visit

(although some parts of the site could not be inspected due to being very overgrown

or the substrate being unstable), however there was some suitable habitat for badgers

on site.



Bats

The desk study did not identify records of bats in the area. The site provides little

roosting habitat for bats in the broadleaved woodland areas. However, the site does

provide optimal foraging habitat for the species. Any development on site including

additional lighting may affect how bats utilise this site.

Birds

The desk study identified records of numerous bird species within 1km of the site,

several of which are red/amber listed, UK BAP species or protected species under

Schedule 1 of the Wildlife & Countryside Act. Several bird species were observed

during the site visit, most significantly kingfisher (Alcedo atthis), which is both an

RSPB amber listed and Schedule 1 species. Other species which were not observed

may also use the site. The vegetation on the site provides suitable nesting habitat for a

variety of bird species. Nesting birds may therefore be disturbed as a result of

development, if carried out during the bird nesting season (this is weather dependant

but generally occurs between March-September inclusive).

Flora

The only protected species identified in the desk study, butcher’s broom (Ruscus

aculeatus), was not recorded during the survey visit.

Invertebrates

The desk study identified records of stag beetle (Lucanus cervus), and numerous other

notable/rare or locally important invertebrates, within 1 km of the site. Stag beetles

were not observed on site during the survey visit; however it is possible that this

species occurs on site because there is some suitable habitat in the broadleaved

woodland areas, where there is dead wood. Other notable invertebrates may also

occur in these parts of the site. Therefore invertebrates may be impacted upon if the

development involves works in the woodland areas.



Reptiles

The desk study identified records of slow-worm (Anguis fragilis) and grass snake

(Natrix natrix) within 1km radius of the site, although no reptiles were observed on

site during the survey visit. The site provides habitat where grass snakes and slow

worms could potentially occur.

Water Voles The desk study identified water voles within 1km of the site. There is potential for this

species to occur in the stream habitat on site.



6. CONCLUSIONS


There are no nature conservation sites with statutory protection within 1km

radius of the site.

There are three Sites of Nature Conservation Importance (SNCI) within 1km

of the site.

There are two potential Local Nature Reserves (LNR) within 1 km of the site.

Due to the nature of the works, the hydrology of the Snayleslynch – River

Wey SNCI and River Wey North SNCI may be affected and the local

authority should be consulted over the proposals to ensure that any risks are

minimised.

6.2 HABITATS

The habitats found on site are of generally high and moderate ecological

significance (including UK BAP priority habitats), with the most significant

features being the broadleaved trees and the ponds.


The potential for disturbance of protected species on the site is summarised below.

Protected species legislation is detailed in Appendix 3.

Development may impact upon potential great crested newt habitat.

Development is unlikely to impact upon badgers.

The development is unlikely to impact upon bat roosting habitat but will

impact upon bat foraging habitat.

Development may impact upon potential water vole habitat

If works are to involve vegetation removal or bank works in any parts of the

site development may disturb bird nesting habitat.

If works are to involve disturbance in the woodland area development may

impact upon stag beetle (and/or other notable invertebrate species).

Development is likely to impact upon reptiles.



7. RECOMMENDATIONS

To ensure that best ecological practice is met and that no offences occur under the

Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, the following recommendations are to be

considered:

A further survey should be carried out (at an appropriate time of year) to

determine the presence/absence of great crested newts in the ponds on site.

If any evidence of badgers is noted during development, then work must be

stopped and appropriate mitigation put in place.

The survey area contained no suitable features for roosting bats. However, it

provides suitable foraging habitat and a survey should be undertaken to

determine how bats utilise the site in line with the Bat Conservation Trust

Guidelines (2007) and the development should be designed to ensure that

connectivity is maintained with the surrounding habitats.


determine the presence/absence of water voles along the stream at the site.

It is recommended that a kingfisher survey be conducted to determine if this

and other Schedule 1 listed bird species under the Wildlife and Countryside

Act are utilising the site.

Any vegetation clearance works and works on stream banks should be

undertaken outside of the bird nesting season (this is weather dependant but

generally occurs between March to September inclusive). If this is not possible

then works should be supervised by a suitably qualified ecologist.



If works are to involve disturbance of the woodland areas a further survey

should be carried out to determine the presence/absence of stag beetles,

(and/or other notable invertebrate species).


determine the presence/absence of reptiles on site



REFERENCES

Bat Conservation Trust (2007) Bat Surveys – Good Practice Guidelines. Bat

Conservation Trust, London.

DEFRA (2005) Fourth Quinquennial Review of Schedules 5 and 8 of The Wildlife and

Countryside Act 1981. Department for Environmental, Food and Rural Affairs,

London.

Surrey Biological Record Centre (2007) Data search

JNCC, (1993). Handbook for Phase 1 Habitat Survey: A technique for environmental

audit (reprint). Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough.

Magic (2006). Site Check Report. www.magic.gov.uk

UK BAP website http://www.ukbap.org.uk/default.aspx



APPENDIX 1 Desk Study Data



Site Check Report Report generated on September 20 2007.

You clicked on the point: Grid Ref: SU852476

Full Grid Ref: 485200 , 147600

The following features have been found within 1,000 metres of your search point: Ancient Woodland (England)

There are no features within your search area.

Local Nature Reserves (England) There are no features within your search area.

National Nature Reserves (England)


Ramsar Sites (England) There are no features within your search area.

Special Protection Areas (England)


Special Areas of Conservation (England) There are no features within your search area.

Sites of Special Scientific Interest Units (England)


Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (England) There are no features within your search area.

Environmentally Sensitive Areas (England) There are no features within your search area.

Grassland Inventory (England)




APPENDIX 2

Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey Drawing Middlemarch Environmental Drawing No: C100773a-01



APPENDIX 3

Relevant Legislation



RELEVANT LEGISLATION

Below is a summary of legislation which covers species present or potentially present

on the site. The reader is referred to the original legislation for the definitive

interpretation.

Badger Badgers and their setts are protected under the Protection of Badgers Act 1992.

All the following are criminal offences: to wilfully kill, injure, take, possess or cruelly

ill-treat a badger, or to attempt to do so; to intentionally or recklessly interfere with a

sett. Sett interference includes disturbing badgers whilst they are occupying a sett, as

well as 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’.

Sett interference includes disturbing badgers whilst they are occupying a sett, as well

as 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’.

Badger setts can be disturbed inadvertently by earth moving operations, excavation

and coring and any work that disturbs badgers whilst occupying a sett is illegal

without a licence from English Nature. It is emphasised that badgers can be disturbed

by work near a sett even if there is no direct interference or damage to the sett. For

this reason, English Nature has provided guidelines on the types of activity which it

considers should be licensed within certain distances of sett entrances. For example

the following may require a licence:

• using very heavy machinery (generally tracked vehicles) within 30 m of any

entrance to an active sett;

• using lighter machinery (generally wheeled vehicles), particularly any

digging operation, within 20 m;

• light work such as hand digging or scrub clearance within 10 m.



Bats

In England, Scotland and Wales all bat species are fully protected under the Wildlife

and Countryside Act 1981 (WCA) (as amended), through inclusion in Schedule 5. In

England and Wales, this Act has been amended by the Countryside and Rights of Way

Act 2000 (CroW), which adds an extra offence, makes species offences arrestable,

increases the time limits for some prosecutions and increases penalties.

In Scotland, the Criminal Justice (Scotland) Act 2003 has amended the WCA to

widen the powers of arrest, increase the time limits for some prosecutions, increase

penalties and extend the use of search warrants. It does not, however, introduce any

new offences. The Nature Conservation (Scotland) Bill will introduce further

amendments to the WCA in Scotland in 2004.

In Northern Ireland all bats are fully protected by the Wildlife (Northern Ireland)

Order 1985 (as amended), through inclusion in schedule 5.

All bats are also included in Schedule 2 of the Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.)

Regulations 1994, (or Northern Ireland, 1995) (the Habitats Regulations), which

defines ‘European protected species of animals’.

The following account represents a simplified summary of the legislation provided by

Mitchell-Jones and Robertson (2004). Taken together, the Act, Order and Regulations

make it illegal to:

intentionally or deliberately kill, injure or capture (or take) bats;

deliberately disturb bats (whether in a roost or not);

recklessly disturb roosting bats or obstruct access to their roosts (England &

Wales only; proposed for Scotland in 2004);

damage or destroy bat roosts;

possess or transport a bat or any part of a bat, unless acquired legally;

sell (or offer for sale) or exchange bats, or parts of bats.

The word ‘roost’ is not used in the legislation, but is used here for simplicity. The

actual wording in the legislation is ‘any structure or place which any wild

animal…uses for shelter or protection’ (WCA) or ‘breeding site or resting place’



(Habitats Regulations). Because bats tend to re-use the same roost after periods of

vacancy, legal opinion is that the roost is protected whether or not the bats are present

at the time.

Birds

Nesting and nest building birds are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act

(WCA) 1981 (as amended). Some species (listed in Schedule 1 of the WCA) are

protected by special penalties.

Subject to the provisions of the act, if any person intentionally -

(a) kills, injures or takes any wild bird;

(b) takes, damages or destroys the nest of any wild bird while that nest is in use or

being built; or

(c) takes or destroys an egg of any wild bird,

he shall be guilty of an offence.

‘Reckless’ offences with regard to the disturbance of nesting wild birds included in

Schedule 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act were added by the Countryside and

Rights of Way Act 2000.

Great crested newt

The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended), and The Conservation (Natural

Habitats, &c.) Regulations 1994 (following the CROW Act 2000) make it illegal to:

• Intentionally or deliberately capture or kill, or intentionally injure great crested

newts.

• Deliberately disturb great crested newts or intentionally or recklessly* disturb

them in a place used for shelter or protection.

• Damage or destroy a breeding site or resting place.

• Intentionally or recklessly damage, destroy or obstruct access to a place used

for shelter or protection.

• Possess a great crested newt, or any part of it, unless acquired lawfully.



• Sell, barter, exchange or transport or offer for sale great crested newts or parts

of them.

*Reckless offences were added by the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000,

which applies only to England and Wales.

Reptiles

Reptiles are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 as amended from

intentional killing or injuring.

This is a simplified description of the legislation. In particular, the offences

mentioned here may be absolute, intentional, deliberate or reckless. Note that where

it is predictable that reptiles are likely to be killed or injured by activities such as site

clearance, this could legally constitute intentional killing or injuring.

English Nature (2004) has stated that:

Reptiles are likely to be threatened, and the law potentially breached, by activities

such as the following:

• Archaeological and geotechnical investigations

• Clearing land, installing site offices or digging foundations

• Cutting vegetation to a low height

• Laying pipelines or installing other services

• Driving machinery over sensitive areas

• Storing construction materials in sensitive areas

• Removing rubble, wood piles and other debris.

The law recognises that it is sometimes necessary to carry out work that may affect

reptiles or their habitats. It has two significant concessions:

a) For all species, normally prohibited activities might not be illegal if ‘the act

was the incidental result of a lawful operation and could not reasonable have

been avoided’.



In general Natural England would expect reasonable avoidance to include measures

such as altering development layouts to avoid key areas, as well as capture and

exclusion of reptiles.

Water Vole Legislation Since April 1998 the water vole has received legal protection through its inclusion in

Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) in respect of

section 9(4) only. This section of the Act protects the water voles places of shelter or

protection, but does not protect the voles themselves. Legal protection makes it an

offence to intentionally or recklessly:

• Damage, destroy or obstruct access to any structure or place which water voles use for shelter or protection;

• Disturb water voles while they are using such a place (English Nature 1999).

Changes to Protected Species Legislation DEFRA introduced on 21 August 2007 changes to the Habitats Regulations. People

have to consider, in a wider range of circumstances, the presence of these protected

species and their breeding sites or resting places. The amended regulations will

require changes to the management of sites and development operations in areas

where European protected species are found.

Since 1994 it has been an offence, under these Regulations, to deliberately kill or

cause significant disturbance to a protected species, or to deliberately destroy their

offspring. It has also been an offence to ‘damage or destroy a breeding site or resting

place’ used by them (such as a bat roost in a tree or a dormouse nest on the woodland

floor).

However, the level of protection has recently been increased to ensure it complies

with the EU Habitats Directive, as set out to the UK Government following a

judgement in the European Court of Justice (ECJ). This judgement set the UK

Government a tight deadline for incorporating the ECJ ruling into law.



The amended regulation will include as an offence any damage or destruction of a

breeding site or resting place. Previously if damage was ‘an incidental result of a

lawful operation' and reasonable precautions had been taken to avoid it, it would not

have been an offence.

Therefore there is a risk of operators committing an offence if they have not carried

out planned operations carefully, with the necessary checks and sought a licence

where required. It will no longer be a defence to show that the killing, capture or

disturbance of such species or the destruction or damage of their breeding sites or

resting places was the incidental and unavoidable result of a lawful activity.



MIDDLEMARCH ENVIRONMENTAL

QUALITY ASSURANCE

TITLE: BOURNE MILL

ROMAN WAY, FARNHAM, SURREY


A Report to Genesis Housing Association

Contract Number: C100773

Report Number: RT-MME-100773a

Revision Number: 01

Description: Final

Date: December 2007

Checked by:

Tina Palmer

Operations Manager

Approved by:

Dr Philip Fermor

Managing Director

P5P5

P4P4

P3P3

P6P6

P2P2

P1P1

SISI

SI

66

55

44

33

22

11

C100773a-01

Client Project

Drawing

Revision

Drawing Number

Date

Approved By

Drawn ByScale at A4

Notes

Churchill Hui

LMC

-

This map is reproduced from the Ordance Survey material with the permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of The Controller of Her Majesty's Stationary Office. (c) Crown copyright. Unauthorised reproduction infringes Crown copyright and may lead to prosecution of civil proceedings. Licence Number..........................................................

Triumph House, Birmingham Road, Allesley, Coventry CV5 9AZT:01676 525880 F:01676 521400

E:[email protected]

November 2007

C100773a-01

Bourne Mill

00

Phase 1 Habitat Survey

JC/AD

Do not scale

SI

Legend

Broadleaved tree

Scattered scrub

Target note

Fence

Marginal vegetation

Running water

Site boundary

Bare ground

Broadleaved woodland

Dense scrub

Open water

Poor semi-improved grassland

Tall ruderal

extended phase 1 habitat survey bourne mill roman … phase 1... · extended phase 1 habitat survey...

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