preliminary ecological appraisal
TRANSCRIPT
Pury End Quarry – Restoration Preliminary ecological appraisal
Prepared for D. A. Bird Ltd
Claire Gilchrist MSc MCIEEM
Version 1.0 / 18-025
10/11/2020
Pury End Quarry – Restoration Preliminary ecological appraisal
Issue Prepared by Checked by Approved by Status Date
V1 Claire Gilchrist MSc MCIEEM
Paul Lupton MSc
MCIEEM
Paul Lupton MSc
MCIEEM
DRAFT 10/11/2020
All Argus Ecology Ltd. staff subscribe to the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental
Managements (CIEEM) code of professional conduct in their work.
This report has been prepared in accordance with CIEEM’s Guidelines for Ecological Report
Writing.
This report is not to be used for contractual purposes unless this approval sheet is signed and designated
as ‘FINAL’.
This report has been prepared by Argus Ecology Ltd. in its professional capacity as Ecological Consultants.
Its contents reflect the conditions that prevailed and the information available or supplied at the time of
preparation. The report, and the information contained therein, is provided by Argus Ecology Ltd. solely
for the use and reliance by the Client in performance of Argus Ecology Ltd.’s duties and liabilities under its
contract with the client. The contents of the report do not, in any way purport to include any manner of
legal advice or opinion.
Report Reference 18-025
Date 10/11/2020
Date of survey/s 09/05/2018, 26/06/2018, May-June 2020.
Pury End Quarry – Restoration 1 Argus Ecology Ltd. Preliminary ecological appraisal 10/11/2020
Executive summary
An ecological survey and assessment was carried out at Pury End Quarry, to inform the proposed
restoration of the quarry and amendment of the final levels of the current restoration plan.
The scope of works included a data search and Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey, conforming to
Chartered Institute for Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM) guidelines for
Preliminary Ecological Appraisal. The protected species assessment also included eDNA sampling
and habitat suitability index assessment of waterbodies, and preliminary bat roost risk
assessment of trees. Hedgerows were assessed for importance and breeding birds noted.
Habitats present are of no more than local value and lacked features indicative of higher quality
such as species-rich hedgerows. All hedgerow is a priority habitat and the site does support
skylark, a priority species of importance for biodiversity conservation. Mature trees on the
eastern and western boundaries, and the hedgerows they are within, are not to be impacted
upon by the extension.
Great crested newt are present within a pond to the south east of the quarry and are likely to be
impacted by the large scale disturbance of suitable terrestrial habitat. It will be necessary to
apply for a Natural England Mitigation licence to cover the proposed works. Details are provided
in a separate report (Argus 2020).
There is low potential of impact on other legally protected or priority species, with suitable
timing of works. While bats may use the site no features suitable for roosting bats are to be
impacted upon and there are alternative corridors for commuting bats available.
The development can be implemented without significant negative effects on the biodiversity
interest of the surrounding area. Mitigation measures are proposed to mitigate for disturbance
of breeding birds and to prevent direct impact on great crested newt. Enhancement measures
are also proposed to maintain and enhance features present on site and to maximise habitat
quality within the restoration plan.
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Contents
1 Introduction 3
2 Legislation and policy 3
2.1 Relevant legislation 3 2.2 Relevant national planning policies 5
3 Scope and methodology 6
3.1 Scope of assessment 6 3.2 Methodology 6
4 Baseline 8
4.1 Ecological context 8 4.2 Habitats and vegetation 11 4.3 Potential for protected and priority species 12 4.4 Evaluation of important ecological features 14
5 Ecological effects and mitigation 16
5.1 Key features of development 16 5.2 Predicted effects 16 5.4 Compensation measures 18 5.5 Enhancement measures 18
6 Conclusions 19
7 References 20
8 Phase 1 Plan 21
Appendix 1 Habitat survey target notes and photographs
Appendix 2 Pond descriptions
Appendix 3 eDNA results
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1 Introduction
Argus Ecology Ltd. were commissioned by D. A. Bird Ltd to carry out a preliminary
ecological appraisal of Pury End Quarry along with revisions to the existing restoration
plan. The proposals include revision of infilling within the existing quarry to allow final
levels across quarry to be rationalised.
The report outlines relevant legislation and policy and sets out the survey and
assessment methodology employed. Baseline ecological conditions are described, and
any ecological interest features identified, with an assessment of their geographic scale
of importance. Potential ecological impacts are assessed, with reference to the likely
effects of the development. In-combination effects of other planned developments in
proximity to the site are considered where relevant. Based on this assessment, the
need for ecological mitigation to ensure compliance with legislative and policy
requirements is considered.
2 Legislation and policy
2.1 Relevant legislation
The following legislation is of potential relevance in terms of the habitats and species
recorded or likely to occur in the vicinity of Pury End Quarry.
European legislation
Habitats Directive
The Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC) provides for the establishment of protected sites
(Special Areas of Conservation (SAC)) as part of the Natura 2000 network, to protect
habitats and species of Community interest listed on Annex I and Annex II respectively
of the Directive. It also provides for strict protection of species of Community interest
listed in Annex IV(a) of the Directive (‘European Protected Species’).
Article 10 of the Habitats Directive states that Member States shall endeavour in their
land-use planning and development policies to encourage the management of features
of the landscape which are of major importance for wild fauna and flora. These are
defined as linear and continuous, or ‘stepping stone’ features, which are essential for
migration, dispersal and genetic exchange.
Article 12 of the Habitats Directive sets out the system of strict protection which
Member States are required to adopt for animal species listed on Annex IV(a). Article
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12(1)(b) prohibits ‘deliberate disturbance of these species, particularly during the
period of breeding, rearing, hibernation and migration’; Article 12(1)(d) prohibits
‘deterioration or destruction of breeding sites or resting places’.
Birds Directive
Council Directive 2009/147/EC on the conservation of wild birds (the ‘Birds Directive’)
provides for the conservation and management of all wild bird species naturally
occurring in the European Union, their nests, eggs and habitats. The Birds Directive
bans activities that directly threaten birds (e.g. deliberate killing and destruction of
nests and young), regulates hunting of selected species, bans non-selective and large
scale killing of birds, and promotes research for bird conservation and management.
Article 2 of the Birds Directive states ‘Member States shall take the requisite measures
to maintain the population of the species referred to in Article 1 (i.e. all wild birds within
their natural range) at a level which corresponds in particular to ecological, scientific
and cultural requirements, while taking account of economic and recreational
requirements, or to adapt the population of these species to that level’.
Special conservation measures for species listed in Annex I of the Directive and
regularly occurring migratory species (‘Article 4(2) species’) are principally
implemented through designation of Special Protection Areas (SPAs). Outside the SPA
network, Article 4(4) states that Member States should “should strive to avoid pollution
or deterioration of habitats.”
Implementation of European legislation in domestic law
The Habitats Directive is implemented in England and Wales by the Conservation of
Natural Habitats and Species Regulations 2017. Regulation 41 implements Article 10,
while Regulation 43 implements the system of strict protection applied to European
Protected Species.
The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 also transpose the Birds
Directive into English law. Regulation 10 identifies duties of appropriate authorities in
relation to wild bird habitat. Regulation 10(3) addresses the transposition of Article 2
of the Birds Directive, while Regulation 10(8), requiring competent authorities to “use
all reasonable endeavours” to “avoid any pollution or deterioration of habitats of wild
birds.”
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Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981
The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) provides the principal legislation
for designation of nationally important conservation sites and the protection of
species.
Section 1 addresses the protection of wild birds; Section 1(1) provides for protection
for all wild birds against deliberate or reckless killing or injuring, damage or destruction
of nests while in use or being built, or taking or destroying eggs. The Wildlife and
Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) provides all wild birds with legal protection against
intentional killing, injuring or taking (section 1(1)(a)); taking, damaging or destroying a
nest while in use or being built (section 1(1)(b)); and taking or destroying eggs (section
1(1)(c)). Birds listed on Schedule 1 have additional protection against intentional and
reckless disturbance when nesting, as set out in section 1(5).
Protection of Badgers Act 1992
The Protection of Badgers Act is primarily concerned with animal welfare, but also has
implications for badgers in a development context. It is a criminal offence: to wilfully
kill, injure, take, possess or cruelly ill-treat a badger; to attempt to do so; or to
deliberately or recklessly interfere with a sett.
Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006
Section 40 of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 sets out the
duty of public authorities to conserve biodiversity in the exercise of their functions,
through “having regard, so far as is consistent with the proper exercise of their duties,
to the purpose of conserving biodiversity”. Biodiversity conservation is further defined
as including the restoration or enhancement of a population or habitat.
Section 41 requires the Secretary of State to publish a list of species and habitats which
are of principal importance for the conservation of biodiversity in England (i.e. ‘priority
species and habitats’), and to take and promote the taking of “reasonably practicable”
steps to further their conservation.
2.2 Relevant national planning policies
The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) 2018 for England sets out a number of
policies for conserving and enhancing the natural environment in Section 15. Of
particular relevance in the present context are the following policies:
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• 170 a) protecting and enhancing valued landscapes, sites of biodiversity or
geological value;
• 170 d): includes reference to the need to minimise impacts and providing net
gains for biodiversity, including establishing coherent ecological networks;
• 174 a): safeguard components of local wildlife-rich habitats and wider ecological
networks.
3 Scope and methodology
3.1 Scope of assessment
The survey scope included a data search, an Extended Phase 1 habitat survey, habitat
suitability index assessment and eDNA surveys of waterbodies, and preliminary ground
level roost assessment of trees.
The assessment included an evaluation of the site’s importance for nature
conservation, and an assessment of the risk of occurrence of legally protected species.
Any potentially significant ecological effects were highlighted, and consideration given
to mitigation measures in order to ensure the proposed development’s compliance
with legal obligations and ensure conformity with nature conservation planning
policies.
Surveys were undertaken on 9th May 2018 by Claire Gilchrist MSc MCIEEM and Luke
Cartlidge BSc and on 26th June 2018 by Claire and Paul Lupton MSc MCIEEM. Conditions
during each survey were good; dry and bright with good visibility. Additional survey
work was carried out by Heatons in 2020 to carry out a population class assessment of
the GCN population.
3.2 Methodology
Data search
Existing information on designated sites and protected and priority species within 2km
of the proposed development was obtained from Northamptonshire Biological Records
Centre (NBRC) and the Multi-agency geographic information for the countryside
(MAGIC) website hosted by DEFRA. Northants Bat Group was also contacted to request
bat records within 2km of the site. A check for granted European Protected Species
licences was also made on the MAGIC website.
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Habitat survey
A habitat survey was carried out in accordance with Phase 1 methodology (JNCC, 2010),
‘extended’ to consider the value of the site for fauna (including protected species) in
accordance with IEA (1995) methodology.
Habitats were mapped in the field on an OS base plan, and locations checked with a
handheld GPS or direct measurement. Target notes were made of the species
composition and relative abundance of flora on site, and representative photographs
taken; these are set out in Appendix 1.
The survey included habitats within the proposed site boundary, and adjacent habitats
up to 20m around the red line boundary.
The surveys were carried out during May and June 2018 within the optimum period for
such surveys. There were no access constraints.
Great crested newt habitat suitability index
Two ponds are present within 250m of the site boundary and these were surveyed in
order to calculate their Habitat Suitability Index (HSI) score. The HSI score was
developed by Oldham et al. (2000) and is used by Natural England as part of the
evaluation system for the European protected species licensing process. It is a scoring
system based on an assessment of habitat quality and is derived by calculating the
geometric mean of ten component suitability indices. These include physical and
ecological parameters of the pond (size, water quality, degree of shading etc.), as well
as contextual parameters (distribution of great crested newt [GCN] in the region,
number of ponds within a 1km radius etc.), which collectively determine likelihood of
occurrence, based on empirical data from GCN sites. In general, ponds with a high HSI
score are more likely to support a great crested newt population than those with a low
HSI score.
Great crested newt eDNA sampling 2018
Field sampling was undertaken by licensed great crested newt surveyors with methods
following those detailed in Biggs et al (2014).
The method detects pond occupancy from great crested newt using traces of DNA shed
into the pond environment (eDNA). A single visit was made to each pond on under
suitable weather conditions (avoiding heavy rain) and water samples taken and
preserved in Ethanol for later analysis in the laboratory. The detection of GCN eDNA is
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carried out using real time PCR to amplify part of the cytochrome 1 gene found in
mitochondrial DNA.
The survey work was carried out by Claire Gilchrist (GCN level 2 survey licence WML
CL09 number 2015-16934-CLS-CLS).
2020 surveys
A full programme of great crested newt surveys was carried out in 2020 and details of
this are provided in the appended Great Crested newt survey report.
4 Baseline
4.1 Ecological context
Statutory designated sites
There are no statutory designated nature conservation sites within 2km of the
development.
Non-statutory designated sites
There are two Local Wildlife Sites within the 2km search radius:
• Brook Cottage Meadow LWS – a relatively species rich neutral grassland
meadow, 0.34km to the south east of the proposed extension and;
• Burcote Wood LWS – a small oak-ash semi-natural ancient woodland 1.32km to
the west of the proposed extension.
• Three potential wildlife sites are also identified 1.61km – 1.89km to the south
west, no further information on these sites is available from the records centre
but these are shown on the MAGIC website as woodland sites included on the
Priority Habitat Inventory including an area of ancient and semi-natural
woodland.
Local Wildlife Sites are sites of local to County-level importance, designated by a
Wildlife Trust or Local Sites Partnership, previously in accordance with DEFRA (2006)
guidelines. LWS do not have any legal protection, but do have some policy protection
in the NPPF as part of the hierarchy of sites which make up ecological networks (policy
117); their specific role in ecological networks is also in accordance with Article 10 of
the Habitats Directive, implemented by Regulation 41 of the Habitats Regulations 2017.
Sites are identified on Figure 4.1 below.
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Figure 4.1 - Pury End Quarry is also listed as a Potential Local Geological Site.
Protected and priority species
Northamptonshire Biological Records Centre data / Northants Bat Group records
Protected species records obtained from the biological records centre and bat group
include the following protected species within the 2km search radius:
• Bat (records from Northants Bat Group are at 1km OS grid square accuracy but
there are no records for the 3 OS grid squares which the site partially occupies).
Closest records are a minimum of 0.06km to the south west and include several
roosts records of brown long-eared bat Plecotus auritas and pipistrelle bat
Pipistrellus sp. The same roosting species are recorded in the OS grid square a
minimum of 0.90km to the east. A grounded whiskered bat Myotis mystacinus
and roosting and grounded brown long-eared bat are recorded a minimum of
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0.65km to the north and roosting and grounded pipistrelle and foraging common
pipistrelle P. pipistrellus and soprano pipistrelle P.pygmaeus a minimum of
1.04km to the north west. Daubenton’s bat Myotis daubentonii, Natterer’s bat
Myotis nattereri and noctule Nctalus noctule are also recorded just outside of
the 2km search area to the north west in Towcester;
• Great crested newt Triturus cristatus - there is a record from within the quarry
from 1982, and two further records within 2km; a 2013 record 0.78km to the
south east and a 2010 record 0.94km to the south east;
• Grass snake Natrix helvetica are recorded 0.34km to the south and are also
mentioned as using gardens surrounding Brook Cotttage Meadow LWS, 0.34km
to the south east, during a survey in 2012. There is also a 1947 record for a suite
1.67km to the north;
• Barn owl Tyto alba are recorded a minimum of 0.71km to the north;
• Badger Meles meles are reported within the 2km search area.
All bat species and great crested newt are European protected species, listed on Annex
IV of the EU Habitats Directive. Barn owl are listed on Schedule 1 of the Wildlife and
Countryside Act and badger are protected under the 1992 Protection of Badgers Act.
Grass snake receive partial protection, through listing on Section 9 of Schedule 5 of the
Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, against intentional injury or killing (section 9(1)) and
trade (section 9(5)).
Priority species (species listed under Section 41 of the Natural Resources and Rural
Communities Act 2006) recorded within the 2km search radius include the following:
• Brown hare Lepus europaeus;
• Chalk carpet moth Scotopteryx bipunctaria;
• Cinnabar moth Tyria jacobaeae;
• Common toad Bufo bufo;
• Grizzled skipper Pyrgus malvae;
• House sparrow Passer domesticus;
• Small heath Coenonympha pamphilus;
• Song thrush Turdus philomelos;
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• Streak moth Chesias legatella;
• Shaded broad-bar moth Scotopteryx chenopodiata;
• Wall butterfly Lasiommata megera;
• Wood white Leptidea sinapis.
Natural England European Protected Species Mitigation licensing check
There are three granted licence applications within 2km of the site, one in respect of
bats and two in respect of great crested newt. There bat licence is for destruction of
breeding and resting places of brown long-eared bat, Natterer’s bat and common
pipistrelle, granted in 2015, for a site 1.26km to the north west.
The two granted great crested newt licences are both for destruction of a resting place
granted in 2012 for sites 1.12km and 1.23km to the south east.
4.2 Habitats and vegetation
Local ecological context
Pury End Quarry is adjacent to a minor road leading to the village of Pury End which is
200m to the south east. The quarry lies at approximately 120m AOD.
Surrounding land use is predominantly arable with hedgerow boundaries although
there are areas of permanent pasture areas associated with settlements such as Pury
End and Paulerspury to the south east.
There are arable fields to the west, north and east of the quarry with an area of
woodland with ponds adjacent to the south and a stream and permanent pasture fields
further to the south east and south.
Habitat survey results
Phase Plan 1 shows the spatial disposition of habitats and features within the survey
area. More detailed descriptions are provided in Appendix 1 as a series of ‘target notes’
with illustrative photographs, in accordance with Phase 1 survey methodology.
The northern hedgerow falls away steeply into the current extraction area along the
mid-section. Areas of bare subsoil within the red line boundary at the north eastern
corner of the existing quarry have been colonised by species such as coltsfoot Tusilago
farfara, creeping thistle Cirsium arvense and teasel Dipsacus fullonum. In the central
quarry area is a subsoil slope (0.17 ha) which has been colonised by butterfly bush
Buddleia davidii and stinging nettle with occasional spear thistle, creeping thistle,
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locally abundant willowherb and rare evening primrose hemlock and regenerating
willow Salix sp.
Subsoil mounds within the working quarry and to the east of the site boundary are
compacted and are sparsely colonised by similar species as the subsoil slope. Topsoil
mounds have been colonised by ruderals and are dominated by dense stinging nettle
Urtica dioica with bramble scrub around the bases.
Other areas within the quarry of interest include species rich grassland within a
restored area to the east of the quarry which included pyramidal orchid Anacamptis
pyramidalis.
4.3 Potential for protected and priority species
Protected species
No bird or dormouse Muscardinus avellanarius nests were identified within the
hedgerows during the survey.
Two skylark Alauda arvensis were observed signing over the arable field and blue tit
Cyanistes caeruleus, long tailed-tit Aegithalos caudatus, and blackbird Turdus merula
were recorded within the hedgerows.
Scrub within the existing quarry also has potential to support nesting birds.
Scrub, bases of hedgerows and ruderal covered mounds were searched for signs of
badger but no setts, trails or latrines were found. A single footprint was identified in a
wet area of an arable field to the west of the existing quarry.
Areas of scrub within the quarry will also provide terrestrial habitat but are limited in
size and lack connectivity with similar habitat in the wider area.
Great crested newt Habitat Suitability Index and eDNA survey
Two ponds were identified within 500m of the site, these are both outside of the site
boundary. Pond 1 is an inline pond on a watercourse, and Pond 2 is within woodland,
both are to the south/south east of the site boundary and will not be directly impacted
by the development proposals.
Ponds were assessed for suitability to provide breeding habitat for GCN. Pond
descriptions and photographs are provided in Appendix 3 and position of ponds is
shown on the Phase 1 plan.
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Water samples for eDNA analysis taken at Pond 1 (Pond 2 had insufficient water to
sample) and a positive result was obtained. Great crested newt eggs were also found
during the HSI and eDNA surveys. Results are included in Appendix 4.
Habitat suitability index (HSI) scores were calculated and are presented in Table 4.2
(table taken from Natural England - GCN Method Statement - WML-A14-2-2).
Interpretation of the results is categorised according to probability of GCN occupancy
as outlined by Oldham et al 2000 in Table 4.3.
Table 4.2: HSI results
Pond ref Pond 1 Pond 2 SI1 - Location 1 1 SI2 - Pond area 1 0.1 SI3 - Pond drying 0.9 0.1 SI4 - Water quality 1 0.33 SI5 - Shade 0.4 0.4 SI6 - Fowl 0.67 1 SI7 - Fish 0.67 1 SI8 - Ponds 0.82 0.82 SI9 - Terrestrial habitat 1 1 SI10 - Macrophytes 0.45 0.3 HSI 0.75 0.45
Table 4.3 – Categorisation of HSI scores
HSI <0.5 0.5 – 0.59 0.6 – 0.69 0.7 – 0.79 >0.8
Pond suitability Poor Below average Average Good Excellent
Proportion of ponds occupied 0.03 0.20 0.55 0.79 0.93
Pond 1 would therefore be regarded as having ‘good’ suitability for GCN, while Pond 2
has ‘poor’ suitability for GCN.
2020 GCN survey results
Pond 1 was found to have a ‘medium’ population of great crested newt. Pond 2 was
negative for GCN and dried out after only two surveys. This drying was also observed
in the 2018 results.
A summary of the results can be seen in table 1 below.
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Table 1
Date (Pond
Number)
Water Temp (°C)
Turbidity (0-5)
Veg Cover
(%)
Species Great
Crested Newt
Smooth Newt
Other Species
M F M F
5/5/2020 (Pond1)
15.9 2/3 75% 8 2 7 25 1x Common Frog
5/5/2020 (Pond 2)
16.8 2 80% 0 0 0 0 Toad Tadpoles
6/5/2020 (Pond 1)
13.4 3 70% 17 4 16 18 Toad Tadpoles/Signal Crayfish
6/5/2020 (Pond 2)
19.8 1 90% 0 0 0 0 Toad Tadpoles/ Signal Crayfish
13/5/2020 (Pond 1)
10.9 1 85% 0 0 8 16 Toad Tadpoles/ Signal Crayfish
4/6/2020 (Pond 1)
13.8 2 85% 0 1 0 1 Signal Crayfish/ Toad Tadpoles/Sticklebacks
10/6/2020 (Pond 1)
13.2 2 80% 0 0 0 1 Signal Crayfish/Toad Tadpoles/Sticklebacks
18/6/2020 (Pond1)
14.5 2 90% 0 0 0 3 Signal Crayfish/ Toad Tadpoles/Sticklebacks
Other fauna
No reptiles or signs of use by reptiles were identified though the quarry, the pond to
the south, adjacent woodland and rank and bare areas do provide opportunities for
reptiles such as grass snakes.
Bare ground along with species rich grassland and woodland within the working quarry
provide a habitat mosaic suitable for a range of invertebrate species.
Schedule 9 invasive species
Japanese knotweed Fallopia japonica and cotoneaster Cotoneaster horizontalis
/microphyllus was identified within the working quarry and Japanese knotweed within
a restored area to the west. Locations of invasive species are mapped on Phase 1 plan.
4.4 Evaluation of important ecological features
Habitats
Hedgerows qualify as Section 41 priority habitats. Hedgerows are defined as lines of
trees or shrubs with at least one woody species so outgrown hedgerows also meet the
criteria of priority habitat (BRIG, 2010).
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The hedgerows, although outgrown and species poor, can be considered a feature of
local importance, contributing to ecological networks and helping to maintain
biodiversity across the arable landscape. Hedgerows habitats are also of interest in
their capacity to support nesting birds and providing foraging habitat and commuting
routes for bats.
Within the wider area, pond habitats can be considered features of at least local
importance. Pond 1 is a breeding pond for great crested newt and the ponds provide
invertebrate habitat and bat foraging habitat.
Species
Great crested newt are present within Pond 1, to the east of the red line boundary. The
hedgerows provide potential terrestrial habitat for great crested newt present on the
site. Much of the quarry area comprises compacted subsoil which is sparsely vegetated,
there are topsoil mounds with dense ruderal vegetation and scrub associated but
connectivity with other suitable habitat is relatively poor. The pond is adjacent to high
quality terrestrial habitat with woodland and rank grassland, this habitat is continuous
with scrub and grassland habitats developing on the southern and eastern edges of the
existing quarry. No ponds have been identified to the north and west of the site and
existing records are for areas to the south of the Site. Small populations were recorded
in two ponds >1km to the west and north-west and a medium population in a pond
>2km to the west of the site during surveys for the Towcester Southern Extension in
2006-7. GCN were found in 3 of 13 ponds surveyed indicating a low density population
in the area.
It is likely that bats will use hedgerows around the quarry and scrub habitats for
foraging. The scrub and woodland to the south and east of the quarry and watercourse
and water body to the higher quality habitats within the wider area. There are trees
with moderate risk of use as bat roosts as classified by the Bat Survey Guidelines
(Collins 2016) defined as ‘A structure or tree with one or more potential roost sites that
could be used by bats due to their size, shelter, protection, conditions and surrounding
habitat but unlikely to support a roost of high conservation status.’ No trees with risk
of use by bats are to be removed as part of the proposed works.
No signs of use of the hedgerows by dormouse were identified during the survey and
the hedgerow provides poor habitat for this species. There is a lack of connectivity with
areas of suitable woodland and the poor species diversity of the hedgerow would not
provide sufficient food throughout the active season.
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Skylark are present and holding territory within the arable field to the north and
hedgerows have potential for use by other nesting bird species.
Although no signs of badger occupation are present on site or within surrounding
habitat they are recorded in the area and presence adjacent to the site was recorded.
5 Ecological effects and mitigation
5.1 Key features of development
It is understood that hedgerows and trees in the vicinity of the quarry are to be
unaffected by works and existing habitats on the periphery of the current working area,
including established grassland, are to remain undisturbed.
5.2 Predicted effects
Direct effects
The proposed development will result in the temporary loss of subsoil and topsoil
mounds that will be moved as part of the restoration of the quarry. Re-instatement of
great crested newt terrestrial habitat within 250m of the breeding pond will form a
major part of the restoration plan. No habitat within 50m of the breeding pond is to be
impacted upon. As part of the ongoing works and restoration there will be loss of small
areas of tall ruderal vegetation and scrub within the quarry but again this is not
continuous with core terrestrial habitat.
Indirect effects
The risk that development of the site could impact on water quality in the pond within
the woodland (Pond 1) is low as the pond currently is ephemeral and does not have a
hydrological connection with the quarry site. The inline pond further to the south (pond
2) is unlikely to collect surface waters from the site. As the site is already a working
quarry there is no additional potential risk of groundwater contamination from stored
fuels etc.
There is no lighting associated with the restoration.
Cumulative impacts
A large urban extension to the south of Towcester has been approved in the planning
system. Great crested newt were identified within ponds outside of the boundary of
this application site (in excess of 1km to the west of the quarry extension site) with
Pury End Quarry – Restoration 17 Argus Ecology Ltd. Preliminary ecological appraisal 10/11/2020
small populations (Maximum counts 1 and 4 GCN) and a medium populations >2km to
the west. A Natural England mitigation licence is to be applied for to mitigate for loss
of terrestrial habitat to the north of these ponds and habitat creation is proposed to
maintain favourable conservation status of the species as a result of the development.
The ES for the site predicts no impact on the conservation status of the population.
No other developments which are predicted to impact on great crested newt have been
identified and no cumulative impacts on great crested newt are predicted as a result of
the temporary loss of a small area of terrestrial habitat within the quarry extension.
5.3 Mitigation measures
GCN Mitigation licence
Pond 1 must be considered as a breeding pond and so the loss or damage to terrestrial
habitat close to the pond must be considered as a medium scale of impact on this
European protected species.
Mitigation proposals will be in accordance with Oldham, et al. (2000). No breeding
ponds will be lost to the development but immediate terrestrial habitat will be
disturbed as restoration of the site proceeds. In mitigation, it is proposed that;
• Amphibian fencing will be used to ‘trap out’ GCN and other amphibians from
the areas of the site that are within 250m of the breeding pond, have good
connectivity with the pond and occupy habitats that offer opportunities for
amphibians.
A 60 day trapping exercise (appropriate to a medium population) is proposed. The
fencing will cover suitable terrestrial habitat within 250m of the breeding and will focus
on areas closer to the pond and on areas of higher habitat quality such as semi
improved grassland, hedgerows and scrub. Trapping will be through a combination of
bucket traps and carpet tiles placed at an appropriate density. More details are
provided in the appended GCN report.
Timing of works to avoid impact on nesting birds
It is recommended that trees, shrubs and scrub are removed and topsoil from the
extraction area cleared outside of the bird breeding season which is March to July
inclusive for most species. Above ground clearance of hedgerow vegetation within the
winter period will also remove suitable nesting habitat for birds.
Pury End Quarry – Restoration 18 Argus Ecology Ltd. Preliminary ecological appraisal 10/11/2020
Management of retained habitats
A standoff of 2m from the centre of boundary hedgerows and outside of canopy spread
of hedgerow trees to the east and west will be required. This applies to compaction
from soil storage as well as to the excavation.
Avoiding impacts on the water environment
The extraction works should operate in accordance with best practice guidance for the
avoidance of pollution of surface water and groundwater from plant and any stored
hydrocarbon fuels.
Management of invasive species
Japanese knotweed and wall cotoneaster were identified within the area of the
working quarry. Disturbance of the areas where these species occur could result in
spreading of these species. Current information from the GOV.UK website indicates it
is permissible to bury plant material and contaminated soil on the same site at which
it is produced. Plant material must be buried at least 5m depth and covered with a root
barrier membrane layer.
Guidance on methodology was previously issued by the Environment Agency but is now
withdrawn and current information recommends that the Environment Agency should
be contacted for further information. This work could be carried out during the site
restoration process.
5.4 Compensation measures
Retention of invertebrate habitat
Standing deadwood within the surrounding hedgerows and woodland provides good
habitat for invertebrates.
5.5 Enhancement measures
Hedgerow planting around translocated sections along the north east boundary of the
existing quarry will provide connectivity of the woodland to the east of the quarry . This
would create additional habitat for great crested newt and better future connectivity
to allow colonisation by dormouse.
Species rich grassland habitats are already established to the south of the existing
quarry, there are areas of ephemeral short perennial vegetation forming on subsoil to
the west of the quarry and on the eastern boundary. Retention of a bund of subsoil at
the north eastern corner of the quarry will provide good basking habitat for
Pury End Quarry – Restoration 19 Argus Ecology Ltd. Preliminary ecological appraisal 10/11/2020
invertebrates. The compacted nature of the substrate will prevent dense colonisation
by ruderal species and provide a mosaic of habitat types within the restored site.
6 Conclusions
A Natural England development licence will be required to allow temporary destruction
of great crested newt terrestrial habitat 50-250m from a breeding pond. The licence
will include provision for translocate of GCN and a method statement outlining how
works will be undertaken.
A re-check for signs of badger will be required if there is a significant time lapse
between this survey and works.
Mitigation measures are proposed to ensure the integrity of retained hedgerows.
Enhancement as part of the restoration plan could include hedgerow transplant and
planting of hedgerow to enhance habitat connectivity and retention of a subsoil bund
to retain the developing mosaic of habitats which provide good opportunities for
invertebrates.
Pury End Quarry – Restoration 20 Argus Ecology Ltd. Preliminary ecological appraisal 10/11/2020
7 References
Biggs J., Ewald N., Valentini A., Gaboriaud C., Griffiths R.A., Foster J., Wilkinson J., Arnett
A., Williams P. and Dunn F. 2014, Analytical and methodological development for
improved surveillance of the Great Crested Newt. Appendix 5. Technical advice note
for field and laboratory sampling of great crested newt (Triturus cristatus)
environmental DNA. Freshwater Habitats Trust, Oxford.
BRIG (ed. Ant Maddock) 2008, Updated 2010, UK Biodiversity Action Plan; Priority
Habitat Descriptions.
CIEEM (2016) Guidelines for Ecological Impact Assessment in the UK and Ireland:
Terrestrial, Freshwater and Coastal, 2nd edition. Chartered Institute of Ecology and
Environmental Management, Winchester
CIEEM (2017) Guidelines for Preliminary Ecological Appraisal, 2nd edition. Chartered
Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management, Winchester.
Collins, J. (ed.) (2016) Bat Surveys for Professional Ecologists: Good Practice Guidelines
(3rd edn). The Bat Conservation Trust, London.
JNCC 2010, Handbook for Phase 1 habitat survey. A technique for environmental audit.
JNCC, Peterborough.
Oldham, R.S., Keeble, J., Swan, M.J.S. & Jeffcote, M. 2000, Evaluating the suitability of
habitat for the Great Crested Newt (Triturus cristatus). Herpetological Journal 10, 143-
155.
Pury End Quarry – Restoration 21 Argus Ecology Ltd. Preliminary ecological appraisal 10/11/2020
8 Phase 1 Plan
Appendix 1 Habitat survey target notes and photographs
1 Scrub/Woodland
Woodland can be found along the western and south eastern boundaries of the site and these areas will not be impacted by the proposed restoration
of the quarry. They consist of abundant hawthorn Crateagus monogyna and blackthorn Prunus spinosa with occasional field maple Acer campestre,
cherry Prunus spp, hazel Corylus avellana and ash Fraxinus excelsior. There is dense bramble Rubus fruticosus scrub at the margins as well as abundant
teasel Dipsacus spp, hogweed Heracleum sphondylium, mullein Verbascum thapsus, weld Reseda luteola, broad-leafed dock Rumex obtusifolius and cow
parsley Anthriscus sylvestris as well as common grasses such as cocksfoot Dactylus glomerata and Yorkshire fog Holcus lanatus.
2 Hedgerow 1 (northern edge of existing quarry)
Continuous outgrown hedgerow 3-8m in height, 1-3m in width, dominated by hawthorn with abundant elm Elymus sp., there was occasional elder
Sambucus nigra and locally frequent blackthorn. There were no mature hedgerow trees but there was a 0.75m wide stump felled to ground level and
two pollarded deadwood trunks approximately 3m in height. Signs of laying at some time in the past in small areas. There was an area of locally abundant
blackthorn present to the south of the hedgerow in the north west corner of the existing quarry and locally frequent comfrey Symphytum sp. in the
same area. Along the southern edge of the hedgerow ground is the existing quarry and understorey is mostly exposed subsoil colonised by frequent
coltsfoot Tussilago farfara.
Understorey with abundant common nettle and frequent cleavers, locally frequent Lords and Ladies Arum maculatum, occasional white dead nettle
Lamium album, broad-leaved dock and ivy Hedera helix. Rare species included hemlock Conium maculatum, bramble Rubus fruticosus agg., creeping
thistle Cirsium arvense, dogrose Rosa canina and hogweed Heracleum sphondylium.
3 Scrub
Area of blackthorn scrub inside the north-west corner of the existing quarry
4 Tall ruderal
Topsoil mounds at the north east of the existing quarry dominated by common nettle with occasional spear thistle, hemlock, great willowherb
Epilobium hirsutum, creeping thistle, spear thistle Cirsium vulgare, mugwort and broad-leaved dock.
5 Scrub
Area colonised by scrub with ruderal species. Abundant butterfly bush Buddleja davidii with abundant common nettle, locally abundant rosebay
willowherb , occasional spear thistle, creeping thistle and regenerating willow Salix sp. with rare evening primrose, hemlock, and coltsfoot where the
scrub grades into bare ground.
6 Bare ground
Much of the site that will be restored consists of bare compacted aggregate with little or no vegetation. Around the periphery of this are ruderals such
as teasel, birds-foot trefoil and coltsfoot. At the time of survey there was recent excavation leaving exposed faces which were un-vegetated.
7 Grassland
Much of the grassland on site is rank but with a mosaic of small patches of higher value calcareous grassland to the south-east of the site. Rank grassland
includes tall fescue Festuca glauca, red fescue Festuca rubra, cocksfoot and brown bent Agrostis vinealis as well as tall ruderals such as frequent creeping
thistle, spear thistle, great willowherb Epilobium hirsutum and teasel.
Higher quality herb rich grassland includes frequent self-heal Prunella vulgaris, birdsfoot trefoil Lotus corniculatus , coltsfoot Tusilago farfara. Pyramidal
orchid Anacamptis pyramidalis, tormentil Potentilla erecta, ox-eye daisy Leucanthemum vulgare and fairy flax Linum catharticum. Frequent rock rose
Helianthemum nummularium and meadow cranesbill Geranium pratense are also present. There is also frequent red and white clover as well as creeping
buttercup and occasional creeping thistle. The areas of existing grassland are unlikely to be impacted by the restoration of the site.
Appendix 2 Pond descriptions
Pond 1 – Pond on watercourse at SP 709 459
Well established pond approximately 50m x 10m with a likely maximum depth >1m, created on the line of a watercourse by a dam at the eastern end. There was
a small amount of flow at the time of the survey. The pond is within a fenced area adjacent to semi-mature broadleaved woodland to the north and permanent
improved pasture to the south.
Aquatic vegetation included frequent narrow-leaved pondweeds Potamogeton spp. and submerged willowherb rosettes, and rare common duckweed Lemna
minor. There was a small amount of algal growth. Emergent species included occasional water mint Mentha aquatica, yellow flag iris Iris pseudacorus and soft
rush Juncus effusus.
Netting of the pond was carried out. Invertebrates recorded were mayfly Ephemeroptera nymphs from at least two families, water hoglouse Ascellus aquaticus,
diving beetle larva, backswimmer Notonectidae, pond snail Lymnaeidae and freshwater shrimp Gammarus sp.
Tufted duck Aythya fuligula, Canada goose Branta canadensis with goslings and mallard Anas platyrhynchos with ducklings were also recorded at the pond.
No fish were observed although the pond provides suitable habitat.Water samples were taken for eDNA analysis.
Pond 2 – Pond within woodland at SP 707 458
Small pond maximum dimensions 6m by 2m with maximum depth 20cm. One of two waterbodies within young broadleaf woodland although the other was dry
at the time of the survey (9th May), it is expected that this pond will also be dry within the current spring.
Terrestrial habitat was good comprising young semi-mature woodland and scrub. No aquatic or emergent species were present and there was abundant algal
growth and ruderal species dominating the ground flora around the pond margins.
No wildfowl or fish were present and no invertebrates were netted.
Pond was not sampled for eDNA as it was assesses as not providing suitable great crested newt breeding habitat.
Appendix 3 eDNA results