preliminary ecological assessment

Preliminary Ecological Assessment

Project: Land at Kays & Kears Site, Blaenavon - Northern Plot

Instructed by: P & P Builders Ltd

Reported by: Ecological Services Ltd 10 Mount Pleasant, Llanelly Hill, Abergavenny, Monmouth NP7 0NT

Reported by

T: 07305143857 E: [email protected] W: www.ecologicalservices.wales

Author Date Version

Ash Harris 18th February 2021 V1.0

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mailto:[email protected]

http://www.ecologicalservices.wales

Preliminary Ecological Assessment Ecological Services Ltd Kays & Kears Site, Blaenavon - Northern Plot

Contents

1.Introduction 1.1 Site Description

1.2 Survey Constraints

1.3 Surveyor Experience

2. Desk Top Study 2.1 Protected Sites

2.2 Potential Impacts to Protected Sites

3. Phase 1 Survey

3.1 Habitats

3.2 Great crested Newts

3.3 Dormouse

3.4 Bats

3.5 Otter

3.6 Badger

3.7 Birds

3.8 Reptiles & Amphibians

4. Recommendations and Mitigation 4.1 Habitats

4.2 Species

Appendix Species Recorded Site Photographs Habitat Map

Aerial View of Site Location

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1. Introduction

The applicant is seeking permission to create a light industrial and office space development within a plot of land to the west of Kays & Kears Industrial Estate, Blaenavon. The proposed development site is centred at SO 24306 09429. The land within the proposed development boundary consists of bare earth, acidic grassland, a ditch line, scrub, scattered scrub, woodland and a small area of purple moor grass / rush pasture.

This report will assess the potential of the land within the site boundary to support habitats and species and the implications that any future development proposals could have on them.

1.1 Site Description

The proposed development site is roughly trapezoid in shape and flat, however the northern edge of the site has a band of woodland which slopes up to the north. A dry drainage ditch runs along the western boundary of the site. Then bank of the ditch which runs along the site boundary is approximately 1m higher than the land to the east within the site. A factory unit sits to the east of the development site. A tarmac hammerhead turning area is present to the south east of the site. A dirt track and post and wire fence line form the southern boundary to the site.

The site is located to the north west of Blaenavon. It is considered to sit in a semi rural location due to the proximity of development and open countryside. Kays & Kears Industrial Estate sits to the east and Glichrist Thomas Industrial Estate sits to the south. However open fields, ponds and heathland are present to the west and north of the site.

1.2 Survey Constraints

The site visit was undertaken during January which is a sub-optimal time to undertake habitat surveys. However it is possible to undertaken broad habitat assessments during this time.

1.3 Surveyor Experience

Aislinn Harris is a full member of Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM). Aislinn is an ecologist with 12 years experience undertaking a wide range of flora and fauna surveys. All survey work is undertaken following JNCC Phase 1 Survey Guidelines and CIEEM Guidelines for Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (2nd Ed 2017).

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2. Desktop Study

A data search undertaken with Aderyn to ensure all relevant ecological information for the local area is available. A 2km buffer zone was searched and records returned within 500m of site are noted below:

• Records for the presence of lapwing - closest approximately 200m away,

• Records for the presence of Dingy Skipper - approximately 200m away,

• Records for the presence of weasel - approximately 350m away,

• Records for the presence of grayling - closest approximately 350m away,

• Records for the presence of skylark- closest approximately 400m away,

• Records for the presence of linnet, small heath and cuckoo - all given to the same grid reference approximately 490m away,

Records of note returned for the rest of the buffer zone are detailed below:

• Kingfisher,

• Red Grouse,

• Small pearl bordered Fritillary,

• Common pipistrelle bat roost,

• Curlew,

• Common lizard,

• Common toad,

2.1 Protected Sites

A data search for species records was undertaken for the proposed development site and surrounding area. The search also considered statutory and non-statutory protected sites.

Statutory Protected Sites

The Blorenge Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) lies approximately 1.2km away to the east of proposed development site. The Garn Lakes Local Nature Reserve (LNR) is located approximately 120m to the west of the development site.

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The Cwmavon Corridor LNR is located approximately 1.8km away to the south east of the site.

Non-Statutory Protected Sites

The proposed development site is surrounded by a large number of Site of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC). The closest such site is the Garn Lakes SINC which sits approximately 120m to the west of site at its closest point. There are non other SINC sites within 500m of the proposed development site. The remaining SINC sites within the search area are listed below with an approximate distance from site provided within brackets:

• Pontypool & Blaenavon Railway & Doncatser Pond (203m) • Garn-yr-Erw (265m) • Garn y Erw Meadow (246m) • The Blorenge Common (265m) • Mine Water treatment Reedbed (294m) • Garn Yr Erw Field (311m) • Addition to Garn Yr Erw SINC (385m) • Big Pit (472m) • Ducky Pond (494m) • Mulfran, Mynydd Coity, Mynydd James & Gwastad (1655m) • Twyn Ffynhonnau Goerion (1282m) • Cycle path from Blaenavon to Garndiffaith (1779m) • Upper Coedcae Pastures (1636m) • World Heritage Centre Lesser Horseshoe Bat Roost and foraging area (799m) • Coity Pond (760m) • Pontypool Blaenavon Railway Site 2 (1876m) • West Garn Yr Erw (1594m) • Llanover Road (1425m) • Coedcae School Meadow (1139m) • Forgeside Meadow (926m) • Ancient Semi Natural Woodland (1530m) • Coity and Mynydd James mountains (747m)) • Forgeside Fields (812m) • Varteg (HAPD-3-5), Ffrwd y Blaen Melyn (HAPE-1-8), Varteg Reservoir

(HAPE-1-3), Varteg Pasture North (1775m) • Pwll Ddu (1164m) • Pwll Du 2 (786m) • Waun Afon Bog (1509m)

There are three Regionally Important Geodiversity Sites (RIGS) within the search area as well. The closest such site is Big Pit which lies approximately 470m away at

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http://citations.lercwales.org.uk/sinc/SINC_TRF-8471.pdf

http://citations.lercwales.org.uk/sinc/SINC_TRF-8485.pdf


its closest point. Blaen Pig and Canada Tips SINC is approximately 860m away and the Ogof Draenen RIGS is approximately 1.5km away.

There are three areas of Ancient Semi Natural Woodland approximately within the wider search area. However no such site lies within 1.5km of the proposed development site.

A small area of purple moor grass / Ruch pasture was identified within the development site boundary. The extent and quality of the habitat was difficult to determine based on the time of year of the site visit. However the habitat is considered to be a section 7 habitat under the Environment (Wales) Act 2016. This habitat type is a priority for protection for wildlife.

2.2 Potential Impacts to Protected Sites

A section 7 habitat has been found within the development site. The purple moor grass / rush pasture habitat is present to the north of the site and the woodland / scrub habitat is starting to infringe on it and reduce the quality and extent of it. This habitat type depends upon wet conditions and development within close proximity to it could affect the hydrology of the area. Any loss of such habitat must be avoided where possible. If the loss cannot be avoided it must be adequately compensated for with additional similar habitat being created and or managed.

The proposed development would be undertaken in close proximity to the Garn Lakes LNR and the Garn Lakes SINC. These areas are understood to have been designated due to the presence of migratory and wetland birds and the diverse industrial habitats in the area. A large field to the east of the LNR and SINC (closest to the proposed development site) is understood to be managed specifically for ground nesting birds like lapwing. The lapwing breeding area is fenced off and access to dog walkers is restricted during the bird breeding season.

A light industrial and office space development within the site boundary must consider the proximity to protected habitats. Ensuring that the purple moor grass / rush pasture can be retained and the hydrology of the habitat unaffected will be important. Suitable drainage and pollution control from any industrial development will also be required to ensure the local watercourses are not negatively affected.

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3. Phase 1 Survey

3.1 Habitats

A walkover survey of the site was completed 12th January 2021. The survey included all areas of land within the proposed development site boundary. A full list of species recorded can be found in Appendix 1. A habitat map is provided within Appendix 3 of this report to illustrate the approximate location and extent of habitat types within the site boundary.

The majority of the site is considered to be semi improved grassland. Given the time of year it is difficult to say with certainty what type of grassland but it is thought very likely to be acidic grassland with marshy tendencies. Species noted in the sward include fescue and bent grasses, likely to be a few individual species of each grass type. Fairy flax, crested dogs tail, tormentil, a species of woodrush, at least 3 sedge species and compact rush were also noted. A large portion of the site has been disturbed by vehicle movement across the site. This has created areas of bare earth with limited vegetation cover.

A band of woodland is present around the northern edge of the site. Species noted in the woodland include downy birch, goat willow, crack willow, alder and blackthorn. The edge of the woodland and grassland areas appears to be very wet and create a different habitat type. Species noted in this area include sphagnum moss, purple more cross, heather, cross leaved heather, purple moor grass, at least one species of sedge and soft rush. This habitat type is small but considered to be purple moor grass / rush pasture.

Along the western edge of the site the ground is raised along the line of the ditch. A small band of scrub and scattered scrub is present along the area. Scattered stands of gorse and broom with the occasional small blackthorn. The scrub is also present within the ditch line which obscures the view along the ditch in areas. The ditch is vegetated over with acidic grassland making it difficult to see the bottom. The ditch is obviously man made so may have a concrete channel.

To the south of the site the land is currently being used for storage of building rubble. At least three large piles approximately 1.5m high and 3-4m wide are present. Some of the piles are mixed with vegetation and partially grassed over. There is a row of six metal shipping containers placed onto top of rubble hardcore to the south east of the site. The ground in this area is mostly bare earth with vehicle tracks visible. A broken post and wire fence runs along the southern boundary as well.

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3.2 Great Crested Newts

Great crested newts (Triturus cristatus) are a European protected species and are protected under the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017. In summary, they are protected from:

• Deliberate capture, killing and injuring,

• Deliberate disturbance of a breeding site or resting place,

• Deliberate taking or destroying of eggs,

• Damage or destruction of a breeding site or resting place.

Great crested newts (GCN) are listed on schedule 5 of The Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 which protects them from intentional or reckless disturbance or obstruction when using a structure or place for shelter and / or protection. It is also an offence to sell, offer or expose for sale a great crested newt. Great crested newt and common toad are listed in section 7 of the Environment (Wales) Act 2016 which makes them key species to sustain and improve biodiversity.

The closest record for the presence of Great Crested Newt (GCN) is approximately 2.1km away form the development site. The majority of the habitat within the site is considered unsuitable for use by GCN. There are no ponds present within the development site however ephemeral pools are likely to form within the edge habitats across the site. A large pond is present approximately 200m to the west of the site. This pond is understood to be stocked and used for fishing. There are also a number of scrapes in the lapwing reserve area which hold water during period of high rainfall.

The potential for the presence of GCN within the development site cannot be discounted due to a lack of records with the local area. However the majority of the development site is considered sub optimal for use by such species. The areas of bare earth and acidic grassland do not provide adequate cover from predation. The southern half of the site and rubble piles are frequently disturbed by vehicles and movement. The woodland and longer grassland along the western site boundary have more potential for use by such species, however the development proposals look to retain these areas.

The presence of GCN within the development site boundary is considered unlikely. Whilst further survey work to support this development are not recommended at present, consideration for the potential of GCN must be given. A herptile mitigation strategy for the development will be required. This will require the supervision of suitable habitat removal by a GCN licenced ecologist. If at any point GCN are found on site, all work will cease and a development licence from NRW must be sought.

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3.3 Dormice

The dormouse (Muscardinus avellanarius) is a European protected species and is protected under the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017. In summary, they are protected from:




Dormouse are listed on schedule 5 of The Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 which protects them from intentional or reckless disturbance or obstruction when using a structure or place for shelter and / or protection. It is also an offence to sell, offer or expose for sale a native dormouse. Dormouse is listed in section 7 of the Environment (Wales) Act 2016 which makes them a key species to sustain and improve biodiversity.

The data search returned no records for the presence of dormouse within 2km of the proposed development site. The vast majority of the development site is considered to be unsuitable for use by dormouse. The bare earth and grassland areas provide no cover for use by dormouse. The scattered scrub across the site is not dense enough to support a dormouse population.

The woodland around the northern edge of the site could possibly be used by dormouse. It does have some connectivity to small pockets of woodland in the surrounding area. However the woodland is isolated from any adjacent large woodland areas which would allow animal movement across the wider landscape. Dormouse live a low density and a sustainable local population requires a large home range to survive. The Dormouse Conservation Handbook 2nd edition section 2.3, suggests that dormice live at population densities of roughly 2 per hectare.

The woodland habitat tot he north of the site will also be retained as part of the development. Given the lack of local records and poor habitat connectivity into the wider landscape, it is thought highly unlikely that dormouse are present within the site boundary. No further survey work for dormouse is recommended.

3.4 Bats

All British bats are a European protected species and are protected under the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017. In summary, they are protected from:


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Schedule 5 of The Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981) also protects all species of British bat and their roosting locations. British bats are protected from intentional or reckless disturbance and or obstruction of their roosting places. Barbastelle, bechstein, noctule, brown long eared, common pipistrelle, soprano pipistrelle, greater horseshoe and lesser horseshoe bats are also listed in section 7 of the Environment (Wales) Act 2016 which makes them a key species to sustain and improve biodiversity.

There are limited records for the presence of bats within 1km of the proposed development site. There are bat roost records for individual common pipistrelle and lesser horseshoe bats within Blaenavon Iron Works approximately 700m to the west of the site. There are also records for roosting brown long eared, pipistrelle species and lesser horseshoe bats in the Blaenavon World Heritage Centre approximately 1km away from site.

There are no buildings within the proposed development site. There are a number of mature trees in the woodland to the north of the site boundary. A ground based visual assessment of the trees was undertaken during the site visit. No gaps and cracks suitable for use by roosting bats were noted. Whilst the trees in the woodland are mature there were no visible gaps and cracks suitable for roosting use by bats.

The habitats within the wider development site are considered suitable for use by foraging and commuting bats. In the wider landscape around the Blorenge there are a number of large bat hibernation sites and statutory protected sites for bats. The Afon Llwyd and supporting tributaries are present to the south of site approximately 500m away.

The majority of the development plot is open with no mature trees, hedgerows or features along which bats may forage. Security lighting from the adjacent industrial units to the east of the site is likely to spill onto the development site. Any bat use within the site boundary will most likely be along the woodland edges which create sheltered pockets. The ditch line along the west of the site could be used as a commuting route / feature across the site. The woodland and ditch will be retained as part of the development proposals. Sensitive lighting to ensure any retained habitat is not overly lit would ensure the woodland remains suitable for use by foraging bats. Enhancement planting along the ditch line could possibly improve the feature for use by bats.

Given the lack of features to be lost as part of the development and the potential to retain habitat which bats may use, the development is considered to have limited

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impact on bats and how they may use the site. The habitats with the most potential for use by bats will be retained throughout the use of the site. Sensitive site design and enhancement planting would ensure the features remain suitable for use by bats and possibly enhance the amount of foraging habitat on site for such species. Given the industrial proposals for the site, human activity will reduce at night when bats are most likely to forage in the area.

The proposed development site is considered to have low potential for use by bats. Following BCT Guidelines for survey effort, habitat with low potential for use by bats requires a spring, summer and autumn survey. In this instance bat surveys within the site boundary are not recommended as the development will have limited impact on the habitats bat may use.

3.5 Otters

The common otter (Lutra lutra) is a European protected species and is protected under the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017. In summary, they are protected from:




Otter are listed on schedule 5 of The Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 which protects them from intentional or reckless disturbance or obstruction when using a structure or place for shelter and / or protection. It is also an offence to sell, offer or expose for sale an otter. Otter is listed in section 7 of the Environment (Wales) Act 2016 which makes them a key species to sustain and improve biodiversity.

The closest record for the presence of otter is approximately 700m away from the site and is for otter spraint along a small stream. Otters tend to prefer secluded locations for their holts to help prevent them being disturbed by other animals. It is accepted that otters can travel long distances from river corridors to find acceptable holt sites.

The closest waterbody to site is a stream located approximately 400m to the south of site. The stream takes water from the Garn Lakes and flows directly into the Afon Llwyd. It is culverted under a section of Gilchrist Thomas Industrial Estate. The ditch which flows along the western boundary of the site does directly lead into the stream to the south.

It is thought highly unlikely otter would use the proposed development site. The site is open and disturbed by machinery and local dog walkers making it less suitable for

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otter. The grassland and sparse scrub provide no cover for use by otter. The woodland along the northern boundary could possibly be used by otter but it is not extensive and didn’t have any dense understory to prevent disturbance by local people.

Given the high levels of human disturbance within the development site and the lack of cover the majority of the site present for large mammals such as otter, it is thought highly unlikely that otter are present within the site. No further survey work for otter is recommended.

3.6 Badger

Badgers are protected under the Protection of Badgers Act 1992. In summary they are protected from:

• Taking, killing or injuring;

• Cruelty;

• Interfering with a badger sett;

• The selling and possession of badgers;

• Marking or ringing.

Badgers are also listed on schedule 6 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 as amended.

Badgers tend to have a variety of setts with different uses and functions within the territory for the family unit. In general there is usually a main sett which the family will use the most. There are then annex, subsidiary and or outlier setts which depending on family structures and environmental pressures may be used at different times of the year. As female badgers tend to have their cubs over winter the disturbance and damage of badger setts is prohibited between December and June inclusive. NRW are the licensing body for any actions which may contravene the above legislation.

There is one record for the presence of badger returned via the data search. A record for a road traffic collision approximately 2.1km away from site is given.

Badgers favour a dry sloping site for digging their setts preferably within woodland or even under a large hedgerow bank. Badgers are creatures of habit and tend to follow regular pathways between their setts and foraging grounds. No evidence of the presence of badger, such as sett, latrine or digging or evidence of regular pathways in and out of dense vegetation was found during the site survey.

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It is thought highly unlikely that badger are present within the site boundary however they could use the site for foraging purposes. No further survey work for badger is recommended.

3.7 Birds

All breeding birds are protected under schedule 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981) as amended. Under this Act it is an offence to:

• Intentionally take, damage or destroy the nest of any wild bird while it is in use or being built.

• Intentionally take or destroy the egg of any wild bird.

Enhanced protection is afforded to species listed on Schedule 1 of the Act, this additional protection makes it an offence to:

• Intentionally or recklessly disturb any wild bird listed on Schedule 1 while it is nest building, or at a nest containing eggs or young, or disturb the dependent young of such a bird.

No birds’ nests were directly noted during the walkover survey. There are numerous records for ground nesting and migratory birds associated with Garn Lakes in particular. Given the high levels of human disturbance within the site boundary by machinery and dog walkers, the site is highly unlikely to be used by ground nesting birds. Mitigation for the loss of nesting opportunities in the trees and scrub will be required.

3.8 Reptiles and Amphibians

Reptile such as the slow worm, common lizard, adder and grass snake are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981(as amended). They are protected from killing, injuring and sale. They are also listed in section 7 of the Environment Act ( 2016) as priority species for protection. Our common native amphibians are only protected from sale.

The closest reptile record to site is for common lizard approximately 760m away from site. The closest amphibian record if for palmate newt approximately 770m away from site.

The majority of the proposed development site is thought to have low potential for use by reptiles. The bare earth and grassland areas do not provide cover from predation for reptiles. The piles of rubble and building material to the south of site are superficially suitable for use by reptiles. However they are surrounded by bare earth and shorter grassland areas making their use less likely.

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The longer grassland and scrub along the ditch to the west of the site and the woodland area have more potential for use by reptiles, however these ares are proposed for retention as part of the development works. Any reptiles that may be resident within the development site could be encouraged into the areas of retained vegetation during the development work and then allowed to recolonise the site and soft landscaping. The site is open and easily accessible to local residents. There is a concern that any reptile refugia placed across the site would be disturbed or moved, skewing the results of the survey.

As the vast majority of the development site is considered to have low potential for use by reptiles and opportunities to retain reptile populations during the development work, reptile surveys are not recommended in this instance. It is suggested that the presence of a small population of common reptiles within the site boundary is assumed and an appropriate mitigation scheme devised. A reptile mitigation strategy would be required to support any potential development work within the site. As the site is adjacent to similar habitat to the west and south of site it is suggested that a full translocation scheme is not required. Instead any reptiles present within the site boundary could be naturally encouraged, via species deterrent measures, to relocate to adjacent retained habitat within the development site boundary.

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4. Recommendations and Mitigation

It is proposed to create a light industrial development within the site boundary. The development will include industrial units, office units and associated infrastructure. It is understood that the development plans will seek to retain the woodland and purple A number of broad recommendations are made for the development site which can be incorporated into the development.

4.1 Habitat

• An area of purple moor grass / rush pasture is present along the northern edge of the site. This habitat type is a section 7 habitat under the Environment (Wales) Act 2016 and is a priority for retention and enhancement. The development proposals seek to retain this habitat within the development and future use of the site.

• A 5m habitat buffer will be created between the purple moor grass / rush pasture and closest edge of any engineering work required as part of the development proposals. The 5m buffer will be securely fenced off during any construction works to ensure it is retained.

• Detailed drainage proposals for any development on site will be required to demonstrate that the hydrology of the purple moor grass / rush pasture will not be negatively affected. The drainage strategy must seek the retain the habitat buffer as wetland. Details on the discharge of foul water and surface water run off will be required.

• The ditch line along the western boundary of the site must be retained as an open feature for use by wildlife. Tree planting along the stitch would help to strengthen the feature as a habitat corridor around the site for use by a range of wildlife.

• A habitat management plan will be required for the retained habitat and areas of soft landscaping on site to ensure they are appropriately managed for wildlife. The purple moor grass / rush pasture would benefit from tree and scrub removal. Low level maintenance to reduce scrub encroachment and promote floral diversity within grassland areas would also be welcomed.

4.2 Species

• The presence of GCN within the development site boundary is thought to be unlikely based on the suitability of habitat on site. However it cannot be ruled out entirely and as such a precautionary approach to site clearance works will be adopted. All vegetation clearance works will be supervised by a licenced GCN

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ecologist. If at any point GCN are found during works, all work will cease and NRW will be contacted for advice. This advice may entail that work cease until a development licence is sought. Measures suitable for GCN will be incorporated in the reptile mitigation strategy for site.

• The proposed development will result in the loss of scattered scrub and grassland within the proposed development site. These habitats are considered suitable for use by a low numbers of common reptile species during the summer and winter months. A reptile mitigation strategy will be required for any proposed development works which included but is not limited to:

Measures to retain areas of vegetation suitable for use by reptiles throughout the development works,

Timing of site clearance to avoid the winter months when hibernating reptiles are vulnerable,

Two stage vegetation cut,

Enhancement measures within the site suitable for reptiles,

• The scrub within the proposed development site has the potential to be used by nesting birds. Any scrub removal will be undertaken outside of the bird nesting season of March to August inclusive. If this is not achievable an ecologist must inspect any trees or ground vegetation with the potential for birds to be present for active birds' nests prior to removal works beginning. If an active nest is identified a buffer one of 5m around the nest must be observed until the chicks have fledged. Only then can the vegetation be removed.

• The location of artificial lighting within the site boundary will need to avoid illuminating any retained vegetation, soft landscaping or bat boxes incorporated into the development. Any lighting must ensure that dark commuting corridors across the site are provided or created. Retained vegetation around the edges of the site must not exceed a lux level of 0.5 lux during the night time. This will help provide commuting and foraging habitat for a wide variety of local species. No external lighting will be placed at the site access or the eastern and southern edge of the development site.

The Environment Act (Wales) 2016 places a duty on competent authorities such as Torfaen County Borough Council to conserve and enhance biodiversity. Enhancement measures which improve the current biodiversity levels of the site will be required within any future development proposals. Suggested measures which could be achieved as part of the development are detailed below:

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• Integrated bat boxes to be built into the new units within the site. A variety of bat boxes placed within 20% of new buildings would be welcomed. A bat box cannot be placed within 2m of an artificial light source.

• Integrated bird boxes built into the new units within the site. A variety of bird boxes placed within 25% of new buildings would be welcomed.

• Soft landscaping that uses native species mixes only. All soft landscaping must look at the local species not and seek to blend the landscaping within the development site with adjacent natural habitats.

• The creation of a pond or native hedgerow within the development site which holds water throughout the year would create diversity within the site layout.

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Appendix 1 – Plant Species Recorded

Species Common Name

Trees & Scrub

Betula pubescens Downy birch

Rubus fruticosus Bramble

Prunus spinosa Blackthorn

Ulex app Gorse

Cystisus scoparius Broom

Salix caprea Goat willow

Salix fragilis Crack Willow

Alnus glutinosa Alder

Herbaceous Plants

Calluna vulgaris Heather

Taraxacum egg Dandelion

Erica tetralix Cross leaved heath

Potential erecta Tormentil

Galium aparine Cleavers

Trifolium sp Clover sp

Ranunculus repens Creeping buttercup

Utrica diocia Nettle

Juncus conglomeratus Compact rush

Juncus effusus Soft rush

Plantago major Broadleaved plantain

Geranium robertianum Herb Robert

Agrostis sp Bent species

Festuca sp Fescue sp

Luzula sp Woodrush sp

Arrhenatherum elatius False oat grass

Molinia caerulea Purple moor grass

Cynosurus cristatus Crested dogstail

Senecio vulgaris Groundsel

Potentilla anserina Silverweed

Linum cathartic Fairy flax

Blechnum spicant Hard fern

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Hypericum sp St Johns wort sp

Cirsium arvense Creeping thistle

Plantago lanceolate Ribwort plantain

Arrhenatherum elatius False oat grass

Pteridium aquilinum Bracken

Poa sp Meadow grass sp

Potentilla sterilis Barren strawberry

Leontodon sp Hawkbit sp

Carex sp Sedge sp

Vicia sp Vetch sp

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Appendix 2 - Site Photographs

Grassland / Woodland edge to north of site Example view of rush pasture to north of site

Site looking north west Eastern boundary of site

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Site Looking west Bare earth & grassland in centre of site

Southern edge of site View of ditch along western boundary

South western corner of site View looking north east

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Fence line along southern boundary Rubble and brash piles to south of site

Metal shipping units to south of site Southern boundary of site

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Appendix 3– Habitat Map of Site

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WoodlandAcid Grassland

Purple Moor Grass & Rush Pasture

Bare Earth

Scrub

Building Spoil

Scattered Scrub

Dry Ditch

Post & Wire Fence

Site Boundray

KAYS & KEARS SITE, BLAENAVON - NORTHERN PLOT

Habitat Map

January 2021


Appendix 4 - Aerial View of Site Location

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preliminary ecological assessment

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