winter bird survey 2017-18 survey › upload › www... · final report for: greater cambridge...

Darren Frost

BSc (Hons) CEnv MCIEEM CBiol MRSB

April 2018

© Cambridge Ecology

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Cambourne to Cambridge Better Public Transport:

Winter Bird Survey 2017-18 Survey

FINAL REPORT

For: Greater Cambridge Partnership

Cambourne to Cambridge Better Public Transport: Winter Bird Survey Report 2017-18

P0608-R-006a 2 Cambridge Ecology 19/04/2018

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Document Information

Report title: Cambourne to Cambridge Better Public Transport: Winter Bird Survey 2017-18

Client: Greater Cambridge Partnership

Document ref: P0608-R-006a Final Report

Author(s): Darren Frost

Report date: 19th April 2018


Cambridge Ecology 19/04/2018 3 P0608-R-006a

CONTENTS

0 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ....................................................................................................5

1 INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................7

Aims and objectives ......................................................................................... 7

Survey area ....................................................................................................... 7

2 METHODS ..........................................................................................................................9

Registration Mapping ....................................................................................... 9

Arable Land Usage ......................................................................................... 11

Survey Constraints......................................................................................... 11

3 RESULTS ........................................................................................................................ 12

Wintering birds between Bourn Airfield and Grange Road, Cambridge ..... 12

Wintering birds at Bourn Airfield .................................................................. 15

Nocturnal Wintering birds between Bourn Airfield and Grange Road,

Cambridge and Bourn Airfield ....................................................................... 17

Other Observations of Ecological Receptors ............................................... 17

4 EVALUATION .................................................................................................................. 18

Species account. ............................................................................................ 18

Red Kite ........................................................................................................... 18

Woodcock ........................................................................................................ 18

Kingfisher ......................................................................................................... 18

Skylark ............................................................................................................. 18

Starling ............................................................................................................. 19

Fieldfare ........................................................................................................... 19

Song Thrush .................................................................................................... 19

Redwing ........................................................................................................... 19

Mistle Thrush ................................................................................................... 20

Dunnock ........................................................................................................... 20

Bullfinch ........................................................................................................... 20

Linnet ............................................................................................................... 20

Lesser Redpoll ................................................................................................. 21

Yellowhammer ................................................................................................. 21

Reed Bunting ................................................................................................... 21

Combined Species Distribution ........................................................................ 21

5 KEY POINTS AND FINDINGS ........................................................................................ 23

6 BIBLIOGRAPHY ............................................................................................................. 25

7 APPENDIX A ................................................................................................................... 27



TABLES

Table 2.1 Weather conditions during the 2017-2018 winter bird survey visits

......................................................................................................................... 10

Table 3.1: Bird species, their behaviour and conservation status recorded

during the 2017-2018 winter bird surveys between Bourn Airfield and

Grange Road, Cambridge. ............................................................................. 12

Table 3.2: Total number of birds recorded each visit and peak flock size in

brackets during the 2017-2018 winter bird surveys between Bourn Airfield

and Grange Road, Cambridge ....................................................................... 14

Table 3.3: Bird species, their behaviour and conservation status recorded

during the 2017-2018 winter bird surveys at Bourn Airfield and their

Conservation Status ....................................................................................... 15

Table 3.4: Total number of birds recorded each visit and peak flock size in

brackets during the 2017-2018 winter bird surveys at Bourn Airfield ........ 16

Table 8.1: Species recorded during the 2017-2018 winter bird survey. ...... 27

FIGURES

Figure 1.1: Extent of Survey Area and Site Boundary ................................. 29

Figure 3.1: Arable field usage in the eastern section of the survey area ... 30

Figure 3.2: Arable field usage in the central section of the survey area .... 31

Figure 3.3: Arable field usage in the western section of the survey area... 32

Figure 3.4: Distribution of the winter bird species of conservation

importance in Section 1 of the survey area at the Grange Road end. ........ 33


importance in Section 2 of the survey area centred around the M11

motorway. ....................................................................................................... 34


importance in Section 3 of the survey area around Madingley Wood SSSI 35


importance in Section 4 of the survey area around the Water Tower at

Madingley Mulch ............................................................................................ 36


importance in Section 5 of the survey area around Hardwick and Scotland

Farm ................................................................................................................ 37


importance in Section 6 of the survey area around the eastern entrance to

Bourn Airfield ................................................................................................. 38


importance in Section 7 of the survey area on Bourn Airfield .................... 39

Figure 4.1: Combined distribution of winter bird species of conservation

importance across the entire survey area. ................................................... 40



0 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

0.1 On behalf of Greater Cambridge Partnership, Cambridge Ecology Ltd was

commissioned in October 2017, to carry out a winter bird survey on land

associated with Cambourne to Cambridge Better Public Transport Scheme.

The survey comprised the sections between Bourne Airfield and Grange

Road, Cambridge. Subsequently the survey area was extended to include

the northern part of Bourn Airfield between the entrance at Wellington Way

and entrance at Broadway.

0.2 The survey recorded a total of 53 bird species. Of these 24 species were

considered to be of particular conservation importance. These species

comprised Red Kite, Kingfisher, Woodcock, Skylark, Starling, Fieldfare,

Redwing, Song Thrush, Mistle Thrush, Dunnock, Bullfinch, Linnet, Lesser

Redpoll, Yellowhammer and Reed Bunting; plus, Mute Swan, Teal, Mallard,

Shoveler, Snipe, Black-headed Gull, Stock Dove, Kestrel and Meadow Pipit,

which are Amber listed on the Birds of Conservation Concern.

0.3 Without mitigation, the presence of these species could constitute a

constraint to the scheme and therefore are of material consideration during

the planning decision process.

0.4 The diurnal survey of Bourn Airfield recorded a total of 21 bird species in the

survey area, between eastern and western entrances along the northern

perimeter. Of these 9 species were considered to be of particular

conservation importance. These species comprised Skylark, Dunnock, and

Reed Bunting; plus, Black-headed Gull, Common Gull, Lesser Black-backed

Gull, Stock Dove, Kestrel and Meadow Pipit, which are Amber listed on the

Birds of Conservation Concern.

0.5 Without mitigation, the presence of these species could constitute a

constraint to the scheme and therefore are of material consideration during

the planning decision process.

0.6 During the nocturnal surveys between Bourn Airfield and Grange Road,

Cambridge and on Bourn Airfield itself, no target species, namely wintering

plovers (Lapwing and Golden Plover) or owl species were seen or heard.

The absence of these species indicates that currently they do not constitute

a constraint to the scheme.

0.7 Observations of bird behaviour during the survey visits indicated that the

birds were using the survey area for feeding and roosting, and was therefore

an important area for the survival of the species assemblage present.

0.8 The distribution of wintering birds recorded during the survey visits was not

evenly spread across the survey area, but was focused on seven particular

areas that provided the wintering birds with suitably safe feeding and

roosting habitat.



0.9 Based on the findings of this survey, mitigation measures would be

considered necessary; the detail of these would depend on the actual route

of the scheme The mitigation measures would be necessary to enable the

scheme to proceed without causing a significant adverse effect on the local

wintering bird population.

0.10 During the winter bird surveys observation of other ecological features were

made. A peak count of 11 Brown Hare was made; with six being the largest

number seen together. Observations of their behaviour indicated that they

were using the survey area for feeding, sheltering and courting.

0.11 Without mitigation, the presence of Brown Hare could constitute a constraint

to the scheme and therefore are of material consideration during the

planning decision process.



1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 On behalf of Greater Cambridge Partnership, Cambridge Ecology Ltd was

commissioned in October 2017, to carry out a winter bird survey on land

associated with the Cambourne to Cambridge Better Public Transport

Scheme. The survey comprised the sections between Bourne Airfield and

Grange Road, Cambridge. Subsequently the survey area was extended to

include the northern part of Bourn Airfield between the entrance at

Wellington Way and entrance at Broadway.

1.2 This survey was required to investigate the potential for wintering birds

(especially wintering waders, i.e. Lapwing and Golden Plover; and wintering

thrushes, i.e. Redwing and Fieldfare), to be present along the proposed

route of the scheme and which could therefore potentially be affected by the

development and could cause a constraint to the proposed development. If

present, wintering birds would need to be considered further in relation to

maintaining compliance with wildlife legislation and planning policy.

1.3 For clarity in this report the development site (or 'site') refers to land within

the survey area including the red line boundary of the Cambourne to

Cambridge Better Public Transport Scheme, and the northern part of Bourn

Airfield.

Aims and objectives

1.4 The objectives of the 2018 winter bird survey were to provide information on

the:

current assemblage and abundance of wintering birds in the survey

area;

presence of wintering waders, i.e. Lapwing and Golden Plover; and

wintering thrushes, i.e. Redwing and Fieldfare;

conservation status of the wintering birds found in the survey area;

distribution of wintering birds of conservation concern found in the

survey area;

use of the survey area by wintering birds.

Survey area

1.5 The site was located between Grange Road, Cambridge at the eastern end

and the Bourn Airfield entrance off the A1303 at the western end. To the

north the site was bordered by the A428 dual carriageway and to the south

mainly by arable land. The site also included three potential park and ride

sites; one at Bourne Airfield, one adjacent to Scotland Farm and the other

near the water tower adjacent to Madingley Mulch.

1.6 In March 2018, land across the northern part of Bourn Airfield between the

entrances at Wellington Way and Broadway; along which the scheme may

pass in order to reach Cambourne, was added to the survey area.



1.7 The survey area included a buffer zone up to 250m beyond the red line

boundary of the Cambourne to Cambridge Better Public Transport Scheme.

This excluded areas where access was not possible and excluded areas

beyond significant features such as major roads (e.g. A428), commercial,

and residential developments. These features were considered to likely

influence the movement and behaviour of wildlife and beyond which the

scheme would be unlikely to have an adverse effect.

1.8 Figure 1.1 shows the extent of the survey area.

1.9 Within the survey area:

the dominant habitat was arable land;

other habitats included amenity and improved grassland, tall ruderal,

dense and scattered scrub, ephemeral/short perennial;

habitats of conservation value included, semi-improved grassland,

broad-leaved lowland deciduous woodland (including plantation

woodland), traditional orchards, hedgerows, wet and dry ditches other

waterbodies (such as ponds and a lake) and Bin Brook.



2 METHODS

2.1 The English names, scientific names and taxonomic order of birds detailed

in this report follows the British List (BOU, 2014).

Registration Mapping

2.2 The survey methodology involved standard territory (registration) mapping

techniques as detailed in Bibby et al. (2000). Registrations of birds, using

standard British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) two letter species codes, were

placed onto an appropriate field map (scale 1:5000). Specific codes were

also used to record the birds’ behaviour e.g. feeding, roosting.

2.3 Two diurnal surveys were made each month, plus a single nocturnal survey

was carried out each month to detect wintering plovers (namely Lapwing

and Golden Plover) and owls.

2.4 The survey area was walked at a slow pace in appropriately fine weather in

order to locate and identify all individual birds observed. All field boundaries

and suitable habitats were walked. Diurnal visits were undertaken generally

between 08:30 – 1600 over a 2-day period. The whole survey area was

covered during each visit, using suitable optical equipment (binoculars and

telescope) to observe bird behaviour. Survey routes were mapped and

routes were alternated on each visit, to ensure that all areas were covered at

various times of day across the duration of the survey.

2.5 The nocturnal visits were undertaken generally between 1800 and 2300 over

a single evening, the focus for these surveys were the arable fields, where

wintering plovers and owls may feed and/or roost at night. To detect birds at

night, the surveyor used a thermal camera (Flir Scout BTS Series Thermal

Night Vision Camera) to scan the fields and listened for the characteristic

calls to detect the presence of wintering plovers and search for owls.

2.6 Surveys were undertaken between November 2017 and March 2018, with

six survey visits taking place. The survey dates were as follows:

11th-12th and 24th-25th October 2017

9th-10th, 14th and 20th-21st November 2017

7th- 8th, 11th and 18th-19th December 2017

15th-16th, 26th and 29th-30th January 2018

6th-7th, 15th, and 21st-22nd February 2018

8th-9th, 19th, 20th and 23rd March 2018

12th-13th, 23rd, and 26th-27th March 2018 (Bourn Airfield)

2.7 The weather conditions encountered during the surveys are detailed in

Table 2.1



Table 2.1 Weather conditions during the 2017-2018 winter bird survey visits

Survey Visit

Diurnal/Nocturnal Survey

Date Wind conditions Temperature (Ave.

oC)

Rain (y/n)

Direction Maximum Gust (mph)

Speed (Ave. mph)

BOURN AIRFIELD TO GRANGE ROAD

1 Diurnal 11/10/17 12/10/17

SW SW

16 12

14 5

16 15

n n

2 Diurnal 24/10/17 25/10/17

W W

11 10

10 5

16 16

n n

3 Diurnal 09/11/17 10/11/17

NW W

23 14

9 6

11 11

n n

4 Nocturnal 14/11/17 SW 18 8 10 n

5 Diurnal 20/11/17 21/11/17

SW SW

29 16

14 7

9 12

n n

6 Diurnal 07/12/17 08/12/17

SSW W

34 30

15 15

12 3

Light drizzle

n

7 Nocturnal 11/12/17 N 16 9 -1 n

8 Diurnal 18/12/17 19/12/17

NW SW

10 8

5 6

6 5

n n

9 Diurnal 15/01/18 16/01/18

SSW WSW

36 31

17 16

10 3

Y n

10 Nocturnal 26/01/18 W 11 7 4 n

11 Diurnal 29/01/18 30/01/18

WSW SW

32 17

17 7

11 6

Y n

12 Diurnal 06/02/18 07/02/18

N NNW

14 23

9 11

3 2

n n

13 Nocturnal 15/02/18 WSW 10 5 0 n

14 Diurnal 21/02/18 22/02/18

N E

17 17

8 10

6 5

n n

15 Diurnal 08/03/18 09/03/18

WSW SW

33 11

25 6

6 10

Occasional shower

n

16 Nocturnal 19/03/18 NNE 23 10 1 n

17 Diurnal 20/03/18 23/03/18

NNE SSW

27 28

15 15

8 10

n n

BOURN AIRFIELD

A Diurnal 12/03/18 N 7 4 10 n

B Diurnal 13/03/18 NW 16 8 8 n

C Nocturnal 23/03/18 S 18 10 7 n

D Diurnal 26/03/18 W 9 6 8 n

E Diurnal 27/03/18 SSW 21 13 11 Occasional shower

weather data obtained from: http://www.metoffice.gov.uk and

http://www.accuweather.com

2.8 Observations of birds made in the field were recorded directly on to

handheld computers. These devises displayed Ordnance Survey (OS) base

maps and the location of the surveyor - using Global Positioning Systems

(GPS) technology. This aided in the accurate recording of the birds’

location. Upon completion of the surveys the data were then downloaded

and used to create master maps.



2.9 The conservation status of the species recorded as wintering were

compared against the following criteria:

Annex 1 of the EU Birds Directive (Directive 79/409/EEC);

Schedule 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, (as amended);

Species of Principal Importance Natural Environment & Rural

Communities Act (2006), (as amended);

UK Biodiversity Action Plan (UK BAP) priority species (Anon, 2007);

Cambridge Biodiversity Action Plan Priority Species

(http://www.cpbiodiversity.org.uk/biodiversity-action-plans/priority-

species);

Birds of Conservation Concern (BoCC) Red/Amber List (Hayhow et

al., 2017).

2.10 The master maps were used for those species that are covered by one or

more of the above criteria, to create a species of conservation concern

distribution map.

Arable Land Usage

2.11 A record of the arable field usage was made, as it was recognised that this

could influence the winter bird distribution and assemblage.

Survey Constraints

2.12 The surveys were carried out in suitable weather conditions and at a time of

day when birds would likely be most active and visible to surveyors. The

results were considered to provide a valid indication of the abundance,

assemblage and distribution of winter birds within the survey areas at the

time of the survey visits.

2.13 It was recognised that there were two specific constraints associated with

the survey data. These are as follows:

The survey of Bourn Airfield was carried out in March only and would

not represent a full winter survey; therefore, the data may not be

representative of the actual abundance, assemblage and distribution

of wintering birds at the airfield.

The surveys were carried out over one winter 2017-18; therefore,

natural annual variations, and variations due to arable field

management would not be identified.

2.14 These limitations should be noted and considered when using these data for

any assessment of effects by the scheme proposals on wintering birds.

http://www.cpbiodiversity.org.uk/biodiversity-action-plans/priority-species

http://www.cpbiodiversity.org.uk/biodiversity-action-plans/priority-species



3 RESULTS

3.1 The English and Latin names of all the species recorded during the survey

detailed in this report can be found in Appendix A.

3.2 The arable field usage varied and comprised; cereal, oil seed rape, and

pea/bean crops. There were also some ploughed fields and unploughed

fallow fields. To the east of the M11 motorway there were three fields sown

with a game cover mix. Figure 3.1 illustrates the arable field usage within

the survey area.

Wintering birds between Bourn Airfield and Grange Road, Cambridge

3.3 During the winter bird survey, a total of 53 bird species were recorded

between October 2017 and March 2018. Of these 24 species are

considered to be of particular conservation importance, based on the criteria

set out in para 2.9.

3.4 Two species (Red Kite and Kingfisher) are listed as Annex 1 species under

the EU Birds Directive. Four species (Red Kite, Kingfisher, Fieldfare and

Redwing) are listed as Schedule 1 species under the Wildlife & Countryside

Act 1981 (as amended). Nine species (Skylark, Starling, Song Thrush,

Dunnock, Bullfinch, Linnet, Lesser Redpoll, Yellowhammer and Reed

Bunting) are listed as Species of Principal Importance under the NERC Act

2006, these species are also UKBAP priority species. Eleven species are

Birds of Conservation Concern (BoCC) red listed (these comprise the nine

UKBAP priority species, plus Mistle Thrush and Woodcock). Thirteen

species are BoCC amber listed, of which nine species (Mute Swan, Teal,

Mallard, Shoveler, Snipe, Black-headed Gull, Stock Dove, Kestrel and

Meadow Pipit) were not listed on any other form of citation.

3.5 All species recorded during the winter bird surveys, their usage of the survey

area, together with their conservation status are detailed in Table 3.1.

Table 3.1: Bird species, their behaviour and conservation status

recorded during the 2017-2018 winter bird surveys between Bourn

Airfield and Grange Road, Cambridge.

Species Behaviour Conservation Status

Mute Swan Feeding Amber

Teal Feeding, Roosting Amber

Mallard Feeding, Roosting Amber

Shoveler Feeding, Roosting Amber

Red-legged Partridge Feeding

Pheasant Feeding

Little Grebe Feeding

Red Kite Overhead Annex 1, WCA 1

Sparrowhawk Feeding

Buzzard Feeding

Moorhen Feeding




Coot Feeding

Woodcock Feeding, Roosting Red

Snipe Feeding, Roosting Amber

Black-headed Gull Feeding Amber

Stock Dove Feeding Amber

Woodpigeon Feeding

Collared Dove Feeding

Kingfisher Feeding Annex 1, WCA 1, Amber

Green Woodpecker Feeding

Great Spotted Woodpecker Feeding

Kestrel Feeding Amber

Magpie Feeding

Jay Feeding

Jackdaw Feeding

Rook Feeding

Carrion Crow Feeding

Goldcrest Feeding

Blue Tit Feeding

Great Tit Feeding

Coal Tit Feeding

Skylark Feeding/Resting UKBAP, SPI, LBAP, Red

Long-tailed Tit Feeding

Nuthatch Feeding

Wren Feeding

Starling Feeding UKBAP, SPI, Red

Blackbird Feeding

Fieldfare Feeding WCA 1, Red

Song Thrush Feeding UKBAP, SPI, Red

Redwing Feeding WCA 1, Red

Mistle Thrush Feeding Red

Robin Feeding

Dunnock Feeding UKBAP, SPI, Amber

Pied Wagtail Feeding

Meadow Pipit Feeding Amber

Chaffinch Feeding

Bullfinch Feeding UKBAP, SPI, Amber

Greenfinch Feeding

Linnet Feeding UKBAP, SPI, Red

Lesser Redpoll Feeding UKBAP, SPI, Red

Goldfinch Feeding

Yellowhammer Feeding UKBAP, SPI, Red

Reed Bunting Feeding UKBAP, SPI, Amber Annex 1 - Annex 1 of the Birds Directive; WCA1 - Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) Schedule 1; UKBAP - UK Biodiversity Action Plan species; SPI -

Species of Principal Importance under Section 41 of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities (NERC) Act 2006; LBAP - Cambridgeshire Biodiversity Action Plan

Species; Red - Birds of Conservation Concern Red list; Amber - Birds of Conservation Concern Amber list;

3.6 Table 3.2 details the number of each species recorded during each diurnal

survey visit, with the largest individual flock shown in brackets.



3.7 Figures 3.2 to 3.7 provides an illustration of the distribution of the 15

species, listed on at least one conservation criteria (Birds of Conservation

Concern Red List and higher) conservation importance.

Table 3.2: Total number of birds recorded each visit and peak flock

size in brackets during the 2017-2018 winter bird surveys between

Bourn Airfield and Grange Road, Cambridge

BTO Code

Species Visit 1

Visit 2

Visit 3

Visit 5

Visit 6

Visit 8

Visit 9

Visit 11

Visit 12

Visit 14

Visit 15

Visit 17

MS Mute Swan 2 (1) 2 (2) 2 (2)

T Teal 23 (12)

13 (8)

9 (5)

MA Mallard 15 (8)

10 (6)

20 (10)

13 (7)

34 (6)

26 (6)

28 (5)

26 (5) 30 (6)

40 (6)

10 (4)

8 (2)

SV Shoveler 2 (1)

RL Red-legged Partridge

8 (2) 12 (4)

18 (2)

4 (2) 6 (2) 2 (2) 2 (1)

PH Pheasant 2 (1) 2 (2) 2 (2) 48 (15)

24 (3)

32 (4)

32 (4) 8 (1) 22 (3)

12 (2)

8 (2)

LG Little Grebe 2 (2) 2 (1) 2 (1) 2 (1) 2 (1)

KT Red Kite 2 (1)

SH Sparrowhawk 1 (1) 2 (1) 2 (1) 2 (1)

BZ Buzzard 5 (3) 5 (3) 2 (1) 3 (2) 2 (1) 6 (2) 4 (2) 2 (1) 2 (1) 2 (1) 2 (2) 5 (3)

MH Moorhen 3 (2) 6 (2) 9 (4) 6 (2) 26 (4)

10 (2)

14 (2)

16 (2) 10 (2)

22 (3)

12 (2)

10 (2)

CO Coot 3 (3) 2 (2) 6 (6) 5 (5) 14 (5)

4 (2) 8 (2) 16 (3) 10 (3)

6 (3) 4 (2) 4 (2)

WK Woodcock 13 (10)

13 (10)

18 (4)

6 (1) 16 (5)

6 (2)

SN Snipe 2 (2) 3 (3) 2 (1) 4 (1) 4 (1)

BH Black-headed Gull

4 (2) 4 (2) 4 (2) 6 (6) 8 (8)

SD Stock Dove 6 (3) 20 (10) 4 (2) 6 (2)

WP Woodpigeon 61 (24)

57 (20)

71 (40)

60 (14)

244 (25)

422 (36)

196 (18)

148 (17)

270 (125

)

118 (10)

195 (45)

126 (38)

CD Collared Dove 6 (3) 16 (4)

40 (5)

4 (2) 18 (2)

8 (2) 8 (2) 6 (2) 6 (2)

KF Kingfisher 1 (1) 1 (1) 2 (1) 2 (1) 2 (1)

G Green Woodpecker

1 (1) 3 (1) 4 (1) 2 (1) 6 (1) 4 (1) 4 (1) 4 (2) 2 (1)

GS Great Spotted Woodpecker

3 (1) 3 (1) 16 (1)

12 (2)

8 (1) 8 (1) 2 (1) 8 (2) 6 (2) 2 (1)

K Kestrel 2 (1) 1 (1) 3 (1) 1 (1) 4 (1) 4 (1) 2 (1) 4 (1) 2 (1) 2 (1) 2 (1)

MG Magpie 5 (2) 10 (2)

13 (4)

10 (2)

56 (3)

32 (5)

44 (2)

34 (2) 12 (3)

28 (2)

20 (4)

18 (2)

J Jay 1 (1) 6 (1) 6 (1) 6 (1) 2 (1) 2 (1) 6 (1) 2 (1) 2 (1)

JD Jackdaw 19 (19)

3 (3) 36 (20)

16 (12)

108 (28)

82 (15)

36 (7)

12 (4) 28 (11)

16 (5)

18 (6)

RO Rook 65 (30)

8 (8) 11 (11)

10 (5)

C Carrion Crow 70 (27)

12 (5)

29 (10)

25 (5)

70 (6)

76 (5)

60 (5)

50 (3) 36 (4)

44 (2)

26 (4)

20 (5)

GC Goldcrest 13 (7)

3 (3) 1 (1) 3 (3) 34 (6)

12 (4)

20 (4)

4 (2) 2 (1) 2 (1) 2 (1) 2 (1)

BT Blue Tit 11 (7)

17 (10)

12 (4)

37 (10)

104 (12)

108 (6)

104 (5)

76 (3) 60 (6)

80 (5)

58 (4)

50 (4)

GT Great Tit 1 (1) 10 (6)

8 (4) 20 (9)

52 (4)

70 (4)

68 (4)

40 (3) 32 (1)

56 (3)

28 (4)

25 (2)

CT Coal Tit 2 (1) 6 (3) 6 (2) 4 (2) 6 (1) 2 (1)

S Skylark 1 (1) 60 (28)

26 (10)

8 (4) 8 (1) 2 (1) 2 (1) 2 (1)

LT Long-tailed Tit 43 (21)

28 (14)

22 (16)

35 (11)

100 (10)

42 (6)

42 (7)

38 (5) 68 (10)

36 (6)

30 (6)

28 (7)



BTO Code

Species Visit 1

Visit 2

Visit 3

Visit 5

Visit 6

Visit 8

Visit 9

Visit 11

Visit 12

Visit 14

Visit 15

Visit 17

NH Nuthatch 1 (1) 2 (1) 4 (2) 4 (2) 2 (1) 2 (1) 4 (2) 4 (2) 4 (2)

WR Wren 1 (1) 5 (4) 13 (1)

68 (1)

42 (1)

70 (2)

28 (1) 20 (1)

38 (1)

40 (2

36 (2)

SG Starling 4 (4) 6 (3) 10 (5) 130 (37)

26 (8)

16 (8)

20 (6)

B Blackbird 5 (1) 9 (6) 26 (4)

15 (4)

72 (1)

120 (6)

68 (2)

32 (2) 50 (3)

70 (3)

62 (2)

53 (2)

FF Fieldfare 8 (4) 22 (12)

178 (28)

386 (85)

64 (15)

98 (21) 154 (41)

36 (18)

102 (48)

24 (24)

ST Song Thrush 2 (1) 5 (5) 6 (5) 34 (1)

20 (3)

18 (1)

14 (1) 6 (1) 14 (1)

12 (2)

10 (2)

RE Redwing 6 (3) 19 (15)

91 (28)

51 (30)

284 (29)

262 (32)

122 (14)

80 (14) 28 (4)

74 (15)

59 (32)

46 (15)

M Mistle Thrush 1 (1) 2 (2) 2 (2) 4 (2) 4 (2) 8 (2) 12 (2)

2 (1) 4 (1) 6 (2) 2 (2) 2 (2)

R Robin 8 (1) 11 (3)

32 (5)

29 (8)

74 (1)

62 (1)

94 (1)

68 (1) 52 (1)

66 (1)

64 (2)

52 (2)

D Dunnock 4 (1) 3 (1) 5 (1) 13 (4)

26 (4)

42 (4)

44 (4)

32 (5) 12 (1)

42 (1)

40 (3)

44 (4)

PW Pied Wagtail 6 (3) 4 (2) 2 (1) 2 (1) 2 (1) 6 (2) 4 (2)

MP Meadow Pipit 18 (15)

1 (1) 12 (6)

98 (39)

6 (3) 16 (5) 6 (3) 22 (11)

18 (12)

26 (18)

CH Chaffinch 6 (2) 10 (6)

15 (10)

19 (8)

36 (14)

64 (6)

68 (11)

54 (12) 60 (23)

40 (5)

BF Bullfinch 1 (1) 4 (2) 4 (2) 2 (2) 2 (2)

GR Greenfinch 20 (10)

4 (2) 20 (8) 2 (1) 22 (8)

15 (10)

12 (6)

LI Linnet 44 (22)

132 (38)

32 (16)

24 (12) 20 (10)

12 (12)

15 (15)

LR Lesser Redpoll 1 (1)

GO Goldfinch 70 (28)

30 (20)

78 (54)

52 (25)

68 (18)

100 (26)

50 (14)

44 (16) 134 (34)

54 (12)

47 (22)

45 (18)

Y Yellowhammer 6 (5) 24 (12)

6 (3) 8 (4) 22 (11) 96 (45)

8 (4) 6 (6) 6 (2)

RB Reed Bunting 12 (12)

7 (4) 64 (18)

22 (7)

20 (7) 36 (18)

16 (4)

12 (6)

14 (8)

Wintering birds at Bourn Airfield

3.8 During the winter bird survey visits in March 2018, a total of 21 species were

recorded. Of these nine species are considered to be of particular

conservation importance, based on the criteria set out in para 2.9.

3.9 Three species (Skylark, Dunnock and Reed Bunting) are listed as Species of

Principal Importance under the NERC Act 2006, these species are also

UKBAP priority species. One species (Skylark) is a LBAP priority species

and is red listed, while a further seven species are amber listed.

3.10 All species recorded during the winter bird survey visits, their usage of the

survey area, together with their conservation status are detailed in Table 3.3.

Table 3.3: Bird species, their behaviour and conservation status

recorded during the 2017-2018 winter bird surveys at Bourn Airfield

and their Conservation Status


Red-legged Partridge Feeding

Pheasant Feeding




Buzzard Overhead

Black-headed Gull Roosting Amber

Common Gull Roosting Amber

Lesser Black-backed Gull Roosting Amber

Stock Dove Feeding Amber

Woodpigeon Feeding

Collared Dove Feeding

Kestrel Feeding Amber

Magpie Feeding

Jackdaw Feeding

Rook Feeding

Carrion Crow Feeding

Skylark Feeding UKBAP, SPI, LBAP, Red

Blackbird Feeding

Robin Feeding

Dunnock Feeding UKBAP, SPI, Amber

Meadow Pipit Feeding Amber

Chaffinch Feeding

Reed Bunting Feeding UKBAP, SPI, Amber

3.11 Table 3.4 details the number of each species recorded during each diurnal

survey visit, with the largest individual flock shown in brackets.

Table 3.4: Total number of birds recorded each visit and peak flock

size in brackets during the 2017-2018 winter bird surveys at Bourn

Airfield

BTO Code Species Visit A Visit B Visit D Visit E

RL Red-legged Partridge 2 (2) 2 (2) 2 (2) 2 (2)

PH Pheasant 1 2 (1) 2 (1) 2 (1)

BZ Buzzard 2 (2) 2 (2)

BH Black-headed Gull 16 (16) 10 (10) 8 (8)

CM Common Gull 12 (12) 8 (8) 2 (2)

LB Lesser Black-backed Gull 20 (2) 18(18)

SD Stock Dove 4 (4) 2 (2) 2 (2)

WP Woodpigeon 6 (6) 4 (4) 18 )10) 13 (8)

CD Collared Dove 2 (2) 2 (2)

K Kestrel 1 (1) 1 (1) 1 (1)

MG Magpie 2 (2) 2 (2) 5 (2) 2 (2)

JD Jackdaw 3 (2) 2 (2) 7 (4) 2 (2)

RO Rook 5 (5) 4 (2) 6 (3) 5 (2)

C Carrion Crow 2 (2) 2 (2) 3 (3) 4 (4)

S Skylark 4 (1) 3 (1) 3 (1) 3 (1)

B Blackbird 1 1

R Robin 2 (1) 2 (1) 3 (1) 2 (1)



BTO Code Species Visit A Visit B Visit D Visit E

D Dunnock 1

MP Meadow Pipit 2 (1)

CH Chaffinch 2 (2) 1 (1) 2 (1) 2(2)

RB Reed Bunting 2 (2) 1(1) 1 (1)

Nocturnal Wintering birds between Bourn Airfield and Grange Road,

Cambridge and Bourn Airfield

3.12 Nocturnal survey visits of the area between Grange Road, Cambridge and

Bourn Airfield were carried out during visits 4, 7,10,13 and 16. A nocturnal

survey of Bourn Airfield was carried out during visit C.

3.13 No wintering waders (namely Lapwing and/or Golden Plover) or owls, were

recorded during any of the nocturnal winter bird surveys between November

2017 and March 2018.

Other Observations of Ecological Receptors

3.14 During the winter bird surveys, observation of other ecological receptors

were also noted.

3.15 Brown Hare, a UK BAP species, was observed during eight of the survey

visits. These were mainly observed on arable land south of the A1303

between Madingley Rise and Coton village and in the grassland associated

with the covered reservoir adjacent to Madingley Mulch. Brown Hare were

also seen on the arable land to the east of the M11 motorway and on Bourn

Airfield.

3.16 The peak count of 11 Brown Hare was made, with six being the largest





4 EVALUATION

Species account.

4.1 The following accounts of bird species relate to those considered as

wintering, within the survey area that are listed on: Annex 1 of the EC Birds

Directive, Schedule 1 of the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981, Section 41 -

Species of Principal Importance of the NERC Act 2006, UK and Local BAP

Priority Species and the Birds of Conservation Concern Red List. These

species are, therefore, regarded as of high conservation importance either

nationally or locally.

Red Kite

4.2 Red Kite is listed as an Annex 1 in the European Birds Directive and

Schedule 1 species in the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 (as amended).

Two Red Kite were seen on one occasion during visit 8. These birds were

seen flying over the arable fields in the survey area to the south of the West

Cambridge site and appeared to be searching for food.

Woodcock

4.3 Woodcock is listed under the Birds of Conservation Concern as a red list

species. Woodcock were seen during six of the survey visits, with a peak

count of 18 birds on visit 6.

4.4 A peak assemblage of 10 birds seen in the same area, rather than as a

flock, was on visits 3 and 6. These birds were located in the woodland area

north of the covered reservoir at the top of Madingley Rise and the dense

scrub area to the south and east of Coton Orchard. The birds appeared to

be using the survey area for feeding and roosting.

Kingfisher

4.5 Kingfisher is listed as an Annex 1 in the European Birds Directive and

Schedule 1 species in the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 (as amended).

Up to two Kingfisher were seen during five of the survey visits. Although

only one bird was seen at any one time.

4.6 These birds were observed along Bin Brook and at one of the ponds north of

the Emmanuel College Sports Ground. The birds appeared to be using the

survey area for feeding.

Skylark

4.7 Skylark is listed as a UKBAP, Local BAP, Species of Principal Importance

and cited under the Birds of Conservation Concern as a red list species.

Skylark were seen during eight of the survey visits. The peak count

comprised 60 birds on visit 6, during which the largest flock of 28 birds was

also observed.



4.8 Observations of Skylark were made across the entire survey area,

principally in arable fields. However, most birds were located in the arable

fields south of Madingley Rise to the west of the M11 motorway as well as

on the arable land on Bourn Airfield. The birds appeared to be using the

survey area for feeding and roosting.

Starling

4.9 Starling is listed as a UKBAP, Species of Principal Importance and cited

under the Birds of Conservation Concern as a red list species. Starling were

seen during seven of the surveys visits. The peak count comprised 137

birds on visit 12, during which the largest flock of 37 birds was also

observed.

4.10 Starling were located from Madingley Rise eastward towards Cambridge,

principally associated with grassy fields such as sports fields. The birds

appeared to be using the survey area for feeding.

Fieldfare

4.11 Fieldfare is a Schedule 1 species in the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 (as

amended) and cited under the Birds of Conservation Concern as a red list

species. Fieldfare were seen during ten of the surveys visits. The peak

count comprised 386 birds on visit 8, during which the largest flock of 85

birds was also observed.

4.12 Observations of Fieldfare were made across the survey area between

Madingley Rise and Grange Road, Cambridge, principally in the network of

hedgerows around the arable fields. The birds appeared to be using the


Song Thrush

4.13 Song Thrush is listed as a UKBAP, Species of Principal Importance and

cited under the Birds of Conservation Concern as a red list species. Song

Thrush were seen during 11 of the survey visits. The peak count comprised

34 birds on visit 6. The largest flock contained 5 birds seen during visits 3

and 5.

4.14 Observations of Song Thrush were made across the entire survey area,

principally in the hedgerows around the arable fields and amongst the scrub

and woodland habitat. The birds appeared to be using the survey area for

feeding and roosting.

Redwing

4.15 Redwing is a Schedule 1 species in the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 (as

amended) and cited under the Birds of Conservation Concern as a red list

species. Redwing were seen during all of the survey visits. The peak count

comprised 284 birds on visit 6. The largest flock contained 32 birds during

visits 8 and 15.



4.16 Observations of Redwing were made across the entire survey area,

principally in the hedgerows around the arable fields and amongst the scrub

and woodland habitat. The birds appeared to be using the survey area for

feeding and roosting.

Mistle Thrush

4.17 Mistle Thrush is cited under the Birds of Conservation Concern as a red list

species. Mistle Thrush were seen during all of the survey visits. The peak

count was of 12 birds on visit 9. Being a highly territorial species, even

during the winter the highest number of this species seen together was two

observed during nine of the survey visits.

4.18 Observations of Mistle Thrush were made across most of the survey area

between Hardwick and Grange Road, Cambridge, principally in woodland,

scrub and mature garden habitats. The birds appeared to be using the


Dunnock

4.19 Dunnock is listed as a UKBAP, Species of Principal Importance and cited

under the Birds of Conservation Concern as an amber list species. Dunnock

were seen during all of the survey visits. The peak count comprised 44 birds

seen during visit 9 and 17. The largest number of Dunnock seen together

was five during visit 11.

4.20 Observations of Dunnock were made across the entire survey area,

principally in hedgerows, scrub, woodland and mature garden habitat. The

birds appeared to be using the survey area for feeding and roosting.

Bullfinch

4.21 Bullfinch is listed as a UKBAP, Species of Principal Importance and cited

under the Birds of Conservation Concern as an amber list species. Bullfinch

were seen during five of the survey visits. The peak count comprised four

birds on visits 12 and 14. The largest number of Bullfinch seen together was

two during visits 12-17.

4.22 Observations of Bullfinch were made in the survey area between Coton

Orchard and Grange Road, Cambridge, principally associated with dense

scrub habitat. The birds appeared to be using the survey area for feeding.

Linnet

4.23 Linnet is listed as a UKBAP, Species of Principal Importance and cited

under the Birds of Conservation Concern as a red list species. Linnet were

seen during seven of the survey visits. The peak count comprised 132 birds

on visit 8, during which the largest flock of 38 birds was also observed.



4.24 Linnet were observed in the game cover crops located amongst the arable

land in the survey area, to the east of the M11 motorway. The birds

appeared to be using the survey area for feeding and roosting.

Lesser Redpoll

4.25 Lesser Redpoll is listed as a UKBAP, Species of Principal Importance and

cited under the Birds of Conservation Concern as a red list species. A single

Lesser Redpoll on visit 3.

4.26 The Lesser Redpoll was observed feeding in tall ruderal habitat near the

eastern entrance to Bourn Airfield.

Yellowhammer

4.27 Yellowhammer is listed as a UKBAP, Species of Principal Importance and

cited under the Birds of Conservation Concern as a red list species.

Yellowhammer were seen during nine of the survey visits. The peak count

comprised 96 birds on visit 12, during which the largest flock of 45 birds was

also observed.

4.28 Observations of Yellowhammer were made across the entire survey area,

but principally in the game cover crops located amongst the arable land in

the survey area, to the east of the M11 motorway. The birds appeared to be

using the survey area for feeding and roosting.

Reed Bunting

4.29 Reed Bunting is listed as a UKBAP, Species of Principal Importance and

cited under the Birds of Conservation Concern as an amber list species.

Reed Bunting were seen during nine of the survey visits. The peak count

comprised 64 birds on visit 8. The largest flock of Reed Bunting contained

18 birds during visits 8 and 12.

4.30 Reed Bunting were primarily seen in the game cover crops located amongst

the arable land in the survey area, to the east of the M11 motorway. The

birds appeared to be using the survey area for feeding and roosting.

Combined Species Distribution

4.31 The combined distribution of those species listed on at least one

conservation criteria (Birds of Conservation Concern Red List and higher) is

showing in Figure 4.1.

4.32 The distribution map indicated that the key areas for bird species listed on at

least one conservation criteria were as follows:

The areas around the balancing ponds adjacent and north of the

A1303.

The woodland and grassland associated with the covered reservoir

adjacent to Madingley Mulch.



Madingley Wood SSSI.

The arable land between Madingley Rise and Coton Village.

The land around Coton Orchard and Coton Country Park.

The game cover crop on arable land and network of hedgerows to the

east of the M11 motorway.

The mosaic of fields, scrub, network of hedgerows and grassland

adjacent to Bin Brook.



5 KEY POINTS AND FINDINGS

5.1 Winter bird surveys were conducted between October 2017 and March 2018

and therefore throughout the period when wintering birds would likely be

present. Twelve of the visits were made during the day, in addition five

nocturnal visits were made.

5.2 It is considered that the survey results present an accurate reflection of the

wintering bird assemblage and species population size present during the

2017-18 wintering season between Bourn Airfield and Grange Road,

Cambridge.

5.3 The diurnal survey recorded a total of 53 bird species between Bourn Airfield

and Grange Road, Cambridge. The survey recorded a total of 53 bird

species. Of these 24 species were considered to be of particular

conservation importance. These species comprised Red Kite, Kingfisher,

Woodcock, Skylark, Starling, Fieldfare, Redwing, Song Thrush, Mistle

Thrush, Dunnock, Bullfinch, Linnet, Lesser Redpoll, Yellowhammer and

Reed Bunting; plus, Mute Swan, Teal, Mallard, Shoveler, Snipe, Black-

headed Gull, Stock Dove, Kestrel and Meadow Pipit, which are Amber listed

on the Birds of Conservation Concern.

5.4 During March 2018 the survey area was extended to include the northern

section of Bourn Airfield itself. Four diurnal visits and one nocturnal visit

were made.

5.5 As the survey of Bourn Airfield was only carried out during March, the survey

was considered to partially inform the status of, assemblage and species

population size present in the Bourn Airfield survey area.

5.6 The diurnal survey of Bourn Airfield recorded a total of 21 bird species in the

survey area, between eastern and western entrances along the northern

perimeter. Of these 9 species were considered to be of particular

conservation importance. These species comprised Skylark, Dunnock, and

Reed Bunting; plus, Black-headed Gull, Common Gull, Lesser Black-backed

Gull, Stock Dove, Kestrel and Meadow Pipit, which are Amber listed on the

Birds of Conservation Concern.

5.7 Without mitigation, the presence of the species of conservation importance

could constitute a constraint to the scheme and therefore are of material

consideration during the planning decision process.

5.8 During the nocturnal surveys between Bourn Airfield and Grange Road,

Cambridge and on Bourn Airfield itself, no target species, namely wintering

plovers (Lapwing and Golden Plover) and owl species were seen or heard.

5.9 The absence of these species indicates that currently they do not constitute

a constraint to the scheme.



5.10 Observations of bird behaviour during the survey visits indicated that the

birds were using the survey area for feeding and roosting, and was therefore

an important area for the survival of the species assemblage present.

5.11 The distribution of wintering birds recorded during the survey visits was not

evenly spread across the survey area, but was focused on seven particular

areas that provided the wintering birds with suitably safe feeding and

roosting habitats.

5.12 For instance, wintering thrushes (e.g. Fieldfare, Redwing and Song Thrush)

were feeding on the berries provided by the network hedgerows, such as

those to the east of the M11 motorway.

5.13 The other areas particularly important to the wintering bird assemblage

included:

the balancing ponds adjacent and north of the A1303;

the woodland and grassland associated with the covered reservoir

adjacent to Madingley Mulch;

Madingley Wood SSSI;

the arable land between Madingley Rise and Coton Village;

the land around Coton Orchard and Coton Country Park; and

the mosaic of fields, scrub, network of hedgerows and grassland

adjacent to Bin Brook, including the various city and county wildlife

sites.


made. Brown Hare were observed, located on arable land south of the

A1303 between Madingley Rise and Coton village, in the grassland

associated with the covered reservoir adjacent to Madingley Mulch, game

cover crop on the arable land to the east of the M11 motorway and on Bourn

Airfield.

5.15 Based on the findings of this survey, mitigation measures would be

considered necessary; the detail of these would depend on the actual route

of the scheme The mitigation measures would be necessary to enable the

proposed development to proceed without causing a significant adverse

effect on the local wintering bird population.


made. A peak count of 11 Brown Hare was made; with six being the largest



5.17 Without mitigation, the presence of Brown Hare could constitute a constraint

to the scheme and therefore are of material consideration during the

planning decision process.



6 BIBLIOGRAPHY

Bacon, L., Cooper, A., Venebles, H. (2013). Cambridgeshire Bird Atlas

2007-2011. Published by the Cambridgeshire Bird Club

Bibby, C.J. Burgess, N.D. Hill, D.A. & Mustoe, S.H. (2000). Bird Census

Techniques. 2nd edition. Academic Press, London.

British Ornithologists’ Union (BOU) (2014). The British List: The Official List

of Bird Species Recorded in Britain.

Brown, A. and Grice. P. (2005). Birds in England. Natural England. T. & A.D.

Poyser. London.

Cambridge Ecology (2017a). Cambourne to Cambridge Better Public

Transport: Protected Species Constraints Survey 2017. Final Report.

P0608-R-001a.

Cambridge Ecology (2017b). Cambourne to Cambridge Better Public

Transport: Phase 1 Habitat Survey 2017. Final Report. P0608-R-

003a.

Department for Communities and Local Government (2012) National

Planning Policy Framework.

Drewitt, A.L., Whitehead, S. and Cohen, S. (2015). Guidelines for the

Selection of Biological SSSIs. Part 2: Detailed Guidelines for Habitats

and Species Groups. Chapter 17 Birds. Joint Nature Conservation

Committee, Peterborough.

Eaton, M.A., Aebischer, N.J., Brown, A.F., Hearn, R.D., Lock, L., Musgrove,

A.J., Noble, D.G., Stroud, D.A. & Gregory, R.D. (2015). Birds of

Conservation Concern 4: the population status of birds in the United

Kingdom, Channel Islands and Isle of Man. British Birds 108: 708–

746.

EU. (1979). On the Conservation of Wild Birds. Council Directive

79/409/EEC, Brussels.

Fuller, R.J. (1980). A method for assessing the ornithological interest of sites

for conservation. Biological Conservation 17:229-239.

Gilbert, G., Gibbons D.W. & Evans J., (1998). Bird Monitoring Methods: A

manual of techniques for key species.

RSPB/BTO/JNCC/WWT/ITE/The Seabird Group RSPB/BTO, Sandy.

Hayhow DB, Bond AL, Douse A, Eaton MA, Frost T, Grice PV, Hall C, Harris

SJ, Havery S, Hearn RD, Noble DG, Oppel S, Williams J, Win I and

Wotton S (2017). The state of the UK’s birds 2016. The RSPB, BTO,

WWT, DAERA, JNCC, NE, NRW and SNH, Sandy, Bedfordshire.



HM Government (2006). Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act.

HM Government (1981). Wildlife and Countryside Act.

Marchant, J. (1983). Common Bird Census Instructions. BTO, Tring.

Musgrove, A. J., Aebischer, N. J., Eaton, M. A., Hearn, R. D., Newson, S. E.,

Noble, D. G., Parsons, M., Risely, K., & Stroud, D. A. (2013).

Population estimates of birds in Great Britain and the United Kingdom.

Brit. Birds 106: 64–100.

Robinson, R.A., Leech, D.I., Massimino, D., Woodward, I., Eglington, S.M.,

Marchant, J.H., Sullivan, M.J.P., Barimore, C., Dadam, D., Hammond,

M.J., Harris, S.J., Noble, D.G., Walker, R.H. & Baillie, S.R. (2016)

BirdTrends 2016: trends in numbers, breeding success and survival

for UK breeding birds. Research Report 691. BTO, Thetford.

www.bto.org/birdtrends

Robinson, R.A. (2017). BirdFacts: profiles of birds occurring in Britain &

Ireland (BTO Research Report 407). BTO, Thetford.

Thomson Ecology (2014). Bourn Airfield, Cambridge Cambridgeshire:

Wintering Birds Survey for Countryside Properties Plc.



7 APPENDIX A

Table 8.1: Species recorded during the 2017-2018 winter bird survey.

Common Name Scientific Name Conservation Status

Mute Swan Cygnus olor Amber

Teal Anas crecca Amber

Mallard Anas platyrhynchos Amber

Shoveler Anas clypeata Amber

Red-legged Partridge Alectoris rufa

Pheasant Phasianus colchicus

Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis

Red Kite Milvus milvus Annex 1, WCA 1

Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus

Buzzard Buteo buteo

Moorhen Gallinula chloropus

Coot Fulica atra

Woodcock Scolopax rusticola Red

Snipe Gallinago gallinago Amber

Black-headed Gull Chroicocephalus ridibundus Amber

Common Gull Larus canus Amber

Lesser Black-backed Gull Larus fuscus Amber

Stock Dove Columba oenas Amber

Woodpigeon Columba palumbus

Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto

Kingfisher Alcedo atthis Annex 1, WCA 1, Amber

Green Woodpecker Picus viridis

Great Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos major

Kestrel Falco tinnunculus Amber

Magpie Pica pica

Jay Garrulus glandarius

Jackdaw Corvus monedula

Rook Corvus frugilegus

Carrion Crow Corvus corone

Goldcrest Regulus regulus

Blue Tit Cyanistes caeruleus

Great Tit Parus major

Coal Tit Periparus ater

Skylark Alauda arvensis UKBAP, SPI, LBAP, Red

Long-tailed Tit Aegithalos caudatus

Nuthatch Sitta europaea

Wren Troglodytes troglodytes

Starling Sturnus vulgaris UKBAP, SPI, Red

Blackbird Turdus merula

Fieldfare Turdus pilaris WCA 1, Red

Song Thrush Turdus philomelos UKBAP, LBAP, SPI, Red

Redwing Turdus iliacus WCA 1, Red

Mistle Thrush Turdus viscivorus Red



Common Name Scientific Name Conservation Status

Robin Erithacus rubecula

Dunnock Prunella modularis UKBAP, SPI, Amber

Pied Wagtail Motacilla alba

Meadow Pipit Anthus pratensis Amber

Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs

Bullfinch Pyrrhula pyrrhula UKBAP, SPI, Amber

Greenfinch Chloris chloris

Linnet Linaria cannabina UKBAP, SPI, Red

Lesser Redpoll Acanthis cabaret UKBAP, SPI, Red

Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis

Yellowhammer Emberiza citrinella UKBAP, SPI, Red

Reed Bunting Emberiza schoeniclus UKBAP, SPI, Amber

Cambourne to Cambridge Better Public Transport: Wintering Bird Survey Report 2017-18


FIGURES

Figure 1.1: Extent of Survey Area and Site Boundary



Figure 3.1: Arable field usage in the eastern section of the survey area



Figure 3.2: Arable field usage in the central section of the survey area



Figure 3.3: Arable field usage in the western section of the survey area



Figure 3.4: Distribution of the winter bird species of conservation importance in Section 1 of the survey area at the Grange Road end.



Figure 3.5: Distribution of the winter bird species of conservation importance in Section 2 of the survey area centred around the M11 motorway.



Figure 3.6: Distribution of the winter bird species of conservation importance in Section 3 of the survey area around Madingley Wood SSSI



Figure 3.7: Distribution of the winter bird species of conservation importance in Section 4 of the survey area around the Water Tower at Madingley Mulch



Figure 3.8: Distribution of the winter bird species of conservation importance in Section 5 of the survey area around Hardwick and Scotland Farm



Figure 3.9: Distribution of the winter bird species of conservation importance in Section 6 of the survey area around the eastern entrance to Bourn Airfield



Figure 3.10: Distribution of the winter bird species of conservation importance in Section 7 of the survey area on Bourn Airfield



Figure 4.1: Combined distribution of winter bird species of conservation importance across the entire survey area.

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