BSFORD EST, CREWE GRET CRESTED NEWT SURVEY Report to The Cooperative Estates / Mr Witter Middlemarch Environmental Ltd. Triumph House Birmingham Road llesley Coventry CV5 9Z Tel: 01676 525880 Fax: 01676 521400 E-Mail: admin@middlemarch-environmental.com Web Site: www.middlemarch-environmental.com Report Number: RT-MME-111834-01 July 2012
BSFORD EST, CREWE GRET CRESTED NEWT SURVEY CONTROLLED COPY 01 OF 02 01 THE COOPERTVE ESTTES 02 MR WTTER 03 MDDLEMRCH ENVRONMENTL LTD This study was conducted and compiled by Dr Katy Read MEEM MCWEM CEnv DipSM, Tom Docker MSc MEEM and Tim Hextell MEEM This report is the responsibility of Middlemarch Environmental Ltd, t should be noted that, whilst every effort is made to meet the client s brief, no site investigation can ensure complete assessment or prediction of the natural environment Contract Number C111834 July 2012 Middlemarch Environmental Ltd. Page 2
CONTENTS 1. NTRODUCTON... 4 1.1 PROJECT NTRODUCTON... 4 1.2 STE NTRODUCTON... 4 1.3 SURVEY CONSTRNTS... 5 1.4 LEGSLTON... 5 2. DESK STUDY... 7 2.1 BOLOGCL RECORDS... 7 2.2 PREVOUS GRET CRESTED NEWT SURVEYS... 7 3. METHODOLOGY... 9 3.1 HBTT SUTBLTY NDEX... 9 3.2 GRET CRESTED NEWT PRESENCE / BSENCE SURVEY... 9 3.3 POPULTON SZE CLSS SSESSMENT... 10 4. RESULTS... 11 4.1 HBTT SUTBLTY NDEX SSESSMENT... 11 4.2 SURVEY RESULTS... 19 4.3 PRESENCE / BSENCE SURVEY... 27 4.4 POPULTON SZE CLSS SSESSMENT... 27 5. CONCLUSONS ND RECOMMENDTONS... 28 5.1 CONCLUSONS... 28 5.2 RECOMMENDTONS... 29 REFERENCES ND BBLOGRPHY... 30 PPENDCES... 31 PPENDX 1... 32 PPENDX 2... 34 PPENDX 3... 42 Middlemarch Environmental Ltd. Page 3
1. NTRODUCTON 1.1 PROJECT NTRODUCTON n pril 2012, The Cooperative Estates commissioned Middlemarch Environmental Ltd to undertake a survey for great crested newts Triturus cristatus at the site of a proposed mixed use development at Basford East in Crewe, Cheshire. Middlemarch Environmental Ltd has been involved with the proposed works at this site since the beginning of 2012, having completed the following works: Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey. Report RT-MME-110914-01. nitial Bat Survey. Report RT-ME-111834-02. Breeding Bird Survey. Report RT-ME-111834-03. quatic Macrophyte and nvertebrate Survey. Report RT-ME-111834-04. 1.2 STE NTRODUCTON The site is located at Basford East in Crewe, Cheshire centred at National Grid Reference SJ 725 530, and is approximately 100 ha in size. The site was bounded to the north by the west-coast mainline railway, to the west by Crewe railway station and to the south by the 500. The eastern side of the development comprised an extension of the farmland on site, with associated hedgerows and scattered trees. The survey area was dominated by arable fields and pastoral land, delineated by hedgerows and fences with scattered trees, ponds and dry and wet ditches. Through the centre of the survey area, running in a northerly direction, was Basford Brook, which becomes Gresty Brook where it turns direction to run in a westerly direction along the northern part of the site. The surrounding landscape was dominated by arable fields and pastoral land to the eastern, southern and western sides, whilst the area to the north comprised residential and industrial development with associated hardstanding roads and access paths. Reference to Ordnance Survey mapped data indicates the potential presence of up to 28 waterbodies within the site boundary. The site is bounded by railways to the north and west, the 500 dual carriageway to the south and with further agricultural land to the east. No ponds were recorded within the agricultural land to the east and it is considered that access to the site for great crested newts that may be present in ponds outside of the development site boundary is limited due to the presence of roads and railway. The land to the south was accessed by Jacobs for Cheshire East Council with respect to great crested newt potential and it is understood that there are no ponds within this land. t is also understood that there is a pond to the north of the northern railway which was surveyed by Jacobs for great crested newts in 2012. The ponds within the site and site boundary are shown on Middlemarch Environmental Ltd Drawing C111834-01-01 in ppendix 1. Middlemarch Environmental Ltd. Page 4
1.3 SURVEY CONSTRNTS Ponds 14, 19 and 27 were all recorded as being dry during the survey visits and therefore it was not possible to bottle trap these ponds. Ponds 3 and 18 did not contain enough depth of water to allow these ponds to be bottle trapped. torch was used to look within the base of these ponds and the immediate surrounding area for any great crested newts during the surveys. round Ponds 6 and 7 dense scrub along the banks of the pond limited the locations at which the pond edge could be accessed and therefore bottle traps and torching were carried out only where access allowed. 1.4 LEGSLTON Great crested newts (GCN) and the places they use for shelter or protection receive European protection under The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010 (Habitats Regulations 2010). They receive further legal protection under the Wildlife and Countryside ct (WC) 1981, as amended. This protection means that GCN, and the places they use for shelter or protection, are capable of being a material consideration in the planning process. Regulation 41 of the Habitats Regulations 2010, states that a person commits an offence if they: deliberately capture, injure or kill a GCN; deliberately disturb GCN; deliberately take or destroy eggs of a GCN; or damage or destroy a GCN breeding site or resting place. Disturbance of animals includes in particular any disturbance which is likely to impair their ability to survive, to breed or reproduce, or to rear or nurture their young, or in the case of animals of a hibernating or migratory species, to hibernate or migrate; or to affect significantly the local distribution or abundance of the species to which they belong. t is an offence under the Habitats Regulations 2010 for any person to have in his possession or control, to transport, to sell or exchange or to offer for sale, any live or dead GCN, part of a GCN or anything derived from GCN, which has been unlawfully taken from the wild. This legislation applies to all life stages of GCN. Whilst broadly similar to the above legislation, the WC 1981 (as amended) differs in the following ways: Section 9(1) of the WC makes it an offence to intentionally (rather than deliberately) kill, injure or take any protected species. Section 9(4)(a) of the WC makes it an offence to intentionally or recklessly* damage or destroy, or obstruct access to, any structure or place which a protected species uses for shelter or protection. Middlemarch Environmental Ltd. Page 5
Section 9(4)(b) of the WC makes it an offence to intentionally or recklessly* disturb any protected species while it is occupying a structure or place which it uses for shelter or protection. *Reckless offences were added by the Countryside and Rights of Way (CRoW) ct 2000. The Natural Environment and Rural Communities (NERC) ct 2006 places a duty on public bodies to have regard for the conservation of biodiversity and maintains lists of species and habitats which are of principal importance for the purposes of conserving biodiversity in England and Wales. These lists supersede Section 74 of the CRoW ct 2000. The United Kingdom Biodiversity ction Plan (UK BP) first published in 1994 and updated in 2007, is a government initiative designed to implement the requirements of the Convention of Biological Diversity to conserve and enhance species and habitats. The UK BP contains a list of priority habitats and species of conservation concern in the UK, and outlines biodiversity initiatives designed to enhance their conservation status. The priority habitats and species in England correlate with those listed on Section 41 of the NERC ct. GCN are listed as priority species on the UK Biodiversity ction Plan (BP) and Section 41 of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities (NERC) ct 2006. GCN are also priority species on the Cheshire Local BP. The reader should refer to the original legislation for the definitive interpretation. Middlemarch Environmental Ltd. Page 6
2. DESK STUDY 2.1 BOLOGCL RECORDS s part of the Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey completed by Middlemarch Environmental Ltd in 2012, a desk study for records of protected species was completed. This desk study identified the following records of great crested newts within a 2 km radius of the proposed development site. These data are summarised in Table 2.1. Species Great crested newt Triturus cristatus No. of Records Most Recent Record Proximity of Nearest Record to Study rea UK BP? Local BP? NERC S.41 List? 8 2005 1.1 km west Legislation / Conservation Status ECH 2, ECH 4, WC 5 Key: ECH2: nnex of the European Communities Council Directive on the Conservation of Natural Habitats and Wild Fauna and Flora. nimal and plant species of community interest whose conservation requires the designation of Special reas of Conservation. ECH4: nnex V of the European Communities Council Directive on the Conservation of Natural Habitats and Wild Fauna and Flora. nimal and plant species in need of community interest in need of strict protection. WC 5: Protected animals (other than birds). Table 2.1: Summary of Great Crested Newt Records Within 2 km of the Study Site 2.2 PREVOUS GRET CRESTED NEWT SURVEYS The 2004 Basford East Development Brief document provided a summary of protected species that had been recorded at the site. No detailed survey data is presented in this document. The brief stated that: Newts are known to be present on site (the brief does not specify what species of newt had been recorded). The 2011 Crewe Green Link South Environmental Statement, prepared by TEP includes a chapter on ecology and appendices included ecological survey reports and associated maps. Relevant great crested newt data from this document is summarised in Table 2.2. Survey Dates mphibians Not known 2003 2008 2008 Summary of Survey Data Historical records of great crested newts from three ponds to the west of Basford Brook. Full amphibian survey carried out including all ponds to the west of Basford Brook. Great crested newts (GCN) were recorded in three of the ponds. medium size population was identified. GCN HS, presence / absence and population assessment surveys were completed. Mapped data shows previous records of great crested newts from 12 of the 23 ponds identified on site. One pond assessed to have an excellent HS score, 7 ponds assessed as having a good score and 3 ponds assessed as having a poor score. Two great crested newts were recorded beneath artificial refugia used for reptile survey during reptile survey visits. Table 2.2: Summary of Great Crested Newt Data from Basford East Site Presented in Crewe Green Link South Environmental Statement, 2011 Middlemarch Environmental Ltd. Page 7
n addition, it is known that great crested newt surveys of the site at Basford East have been carried out in 2012 by Jacobs, on behalf of Cheshire East Council to inform a new planning application associated with the Crewe Green Link Road (it is understood that this application will be submitted in 2012). These surveys included the ponds within the Basford East development site and within land to the north of the railway that forms the northern boundary of the Basford East site. Middlemarch Environmental Ltd. Page 8
3. METHODOLOGY 3.1 HBTT SUTBLTY NDEX ll ponds within the study area were assessed utilising the modified great crested newt Habitat Suitability ndex (HS) (Oldham et al, 2000). The HS is a numerical index between 0 and 1, wherein a score of 1 represents optimal habitat for great crested newts. The HS score is used to define the suitability of the pond on a categorical scale (Table 3.1). t should be noted, however, that the system is not precise enough to allow the conclusion that a pond with a high score will definitely support great crested newts whilst those with a low score will not. HS Score Pond Suitability < 0.5 Poor 0.5 0.59 Below average 0.6 0.69 verage 0.7 0.79 Good > 0.8 Excellent Table 3.1: Great Crested Newt HS Scoring The HS is given by assigning a quantitative figure to each of 10 variables, e.g. pond area, water quality, level of shading. The tenth root of the product of these variables is then calculated, giving a figure for habitat suitability. 3.2 GRET CRESTED NEWT PRESENCE / BSENCE SURVEY Surveys for the presence of great crested newts require a minimum of 4 visits per year, with at least 2 visits between mid-pril and mid-may to record peak numbers of GCN (English Nature, 2001). Several survey methodologies are to be utilised during these visits. The standard survey methodologies include: Torchlight survey; Bottle trapping; Egg searching; and, Refuge searching. The torchlight survey is a standard amphibian recording technique employing a high power torch to illuminate the ponds and allow the surveyor to record any GCN seen. This technique was undertaken during the survey visits, when males will be displaying and courting females. Bottle traps were laid during the evening using the method described by Gent and Gibson (1998). The traps were then checked for newts before 10 am the following morning. ny newts found were recorded and then released back into the pond. Middlemarch Environmental Ltd. Page 9
The egg search involved a direct assessment of emergent and submerged vegetation for GCN eggs. Egg surveys can only be undertaken during late spring and early summer (pril to June). Refuge searching involved looking underneath objects such as rocks, logs, moss and discarded debris in the vicinity of a pond. dult and juvenile GCN can often be found underneath such objects, between March and October, especially if the objects are flat and retain moisture. Refuge searching is not a reliable method on its own and is only used as a supporting method to the other methods described. 3.3 POPULTON SZE CLSS SSESSMENT n water bodies where great crested newts were found a further two surveys were undertaken. This was in order to provide a population class estimate, as the determination of population class size in accordance with the Great Crested Newt Mitigation Guidelines (English Nature, 2001) recommends that a minimum of 6 survey visits to each pond are made. The peak population count for a single night is used to inform the calculation of population size class. Where ponds are within 250 m of each other the peak is summed across these ponds for the same night and a size class assigned using the following criteria: Small Population where peak count is up to 10; Medium Population where peak count is 11 to 100; and, Large Population where peak count exceeds 100. The population size class assessment is used to determine the level of mitigation required, should great crested newts be found. Middlemarch Environmental Ltd. Page 10
4. RESULTS 4.1 HBTT SUTBLTY NDEX SSESSMENT Table 4.1 provides a summary of the suitability of the habitats within the different ponds for use by great crested newts. The location of the ponds are shown on Middlemarch Environmental Ltd Drawing C111834-01-01 in ppendix 1. Photographs of the ponds are included in ppendix 2. Middlemarch Environmental Ltd. Page 11
ttribute Pond 1 Pond 2 Pond 3 Pond 4 Pond 5 Grid Reference SJ 728 528 SJ 728 531 SJ 729 532 SJ 728 532 SJ 728 532 Pond description Small triangular pond with low water level and gently sloping banks. Large part of pond is shaded by mature trees and scrub on the banks. Small rectangular pond with low water levels and gently sloping eastern, western and southern banks and steep northern bank. Limited vegetation on the banks. Pond appears to dry out annually. Rectangular in shape with gently sloping banks. Mostly dry with small areas of very shallow water. This pond appears to dry out annually. rregular in shape, with gently sloping banks. Good overall terrestrial environment, connectivity to hedge and dense scrub. Low water levels at time of surveys and pond appears to dry out sometimes. Pond size (m) 60 m 2 84 m 2 330 m 2 50 m 2 350 m 2 Substrate Silt/Humus Silt/Humus Silt Silt/Humus Silt Water level Low Low Low very shallow Low Normal Oval shaped pond, heavily shaded by trees and scrub at the northern, western and eastern edges. Northern and eastern banks of the pond are relatively steep. Pond has two sections which are joined by a connecting channel. Sparse aquatic vegetation however egg laying plants are present. Good connectivity to scrub and Pond 4. Water quality Low invertebrate diversity Moderate invertebrate Poor invertebrate diversity Moderate invertebrate Moderate invertebrate diversity diversity diversity Shade 75% 50% 25% 55% 80% quatic vegetation Dead leaves only Dominated by Glyceria sp. Open courtship area Egg laying habitat Surrounding area Other comments Photo Reference (see ppendix 2) 95% of pond surface covered with macrophytes mainly comprising Glyceria sp. Minimal aquatic vegetation. reas of Glyceria sp., soft rush Juncus effusus and dock Rumex sp. Yes Yes No pond was dry Yes Yes Limited Yes Yes Yes Yes Small pocket of mature willow Salix sp. and ash Fraxinus excelsior trees and scrub with arable land beyond. Considered to be a sub optimal great crested newt breeding pond. Fringe of trees, scrub and tall ruderal vegetation, then isolated by rubble. Hawthorn Crataegus sp. tree present on central island. Desk study data shows that pond has supported great crested newts in the past. Fringe of scrub, tall ruderal vegetation, trees and hedgerows, then arable land in all directions. Low water at time of surveys, therefore not possible to carry out bottle trapping. Scrub and hedgerow around the pond and arable land in wider area. Small areas of relatively shallow (up to 0.30 m deep) open water. Generally heavily shaded on western and northern sides. Plate 2.1 Plate 2.2 Plate 2.3 Plate 2.4 Plate 2.5 Sparse vegetation, species present include bulrush Typha sp., yellow flag ris pseudacorus, horsetail Equisetum sp. and blanket weed. Hedgerow, scrub and scattered mature trees around the pond and arable land beyond. Desk study data shown that pond has held great crested newts in the past. Table 4.1: Pond Description and Presence/bsence ssessment of Habitat Features Required for Great Crested Newts (Continued) Middlemarch Environmental Ltd. Page 12
ttribute Pond 6 Pond 7 Pond 8 Pond 9 Pond 10 Grid Reference SJ 728 532 SJ 727 533 SJ 726 533 SJ 725 532 SJ 726 532 Pond description rregular shaped pond with gently sloping banks. This pond is divided into three main compartments. Eastern and northern sections are generally free of macrophytes. Long, narrow pond between two hedgerows on eastern and western sides and gently sloping banks at northern and western sides. Egg laying and courtship areas are present but limited. Large amount of algae present. Rectangular shaped pond divided into two compartments. The northern section is dense with vegetation; the southern section is open with only a fringe of vegetation. Both sections are connected by a small channel. Rectangular shaped pond with gently sloping banks. Surrounded by scrub on northern and eastern side and arable land to the south. Good connectivity between the pond and hedgerow to the west. Pond size (m) 400 m 2 180 m 2 770 m 2 160 m 2 100 m 2 Substrate Silt Silt Silt/Humus Silt Silt/Humus Water level Low/Normal Normal Normal Low Low rregular shaped pond with two sections: circular eastern end and elongated western end. t has steeply sloping banks and is surrounded by willow scrub on the eastern side and hedgerows on northern and parts of southern boundary. Pond is very shaded. Water quality Moderate invertebrate Moderate invertebrate Moderate invertebrate Moderate invertebrate Poor invertebrate diversity diversity diversity diversity diversity Shade 60% 90% 30% 40% 90% quatic vegetation Dense aquatic vegetation dominated by Glyceria sp. Open courtship area Egg laying habitat Surrounding area Other comments Photo Reference (see ppendix 2) medium cover of aquatic vegetation, species include rush Carex sp., duckweed Lemna sp., Glyceria sp. and willowherb Epilobium sp. Dense cover of vegetation on northern side, clear on southern side. Species present included bulrush Typha sp., rush Carex sp. and willow Salix sp. Sparse vegetation with some emergent reedmace Typha sp. growth and submerged aquatic species. Yes Yes Yes but limited in the Yes Limited northern section of this pond. Yes Yes Yes Yes Limited Frequent hedgerows, mature trees and scrub around the pond and arable land beyond. ccess was not possible to all edge of this pond due to cover of dense scrub. Hedgerows on eastern and western sides, improved grassland field to the north and arable land at the eastern side. Desk study suggests that pond has contained great crested newts in the past. Frequent mature trees and scrub. rable land to the south and railway line on eastern western and northern sides. Desk study states that pond has held great crested newts in the past. Fish were recorded in the southern section of the pond. rable land to the north and south, line of scrub around eastern and parts of northern boundary and improved grassland at western boundary leading to the hedgerow. Desk study shows that the pond has contained great crested newts in the past. Plate 2.6 Plate 2.7 Plate 2.8 Plate 2.9 Plate 2.10 Vegetation is sparse at eastern end and dense at western end. Species present include reedmace Typha sp. and nettle Urtica dioica. rable land to north and south. Scrub around Easter section of the pond. Sections of hedgerow and scrub around northern and eastern sides. None. Table 4.1 (Cont.): Pond Description and Presence / bsence ssessment of Habitat Features Required for Great Crested Newts Middlemarch Environmental Ltd. Page 13
ttribute Pond 11 Pond 12 Pond 13 Pond 14 Pond 15 Grid Reference SJ 725 531 SJ 725 530 SJ 725 529 SJ 720 527 SJ 720 528 Pond description Circular pond with gently sloping banks and low water level. There is a willow scrub growing in the middle and it has an adjacent hedgerow to the west. Complex of small ponds with gently sloping banks. The surface of many is covered with blanket weed. Circular shaped shallow pond with gently sloping banks. Completely dominated by Glyceria sp. floating vegetation. djacent to a hedgerow on the eastern and southern Circular pond surrounded by trees and adjacent to standing trees on western side. Pond appears to dry out annually and was dry at the time of surveys. rectangular pond with gently sloping banks. Very shallow, maximum 10 cm deep. Pond is chocked with reedmace Typha sp. with pockets of shallow water (up to 0.30 m deep). sides. Pond size (m) 180 m 2 750 m 2 100 m 2 610 m 2 1770 m 2 Substrate Silt/Humus Silt/Humus Silt Humus Clay Water level Low Low / Normal Low Dry Low Water quality Moderate invertebrate diversity Low invertebrate diversity Moderate invertebrate diversity n/a Moderate invertebrate diversity Shade 80% 90% 10% 100% 80% quatic Pond was dry at time of vegetation survey. Medium cover of vegetation in pond, species present include willow scrub. Medium cover of vegetation dominated by Glyceria sp. but mostly just blanket weed. Choked with vegetation dominated by Glyceria sp. with rushes Carex sp. also present. Open courtship area Yes but limited Yes Yes n/a Minimal Egg laying habitat Yes Negligible No n/a Yes Choked with reedmace Typha sp. Surrounding area Other comments Photo Reference (see ppendix 2) Small area of grassland to the north and hedgerow to the west. rable land dominates the remainder of the surrounding area. Desk study shows that this pond has held great crested newts in the past. Ponds are in circular area of trees and scrub, which is surrounded by arable land. There are no connecting hedgerows associated with this pond. rable land to the north, east and south, improved grassland to the west. Connecting hedgerows to the south and east. Mature trees and hedgerow, base of the pond was colonised by nettles. Surrounded by arable land on all sides. Fringe of willow scrub, area of improved grassland to the east, remaining surrounding habitat was arable land. None None None Desk study records show that pond has held great crested newts in the past. Plate 2.11 Plate 2.12 Plate 2.13 Plate 2.14 Plate 2.15 Table 4.1 (Cont.): Pond Description and Presence / bsence ssessment of Habitat Features Required for Great Crested Newts Middlemarch Environmental Ltd. Page 14
ttribute Pond 16 Pond 17 Pond 18 Pond 19 Pond 20 Grid Reference SJ 719 528 SJ 719 529 SJ 718 531 SJ 718 532 SJ 717 532 Pond description Rectangular pond with very low water level. This pond is heavily shaded by the trees on the bank. One main pond area and then two smaller pockets of water within the same hollow. Pond has two sections divided by a strip of dry land. The western side has dense vegetation cover and eastern side has more open water. Small field pond with very low water level (maximum water depth 0.10 m) and minimal aquatic habitat. Pond with three sections, all of which had a very low water level. Limited aquatic habitat within the pond areas. Pond size (m) 700 m 2 300 m 2 100 m 2 250 m 2 150 m 2 Substrate Silt/Humus Silt/Humus Silt/Humus Clay Silt Water level Low Low Low Low Low Small pond with two sections, both with low water level. Limited terrestrial habitat. Water quality Poor invertebrate diversity Poor invertebrate diversity Moderate invertebrate n/a Low invertebrate diversity diversity Shade 100% 75% 0% 80% 40% quatic vegetation No aquatic vegetation present. Dense vegetation cover, species include reedmace Typha sp., rushes Carex sp. with regular willows Salix sp. and nettles Urtica dioica. Dense vegetation dominated by Glyceria sp. in western half of the pond and sparse vegetation in eastern half. Choked with vegetation, species including reedmace Typha sp. and hard-rush Carex inflexus. Open courtship area Yes Yes None None Yes Egg laying habitat Yes but limited Yes Yes None Yes Dense cover of vegetation, species include reedmace Typha sp. Surrounding area Other comments Photo Reference (see ppendix 2) Pond is in a wooded copse. rable land to the east and west. Desk study shows that pond has held great crested newts in the past. Fringe and central line of mature trees (oak and elder), dense scrub and tall ruderal vegetation, arable land beyond. Desk study shows that the pond has held great crested newts in the past. Two mallards were noted on this pond during the surveys. Surrounded by arable field with a small section of willow hedgerow on southern side. Pond was almost dry during the surveys, water depth not suitable to allow bottle trapping to take place. Fringe of trees and scrub around the pond. rable land on all sides beyond. Desk study records show that pond has held great crested newts in the past. Plate 2.16 Plate 2.17 Plate 2.18 Plate 2.19 Plate 2.20 rable land on all sides with small sections of scrub to the north and south. None Table 4.1 (Cont.): Pond Description and Presence / bsence ssessment of Habitat Features Required for Great Crested Newts Middlemarch Environmental Ltd. Page 15
ttribute Pond 21 Pond 22 Pond 23 Pond 24 Pond 25 Grid Reference SJ 718 534 SJ 719 534 SJ 719 534 SJ 728 528 SJ 719 533 Pond description Rectangular pond with four pockets of open water with scrub between the open water areas. ll four sections had very little open water and water level was low. Small round pond with gently sloping banks. Located in centre of open arable land with no habitat connection. Some trees noted along western edge. Linear pond in area of dense scrub and mature trees. Water in three shallow pools. rregular shaped pond with fluctuating water levels during survey. Surrounded by scrub on all sides. No connecting features to link this pond to wider countryside. Small rectangular field pond surrounded by improved grassland. Pond size (m) 700 m 2 60 m 2 240 m 2 200 m 2 120 m 2 Substrate Silt Silt Silt / Humus Silt Silt Water level Low Low Low Low Low/Normal Water quality Moderate invertebrate diversity Poor invertebrate diversity Low invertebrate diversity Moderate invertebrate diversity Shade 90% 30% 100% 75% 60% quatic vegetation Dense cover of reedmace Typha sp. and Glyceria sp. vegetation. Medium cover of aquatic vegetation, species include reedmace Typha sp., reed sweet-grass Glyceria maxima and blanket weed. Clear of vegetation. Lots of leaf litter noted in base of ponds. Medium cover of vegetation, species include water starwort Callitriche sp. and reedmace Typha sp. Open courtship area Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Egg laying habitat Yes Yes None Yes Yes Surrounding area Surrounded by dense scrub and then arable land. Small patches of willow scrub to the west, then arable land. Other comments None Desk study shows that pond has held great crested newts in the past. Photo Reference (see ppendix 2) Dense scrub and mature trees around the pond and arable land beyond. None Willow and thorn scrub around the pond and then arable land beyond. Desk study shows that pond has held great crested newts in the past. Moderate invertebrate diversity Plate 2.21 Plate 2.22 Plate 2.23 Plate 2.24 Plate 2.25 Dense cover of vegetation dominated by Glyceria sp. and reedmace Typha sp. mproved grassland around the pond and hedgerow to the west. None Table 4.1 (Cont.): Pond Description and Presence / bsence ssessment of Habitat Features Required for Great Crested Newts Middlemarch Environmental Ltd. Page 16
ttribute Pond 26 Pond 27 Pond 28 Grid Reference SJ 721 532 SJ 721 532 SJ 716 533 Pond description Triangular pond with low to normal water level. Surrounded by hedgerow to the west, improved grassland to the north and arable field south-east. Dry field pond. Small pocket pond within a depression surrounded by willow trees. Pond size (m) 160 m 2 230 m 2 80 m 2 Substrate Silt n/a Silt Water level Low / normal Dry Low Water quality Moderate invertebrate diversity n/a Low invertebrate diversity Shade 80% 20% 50% quatic vegetation Medium cover of vegetation. Species include soft-rush Carex effusus and Glyceria sp. Open courtship area Yes but limited n/a Limited Egg laying habitat Yes n/a Yes Surrounding area Hedgerow to the west and willow scrub within pond area. Scattered trees and scrub around pond area and arable Other comments Photo Reference (see ppendix 2) Desk study shows that pond has held great crested newts in the past. n/a land beyond. None Plate 2.26 Plate 2.27 - Medium cover of Glyceria sp. and reedmace Typha sp. Scattered trees and scrub around pond and arable beyond that. Table 4.1 (Cont.): Pond Description and Presence / bsence ssessment of Habitat Features Required for Great Crested Newts None Middlemarch Environmental Ltd. Page 17
The results of the Habitat Suitability ndex (HS) for all ponds within the survey are detailed in Table 4.2. Pond locations are shown on Middlemarch Environmental Ltd Drawing C111834-01-01 in ppendix 1. Pond Ref. HS Reference S 1 S 2 S 3 S 4 S 5 S 6 S 7 S 8 S 9 S 10 HS Score Pond Suitability P1 1 0.1 0.5 0.01 0.8 1 1 1 1 0.50 0.43 Poor P2 1 0.1 0.1 0.67 1 1 1 1 0.67 1 0.58 Below verage P3 1 0.7 0.1 0.33 1 1 1 1 0.67 0.85 0.65 verage P4 1 0.1 0.5 0.67 1 1 1 1 1 0.9 0.7 Good P5 1 0.7 1 0.67 0.6 1 1 1 1 0.3 0.78 Good P6 1 0.8 1 0.67 1 1 1 1 1 0.8 0.92 Excellent P7 1 0.4 1 0.67 0.4 1 1 1 1 0.9 0.79 Good P8 1 0.98 0.9 0.67 1 1 0.67 1 1 1 0.91 Excellent P9 1 0.4 0.5 0.67 1 1 1 1 1 0.5 0.76 Good P10 1 0.2 0.5 0.5 0.2 1 1 1 0.8 0.8 0.6 verage P11 1 0.4 0.5 0.67 0.8 1 1 1 0.8 0.8 0.76 Good P12 1 0.98 1 0.01 0.6 1 1 1 0.67 0.8 0.56 Below verage P13 1 0.15 0.5 0.67 1 1 1 1 0.33 0.3 0.58 Below verage P14 - - - - - - - - - - - - P15 1 0.82 0.1 0.67 0.6 1 1 1 0.67 0.85 0.69 verage P16 1 0.98 0.5 0.33 0.2 1 1 1 1 1 0.71 Good P17 1 0.6 0.5 0.33 0.7 0.67 1 1 0.8 0.8 0.70 Good P18 1 0.2 0.1 0.67 1 1 1 1 0.33 0.85 0.63 verage P19 - - - - - - - - - - - - P20 1 0.4 0.5 0.33 1 1 1 1 0.67 1 0.76 Good P21 1 0.99 0.5 0.67 0.4 1 1 1 1 1 0.82 Excellent P22 1 0.1 0.5 0.33 1 1 1 1 0.33 0.8 0.58 Below verage P23 1 0.4 0.5 0.33 0.2 1 1 1 0.67 0.3 0.55 Below verage P24 1 0.4 1 0.67 0.7 1 1 1 1 0.8 0.83 Excellent P25 1 0.2 1 0.67 1 1 1 1 0.67 0.9 0.78 Good P26 1 0.25 1 0.67 0.6 1 1 1 1 0.8 0.78 Good P27 - - - - - - - - - - - - P28 1 0.1 0.5 0.33 1 1 1 1 0.67 0.9 0.63 verage Key: S 1 Location S 2 Pond rea S 3 Pond Drying S 4 Water Quality S 5 Shade S 6 Waterfowl S 7 Fish S 8 Ponds Within 1km S 9 Terrestrial Habitat S 10 Macrophytes Notes: Ponds 14, 19 and 27 were completely dry and therefore an HS calculation was not possible. Table 4.2: Habitat Suitability ndex of Ponds Within 500m of Study rea Middlemarch Environmental Ltd. Page 18
Ponds 14, 19 and 27 were completely dry at the time of surveys therefore it is not possible to give them an HS score. 4.2 SURVEY RESULTS The great crested newt surveys were undertaken between 6 th May 2012 and 19 th June 2012 by the following staff: Dr Philip Fermor, Managing Director, Natural England GCN Licence Holder; Dr Katy Read, ssociate Director, Natural England GCN License Holder; Tom Docker, Ecological Projects Manager, Natural England GCN License Holder; Tim Hextell, Principal Technical Ecological Consultant, Natural England GCN License Holder; Dr Derek Whatling, Biodiversity Manager, Natural England GCN Licence Holder; and, Joe Taylor, Fieldwork ssistant. Table 4.3 provides a summary of the survey dates and weather conditions. Survey Visit Number Date Time Temperature 0 C Cloud % Parameter Precipitation Wind (Beaufort Scale) 1 06-05-12 pm 8-10 50 Dry F2 07-05-12 am 10 70 Light rain F1 08-05-12 pm 11 80 Dry F1 2 09-05-12 am 10 90 Dry F0 09-05-12 pm 8 100 Light rain F1 10-05-12 am 13 100 Dry F2 11-05-12 pm 10 80 Dry F2 3 12-05-12 am 11 50 Dry F2 13-05-12 pm 11 100 Dry F1 14-05-12 am 8 100 Dry F0 21-05-12 pm 14 20 Dry F1 4 22-05-12 am 14 60 Dry F1 24-05-12 pm 22 0 Dry F1 25-05-12 am 16 10 Dry F1 5 06-06-12 pm 16 60 Dry F2 07-06-12 am 13 25 Dry F1 6 18-06-12 pm 14 50 Dry F2 19-06-12 am 15 20 Dry F2 Note. During visits 2, 3 and 4 ponds to the east and west of the Basford Brook were surveyed on different nights, hense weather data for two sets of field visits are presented. Table 4.3: Weather Conditions During Great Crested Newt Surveys Table 4.4 lists the results obtained from the great crested newt surveys. Middlemarch Environmental Ltd. Page 19
POND 1 POND 2 POND 3 POND 4 Survey Visit 1 [06-05-12 / 07-05-12] Torch Survey 0 0 0 0 Bottle Trapping 0 0-0 Peak GCN Count 1 0 0 0 0 Survey Visit 2 [08-05-12 / 09-05-12] [09-05-12 / 10-05-12] Torch Survey 0 0 0 0 Bottle Trapping 0 0-0 Peak GCN Count 2 0 0 0 0 Survey Visit 3 [11-05-12 / 12-05-12] [13-05-12 / 14-05-12] Torch Survey 0 0 0 1 SN Bottle Trapping 0 0-0 Peak GCN Count 3 0 0 0 0 Survey Visit 4 [21-05-12 / 22-05-12] [24-05-12 / 25-05-12] Torch Survey 0 0 0 0 Bottle Trapping 0 0-0 Peak GCN Count 4 0 0 0 0 Survey Visit 5 [06-06-12 / 07-06-12] Torch Survey Bottle Trapping Refugia Search Egg Search Peak GCN Count 5 Survey Visit 6 [18-06-12 / 19-06-12] Torch Survey Bottle Trapping Refugia Search Egg Search Peak GCN Count 6 Pond Notes: Pond 3 did not contain enough water to allow bottle trapping to be used. Key: GCN Great crested newt Triturus cristatus SN Smooth newt Lissotriton vulgaris PN Palmate newt Lissotriton helveticus CF Common frog Rana temporaria CT Common toad Bufo bufo Table 4.4: Great Crested Newt Survey Results Ponds 1 to 4 (Continued) Tadpoles were recorded in this pond in significant numbers - male - female juv. juvenile/subadult Notes: Peak GCN Count is the peak count of GCN recorded during a single visit using a single survey technique. - ndicates that there was too little water to torch or bottle trap at the time of survey. Middlemarch Environmental Ltd. Page 20
POND 5 POND 6 POND 7 POND 8 Survey Visit 1 [06-05-12 / 07-05-12] Torch Survey 1 GCN, 1 CF 1 SN 0 0 Bottle Trapping 1 GCN, 1 GCN, 1 GCN, 1 SN 2 SN, 3 SN 1 SN, 3 SN 1 GCN, 1 SN Peak GCN Count 1 2 1 0 1 Survey Visit 2 [08-05-12 / 09-05-12] [09-05-12 / 10-05-12] Torch Survey 2 GCN, 3 GCN 0 0 0 Bottle Trapping 2 GCN, 2 GCN, 3 SN 1 GCN, 4 SN 1 GCN, 1 SN 0 Peak GCN Count 2 5 1 1 0 Survey Visit 3 [11-05-12 / 12-05-12] [13-05-12 / 14-05-12] Torch Survey 2 GCN, 1 SN 1 SN 1 SN 0 Bottle Trapping 2 GCN, 1 SN 2 GCN, 1 GCN, 2 SN, 1 GCN 2 GCN, 1 SN 0 Peak GCN Count 3 3 3 2 0 Survey Visit 4 [21-05-12 / 22-05-12] [24-05-12 / 25-05-12] Torch Survey 2 GCN 2 GCN 0 0 Bottle Trapping 1 GCN, 3 GCN 3 GCN, 1 SN 0 0 Peak GCN Count 4 4 3 0 0 Survey Visit 5 [06-06-12 / 07-06-12] Torch Survey 3 GCN, 1 GCN 2 GCN 0 0 Bottle Trapping 1 GCN, 1 GCN, 3 GCN 2 GCN, 2 SN 1 GCN, 2 SN 0 Peak GCN Count 5 4 3 1 0 Survey Visit 6 [18-06-12 / 19-06-12] Torch Survey 1 GCN 0 0 0 Bottle Trapping 1 GCN, 1 SN, 1 SN 1 GCN 0 0 Peak GCN Count 6 1 1 0 0 Pond Notes: - - - Tadpoles and fish noted in southern section of Pond 8 Key: GCN Great crested newt Triturus cristatus CF Common frog Rana temporaria SN Smooth newt Lissotriton vulgaris CT Common toad Bufo bufo PN Palmate newt Lissotriton helveticus - male - female juv. juvenile/subadult Notes: Peak GCN Count is the peak count of GCN recorded during a single visit using a single survey technique. - ndicates that there was too little water to torch or bottle trap at the time of survey. Table 4.4 (Cont.): Great Crested Newt Survey Results Ponds 5 to 8 Middlemarch Environmental Ltd. Page 21
POND 9 POND 10 POND 11 POND 12 Survey Visit 1 [06-05-12 / 07-05-12] Torch Survey 2 SN 0 0 0 Bottle Trapping 1 GCN 0 1 SN, 2 SN 0 Peak GCN Count 1 1 0 0 0 Survey Visit 2 [08-05-12 / 09-05-12] [09-05-12 / 10-05-12] Torch Survey 0 0 0 0 Bottle Trapping 0 0 2 GCN, 1 SN 0 Peak GCN Count 2 0 0 2 0 Survey Visit 3 [11-05-12 / 12-05-12] [13-05-12 / 14-05-12] Torch Survey 0 0 1 SN 1 SN Bottle Trapping 1 SN 0 1 GCN, 1 SN 0 Peak GCN Count 3 0 0 1 0 Survey Visit 4 [21-05-12 / 22-05-12] [24-05-12 / 25-05-12] Torch Survey 0 0 0 0 Bottle Trapping 0 0 0 0 Peak GCN Count 4 0 0 0 0 Survey Visit 5 [06-06-12 / 07-06-12] Torch Survey 0 0 Bottle Trapping 0 0 Refugia Search 0 0 Egg Search 0 0 Peak GCN Count 5 0 0 Survey Visit 6 [18-06-12 / 19-06-12] Torch Survey 1 SN 1 GCN Bottle Trapping 0 1 GCN Refugia Search 0 0 Egg Search 0 0 Peak GCN Count 6 0 1 Pond Notes: Dragonfly larvae noted in this pond - - - Key: GCN Great crested newt Triturus cristatus SN Smooth newt Lissotriton vulgaris PN Palmate newt Lissotriton helveticus CF Common frog Rana temporaria CT Common toad Bufo bufo - male - female juv. juvenile/subadult Notes: Peak GCN Count is the peak count of GCN recorded during a single visit using a single survey technique. - ndicates that there was too little water to torch or bottle trap at the time of survey. Table 4.4 (Cont.): Great Crested Newt Survey Results Ponds 9 to 12 Middlemarch Environmental Ltd. Page 22
POND 13 POND 14 POND 15 POND 16 Survey Visit 1 [06-05-12 / 07-05-12] Torch Survey 0 0 1 SN 0 Bottle Trapping 0-0 1 GCN, 1 SN, 3 SN Peak GCN Count 1 0 0 0 1 Survey Visit 2 [08-05-12 / 09-05-12] [09-05-12 / 10-05-12] Torch Survey 0 0 0 1 GCN, 2 SN Bottle Trapping 0-0 1 GCN, 5 SN, 2 SN Peak GCN Count 2 0 0 0 1 Survey Visit 3 [11-05-12 / 12-05-12] [13-05-12 / 14-05-12] Torch Survey 0 0 0 1 GCN, 1 SN Bottle Trapping 0-0 1 GCN, 2 SN Peak GCN Count 3 0 0 0 1 Survey Visit 4 [21-05-12 / 22-05-12] [24-05-12 / 25-05-12] Torch Survey 0 0 0 2 GCN, 3 SN, 1 GCN, 4 SN Bottle Trapping 0-0 7 SN, 11 SN Peak GCN Count 4 0 0 0 3 Survey Visit 5 [06-06-12 / 07-06-12] Torch Survey 0 Bottle Trapping 1 GCN, 2 SN, 3 SN Refugia Search 0 Egg Search 0 Peak GCN Count 5 1 Survey Visit 6 [18-06-12 / 19-06-12] Torch Survey Bottle Trapping Refugia Search 0 Egg Search 0 Peak GCN Count 6 1 Pond Notes: - Key: GCN Great crested newt Triturus cristatus SN Smooth newt Lissotriton vulgaris PN Palmate newt Lissotriton helveticus Pond dry so bottle trapping not suitable Tadpoles noted within this pond CF Common frog Rana temporaria CT Common toad Bufo bufo 1 SN 1 GCN - male - female juv. juvenile/subadult Notes: Peak GCN Count is the peak count of GCN recorded during a single visit using a single survey technique. - ndicates that there was too little water to torch or bottle trap at the time of survey. - Table 4.4 (Cont.): Great Crested Newt Survey Results Ponds 13 to 16 Middlemarch Environmental Ltd. Page 23
POND 17 POND 18 POND 19 POND 20 Survey Visit 1 [06-05-12 / 07-05-12] Torch Survey 0 0 1 CT 1 CT Bottle Trapping 0 - - 0 Peak GCN Count 1 0 0 0 0 Survey Visit 2 [08-05-12 / 09-05-12] [09-05-12 / 10-05-12] Torch Survey 0 0 0 0 Bottle Trapping 1 SN - - 1 SN Peak GCN Count 2 0 0 0 0 Survey Visit 3 [11-05-12 / 12-05-12] [13-05-12 / 14-05-12] Torch Survey 0 0 0 0 Bottle Trapping 0 - - 0 Peak GCN Count 3 0 0 0 0 Survey Visit 4 [21-05-12 / 22-05-12] [24-05-12 / 25-05-12] Torch Survey 1 SN, 1 SN 0 0 1 SN, 2 SN Bottle Trapping 0 - - 3 SN Peak GCN Count 4 0 0 0 0 Survey Visit 5 [06-06-12 / 07-06-12] Torch Survey Bottle Trapping Refugia Search Egg Search Peak GCN Count 5 Survey Visit 6 [18-06-12 / 19-06-12] Torch Survey Bottle Trapping Refugia Search Egg Search Peak GCN Count 6 Pond Notes: - Pond dry so bottle Pond too shallow trapping not to bottle trap suitable - Key: GCN Great crested newt Triturus cristatus SN Smooth newt Lissotriton vulgaris PN Palmate newt Lissotriton helveticus CF Common frog Rana temporaria CT Common toad Bufo bufo - male - female juv. juvenile/subadult Notes: Peak GCN Count is the peak count of GCN recorded during a single visit using a single survey technique. - ndicates that there was too little water to torch or bottle trap at the time of survey. Table 4.4 (Cont.): Great Crested Newt Survey Results Ponds 17 to 20 Middlemarch Environmental Ltd. Page 24
POND 21 POND 22 POND 23 POND 24 Survey Visit 1 [06-05-12 / 07-05-12] Torch Survey 0 0 0 1 GCN, 1 CT Bottle Trapping 0 0 0 1 GCN Peak GCN Count 1 0 0 0 1 Survey Visit 2 [08-05-12 / 09-05-12] [09-05-12 / 10-05-12] Torch Survey 0 0 0 3 SN Bottle Trapping 2 SN 0 1 GCN 2 SN, 1 SN Peak GCN Count 2 0 0 1 0 Survey Visit 3 [11-05-12 / 12-05-12] [13-05-12 / 14-05-12] Torch Survey 1 SN 0 0 3 GCN, 1 GCN, 2 SN Bottle Trapping 2 SN 0 0 1 GCN, 1 SN Peak GCN Count 3 0 0 0 4 Survey Visit 4 [21-05-12 / 22-05-12] [24-05-12 / 25-05-12] Torch Survey 0 3 SN, 1 SN 0 Table 4.4 (Cont.): Great Crested Newt Survey Results Ponds 21 to 24 2 GCN, 3 GCN, 2 SN Bottle Trapping 0 2 SN 0 1 GCN Peak GCN Count 4 0 0 0 5 Survey Visit 5 [06-06-12 / 07-06-12] Torch Survey 0 1 GCN, 1 SN Bottle Trapping 0 1 GCN, 2 GCN, 1 SN Refugia Search 0 0 Egg Search 0 0 Peak GCN Count 5 0 3 Survey Visit 6 [18-06-12 / 19-06-12] Torch Survey 0 2 SN Bottle Trapping 0 0 Refugia Search 0 0 Egg Search 0 0 Peak GCN Count 6 0 0 Pond Notes: - - - - Key: GCN Great crested newt Triturus cristatus SN Smooth newt Lissotriton vulgaris PN Palmate newt Lissotriton helveticus CF Common frog Rana temporaria CT Common toad Bufo bufo - male - female juv. juvenile/subadult Notes: Peak GCN Count is the peak count of GCN recorded during a single visit using a single survey technique. - ndicates that there was too little water to torch or bottle trap at the time of survey. Middlemarch Environmental Ltd. Page 25
POND 25 POND 26 POND 27 POND 28 Survey Visit 1 [06-05-12 / 07-05-12] Torch Survey 0 0 0 0 Bottle Trapping 1 GCN, 1 GCN 0-1 SN Peak GCN Count 1 2 0 0 0 Survey Visit 2 [08-05-12 / 09-05-12] [09-05-12 / 10-05-12] Torch Survey 1 GCN, 1 GCN 1 SN, 0 0 Bottle Trapping 2 GCN, 2 GCN, 1 SN - 0 2 GCN efts Peak GCN Count 2 6 0 0 0 Survey Visit 3 [11-05-12 / 12-05-12] [13-05-12 / 14-05-12] Torch Survey 1 GCN, 1 SN 0 0 0 Bottle Trapping 1 GCN, 1 SN 0-1 SN Peak GCN Count 3 1 0 0 0 Survey Visit 4 [21-05-12 / 22-05-12] [24-05-12 / 25-05-12] Torch Survey 3 GCN 1 SN, 2 SN 0 0 Bottle Trapping 2 GCN, 2 SN - 0 1 GCN Peak GCN Count 4 3 0 0 0 Survey Visit 5 [06-06-12 / 07-06-12] Torch Survey Bottle Trapping 1 GCN, 1 SN 3 GCN, 2 GCN, 1 SN Refugia Search 0 Egg Search 0 Peak GCN Count 5 5 Survey Visit 6 [18-06-12 / 19-06-12] Torch Survey Bottle Trapping Refugia Search 0 Egg Search 0 Peak GCN Count 6 1 1CF 1 GCN Pond Notes: - - Key: GCN Great crested newt Triturus cristatus SN Smooth newt Lissotriton vulgaris PN Palmate newt Lissotriton helveticus Pond dry so bottle trapping not suitable CF Common frog Rana temporaria CT Common toad Bufo bufo - male - female juv. juvenile/subadult Notes: Peak GCN Count is the peak count of GCN recorded during a single visit using a single survey technique. - ndicates that there was too little water to torch or bottle trap at the time of survey. Table 4.4 (Cont.): Great Crested Newt Survey Results Ponds 25 to 28 - Middlemarch Environmental Ltd. Page 26
4.3 PRESENCE / BSENCE SURVEY During the great crested newt surveys carried out between 6 th May 2012 and 19 th June 2012, the presence of great crested newts was confirmed in Ponds 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 16, 23, 24 and 25. Therefore a total of 6 surveys have been undertaken at these ponds in order to provide sufficient information for a Population Size Class ssessment. The results of this assessment are detailed in Section 4.4. 4.4 POPULTON SZE CLSS SSESSMENT The population size class assessment is determined by taking the maximum count for all those ponds within 250 m during a single survey visit by a single technique (English Nature, 2001). Where a number of ponds are recorded within a 250 m radius of each other these are considered to hold a single great crested newt population and the peak count for each survey visit for these ponds is then summed to generate the peak count for the population. Previous assessments at the site for great crested newts have identified that there are two metapopulations of great crested newts at the site, split by the Basford Brook that runs south to north through the centre of the site. Thus, it is considered that there are two populations of great crested newts on the site: one to the east of Basford Brook (Population ); and, one to the west of Basford Brook (Population B). The results from the assessment are presented in Table 4.5. Population Reference Pond Reference Maximum GCN Count (using a single survey technique) GCN Population Ponds 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 11 9 GCN (bottle trapping on 12-05-12) GCN Population B Ponds 16, 23, 24, 25 8 GCN (bottle trapping on 18-06-12) Great Crested Newt Population Size Small Small Table 4.5: Great Crested Newt Population Size Class ssessment for Surveyed Ponds Middlemarch Environmental Ltd. Page 27
5. CONCLUSONS ND RECOMMENDTONS 5.1 CONCLUSONS Desk study assessment identified that great crested newts had been recorded within a number of the ponds on site previously. Habitat Suitability ndex ssessment was completed for each pond and the results of the desk study assessment and the HS are given in Table 5.1. This table also shows whether GCN were recorded in the pond during the 2012 surveys. Pond Ref. Location (East / West of Basford Brook) GCN Present from Desk Study? HS Pond Suitability for GCN Category GCN Present in 2012 Survey? 1 East Poor 2 East Below verage 3 East verage 4 East Good 5 East Good 6 East Excellent 7 East Good 8 East Excellent 9 East Good 10 East verage 11 East Good 12 East Below verage 13 East Below verage 14 West - 15 West verage 16 West Good 17 West Good 18 West verage 19 West - 20 West Good 21 West Excellent 22 West Below verage 23 West Below verage 24 West Excellent 25 West Good 26 West Good 27 West - 28 West verage Table 5.1: Summary of Pond Location, Desk Study Data, HS Score and GCN Survey 2012 Results Table 5.1 shows that according to the desk study, GCN were recorded in 12 no. ponds, 6 to the east and 6 to the west of the Basford Brook. During the 2012 survey GCN were recorded in 10 ponds, 6 to the east and 4 to the west. To the east of the Basford Brook (GCN Population ) GCN were recorded in ponds that had a good or excellent rating for GCN using the HS assessment tool. GCN were no longer Middlemarch Environmental Ltd. Page 28
recorded in Pond 2 (which had a poor HS score), but they were recorded in Pond 7 where they not been previously noted. To the west of the Basford Brook, GCN were no longer recorded in Ponds 15, 17, 22 and 26, but instead were recorded in Ponds 16 and 23. On the western side of the Brook GCN were recorded within ponds that scored below average, good and excellent using the HS assessment tool. With respect to GCN populations, it is considered that there are two GCN metapopulations at the site: Population to the east of the Basford Brook and Population B to the west of Basford Brook. During the surveys completed in 2012, each of these were recorded as being a small GCN population in accordance with English Nature (2001) guidelines. The location of those ponds where great crested newts were recorded in 2012 are shown on Middlemarch Environmental Drawing C111834-01-02 in ppendix 3. This drawing also shows the following radii around the great crested newt breeding ponds: 50 m, 250 m and 500 m. These radii are identified by Natural England as presenting immediate habitat (0-50 m), intermediate habitat (50-250 m) and distant habitat (250-500 m). 5.2 RECOMMENDTONS Due to the presence of two small populations of great crested newts at the site, prior to any works commencing on site a Natural England Great Crested Newt Development Licence will be required. great crested newt mitigation strategy will need to be developed to minimise potential impacts on great crested newts and / or their breeding and resting places and to ensure adequate mitigation is provided as part of the development proposals. t is considered likely that the two populations would need to have separate great crested newt mitigation provision, to allow the two metapopulations to be kept separate in the future. Natural England Great Crested Newt Development Licences can only be applied for once outline planning permission (with reserved matters agreement) or full planning permission has been granted, and where any conditions related to ecology have been discharged. Middlemarch Environmental Ltd. Page 29
REFERENCES ND BBLOGRPHY Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats, 1979 (Berne Convention). Countryside Rights of Way ct, 2000. English Nature. (2001). Great Crested Newt Mitigation Guidelines. English Nature, Peterborough. European Community Directive 92/43/EEC on the Conservation of Natural Habitats and of Fauna and Flora. Gent,. and Gibson, S. (1998). Herptofauna Workers Manual, Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. Langton, T., Beckett, C. and Foster, J. (2001). Great Crested Newt: Conservation Handbook. Froglife, Suffolk. Middlemarch Environmental Ltd (2012). Basford East, Crewe: Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey. Middlemarch Environmental Ltd Report RT-MME-110914. National Biodiversity Network. (no date). NBN Gateway Web Site. vailable: http://data.nbn.org.uk/ Natural Environment and Rural Communities ct, 2006. Oldham R. S., Keeble, J., Swan, M. J. S. and Jeffcote, M. (2000). Evaluating the suitability of habitat for the Great Crested Newt (Triturus cristatus). Herptetological Journal 10 (4), 143-155. The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010. The Wildlife and Countryside ct, 1981 (as amended). UK Biodiversity Partnership. (no date). UK Biodiversity ction Plan. vailable: http://www.ukbap.org.uk/ Middlemarch Environmental Ltd. Page 30
PPENDCES ppendix 1 Middlemarch Environmental Ltd Drawing Number C111834-01-01 Pond Location Plan ppendix 2 Photographs ppendix 3 Middlemarch Environmental Ltd Drawing Number C111834-01-02 Great Crested Newt Distribution Plan Middlemarch Environmental Ltd. Page 31
PPENDX 1 Middlemarch Environmental Ltd Drawing C111834-01-01 Pond Location Plan Middlemarch Environmental Ltd. Page 32
> > 371750 S 372000 372250 372500 372750 373000 Legend C111834-01-01 > Dry pond 352750 353000 353250 353500 28 20 S 21 19 17 18 22 16 23 24 15 > 27 14 25 26 > > > > S > > S E EEEE 12 13 9 E E 11 10 E EE 7 8 S 5 4 6 1 2 3 352750 353000 353250 353500 Client Drawing Revision Scale at 3 pproved By The Cooperative Estates / Mr Witter GCN Survey Pond Locations 00 1:5,000 KR Pond PH1 habitats: E Scattered tree Scattered scrub Wet ditch Species-poor defunct hedgerow Species-poor intact hedgerow > Running water Fence S Site Boundary rable farmland Building Hardstanding mproved grassland Marshy grassland Semi-improved grassland Project Drawing Number Date Drawn By Notes Basford East C111834-01-01 July 2012 JS - 352500 352500 Tall ruderal herb $ Triumph House, Birmingham Road, llesley, Coventry CV5 9Z T:01676 525880 F:01676 521400 E:admin@middlemarch-environmental.com 371750 372000 372250 372500 372750 373000 This map is reproduced from the Ordance Survey material with the permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of The Controller of Her Majesty's Stationary Office. Crown copyright. Unauthorised reproduction infringes Crown copyright and may lead to prosecution of civil proceedings. Licence Number: 100040519
PPENDX 2 Photographs Middlemarch Environmental Ltd. Page 34
Plate 2.1: Pond 1 Plate 2.2: Pond 2 Plate 2.3: Pond 3 Plate 2.4: Pond 4 Middlemarch Environmental Ltd. Page 35
Plate 2.5: Pond 5 Plate 2.6: Pond 6 Plate 2.7: Pond 7 Plate 2.8: Pond 8 Middlemarch Environmental Ltd. Page 36
Plate 2.9: Pond 9 Plate 2.10: Pond 10 Plate 2.11: Pond 11 Plate 2.12: Pond 12 Middlemarch Environmental Ltd. Page 37
Plate 2.13: Pond 13 Plate 2.14: Pond 14 Plate 2.15: Pond 15 Plate 2.16: Pond 16 Middlemarch Environmental Ltd. Page 38
Plate 2.17: Pond 17 Plate 2.18: Pond 18 Plate 2.19: Pond 19 Plate 2.20: Pond 20 Middlemarch Environmental Ltd. Page 39
Plate 2.21: Pond 21 Plate 2.22: Pond 22 Plate 2.23: Pond 23 Plate 2.24: Pond 24 Middlemarch Environmental Ltd. Page 40
Plate 2.25: Pond 25 Plate 2.26: Pond 26 Plate 2.27: Pond 27 Middlemarch Environmental Ltd. Page 41
PPENDX 3 Middlemarch Environmental Ltd Drawing C111834-01-02 Great Crested Newt Distribution Plan Middlemarch Environmental Ltd. Page 42
372000 372250 372500 372750 373000 373250 C111834-01-02 Legend 354000 371750 354000 371500 50 m radius from GCN ponds 250 m radius from GCN ponds 500 m radius from GCN ponds Pond; no GCN present 353750 353750 Dry pond Pond; GCN present PH1 habitats: S 20 24 353500 8 27 9 10 S 353250 353000 16 12 15 14 5 S > 3 4 Species-poor intact hedgerow Running water Site Boundary Fence rable farmland Building 2 13 352750 6 7 11 18 17 S 25 26 Species-poor defunct hedgerow 353250 19 22 Scattered scrub Wet ditch Hardstanding 353000 21 28 23 Scattered tree mproved grassland Marshy grassland S 1 Semi-improved grassland Tall ruderal herb $ 352750 353500 E & S The Cooperative Estates / Mr Witter Client Drawing GCN Breeding Ponds Revision 00 352500 352500 Scale at 3 pproved By 1:7,000 KR Project Drawing Number Date Drawn By Notes Basford East C111834-01-02 July 2012 JS - Triumph House, Birmingham Road, llesley, Coventry CV5 9Z T:01676 525880 F:01676 521400 E:admin@middlemarch-environmental.com 371500 371750 372000 372250 372500 372750 373000 373250 This map is reproduced from the Ordance Survey material with the permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of The Controller of Her Majesty's Stationary Office. Crown copyright. Unauthorised reproduction infringes Crown copyright and may lead to prosecution of civil proceedings. Licence Number: 100040519 Service Layer Credits: (c) OpenStreetMap and contributors, Creative Commons-Share like License (CC-BY-S)