APPENDIX 6.1: BASELINE SOUND LEVEL DATA · 2019. 11. 28. · Noise Source Level Data Point Sources...

Viking Wind Farm Construction Compounds – West Compound Appendix 6.1 EIA Report Baseline Sound Level Data

Viking Energy Windfarm LLP June 2019

APPENDIX 6.1: BASELINE SOUND LEVEL DATA

LAeq t LAeq t LAeq t LAeq t LAeq t

27/06/2018 39.9 220 36.8 480

28/06/2018 41.9 720 39.9 240 35 480

29/06/2018 43.8 720 39.4 240 36.2 240

30/06/2018 43.4 360 41.5 600 37.9 480

01/07/2018 46.6 960 38.7 480

02/07/2018 44.1 720 51.4 220 36.8 480

03/07/2018 44.7 720 36.3 240 34.5 480

04/07/2018 42.8 720 55.1 240 35.3 480

05/07/2018 46.2 720 42 240 35.5 480

06/07/2018 44.8 720 44 240 34.8 480

07/07/2018 39.5 360 42.4 600 37.2 480

08/07/2018 45.7 960 34.6 480

09/07/2018 56.3 720 40.7 240 31.8 480

10/07/2018 39.1 720 37.3 240 36.6 480

11/07/2018 46.8 720 39.8 240 36.1 480

12/07/2018 43.9 720 43.2 240 32.9 480

13/07/2018 43.7 720 41 240 34.7 480

14/07/2018 42.4 360 43.9 600 37.2 480

15/07/2018 41.4 960 33.2 480

16/07/2018 53.2 720 47.5 240 32.7 480

17/07/2018 41.6 720 49.3 240 37.4 480

18/07/2018 44.2 680 41.4 240 34.4 480

19/07/2018 44.1 720 40.9 240 32.8 480

20/07/2018 52.7 720 40.7 240 38.2 480

21/07/2018 42.1 360 47.8 600 40.2 480

22/07/2018 43.9 960 32.3 480

23/07/2018 45.8 720 44.2 240 34.2 480

24/07/2018 49.6 720 41.6 240 36.7 480

25/07/2018 43.8 720 43.7 240 33.5 480

26/07/2018 44.5 720 39.8 240 34.4 480

27/07/2018 45.3 720 45.2 240 38 480

28/07/2018 47.9 360 44.7 600 36.5 480

29/07/2018 49.1 960 41.1 480

30/07/2018 44.8 720 41.2 240 32.9 480

31/07/2018 45.2 720 42.2 240 36 480

01/08/2018 44.5 720 40.1 240 34.4 480

02/08/2018 45 720 41.2 240 35.8 480

03/08/2018 47.3 720 40.8 240 35.9 480

04/08/2018 43.4 360 44.2 600 37.1 480

05/08/2018 42.8 930 35.8 480

06/08/2018 45.3 720 43.6 240 34.3 480

07/08/2018 46.8 720 39.9 240 31.9 480

08/08/2018 47.3 720 42.1 240 34.9 480

09/08/2018 52.5 720 41.8 240 34.1 480

10/08/2018 43.9 720 40.7 240 33.4 480

11/08/2018 41.8 360 41.2 600 35.8 480

12/08/2018 38.4 960 29.5 480

13/08/2018 47.7 720 38.9 240 28.9 480

14/08/2018 46.1 720 40.6 240 34.6 480

15/08/2018 44.5 450

Average LAeq(t) 46 43 42 44 35

Measured Sound Levels at NML08 Langerview

Assessment Period

Measured Sound Pressure Level (Unfiltered) dB LAeq (t)

Daytime M ‐ F Daytime Sat Evenings Weekend Night‐time

Weekdays 07:00 ‐ 19:00 Saturday 07:00 ‐ 13:00 Weekdays 19:00 ‐ 23:00Saturday 13:00 – 23:00 &

Sunday 07:00 to 23:00All days 23:00 ‐ 07:00

LAeq t LAeq t LAeq t LAeq t LAeq t

19/07/2018 42.3 480 41.4 240 29.5 410

20/07/2018 53.5 720 56.1 240 34.5 480

21/07/2018 43.1 360 40.1 600 45.3 480

22/07/2018 44.4 960 34.3 450

23/07/2018 40.1 720 38.7 240 32.8 480

24/07/2018 39.9 720 41.6 240 32.4 480

25/07/2018 40.2 720 36.1 240 31.2 480

26/07/2018 45.3 720 37.8 240 35.7 480

27/07/2018 43.2 720 38.9 240 32.4 480

28/07/2018 41.4 360 40.4 600 43.2 480

29/07/2018 53.5 960 46.7 430

30/07/2018 45.9 710 40.1 240 30 480

31/07/2018 49.8 720 43.1 240 39.9 480

01/08/2018 45.5 720 46.6 240 37.2 480

02/08/2018 43.5 720 39.3 240 36.5 480

03/08/2018 41.2 720 39.9 240 38.2 480

04/08/2018 43.9 360 45.7 600 40.9 480

05/08/2018 40.4 960 36.5 440

06/08/2018 45.8 700 42.3 240 35 480

07/08/2018 43.7 720 37.8 240 32.4 480

08/08/2018 43.4 710 45 240 32.6 480

09/08/2018 49.3 720 43.2 240 32.5 460

10/08/2018 44.7 710 37 240 32.2 480

11/08/2018 42.1 360 44.2 600 33.1 480

12/08/2018 39.7 910 32.3 480

13/08/2018 43.5 720 39 240 31.8 470

14/08/2018 43.2 690 40.5 240 34.1 480

15/08/2018 43.9 410

Average LAeq(t) 44 43 41 44 35

Measured Sound Levels at NML13 Moustoft

Assessment Period

Measured Sound Pressure Level (Unfiltered) dB LAeq (t)

Daytime M ‐ F Daytime Sat Evenings Weekend Night‐time

Weekdays 07:00 ‐ 19:00 Saturday 07:00 ‐ 13:00 Weekdays 19:00 ‐ 23:00Saturday 13:00 – 23:00 &

Sunday 07:00 to 23:00All days 23:00 ‐ 07:00

Viking Wind Farm Construction Compounds – West Compound Appendix 6.2 EIA Report Source Noise Level Data

Viking Energy Windfarm LLP June 2019

APPENDIX 6.2: SOURCE NOISE LEVEL DATA

Noise Source Level Data

Point Sources

Name Operational time 63 125 250 500 1000 2000 4000 8000 A lin Source

Dump Truck (tipping fill) 100% 113 102 106 101 101 102 95 91 107 114.8 C2.30 ‐ BS 5228‐1:2009+A1:2014: Annex C

Articulated dump truck (tipping fill) 100% 108 104 101 98 97 94 91 86 102 110.6 C2.32 ‐ BS 5228‐1:2009+A1:2014: Annex C

Concrete mixer truck 100% 111 102 94 97 98 106 88 83 108 112.9 C4.20 ‐ BS 5228‐1:2009+A1:2014: Annex C

Poker vibrator 100% 90 98 98 92 90 89 87 84 96.7 102.5 C4.34 ‐ BS 5228‐1:2009+A1:2014: Annex C

Lorry with lifting boom 100% 109 106 104 102 100 97 92 84 104.9 112.5 C4.53 ‐ BS 5228‐1:2009+A1:2014: Annex C

Hand‐held circular saw (petrol) 100% 112 114 106 106 105 106 110 108 114.6 118.6 C5.36 ‐ BS 5228‐1:2009+A1:2014: Annex C

Tracked semi‐mobile crusher 100% 119 119 116 115 113 111 106 96 118.1 124.3 C9.15 ‐ BS 5228‐1:2009+A1:2014: Annex C

Line Sources (Moving Point Sources)

Name Speed (Km/h) Number of movements per hour 63 125 250 500 1000 2000 4000 8000 A lin Source

Tracked Excavator 5 20 113 106 105 105 101 99 96 91 107 115.1 C2.14 ‐ BS 5228‐1:2009+A1:2014: Annex C

Dump Truck (empty) 15 10 114 107 107 107 107 112 97 88 114.7 117.9 C2.31 ‐ BS 5228‐1:2009+A1:2014: Annex C

Articulated dump truck 15 10 113 115 105 103 104 101 97 90 108.5 117.8 C2.33 ‐ BS 5228‐1:2009+A1:2014: Annex C

Vibratory roller 2 3 110 106 95 99 95 92 88 85 100.7 111.9 C2.40 ‐ BS 5228‐1:2009+A1:2014: Annex C

Road sweeper 10 1 108 103 97 103 99 95 89 86 103.8 110.8 C4.90 ‐ BS 5228‐1:2009+A1:2014: Annex C

Dozer 5 20 108 106 99 98 102 96 93 89 104.7 111.4 C5.12 ‐ BS 5228‐1:2009+A1:2014: Annex C

Grader 5 5 113 121 106 107 108 107 104 102 113.7 122.3 C6.31 ‐ BS 5228‐1:2009+A1:2014: Annex C

Lorry 15 10 121 107 104 102 101 100 97 94 106.9 121.4 C11.14 ‐ BS 5228‐1:2009+A1:2014: Annex C

Point Sources

Source

Name Operational time 63 125 250 500 1000 2000 4000 8000 A lin

Lorry with lifting boom 100% 109 106 104 102 100 97 92 84 104.9 112.5 C4.53 ‐ BS 5228‐1:2009+A1:2014: Annex C

Diesel generator for site cabins 100% 108 102 85 82 81 76 73 65 89.4 109 C4.76 ‐ BS 5228‐1:2009+A1:2014: Annex C

Diesel generator for lighting 100% 106 99 94 90 87 83 84 77 93.5 107.2 C4.86 ‐ BS 5228‐1:2009+A1:2014: Annex C

Line Sources (Moving Point Sources)

Name Speed (Km/h) Number of movements per hour 63 125 250 500 1000 2000 4000 8000 A lin Source

Lorry 15 10 121 107 104 102 101 100 97 94 106.9 121.4 C11.14 ‐ BS 5228‐1:2009+A1:2014: Annex C

Road sweeper 10 1 108 103 97 103 99 95 89 86 103.8 110.8 C4.90 ‐ BS 5228‐1:2009+A1:2014: Annex C

Tractor (towing equipment) 5 10 107 99 106 103 106 98 89 83 108.1 112.2 C4.74 ‐ BS 5228‐1:2009+A1:2014: Annex C

Point Sources

Source

Name Operational time 63 125 250 500 1000 2000 4000 8000 A lin

Diesel generator for site cabins 100% 108 102 85 82 81 76 73 65 89.4 109 C4.76 ‐ BS 5228‐1:2009+A1:2014: Annex C

Diesel generator for lighting 100% 106 99 94 90 87 83 84 77 93.5 107.2 C4.86 ‐ BS 5228‐1:2009+A1:2014: Annex C

Scenario 03 ‐ Night‐time & evening operations

Scenario 01 ‐ Construction of access track and compound

Scenario 02 ‐ Daytime operations

Viking Wind Farm, Proposed West Construction Compound

Ecology Technical Report

July 2019

Thistle Court, 1-2 Thistle Street, Edinburgh, EH2 1DD tel: 0131 220 1027

e-mail: [email protected] website: www.mbecnet.com

©MBEC 2019

Viking Wind Farm, Proposed West Construction Compound

Ecology Technical Report

Prepared for VEWF

Preparation & Authorisation

Prepared by Dr Andy Mackenzie

Reviewed by Various

Approved by Dr Andy Mackenzie

Job No. 005.070

Version History Date Version Comments Comments by Incorporated by

28.6.19 V.1 Slight changes made by author AJM AJM

28.6.19 V.2 Draft for client comment

23.7.19 V.3 Further fieldwork details added. AJM AJM

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................... 1 1.1 BACKGROUND ............................................................................................................. 1 1.2 PURPOSE OF THIS DOCUMENT ..................................................................................... 1

2. METHODS ........................................................................................................................ 1 2.1 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................ 1 2.2 DESK STUDY ............................................................................................................... 1 2.3 FIELD SURVEYS ........................................................................................................... 1

3. RESULTS ......................................................................................................................... 3 3.1 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................ 3 3.2 DESK STUDY ............................................................................................................... 3 3.3 FIELD SURVEYS ........................................................................................................... 4

4. NATURE CONSERVATION EVALUATION ..................................................................... 8 5. REFERENCES .................................................................................................................. 9

FIGURES & APPENDICES:

FIGURE 1 Phase 1 Habitat Survey Map FIGURE 2 National Vegetation Classification Map FIGURE 3 Groundwater Dependent Terrestrial Ecosystems APPENDIX 1 Records from the Shetland Biological Records Centre. APPENDIX 2 Target Notes for the Phase 1 Habitat Survey APPENDIX 3 Phase 1 Plant List APPENDIX 4 NVC Quadrat Data

©MBEC 2019 No part of this report may be copied or reproduced by any means without the written permission of MBEC. This report has been prepared and produced for the exclusive use of the client(s) and no third party may make use of the report. MBEC have used all reasonable skill, care and diligence in this reports preparation and no additional warranty is provided. There has been no independent verification undertaken of any of the third party information supplied to MBEC and used as background material in this report. MBEC disclaim any responsibility to the client or others regarding any/all matters additional to the specific scope of this work.

VEWF Ecology Technical Report

mbec 1 July 2019 Doc ref: 005.070 – West Compound Ecology Technical Report V3 23.7.19

1. INTRODUCTION 1.1 Background 1.1.1 This Technical Report accompanies the Environmental Report Chapter 7 on Ecology

for the proposed West Construction Compound for Viking Wind Farm, Shetland.

1.2 Purpose of this Document 1.2.1 The purpose of this document is to report all the background information gathered and

used for the ecological impact assessment of the proposed West Construction Compound.

2. METHODS 2.1 Introduction 2.1.1 The following was undertaken for ecology: a desk study and field surveys for habitats

(Phase 1 methodology), National Vegetation Classification (NVC) and otter. The methods used are noted under the headings which follow.

2.2 Desk Study 2.2.1 Historical documents providing past relevant ecological information for the area of

interest were searched and information extracted where relevant. For example, the past Viking Wind Farm Environmental Statement (VEP, 2009), contained both Phase 1 and National Vegetation Classification mapping which overlapped part of the proposed west compound area. While this mapping was completely re-assessed, it was useful to provide context during preparation for these field surveys.

2.2.2 The Shetland Biological Records Centre (Paul Harvey, Shetland Amenity Trust) was contacted and asked to provide any relevant ecological data they may hold for the study area (the proposed compound boundary + a buffer of 250m minimum).

2.3 Field Surveys Otter

2.3.1 Otter are the only native protected mammal species on Shetland that are regularly present on land and therefore have the potential to be present in suitable habitat within the study area.

2.3.2 Otters are active all year round, and can therefore be surveyed in Scotland at any time of the year. This otter survey was undertaken in early June 2019. Several very small tributaries within the wider study area were all surveyed on Tuesday 4th June 2019.

2.3.3 It is recommended that 200m (SNH, 2019a) upstream and downstream of suitable otter habitat are surveyed from any potential sources of disturbance (in this case the future construction and use of a compound). All of the small tributaries within the 250m buffer zone were surveyed.

Field Survey Methods Used

2.3.4 This otter survey followed a similar approach to that described in the 2003-4 national survey of otter distribution in Scotland (Strachan, 2007). All sections of watercourses and waterbodies were checked carefully for signs of the presence of otter. This included both banks as well as features such as waterfalls, exposed rocks, gravel bars and beaches, and any other debris present in or adjacent to the channels. In addition, areas



of the upper banks/valleys upslope of the watercourses were also searched, for any evidence of otter use and any features which could be used as resting sites by otter.

2.3.5 Otter field signs searched for included spraints (faeces), anal gland deposits, feeding remains, holts, couches, slides, prints and tracks. A handheld Global Positioning System (GPS) was used to record the locations of important features and signs (accuracy indicated as ±3 m for the whole survey). In practice, the accuracy of GPS recording can be reduced at times due to very thick cloud or steep topography.

2.3.6 The otter survey was carried out by a suitably qualified and experienced ecologist. This ecologist (Dr Andy Mackenzie, MBEC Partner) is familiar with all of the relevant field signs and has a detailed understanding of the habitat requirements of otters. He has been a practicing professional ecologist for over 28 years and has held various licences from Scottish Natural Heritage for otter survey and safeguarding.

Survey Limitations

2.3.7 There had been some rain in the previous week, however, the burn was at a summer level and did not appear to have risen much over the previous fortnight. While sprainting activity can be underestimated following heavy rainfall, active resting-up sites (particularly holts and covered couches) could still be fully and accurately surveyed.

Habitats and Flora

Phase 1 Habitat Survey

2.3.8 A Phase 1 habitat survey following the standard methodology (JNCC, 2004) was undertaken on Tuesday 4th and Wednesday 5th June 2019 for the proposed west construction compound area and a 250m buffer surrounding it. There were no limitations to report in relation to this survey. A Phase 1 map of the key habitats using a GPS and Geographical Information System (GIS) was produced. A set of additional target notes and plant species seen were also recorded.

NVC Survey

2.3.9 A National Vegetation Classification survey (NVC) to characterise the dominant vegetation communities present within the study area was undertaken on Wednesday 5th June 2019 for the proposed west construction compound area and a 250m buffer surrounding it. This survey was undertaken by an experienced ecologist (Dr Andy Mackenzie, MBEC Partner) following the standard methodology (Rodwell, 1991 & 1992).

2.3.10 There was one limitation noted during the NVC survey and that related to the cold and late spring experienced in 2019. Some plants, particularly the sedges, were not in full flower by early June 2019 and this made identification to species level more difficult. However, the author used his experience of the vegetative characteristics of plants to limit this as much as possible and it was not viewed as a significant impediment to successful survey completion, although the total number of plant species recorded may have been slightly less. The author had the opportunity to revisit the site on 10th July 2019 and listed further plant species seen along with checking previous plant records.

2.3.11 All vegetation types which were greater than around 30m x 30m in area were mapped and identified. Where smaller but important habitat types were present these were target noted and noted in the accompanying text. It is often the case with plant communities that complex mosaics of different vegetation communities exist together, often due to locally changing topography and physio-chemical conditions. Where these are of approximately similar proportions they are mapped and noted as such. Where



one vegetation type is clearly dominant in area of coverage over others then this is mapped but the other vegetation communities present are still noted in accompanying text. A map of the dominant vegetation communities was produced using a hand held GPS and GIS. Relevant additional/necessary quadrats (following on from the proposed main and north construction compound NVC surveys close by) were undertaken of homogeneous vegetation stands to ensure the necessary accurate data for later analysis, allowing accurate identification of the communities involved. A set of additional notes and surrounding additional species present was also recorded. For community identification both Rodwell (1991 and 1992) and Averis et al. (2004) were used.

Invasive Plants

2.3.12 Invasive, non-native plant species were noted, when spotted, during all surveys within the study area and are reported where relevant.

3. RESULTS 3.1 Introduction 3.1.1 Important results from the desk study and the ecological surveys undertaken for the

proposed West Construction Compound are reported in this section.

3.2 Desk Study 3.2.1 The records available from the Shetland Biological Records Centre for the area are

mainly at a resolution of 1km. There are a total of 226 biological records for the wider area. 207 records are for plants, 7 are for mammals and 12 are for moths. These records range in age but most are from within the last 20 years and most of the plant records are from one survey in 2016. These records indicate that (comments from Paul Harvey, Shetland Biological Records Centre):

The most important record in a Shetland context is the Lycopodium clavatum. This is a very rare plant in the islands and for a time was considered extinct;

Gentianella amarella would be notable if it were native but this site is almost certainly as a result of imported sand for road works;

Gentianella campestris is notable in a Shetland context; The orchids – Dactylorhiza maculata and D. purpurella and Listera cordata are

widespread in Shetland although the latter is much overlooked; and There is a base-rich influence present in places, given the presence of species like

Selaginella, Carex dioica and C. hostiana, Eleocharis quinqueflora, Schoenus nigricans, Linum catharticum and Thalictrum alpinum. This base-richness is relatively unusual in Shetland.

3.2.2 A copy of the desk study records provided by the Shetland Biological Records Centre is provided in Appendix 1.

3.2.3 A desk search was undertaken for relevant designated sites in the surrounding area. There are no sites designated for nature conservation in the surrounding area which could be affected by the proposed development.



3.3 Field Surveys Protected Species

3.3.1 No evidence of any recent otter presence was found within the proposed west compound area or within the surrounding 250m survey area.

Habitats and Flora

Phase 1 Habitat Survey

3.3.2 The mapped results of the Phase 1 habitat survey of the proposed west compound and a surrounding 250m buffer can be seen in Figure 1. This figure is accompanied by Appendix 2 which details Target Notes for the Phase 1 habitat mapping. The locations of the Target Notes are indicated on Figure 1.

3.3.3 Figure 1 illustrates that just over 92% of the proposed west compound area is a mosaic of blanket bog and acid grassland. These two habitat types are not normally associated with each other as a mosaic in Phase 1, however, on the Shetland Mainland acid grassland can be present on peat, sometimes on deep peat, and this appears to be due to the relatively dry surface of the peat in tandem with long-term sheep grazing. In other words, the acid grassland is actually modified bog when the peat is deeper than c. 500mm, as it is in the majority of this area. To the north east of the wider study area Figure 1 indicates that the higher hill is Blanket bog, which is in good condition overall, on peat of a metre or more in depth. The vegetation situation in this area is complicated further by seepage and springs emerging below the western edge of the blanket bog on the hill slope (see Table 2 and Figure 1, Target Notes 1-5 & 7). These turn into flushes going down the hillside (see Figure 1) and just to the east (and west) of the road the lowest lying areas spread out into small areas which have the characteristics of fairly species-poor fen. Again, it was not possible to accurately map all of these because they are in a complex mosaic with blanket bog and acid grassland and are small in area. The largest flush complex could be mapped and is indicated on Figure 1 going downslope through the proposed western compound. The flushes appeared to be slightly acidic on the hillside but the vegetation on the species-poor fen areas below did indicate that an element of base enrichment is likely to be present.

3.3.4 One small area of wet heath is present within the wider survey area, which was located on a slightly raised, shallow peat area.

Table 3.1: Phase 1 Habitat Areas and Percentages within the Study Area.

Phase 1 Habitat Area (m2) Area (ha) Percentage

B11 – Acid grassland 235 0.02 0.05 D2 – Wet dwarf shrub heath 4041 0.40 0.92 E161 - Blanket bog 60350 6.03 13.81 E161 - B11 Blanket bog / Acid grassland mosaic 361792 36.18 82.78 E21 - Acid / neutral flush 3033 0.30 0.70 J5 – Other, road 7601 0.76 1.74 Total 437052 43.70 100.00

3.3.5 A species list of all plants that were noted during the Phase 1 habitat survey and a second visit on 10th July are included as Appendix 3. It is important to note that this is



not an exhaustive list, rather those plants noted in passing during surveying. However, an effort was made to record any notable species and particularly any invasive non-native plant species. No invasive non-native plant species were recorded within this study area. Several plant species indicative of slightly base-rich conditions were recorded at the bottom of flushes and the species-poor fen areas including lesser clubmoss (Selaginella selaginoides), which was very common. The biological records copied into Appendix 1 list further species in this area which are characteristic of similar conditions, however, these were not seen during this fieldwork perhaps because of the cold, late spring/early summer this year.

3.3.6 Several potentially notable species were highlighted by Paul Harvey of the Biological records centre. Staghorn clubmoss (Lycopodium clavatum) was particularly noted due to its rarity on Shetland. This record is within the study area, near the road, and was recorded in 2016. This plant was re-found on 10th July 2019, covering an approximate area of 6 square metres on the north road verge (probably a single plant – very healthy looking). The National Grid Reference recorded for this plant was HU 37649 50436. Field gentian (Gentianella campestris) has also been recorded and is notable in a Shetland context but was not seen during surveying. Suitable habitat for this species was present along the edge of the road and it is possible it was not yet visible in early June, when this survey was completed. On 10th July the road verges were also re-searched but again it was not seen.

NVC Survey

3.3.7 The mapped results of the NVC survey of the proposed west compound and a surrounding 250m buffer can be seen in Figure 2. This figure is accompanied by Appendix 4 which details the quadrat data collected to assist with the classification mapping and overall assessment of plant community condition. Six quadrats (2m x 2m) were undertaken within the area surveyed and their locations are indicated on Figure 2.

3.3.8 The vegetation communities present within the study area are described below.

3.3.9 M15(a) Trichophorum cespitosum-Erica tetralix wet heath, Carex panicea sub-community. This not a good fit with the classification because this vegetation community is quite dry for a “wet heath”. It does not contain Erica tetralix (cross-leaved heath is also absent from much of the blanket bog in this area, which is unusual and also indicates relative dryness). It is however, best described as a wet heath and M15. It is present in the surrounding survey area towards the road and covers less than 1% of the study area (see Table 3.2 below).

3.3.10 M19b - Calluna vulgaris-Eriophorum vaginatum blanket mire, Empetrum nigrum ssp. nigrum sub-community. This vegetation community accounted for almost 14% of the survey area (see Table 3.2 for further details) and occurred further up the hill to the north east of proposed west compound. This was generally good quality active blanket bog on deeper peat. It was sparser in Sphagnum species cover in places and generally lower in higher plant species diversity than would be expected when compared to further south in Scotland. This was thought to be due to the peat surface being slightly drier overall. This M19b was largely intact within the study area and lacked larger-scale peat erosion. This community type in this area was very uniform and there were only minor differences in species and cover between widely separate vegetation stands. In a few places and outside of the study area further uphill towards the mast there were a few patches of bare peat.



Table 3.2: NVC Plant Community Areas and Percentages within the Study Area.

National Vegetation Classification Area (m2)

Area (ha)

Percentage

M15 (a) Trichophorum cespitosum-Erica tetralix wet heath, Carex panicea sub-community

4041 0.40 0.92

M19b - Calluna vulgaris-Eriophorum vaginatum blanket mire, Empetrum nigrum ssp. nigrum sub-community.

60350 6.03 13.81

M19b/U6d/U5a - Blanket bog/Acid grassland mosaic 361792 36.18 82.78

M2b (species poor - Averis) - Sphagnum cuspidatum/fallax bog pool community, Sphagnum fallax sub-community

3033 0.30 0.69

Artificial (Road) 7601 0.76 1.74 U6d - Juncus squarrosus-Festuca ovina grassland, Agrostis capillaris-Luzula multiflora sub-community.

235 0.02 0.05

Total 437052 43.71 100.00

3.3.11 M19b/U6d/U5a - Blanket bog/Acid grassland mosaic. This vegetation mosaic accounted for almost 83% of the study area (see Table 3.2). While not ideal to include it as a mosaic the pattern of vegetation stands and intermediates was too complex to map. The M19b and U6d communities are described under their own headings. The U5a Nardus stricta-Galium saxatile grassland, species-poor sub-community was present in the driest areas and increased in area further down the hillside. It was clearly characterised by Nardus stricta and fairly species poor; it also covered smaller areas overall than the M19b and U6d. On the lowest ground on both sides of the road there are small areas of valley bog between this mosaic and more water was present in areas where drainage is gathered. These features were small in size and were not mapped however, there were small areas of which would be described as valley fen. The wetter fen and some of the small slow flowing flushes contained bog pondweed (Potamogeton polygonifolius) and various species of Sphagnum including Sphagnum cuspidatum and Sphagnum fallax. A quadrat of one of these areas was undertaken (see Appendix 4) and it was classified as M10a Carex dioica-Pinguicula vulgaris mire, Carex viridula ssp. oedocarpa-Juncus bulbosus sub-community.

3.3.12 M2b (species poor - Averis) - Sphagnum cuspidatum/fallax bog pool community, Sphagnum fallax sub-community. This habitat and similar flush habitats were present coming down the hillside around and through the proposed west construction compound (see Figures 1 and 2). Some of the Sphagnum pools in the smaller unmapped flushes (Target Notes on Figure 1), were dominated by Sphagnum cuspidatum rather than Sphagnum fallax. The presence of Sphagnum fallax perhaps indicating a slight base influence and less acidity in places.

3.3.13 U6d - Juncus squarrosus-Festuca ovina grassland, Agrostis capillaris-Luzula multiflora sub-community. This plant community is present in one small mapped area outside of the proposed west construction compound (see Figure 2), however, it is present all over the hill slope in a mosaic of vegetation along with blanket bog and other acid grassland. In terms of wetness, it is intermediate between the bog and the Nardus grassland. Some areas are wetter than others and the Juncus squarrosus seems to be more dominant in slightly wetter areas. This sward is grazed by sheep and in localised



areas there is an element of local semi-improvement present. The peat is generally quite deep where this vegetation community grows, although it is on a slope which assists drainage.

3.3.14 While Table 3.2 gives the NVC plant community areas and percentages for the whole study area, Table 3.3 gives the same calculations specifically for the proposed West Compound area only. This table indicates that the majority of the proposed development area is a vegetation mosaic of blanket bog and acid grassland (just over 92%, Table 3.3). The remaining (just over 7%) is a large marked flush of M2b. It is important to note that the vegetation detail in this area is complex with further small flushes travelling through the proposed west compound area (see Figure 2).

Table 3.3: NVC Plant Community Areas and Percentages within the Proposed West Compound Boundary.

National Vegetation Classification Area (m2)

Area (ha)

Percentage of the

Compound Area

M19b/U6d/U5a - Blanket bog/Acid grassland mosaic 37002 3.70 92.51 M2b (species poor - Averis) - Sphagnum cuspidatum/fallax bog pool community, Sphagnum fallax sub-community 2997 0.30 7.49 Total 39999 4.00 100.00

Groundwater Dependent Terrestrial Ecosystems

3.3.15 SEPA require information on Groundwater Dependent Terrestrial Ecosystems (GWDTEs) to be provided. This can be provided by using the NVC data (Appendix 4) and NVC mapping with area analysis (Figure 2, Table 3.2 and Table 3.3).

Table 3.4: GWDTE Plant Communities Present, Areas and Percentages for both the Compound Area and Whole Study Area.

GWDTEs Area (m2)

Area (ha) % of Total Area

Total GWDTEs for the Compound Area (M19b/U6d/U5a Moderate Sensitivity) 37002 3.70 92.51

M19b/U6d/U5a Moderate Sensitivity (whole study area) 361792 36.18 82.78

U6d Moderate Sensitivity (whole study area) 235 0.02 0.05

Total GWDTEs for the Whole Study Area 362027 36.02 82.83

3.3.16 According to SEPA’s categories the majority of the west compound area would count as Moderate sensitivity GWDTEs (see Table 3.4 and Figure 3). However, this is because the majority of the area is a complex mosaic of habitats which include U6d - Juncus squarrosus-Festuca ovina grassland, Agrostis capillaris-Luzula multiflora sub-community (see Appendix 4 for further details). In reality, this qualifying habitat covers around 25% of the proposed west compound area but is spread out within the habitat mosaic. The M15 wet heath area (see Figure 2 and 3) is on a slightly raised hillock and is not likely to be a GWDTE, despite initial inclusion under SEPA’s classification. The M15 community is not included in Table 3.4. Conversely, there are



flushes across the hillslope which have been categorised as M2 and not groundwater dependent (see Figure 2) but at least some of these appear, on the ground, to have some groundwater influence. Also, locally and outside of the proposed west compound area but within the survey area, these flushes spread out and form small areas of boggy fen (too small and complex to map separately), which appear to have a slight base influence and this is more evident when they spread out near the road. Such base influence will be ground water related. This ground water influence and base content is emphasised by Quadrat 6 which was taken in one of these small fen areas and was determined as M10a Carex dioica-Pinguicula vulgaris mire, Carex viridula ssp. oedocarpa-Juncus bulbosus sub-community. Under SEPA’s classification this community is Highly groundwater dependent and this was also suggested on the ground. While these small and mosaic vegetation groups were not individually mapped due to their complexity, they were present in the valley bog area on both sides of the road within the study area but outside of the proposed west compound boundaries.

4. NATURE CONSERVATION EVALUATION 4.1.1 Nature conservation evaluation (often referred to as sensitivity) is required for further

consideration and impact assessment. It is included here for the important ecological receptors surveyed.

4.1.2 No evidence of otter presence was found within the study area. While other mammal species are present they are not viewed as important from a nature conservation perspective. For the proposed development it is considered unlikely that any mammal of any nature conservation value could be affected.

4.1.3 The vegetation within the study area and within the proposed west construction compound is complex. The Blanket bog and the mosaic of Bog and Acid Grassland are viewed as being important vegetation types. Blanket bog is generally regarded to be of international importance due to the importance of Scottish bogs in a world context. The M19b area of blanket bog covering the north eastern side of the study area (see Figure 2) is all outwith the proposed west construction compound and there is unlikely to be any direct or indirect effects on it. Therefore, blanket bog is not considered further. The mosaic of Blanket bog and Acid grassland is not regarded as being as important in its own right due to its modification but is important for the flush habitats within it. The acid grassland component of the vegetation mosaic is not important from a nature conservation perspective. Only the largest flush is mapped (see Figure 2). These areas are intact and contain some good quality habitat. The flush habitats are not highly acidic and appear to have a slight base influence. This groundwater/spring enrichment increases the value of the area for nature conservation because these areas are very restricted on Shetland (Paul Harvey, email related to the Biological Records provided, 2019). The limited occurrence of base-rich influence on Shetland is due to the geology (and the ubiquitous blanket of acidic peat to an extent). Therefore, the mosaic containing the flushes is regarded as being of regional importance for nature conservation overall. The blanket bog is categorised as less than international value in this context because it contains acid grassland in a mosaic but the presence of the flushes still gives this a regional context overall. Similarly, the area downhill from the proposed west compound which contains small areas of valley bog/fen is also considered to be of regional importance/sensitivity.

4.1.4 The notable plant records, although not all re-seen during surveying, are included within the vegetation assessment at the same regional importance/sensitivity.



4.1.5 The acidic grassland habitats within and outside the proposed west construction compound are regarded as being of low local nature conservation value only and are not considered further (with the exception of GWDTE characteristics).

5. REFERENCES Averis, A., Averis, B., Birks, J., Horsfield, D., Thompson, D. & Yeo, M. 2004. An Illustrated Guide to British Upland Vegetation. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough.

Joint Nature Conservation Committee (2004). Handbook for Phase 1 habitat survey – a technique for environmental audit. English Field Unit, Nature Conservancy Council, 1990. Revised reprint in 2004. JNCC, Peterborough.

Rodwell, J.S. Editor. (1991). British Plant Communities, Volume 2, Mires and Heaths. UK Joint Nature Conservation Committee. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge.

Rodwell, J.S. (1992). British Plant Communities, Volume 3, Grasslands and Montane Communities. UK Joint Nature Conservation Committee. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge.

Scottish Natural Heritage. (2019a). Protected Species Advice for Developers: Otter. Online publication.

Strachan, R. (2007). National survey of otter Lutra lutra distribution in Scotland 2003–04. Scottish Natural Heritage Commissioned Report No. 211 (ROAME No. F03AC309).

Viking Energy Partnership. (2009). Viking Wind Farm Environmental Statement. All volumes. Available online at www.vikingenergy.co.uk.

FIGURES

APPENDICES

1

APPENDIX 1: Records from the Shetland Biological Records Centre which include the Study Area.

Taxon Latin Name Common Name Location Name Date Spatial Reference

Obs Abundances (LC) Obs Comment

Blasia pusilla Common Kettlewort Burn of Tactigill 09/09/2009 HU3751 present Count

Pellia endiviifolia Endive Pellia Burn of Tactigill 09/09/2009 HU3751 present Count

Bryum pallens Pale Thread-moss Burn of Tactigill 09/09/2009 HU3751 present Count

Dichodontium pellucidum Transparent Fork-moss Burn of Tactigill 09/09/2009 HU3751 present Count

Pohlia carnea Pink-fruited Thread-moss Burn of Tactigill 09/09/2009 HU3751 present Count Now called Pohlia melanodon.

Pohlia wahlenbergii Pale Glaucous Thread-moss Burn of Tactigill 09/09/2009 HU3751 present Count

Rhytidiadelphus triquetrus Big Shaggy-moss Burn of Tactigill 09/09/2009 HU3751 present Count

Huperzia selago Fir Clubmoss Scord of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3750

Huperzia selago Fir Clubmoss Hill of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3751

Lycopodium clavatum Stag's-horn Clubmoss Scord of Sound 01/08/2016 HU37645043 present Count Large patch on north side of road verge

Selaginella selaginoides Lesser Clubmoss Hill of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3751

Selaginella selaginoides Lesser Clubmoss Scord of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3750

Equisetum arvense Field Horsetail Hill of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3751

Equisetum palustre Marsh Horsetail Scord of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3750

Blechnum spicant Hard-fern Scord of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3750

Blechnum spicant Hard-fern Stenswall 01/08/2016 HU3952

Blechnum spicant Hard-fern Hill of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3751

Dryopteris dilatata Broad Buckler-fern Hill of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3751

Dryopteris dilatata Broad Buckler-fern Scord of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3750

Gymnocarpium dryopteris Oak Fern Scord of Sound 01/08/2016 HU37955037 present Count among boulders below road

Trichophorum cespitosum Deergrass Scord of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3750 Now T. germanicum

Trichophorum cespitosum Deergrass Hill of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3751 Now T. germanicum

Carex binervis Green-ribbed Sedge Hill of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3751

Carex binervis Green-ribbed Sedge Scord of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3750

Carex dioica Dioecious Sedge Scord of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3750

Carex echinata Star Sedge Hill of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3751

Carex echinata Star Sedge Scord of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3750

Carex flacca Glaucous Sedge Scord of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3750

Carex hostiana Tawny Sedge Scord of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3750

Carex hostiana x viridula = C. x fulva Sedge Scord of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3750

2



Carex nigra Common Sedge Scord of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3750

Carex ovalis Oval Sedge Scord of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3750

Carex panicea Carnation Sedge Hill of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3751

Carex panicea Carnation Sedge Scord of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3750

Carex pilulifera Pill Sedge Scord of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3750

Carex pulicaris Flea Sedge Scord of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3750

Carex pulicaris Flea Sedge Hill of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3751

Carex viridula subsp. oedocarpa Common Yellow-sedge Scord of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3750

Carex viridula subsp. oedocarpa Common Yellow-sedge Hill of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3751

Eleocharis quinqueflora Few-flowered Spike-rush Scord of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3750

Eriophorum angustifolium Common Cottongrass Scord of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3750

Eriophorum angustifolium Common Cottongrass Hill of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3751

Eriophorum vaginatum Hare's-tail Cottongrass Hill of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3751

Eriophorum vaginatum Hare's-tail Cottongrass Scord of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3750

Schoenus nigricans Black Bog-rush Scord of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3750

Iris pseudacorus Yellow Iris Stenswall 01/08/2016 HU3952

Juncus acutiflorus Sharp-flowered Rush Scord of Sound 01/08/2016 HU37905025 present Count among boulders below road

Juncus articulatus Jointed Rush Scord of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3750

Juncus articulatus Jointed Rush Hill of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3751

Juncus bufonius Toad Rush Scord of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3750

Juncus bufonius Toad Rush Hill of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3751

Juncus bulbosus Bulbous Rush Scord of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3750

Juncus bulbosus Bulbous Rush Hill of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3751

Juncus conglomeratus Compact Rush Scord of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3750

Juncus effusus Soft-rush Scord of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3750

Juncus effusus Soft-rush Hill of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3751

Juncus squarrosus Heath Rush Scord of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3750

Juncus squarrosus Heath Rush Hill of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3751

Luzula multiflora Heath Wood-rush Scord of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3750

Luzula multiflora Heath Wood-rush Hill of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3751

Luzula sylvatica Great Wood-rush Hill of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3751

Triglochin maritimum Sea Arrowgrass Hill of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3751

Triglochin palustre Marsh Arrowgrass Scord of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3750

3



Narthecium ossifragum Bog Asphodel Scord of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3750

Dactylorhiza maculata Heath Spotted-orchid Scord of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3750

Dactylorhiza purpurella Northern Marsh-orchid Scord of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3750

Listera cordata Lesser Twayblade Hill of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3751

Agrostis capillaris Common Bent Scord of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3750

Agrostis capillaris Common Bent Hill of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3751

Agrostis stolonifera Creeping Bent Scord of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3750

Aira praecox Early Hair-grass Scord of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3750

Aira praecox Early Hair-grass Hill of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3751

Lychnis flos-cuculi Ragged-Robin Scord of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3750

Anthoxanthum odoratum Sweet Vernal-grass Scord of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3750

Anthoxanthum odoratum Sweet Vernal-grass Hill of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3751

Arrhenatherum elatius False Oat-grass Scord of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3750

Cynosurus cristatus Crested Dog's-tail Hill of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3751

Cynosurus cristatus Crested Dog's-tail Scord of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3750

Danthonia decumbens Heath-grass Scord of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3750

Deschampsia cespitosa Tufted Hair-Grass Scord of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3750

Deschampsia flexuosa Wavy Hair-grass Hill of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3751

Festuca rubra Red Fescue Hill of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3751

Festuca rubra Red Fescue Scord of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3750

Festuca vivipara Viviparous Sheep's-fescue Scord of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3750

Festuca vivipara Viviparous Sheep's-fescue Hill of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3751

Holcus lanatus Yorkshire-fog Hill of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3751

Holcus lanatus Yorkshire-fog Scord of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3750

Holcus mollis Creeping Soft-grass Scord of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3750

Lolium perenne Perennial Rye-grass Scord of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3750

Molinia caerulea Purple Moor-grass Scord of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3750

Nardus stricta Mat-grass Hill of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3751

Nardus stricta Mat-grass Scord of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3750

Poa annua Annual Meadow-grass Scord of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3750

Poa annua Annual Meadow-grass Hill of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3751

Poa humilis Spreading Meadow-grass Hill of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3751

4



Poa humilis Spreading Meadow-grass Scord of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3750

Poa trivialis Rough Meadow-grass Scord of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3750

Potamogeton polygonifolius Bog Pondweed Scord of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3750

Potamogeton polygonifolius Bog Pondweed Hill of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3751

Angelica sylvestris Wild Angelica Scord of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3750

Achillea millefolium Yarrow Scord of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3750

Achillea ptarmica Sneezewort Scord of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3750

Achillea ptarmica Sneezewort Stenswall 01/08/2016 HU3952

Bellis perennis Daisy Stenswall 01/08/2016 HU3952

Bellis perennis Daisy Scord of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3750

Bellis perennis Daisy Hill of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3751

Cirsium palustre Marsh Thistle Hill of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3751

Cirsium palustre Marsh Thistle Scord of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3750

Cirsium vulgare Spear Thistle Scord of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3750

Gnaphalium uliginosum Marsh Cudweed Scord of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3750

Hypochaeris radicata Cat's-ear Scord of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3750

Leontodon autumnalis Autumn Hawkbit Hill of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3751

Leontodon autumnalis Autumn Hawkbit Scord of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3750

Senecio aquaticus Marsh Ragwort Scord of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3750

Solidago virgaurea Goldenrod Scord of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3750

Taraxacum officinale agg. Dandelion Scord of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3750

Myosotis secunda Creeping Forget-me-not Scord of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3750

Cardamine hirsuta Hairy Bitter-cress Hill of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3751

Cardamine pratensis Cuckooflower Hill of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3751

Cardamine pratensis Cuckooflower Scord of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3750

Jasione montana Sheep's-bit Hill of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3751

Cerastium diffusum Sea Mouse-ear Hill of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3751

Cerastium fontanum Common Mouse-ear Hill of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3751

Cerastium fontanum Common Mouse-ear Scord of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3750

Sagina procumbens Procumbent Pearlwort Scord of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3750

Sagina procumbens Procumbent Pearlwort Hill of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3751

Silene dioica Red Campion Scord of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3750

Stellaria alsine Bog Stitchwort Scord of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3750

5



Stellaria alsine Bog Stitchwort Hill of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3751

Stellaria media Common Chickweed Scord of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3750

Succisa pratensis Devil's-bit Scabious Scord of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3750

Drosera rotundifolia Round-leaved Sundew Scord of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3750

Empetrum nigrum subsp. nigrum Crowberry Hill of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3751

Empetrum nigrum subsp. nigrum Crowberry Scord of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3750

Calluna vulgaris Heather Scord of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3750

Calluna vulgaris Heather Hill of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3751

Erica cinerea Bell Heather Scord of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3750

Erica cinerea Bell Heather Hill of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3751

Erica tetralix Cross-leaved Heath Scord of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3750

Erica tetralix Cross-leaved Heath Hill of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3751

Vaccinium myrtillus Bilberry Hill of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3751

Lotus corniculatus Common Bird's-foot-trefoil Scord of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3750

Trifolium pratense Red Clover Scord of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3750

Trifolium repens White Clover Scord of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3750

Trifolium repens White Clover Hill of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3751

Gentianella amarella subsp. septentrionalis Autumn Gentian Scord of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3750

Gentianella amarella subsp. septentrionalis Autumn Gentian Scord of Sound 01/08/2016 HU37925039 present Count among boulders below road

Gentianella campestris Field Gentian Scord of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3750

Prunella vulgaris Selfheal Scord of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3750

Prunella vulgaris Selfheal Hill of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3751

Thymus polytrichus Thymus polytrichus Hill of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3751

Thymus polytrichus Thymus polytrichus Scord of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3750

Pinguicula vulgaris Common Butterwort Scord of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3750

Pinguicula vulgaris Common Butterwort Hill of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3751

Linum catharticum Fairy Flax Scord of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3750

Chamerion angustifolium Rosebay Willowherb Scord of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3750

Epilobium brunnescens New Zealand Willowherb Scord of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3750

Epilobium brunnescens New Zealand Willowherb Hill of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3751

Epilobium palustre Marsh Willowherb Hill of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3751

Epilobium palustre Marsh Willowherb Scord of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3750

6



Plantago coronopus Buck's-horn Plantain Hill of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3751

Plantago lanceolata Ribwort Plantain Hill of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3751

Plantago lanceolata Ribwort Plantain Scord of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3750

Plantago major Greater Plantain Scord of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3750

Plantago major Greater Plantain Hill of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3751

Plantago maritima Sea Plantain Hill of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3751

Plantago maritima Sea Plantain Scord of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3750

Polygala serpyllifolia Heath Milkwort Scord of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3750

Polygala serpyllifolia Heath Milkwort Hill of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3751

Rumex acetosa Common Sorrel Scord of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3750

Rumex acetosa Common Sorrel Hill of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3751

Rumex acetosella Sheep's Sorrel Scord of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3750

Rumex acetosella Sheep's Sorrel Hill of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3751

Rumex longifolius Northern Dock Scord of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3750

Rumex obtusifolius Broad-leaved Dock Scord of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3750

Montia fontana Blinks Scord of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3750

Montia fontana Blinks Hill of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3751

Ranunculus acris Meadow Buttercup Scord of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3750

Ranunculus flammula Lesser Spearwort Scord of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3750

Ranunculus repens Creeping Buttercup Hill of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3751

Ranunculus repens Creeping Buttercup Scord of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3750

Thalictrum alpinum Alpine Meadow-rue Scord of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3750

Alchemilla mollis Garden Lady's-mantle Scord of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3750

Potentilla erecta Tormentil Hill of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3751

Potentilla erecta Tormentil Scord of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3750

Galium palustre Marsh-bedstraw Hill of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3751

Galium saxatile Heath Bedstraw Hill of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3751

Galium saxatile Heath Bedstraw Stenswall 01/08/2016 HU3952

Galium saxatile Heath Bedstraw Scord of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3750

Galium verum Lady's Bedstraw Scord of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3750

Parnassia palustris Grass-of-Parnassus Scord of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3750

Euphrasia arctica an Eyebright Scord of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3750

Euphrasia arctica x scottica = E. x venusta Eyebright Scord of Sound 01/08/2016 HU37945035 present Count among boulders below road

7



Euphrasia micrantha Eyebright Scord of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3750

Euphrasia micrantha Eyebright Hill of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3751

Euphrasia scottica Eyebright Hill of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3751

Euphrasia scottica Eyebright Scord of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3750

Pedicularis palustris Marsh Lousewort Scord of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3750

Pedicularis sylvatica Lousewort Scord of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3750

Rhinanthus minor Yellow-rattle Scord of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3750

Rhinanthus minor subsp. stenophyllus Yellow-Rattle Scord of Sound 01/08/2016 HU373507 present Count

Veronica officinalis Heath Speedwell Scord of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3750

Veronica serpyllifolia Thyme-leaved Speedwell Scord of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3750

Urtica dioica Common Nettle Scord of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3750

Viola palustris Marsh Violet Hill of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3751

Viola palustris Marsh Violet Scord of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3750

Viola riviniana Common Dog-violet Scord of Sound 01/08/2016 HU3750

Syndemis musculana Dark-barred Twist Burn of Tactigill, Tresta 15/05/1998 HU3751 1

Epinotia mercuriana Moorland Bell Burn of Tactigill 09/08/2003 HU371510 2 Count of present

Crambus lathoniellus Hook-streak Grass-veneer Burn of Tactigill 12/07/2013 HU3751 5 Count of present Netted

Agriphila straminella Straw Grass-veneer Burn of Tactigill 12/07/2013 HU3751 100 Count of present Netted

Agriphila straminella Straw Grass-veneer Burn of Tactigill, Tresta 30/08/2000 HU3751 3

Scoparia ambigualis Common Grey Burn of Tactigill 12/07/2013 HU3751 5 Count of present Netted

Xanthorhoe montanata subsp. shetlandica Silver-ground Carpet Burn of Tactigill 12/07/2013 HU3751 1 Count of present Netted

Eulithis populata Northern Spinach Burn of Tactigill 09/08/2003 HU371510 1 Count of present

Eulithis populata Northern Spinach Burn of Tactigill, Tresta 30/08/2000 HU3751 1

Chloroclysta citrata Dark Marbled Carpet Burn of Tactigill 09/08/2003 HU371510 1 Count of present

Carsia sororiata subsp. anglica Manchester Treble-bar Burn of Tactigill 09/08/2003 HU371510 2 Count of present

Cerapteryx graminis Antler Moth Burn of Tactigill, Tresta 30/08/2000 HU3751 4 by day

Mustela erminea Stoat Weisdale Hill 10/04/2011 HU3750 1 Count of present

Mustela erminea Stoat 07/07/2003 HU379504 6 Count of present A family party.

Lepus timidus Mountain Hare 16/12/2002 HU3750 2 Count of present


8



Lepus timidus Mountain Hare Tresta 23/08/2007 HU3751 2 Count of present


Lepus timidus Mountain Hare Burn of Tactigill 27/03/2013 HU3751 4 Count of present

9

APPENDIX 2 Target Notes from the Phase 1 Habitat Survey

TARGET NOTE

REFERENCE NO.*

NATIONAL GRID REFERENCE HABITAT AND SPECIES NOTES

1 HU 37545 50721

A very large flush which could originate from a spring, although this was not obvious. Part of the flush area is dominated by Sphagnum pools but edges are varied. There may well be a slight base influence i.e. not strongly acidic but clear indicator vegetation was not visible in early June.

2 HU 37592 50799 Flush system in this area. Narrower, going straight downhill, not mapped. Seems to be slightly acidic – pools are Sphagnum cuspidatum dominated with Eriophorum angustifolium sparsely present.

3 HU 37548 50848 Flush in this area. Narrower, going straight downhill, not mapped. Seems to be slightly acidic – pools are Sphagnum cuspidatum dominated.

4 HU 37482 50898 Flush complex in this area. Narrower, going straight downhill, not mapped. Seems to be slightly acidic – pools are Sphagnum cuspidatum dominated.

5 HU 37425 50922 Small flush in this area. Narrower, going straight downhill, not mapped. Seems to be slightly acidic – pools are Sphagnum cuspidatum dominated.

6 HU 37514 50633

Deep peat – flushy fen vegetation just above the road. This area and the south west side of the road have valley bog characteristics. It appears (from the vegetation visible in early June) to be mildly acidic but it probably has some base influence. There is a general movement of water downhill towards the road from the hillslope above, it starts as flushes and flush complexes higher up the hill and then spreads out to become a flushy fen closer to the road (and on the other side of the road). Not possible to map because it is mixed in with blanket bog, acid grassland and Juncus squarrosus pasture, which is generally all on peat over a metre deep.

7 HU 37822 50801

There are several very small springs in this area. Most are not very obvious but several turn into small flushes as they travel down the hillside in this area. Again, they appear to be slightly acidic in character, given the vegetation present in early June. It is likely however, that they do have a slight base influence. Again downhill near the road, in places, these turn into a flushy, fen situation on deep peat.

8 HU 37497 50524 Valley bog/poor fen vegetation in this area, again cannot be mapped due to mosaic with blanket bog, acid grassland and Juncus squarrosus pasture, which is generally all on peat over a metre deep.

9 HU 37840 51002 Several small areas of badly eroded and bare peat in this area. Vegetated areas adjacent are all fairly good quality blanket bog. This area appears to be favoured by sheep and this may at least partly explain the erosion.

* - See Figure 1 for Referenced Target Note Locations.

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APPENDIX 3 Phase 1 Plant List

LATIN NAME COMMON NAME Agrostis canina Velvet Bent Agrostis capillaris Common Bent Anagallis tenella Bog pimpernel Angelica sylvestris Wild angelica Anothoxanthum odoratum Sweet vernal-grass Blechnum spicant Hard fern Calluna vulgaris Common heather Cardamine flexuosa Wavy bitter-cress Cardamine pratensis Lady's smock Carex echinata Star sedge Carex nigra Common sedge Carex panicea Carnation sedge Carex pulicaris Flea sedge Carex viridula subsp. Oedocarpa Common yellow-sedge Cerastium holosteoides Common mouse-ear Cladonia arbuscula Lichen Danthonia decumbens Heath-grass Deschampsia flexuosa Wavy hair-grass Dicranum scoparium Moss Diplophyllum albicans Liverwort Drosera rotundifolia Round-leaved sundew Empetrum nigrum ssp. nigrum Crowberry Equisetum arvense Field horsetail Equisetum palustre Marsh horsetail Erica cinerea Bell heather Erica tetralix Cross-leaved heath Eriophorum angustifolium Common cottongrass Eriophorum vaginatum Hair's-tail cottongrass Euphrasia sp. Eyebright (various species) Festuca ovina Sheep's fescue Festuca vivipara Viviparous fescue Galium saxatile Heath bedstraw Holcus lanatus Yorkshire fog Hylocomium splendens Moss Hypnum jutlandicum Moss Juncus articulatus Jointed rush Juncus bulbosus Bulbous rush Juncus effusus Soft rush Juncus squarrosus Heath rush Luzula multiflora Heath wood-rush Lycopodium clavatum Stag's-horn Clubmoss

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LATIN NAME COMMON NAME Molinia caerulea Purple moor-grass Nardus stricta Mat grass Narthecium ossifragum Bog asphodel Pedicularis palustris Marsh lousewort Pedicularis sylvatica Lousewort Pinguicula vulgaris Common butterwort Plagiomnium ellipticum Moss Plagiothecium undulatum Moss Plantago lanceolata Ribwort plantain Pleurozium schreberi Moss Polygola serpyllifolia Heath milkwort Polytrichum commune Moss Potamogeton polygonifolius Bog pondweed Potentilla erecta Tormentil Primula vulgaris Primrose Prunella vulgaris Selfheal Racomitrium lanuginosum Moss Rhinanthus minor Yellow-rattle Rhizomnium punctatum Moss Rhytidiadelphis loreus Moss Rhytidiadelphis squarrosus Moss Scapania gracilis Liverwort Schoenus nigricans Black-bog rush (close by) Selaginella selaginoides Lesser clubmoss Sphagnum capillifolium both subsp. Sphagnum moss Sphagnum compactum Sphagnum moss Sphagnum cuspidatum Sphagnum moss Sphagnum denticulatum Sphagnum moss Sphagnum fallax Sphagnum moss Sphagnum palustre Sphagnum moss Sphagnum papillosum Sphagnum moss Succisa pratensis Devil's-bit scabious Taraxacum officinale agg. Dandelion agg. Trichophorum germanicum Deergrass Vaccinium myrtillus Bilberry Viola palustris Marsh violet Viola riviniana Dog violet

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APPENDIX 4: NVC Quadrat Data

PLANT GROUP PLANT SPECIES Quadrat Number

Latin Name Common Name 1 2 3 4 5 6

COMPOUND WEST WEST WEST WEST WEST WEST

WAY POINT 344 345 396 425 426 427

NGR HU 37934 50905 HU 37740 50736 HU 37648 50750 HU 37642 50476 HU 37594 50517 HU 37514 50633

PHOTOS YES - YES - - -

PEAT DEPTH (m) 70cm 40cm >1m 25cm 10cm >1m

BARE PEAT None None None None None Water/peat = 4

Description

Dwarf Shrub BB, slightly wind-clipped - fairly species

poor. Variable with some limited erosion in places and more Juncus squarrosus in

places.

Acid grassland - Juncus squarrosus dominated.

This area is on shallower peat but still quite wet and

most of peat around is actually deeper, although the same habitat. Quadrat is typical of this vegetation

in the wider area.

Flush - Spagnum fallax dominated "lawn".

Typical of this habitat but possibly slightly less

acidic than the S. cuspidatum ones.

Small raised hillock of wet heath with heath rush. No Erica tetralix present and the vegetation is towards a damp heath rather than wet heath (quite dry overall). This was the only area of this type of vegetation present.

A dry raised hillock of acid grassland (Nardus

stricta) with some Juncus squarrosus. This

is typical of the drier areas present on the

lower hillside.

Flushy fen habitat near bottom of the hill. Small in area but this is typical in the mosaic with the

other areas of the same habitat present towards the bottom of the hill.

Slight indication of base enrichment, possibly

from springlines above.

National Vegetation Classification

M19b - Calluna vulgaris-Eriophorum vaginatum blanket mire, Empetrum nigrum ssp. nigrum sub-

community.

U6d - Juncus squarrosus-Festuca

ovina grassland, Agrostis capillaris-Luzula multiflora

sub-community.

M2b (species poor - Averis) - Sphagnum

cuspidatum/fallax bog pool community,

Sphagnum fallax sub-community.

M15 (a) Trichophorum cespitosum-Erica tetralix wet heath, Carex panicea sub-

community. Not a good fit because this is quite

dry but it is still wet heath, although

containing no Erica tetralix.

U5a Nardus stricta-Galium saxatile

grassland, species-poor sub-community.

M10a Carex dioica-Pinguicula vulgaris

mire, Carex viridula ssp. oedocarpa-Juncus

bulbosus sub-community.

GWDTE SENSITIVITY (according to SEPA classification) None Moderate None Moderate None High

PEAT/BOG CONDITION Slightly eroded, mainly along the lower bog edge. Not eroded at all locally. Not eroded at all locally. Not eroded at all locally. No erosion No erosion

VEGETATION CONDITION GOOD OK V. GOOD GOOD OK GOOD

Plants

Agrostis canina Velvet Bent 3 5

Agrostis capillaris Common Bent 5

Anothoxanthum odoratum Sweet vernal-grass 3 3

Calluna vulgaris Common heather 7 Nearby 8 4 Nearby

Carex nigra Common sedge 2 3

Carex panicea Carnation sedge Nearby 5

Carex viridula subsp. Oedocarpa Common yellow-sedge Nearby

Cerastium holosteoides Common mouse-ear 1

Drosera rotundifolia Round-leaved sundew Nearby 3

Empetrum nigrum ssp. nigrum Crowberry 4 3 Nearby

Equisetum palustre Marsh horsetail 3

Eriophorum angustifolium Common cottongrass 3 2 3 6

Eriophorum vaginatum Hair's-tail cottongrass 8 Nearby 4

Festuca ovina Sheep's fescue 1

Festuca vivipara Viviparous fescue Nearby 2

Galium saxatile Heath bedstraw 5 3

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PLANT GROUP PLANT SPECIES Quadrat Number

Latin Name Common Name 1 2 3 4 5 6

Juncus bulbosus Bulbous rush 5

Juncus squarrosus Heath rush 4 9 Nearby 6 4 Nearby

Luzula multiflora Heath wood-rush 3

Molinia caerulea Purple moor-grass 1 4

Nardus stricta Mat grass Nearby Nearby 7

Narthecium ossifragum Bog asphodel 1 2 3

Pinguicula vulgaris Common butterwort 2

Polygola serpyllifolia Heath milkwort Nearby

Potentilla erecta Tormentil 4 Nearby 3 3 1

Potamogeton polygonifolius Bog pondweed 4

Selaginella selaginoides Lesser clubmoss 1

Trichophorum germanicum Deergrass 3

Vaccinium myrtillus Bilberry 2

Viola palustris Marsh violet Nearby

Viola riviniana Dog violet 2

Mosses OVERALL COVER 6 5 10 6 6 3

Hylocomium splendens Moss 3 5 6

Hypnum jutlandicum Moss 4 5

Plagiomnium ellipticum Moss 3

Plagiothecium undulatum Moss 3 4

Pleurozium schreberi Moss 4 Nearby

Polytrichum commune Moss 4 Nearby 3

Racomitrium lanuginosum Moss 3

Rhizomnium punctatum Moss 2

Rhytidiadelphis loreus Moss 4 3 3 4

Rhytidiadelphis squarrosus Moss 4 4 5

Sphagnum capillifolium both subsp. Sphagnum moss 6 Nearby 6

Sphagnum compactum Sphagnum moss Nearby

Sphagnum cuspidatum Sphagnum moss Nearby 2 Nearby

Sphagnum fallax Sphagnum moss 10

Sphagnum palustre Sphagnum moss 3

Sphagnum papillosum Sphagnum moss Nearby Nearby

Diplophyllum albicans Liverwort 3

Lichens

OVERALL COVER Lichen 2 0 0 3 0 0

Cladonia arbuscula Lichen 2 3

APPENDIX 6.1: BASELINE SOUND LEVEL DATA · 2019. 11. 28. · Noise Source Level Data Point Sources...

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