Appendix 9.A Winter Vantage Point Survey Report/media/PDFs/Generation/wind/onshore/kelmarsh… ·...

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Appendix 9.A Winter Vantage Point Survey Report

Kelmarsh Windfarm Winter Bird Survey

April 2008

Client E.ON Renewables Ltd

Job Name Kelmarsh Wind Farm

Report title Winter Bird Survey

File reference 3173_007_WinterVPrpt_sw_eon.doc

Signed Name Position Date

Originated Susan White Ecologist 11/04/08

Reviewed Andrew Baker Partner 11/04/08

ISSUING OFFICE:

Arden House Deepdale Business Park

Ashford Road Bakewell

Derbyshire DE45 1GT

TEL: 01629 815544

FAX: 01629 815577

Members: Andrew Baker BSc MIEEM Peter Shepherd BSc PhD MIEEM James Gillespie BSc PGDip MIEEM Steve Betts BSc MSc MIEEM Web: www.bsg-ecology.com Email: [email protected] Offices in: Bakewell, Oxford, Berwick-upon-Tweed & Monmouth Registered in: Cardiff No. OC328772 Registered address: Arden House Deepdale Business Park Ashford Road Bakewell Derbyshire DE45 1GT

E.ON Renewables Ltd Kelmarsh Windfarm Winter Bird Survey

Report Contents

1 Introduction..................................................................................... 1 1.1 Site Description ...................................................................................... 1 1.2 Proposed Works ..................................................................................... 1 1.3 Aims of Study.......................................................................................... 1

2 Methodology................................................................................... 1 2.1 Consultation............................................................................................ 1 2.2 Field Survey ............................................................................................ 1 2.3 Vantage Point Count Survey Methodology ............................................ 2

3 Results ............................................................................................. 3 3.1 Constraints.............................................................................................. 3 3.2 Bird Activity ............................................................................................ 3

3.2.1 Raptors ................................................................................................... 3 3.2.2 Waders ................................................................................................... 4 3.2.3 Wildfowl ................................................................................................. 4 3.2.4 Farmland bird assemblage..................................................................... 4 3.2.5 Gulls........................................................................................................ 5

4 Evaluation of key issues................................................................... 7 4.1 Habitat features of value to birds ........................................................... 7 4.2 Presence of raptors, waders and wildfowl .............................................. 7 4.3 Farmland bird assemblage ..................................................................... 8 4.4 Gulls ........................................................................................................ 8

5 Appendix 1: Site and Habitat Map ................................................ 10

6 Appendix 2: Species List ............................................................... 12

3173_007_WinterVPrpt_sw_eon i


1 Introduction

1.1 Site Description The site is working farmland, located approximately 1.5km south-west of Kelmarsh village in Northamptonshire, centred at OS grid reference SP 719 786. The A14 road is situated adjacent to the northern site boundary. The adjacent land is composed of further arable fields and improved pasture. A plan of the site, including the proposed turbine locations is included in Appendix 1. The survey area contains of a series of arable fields, many of which have been recently ploughed. The majority have neutral grassland field margins of varying widths with patches of tall ruderal vegetation. A number of permanent grassland fields are also present which are dominated by perennial rye-grass Lolium perenne with other occasional grasses. Field boundaries are frequently formed by species-poor hedges dominated by hawthorn Crataegus monogyna and with occasional trees. The hedgerows are variable throughout the site with some being more actively managed than others there fore providing diversity in height and structure. Tallyho Covert, an area of semi-natural and plantation broad-leaved woodland, is present within the site. The semi-natural woodland canopy has mixed age and structure but is generally continuous with species including ash Fraxinus excelsior, pedunculate oak Quercus robur and hawthorn. The plantation woodland in the southern section of Tallyho Covert is dominated by Lombardy poplar Populus var. italic. Tallyho Covert is a non-statutory designated County Wildlife Site. A stream with wooded banks dissects the site and there are a number of small ponds and wet ditches.

1.2 Proposed Works E.ON proposes to develop a windfarm of up to seven turbines. The proposed turbine locations are situated towards the north-eastern end of the site. At this stage, the precise layout of the turbines and associated infrastructure is not known.

1.3 Aims of Study Baker Shepherd Gillespie has been commissioned to undertake a survey bird activity at the proposed wind farm site between September 2007 and September 2008. The objective of the study is to identify the range of species that use the habitats within and adjacent to the proposed wind farm in winter with particular reference to target species (raptors, waders and wildfowl) that are considered to be at greater risk from wind turbine developments. A further report will be provided upon the completion of the summer bird surveys.

2 Methodology

2.1 Consultation Prior to the start of survey consultations were undertaken with Natural England, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) and Northamptonshire Wildlife Trust for comments on the scope of survey proposed. In addition the RSPB was asked to provide details of any key bird species which they advise should be given particular consideration.

2.2 Field Survey Survey visits were undertaken on a monthly basis over the winter period between September 2007 and March 2008: a total of 12 survey visits. The principle survey method was vantage point counts from two positions on the site. Over the survey period the study area was assessed at different times of day including dawn and dusk periods and in different weather conditions.

3173_007_WinterVPrpt_sw_eon Page 1


Surveys were undertaken by Ecologist Susan White AIEEM, Senior Ecologist Guy Miller MIEEM and Principal Ecologist Carlos Abrahams MIEEM. The dates and timing of surveys is given in Table 1. Table 1: Details of survey dates and hours

Total survey hours Survey date

Start/finish time of survey period VP1 VP2

Weather Sunrise/set

20.09.07 0740/1400 - 6 Overcast, 17o, drizzle 0651/1911 25.10.07 0955/1600 3 3 Overcast, 12o, light breeze 0653/1757 06.11.07 0740/1345 3 3 Clear, 5o, light breeze 0711/1622 23.11.07 0825/1450 3 3 Clear, 5o, mod. NE wind 0743/1602 13.12.07 0725/1350 3 3 Clear, -4o, heavy frost 0811/1544 21.12.07 1020/1630 3 3 Overcast, 1o, no wind 0817/1550 17.01.08 1335/1710 3 3 Showers, 8o, mod. W wind 0810/1619 18.01.08 0835/1500 3 3 Showers, 10o, mod. SW wind 0809/1618 13.02.08 1215/1745 3 3 Clear, 14o, mod. SW wind 0728/1614 14.02.08 0800/1145 3 3 Overcast, 5o, light mist 0726/1612 19.03.08 1450/1830 3 3 Overcast, 11o, light breeze 0610/1818 20.03.08 0830/1215 3 3 Overcast, 4o, brisk W wind 0608/1816

Total hours 33 39

2.3 Vantage Point Count Survey Methodology Two vantage points (VP) were selected to provide views across the proposed windfarm site and surrounding survey area. The location of each vantage point is shown in Appendix 1. The methodology followed the guidance set out in Survey methods for use in assessing the impacts of onshore windfarms on bird communities, Scottish Natural Heritage, 2005. A total of 72 hours of vantage point counts were made from the two vantage point locations between September 2007 and March 2008. VP1, covering the eastern section of the survey area is located at Ordnance Survey grid reference SP 716 790 and VP2 at SP 709 791. The two vantage points provided a high degree of coverage of the rotor sweep area of the proposed wind farm with no overlapping of the survey area. Mature woodland in Tallyho Covert and landform on site partially obscured some ground level observations, although this constraint is considered to be of limited significance Two vantage points were used instead of one to give better ground coverage and also to assist in more accurately mapping bird movements through the proposed rotor sweep area. Each vantage point count was undertaken for a period of 1.5 to 3 hours with bird movements recorded on maps and recording forms. The following information was recorded:

• Species • Number of individuals • Time of observation • Flight height • Direction of flight • Behaviour (flight, hunting, feeding, roosting etc.) • Time in flight observed • Estimation of time spent in rotor sweep area

Records of non-target species, such as wood pigeon Columba palumbus were summarised in order to allow the surveyor to spend more time monitoring for target species (waders, wildfowl and raptors).



3 Results

3.1 Constraints Tallyho covert and aspect partially obscured some ground level observations, although this constraint is considered to be of limited significance Two vantage points were used instead of one to give slightly better ground coverage and also to assist in more accurately mapping bird movements through the proposed rotor sweep area. Species such as barn owl Tyto alba and lapwing Vannellus vanellus are often active at night. Night time activity was not recorded during these surveys although several visits were carried out at dusk which is likely to reduce the significance of this constraint.

3.2 Bird Activity The survey area supports a wide range of bird species typical of mixed farmland habitats (arable fields, permanent grassland, hedgerows and small woodland blocks). A total of 28 species were recorded during the surveys (see Appendix 2), including four species of high conservation concern and five species of medium conservation concern1, see Table 2. Table 2: Bird species recorded of high and medium conservation concern Common name Latin name UK conservation status Black-headed gull Larus ridibundus Medium Common gull Larus canus Medium Fieldfare Turdus pilaris Medium Lapwing Vanellus vanellus Medium Lesser black-backed gull Larus fuscus Medium Linnet Carduelis cannabina High Skylark Alauda arvensis High Starling Sturnus vulgaris High Yellowhammer Emberiza citrinella High The bird activity is discussed in more detail below with particular reference to target groups which are considered to be at higher risk from bird strike from wind turbines (raptors, waders and wildfowl). The surveys have also recorded species of high conservation concern including farmland birds (such as linnet, skylark, starling and yellowhammer) and three species of gull which are of medium conservation concern. Features described in the text are identified on the Site Plan in Appendix 1.

3.2.1 Raptors Two raptor species were recorded during the surveys: buzzard Buteo buteo and kestrel Falco tinnunculus. Buzzard Buzzard was recorded on 11 of the survey visits. The majority of sightings were of single birds except on the 20th September 2007 when four birds were seen together. The species was recorded either roosting in mature trees or flying over the site. In total 21 flights were recorded within the survey area, of these 12 were recorded between 200m and 50m from the nearest proposed turbine location and six within 50m. All flight heights were in the range of 10 to 40m.

1 RSPB et al (2001) The population status of birds in the UK: Birds of conservation concern 2002-2007



Of the six flights which were within 50m of a proposed turbine one was close to the rotor sweep area. This flight occurred on 13th December 2007 and the bird was observed flying at a height of 40m for 16 seconds of which approximately 6 seconds was in close to the rotor sweep area. All other flights observed close to the positions of the proposed turbines were at heights well below the proposed rotor sweep area. Kestrel Kestrel was recorded on 7 of the survey visits. The species was recorded roosting in mature trees, hunting or flying over the site. In total four flights were recorded within the survey area, two were over 100m from the nearest proposed turbine location and two within 50m. All flight heights were in the range of 10 to 15m and as such were at heights well below the proposed rotor sweep area.

3.2.2 Waders Two wader species were recorded during the surveys: golden plover Pluvialis apricaria and lapwing Vanellus vanellus. Golden plover Golden plover were recorded on site on five survey visits, in November 2007, December 2007 and February 2008. Flock sizes ranged from 22 birds to a single bird. The majority of records for this species were located in the fields around proposed turbines 6 and 7. In total six flights were recorded within the survey area, all of which were within 125m of a proposed turbine location. One flight was 125m, two were 50m, one was 25m and one flight of 22 birds was precisely over turbine location 7. Flight heights ranged from 1m to 40m. Two flights occurred at 40m height which is significant to the rotor sweep area, one was a single bird approximately 125m from turbines 7, in the area between turbines 5 and 7 and the other 5 birds 50m from turbine 7 (13th February 2007). All other flights of this species were at heights well below the proposed rotor sweep area. Lapwing Lapwing were recorded on two occasions on one of the survey visits (21st December 2007). A flock of 5 birds was foraging in the field between proposed turbine areas 4 and 5 before taking off and flying north-west and out of the survey area The birds in flight were approximately 150m from turbine areas 4 and 5 at a height of 15m, well below the rotor sweep area.

3.2.3 Wildfowl One wildfowl species Canada goose Branta canadensis, was recorded on, or in the vicinity of the site. The species was observed on four survey visits during which six flights were recorded. Five flights were between 200m and 300m from the nearest proposed turbine location. One flight of eight birds was recorded 75m west of turbine location 3 at 50-100m height.

3.2.4 Farmland bird assemblage Five birds species of conservation concern and commonly associated with arable and mixed farming habitats were recorded during the survey; fieldfare Turdus pilaris, linnet Carduelis cannabina, skylark Alauda arvensis, starling Sturnus vulgaris and yellowhammer Emberiza citrinella.



Fieldfare Fieldfare were recorded on 7 of the survey visits. The species was observed flying over the site and occasionally either foraging in arable fields or roosting in mature trees close to Tallyho Covert. In total 20 flights were recorded within the survey area, of these 8 were recorded 50-100m from the nearest proposed turbine location and 6 within 25. All flight heights were 20m or less, well below the proposed rotor sweep area. Linnet A flock of four linnet were recorded foraging in hedgerows on 19th Marc h 2008. The birds were within 50m of a proposed turbine location (turbine 5) flying at approximately 1.5m height. Skylark Skylark were recorded on four survey visits (21st December 2007, 14th February, 19th March and 20th March 2008). The species was most frequently observed in display flights over arable fields in eastern areas of the site. In total 16 flights were recorded within the survey area at heights ranging from ground level to 50m. Eleven display flights were recorded within 50m of a proposed turbine location, of which 5 were within 25m of proposed turbine location 2 (19th and 20th March 2008). Display flights started at ground level with calling birds gradually gaining height, maintaining maximum height for period up to 90 seconds before returning to the ground. Of the five display flights recorded close to proposed turbine location 2 the maximum height observed on each occasion ranged from 15 to 40m. Starling Starling were recorded flying over the site on 6 of the survey visits with the largest flock being 18 birds on 6th November 2007. In total 7 flights were recorded of which four were 150 to 200m from the nearest proposed turbine location. The remaining three flights occurred within 75m of the nearest proposed turbine location and were a heights of 15m or less which is well below the proposed rotor sweep area. In total 21 flights were recorded within the survey area, of these 12 were recorded between 200m and 50m from the nearest proposed turbine location and six within 50m. All flight heights were in the range of 10 to 40m. Yellowhammer Yellowhammer were recorded on three of the survey visits. On each occasion the species was observed flying along or moving through hedgerow habitats. In total four flights were recorded within the survey area, of these three flocks of 12-15 birds were recorded 100-150m from the nearest proposed turbine location. one flights of a single bird was observed along the hedgerow between proposed turbine locations 4 and 5, approximately 25m from turbine 5. All flight heights were 5m or less, well below the proposed rotor sweep area.

3.2.5 Gulls Three gulls species were recorded during the surveys; black-headed gull Larus ridibundus, herring gull Larus argentatus and lesser black-backed gull Larus fuscus. Gulls were recorded both flying over the site and roosting in open fields in the west and far south-east of the survey area.



Black-headed gull Black-headed gull were recorded on site on four survey visits (25th October, 6th November, 23rd November and 13th December 2007). In total 20 flights were recorded within the survey area, of these 9 were at distances 100-300m from the nearest proposed turbine location. The remaining 11 flights were observed 0-25m from the proposed turbine locations 3, 4 or 5. The majority of all flights were at heights of 30m, which is below the proposed rotor sweep area. Two flights were recorded up to 50m height. On 25th October 2007 a flock of 13 black-headed gulls were recorded flying over the site at 50m between proposed turbine locations 5 and 6, approximately 175m form each turbine. On the same day a flock of approximately 360 birds which had been roosting the south of the site lifted from the ground and flew north-west over turbine location 7. Birds were at 50m and close to the proposed rotors sweep area for 15 seconds. Herring gull Herring gull were recorded on 7 survey visits between September 2007 and February 2008. In total 14 flights were recorded within the survey area, of these 10 were recorded 100-350m and four flights 20m or less from the nearest proposed turbine location. Three of the flights in close proximity were at heights of 15m or less, well below the proposed rotor sweep area. On 18th January 2008 a single bird was recorded flying south-east at 40m directly over proposed turbine area 1, the bird was estimated to be close to the rotor sweep area for 6 seconds. Lesser black-backed gull Herring gull were recorded on three survey visits between September and December 2007. In total 11 flights were recorded within the survey area, of these 9 were 150-350m from the nearest proposed turbine location. On 13th December 2007 three birds were recorded flying at 15m height approximately 25m from proposed turbine location 5 and a flock of 7 lesser black-backed gulls flying at 5m height 10m from turbine location 5. Both flights are below the proposed rotor sweep area.



4 Evaluation of key issues

4.1 Habitat features of value to birds The distribution of species within the study area is largely related to locations of the different habitat types. The arable fields and permanent pasture are regularly used by species such as kestrel, skylark, lapwing, golden plover and gulls. The field margins and game cover crops sown in field margins are also used by species such as linnet. The hedgerows provide habitats for species such as yellowhammer, and a range of more common species such as chaffinch Fringilla coelebs and blackbird Turdus merula. Mature trees in hedgerows, alongside ditches and in Tallyho Covert provide roosting habitat in particular for buzzard and starling.

4.2 Presence of raptors, waders and wildfowl Raptors Buzzard were commonly encountered, either roosting in mature trees or flying over the site at heights ranging from 10-40m. The range of habitats in the study area provide good foraging and nesting opportunities making it likely that this species may breed locally. The majority of kestrel flight behaviour recorded within the study area has been relatively close to the ground level. Birds have been regularly recorded flying and hovering within the study area typically at heights less than 20m above ground level. The majority of flight behaviour recorded suggests that the time spent by this species within the rotor swept areas is likely to be relatively low, and this potentially reduces the likelihood of an impact on occurring. However the species is potentially more vulnerable when hovering directly under turbines. Surveys during the spring and summer will provide more information of the status of these species within the study area. Waders Golden plover were recorded on-site on five occasions between November 2007 and February 2008 with the largest flock size being 22 birds and flying at heights up to 50m. This species commonly over winters in lowland English farmland, particularly favouring permanent pasture, recently ploughed, stubbles, fallow and root-crop fields. As such, the habitats in the study area provide good winter foraging opportunity for golden plover. The flight behaviour of this species when flying across the site or when disturbed from foraging areas has the potential to take birds into the rotor sweep area of the proposed wind farm. Only small numbers of lapwing were recorded on one occasion during the winter surveys. However, the survey area provides potential breeding habitat for this species and flight behaviour during breeding displays in particular has the potential to take birds into the rotor sweep area of the proposed windfarm. Surveys during the summer will provide more information of the status of this species within the study area. Wildfowl Only Canada goose, which is not a species of conservation concern, was recorded on the site.



4.3 Farmland bird assemblage The study area supports a range of typical farmland bird species, many of which have experienced population declines within the UK (such as skylark, yellowhammer and linnet) and are consequently identified as conservation priorities. For example, these species are included in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan and Birds of Conservation Concern. Of these, skylark is probably has greater potential to experience a negative impact through bird strike or displacement given its flight behaviour which may take birds into the rotor swept area. The other species are less likely to be spatially correlated with the rotor swept area and therefore potential impacts are less likely to be significant.

4.4 Gulls Three species of gull which are of conservation concern were recorded in the survey area. In winter, black-headed gull are found in a wide variety of habitats, including grazing or ploughed land such as on the study site. The species is migratory and the numbers of black-headed gulls is significantly increased in England in winter by birds from continental Europe. Flights recorded during the survey period were mainly below 30m but did on occasion reach 50m. This indicates that the flight behaviour of this species when flying across the site or when disturbed from foraging areas, has the potential to take birds into the rotor sweep area of the proposed wind farm. The site does not provide suitable breeding habitat for this species. Herring gull are principally coastal bird with only small populations moving inland in the winter months and are usually found in the vicinity of urban areas or reservoirs. The species was recorded on site between September 2007 and March 2008 when it was observed flying across the far south of the site and at some distance, foraging in fields and flying low between foraging areas. Although only one flight was observed in the proximity of proposed turbine location (1) it was at a height with the potential to take it into the rotor sweep area. The flight behaviour of the species, particularly when disturbed from a foraging area offers some potential for bird strike. Additionally, there is some potential for displacement of the species crossing the site and commuting between regularly used roosting and foraging sites. Lesser black-backed gull are generally coastal breeders, small numbers can be found inland on heather moor lands and blanket bogs, as such the study site does not provide suitable breeding habitat. Wintering populations in England are boosted by birds from near-continental Europe and are most commonly found in areas close to secure roosts on reservoirs and sources of domestic refuse. The study site provides some useful winter foraging opportunity for the species but the birds were recorded flying at heights generally well below the proposed rotor sweep area.



5 Appendix 1: Site and Habitat Map



6 Appendix 2: Species List Birds recorded during Vantage Point Surveys September 2007 – March 2008. Scientific name Common name Aegithalos caudatus Long-tailed tit Alauda arvensis Skylark Anthus pratensis Meadow pipit Branta canadensis Canada goose Buteo buteo Buzzard Carduelis cannabina Linnet Carduelis chloris Greenfinch Columba palumbus Wood pigeon Corvus frugilegus Rook Corvus corone Carrion crow Corvus monedula Jackdaw Emberiza citrinella Yellowhammer Erithacus rubecula Robin Falco tinnunculus Kestrel Fringilla coelebs Chaffinch Fringilla montifringilla Brambling Larus argentatus Herring gull Larus fuscus Lesser black-backed gull Larus ridibundus Black-headed gull Parus major Great tit Phasianus colchicus Pheasant Pluvialis apricaria Golden plover Prunella modularis Dunnock Sturnus vulgaris Starling Troglodytes troglodytes Wren Turdus merula Blackbird Turdus pilaris Fieldfare Vanellus vanellus Lapwing


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© Entec UK Limited

18 January 2010

Proposed Kelmarsh Wind Farm Further Details of Dates and Times of Winter Vantage Point Surveys

VP1 VP2

Date Survey start/finish Hours Survey start/finish Hours

20.09.07 0740-1140/1200-1400 6

25.10.07 0955-1255 3 1300-1600 3

06.11.07 0740-1040 3 1045-1345 3

23.11.07 1150-1450 3 0825-1125 3

13.12.07 0900-1030/1220-1350 3 0725-0855/1035-1205 3

21.12.07 1020-1320 3 1330-1630 3

17.01.08 1410-1710 3 1335-1635 3

18.01.08 0905-1105 3 0905-1105/1200-1330 3

13.02.08 0800-0930/1400-1530 3 0805-0935/1015-1145 3

14.02.08 0800-0930/1400-1530 3 0805-0935/1015-1145 3

19.03.08 1450-1620/1700-1830 3 1450-1620/1700-1830 3

20.03.08 0830-1045/1045-1215 3 0840-1010/1020-1210 3

Total 33 39

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