Landscape and Habitat Management Plan - Ribble Valley · ERAP Ltd. 2016-103 Whalley Road, Barrow:...

Land off Whalley Road, Barrow, BB7 9AW

LANDSCAPE AND HABITAT MANAGEMENT PLAN

December 2016

[ERAP Ltd ref: 2016-103]

ERAP Ltd (Consultant Ecologists) 49a Manor Lane Penwortham Preston Lancashire PR1 0TA Tel: 01772 750502 [email protected] www.erap.co.uk

ERAP Ltd. 2016-103 Whalley Road, Barrow: Landscape and Habitat Management Plan December 2016 1

CONTENTS

Introduction ...................................................................................................................................................3 1.1 Background and Rationale ..........................................................................................................................3 1.2 Reference Documents ..................................................................................................................................3 1.3 Aims and Objectives ....................................................................................................................................3 1.4 Assumptions .................................................................................................................................................3 1.5 Responsibilities ............................................................................................................................................3 1.6 Scope .............................................................................................................................................................4

Site Operations .............................................................................................................................................4 2.1 Health and Safety ..........................................................................................................................................4 2.2 Site Operatives ..............................................................................................................................................4 2.3 Disposal of Materials from Site ...................................................................................................................4 2.4 Protected Species and Wildlife Legislation ...............................................................................................5

Barrow Brook Biodiversity Corridor ...........................................................................................................5 3.1 Description ....................................................................................................................................................5 3.2 Objectives ......................................................................................................................................................5 3.3 Management Prescriptions ..........................................................................................................................5

New Native Hedgerow ..................................................................................................................................5 4.1 Description ....................................................................................................................................................5 4.2 Objectives ......................................................................................................................................................5 4.3 Management Prescriptions ..........................................................................................................................6

New Native Tree and Shrub Landscape Planting ......................................................................................6 5.1 Description ....................................................................................................................................................6 5.2 Objective ........................................................................................................................................................7 5.3 Management Prescriptions ..........................................................................................................................7

Management of Retained and Established Habitats On Site ...................................................................8

New Drainage Pond ......................................................................................................................................9 7.1 Description ....................................................................................................................................................9 7.2 Objectives ......................................................................................................................................................9 7.3 Management Prescriptions ..........................................................................................................................9

Bird and Bat Boxes .................................................................................................................................... 10 8.1 Description ................................................................................................................................................. 10 8.2 Objectives ................................................................................................................................................... 10 8.3 Management Prescriptions ....................................................................................................................... 10

References ................................................................................................................................................. 11

Appendix 1: Work Schedule ..................................................................................................................... 12

Appendix 2: Figures and Photographs ................................................................................................... 14

Appendix 4: Synopsis of Revelvant Wildlife Legislation ....................................................................... 15

List of Tables

Table 4.1: Woody Species Composition of Hedgerows .............................................................................................5 Table 5.1: Species Composition of New Native Trees and Shrub Planting ...............................................................7 Table 8.1: Bat and Bird Box Inventory Template ..................................................................................................... 10

List of Figures

Figure 11.1: Landscape and Habitat Management Plan ......................................................................................... 14


Document Control

Survey Type: Surveyors1 Survey Date(s)

Site Walkover Brian Robinson B.Sc. (Hons) MCIEEM Nicola Wallbank B.Sc. (Hons) Ph.D. ACIEEM

15th November 2016

Reporting Personnel Date

Author Nicola Wallbank B.Sc. (Hons) Ph.D. ACIEEM Ecologist

28th November 2016

Signature(s)

Checked by Brian Robinson B.Sc. (Hons) MCIEEM Senior Ecologist

29th November 2016

Revised and issued by Nicola Wallbank 2nd December 2016

Report issued to Redrow Homes Limited

Copy Number 1


INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background and Rationale

1.1.1 ERAP Ltd (Consultant Ecologists) was commissioned by Redrow Homes Limited to produce a Landscape and Habitat Management Plan for Phase 1 at Whalley Road, Barrow (hereafter referred to as the ‘site’). The Ordnance Survey (OS) grid reference at the centre of the site is SD 7348 3814.

1.1.2 This plan is a reviewable document that can be updated and amended as required. The management schedule at Appendix 1 (Section 10.0) of this report covers the first five years. After five years this plan will be reviewed and updated / extended as required.

1.2 Reference Documents

1.2.1 This Plan has been prepared in consultation with 2009-089d Land off Whalley Road, Barrow, Lancashire Ecological Survey and Assessment1 (ERAP Ltd, 2012), hereafter the ‘Ecology Report’.

1.3 Aims and Objectives

1.3.1 The aim of this Plan is to provide a comprehensive practical document that can be referred to and consulted by the local planning authority, the developer and their appointed contractors and the future residents of the residential site.

1.3.2 The information and prescriptions detailed in this Plan aims to satisfy the following objectives:

a. Conserve and manage the existing features of ecological interest at the site at the post-construction stage, including the riparian corridor associated with Barrow Brook;

b. Promote the successful establishment and management of new landscape planting and wildlife habitats;

c. Provide a detailed work schedule, confirm commitment to this Plan and where responsibilities lie; and

d. Specify and implement actions to ensure compliance with wildlife legislation, standard guidelines and best practice.

1.4 Assumptions

1.4.1 For the purposes of this Management Plan ‘Year 1’ in the management schedule at Appendix 1 (Section 10.0) refers to the first year following planting in that area of the site . It is accepted that Year 1 may be

different year across the site as the construction / implementation of landscaping progresses.

1.5 Responsibilities

1.5.1 Redrow Homes Limited and their appointed contractors will be responsible for the implementation of actions during construction period.

1.5.2 After construction, the areas of greenspaces will be handed over to a Management Company. The Management Company and their contractors will be responsible for the implementation of actions detailed in the Work Schedule at Appendix 1 (Section 10.0). It will be the Management Companies responsibility to ensure monitoring is completed as described, by appropriately qualified and experienced people, and that this monitoring informs the management of the habitats within the site.

1 The original ecology report was produced in May 2010 and was subsequently updated in May 2012.


1.6 Scope

1.6.1 This management plan covers the following habitats and features:

a. Barrow Brook biodiversity corridor;

b. New native hedgerow;

c. New tree and shrub planting;

d. Retained and established habitats on site;

e. The new drainage pond; and

f. Bat and bird boxes to be installed on retained mature trees

SITE OPERATIONS

2.1 Health and Safety

2.1.1 The following precautions should be taken into consideration when carrying out the Landscape and Habitat Management practices:

a. Personnel working on site should make themselves aware of the location of any underground and above ground services and cables;

b. Personnel must be aware of the dangers of working around water and take necessary precautions to ensure personal safety is maintained at all times;

c. Consideration must be given to vehicular and pedestrian use by local residents: roads and paths should be kept clear at all times, and potentially dangerous tools or machinery must not be left unattended;

d. Personnel must also be aware of the limitations when using certain chemicals close to open water, ensuring they comply with Environment Agency (EA) recommendations; and

e. Works to existing trees must be undertaken following current best practice guidelines, with suitable risk management practices undertaken for all operations, including the use of chainsaws/machinery, climbing, and felling branches.

2.1.2 Methods for reducing the potential site risks are well established and are common practice of competent contractors. The contractor is expected to identify the hazards associated with any maintenance operations proposed, together with an assessment of the risks involved and methods for reducing risks. The risk assessment should be recorded and retained for reference in the future if necessary.

2.2 Site Operatives

2.2.1 Where necessary, operations on site are to be carried out by suitably qualified operatives with appropriate safety clothing. Contractors, where relevant, are to adhere to the latest guidance on safe working practice, including information from the recognised industry body, the local authority and the government Health and Safety Executive.

2.2.2 Any appointed maintenance contractor is to carry out all operations with regard to the safety and welfare of the general public, the protection of private and public property, and the conservation of domestic and native flora and fauna, as well as maintenance of Statutory Services.

2.3 Disposal of Materials from Site

2.3.1 All rubbish, leaves, grass and general arisings removed from the site are to be checked for wildlife and deposited at an appropriately licensed tip.


2.4 Protected Species and Wildlife Legislation

2.4.1 All personnel working on site must be aware of the presence of wildlife and possibility of protected species at the site. Relevant wildlife legislation and information is appended at Appendix 3 (Section 12.0).

BARROW BROOK BIODIVERSITY CORRIDOR

3.1 Description

3.1.1 The banks of Barrow Brook extend along the northern margin of the site. Barrow brook is a moderately fast flowing stream with steep sided banks and a stone and silt bed. Species present at the banks include Silver Birch (Betula pendula), Sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus), Alder (Alnus glutinosa), Goat Willow (Salix caprea), and Ash (Fraxinus excelsior), Herb-robert (Geranium robertianum), Hedge Woundwort (Stachys sylvatica), Dog’s Mercury (Mercurialis perennis) and Lesser Celandine (Ficaria verna).

3.2 Objectives

3.2.1 To conserve existing habitats within the buffer to ensure that the wildlife corridor formed by the brook is retained and protected.

3.3 Management Prescriptions

3.3.1 In accordance with best practice a five metre wide biodiversity and maintenance buffer between Barrow Brook and the development is to be retained and protected.

3.3.2 Regular (at least twice annually) inspections of the buffer zone to be undertaken and any incidence of invasive species, litter, debris or other pollution should be reported. Appropriate measures to be taken for the eradication of invasive species or removal of the litter/pollutant etc.

NEW NATIVE HEDGEROW

4.1 Description

4.1.1 As illustrated on Figure 11.1 a new native hedgerow will be planted along the eastern boundary adjacent to Whalley Road.

4.1.2 The plant species specification for the hedgerow is provided in Table 4.1, below.

Table 4.1: Woody Species Composition of Hedgerows

Scientific Name Common Name

Corylus avellana Hazel

Crataegus monogyna Hawthorn

Ilex aquifolium Holly

Prunus spinosa Blackthorn

4.2 Objectives

4.2.1 Initially the objective is to promote the establishment of healthy specimen shrubs which will be allowed to grow to maturity and provide a valuable wildlife habitat and improved habitat connectivity.

4.2.2 In the long term, the new native hedgerow will be managed to ensure the establishment of a dense hedgerow. The objective is therefore to ensure the native hedgerow establishes to provide a robust boundary and contribute to a diverse wildlife habitat and habitat connectivity.



4.3.1 An annual inspection of the hedgerow when it are in full leaf will be conducted, to ensure that it is thriving. Any defects requiring remedial works will be recorded.

4.3.2 The plants will be checked, and heeled in if any have become uprooted. Any failed shrubs must be replaced to the original specification.

4.3.3 Newly planted bare root stock takes some time to establish, and until this occurs they are subject to competition from weeds. To reduce competition, an area around the plants is to be maintained weed free by a mulch material (chippings or bark mulch). Herbicides should be avoided if possible unless grass and weeds are affecting the establishment of the plants.

4.3.4 During establishment, the shrubs may require regular watering particularly during prolonged dry periods during the summer months. These areas are to be watered if there has been a period of dry weather for two weeks or more between June to September in the first growing season.

4.3.5 Shelter guards, rabbit spirals, canes and ties are to be inspected and adjusted accordingly to ensure they are not restricting growth. Damaged guards, canes or ties are to be replaced.

4.3.6 When the plants are established and can support themselves the guards, canes and ties are to be removed. This operation is likely to be required after three to five years dependant on establishment rates, stability and growing conditions.

4.3.7 During the establishment period the top of the hedgerow will not be trimmed until it has achieved the desired height. The new hedgerow will be maintained at 1.0 to 1.5 metres high.

NEW NATIVE TREE AND SHRUB LANDSCAPE PLANTING

5.1 Description

5.1.1 As illustrated on Figure 11.1 native trees and shrubs will be planted at the site boundaries and across the site.

5.1.2 The plant species specification for the native tree and shrub planting is listed in Table 5.1, below.


Table 5.1: Species Composition of New Native Trees and Shrub Planting

Scientific Name Common Name

Acer campestre Field Maple

Anus glutinosa Alder

Betula pendula Silver Birch

Crataegus monogyna Hawthorn

Corylus avellana Hazel

Ilex aquifolium Holly

Prunus spinosa Blackthorn

Rosa arvensis Field Rose

Rosa canina Dog Rose

Sorbus aucuparia Rowan

Quercus robur English Oak

Tilia cordata Small-leaved Lime

Viburnum opulus Guelder Rose

5.2 Objective

5.2.1 The objective of the management of this habitat type is to promote the establishment of healthy specimen trees and shrubs, which will be allow to grow to maturity and provide valuable wildlife habitats and improve habitat connectivity across the site.


5.3.1 Trees and shrubs are to be checked annually when they are in full leaf to ensure that they are thriving. Defects requiring remedial works will be recorded, refer to Section 6.0 for details.

5.3.2 Vegetation is to be strimmed from around the base of the plants until the point it is determined that the trees and shrubs are tall enough to tolerate weed competition.

5.3.3 If the trees and shrubs show signs of poor growth or reduced vigour an application of the appropriate fertiliser should be carried out. If trees and shrubs do not respond to a treatment of fertiliser, further inspections are required, including the ground conditions for signs of compaction, contamination and poor quality topsoil. Any problems uncovered with the soil must be remediated. Should remediation works not resolve the problem a replacement tree may need to be planted.

5.3.4 During establishment trees should be watered regularly during prolonged dry periods.

5.3.5 Tree shelters and stakes to be inspected twice annually as part of the general maintenance visits and adjusted accordingly. Damaged ties or stakes must be replaced. When the trees are established and can support themselves the ties should be carefully removed and the stakes cut down to ground level. This operation is likely to be required after three to five years dependant on establishment rates, stability and growing conditions.

5.3.6 Pruning of young trees and shrubs should not generally be required during the first five years unless they have dead or diseased branches or are impeding paths or fences. In such cases the branch should be pruned back (using a sharp clean knife) to an outward facing bud while maintaining the natural shape of the specimen.


MANAGEMENT OF RETAINED AND ESTABLISHED HABITATS ON SITE

Trees

6.1.1 An Arboricultural inspection of retained and newly established trees on site to be conducted on an annual basis to identify and resolve the following conditions:

a. Major deadwood which need to be removed from tree crown areas;

b. Split or damaged branches, as well as storm-damaged and hung up limbs, or jagged and open wounds, which require treatment;

c. Forks, cavities and major defects which are evident and which could results in structural failure and may require treatment;

d. Cavities, cracks or bark wounds which may be present at the bases of trees, with particular note of any bracket fungi which are evident and require maintenance treatments;

e. Basal suckers and epicormic shoots, which require removal from the main trunk; and

f. Diseases which are affecting projected tree lifespan or tree condition.

6.1.2 All tree works will, ideally, be undertaken in January and February to avoid the bird-breeding season. All tree works will be in accordance with BS 5837:2012: ‘Trees in Relation to Design, Demolition and Construction: Recommendations’ (BSI, 2012).

6.1.3 Recommendations for tree maintenance treatments should take into consideration the need for licensed bat roost surveys.

Hedgerows

New Hedgerow

6.1.4 It is considered that the new hedgerow will not require management for the first two years other than annual checks to determine the success of planting (refer to Section 4.0). Once the hedgerow has been in place

for two years, an initial light prune will be conducted to encourage a dense woody growth from new plants.

6.1.5 The management measures described below assume the hedgerows concerned are fully established (i.e. at least five years old and possibly older, as informed by annual monitoring) and will not be damaged be damaged by use of machinery.

Retained Hedgerows

6.1.6 Maintained with sympathetic cutting every two to three years, allowing the hedgerow to form second and third year growth, is necessary for many species to flower and fruit. Incrementally increasing the cutting height will avoid putting the hedgerow under undue stress and keep it healthy.

6.1.7 Hedgerows are not to be left untrimmed for more than three years as the woody growth will become too thick to be cleanly trimmed. Rotational cutting, i.e. leaving some hedgerows entirely each year, will be adopted at the site to ensure there is always some hedgerows supporting dense leaf cover and berries at the site.

6.1.8 A 0.5 metre margin to be left at the base of the hedgerows and mown on an annual basis in late September to ensure the base of the hedgerow does not become gappy, that the hedgerow provides good connectivity for wildlife, and to ensure that the hedgerow provides suitable habitat for invertebrate species.

6.1.9 All debris from cutting should be cleared from roads and paths.

6.1.10 Removal of litter and debris that has collected in the hedgerows as part of the general management of the area.


6.1.11 If management work is required during the bird breeding season, a nesting bird survey must be conducted by a suitably trained ecologist or ornithologist, to confirm the absence of breeding birds. If nesting birds are found, it may be required to fence off the area and avoid any works on the portion of hedgerow, until it can be satisfactorily confirmed that all nestlings have fledged and left the area.

NEW DRAINAGE POND

7.1 Description

7.1.1 Description as illustrated on Figure 11.1, a drainage pond will be created at the north-western corner of the

site adjacent to Barrow Brook.

7.2 Objectives

7.2.1 The new drainage pond will be managed for use by breeding amphibians, namely common toad (Bufo bufo), a Priority Species. The pond will also be of value for the attraction of other wildlife namely breeding dragonfly and damselfly and provide a source of drinking water for wildlife such as hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus), a Priority Species, while maintaining its function as a drainage pond.


Management of Aquatic and Emergent Vegetation

7.3.1 Invasive Bulrush (Typha latifolia) and other emergent species will not be permitted to encroach over the pond. Removal of Bulrush will be carried out every three years, or as required, to maintain at least 75% open water at the pond.

7.3.2 Removal of Bulrush (and other emergent species) will only be carried out in the winter months (outside the amphibian breeding season). All removed material will be left in small piles around the pond margins for two to three days prior to removal from site; this will permit aquatic invertebrates and any over-wintering larvae to return to the pond.

Control of Willow/Scrub Encroachment

7.3.3 Self-seeded willow/scrub encroachment within and around the pond will be controlled. This will be necessary to avoid willows/shrubs from causing shaded conditions and removing water from the ground, causing the pond and wetland habitats to dry out.

7.3.4 The aim will be to ensure shading does not exceed 20% of the pond marginal area.

7.3.5 Willow and other shrubs will be cut down to stump level with the use of hand tools in the early autumn (outside the bird breeding season). Stumps will be treated with an approved herbicide to prevent re-growth. This may be an annual operation to keep willows/shrubs controlled.

7.3.6 Cut logs and branches may be used to make new dead wood habitat piles and hibernacula for use by sheltering amphibians.

Removal of Invasive Species

7.3.7 The appointed contractor will be responsible for the detection of and control/removal of invasive species at the ponds e.g. New Zealand Pygmyweed (Crassula helmsii), Parrot’s Feather (Myriophyllum aquaticum) and Indian Balsam (Impatiens glandulifera) etc.

7.3.8 Current Environment Agency and Natural England guidance will be consulted to obtain details of the most up-to-date methods of treatment of an invasive species. It will be essential to ensure that its treatment gives full consideration to the presence of breeding amphibians.


Control of Blanket Weed

7.3.9 New ponds sometimes take time to ‘settle’ and during this period blanket weed comprising single-celled algae species may become problematic.

7.3.10 Small patches of blanket weed should be removed by twirling the weed around a cane and lifting it out of the water.

7.3.11 More excessive growth can be treated by floating a mesh bag of barley straw on the pond (about 50 grams of straw per square metre of water surface area is ideal). The straw should be added in spring and removed it when it has turned black (usually about six months later). The barley straw controls algal growth as it decomposes and releases chemicals which inhibit algae growth.

Resources

7.3.12 Further guidance in relation to pond management can be found from the freely-downloadable document Creating Garden Ponds for Wildlife (Pond Conservation & World of Water, 2011). Guidance on how to integrate suitable features for wildlife at new ponds which are proposed as part of Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS) is presented at the freely-downloadable Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems: Maximising the Potential for People and Wildlife, a Guide for Local Authorities and Developers (Graham, et al., 2012).

BIRD AND BAT BOXES

8.1 Description

8.1.1 As detailed in Figure 11.1, three Schwegler 1FF bat boxes and three Schwegler 1B (32mm) bird boxes will be installed at retained mature trees.

8.2 Objectives

8.2.1 To enhance the opportunities available for roosting bats and nesting birds at the site, and ensure their perpetuity.


8.3.1 Once installed the location of the boxes will be annotated on a plan of the site.

8.3.2 Boxes will be numbered and an inventory as illustrated in Table 8.1 is to be completed.

Table 8.1: Bat and Bird Box Inventory Template

Box Number

Type Location (OS grid reference)

Tree Species/house number (box mounted on)

Year 1 Year 2

Condition Use Condition Use

e.g. 1 1FF Schwegler

SD xxxxx xxxxx Ash Present & Ok

Yes Damaged: replacement required

No

8.3.3 The inspection of the bat boxes may cause the disturbance of bats, a UK and European protected species, and will therefore only be undertaken by an appropriately licensed and experienced surveyor.

8.3.4 The bat and bird boxes will be monitored and checked annually in September/October (i.e. outside the bird breeding season).


8.3.5 Debris and any bird nesting material will be cleared from all boxes. Damaged, fallen or lost boxes will be replaced/ repaired as required.

REFERENCES

BSI, 2012. Trees in relation to design, demolition and construction. Recommendations. London: BSI Standards Limited.

Crofts, A. & Jefferson, R. G., 1999. The Lowland Grassland Management Handbook, Peterborough: English Nature/The Wildlife Trusts.

ERAP Ltd, 2012. 2009-086d Land off Whalley Road, Barrow, Lancashire Ecological Survey and Assessment , Preston: ERAP.

Graham, A., Day, J., Bray, B. & Mackenzie, S., 2012. Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems: Maximising the Potential for People and Wildlife, a Guide for Local Authorities and Developers. [Online] Available at: https://www.rspb.org.uk/Images/SuDS_report_final_tcm9-338064.pdf [Accessed 29 November 2016].

JNCC, 1995. The UK Biodiversity Steeting Group Report, Volume 2, Action Plans. London: H.M.S.O.

JNCC, 2010. Handbook for Phase 1 Habitat Survey: A technique for Environmental Audit. Peterborough: NCC.

Pond Conservation & World of Water, 2011. Creating Garden Ponds for Wildlife. [Online]

Available at: http://freshwaterhabitats.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Creating-Garden-Ponds-for-Wildlife.pdf [Accessed 28 November 2016].

Rodwell, J. S., 1992. British Plant Communities: Volume 3, Grasslands and Montane Communities. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

Stace, C. A., 2010. New Flora of the British Isles 3rd Edition. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.


APPENDIX 1: WORK SCHEDULE

Habitat and Prescription

Month

Total Years Comments/Notes/Prerequisites J F M A M J J A S O N D

Barrow Brook Biodiversity Corridor

Inspection for invasive species and litter

1 1 1 3 1-5 Appropriate eradication of invasive species or removal of the litter/pollutant etc. as required.

New and Existing Native Hedgerows, Trees and Shrubs

Inspect new hedgerow to ensure thriving

1 1 1 1 4 1-5

Hand pull weeds and/or add a bark mulch to reduced competition from weeds.

1 1 1 1 4 1-3 Only required until habitats are established.

Heel in any whips that have been uprooted and replace any failed shrubs to original specification.

As

required 1-3 Only required until habitats are established.

Water new hedgerow every two weeks during prolonged periods of drought (> two weeks)

2 2 2 2 Only as required

1-3 -

Remove canes and rabbit guards 1 1 5 Provided whips have established. Specified winter when the foliage is absent to facilitate access.

Cut new hedgerow when reaches a height of 1.0-1.5 metres

1 1 5, 8

Only required every 2-3 years. Sides to be cut at an angle to ensure a wider hedgerow base. Height to be maintained between 1.0 and 1.5 metres. Avoid bird nesting season and main berry producing period.

Cut existing hedgerow on sides only 1 1 5, 8 Avoid bird nesting season and main berry producing period.

Remove litter from base of hedgerow 1 1 1 1 1 1 6 1-5 All litter to be disposed of appropriately.

Remove self-seeded trees and shrubs

1 1 1-5 Cut self-seeded trees and shrubs at ground level and remove before they become too large to manage with hand tools.

New Drainage Pond

Control growth of Bulrush and other emergent species.

1 1 3

Ideally to maintain 75% of open water area at the pond. All removed plant debris to be left on the pond margins for 2-3 days following removal to permit invertebrates to return to the pond.

Control of self-seeded Willow and scrub encroachment around pond

1 1 3

To be carried out outside bird nesting season. To maintain only 20% shade over the pond. Arisings to be used to make dead wood habitat piles around pond margins.

Removal/control of invasive species As

required 1-5 Appointed contractor

Control of blanket weed, if needed 1 1 As

required 1-5

By hand removal or insertion of barely straw mesh bag,

see prescriptions.

Continued overleaf


Habitat and Prescription

Month

Total Years Comments/Notes/Prerequisites J F M A M J J A S O N D

Continued

Bat and Bird Boxes

Inspect and repair or replacement of bat boxes as required.

1 1 1 1 1 1 to 5 1-5 Inspection to be conducted by a licensed bat worker. Damaged or missing box to be repaired/replaced.

Inspect and clean out bird boxes 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 to 5 1-5 To be conducted outside the bird breeding season. Damaged or missing box to be repaired/replaced.

Review of Management Plan

Management plan to be reviewed and updated/revised as required.

1 1 5 Plan to be reviewed and revised as appropriate. Frequency of visits may be increased /decreased.


APPENDIX 2: FIGURES AND PHOTOGRAPHS

Figure 11.1: Landscape and Habitat Management Plan


APPENDIX 4: SYNOPSIS OF REVELVANT WILDLIFE LEGISLATION

12.1 All wild birds are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended), whilst they are actively nesting or roosting. Section 1 of this Act, makes it an offence to kill, injure or take any wild bird, and to intentionally take, damage or destroy the nest of any wild bird while that nest is in use or being built. It is also an offence to take or destroy any wild bird eggs.

12.2 It is mandatory that management and maintenance actions that involve the pruning or removal of trees, shrubs, Ivy cover, Bramble scrub or other suitable breeding bird habitat are only carried out outside the bird breeding season, unless it can be adequately demonstrated by an ecologist that no breeding birds, active nests, eggs or fledglings are present in the area to be cleared. The bird breeding season typically extends between March to August inclusive.

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