Survey of proposed new access track,

construction traffic and ALV passing places for

Reeves Hill wind farm, Knighton, Powys

Phase I walkover with

Great Crested Newt habitat assessment and

mitigation details

Survey and report by Ecology Matters Ltd

October 2011

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1. Background

This survey covers the proposed new access track, ALV and construction traffic passing a)

places for Reeves Hill wind farm site, which is subject to a planning application with

Powys county council. The new access track will connect the main highway to Llanshay

Lane in order to enable turbines to be delivered to the proposed wind farm site at

Reeves Hill.

A Phase I survey was undertaken in May 2008 and the results formed part of the b)

planning application. Following consultation from the Countryside Council for Wales

(CCW) further work was requested, in particular with regard to Great Crested Newts as

there are known records within the area. Ecology Matters Ltd have been contracted to

undertake this work.

2. Methods

a) A Phase I walkover survey was undertaken to confirm whether any of the habitats and

features have changed since the initial survey of the new access track. The route and

surrounding habitat was surveyed for its potential use by great crested newts. The

results have been used to inform the type of mitigation that is required for the scheme.

b) Each passing place was surveyed to assess its botanical richness/vegetation classification

(to Phase I level).

c) The potential for disturbance to breeding birds was noted.

d) Any signs of mammals were noted, such as badger digging, hairs or latrines.

e) The area was also considered in relation to potential impacts to great crested newts.

f) The area was also considered in relation to the effect on any potential bat flight lines.

g) Passing places surveyed are shown in figure 1 (drawing number 9T5421SK033/Sheet1).

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3. Results of new access track survey

a) The survey was undertaken on 23rd June 2011.

b) The majority of the site appears to be unchanged since the habitat survey in 2008.

c) All the fields through which the access track will travel are now classed as improved (as

opposed to semi improved). All hedges are in a similar condition to that surveyed in

2008.

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Figure 1 Proposed access route with target notes

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d) The following target notes refer to numbers in Figure 1:

1. Tall hedge of sycamore, blackthorn, hawthorn, some young oak, dog rose, and

honeysuckle. This is quite a tall dense hedge and has potential for breeding birds,

dormouse, bat flight route and a potential refuge for great crested newts. The

hedge on the opposite side of the road has some planted ash, copper beech and

sycamore.

2. Behind the farm sheds and parking areas are loose rocks and bricks which have

potential as great crested newt hibernation sites.

3. A small cliff face/rocky outcrop with debris at the base including tree stumps which

could provide newt hibernation and refuge sites (Figure 2).

Figure 2 small cliff, potential newt hibernation site

4. An old crab apple tree at grid reference: SO 29757 71802. This is quite small but has

a large cavity on its east side which could provide a bat roosting site, although no

signs of bats were seen on the day of survey (Figure 3). It appears to be very close

to the line of the proposed access route, and should be retained if possible. If it is

to be felled it must be inspected at least one month before work is proposed to

take place to ensure no bats are present. If bats are found to be present the

removal of the tree will require a licence from the Welsh Government.

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Figure 3 Apple tree and cavity

5. Caleck’s Lane: An overgrown disused lane now just a thick double hedge/tree line

which comprises mature hawthorn, hazel, elder and birch with a ground flora

predominantly of nettles. Possible breeding blackbird and redstart were noted.

There is high potential for this treeline to be used as a bat flight route, and good

potential as a refuge and dispersing route for great crested newts. The new access

track will create a large gap in this treeline.

6. Caleck’s Pool – a large pond just off Figure 1 at grid reference: SO 30013 71941.

This pond has some open water and floating vegetation (Figure 4). It is quite

shallow and partially silted up. There is high potential for great crested newts to

breed in this pond. There is no evidence of ducks using the pond (which can reduce

the likelihood of the presence of newts).

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Figure 4 Large pond with great crested newt potential

7. Small narrow flowing stream. This stream flows down from the pond (target note

6), through an area of mature broadleaved woodland and alder carr and then

across an open grazed field where it disappears into a culvert just before the

quarry. It then flows down the west side of the quarry next to a strip of mature

broadleaved woodland and this section of the stream has some aquatic vegetation.

There is some potential for it to be used by newts but this is not high.

8. A remnant, overgrown hedge/tree line comprising hawthorn and hazel (Figure 5).

This is a potential bat flight line, leading bats from the town into Lower Woodhouse

Wood. It is partly broken at present but will be fragmented more by the new access

route. Recommend planting hazel and hawthorn along edge of access track to

connect this tree line back to road on east side of new access route.

Figure 5 Treeline and potential bat flight route

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9. There is a significant amount of loose rock and quarry face which has high potential

as a hibernation site for great crested newts along the road edge and just set back

from the road between the farm entrance and shed entrance (Figure 6).

Figure 6 Rock face with high potential as a newt hibernation site

10. Sluice Pond - a large pond with a lot of floating vegetation suitable as a breeding

site for great crested newts (Grid reference: SO 29665 71704). Just downstream (to

the north at grid reference: SO 29616 71747) is another pool with vegetation which

could also be a potential breeding site for newts.

e) There is a fourth pond just to the north of Law’s Barn at grid reference SO 3053771490

which was not surveyed as it is over 500m from the development. Aerial photography of

this pond suggests it would also have potential as a breeding site for great crested

newts. This pond is located on the old track way and newts could travel towards Caleck’s

Lane from here.

f) No evidence of badgers or other protected species was found during the survey.

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4. Results of survey of passing places

The survey was undertaken on 23rd and 24th June 2011. a)

Each passing places is discussed separately in the following section, in the order they are b)

marked, starting at the passing place closest to Knighton and travelling south.

ALV passing place 1 c)

Figure 7 ALV 1

A hedge line on the west side of the carriageway will be set back approximately i.

1m. This consists of a mature hedge of mixed species: hawthorn, blackberry,

elder, young ash, young oak, dog rose with small larch and alder trees.

There is also a deep grass verge which includes: garlic mustard, red campion, ii.

angelica, hedge woundwort, mouse eared chickweed, goose grass, nettles,

thistle, meadow buttercup, fumitory, clover, dock, plantain ribwort, common

vetch, broadleaved willow herb and knapweed.

The hedge will require translocation by 1m to the west. Details of hedgerow iii.

translocation can be found in the in final section.

The hedge could contain nesting birds and so work should not be carried out iv.

during the bird breeding season (March to end of July).

This passing place is near to a potential great crested newt pond. Any works to v.

the grass verge here would require initial strimming to lower the vegetation

height followed by a fingertip search. It is recommended work is undertaken

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here during the great crested newt hibernation period to reduce potential

disturbance (November to February).

There is a well established animal path by the larch tree. There is no indication to vi.

suggest this is a badger path. It is more likely to be used by foxes and pheasants

as pheasant feathers were seen nearby.

The field behind the hedge is currently ungrazed. Before this field is cleared to vii.

allow movement of the hedge the vegetation must be strimmed and fingertip

searched for great crested newts.

Figure 8 west side of hedge at ALV 1, to be moved back 1m

ALV passing place 2 d)

Figure 9 ALV 2

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At this point there is a mature tall hazel hedge which it is proposed to set back by i.

2m on the east carriageway.

Species within the hedge include: hazel, holly, blackthorn, hawthorn, dog rose, ii.

foxglove, speedwell, thistle, oak, blackberry, goose grass, dogs mercury,

sycamore, nettle, angelica, red Campion, cranesbill (shining), yarrow, elder,

greater stitchwort, knapweed, rosebay willow herb, common vetch, hawkweed.

There is an animal path within the area which may be a badger path. A full badger iii.

survey will be required to ensure no setts are close by (within 30m of any

construction work).

This hedge appears to be quite old and very long established and is species rich. iv.

This hedge will be translocated in its entirety and set back by 2m.

Figure 10 ALV2 left side of picture, right side is preferred

Hedge trim e)

Just to the south of ALV 2 it is proposed to trim a section of hedge to i.

accommodate rear overhang of blade. This section of hedge has clearly been

trimmed in the past and is not species rich although it does contain hawthorn,

elder, dog rose, hazel and holly. There are animal/pheasant paths under the

hedge. Trimming should be undertaken out of the bird nesting season and done

carefully to avoid any other potential users.

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Figure 11 Hedge trim right hand side of picture

Behind this section of hedge to be trimmed is a small plot of young planted ii.

woodland which contains a pond. When a survey of the ponds in the area is

undertaken to determine the presence of great crested newts it is recommended

that this pond is also surveyed.

ALV passing place 3 f)

Figure 12 ALV 3

It is proposed to move the hedge line back by approximately 3.5m to the west. i.

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This is a fairly species poor low hedge including hawthorn, blackthorn, and elder ii.

with a ground storey of dog rose, angelica, hedge woundwort, buttercup, and

raspberries. The field behind the hedge is currently a hay/silage field.

This passing place is close to the pond mentioned in the previous section. iii.

Therefore a fingertip search of the hedge and grass verge will be required before it

is moved.

Immediately to the north of this section, on a corner, is a large mature ash tree. iv.

This is not mentioned on the works schedule however, it is possible that the lower

limb may require trimming to allow tall vehicles access along the road. This ash

tree has potential for roosting bats and any limbs that need to be removed should

be inspected carefully before removing to determine the likelihood of bats being

present. If possible it is recommended this tree is left intact due to its high

potential wildlife value.

Figure 13 Ash tree extending low over road

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ALV passing place 4 g)

Figure 14 ALV 4

It is proposed to move the hedge/fence back (west) by 1m. i.

This is a fairly species poor hawthorn hedge with a ground storey that includes ii.

bracken, rosebay willow herb, angelica, nettle, cleavers, buttercup and dock. The

field behind consists of improved grassland.

There are no wildlife issues with this section. iii.

Construction traffic passing place 1 and ALV passing place 5 h)

Figure 15 passing place 1 and ALV 5

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Figure 16 passing place 1

It is proposed that the fence/hedge line will be set back between 3.2m and 3.5m. i.

This comprises a fairly tall old hawthorn, with elder, willow, birch and pine. There ii.

are a few gaps and the hedge is quite thin. The hedge finishes by an elder tree and

the boundary continues as a fence only.

It may be preferable to replant this hedge rather than move it as it is species poor. iii.

A yellow hammer was heard nearby during the survey. This bird species often iv.

nests in hedges and it is important to ensure no work takes place during the

nesting season (March to end of July).

Construction Traffic Passing Place 2 i)

Figure 17 Passing place 2

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There will be improvements to the existing standard passing place. i.

This will not affect any existing boundaries and there are no wildlife issues. ii.

Construction Traffic Passing Place 3 j)

Figure 18 Passing place 3

There will be improvements to the existing informal passing opportunity. i.

The boundary consists of a fence line with a grass verge including: dog rose, ii.

meadowsweet, angelica, nettle, buttercup, bracken, bramble, hedge woundwort,

gorse, dogs mercury.

The grass verge may need re-establishing if this is affected by any alterations. iii.

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ALV passing place 6 k)

Figure 19 ALV 6

This is an existing junction and there are no apparent alterations to the existing i.

road boundaries.

The hedge includes ash, birch and blackthorn. The grass verge includes bracken, ii.

nettle, buttercup, cleavers, red campion, thistle, rosebay willow herb.

There are mammal (or pheasant) paths within the conifer woodland on the west iii.

side of this area.

No habitats will be affected here. iv.

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Construction Traffic passing Place 4 l)

Figure 20 Passing place 4

There will be no change to the existing boundaries. i.

Construction Traffic passing Place 5 m)

Figure 21 Passing place 5

There will be no change to the existing boundaries. i.

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ALV passing place 7 and 8 n)

Figure 22 ALV 7 and ALV 8

There will be no change to the existing boundaries. i.

Site Access 1 o)

Figure 23 Site Access 1

Fence/hedge to be reinstated behind splay. i.

There are three small stunted rowan trees that are likely to be lost during the ii.

construction of this site access. New rowan trees should be planted either side of

the site access track.

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ALV passing place 9 p)

Figure 24 ALV 9

The construction will affect a grass verge which includes cleavers, bracken, dock, i.

thistle, meadow vetchling, vetch, angelica, bramble and buttercup.

There is also a hawthorn at the north end and on the corner of the track to the ii.

quarry is a young sycamore.

Generally this area is not species rich and there are no wildlife issues here. iii.

Site Access 2 q)

Figure 25 Site Access 2

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There is a small section of wall approximately 3m long on the south side of the i.

access road with a fence behind; it is proposed to move the fence behind the

visibility splay. This wall is relatively close to a pond and wall where great crested

newts were found (in a previous survey) so there is a possibility that great crested

newts could use this section of wall. A survey of this wall took place on 17th May

2011 and no newts were found.

The road widening will directly abut the wall but will not disturb it. It is ii.

recommended to retain a strip of vegetation in front of the wall to retain its

potential use by great crested newts. Providing the wall is not disturbed there will

be no necessity to obtain a licence.

The field which the new track will extend into is currently sheep grazed, the grass iii.

is very short and as such is not suitable for great crested newts. If before

construction the grass has become longer (i.e. no grazing has taken place) then

newts could use this area and a fingertip search will be required before

construction takes place.

Site Access 3 r)

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Figure 26 Site Access 3

There is a low remnant drystone wall set back from the road with a fence behind it i.

and a bracken verge in front. There is also a small young oak tree.

There is some potential for this wall to be used by great crested newts and it will ii.

need further Inspection before the work can be undertaken.

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5. Conclusions

New track: a)

The habitat types on the site of the new access track appear to be unchanged i.

since the habitat survey in 2008.

There is some potential for great crested newts around this development area, ii.

although no notable sites will be affected by the development.

There are three ponds which appear suitable as breeding sites for great crested iii.

newts within 500m of the development area (SO 30013 71941, SO 29665 71704

and SO 29616 71747).

All the hedgerows and tree lines have some potential to be used by great crested iv.

newts and a few rocky banks and discarded tree stumps have potential as

hibernation sites.

In general the surrounding habitat, being improved grassland, provides limited v.

use to newts and there is unlikely to be a high newt population here. However,

the proposed development could have an effect on limiting dispersal of the

newts from the ponds to their hibernation sites.

All work that could impinge on newts within 500m would need a licence to vi.

disturb the animals. The construction of the access route will not damage any

known newt sites but may affect their access to refugia and hibernation sites.

The access route will fragment potential bat flight routes and will result in a small vii.

loss of potential bird nesting sites.

There are historical records for dormouse within the area, but no recent records viii.

(since 1987). The hedgerows appear suitable and during this survey all

potentially affected hedges were searched for any signs of dormouse, but none

were found.

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ALV and passing places: b)

In many instances it is proposed to move the hedge by a few metres. Many of i.

the hedges are relatively old and have evidence of being laid. There is some

difficulty in re-establishing hedges and in some instances it may be beneficial to

start again rather than try and translocate.

Site Access 3 may affect potential newt habitat. A full survey of this wall will be ii.

required before construction takes place.

All other sites will have minor impact and with suitable mitigation will be iii.

acceptable.

6. Mitigation recommendations for new access track

Bat flight routes and bird nesting sites: a)

There will be a relatively large gap created in the tree lines of Caleck’s Lane when i.

the track is constructed through here. This will require some replanting following

construction. A closed gate can help to continue the flight route and if trees or

shrubs should be planted on either side.

If the apple tree with a cavity has to be felled, extra bat roosting sites should be ii.

provided. Three bat boxes (Schwegler type as they are long lasting) should be

installed in mature trees by the rocky outcrop (target note 3 in Figure 1).

Extra tree or hedgerow planting: b)

Any trees or hedges to be cleared should be replaced by alternative plantings i.

close to the area removed or within the development area, with 3 trees

replanted for every tree removed.

It is recommended to plant individual hawthorn or rowan trees along the east ii.

side of the track between Caleck’s Lane and the quarry, each tree spaced 2m

apart or in groups with 2m gaps between to allow stock through. This will create

a new sheltered flight route for bats and may also aid newts in travelling across

the site, but will be spaced to allow stock to continue to cross this area. This will

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also provide extra nesting sites for birds. Young trees must be fenced off from

stock.

It is also recommended to plant hawthorn and hazel trees on the east side of the iii.

furthest north section of the access track, from the quarry to the main road. This

will maintain a link for bats travelling from the town to the woodland.

Plant a hedge along the access track from Llanshay Lane to Llanshay Farm. iv.

All tree and hedgerow species should be Welsh species of local provenance. v.

Newts: c)

The construction of the access route will not damage any known newt sites but i.

may affect their access to refugia and hibernation sites.

Mitigation will be required in terms of providing culverts under the access track ii.

suitable for newts and positive enhancements to the area such as construction of

piles of stones and hedgerow planting. A safe working method will also be

required for construction staff.

All hedges and rocky banks to be disturbed during construction must be fingertip iii.

searched before any clearance work commences. The search must go hand in

hand with clearance, so that no areas are cleared without checking having taken

place on the same day. This will require an ecologist on site during the

construction works.

A pile of stones suitable for hibernation should be constructed upstream of the iv.

access track on the edge of the existing wet woodland, at approximately SO

29884 71937. Pile of stones should also be incorporated into new hedgerow

plantings and any existing suitable hedgerows.

Fence the edge of the track to allow taller vegetation to grow up. v.

Fence the edge of the stream to allow taller vegetation to grow up. Access for vi.

farm animals will be required so gateways should be installed.

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Culverts: d)

i. A culvert will be installed over the stream. This will need to be of suitable design for

newts. It is important to ensure the culvert base is covered with substrate from the

stream to create a more ‘natural’ appearance for the newts. The base of the culvert

should be low enough that the newts can easily crawl (or swim) through the culvert

i.e. there should not be a lip too steep (for the newts to gain access). The final

design and positioning will be agreed on site with the contractors.

ii. In general small tracks with low traffic volume do not act as a barrier for newts,

especially if taller vegetation is present either side of the track. Dry culverts may

need to be installed along sections of the access track if it is raised above the

surrounding ground level to allow safe passage of newts.

iii. No work that could disturb hibernating newts should take place during their

hibernation period November to March.

7. Mitigation recommendations for passing places

Great crested newts: a)

i. The construction of the passing places will not damage any known great crested

newt sites but could affect one potential hibernation area and other refuge sites

under hedges.

ii. All hedges, grass verges and rocky banks to be disturbed during construction must

be fingertip searched before any clearance work commences. The search must go

hand in hand with clearance, so that no areas are cleared without checking on the

same day. This will require an ecologist on site during the construction works.

iii. No work that could disturb hibernating great crested newts should take place

during their hibernation period November to March.

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8. Safe Working Methods

No trees or hedges to be cleared during the bird breeding season, March to end July. a)

A fingertip search should take place each morning before clearance work commences. b)

In the Holloway - any tall vegetation should be strimmed first to reduce the chance of c)

newts being present. This vegetation should then be fingertip searched.

Any rocks, corrugated iron sheets, tree stumps etc. should be checked by an ecologist d)

before work in the area commences to ensure no great crested newts are present. All

potential refugia should be removed from the construction route before

commencement of work.

Llanshay Lane – this is a significant hedge to be removed. Initially top the trees, gradually e)

reducing in height until it is possible to search within the hedge for newts.

Any great crested newts caught during the fingertip search should be released into a f)

similar habitat type as close as possible to the site of capture. Potential release sites

should be identified before construction work commences.

A watching brief will be required for an on-site ecologist. g)

Details on hedge moving: h)

Hedges should only be moved in the dormant season (November to March). i.

If the hedge has not been recently flailed then do this first. Alternatively, coppice ii.

or trim the hedge.

Dig a trench of approximately 1m deep and 1m wide in the middle with side/s iii.

shallow tapered. If lifting from the road side one side of the trench can be fairly

straight.

Using a large excavator with a specially adapted blade fixed to its bucket, cut iv.

beneath the hedge from both sides to ‘free it’ and sever the roots.

Where the hedge is to be moved directly back (from a road), scraping the root ball v.

back (rather than lifting) may be possible. Working from the opposite side of the

hedge to the bucket, pull the whole bank towards the excavator. Tracking up and

down the hedge, repeatedly pull each section of hedge back by a very small

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distance to avoid it breaking up at all. Alternatively lift each section at a time (with

great care) and carry in excavator bucket to the new site. Place immediately in the

prepared trench which is to be their final destination. They should not be stored

for any length of time, but the trench filled in as soon as possible with soil

If the vegetation on the top of the hedge is gappy plant up with locally appropriate vi.

species at a suitable density (usually 4/6 plants per metre in a double staggered

row).

The hedges will require future maintenance. This may need to include further vii.

remedial repairs; replacement planting and a cutting regime which encourages

recovery of the hedge.

Report by Dr S Cartmel On behalf of Ecology Matters Ltd 18/10/11