THWAITES SYKES HOLT BAT SURVEY REPORT...Sykes Holt, Mellor Brook, Lancashire Bat Survey Report 3...
Transcript of THWAITES SYKES HOLT BAT SURVEY REPORT...Sykes Holt, Mellor Brook, Lancashire Bat Survey Report 3...
THWAITES SYKES HOLT
BAT SURVEY REPORT
Prepared for: Rural Solutions, on behalf of Daniel
Thwaites PLC
Prepared by: SK Environmental Solutions Ltd
Date: 20th July 2016
Reference: SK/JN00208/D01
Sykes Holt, Mellor Brook, Lancashire
Bat Survey Report
CONTENTS
1 INTRODUCTION.............................................................................................................. 2
2 SURVEY METHODOLOGY ........................................................................................... 5
3 LEGISLATION AND PLANNING POLICY ................................................................... 9
4 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS ....................................................... 123
5 REFERENCES ............................................................................................................. 156
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1 INTRODUCTION
Background
1.1 SK Environmental Solutions Limited was commissioned by Rural Solutions (on behalf
of Daniel Thwaites PLC) to undertake an update of bat surveys originally undertaken
in 2015 at Sykes Holt, Mellor Brook, Lancashire.
1.2 The current proposals include the extensive redevelopment of the site in order to
construct a microbrewery with associated office space, accommodation and parking.
1.3 Previous bat surveys of the site, undertaken in 2014 and 2015, recorded low numbers
of common and soprano pipistrelle bats and a Myotis spp bat roosting within the Sykes
Holt cottage. Droppings of whiskered bats (Myotis mystacinus) were also found within
the cottage. It is therefore likely that the Myotis spp bat seen roosting belonged to that
species.
1.4 No bats were seen roosting within any of the other buildings on site.
1.5 The purpose of the survey was to update the 2014/5 survey findings prior to any licence
applications, and where relevant:
Identify whether bats are roosting within the internal or external features of the
building proposed for development;
Determine whether a European Protected Species Mitigation (EPSM) licence or a
Bat Low Impact Licence is still likely to be required to facilitate development;
Make recommendations, if required, regarding appropriate avoidance measures,
mitigation or, if necessary, compensation measures.
1.6 The instructed works therefore entailed two dusk emergence surveys of Sykes Holt
cottage only. During previous survey work, no bats were found roosting in any of the
other buildings, therefore a re-survey would not be required.
Site Description
1.7 The survey site is situated on the outskirts of the village of Mellor Brook, approximately
6.5km east of Blackburn, in Lancashire. The red-line boundary extends to c. 7.8
hectares and is located within Mammon Wood, which is designated as Ancient and
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Semi-Natural Woodland. Mellor Brook, a small stream, runs through the centre of the
wood, flowing in a westerly direction. Located within the woodland are two natural
ponds, one in the northern part of the site and one in the southern part. Within the
centre of the survey site lies Sykes Holt Cottage and garden with an ornamental pond
located to the east. A small complex of agricultural buildings and an adjacent paddock
lie to the east. The topography of the site is broadly flat with sharp slopes to the north
and south of the brook.
1.8 The A59 runs in a broadly west to east direction directly south of the survey site. On
the other side of the road lies the BAE Systems Salmesbury Aerodrome, which extends
to an area of approximately 200 hectares. The landscape to the north of the survey
site is dominated by arable and pasture fields bounded by hedgerows and mature
trees. Numerous ponds exist within these fields.
1.9 The main building, known as Sykes Holt Cottage, is a 16th century, largely bare stone
building with a pitched, slate roof. Adjoining the original building on the western
elevation is more recent, two-storey extension, which is rendered and whitewashed
along the ground floor, with exposed brick elevations at first floor level. There is an
overhanging, porch-style slate roof over the ground floor level of the extension. The
main roof slates have gaps present underneath, providing good potential for crevice-
dwelling bats.
Figure 1 - Site Location
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Proposed Development
1.10 It is proposed to develop the site into a microbrewery with associated landscaping and
parking. According to current plans, the majority of the existing buildings will be
removed and some trees will be felled to the south of the buildings, in order to provide
sufficient space for the construction of the brewery building and for associated car
parking. Throughout the wider site, it is understood that the majority of the woodland
and the brook is to be retained and will not be impacted by the development.
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2 SURVEY METHODOLOGY
Desk Study
2.1 The desktop study involved conducting database searches for statutory and non-
statutory designated sites, records of bat species and features of interest within and
surrounding the proposed site up to 2km from the central grid reference. The central
grid reference SD 636 315 was used as the central point of all searches. The baseline
conditions are based on a review of existing available information including:
Previous ecological reports (Lloyd Bore, 2015)
MAGIC (Multi-Agency Geographical Information for the Countryside) website (to
identify statutory designated sites);
Ordnance Survey mapping (to identify potentially notable habitats);
Aerial photography (to identify potentially notable habitats); and
2.2 Eight species of bats have been recorded breeding in Lancashire: whiskered Myotis
mystacinus, Brandt’s Myotis brandtii, Natterer’s Myotis nattererii, Daubenton’s Myotis
Daubentoni, noctule Nyctalus noctula and brown long-eared bats Plecotus auritus,
common pipistrelle Pipistrellus pipistrellus and soprano pipistrelle and P. pygmaeus.
2.3 A further three bat species have been identified in Lancashire, although maternity
roosts have not been found: Nathusius’ pipistrelle Pipistrellus nathusii, Leisler’s bat
Nyctalus leisleri and lesser horseshoe bats Rhinolophus hipposideros.
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Previous Survey Work (Lloyd Bore 2014/15)
2.4 Previous bat survey work was carried out by Lloyd Bore Ltd in 2014 and 2015. A
summary of their finding can be seen below:
Figure 2 – Bat activity locations (2014/2015)
Figure 3 – Bat dropping locations (2014/2015)
f
G1: 11/05/15 CP - emerge
C: 17/06/15 CP - emerge
D: 17/06/15 Pip spp - emerge
A2: 30/07/14 CP – emerge
17/06/15 CP – emerge
10/09/15 CP – enter
F: 10/09/15 Pip spp –
enter
E: 10/09/15 Myotis – enter
17/06/15 Myotis - emerge
G2: 30/07/14 CP – emerge
Pip spp – emerge
B: 30/07/14 SP – emerge
A1: 11/05/15 CP – emerge
17/06/15 CP – emerge
10/09/15 CP – enter
h
Approx. 20 old pip. droppings
<30 pipistrelle droppings
<100 Myotis spp droppings
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Dusk Emergence/Dawn Re-Entry Surveys
2.5 Surveys were undertaken on two occasions in May and June 2016. Surveyors were
positioned so as all aspects of Sykes Holt Cottage were observable on each occasion.
2.6 Surveyors used either frequency division bat detectors attached to digital recording
devices that recorded all bat calls for later analysis or an EchoMeter Touch bat
detector, which records all calls in high detail full spectrum.
2.7 An infra-red camera, attached to a digital video recorder and a bat detector was used
to film elevations of buildings where appropriate. Recordings were analysed post
survey to look for emerging or entering bats or confirm emergence/re-entry locations.
If necessary, the sound file was also analysed to establish species identification.
2.8 Emergence surveys started at least 15 minutes prior to sunset and continued for at
least 1.5 hours after sunset. Re-entry surveys started at least 1.5 hours prior to sunrise
and continued until 15 minutes after sunrise. The surveyors were on site approximately
15 minutes prior to the survey commencing. This is in accordance with the Bat
Conservation Trust's Bat Surveys for Professional Ecologists: Good Practice
Guidelines (3rd edition).
2.9 An experienced bat ecologist was present during each of the surveys.
Table 1 - Survey Details
Date of
survey
Survey
type
Start
time
Finish
time
sunrise
/ sunset Surveyors Weather
26.05.2016
Evening
Emergence
Survey
21:05 22:40 21:23 X 3
100% cloud cover, showers at
start, light breeze, cool,
11.2°C
16.06.2016
Evening
Emergence
Survey
21:30 23:15 21:43 X 3.
Dry, cool, 100% cloud-cover,
light breeze, 14.5°C (start),
13.5°C (finish)
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3 LEGISLATION AND PLANNING POLICY
3.1 The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010 (as amended) and the
Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) provide legal protection to all UK bat
species.
3.2 In summary, a person may be guilty of an offence if they:
Damage or destroy a breeding or resting place of bats;
Deliberately capture, injure or kill a bat/s;
Deliberately disturb bats, and in particular disturbance likely to impair animals
ability to survive, breed or nurture young, their ability to hibernate and migrate and
disturbance likely to have a significant effect on local distribution and abundance;
Intentionally or recklessly disturb a bat/s while occupying a structure or place used
for shelter and/or protection (Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended));
and
Intentionally or recklessly obstruct access to any structure or place that a bat/s use
for shelter or protection (Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended)).
3.3 The legislation applies to bat roosts even when they are not occupied.
3.4 Maximum penalties are punishable with fines up to £5,000 per offence and up to 6
months’ imprisonment. Actions affecting multiple animals may be construed as
separate offences and therefore there is potential for penalties to be applied per animal
impacted.
3.5 Under certain circumstances licences can be granted by the Statutory Nature
Conservation Organisation (Natural England in England) to permit actions that would
otherwise be unlawful.
3.6 Local authorities have obligations under sections 40 and 41 of the Natural Environment
and Rural Communities Act (NERC) 2006 to have regard to the purpose of conserving
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biodiversity in carrying out their duties. Seven species of bat species are listed on
Section 41 the NERC Act.
Survey Limitations
3.7 The survey was undertaken at a suitable time of year for surveying bats and, for the
most part, under suitable weather conditions. Rain showers punctuated the first (dusk)
survey and although bat activity was reduced during this period, the weather conditions
were not considered extreme enough to unduly impact the survey results.
3.8 Due to access limitations, an internal inspection was not carried out. However, the lead
surveyor was the same individual who had conducted the surveys at Lloyd Bore in
2015 and had inspected the property thoroughly at this point.
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Dusk Bat Emergence Survey (26th May 2016)
3.9 During the emergence survey on the 26th May 2016 a single soprano pipistrelle bat
emerged from the north-western corner of the newer section of Sykes Holt cottage at
21.12, approximately eleven minutes prior to sunset.
3.10 No other bats were definitively recorded emerging from or entering the building,
although one Pipistrellus spp bat was seen circling the south-facing gable end of the
older section of the cottage between 21.35 and 21.38.
3.11 A moderate level of bat activity was observed during the emergence survey, with
regular foraging and commuting behaviour being observed throughout the survey.
3.12 The first bat observed was the emerging soprano pipistrelle bat. However, common
pipistrelle bats were active very soon after this. Pipistrelle bats are one of the earliest
bats to emerge from their roosts, therefore this is not considered to be uncharacteristic.
3.13 The early appearance of the bats indicates the presence of other bat roosts in the
vicinity.
3.14 Common pipistrelles were the dominant bat species recorded throughout the survey
with many soprano pipistrelle bats also identified. No other bat species were observed
during the survey.
Dusk Emergence (16th June 2016)
3.15 During the dusk survey of the 16th June 2016, two common pipistrelle bats definitively
emerged from the building. The two definitive emergences came from the southern
eaves of the newer extension of the cottage and a crevice beneath a window on the
southern elevation of the older section of the cottage.
3.16 An additional common pipistrelle bat was observed potentially emerging from the
eastern gable wall of the newer section of the cottage at 21.36, seven minutes prior to
sunset. This was the first bat to be observed during the survey. However, the surveyor
was unsighted by the gable end of the building, and could not confirm definitive
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emergence. None of the other surveyors observed a bat approaching the building
however, therefore it is likely that it emerged from the building.
3.17 A soprano pipistrelle bat was observed circling the southern gable apex of the older
section of the cottage numerous times between 23.08 and 23.12. This bat then entered
a crevice at the apex of the gable end at 23.12. It was not seen emerging again within
the duration of the survey.
3.18 A moderate level of bat activity was observed during the emergence survey, with
regular foraging and commuting behaviour being observed throughout the survey in all
areas of the survey site.
3.19 Common and soprano pipistrelle were the two most abundant species recorded
throughout the survey, with occasional passes from noctule bats and a Myotis spp bat.
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4 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
4.1 On the basis of the information gathered as a result of the survey work undertaken, the
cottage at Sykes Holt is occupied by low numbers of common and soprano pipistrelle
bats. This is fitting with the results of the surveys carried out previously by Lloyd Bore
Ltd, who found the property to be used by common and soprano pipistrelles and very
low numbers of whiskered bats.
4.2 During the survey work undertaken in 2016, no Myotis spp bats of any type were
observed roosting within the building. However, it is not unusual for single male bats
to have numerous roosting locations within a home range that are alternated between.
Whiskered bats may therefore still roost within the building occasionally, just not within
the periods of time that were surveyed.
4.3 The roosting locations observed during the 2016 survey work were similar to those
observed in 2014 and 2015 by Lloyd Bore, but differed slightly. Additional roosting
locations have been observed at the southern gable apex of the older section of the
cottage, as well as within a crevice under a window on the adjacent southern elevation.
A further additional roosting location has been identified on the north-western corner
of the newer section of the cottage (see Figure 4, below).
4.4 The numbers of roosting bats have not increased from the previous survey work.
Therefore, the status of the roost remains the same; the building appears to be used
by low numbers of male or non-breeding female bats, which roost singly and vary their
roosting behaviour frequently. This is characteristic of males and non-breeding
females, which are not bound to a maternity roost in the way that breeding females
are.
4.5 Based on the current plans, proposed work is likely to directly impact all of the roosts
found with the building. Therefore, a European Protected Species Licence (EPSM) will
be required prior to works commencing on the property.
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Figure 4 – Bat roost locations (2016)
4.6 As conditions have not changed, and the status of the roost remains similar to that
observed during previous survey work. The advice previously provided by Lloyd Bore
Ltd is therefore still relevant. The 2015 Lloyd Bore report recommends:
“Works are to be commenced during a period when bats are not likely to be present, and
are therefore least vulnerable to disturbance, i.e. September to October or March to April.
A pre-works inspection is to be carried out by a licenced bat consultant just prior to works
being commenced, to look for evidence of bats or bat activity.
An induction for site workers is to be provided by a licenced bat consultant just prior to works
being commenced, to inform site workers of the presence of bats, of the legal protection
afforded to bats and their roosts and of the correct working procedure regarding bats.
Works are to be undertaken slowly, by hand and with care. For example, roofing slates
and/or external stonework is to be removed carefully and checked on the underside for the
presence of bats before being discarded.
A licenced bat consultant is to be in attendance on site to provide a watching brief while
critical works are undertaken i.e. roof coverings are removed in areas near bat roosts.
Where possible, in order to mitigate for the loss of any bat roosts, artificial roosting features
should be installed in the new building. For example:
16/06/16 Soprano
Pipistrelle - enter
26/05/16 Soprano
Pipistrelle - emerge
16/06/16 Common
Pipistrelle - emerge
16/06/16 Common
Pipistrelle - emerge
16/06/16 Common
Pipistrelle – possible emerge
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If the building is to be re-roofed, then access points should be installed in the new roof.
This will include;
bat access slates on the southern and northern eaves areas;
ridge access gaps at the east-facing gable apex of the extension and on the eastern
roof ridge of eastern wing.
All replacement bat roosts and access points are to be provided in as similar locations
and orientations as possible to those in the existing building.
Any new roof pitches are to be lined with Type 1F bitumen fibre based hessian
reinforced felt, not a breathable roofing membrane (BRM). BRM's have been shown to
degrade in the presence of bats, as well as endangering the lives of bats through
entanglement in the fibres (Waring. S, 2015*).
Bat mitigation features are to be checked by an appropriately licensed and experienced
bat consultant, prior to works being completed so that changes can be made if
necessary. Mitigation will also need to be signed-off on completion by the licensed bat
consultant.
External lighting on the building is to be avoided. If external lighting is absolutely necessary,
any external lights are to be cowled so that they are directional, downward-facing and of low
wattage, in order not to illuminate bat roosting habitat and nearby bat foraging/commuting
areas.”
4.7 There is no reason to deviate from these recommendations, as they are still relevant
given the current roosting evidence.
4.8 However, in addition to those recommendations, and in light of roosts being found
within a crack in the external elevations of the building, it is also recommended that
any gaps that can be left in the external fabric of the building should be left un-pointed
to provide future roosting opportunities for bats.
4.9 A detailed mitigation plan will be produced and finalised in preparation for the EPSM
licence application.
4.10 An application for a licence requires current survey data to support it. Therefore, if
commencement of work is delayed beyond the start of the 2017 summer bat survey
season then an update survey will be required to support the licence application.
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5 REFERENCES
Altringham, J.D. (2003) British Bats. Harper Collins, London
Bat Conservation Trust (2009) The National Bat Monitoring Programme – Annual Report 2009. Bat Conservation Trust, London. (available at www.bats.org.uk/pages/nbmp_reports.html)
Collins, J. (ed.) (2016) Bat Surveys for Professional Ecologists: Good Practice
Guidelines (3rd edn).The Bat Conservation Trust, London.
Dietz, C., Nill, D. & von Helversen, O. (2009) Bats of Britain, Europe and Northwest
Africa. A & C Black JNCC (2004). Bat Workers' Manual. 3rd edition.
Lloyd Bore Ltd (2015) C410-RP02 Bat Survey Report Natural England (undated). Standing Advice Species Sheet: Bats
Waring. S (2015) Bats and Breathable Roofing Membranes. http://www.batsandbrms.co.uk/background.php