Loading document...
==== PAGE 1 ====
Vacant Plots Between No 28 Clifton Drive & No 14 Romney Wynd (23/00885/B), Ramsey, Isle of Man
ECOLOGICAL MITIGATION PLAN
June 2024
==== PAGE 2 ====
Ecology Vannin Ecological Mitigation Plan
2
Control Sheet
Job number: 24_24 Title: Vacant Plots Between No 28 Clifton Drive & No 14 Romney Wynd - Ecological Mitigation Plan
Client: Penketh Millar Ltd Prepared by: Amy Dunderdale BSc (Hons) MSc - Ecologist Verified by: Adam Denard BSc (Hons) MCIEEM - Senior Ecologist Date of Issue: June 2024 Version: 2 Revisions: 1 Status: FINAL
This report is prepared by Ecology Vannin Consultancy Services for the sole and exclusive use of Penketh Millar Ltd and their contractors in response to their particular instructions. No liability is accepted for any costs, claims or losses arising from the use of this report or any part thereof for any purpose other than that for which it was specifically prepared or by any party other than Penketh Millar Ltd. Any biological records for wildlife found in survey will eventually be submitted to Manx Biological Recording Partnership. This report does not prevent MWT pursuing its charitable objectives in relation to planning.
This report has been prepared by an environmental specialist and does not purport to provide legal advice. You may wish to take separate legal advice.
The information which we have prepared and provided is true, and has been prepared and provided in accordance with the BS42020 2013 and Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management’s Code of Professional Conduct and guidelines for preliminary ecological appraisals (CIEEM 2017). We confirm that the opinions expressed are our true and professional bona fide opinions.
Signed (Author) Signed (QA)
Electronic Signature Electronic Signature
==== PAGE 3 ====
Ecology Vannin Ecological Mitigation Plan
3
Biographies
Amy Dunderdale BSc (Hons) MSc is an ecologist with several years’ experience in baseline ecological survey and assessment and specialist protected species surveys including for bats and reptiles. Amy holds a Biology bachelors degree from the University of Durham and a masters degree in Wildlife Management and Conservation from University of Reading. She has experience working in ecology consultancy in the UK including experience in completing PEAs and BREEAM Land Use and Ecology reports.
Adam Denard BSc (Hons) MCIEEM is Senior Ecologist with Ecology Vannin and has been a professional ecologist for over 10 years, with particular emphasis on recording and assessing habitats in England and the Isle of Man for their potential to support protected species. After graduation with First Class honours in Conservation and Land Management, Adam worked on professional bat surveys for Oxford University before going onto work for ecological consultancies in England 2004 - 2009. During this time key skills were surveying for higher plants (site assessment, NVC and aquatic macrophytes), Great Crested Newt, Bats, Birds (Breeding and wintering), Reptiles and Riparian mammals. Adam worked as conservation officer for Manx BirdLife in 2010 (including producing a preliminary Isle of Man Birds of Conservation Concern) and after a career break has been providing consultancy services for Manx Wildlife Trust since 2017. Adam regularly produces professional ecological reports within the Isle of Man planning system including Preliminary Ecological Appraisal Reports (PEARs), Specialist surveys for protected species, mitigation strategies and Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA). Adam is a DEFA authorised licence holder for Bats, Common Frog and Common Lizard, Schedule 1 birds and Dark Bush Cricket.
==== PAGE 4 ====
Ecology Vannin Ecological Mitigation Plan
4
1.0 Introduction Rationale
1.1 Ecology Vannin was commissioned by Penketh Millar Architects to produce an Ecological Mitigation Plan for the site known as ‘Vacant Plots Between No 28 Clifton Drive & No 14 Romney Wynd’ in Ramsey, Isle of Man (OS Grid reference SC440955). This is in relation to a permitted planning application 23/00885/B to erect 2 new pairs of semi-detached houses. Specifically, this report is required to satisfy Condition No. 6 on the Decision (Approval) Notice which states:
‘6. Prior to site clearance, an Ecological Mitigation Plan must be written by an ecologist and to detail any findings, alongside proportionate mitigation, and be submitted for approval in writing by the Department. The development shall not be carried out unless in accordance with the approved details. REASON: In the interests of ecology.’
1.2 The proposals are for creation of two new pairs of semi-detached houses with associated parking and hard and soft landscaping areas. The Planning Authority has identified the need for an Ecological Mitigation Plan for the purpose of mitigating for loss of the semi-natural habitat on site as well as providing appropriate avoidance / minimising measures that should be taken.
1.3 A walkover survey was undertaken on the 9th May 2024 by Ecologist Amy Dunderdale. The conditions were sunny/clear, 13° with a light breeze.
1.4 The site is situated in the north of the island in urban/sub-urban immediate surroundings on the outskirts of the town of Ramsey (see Figure 1 below).
Figure 1: Site Location Plan, Vacant Plots Between No 28 Clifton Drive & No 14 Romney Wynd.
==== PAGE 5 ====
Ecology Vannin Ecological Mitigation Plan
5
2.0 Legislation
Legislation - designated sites
2.1 The Isle of Man Wildlife Act 1990 (as amended) is the main piece of wildlife legislation that enables the designation of statutory protected sites (Marine Nature Reserves (MNRs), Areas of Special Scientific Interest (ASSIs), National Nature Reserves (NNRs) and Areas of Special Protection (ASPs)), the protection of listed fauna and flora and the control of invasive species.
2.2 The sites themselves receive protection from actions likely to have adverse effects on the reasons for designation under the Wildlife Act (terrestrial) and additional protection for Marine the environment via the Manx Marine Nature Reserves Byelaws 2018.
Legislation - Protected Species Bats, Common Lizard, Common Frog, Invertebrates)
2.3 Horseshoe bat (all species) Rhinolophidae and typical bats (all species) Vespertilionidae, Common Lizard Zootoca vivipara, Invertebrates (Lesser Beefly, Dotted Bush Cricket, Lesser Mottled Grasshopper, Grey Moth and Scarce Crimson and Gold) ~ are all protected under Schedule 5 of the Isle of Man Wildlife Act 1990 (as amended), along with some other animals not relevant to this site.
2.4 As such, a person is deemed to have committed an offence if he or she: “intentionally or recklessly kills, injures or takes any wild animal included in Schedule 5 without reasonable excuse”
And/or “damages or destroys, or obstructs access to, any structure or place which any wild animal included in Schedule 5 uses for shelter or protection; or disturbs any such animal while it is occupying a structure or place which it uses for that purpose”.
Birds
2.5 All wild birds are afforded protection under the Isle of Man Wildlife Act 1990 (as amended). An offence is deemed to have been committed if: “any person intentionally or recklessly - (a) kills, injures or takes any wild bird; (b) takes, damages or destroys the nest of any wild bird while that nest is in use or being built; or (c) takes or destroys an egg of any wild bird”.
2.6 In addition, species listed on Schedule 1 of the act makes it an offence to: “Intentionally or recklessly - (a) disturbs any wild bird included in Schedule 1 while it is building a nest or is in, on or near a nest containing eggs or young; or (b) disturbs any nest or egg of such a bird; or (c) disturbs dependent young of such a bird”.
Schedule 7 plants which are protected
2.7 Certain plant species are listed on Schedule 7 as protected species. It is an offence: “If any person intentionally or recklessly picks, uproots or destroys any wild plant included in Schedule 7”.
Schedule 8 invasive alien plants
2.8 Certain plant species are listed on Schedule 8 of the Wildlife Act due to the threat of invasive spread into native habitats. It is an offence:
“if any person plants or otherwise causes to grow in the wild any plant which is included in Part II of Schedule 8”.
==== PAGE 6 ====
Ecology Vannin Ecological Mitigation Plan
6
3.0 Walkover Survey
Designated Sites
3.1 Although no specific desk study was required, a search has confirmed that the closest statutory designated site is a Registered Tree Area 155 m east, named Thornhill Park. There are a number of other registered tree sites within 500 m of the site. There is also a Phase 2 (candidate Area of Special Scientific Interest (ASSI)) site 420 m south, Ramsey Saltmarshes. The Site redevelopment is not expected to have any impact on this designated site.
Site Description - Habitats
3.2 The site, approximately 950 m2 in size, comprises semi-natural habitat, consisting of the following:
• A large expanse of Gorse scrub between 1 and 2.5 m in height, covering approximately 450 m2. • Areas of 20-40 cm long (unmanaged) semi-improved grassland including the following species: Broad-Leaved Dock Rumex obtusifolius, Curly Dock Rumex crispus, Yorkshire Fog Holcus lanatus, Cock’s-foot Dactylis glomerata, Meadow Grass sp. Poa sp, Common Vetch Vicia sativa, Ribwort Plantain Plantago Lanceolata, Dandelion Taraxacum spp, Common Nettle Urtica dioica, Meadow Buttercup Ranunculus acris, Common Sorrel Rumex acetosa, Perennial ryegrass Lolium perenne, Sweet Vernal Grass Anthoxanthum odoratum and other common grass species. A strip has been mown short along the inside of the southern boundary. • Some areas of the above grass areas are dominated by Rosebay Willowherb (Chamaenerion angustifolium), with scattered Bramble Rubus fruticosa and Honeysuckle Lonicera sp, particularly in the north-west of the site. • A small clump (likely 2-3 individual plants) of multi-stemmed immature Willow sp. Salix sp. scrub approximately half way along inside the eastern site boundary. 3.3 The boundaries of the site, along with neighbouring land use, consist of
• Wooden fence along the east with pavement and Clifton Drive beyond • Wooden fencing along the south, with no. 28 Clifton Drive (house, driveway and lawned garden) beyond • A c. 2m high Leylandii dense hedgerow along the west, with soft landscaped garden of neighbouring house beyond. This hedgerow is thought to be ‘off-site’, under the ownership of the neighbouring property and will be retained. • A c. 2.5 m high Leylandii hedgerow along the north with soft landscaped garden of neighbouring house beyond, thought to be ‘on-site’ belonging within the Site, likely to be retained and a post and wire fence positioned inside of it.
3.4 According to the current soft landscaping plan for the re-development (“Landscaping Details, Jan 24), none of the existing semi-natural habitats are going to be retained with the exception of the hedgerow along the north of the site. Proposals include for hedgerows between the new properties, along with lawns and shrubs front and back to each property, within raised planters and shrub beds.
3.5 The current soft landscaping plans recommends native species for the new hedgerows and shrubs, and some additional recommendations are given to mitigate for loss of the site’s semi-natural habitats and enhance the biodiversity of the site in the Mitigation Plan (Table 1 section 4.0).
==== PAGE 7 ====
Ecology Vannin Ecological Mitigation Plan
7
Schedule 8 Wildlife Act 1990 (Section 14) - Invasive Plants
3.6 The walkover identified an area of Montbretia Crocosmia x crocosmiliflora just inside the western boundary of the site approximately one third of the way along from south to northwards. In addition, the neighbouring property 14 Romney Wynd has a front boundary hedgerow of NZ Privet Griselinia littoralis which abuts the site at its north-eastern corner. A plan showing their locations is provided in Appendix II. Both of these species are listed in Schedule 8 (see 2.0 Legislation) and as such recommendations for their safe and legal removal and disposal are provided in the Mitigation Plan.
Schedule 7 - Protected Plants
3.7 No Schedule 7 species were identified. Due to the suburban surroundings of the site and with no significant timing constraints identified for vegetation survey for this site visit, their presence is not considered likely. No specific mitigation measures or recommendations are required.
Fauna
Birds
3.8 During the walkover, the following bird activity was noted (either observed or heard):
• Starling (BoCC IOM Amber List), Herring Gull (BoCC IOM Red List), and House Martin (BoCC IOM Amber List) were observed flying overhead and above neighbouring properties to all sides • 3 House Sparrows (BoCC IOM Amber List) were observed in the Gorse briefly and were calling; potential breeding on site at the time of survey. • Blackbird and Robin (both BoCC IOM Green List) heard in neighbouring gardens 3.9 Suitable bird nesting habitat at the site comprises the dense Gorse scrub and the northern site boundary hedgerow.
3.10 Since possible breeding birds (house sparrow) were observed on site, along with potential habitat as described above, specific recommendations for the avoidance of harm to breeding birds is given. Provision of new planting as detailed under mitigation for the other groups of species will ensure the future use of the site by foraging birds.
Invertebrates
3.11 Invertebrates were observed on site largely associated with the unmanaged grassland areas, including species of hoverfly, fly, snail, spider, beetle, ladybird (Seven Spot Ladybird Coccinella septempunctata). A Tree Bumblebee (Bombus hypnorum) was observed feeding on Gorse.
3.12 Although the site re-development is not expected to be legally constrained by the presence of invertebrates, since those identified on site were commonly occurring species, recommendations to mitigate for the loss of habitat for invertebrates is provided.
Common Frog and Common Lizard
3.13 Potential for common frog to use the site for foraging and shelter during active months was noted, due to the unmanaged nature of the site and suitable semi-natural habitats within the site. The closest pond easily identifiable using online mapping is 145 m to the west of the site.
3.14 Recommendations are made which will safeguard any individual common frogs and to mitigate for loss of habitat. The recommendations are considered proportionate given the fragmented nature of the habitat within the suburban surroundings meaning that the site is sub-optimal.
==== PAGE 8 ====
Ecology Vannin Ecological Mitigation Plan
8
3.15 It is considered unlikely that Common Lizard will be affected by the site development due to the suburban surroundings with lack of connectivity to larger areas of habitat. Nevertheless, the recommendation for frogs will also safeguard against any risk to lizards.
Bats
3.16 The site currently provides a patch of semi-natural habitat within sub-urban surroundings, which, along with neighbouring gardens, could provide small numbers of bats with suitable foraging opportunities. As such, recommendations are provided which safeguard the use of the site by foraging bats, therefore mitigating the loss of the habitat.
3.17 There is no potential for the site to support roosting bats at present. Therefore, no essential mitigation recommendations have been made for providing any mitigation for loss of roosting habitat for bats. Instead, some bat boxes are recommended to enhance the post- development site for roosting bats. The provision of replacement planting and hedgerows is considered likely to compensate for loss of foraging bat habitat at the site.
==== PAGE 9 ====
Ecology Vannin Ecological Mitigation Plan
9
Figures 2 - 7: Schedule 8 plant Montbretia; Leylandii western boundary hedge; unmanaged grassland with mowed strip and Gorse scrub; eastern boundary; small Willow scrub area, and; Schedule 8 plant Griselinia abutting site at northeast corner.
==== PAGE 10 ====
Ecology Vannin Ecological Mitigation Plan
10
4.0 Mitigation Strategy
4.1 Significant ecological features along with the relevant ecological legal constraint, and required mitigation is detailed in Table 1 below. This follows the mitigation hierarchy of ‘Avoid, Minimise, Restore or (as a last resort) Compensate’ (CIEEM, 2018).
Table 1 Proposed mitigation for ecological features at Plots between 28 Clifton Drive and 14 Romey Wynd, Ramsey, Isle of Man Ecological Feature Potential (unmitigated) adverse impacts Proposed mitigation Habitats • Loss of grassland and scrub Avoid / Minimise
It is recommended that some areas of grassland are retained in order to safeguard the species floral diversity on site. In particular, it is recommended that the western edge of site is retained, beneath the existing site boundary hedge. Since this hedge belongs to neighbouring properties, it will be safeguarded during works and it is proposed that a strip of existing habitat approximately 1 m in width be retained as a minimum along this westerly boundary. Compensate / Enhancement
• Replacement planting to be with native hedgerow plants / shrubs, as per the Landscaping Plan • The loss of the grassland habitat should be compensated for by reseeding and beneficial management of retained grassland areas. o Lawn seed mix / turf should be with a high species diversity mix rather than a standard lawn mix. o Employing a rotational cutting regime of a buffer of tussocky grassland at the margins of the proposed gardens o Allowing grass to be left uncut between May and July (inclusive). o a green roof should be considered for the bike sheds
Breeding Birds
• Injury and direct mortality of adults, young and eggs
• Loss of Gorse scrub breeding habitat
Avoid / Minimise
• The site clearance/ removal of scrub and small patch of immature willow should be done outside of the bird nesting season, which extends between February and August inclusive.
==== PAGE 11 ====
Ecology Vannin Ecological Mitigation Plan
11
• If this is not possible, a nesting bird check should be undertaken by a suitably experienced ecologist no more than 5 days prior to site clearance. If a nest is found it must be safeguarded until all the young have fledged and are independent of the nest. Compensate / Enhancement
• Two nest boxes suitable for House Sparrow are required to be installed in the new buildings in a suitable location on east or north facing walls (see Appendix I).
Bats (commuting and foraging) • Loss of potential foraging habitat
Avoid / Minimise
• Retention of some existing semi-natural habitats as per Habitats section is recommended. Namely safeguarding a minimum 1 m strip within the western site boundary will support the continued use of the site by foraging / commuting bats. • Lighting plans should be designed in accordance with best practice for mitigation in relation to bats and artificial lighting (BCT, 2018 & 2023).
Compensate • The removal of the unmanaged grassland and scrub on the site should be compensated for by the replacement planting of native woody species, with those noted on the Landscaping Plan deemed adequate. The new hedgerows in particular are considered to provide adequate mitigation for the loss of the scrub alongside the recommended shrub planting. Where possible sections of the existing unmanaged grassland should be retained in order to provide a greater variety of species within the new lawned areas.
Enhancement
• Although not considered essential mitigation, the incorporation of artificial roost structures in the new buildings (in a suitable location for exposure to sunlight but away from artificial light spill) is recommended. These should be crevice niche boxes suitable for Common Pipistrelle (Pipistrellus pipistrellus) and recommendations for type and location are given in Appendix I.
==== PAGE 12 ====
Ecology Vannin Ecological Mitigation Plan
12
Common Frog Rana temporaria
Common Lizard Zootoca vivipara • Injury and mortality of frogs and lizards • Loss of foraging habitat
Avoid / Minimise
• Retention of some of the grassland areas is recommended if practicable, in order to protect some of the existing frog habitat. As above, retention of a minimum of a 1 m strip at the base of the western boundary hedgerow is recommended. Vegetation clearance works must follow the below Reasonable Avoidance Measures (RAMs) to minimise the potential for harm to individual frogs (and lizards) within the defined working area:
• Vegetation clearance should be undertaken during the lowest risk period (November to January). This should be undertaken in a one-way direction to enable any frogs that may be active to move out of the way into adjacent habitat ahead of machinery. • If clearance is required outside of this period: o Vegetation should be cut slowly in one direction, no shorter than 10cm, to allow any lizards or frogs to relocate to adjacent habitat. The direction of cut will depend on which area is being cut. Cutting should start at the existing levelled footprint area and move towards the boundary of the field. o Vegetation should then be left for 24-48 hours, to allow frogs and lizards to relocate, before removal of the remaining grass sward. o It should be completed on warm sunny days 120C+ ambient temperature. o If there is any significant delay (greater than 2 weeks) that enables the sward to become attractive to use by lizards and frogs the vegetation height will need to be managed by regular use of the above methods. • If at any time during site works anything suspected to be a frog or lizard (including juveniles, frogspawn, or tadpoles) is encountered the operations must temporarily cease and advice sought from the project ecologist. This may require the establishment of a herptile-proof barrier to prevent frogs and lizards returning into the work area. • Construction materials should be stored on existing levelled areas / areas of hardstanding, rather than on remaining grassland areas. If this is not possible, materials must be kept off the ground in a compact, defined area to minimise disturbance and avoid protected species using them for shelter.
==== PAGE 13 ====
Ecology Vannin Ecological Mitigation Plan
13
• Any trenches should have suitable escape ladders (e.g. planks) or be covered at the end of each working day. • If any lizards or frogs (or anything suspected of being a lizard or a frog) are found during operations, work must stop immediately, and advice sought from Ecology Vannin (844432) or DEFA (651577). • Any deviations from the agreed avoidance measures and unforeseen circumstances that could adversely impact Common Lizard and Common Frog should be agreed with the project ecologist and DEFA Ecosystem Policy Team as appropriate.
Compensate / Enhancement • Shrub and hedgerow planting should be with native species of benefit to wildlife. Those suggested on the Landscaping Plan are deemed appropriate. • As given above, it is recommended that some of the grassland areas are retained if practicable, in order to increase the species diversity in the garden lawn swards post-development. Ideally some areas of lawn should be left to grow longer for the benefit of Common Frog, and other groups of species. • In addition, at least one log pile, stone pile or stone wall should be created to help to compensate for loss of frog habitat. Invertebrates • Loss of foraging habitat • Loss of habitat for soil fauna
Avoid / Minimise
• Where practicable, areas of the existing grassland should be retained and protected. As above, a minimum of a 1 m strip is recommended to be retained at the base of the western boundary hedge and maintained as medium sward height preferably (20-40cm).
Compensate / Enhancement • New lawn areas should utilise a seed mix or turf with increased species diversity rather than a basic limited lawn mix. This will speed up re-colonisation of the gardens by invertebrates. • When choosing the plant species from the lists on the Landscaping Plan, consideration of floral diversity (timing of flowering for example) should be given to increase benefit for invertebrates • A green roof should be considered for the bike sheds (for examples see the Grass Roof Company).
==== PAGE 14 ====
Ecology Vannin Ecological Mitigation Plan
14
• The following habitat creation measures should be considered as additional enhancement opportunities rather than necessary mitigative measures as outlined in Appendix • Creation of a ‘butterfly garden’. o A low bank of crushed concrete or similar, topped with subsoil, with a south-facing aspect. Should be seeded with suitable wildflower mix. • The creation of a ‘bug hotel’ or totem poles would improve the nesting habitat for solitary bees (for examples see artecology or my family house. For information on how to create these, see bumblebee conservation trust).
Schedule 8 invasive non- native plant species • Potential spread of invasive non-native species. Avoid / Minimise
• The location of these species is given in Appendix II. The adjoining Griselinia hedging has been shown only as a precaution and no action is needed for that other than to take care to prevent it’s spread. • To avoid further spread, Schedule 8 species on Site (namely Montbretia) should be identified and eradicated through excavation and incineration. • Care must be taken to remove all parts of the plant, including the root bulbs, by excavating to approximately 0.5m. These species must be incinerated, ideally on site. Alternatively they could be wrapped in geotextile and buried under areas due to be covered with concrete.
==== PAGE 15 ====
Ecology Vannin Ecological Mitigation Plan
15
Appendix I: Recommended Bird (Essential) and Bat (Recommended) Box Positioning
Essential: At least 2. multi-hole House Sparrow boxes to be positioned either within fabric of walls or upon northern or eastern facing walls.
Recommended: 2no Bat boxes on Southerly aspects
Example House Sparrow Box
NHBS.com: The boxes can be integrated into the masonry of a new house or fixed onto an external wall using strong screws and wall plugs (not included). If possible, it should be positioned near to vegetation and at a minimum of 2m above ground.
==== PAGE 16 ====
Ecology Vannin Ecological Mitigation Plan
16
Example Bat Box
NHBS.com. Note: There are a huge quantity of other suitable bat boxes available, including cheaper options.
Advice From Bat Conservation Trust
Bat boxes are more likely to be used if they are located where bats are known to feed. Ideally, several boxes should be put up facing in different directions on sunny aspects to provide a range of warm conditions. Boxes should be put as high as possible to try and avoid predation from cats on the ground or nearby structures. On buildings, boxes should be placed as close to the eaves as possible. Bats use dark tree lines or hedgerows for navigation, so putting boxes near these features could help bats find the box. In summary, locate boxes: • Where bats are known to feed and navigate (close to hedges and tree lines); • Ideally at least 4m above the ground (where safe installation is possible); • Away from artificial light sources (to protect them from predation); • Sheltered from strong winds; and • Exposed to the sun for part of the day (usually south, south-east or south-west). Bats need time to find and explore new homes, and it may be several months or even years before boxes have residents - be patient! Once bats find a place they want to live they can return over and over again. Droppings on the landing area, urine stains around the lower parts of the box and chittering noises from inside on warm afternoons and evenings are signs of occupation.
==== PAGE 17 ====
Ecology Vannin Ecological Mitigation Plan
17
Appendix II: Schedule 8 Plants
Copyright in submitted documents remains with their authors. Request removal