CONTENTS 1 INTRODUCTION SITE DESCRIPTION 3 3 METHODOLOGY BASELINE CONDITIONS. 7 5 IMPACT ASSESSMENT. 15 ANNEXS

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3 VIRIDOR WASTE MANAGEMENT LIMITED PARKWOOD SPRINGS LANDFILL, SHEFFIELD ECOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT CONTENTS 1 INTRODUCTION SITE DESCRIPTION 3 3 METHODOLOGY BASELINE CONDITIONS. 7 5 IMPACT ASSESSMENT. 15 ANNEXS Annex 1 Annex 2 Annex 3 Annex 4 Preliminary Ecological Appraisal Peregrine Survey Report Great Crested Newt Survey Report Reptile Survey Report DRAWINGS MO Concept Restoration Proposals (May 2005) LE Lower Level Landscape Restoration Masterplan

4 1 INTRODUCTION 1.1 This report details the updated ecological assessment of the Parkwood Springs Landfill, Sheffield (hereby referred to as the site) for the revised restoration scheme. Therefore any change to the following from the currently approved restoration scheme (under Planning Permission OS/02877/FUL) will be considered and updated where necessary: The ecological baseline conditions within the site; The ecological receptors identified and evaluated; Any potential impacts (during the site restoration); The magnitude and significance of those identified impacts; and Any mitigation measures appropriate to address significant impacts caused by the revised restoration scheme. Background 1.2 Parkwood Springs Landfill site is currently being progressively restored by Viridor Waste Management Ltd to amenity woodland and grassland. Over recent years the quantities of waste for landfilling at the site has declined steadily. Viridor wishes to apply to Sheffield City Council, through a Section 73 application, to restore the site to lower levels with enhanced restoration and ecological interest. 1.3 Viridor is seeking to update the approved restoration scheme to take account of existing site infrastructure, and particular soil and microclimate systems encountered at the site. Modernising the restoration scheme will also create an opportunity to include provisions that will contribute to natural environment policy objectives, particularly in relation to landscape, biodiversity, open space, recreation and green infrastructure. 1.4 The approved restoration scheme includes the creation of habitats such as neutral grasslands, acid grassland, broadleaved woodland, woodland edge mix, willow crop, scrub vegetation, water attenuation lagoons and wetland mixes as shown on Drawing MO attached.

5 Summary of Strategic Site Review 2010 (Lockhart and Garratt Ltd) 1.5 In 2010, Lockhart and Garratt Ltd were commissioned to undertake a strategic site review of the site restoration status to evaluate the existing features and provide a strategy to ensure the effective implementation of the proposed site restoration. 1.6 The review identified a number of elements of the scheme which had been severely constrained by poor soil conditions and existing features. Given the ground conditions, it was recognised that restoration proposals in the agreed scheme, in particular the creation of willow coppice planting, would be unlikely to be successful. 1.7 A number of opportunities were recognised to enhance the biodiversity within the restoration scheme including extending the heathland, restructuring existing woodlands and, redesign and diversification of the young plantation woodlands. Revised Restoration Scheme Summary 1.8 The revised restoration scheme as shown on Drawing LE identifies the habitats on site which are to be retained, enhanced and created. The revised restoration scheme generally maintains or enhances the current habitats on site as detailed in Preliminary Ecological Appraisal attached as Annex 1. The revised restoration scheme details the addition of proposed grasslands, scrub, woodland, heathland, neutral grassland, seasonal wetland and marginal aquatic vegetation. The revised restoration scheme incorporates a number of opportunities to enhance the biodiversity and improve habitat creation highlighted within the Strategic Site Review (2010).

6 2 SITE DESCRIPTION 2.1 A detailed description of the site and its surrounding environs is presented within the Planning Application Statement. A brief description of the site is presented below: 2.2 The site is located in the northern region of Sheffield City Centre (approximately centred at Ordnance Survey grid reference SK 34743, 89846). The site contains a mosaic of habitats including grassland and scrub but mainly consists of active landfill, capping, seminatural broadleaved woodland, poor semi-improved neutral grassland with areas of sapling plantation and dry dwarf scrub heath. The recovering landfill site has also been replanted with saplings.

7 3 METHODOLOGY 3.1 In order to assess the ecological impact of the revised restoration scheme it was necessary to undertake field surveys and a desk study to ascertain the current baseline conditions. In addition, the Environmental Statement and previous restoration scheme for which planning permission was granted as well as any subsequent assessments of the site were reviewed. 3.2 The desk study, field surveys and assessment methods have been undertaken in accordance with current best practice guidance. All ecological surveys undertaken for the ecological assessment were carried out by appropriately qualified and experienced ecologists 1. Desk Study 3.3 Baseline data on the nature conservation interest of the site and its surroundings (within an area of search measuring 2km from the site boundary), including information on statutory and non-statutory designated nature conservation sites and protected and notable species (as defined in Table 1) were sought from the following sources: A study of aerial photography, Ordnance Survey (OS) mapping, and UK Coal s detailed topographical survey to determine the presence of ponds and other features of nature conservation interest; Local Biodiversity Action Plans (LBAP) and UK Biodiversity Action Plans (UKBAP); The Multi-Agency Geographic Information for the Countryside (MAGIC) website was consulted for details of European designated sites and Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) within 10km and other statutory designated sites within 2km of the site; The Nature on the Map website, maintained by Natural England, was searched for details of Local Nature Reserves (LNR) and areas of priority habitats listed in the UKBAP within 2km of the site; 1 All ecologists are members of, or acted under the supervision of, CIEEM and are bound by its code of professional conduct.

8 Table 1: Sites of Nature Conservation Value and Protection & Notable Species. Statutory nature conservation sites Natural England notified sites that are of national importance for nature conservation as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs), although some sites that are of national importance for certain species have not been so designated. Internationally important sites may also be designated as Special Areas of Conservation (SACs), Special Protection Areas (SPAs) or Ramsar sites (it should be noted that SSSI designations also apply to most internationally designated sites). Non-statutory nature conservation site In South Yorkshire non-statutory wildlife sites are entitled Local Wildlife Sites (LWS) or Biological Site of Important Nature and Conservation (BSINC). LWS and BSINC are nonstatutory sites of significant value for the conservation of wildlife. These sites represent local character and distinctiveness and have an important role to play in meeting local and national targets for biodiversity conservation. Protected species Many species of animal and plant receive some degree of legal protection. For the purpose of this study, legal protection refers to: Species included on schedule 1, 5 and 8 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) such as water vole ( Arvicola amphibius) and otter ( Lutra lutra), excluding species that are only protected in relation to their sale (see Section 9[5] and 13 [2]), reflecting the fact that the revised restoration scheme does not include any proposals relating to the sale of species; Species included on Schedule 2 and 5 of the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010 as amended in England and Wales, such as bats and otter; and Badgers (Meles meles), which are protected under the Protection of Badgers Act 1992 (as amended by the Nature Conservation Act 2004). Notable species Species listed under the UKBAP and/or Local BAP or those which are of some other conservation interest based on their status nationally, regionally or locally.

9 Field Surveys Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey 3.4 An Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey was undertaken on 13 th February 2014 by Wardell Armstrong (WA). The area was surveyed to Phase 1 standard with target notes taken as appropriate following guidance set out in the Handbook for Phase 1 Habitat Survey a Technique for Environmental Audit (JNCC, 2010) and in accordance with guidelines on ecological Appraisal (IEEM, 2012). Habitats were mapped and observations recorded of protected and BAP species along with signs or features. For full details refer to Annex 1 -Preliminary Ecological Appraisal. 3.5 In addition to the Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey the following specialist surveys and assessments were undertaken. Detailed methodologies are provided within the individual baseline reports, attached as Annexs 1, 2, 3 and 4. Peregrine Surveys 3.6 A Peregrine survey was undertaken by WA ecologists during April and May The surveys were carried out in accordance with guidance produced by the RSPB, BTO and JNCC ( Bird Monitoring Methods, Gilbert et al, 1998 & Raptors: A field guide for surveys and monitoring, Hardey et al 2009) and involved an initial survey followed by subsequent surveys to establish any breeding activity. See Annex 2 - Peregrine Survey Report for details. Great Crested Newt Surveys 3.7 Presence/potential absence surveys for great crested newt Triturus Cristatus were undertaken in April, May and June All waterbodies were subject to four survey visits in order to determine the presence or absence. No further surveys were undertaken as great crested newts were not identified. Field survey protocols followed English Nature (2001) and Gent & Gibson JNCC (2003). See Annex 3 - Great Crested Newt Survey Report. Reptile Surveys 3.8 Presence/potential absence surveys for reptiles were undertaken during April, May and beginning of June The surveys were carried out in accordance with the Herpetofauna Workers Manual (Gent & Gibson, 1998; 2003) and Reptile Advice Sheet 10 (Froglife, 1999) see Annex 4 - Reptile Survey Report for details.

10 4 BASELINE CONDITIONS This section describes the existing conditions within the site and relevant adjacent features that are considered to be within the area of search. This section updates the baseline conditions identified in the original ES and approved restoration scheme. Desk Study International Statutory Designated Sites 4.1 There is one international statutory designated site within a 10km radius of the site: South Penine Moors (SAC). The SAC covers an area of approximately 64983ha, an area of predominantly bogs, marshes, water fringed vegetation, fens, heath, scrub, Manquis and Garrigue and Phygrana habitats, located 7.7km from the site and primarily designated for the Annex 1 habitats European dry heaths, blanket bogs and old sessile oak woods with llex and Blecham. National Statutory Designated Sites 4.2 Roe Woods LNR was the only statutory designated site identified within the search area which is approximately 0.6km north east of the site. Further details are in Annex 1 - Preliminary Ecological Appraisal. Non-statutory Designated Sites 4.3 Twenty seven non-statutory designated sites have been identified within the search area. The closest being Middle River Don: Hillsborough to City centre (LWS) approximately 0.3km south east of the site. Further details are described in Annex 1 - Preliminary Ecological Appraisal. Protected/Notable Species Records 4.4 For each species an abbreviated reference is given to their legal and conservation status described in Table 2. EPS Table 2 List of abbreviations for species legal and conservation status Abbreviation Legal/conservation status European Protected Species (Conservation Of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010). WCA5full WCA5part Wildlife & Countryside Act Schedule 5 species fully protected Wildlife & Countryside Act Schedule 5 species partly protected Page 1

11 S41 UKBAP PBA UKBAm NERC Act 2006 Section 41 Priority Species for Conservation in England UK Biodiversity Action Plan Priority Species Protection of Badgers Act RSPB UK Amber List - Birds of moderate Conservation Concern in the UK UKBR RSPB UK Red List - Birds of High Conservation Concern in the UK 4.5 The desk study results are summarised below and full details including species, location of record and grid co-ordinates can be found within Annex 1 Preliminary Ecological Appraisal. Bats 4.6 Eleven records of bats were identified within the area of search, including common pipistrelle Pipistrellus pipistrellus and Daubenton Myotis daubentonii (EPS, WCA5full, S41, UKBAP). Other Mammals 4.7 Three records of badgers Meles meles (PBA) were identified within the search radius, with no records of hedgehog Erinaceus europaeus (UKBAP) or brown hare Lepus europaeus (UKBAP). Birds 4.8 There were 1906 records of 92 different species of bird (WCA5full, WCA5part, S41, UKBAP, UKBAm, UKBR) within the search radius and which would potentially use the habitat types found at the site. Reptiles 4.9 No records of reptile were identified. Amphibians 4.10 Records of common frog Rana temporaria (WCA, UKBAP), common toad Bufo bufo (WCA, UKBAP) and smooth newt Lissotriton vulgaris (WCA, UKBAP) were recorded within the search radius and would potentially use the standing open water habitat Page 2

12 for breeding as well as terrestrial habitat for foraging. Invertebrates 4.11 Records of invertebrate including UKBAP species within the search radius would potentially use the habitat types found on site. Field Surveys Habitats 4.12 The main habitats within the site are described below. Additional details are shown on the Preliminary Ecological Assessment Drawing LE within Annex 1 Preliminary Ecological Appraisal. The following paragraphs summarise the information within the Preliminary Ecological Appraisal Report (Annex 1). Poor Semi-improved neutral grasslands 4.13 Poor semi-improved neutral grassland habitat is present continuously around the outer edges of the site and there is a large area to the south of the active landfill where capping has previously taken place. The dominant species present were rough meadow-grass Poa trivialis and perennial rye-grass Lolium perenne as well as areas dominated by a species of the daisy family (Compositae) which could not be identified due to the time of year. Also present was bird s-foot trefoil Lotus corniculatus, cock sfoot grass Dactylis glomerata, creeping bent Agrostis stolonifera, crested dog s-tail Cynosurus cristatus, ribwort plantain Plantago lanceolata, teasle Dipsacus fullonum, tufted hair-grass Deschampsia cespitosa, mallow sp. Malvaceae sp. common dandelion Taraxacum officinale, common vetch Vicia sativa, false oat-grass Arrhenatherum elatius, red dead-nettle Lamium purpureum, common hogweed Heracleum sphondylium, broadleaved dock Rumex obtusifolius, spear thistle Cirsium vulgare, common couch grass Elymus repens, dog rose Rosa canina willowherb sp. Epilobium sp., bramble Rubus fruiticosa, broom Cytisus scoparius, gorse Ulex europeaus and colt s-foot Tussilago farfara. In wetter areas common reed Phragmites australis was identified. Plantation 4.14 An area of immature semi-natural broadleaved plantation was recorded on the embankment adjacent to the access road which is naturally regenerating. The plantation is dominated by silver birch Betula pendula and common hawthorn Crataegus rhipidophylla with additional presence of alder Alnus glutinosa, Ash, pedunculae oak Quercus robur, willow species Salix sp., sycamore Acer Page 3

13 pseudoplatanus, lime Tilia europaea holly Ilex aquifolium, dogwood Cornus sp. and hazel Corylis avellan. In addition, the ground flora was a mix of scrub and grass species, dominated by bramble Rubs fruticosus as well as the presence of common hogweed, butterfly bush Buddleja davidii, gorse, dog rose, willowherb sp., moss sp., false oatgrass, cock s-foot, red fescue Festuca rubra, creeping bent and rough meadow-grass. Poor semi-improved Grassland 4.15 Poor semi-improved grassland is establishing on previously disturbed ground in the centre of the site, which had a fairly short sward with evidence of rabbit grazing, and relatively few grasses with a high proportion of common widespread forbs typically associated with species-poor semi-improved or regenerating grassland on moderately fertile neutral substrate. Common bent Agrostis capillaris, self heal Prunella vulgaris, creeping cinquefoil Potentilla reptans, creeping buttercup Ranunculus repens and white clover Trifolium repens were all frequent. Grassland composition varied to some degree across the site with common knapweed Centaurea nigra occurring locally around the edge of the bramble thicket with locally frequent hairy sedge Carex hirta, and scattered patches of hard rush Juncus inflexus. Semi-natural broadleaved woodland 4.16 Areas of immature semi-natural broadleaved woodland were recorded on the embankment adjacent to the access road and in the southern extent of the site. Tree species were dominated by silver birch and common hawthorn with additional presence of alder, ash, pedunculae oak, willow species, sycamore, lime, holly, dogwood, and hazel. Scattered Scrub 4.17 Patches of scrub are situated along the embankments within the immature woodland and grassland habitats; dominant species include bramble, also present was willowherb sp, gorse, butterfly bush and sapling trees including hawthorn, alder and ash. Page 4

14 Dense scrub 4.18 On the embankment to the west of the site adjacent to the site access road were a number of areas of dense thickets of bramble, willowherb spp. and tree saplings of those species previously mentioned in and amongst the brambles. Heathland 4.19 A small area of heathland was present within the south east of the site dominated by common heather Calluna vulgaris, also present were scrub, tree and grass species including gorse, bramble, broom, holly and silver birch. Standing open water 4.20 One pond was identified on site which is currently used for water to dampen down tracks. The pond is irregular and is located towards the south of the site at grid reference SK No aquatic vegetation existed although frog spawn was recorded. No further ponds were identified within 500m of the site. Introduced shrub 4.21 An isolated species of cotoneaster was located to the edge of the access road opposite the leachate tanks at SK However due to the time of year the species could not be identified, therefore it may be a Schedule 9 species (invasive). Species Peregrine Falcon 4.22 No previous surveys have been undertaken for Peregrine Falcon Peregrine Falcon was known to breed on the western boundary of the site in a large pylon identified in the strategic site review undertaken by Lockhart Garratt Ltd. Two surveys were undertaken in 2014 by WA ecologists to determine the current site use by peregrine and the potential for disturbance. No peregrines were recorded within the site during the 2014 surveys. Full details are within Annex 2 - Peregrine Survey Report Reptiles 4.24 No reptiles were recorded on site during the surveys undertaken in Full details of reptile surveys undertaken on site are presented in Annex 4 Reptile Survey Report. Great Crested Newt 4.25 No great crested newts were recorded on site during the surveys undertaken in Full details of the great crested newt surveys are presented in Annex 3 Great Crested Page 5

15 Newt Survey Report Nature Conservation Evaluation 4.26 This section provides an evaluation of the Nature Conservation importance of ecological receptors identified on site or within the area of search. Statutory Designated Sites 4.27 South Pennine Moors SAC is of international importance due to its designated status. Roe Woods LNR is of national importance due to its designated status Non-Statutory Designated Sites 4.28 In accordance with their designated status the identified Local Wildlife Sites and Biological Site of Important Nature and Conservation are of county importance. Habitats and Protected Species Evaluation Habitats Woodland and plantation 4.29 The areas of woodland and plantation recorded on site were comprised of locally and nationally common and widespread species, dominated by immature trees with a sparse ground flora community. However, this woodland habitat has the potential to form part of a series of woodland habitat stepping stones within the local area which may enhance the connectivity between areas for mobile species of bird, invertebrate and mammal through an area dominated by residential development. It is therefore considered that this habitat is of local importance. Heathland 4.30 The area of heathland recorded on site was dominated by common heather. Heathland habitat within the UK has significantly declined with an estimated loss of 75% between the 1800s and 1980 and is therefore considered to be of high ecological value. In order to conserve, maintain and increase Heathland, it is recognised as a UKBAP habitat, with many areas being protected sites. The heathland on site is not within a protected area, however it is recognised as a target site within the Local BAP to be managed in order to conserve, increase extent of quality and maintain. Taking into account the conservation status of this habitat and that it is located within an urban area, it is considered to be of local importance for nature conservation. Standing open water 4.31 Areas of standing open water in the form of ponds are habitats which support a Page 6

16 diverse range of species including amphibians, birds and invertebrates. The pond on site was assessed as suitable breeding habitat for great crested newt, a European protected species. There was minimal vegetation on the pond banks with the immediate surrounding habitat being of poor ecological value. Such habitats are therefore considered to be of important within the zone of influence for nature conservation. Other Habitats 4.32 The dense scrub and poor semi-improved grassland were dominated by locally and nationally common and widespread floral species and are therefore considered to be of low ecological value. Such habitats are therefore considered to be of negligible importance for nature conservation. Species Badger 4.33 No detailed survey was undertaken for badgers on site; however there were three records within the wider area of search indicating this species may be locally common. In addition aerial photography of the surrounding area shows suitable foraging and resting habitat (woodland, scrub, grassland) for badgers within the local area (2km radius from site) and it is considered likely that badgers may utilise such habitat on site. Based on the above information, the site is considered to be important within the zone of influence for badgers. Bats 4.34 No detailed surveys were undertaken to assess bat activity on site; however common pipistrelle and daubenton bats have been recorded within the wider area of search. In addition, during the great crested newt surveys Noctule bats Nyctalus noctula as well as unidentified bats (likely pipistrelle species) were identified foraging over the pond on site. There was suitable foraging and commuting habitat within the surrounding area in the form of woodland edge and the River Don. The site is therefore considered to be important within the zone of influence for bat species. Nesting birds 4.35 No detailed survey has been undertaken for nesting birds on site; however the desk study has revealed a number of amber and red listed birds of conservation concern along with species listed under national and local BAP. Habitats on site are Page 7

17 synonymous with those present in the local area all of which have the potential to support such species. It is therefore considered that the nesting birds are of importance within the zone of influence. Peregrine 4.36 The survey area supports habitat considered suitable to support breeding and foraging Peregrine (pylons located within the site boundary). During the 2014 surveys no peregrine were recorded within the site, or within the wider area. As such the site is considered to be of negligible importance for peregrine. Reptiles 4.37 The site is dominated by scrub, semi-improved grassland and woodland providing suitable habitat for a number of reptile species. No reptiles were identified during the surveys. The site is considered to be of negligible importance for reptiles. Page 8

18 5 IMPACT ASSESSMENT 5.1 The potential impacts of the revised restoration scheme upon designated sites, habitats and species evaluated as having conservation importance within the zone of influence or above are discussed in the following section. 5.2 Habitats and species which have been evaluated as having negligible conservation importance are not considered likely to be significantly affected by the revised restoration scheme due to their absence from the site or poor conservation value. Such species or habitats have therefore been scoped out of the following sections. Implementing restoration works 5.3 The direct and indirect effects of the revised restoration scheme on key receptors during their implementation are determined within this section. Statutory Designated Sites 5.4 No impacts are anticipated on the statutory sites identified during the implementation of the revised restoration scheme. This is due to the fact that these designated sites are located km from the site and therefore will not be subject to direct impacts (i.e. loss or degradation of qualifying features within the designated site). Non-Statutory Designated Sites 5.5 No impacts are anticipated on non-statutory designated sites during the implementation of the revised restoration works. This is due to the fact that these designated sites are located 0.3 2km from the site and therefore will not be subject to direct effects of the works (i.e. loss or disturbance to habitats and species of conservation interest within the sites). Habitats Woodland and Plantation 5.6 Woodland and plantation habitats on site are to be retained and increased in size as part of the revised restoration scheme (see Drawing LE ). This is comparable to the original restoration scheme in the form of an increase in woodland habitat. Where the restoration schemes differ is in the replacement of the proposed willow crop within the east of the site with native woodland. It is therefore considered that the revised restoration scheme would have a beneficial impact on woodland habitat Page 9

19 of local importance. Heathland 5.7 The heathland on site is to be retained, enhanced through management and extended as soil substrate allows as part of the revised restoration scheme (see Drawing LE ). There had previously been no works proposed in the approved restoration scheme to maintain the heathland area. It is therefore considered that the revised restoration scheme would have a beneficial impact on heathland habitat of local importance. Standing open water 5.8 The waterbody on site is to be lost as part of the revised restoration scheme, however a new pond is to be constructed in a similar location (see Drawing LE ). The current waterbody on site was constructed post the original restoration plan which included the creation of two waterbodies in the south of the site. These ponds are no longer included in the revised restoration plan however the proposed pond is to be enhanced through the creation of a seasonal wetland with an inflow and outflow ditch. The area around the proposed pond is to be sown with Meadow Mania WF6 mix for wetland areas (or similar) and managed to enable establishment of locally native wetland vegetation including reeds and rushes. Establishment is to be supplemented if required with common water plantain, marsh marigold, yellow iris and common reed. This will provide habitat for a diverse range of species including amphibians, birds, terrestrial and aquatic invertebrates hereby increasing the biodiversity of the site. It is therefore considered that the revised restoration scheme will have a beneficial impact on standing open water habitat within the zone of influence. Species Badger 5.9 The revised restoration scheme will result in the maintaining and increase of suitable habitat for badgers, such as woodland, scrub and grasslands, for the potential natural creation of setts and for foraging. It is therefore considered that the revised restoration scheme will have a beneficial minor impact within the zone of influence. Bats 5.10 The revised restoration scheme will remove some of the scrub and poor plantation in the south of the site which is suitable habitat for foraging bats, however such habitat Page 10

20 is considered to be of low value. The removal of this low value habitat is to be replaced with higher value habitat for foraging bats including woodland, wetlands and grassland. In addition, over time, trees on site will mature potentially providing suitable roosting sites. It is therefore considered that the revised restoration scheme would result in a beneficial minor impact for bats within the zone of influence. Nesting birds 5.11 The revised restoration works will result in loss of existing nesting habitat (scrub and grassland) within the site; however, there will be net gain of nesting habitat with the extension of woodland, heathland scrub and grasslands and therefore a wider diversity of bird species is anticipated. It is therefore considered that the revised restoration scheme would result in a beneficial minor impact for nesting birds within the zone of influence. Page 11

21 6 MITIGATION 6.1 No mitigation is required as the revised restoration scheme is considered to cause no adverse impacts on habitats or species within the site. Page 12

22 7 SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS 7.1 This ecological assessment has identified and evaluated the elements that make-up the local ecosystems and has considered how the impacts of the revised restoration scheme may affect each of these in accordance with current guidance. 7.2 The site has been assessed and does not affect the nature conservation of a site of county, national or international importance. 7.3 In terms of protected and notable species the revised restoration scheme will result in no adverse impact. The revised scheme is considered to maintain and enhance habitats on site to benefit protected and notable species on site. In addition the revised restoration scheme is expected to attract protected and notable species to the site increasing its biodiversity. Page 13

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