Ecological Appraisal Report: 23 Viking Way, Winch Wen Swansea SA1 7DA

Ecological Appraisal Report: 23 Viking Way, Winch Wen Swansea SA1 7DA November 2016 Contact: Glyn Lloyd-Jones glyn.igecol@gmail.com 07973 685423 Iestyn Evans Iestyn.igecol@gmail.com 07733 214829

Contents Summary 2 1. Introduction 4 2. Methodology 4 Badgers tters Birds Bats Reptiles Dormouse Water Vole Brown Hairstreak Butterfly Marsh ritillary Butterfly 3. Survey Limitations 5 4. Results 5 Desk Study Site Appraisal 5. Conclusions and Recommendations 15 6. Legislation 17 7. References 23 8. Legal Disclaimer 24 9. Phase 1 Target Notes 25 10. Phase 1 Target Map 34 1

Summary I & G Ecological Consulting were commissioned to undertake an ecological appraisal of an area of land of approximately 0.95 hectares in size, at 23 Viking Way, Winch Wen, Swansea. This assessment is a preliminary ecological survey in support of a planning application for development of the site into a car body repair workshop. The land within the proposed development boundary consists of amenity grassland, marshy grassland, informal hedges and a small area of scrub. Approximately one third of the site nearest the road has been cleared of vegetation. To the rear of the development boundary is a significant area of marshy grassland. igure 1: Aerial view (Bing.co.uk). Mynydd Mawr Woodland Park Grid reference SS 6838 9665 In terms of the application, the marshy grassland has the highest ecological value, with the remaining area of low ecological value. 2

1. INTRDUCTIN I & G Ecological Consulting were commissioned to undertake an ecological appraisal of an area of land of approximately 0.95 hectares in size, at 23 Viking Way, Winch Wen, Swansea. This assessment is a preliminary ecological survey in support of a planning application for development of the site into a car body repair workshop. This report presents the findings of both a desk study and a site appraisal undertaken in November 2016. The report outlines the ecological constraints / opportunities associated with the site. 2. METHDLGY Both a desk based survey and an ecological site survey were undertaken to establish ecological conditions on site. A field botanical survey was carried out using survey methods that were based on standard Phase 1 Habitat survey techniques. Badgers Habitat was assessed for its suitability for badger foraging and sett digging. Any incidental signs of badgers, such as setts, latrines, foraging signs, or footprints, were recorded if they were encountered. tters Habitat was assessed for its suitability to support otters. The area was searched for otter field signs such as spraint marking, slides, hovers or footprints. Dormouse The habitats on site, particularly the hedgerows were assessed for their suitability to support dormice. Birds Habitats on site were assessed for their suitability for breeding birds, including trees, scrub and grassland. Bats Habitats on site were assessed for their suitability to support bats, particularly any trees on site that could have bat roosting potential or opportunities. Reptiles The habitats on site were assessed for their suitability to support reptiles. Amphibians The habitats on site were assessed for their suitability to support amphibians. 3

Water Voles The habitats on site were assessed for their suitability to support water voles. Brown Hairstreak Butterfly (Section 42 species) Any young stands of blackthorn and the hedgerows were checked for the presence of butterfly eggs. Marsh ritillary Butterfly The habitats on site were assessed for their suitability to support marsh fritillary butterfly and their food plant Devil s bit scabious Succisa pratensis. 3. SURVEY LIMITATINS The field botanical survey was based on standard Phase 1 Habitat survey techniques, following the JNCC Handbook for Phase 1 Habitat Survey (JNCC, 2004). 4

4. RESULTS Desk study Desk based surveys and internet searches showed that the nearest protected sites are Crymlyn Bog SSSI/SAC 1.5km to the south-east, Penplas Grasslands SSSI just under 5km to the west and Glais Moraine SSSI, 3.5km to the north (ig. 2). Glais Moraine SSSI Penplas Grasslands SSSI Site Crymlyn Bog SSSI/SAC igure 2: Aerial showing proximity of Designated Sites (Sketchmap.co.uk) Very few protected and notable species records were extracted from the data search. A number of Pipistrellus bat activity records were returned in the near vicinity of the site, while the nearest water vole (Arvicola amphibious) records are at the Tennant canal 2km to the SE, great crested newt (Triturus cristatus) records at Llandarcy 2.5km to the SE, and marsh fritillary butterfly (Euphydryas aurinia) are 3km to the NE. No records were obtained within the development boundary. 5

Site Appraisal n site survey The site survey was undertaken on 10th November 2016 by a suitably qualified ecologist (ig. 3). Where possible, the habitats were cross-referenced to any important UK priority habitats or local habitats adopted by the local Biodiversity Action Plan. igure 3: Area surveyed (Bing.co.uk). Any pernicious weeds under Schedule 9, Section 14 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) were also noted and mapped during the site survey. These species include Japanese knotweed (allopia japonica) and Himalayan balsam (Impatiens glandulifera). 6

The land slopes from a plateau outside the southern boundary adjacent to a ditch line, northwards to the Viking Way access road. It is bounded to the east and west by light industrial units. Within the proposed development boundary habitats consist of amenity grassland, marshy grassland, informal hedges and a small area of scrub. Approximately one third of the site nearest the road has been cleared of vegetation. The landform within the site suggests previous interventions. To the rear of the development boundary is a significant area of marshy grassland (ig. 4). Habitats recorded were as follows:- Miscellaneous Ammenity Grassland; Bare ground being colonised by Short perennial herbs and grasses; Marshy grassland; Running water; Scrub; Species poor hedgerow. A2.1 TN6 A TN1 J4 J4 TN4 TN5 B5 TN2 TN3 J.4 igure 4: Phase 1 Map of Areas Surveyed and Target Notes (from Bing Maps) 7

Amenity Grassland and Lanscaping J1.2 ronting the site is an area of closely mown amenity grassland sloping to the road, backed by shrubby landscaping/hedge. Grass species include cocksfoot (Dactylus conglomerate), Yorkshire fog (Holcus lanatus) and red fescue (estuca rubra), with abundant creeping buttercup (Ranunculus repens) and large areas of moss (Calliergon cuspidate & Brachythecium rutabulum). The wet nature of the bank is demonstrated by the frequent presence of toad rush (Juncus buffonis) and common sedge (Carex nigra), with ladies smock (Cardamine pratensis), bird s foot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus), creeping thistle (Cirsium arvense) and ribwort plantain (Plantago lanceolata). The landscape planting of dogwood (Cornus sp.) has been invaded by gorse (Ulex europaeus), grey willow (Salix cinerea) bramble (Rubus fruticosus agg) and ash (raxinus excelsior) seedlings. Silver weed (Potentilla anserina), ragwort (Senecio jacobaea) and tufted hair grass (Deschampsia cespitosa) intersperse the shrubs. igure 5. Amenity grassland fronting roadside Hedgerow B2.2 Alongside the development parcel on a sloping bank running down from the Volvo garage to the east is an informal hedge of outgrown gorse and dense bramble, with hart s tongue (Asplenium scolopendrium) and broad buckler fern (Dryopteris dilatata) in the ground layer, grading into purple moor grass (Molinia caerulea), field horsetail (Equisetum arvense) and butterbur (Petasites hybridus) at the edge. Trees and shrubs are occasional, with hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna), ash, dogwood, rowan (Sorbus aucuparia), guelder rose (Viburnum opulus), Buddleja and Escallonia occurring at intervals (ig. 6; TN3). 8

igure 6. Hedgerow to the east of the site ig 7. Western boundary of site Alongside the western boundary of the site adjacent to the palisade fencing is a dry ditch and bank, with intermittent Italian alder (Alnus cordata), silver birch (Betula pendula), gorse, dog rose (Rosa canina) and hemp agrimony (Eupatorium cannabinum) along the bank. At the end of the fencing a line of mature Leylandi continues to the road fronted by gorse, grey willow and birch grading into the area of scrub adjacent (ig. 7). Marshy Grassland Rhos Pasture (B5) The majority of the site would be classified as marshy grassland/rhos pasture, dominated by purple moor-grass, with Yorkshire fog, tufted hair grass and finer fescues present. Common sedge occurs frequently within the sward, and common yellow sedge (Carex demissa) and deer grass (Tricophorum cespitosum) are locally distributed in the wetter areas (ig. 8; TN3). igure 8. Marshy grassland/rhos pasture with seeding birch, willow and lodgepole pine Soft rush (Juncus effusus) is frequent, while both compact (Juncus conglomeratus) and articulated rush (Juncus articulatus) are locally present. orbes include common fleabane (Pulicaria dysenterica), bird s foot trefoil, tormentil (Potentilla erecta), tufted vetch (Vicia cracca), ribwort plantain, creeping buttercup, greater willowherb (Epilobum hirsutum) and a number of old flowering spikes of Dactylorhiza orchids were visible. Sphagnum fallax and 9

Polytrichum commune occur locally with the more ubiquitous Calliergon cuspidate, and scaly male fern (Dryopteris affinis) are occasional. Heathy elements are present, but below 25% overall cover. Cross leaved heath (Erica tetralix) occurs in wetter areas, with ling (Calluna vulgaris) and gorse in drier areas. igure 9. Heathy elements within rhos pasture Trees are seeding into the area, with frequent silver birch and grey willow, together with occasional lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta). A number of depressions in the ground support ponded areas suitable for amphibian breeding. Past the development boundary a dry bank and ditch cuts east to west, with a significant area of rhos pasture beyond. Bare Ground (J4) The lower third of the site has been scraped back to bare ground, but is slowly being recolonised by a mixture of pioneering species. Those in greater abundance include field horsetail, tormentil, butterbur and male fern (Dryopteris filix-mas) Wetter areas support hard rush (Juncus inflexus), toad rush, common sedge and articulated rush, with small amounts of purple moor grass re-establishing (ig. 10; TN4). 10

igure 10. Scraped bare ground to front of development parcel A large heap of soil and vegetation has been deposited to the edge of the cleared ground (ig. 11; TN5) igure 11. Spoil deposited from scraped ground 11

Scrub (A2.1) A small area of scrub sits to the front of the leylandi hedge and runs into the dogwood landscaping in the NW corner of the site (ig. 12; TN6). This is dominated by dense bramble, with dogwood, gorse, silver birch and grey willow growing through. A shallow runnel carries surface water emerging from the edge of the spoil heap into the scrub area and then into a surface water drain at the edge of the roadway. igure 12 : Small area of scrub at NW corner of the site adjacent to the road and Viking Court 12

Bats There are no features likely to support bat roosts on the development site. The site may provide foraging opportunities for open ground species such as noctules (Nyctalus noctula) and generalists like pipistrelle, but there are no obvious flight corridors worthy of protection. Badgers No badger sets, obvious pathways, latrines or feeding activity were observed within the development boundary or the adjacent rhos pasture. tters No signs of otter were observed on site. The wet areas are likely to support breeding amphibians that might draw otters into the area in the spring. The small drain to the south of the site could provide an access corridor, but the site is isolated by road culverts. It is not considered that otter are an issue for the sites development. Reptiles The area of rhos pasture has good habitat structure for reptiles, however it is very wet, north facing and lacking in obvious hibernacular. Elsewhere habitat is sub-optimal, however there is some potential to encounter reptiles, particularly slow worm, throughout the site. Amphibians No amphibians were observed, but there are a number of areas of standing water within the rhos pasture, and the drain and associated wetland to the south of the site would support breeding amphibians. The incorporation of a SUDs type pond for surface water attenuation would provide breeding opportunities for common frog, toad and palmate newt. Hazel Dormouse There is no suitable habitat for dormouse on the site, and connectivity with suitable habitat is poor. There are no records for dormouse within 10km of the site. Brown Hairstreak Butterfly No suitable young blackthorn was found to be present within the site boundary. Water Voles No water vole populations are known in the area, and no signs of water vole were present along the drain to the south of the development, despite the habitat being suitable. There are no suitable watercourses within the development boundary. The nearest known water vole populations are on the Tennant canal. Marsh ritillary butterfly The area of rhos pasture was carefully searched for any Scabious plants but none were present. There are no records of marsh fritillary in the vicinity of the development site 13

Invasive species No invasive species were observed on the site. Japanese knotweed is not present within the development boundary or the adjacent surveyed areas. No Himalayan balsam was observed on site, however the survey was undertaken at a time year when the plant may have died back, but if present, it is unlikely to be in significant quantities. 5. CNCLUSINS AND RECMMENDATINS The combination of desk and field surveys undertaken at the proposed development site identified that the rhos pasture has moderate ecological value, but is slowly succeeding to woodland. The remainder of the site has low ecological value. In terms of the site s ecological potential, the following advice is recommended:- Rhos Pasture Rhos pasture is a Biodiversity and Welsh Government Section 7 Priority Habitat. However because of the sites location between two adjacent industrial developments, the lack of devil s bit scabious (the food plant for marsh fritillary butterfly), the already altered nature off the site and its rapid colonisation by tree saplings its ecological status is moderate, and its long-term future is poor. It does however back onto a significant area of marshy grassland which would seem worthy of further survey and appropriate management. Ground nesting birds such as meadow pipit and skylark are a consideration, so vegetation management should be scheduled outside their breeding season (April to end of July). Landscaping proposals for the development need to be in keeping with the adjacent habitat and not contribute further to its degradation from seeding trees and shrub species. It is recommended that areas to the back of the development be graded with soil from site and then maintained as grassland. A mowing regime that promotes the flowering of native flowers such as the marsh orchid species should be instigated. Reptiles The rhos pasture has potential to support reptiles, however because of the wet nature of the site and its north facing aspect a full reptile survey is considered disproportionate. Reptiles are protected (under Section 9 of the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981), against intentional killing, injury and taking. Therefore, where any works would affect a reptile species, appropriate mitigation measures are required to prevent killing or injury. Connectivity to optimal reptile habitat to the south of the development is good, so to safeguard for the presence of small numbers of reptiles, habitat manipulation techniques would provide a satisfactory method of encouraging reptiles away from the development area. We recommend that ground clearance is undertaken during the late autumn/early winter and completed by March. This is to minimise the impacts to any reptiles present on site. An initial cut of vegetation should be undertaken to 15cm above ground level, followed by a cut to ground level no sooner than 3 days after the initial cut. All site workers must be made aware that reptiles may be present and care should be taken to ensure that they are not injured or killed. If the ground clearance is to go ahead in the spring or summer months, a Temporary Amphibian/Reptile ence (TA) should be installed and a reptile clearance/translocation process 14

must be undertaken by a qualified ecologist and should be carried out under a method statement. Should reptiles be encountered elsewhere on the site they should be moved to adjacent undisturbed habitat. Landscaping proposals at the rear of the site could incorporate reptile features to mitigate for any losses. Amphibians & Ponds A number of small water-bodies are present on site, mainly within the rhos pasture. Their loss could be mitigated for by the incorporation of a SUDs type pond for surface water attenuation, which would provide breeding opportunities for common frog, toad and palmate newt. 6. LEGISLATIN Reptiles and the Law All of the UK native reptiles are protected by law. The common species of reptiles found in this locality are common lizard, slow-worm, adder and grass snake. It is illegal to intentionally kill or injure these species under Section 9 (1) of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended). All native UK reptiles are considered of principle importance under Section 42 of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006. This places a duty on every public authority, in exercising its functions, to have regard, so far as is consistent with the proper exercise of those functions, to the purpose of conserving biodiversity. Under the National Planning Policy ramework (NPP April 2012), the presence of any Protected Species (which includes all reptiles species) are a material planning consideration. The DPM 06/2005: Biodiversity and Geological Conservation Statutory bligations and Their Impact within the Planning System, provide additional advice and support the NPP. Amphibians and the Law All of the UK native amphibians are protected by law. The common species of amphibians in this locality are common frog, common toad, smooth newt and palmate newt. It is illegal to intentionally kill or injure these species under Section 9 (1) of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended). The common toad is considered of principle importance under Section 42 of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006. This places a duty on every public authority, in exercising its functions, to have regard, so far as is consistent with the proper exercise of those functions, to the purpose of conserving biodiversity. Under the National Planning Policy ramework (NPP April 2012), the presence of any Protected Species (which includes the Common Toad) are a material planning consideration. The DPM 06/2005: Biodiversity and Geological Conservation Statutory bligations and Their Impact within the Planning System, provide additional advice and support the NPP. 15

Birds and the Law All species of bird are protected under Section 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended). Protection was extended by the Countryside and Rights of Way (CRoW) Act 2000. Under the above legislation it is an offence to intentionally: kill, injure or take any wild bird; take, damage or destroy the nest of any wild bird while that nest is in use or being built; or take or destroy an egg of any wild bird. Certain species are listed on Schedule 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) and receive protection under Sections 1(4) and 1(5). The protection was extended by the Countryside and Rights of Way (CRoW) Act 2000. There are special penalties where the offences listed above are committed for any Schedule 1 species and it is also an offence to intentionally or recklessly: disturb any such bird when it is building its nest or while it is in or near a nest containing dependant young; or disturb the dependant young of any such bird. Badgers and the Law The protection of Badgers Act 1992 makes it illegal to kill, injure or take a badger, or interfere with a sett. In addition, they are listed on Schedule 6 of the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981, which prohibits certain methods of killing and capture. tters and the Law. The otter is a European Protected Species (EPS). It is against the law to damage or destroy an otter breeding site or resting place, or deliberately to capture, kill, injure or disturb an otter. tters are fully protected by the following pieces of legislation: The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010 (regulation 41) fully protects otters, making it an offence to:- Intentionally or deliberately capture, injure or kill an tter. Damage or destroy a breeding or resting place of an tter, or intentionally or recklessly damage or destroy any structure or place used for shelter or protection Intentionally or recklessly disturb an tter in a place used for shelter or protection, or deliberately disturb tters in such a way as to be likely significantly to affect (i) the ability of any significant group of tters to survive, breed, rear or nurture their young, or (ii) the local distribution or abundance. 16

Intentionally or recklessly obstruct access to a place used for shelter or protection. Possess an tter (alive or dead), or any part of an tter Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended by the CRW [Countryside Rights of Way] Act 2000) fully protects otters, making it an offence to:- Intentionally or recklessly disturb any otter while it is occupying a structure or place which it uses for shelter or protection Intentionally or recklessly obstructs access to any structure or place used by an otter for shelter or protection Sell, offer or expose for sale any otter or any disturbance to occur a derogation or EPS licence must be gained from Natural Resources Wales. To gain an EPS Licence from Natural Resources Wales (NRW), NRW must be satisfied that; i. granting the licence would not be detrimental to the avourable Conservation Status (fcs) of the populations of species concerned within its natural range. ii. the derogation (licence) is in the public interest of Health and Safety or for other reasons of over-riding public interest, including those of a socio-economic nature or will have a benefit of primary importance to the environment. iii. there is no satisfactory alternative to the derogation which would allow the described development to proceed but which would avoid or reduce the need for any adverse impact to the species. tters are also protected by; Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006. Annex II Habitats Directive (protection through Special Areas of Conservation) UK Biodiversity Action Plan Priority Species and Species of Principal Importance in Wales The Hazel Dormouse and the Law The hazel dormouse is a European Protected Species (EPS). It is against the law to damage or destroy a dormouse breeding site or resting place (summer or hibernation nest), or deliberately to capture, kill, injure or disturb a dormouse. Dormice are fully protected by the following pieces of legislation: The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010 (regulation 41) fully protects dormice, making it an offence to:- Intentionally or deliberately capture, injure or kill a dormouse. Damage or destroy a breeding or resting place of a dormouse, or intentionally or recklessly damage or destroy any structure or place used for shelter or protection 17

Intentionally or recklessly disturb a dormouse in a place used for shelter or protection, or deliberately disturb dormouse in such a way as to be likely significantly to affect (i) the ability to survive, breed, rear or nurture their young, and includes in the case of animals of a hibernating or migratory species, to hibernate or migrate or (ii) the local distribution or abundance. Intentionally or recklessly obstruct access to a place used for shelter or protection. Possess a dormouse (alive or dead), or any part of a dormouse Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended by the CRW [Countryside Rights of Way] Act 2000) fully protects dormice, making it an offence to:- Intentionally or recklessly disturb any dormouse while it is occupying a structure or place which it uses for shelter or protection Intentionally or recklessly obstructs access to any structure or place used by a dormouse for shelter or protection Sell, offer or expose for sale any dormouse or any disturbance to occur a derogation or EPS licence must be gained from Natural Resources Wales. To gain an EPS Licence from Natural Resources Wales (NRW), NRW must be satisfied that; i. granting the licence would not be detrimental to the avourable Conservation Status (fcs) of the populations of species concerned within its natural range. ii. the derogation (licence) is in the public interest of Health and Safety or for other reasons of over-riding public interest, including those of a socio-economic nature or will have a benefit of primary importance to the environment. iii. there is no satisfactory alternative to the derogation which would allow the described development to proceed but which would avoid or reduce the need for any adverse impact to the species. Dormice are also protected by; Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006. Annex II Habitats Directive (protection through Special Areas of Conservation) UK Biodiversity Action Plan Priority Species and Species of Principal Importance in Wales 18

Bats and the Law. Bats are protected by the following pieces of legislation: Schedule 5 and 6 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended by the CRW [Countryside Rights of Way] Act 2000) The Environmental Damage (Prevention & Remediation) Regulations 2009 A protected species and its habitat is protected under this legislation as well as others. The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010 (regulation 41) fully protects all bats and their roosts, making it an offence to deliberately kill, injure or capture (take) bats; to deliberately disturb bats; damage or destroy bat roosts or resting places (this is considered an Absolute ffence as damage and destruction may detrimentally effect the Continuous Ecological unctionality of that roost / resting place); possess or transport a bat or any part of a bat; sell (or offer for sale) or exchange bats or parts of bats. or any disturbance to occur a derogation or EPS licence must be gained from Natural Resources Wales. To gain an EPS Licence from Natural Resources Wales (NRW), NRW must be satisfied that; i. the licence would not be detrimental to the avourable Conservation Status (fcs) of the populations of species concerned within its natural range. Bats are also protected by; ii. the derogation (licence) is in the public interest of Health and Safety or for other reasons of over-riding public interest, including those of a socio-economic nature or will have a benefit of primary importance to the environment. iii. there is no satisfactory alternative to the derogation which would allow the described development to proceed but which would avoid or reduce the need for any adverse impact to the species. Appendix III of the Bern Convention Appendix II of the Bonn Convention (including the Convention's Agreement on the conservation of Bats in Europe) Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006. All bats are listed in Annex IV of the EC Habitats Directive and the British species listed in Schedule 2 of the Habitats Regulations 1994 (as amended) and are therefore designated as European Protected Species. These protected species are afforded enhanced protection and more stringent licensing provisions than those protected by the Wildlife and Countryside Act (WACA) alone. 19

Water Voles and the Law Water voles are listed under Schedule 5 of the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981, receiving full protection since 2008. The Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 (as amended), lists the following offences:- Intentionally kill, injure or take water voles (Section 9 (1)). Possess or control live or dead water voles or derivatives (Section 9 (2)). Intentionally or recklessly damage, destroy or obstruct access to any structure or place used for shelter or protection (Section 9 (4) (a & c)). Intentionally or recklessly disturb water voles whilst occupying a structure or place used for that purpose (Section 9 (4) (b)). Sell water voles or offer or expose for sale or transport for sale (Section 9 (5)). Publish or cause to be published any advertisement which conveys the buying or selling of water voles (Section 9 (5)). Environment Act (Wales) 2016 This act has replaced the section 40 duty in the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 (NERC Act 2006), in relation to Wales, and applies to those authorities that fell within the previous duty. It came into force in May 2016. Section 6 of the Act places a duty on public authorities to seek to maintain and enhance biodiversity so far as it is consistent with the proper exercise of those functions. In so doing, public authorities must also seek to promote the resilience of ecosystems. Under Section 6 public authorities will be required to report on the actions they are taking to improve biodiversity and promote ecosystem resilience. Section 7 of the Act places a duty on public authorities to take steps to maintain and enhance biodiversity. This section replaces the duty in section 42 of the NERC Act 2006. The Section 7 Priority Species under this act is a list of the living organisms of principal importance for the purpose of maintaining and enhancing biodiversity in relation to Wales. The Section 7 Priority Habitats is a list of the habitats of principal importance for the purpose of maintaining and enhancing biodiversity in relation to Wales. 20

7. REERENCES Amphibian & Reptile Conservation UK (Sept. 2010) Legislative Protection for Herpetofauna (England & Wales) British Bryological Society (2010) Mosses and Liverworts of Britain & Ireland a field guide. English Nature (2006) The Dormouse Conservation Handbook, second edition HGBI Advisory Notes for Amphibians & Reptile Groups (ARGs) (1998) Evaluating Local Mitigation/Translocation Programmes: Maintaining Best Practice & Lawful Standards. HM Government (1981). The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (As Amended). London. HMS HM Government (2010). The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010. (As Amended). London. HMS JNCC, (2010). Handbook for Phase 1 habitat survey - A technique for environmental audit JNCC, (2003). Herpetofauna Workers Manual Poland. J & Clement. E (2009) The Vegetative Key to the British lora, BSBI. Rose, rancis (1989). Grasses, Sedges, Rushes and erns of the British Isles and north western Europe Rose, rancis (2006). The Wildflower Key Wales Biodiversity Partnership (2015) NERC Biodiversity Duty, website accessed 8 April 2016 Welsh Assembly Government (WAG 2003). List of Species and Habitats of Principal Importance for the Conservation of Biological Diversity. Welsh Government. Cardiff 21

8. I&G Ecological Consulting Legal Disclaimer This report was prepared by I&G Ecological Consulting at the instruction of, and for use by, our client(s) named on the front of the report. It does not in any way constitute advice to any third party who is able to access it by any means. I&G Ecological Consulting excludes to the fullest extent lawfully permitted all liability whatsoever for any loss or damage howsoever arising from reliance on the contents of this report. We do not however exclude our liability (if any) for personal injury or death resulting from our negligence, for fraud or any other matter in relation to which we cannot legally exclude liability. We confirm that in preparing this Report we have exercised reasonable skill and care, taking into account the project objectives, the agreed scope of the work and prevailing site conditions. Advice in this report is based on the judgement of I&G Ecological Consulting and the interpretation of data gathered during the course of their survey on the property named in this document. The findings and advice given during the course of this survey is provided by employees of I&G Ecological Consulting acting only on behalf of I&G Ecological Consulting. The employees of I&G may hold other paid employment but none of their advice or work undertaken in respect of producing this report refers to any roles or responsibilities held in any other employment other than that held at I&G Ecological Consulting. All work undertaken in this report is the sole responsibility of I&G Ecological Consulting. 22

9. Target Notes TN 1 Amenity grassland and landscape planting Grid reference: SS6839 9671 Plant Species DAR SCALE Dominant (D), Abundant (A), requent (), ccasional () or Rare (R) Mown lawn Yorkshire fog - Holcus lanatus A Red fescue estuca rubra A Brachythecium rutabulum Calliergon cuspidate Toad rush Juncus bufonius Cock sfoot - Dactylus conglomeratus Common sedge Carex nigra Broad leaved plantain Plangtago major Creeping thistle - Cirsium arvense Daisy - Bellis perennis Dandelion Taraxacum agg Ladies smock - Cardamine pratensis Creeping buttercup Ranunculus repens A Birds-foot trefoil Lotus corniculatus Landscaping Dogwood Cornus sp. Creeping thistle - Cirsium arvense Bramble Rubus fruticosus agg. Gorse - Ulex europaeus Silverweed - Potentilla anserina Ash raxinus excelsior Common Ragwort Senecio jacobaea Tufted hair grass Deschampsia cespitosa Grey willow Salix cinerea A D 23

TN 2 Hedgerow Grid reference: SS6843 9666 Plant Species DAR SCALE Dominant (D), Abundant (A), requent (), ccasional () or Rare (R) Gorse - Ulex europaeus D Dogwood Cornus sp. Guelder rose - Viburnum opulus Ash raxinus excelsior Bramble Rubus fruticosus agg. A Rowan Sorbus aucuparia Broad buckler fern - Dryopteris dilatata Ivy - Hedera helix Butterfly bush - Buddleja Hart s tongue fern - Asplenium scolopendrium Hawthorn - Crataegus monogyna Woody nightshade - Solanum dulcamara Common Horsetail Equisetum arvense Purple moor-grass Molinia caerulea Butterbur Petasites hybridus Escallonia 24

TN 3 Marshy grassland / Rhos pasture Grid reference: SS6838 9663 Plant Species Purple moor-grass Molinia caerulea Yorkshire fog - Holcus lanatus Tufted hair grass - Deschampsia cespitosa Sheeps escue estuca ovina agg Common sedge Carex nigra Ling - Calluna vulgaris Cross leaved heath - Erica tetralix Creeping buttercup Ranunculus repens Hemp agrimony -Eupatorium cannabinum Ribwort plantain - Plantago lanceolate Common fleabane Pulicaria dysenterica Soft rush Juncus effusus Compact rush - Juncus conglomeratus Gorse - Ulex europaeus Deer grass Tricophorum cespitosum Common yellow sedge - Carex demissa rchid Dactylorhiza sp. Marsh ragwort - Senecio aquaticus Birds-foot trefoil Lotus corniculatus Tufted vetch Vicia cracca Marsh willowherb Epilobium palustre Articulated rush - Juncus articulatus Greater willowherb - Epilobum hirsutum Common Horsetail Equisetum arvense Marsh orget-me-not - Myosotis scorpioides Tormentil - Potentilla erecta Dandelion Taraxacum spp. Scaly male fern - Dryopteris affinis Sphagnum fallax Polytrichum commune Calliergon cuspidate Grey willow Salix cinerea Silver birch Betula pendula Lodgepole pine Pinus contorta DAR SCALE Dominant (D), Abundant (A), requent (), ccasional () or Rare (R) D A 25

TN 4 Scraped ground c. 80% bare Grid reference: SS6840 9669 Plant Species DAR SCALE Dominant (D), Abundant (A), requent (), ccasional () or Rare (R) Common sedge Carex nigra Purple moor-grass Molinia caerulea Grey willow Salix cinerea Hard rush Juncus inflexus Bramble Rubus fruticosus agg. Butterbur Petasites hybridus Spear thistle Cirsium vulgare Articulated rush Juncus articulatus Marsh ragwort - Senecio aquaticus Tormentil - Potentilla erecta Silverweed - Potentilla anserina Ribwort plantain - Plantago lanceolate Red clover - Trifolium pratense Common Horsetail Equisetum arvense Gorse - Ulex europaeus Marsh willowherb Epilobium palustre Dandelion Taraxacum spp. Creeping thistle - Cirsium arvense Calliergon cuspidate Male fern - Dryopteris filix-mas 26

TN 6 Scrub Grid reference: SS6836 9672 Plant Species DAR SCALE Dominant (D), Abundant (A), requent (), ccasional () or Rare (R) Bramble Rubus fruticosus agg. D Dogwood Cornus sp. Grey willow Salix cinerea Silver birch Betula pendula Gorse - Ulex europaeus A 27