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P/2013/00882 Received 19/07/2013 St Modwen Land to the West of Uttoxeter Breeding Bird Survey Report June 2013 FPCR Environment and Design Ltd Registered Office: Lockington Hall, Lockington, Derby DE74 2RH Company No. 07128076. [T] 01509 672772 [F] 01509 674565 [E] [email protected] [W] www.fpcr.co.uk This report is the property of FPCR Environment and Design Ltd and is issued on the condition it is not reproduced, retained or disclosed to any unauthorised person, either wholly or in part without the written consent of FPCR Environment and Design Ltd. Ordnance Survey material is used with permission of The Controller of HMSO, Crown copyright 100018896. Rev Issue Status Prepared / Date Approved/Date - Draft JEC / 12.06.13 KEH / 13.06.13 Breeding Bird Survey Report fpcr CONTENTS 1.0 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................ 3 2.0 LEGISLATION AND GUIDANCE .................................................................... 4 3.0 METHODOLOGY ........................................................................................... 5 4.0 RESULTS ....................................................................................................... 7 5.0 DISCUSSION AND EVALUATION OF IMPACTS ............................................ 9 6.0 CONCLUSION.............................................................................................. 15 TABLES Table 1: Survey Dates and Conditions Table 2: Definition of Terms Relating to Nature Conservation Value Table 3: NERC, LBAP, BoCC Red- and Amber-Listed Bird Species Recorded at Land West of Uttoxeter during Breeding Bird Surveys 2013 and Their Recent Status in the West Midlands. Table 4: Habitat Requirements, Species Account, Nature Conservation Value and Impact Assessment of BoCC Red-listed, S41 NERC Act Priority Species and Staffordshire LBAP Species Recorded on Land to the West of Uttoxeter. FIGURES Figure 1: Breeding Bird Survey 2013: Distribution of Notable Species APPENDICES Appendix A: 2013 Breeding Bird Survey Results J:\4300\4348\Ecology\Birds\BBS 2 Breeding Bird Survey Report fpcr 1.0 INTRODUCTION 1.1 This report has been prepared on behalf of St Modwen and provides the results of breeding bird surveys undertaken during 2013 on land to the west of Uttoxeter, Staffordshire. 1.2 The existing site comprised improved grassland field compartments divided by a mixture of post and rail fences and mature and defunct hedgerows; mature and standing dead trees were recorded throughout the survey area. Two watercourses flowed eastwards across the site arising from a stream which flowed northwards along the western boundary of the survey area. Agricultural land extended to the south and west of the survey area. 1.3 The Project consists of up to 700 dwellings and 10Ha of employment, a site for a first school, local centre, associated infrastructure, other transport measures and off site highway improvements, new internal roads, and a comprehensive framework of new landscape proposals including open space and habitat creation. A full description of the Project is provided in Chapter 2: Development Proposals. 1.4 The objectives of the survey were to: · Identify the presence and distribution of breeding birds on the site; · Evaluate the importance of local bird populations and their habitat requirements; · Evaluate the conservation importance of the site for breeding birds. J:\4300\4348\Ecology\Birds\BBS 3 Breeding Bird Survey Report fpcr 2.0 LEGISLATION AND GUIDANCE 2.1 The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) is the principal legislation affording protection to UK wild birds. Under this legislation all birds, their nests and eggs are protected by law and it is an offence, with certain exceptions to recklessly or intentionally: · Kill, injure or take any wild bird; · Take, damage or destroy the nest of any wild bird while in use or being built; · Take or destroy the egg of any wild bird. 2.2 Species listed on Schedule 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) are specially protected at all times. 2.3 In addition to statutory protection, some bird species are classified according to their conservation status, such as their inclusion on the Red and Amber lists of Birds of Conservation Concern (BoCC) in the UK (Eaton et al. 2009): · Red list (high conservation concern) species are those that are Globally Threatened according to IUCN criteria; those whose population has declined rapidly (50% or more) in recent years; and those that have declined historically and not shown a substantial recent recovery. · Amber list (medium conservation concern) species are those with an unfavourable conservation status in Europe; those whose population or range has declined moderately (between 25% and 49%) in recent years; those whose population has declined historically but made a substantial recent recovery; rare breeders; and those with internationally important or localised populations. · Green list (low conservation concern) species fulfil none of the above criteria. 2.4 Certain species have also been identified as Priority Species under Schedule 41 of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities (NERC) Act (2006) (formerly known as UK BAP priority species) and/or the Staffordshire Local BAP (LBAP). The Biodiversity Action Plan is a government initiative, which aims to achieve the recovery of the UK’s most threatened species and habitats. J:\4300\4348\Ecology\Birds\BBS 4 fpcr Breeding Bird Survey Report 3.0 METHODOLOGY 3.1 The survey methodology employed was broadly based on that of territory mapping (Bibby et al., 1992) as used for the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) Common Bird Census (CBC). Standard BTO species codes and symbols for bird activities were used to identify birds and denote activity, sex and age where appropriate. The criteria used in the assessment of breeding birds has been adapted from the standard criteria proposed by the European Ornithological Atlas Committee (EOAC 1979) and are grouped into three categories: possible breeder e.g. birds observed in suitable habitat or singing male recorded, probable breeder e.g. pair in suitable habitat, territory defended, agitated behaviour or nest building and confirmed breeder e.g. recently fledged young observed, adult birds carrying food for young. Birds that were considered to not be using the site for breeding were categorised as ‘non breeders’ e.g. flying over the site, migrant, habitat not suitable. 3.2 To provide a reasonable level of accuracy for determining the population status of the breeding birds on the site, three surveys were undertaken during the hours after dawn or prior to dusk in the period April to June 2013. A route was mapped out prior to the surveys being undertaken, paying particular attention to any linear features, such as hedgerows and tree lines, and natural features such as ponds, marsh and areas of scrub. Bird surveys were not undertaken in unfavourable conditions such as heavy rain or strong wind, which may negatively affect the results. Table 1 provides details of the survey conditions. Table 1: Survey Dates and Conditions 3.3 Date Cloud Cover Rain Wind Visibility 16.04.13 70% None Gentle Breeze Excellent 20.05.13 10% None Calm Excellent 11.06.13 100% Drizzle Gentle Breeze Good The conservation value of bird populations has been measured using two separate approaches: nature conservation value and conservation status. The IEEM guidance on ecological impact assessment assesses nature conservation value within a geographical context. To attain each level of value, an ornithological resource or one of the features (species population or assemblage of species) should meet the criteria set out in Table 2 below. In some cases, professional judgement may be required to increase or decrease the allocation of specific value, based upon local knowledge. J:\4300\4348\Ecology\Birds\BBS 5 fpcr Breeding Bird Survey Report Table 2: Definition of Terms Relating to Nature Conservation Value Nature Conservation Value International Examples of Selection Criteria A species which is part of the cited interest of an SPA and which regularly occurs in internationally or nationally important numbers. A species present in internationally important numbers (>1% of international population). National A species which is part of the cited interest of a SSSI and which regularly occurs in nationally or regionally important numbers. A nationally important assemblage of breeding or over-wintering species. A species present in nationally important numbers (>1% UK population). Rare breeding species (<300 breeding pairs in the UK). Regional Species listed as Priority Species under Schedule 41 of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities (NERC) Act (2006), which are not covered above, and which regularly occurs in regionally important numbers. Species present in regionally important numbers (>1% of regional population). Sustainable populations of species that are rare or scarce within a region. Species on the BoCC Red List and which regularly occurs in regionally important numbers. County Species listed as Priority Species under Schedule 41 of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities (NERC) Act (2006), which are not covered above and which regularly occurs in county important numbers Species present in county important numbers (>1% of county population). Sustainable populations of species that are rare or scarce within a county, or listed as priority species for nature conservation under S41 of the NERC Act. A site designated for its county important assemblage of birds (e.g. a SINC Site). Species on the BoCC Red List and which regularly occur in county important numbers. District Species listed as Priority Species under Schedule 41 of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities (NERC) Act (2006), which are not covered above, and are rare in the locality or in the relevant Natural Area profile. Species present in numbers just short of county importance. Sustainable populations of species which are rare or scarce within the locality. A site whose designation falls just short for inclusion for its county important assemblage of birds (e.g. a SINC Site). Other species on the BoCC Red List and which are considered to regularly occur in district important numbers. Local Other species of conservation interest (e.g. all other species on the BoCC Red and Amber List and listed as Priority Species under Schedule 41 of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities (NERC) Act (2006) which are not covered above) regularly occurring in locally sustainable populations. Site All other BoCC Green-listed common and widespread species. J:\4300\4348\Ecology\Birds\BBS 6 Breeding Bird Survey Report fpcr 4.0 RESULTS 4.1 A total of 38 species were recorded within the site boundary during the surveys, including 17 species that are listed as Schedule 1, NERC or LBAP priority species and/or feature on the BoCC Red and Amber lists (Table 3). Full survey results are provided in Appendix A. 4.2 Of the 38 species, seven were confirmed as breeding: · House sparrow Passer domesticus, a BoCC Red-listed (high conservation concern), NERC Priority Species and Staffordshire LBAP species; · Swallow Hirundo rustica, a BoCC Amber-list species (medium conservation concern); · Blackbird Turdus merula, blue tit Parus caeruleus, great tit Parus major, long tailed tit Aegithalos caudatus and robin Erithacus rubecula, all BoCC Green-list species (low conservation concern). 4.3 Nine species were considered probable breeders on site including two notable species: dunnock Prunella modularis an Amber-list/NERC/LBAP species and whitethroat Sylvia communis, an Amber-list species. Five Green-listed and one unlisted (introduced) species were also considered probable breeders. 4.4 The remaining 22 species were possible breeders or non-breeders on site. J:\4300\4348\Ecology\Birds\BBS 7 fpcr Breeding Bird Survey Report Table 3: NERC, LBAP, BoCC Red- and Amber-Listed Bird Species Recorded at Land West of Uttoxeter during Breeding Bird Surveys 2013 and Their Recent Status in the West Midlands. Species Conservation Status Breeding Status on site Recent Status in West Midlands† Black-headed gull Amber Non breeder (UH) Frequent breeding resident Bullfinch Amber, NERC, LBAP Possible (S) Common resident Dunnock Amber, NERC Probable (A) Abundant resident Green woodpecker Amber Possible (H) Fairly common resident House martin Amber Possible (H) Common to very common summer resident House sparrow Red, NERC, LBAP Confirmed (ON) Abundant resident Kestrel Amber Possible (H) Fairly common resident Lapwing Red, NERC, LBAP Probable (A) Fairly common to common resident Mallard Amber Possible (H) Common resident Mistle thrush Amber Possible (H) Common resident Skylark Red, NERC, LBAP Possible (S) Abundant resident Song thrush Red, NERC Possible (S) Abundant resident Starling Red, NERC Possible (H) Very common to abundant resident Stock dove Amber Possible (H) Very common resident Swallow Amber Confirmed (ON) Very common summer resident Whitethroat Amber Probable (T) Very common to abundant summer resident Yellowhammer Red, NERC, LBAP Possible (S) Very common to abundant resident † Taken from The Birds of Staffordshire, Warwickshire, Worcestershire and the West Midlands 2009, published by The West Midlands Bird Club 2011. The terms used to define abundance in the region are: · Frequent – 100-500 birds occurring or or 50-250 pairs breeding · Fairly common – 500-5,000 birds occurring or 250-2500 pairs breeding · Common – 5,000-20,000 birds occurring or 2,500-10,000 pairs breeding · Very common – 20,000-50,000 birds occurring or 10,000-25,000 pairs breeding · Abundant – 50,000+ birds occurring or 25,000+ pairs breeding J:\4300\4348\Ecology\Birds\BBS 8 Breeding Bird Survey Report 5.0 fpcr DISCUSSION AND EVALUATION OF IMPACTS Bird Assemblage Value 5.1 The species recorded on site are largely typical of the main habitats available on site, and are particularly characterised by species of hedgerows, woodland edge and scrub habitat (e.g. bullfinch, dunnock, house sparrow (particularly adjacent to farm buildings and along the eastern urban boundary), mistle thrush, song thrush, stock dove and whitethroat). Arable habitats to the west of the site attracted traditional farmland birds including skylark, lapwing and yellowhammer. 5.2 The majority of the species recorded are abundant, common or fairly common breeding species within the region (with the exception of frequent black-headed gull, a non-breeding species in the survey area) and the site is considered to support a breeding bird assemblage of no more than Local nature conservation value. Impacts of Habitat Loss/Change 5.3 The impact on breeding bird species arising from the potential effects of development is based upon an understanding of each species’ ecological requirements, the type of development, number of birds recorded on site, their nature conservation criteria based on legislation and current guidance (e.g. Red and Amber listed Birds of Conservation Concern 3 (2009); S41 NERC Act priority species and Local BAP species), their local status according to “The Birds of Staffordshire, Warwickshire, Worcestershire and the West Midlands 2009” and professional judgement. 5.4 The species recorded on site that are arguably the most vulnerable to impacts are the eight ‘notable’ species that appear on the BoCC Red list and/or are listed as priority species for nature conservation under S41 of the NERC Act or feature on the Staffordshire LBAP. The habitat requirements, species account, and nature conservation value of these species are summarised in Table 4. In addition, residual impacts arising from the proposed development in terms of habitat loss / change have been assessed against the development proposals set out in the Illustrative Master Plan. J:\4300\4348\Ecology\Birds\BBS 9 fpcr Breeding Bird Survey Report Table 4: Habitat Requirements, Species Account, Nature Conservation Value and Impact Assessment of BoCC Red-listed, S41 NERC Act Priority Species and Staffordshire LBAP Species Recorded on Land to the West of Uttoxeter. Suggested Mitigation/ Compensation/Enhancements Residual Impact†† Local Loss of hedgerow sections and scrub habitat within the site which currently offers potential nesting habitat. Negligible Recorded on all 3 surveys; up to 4 singing males holding territory in hedgerows throughout the site. Local Limited loss of habitat through loss of some hedgerow sections Retention of existing trees and hedgerows within the development will continue to provide suitable potential foraging and breeding habitat for bullfinch within the site. Further proposed woodland planting will provide new opportunities for bullfinch across the site, particularly to the north, and encourage the colonisation into other parts. It is recommended that ash and a mix of fruit bearing species are included within the new planting scheme to provide further foraging opportunities for bullfinch. Further woodland planting will continue to provide sufficient breeding opportunities to this species. Dunnocks will also readily inhabit residential areas, particularly once established. A breeding colony was recorded at Parks Farm. Other colonies were restricted to foraging in hedgerow boundaries adjacent to existing residential developments and Moss Beds, where offsite breeding was probable. Local Potential loss of some scrub and hedgerow habitat along the existing residential boundary. Loss of breeding site at Parks Farm. House sparrows will readily habituate to new residential areas. Strategic placement of house sparrow nest-box terraces around the development will provide new breeding sites. The retention of boundary trees and hedgerows combined with new residential gardens and buildings will increase nesting and foraging opportunities. Minor Positive Habitat Requirements† Species Account Bullfinch Breeds mainly in broadleaved woods, but also commonly in dense hedgerows and thickets. Adults are vegetarian, but invertebrates are important in diet of young. A male was calling from a hedgerow in the south-eastern section of the site in April. Not recorded in May or June. Dunnock Commonly invades a wide variety of scrub grown situations. Has adapted to field hedgerows, farms, railway embankments, parks, gardens and vacant urban land. Feeds mainly on insects but small seeds are an important winter food. Often associated with man, will avoid closed or dense vegetation, and except for seasonal foraging in corn fields and other crops, will usually avoid open terrain lacking in shrubs, trees, and other cover. House Sparrow J:\4300\4348\Ecology\Birds\BBS Nature Conservation Value†† Characterisation of Unmitigated Impact Species Minor Positive 10 fpcr Breeding Bird Survey Report Nature Conservation Value†† Species Habitat Requirements† Species Account Lapwing Breeds on open ground requiring ready access to soil preferably moist carrying appreciable biomass of surface or subsurface organisms. A single bird was calling in arable habitat on the western boundary in April. Not recorded in May or June. Local Skylark Ground nesting birds favouring open farmland habitats where short, grassy or sparse vegetation provides nesting cover and foraging opportunities. Plant and animal material taken at all times of the year, but insects especially important in summer, cereal grain and weed seeds in autumn, leaves and weed seeds in winter, and cereal grain in spring. A single bird was calling in arable habitat on the western boundary in May. Not recorded in April or June. Local Song thrush Birds can exist anywhere where trees or bushes accompany open grassland or patches of dead leaves supporting ample invertebrates. Will readily take to hedgerows, railway embankments and small gardens. One male singing in April along the woodland edge in the northeast corner of the site. Two birds observed in May in trees in the central section. Not recorded in June. Local J:\4300\4348\Ecology\Birds\BBS Characterisation of Unmitigated Impact Suggested Mitigation/ Compensation/Enhancements Residual Impact†† Loss of potential nesting habitat through loss of open arable field compartments to the west of site which currently may opportunistically provide nesting opportunities where they contain no crop and remain bare. Complete loss of arable habitat to the west of site which the species currently uses. Following development, the site is likely to lose any suitability by use from lapwing whether it is for breeding or resting/roosting. Lapwings rely on large areas of open land with a clear line of sight. The availability of such conditions will be lost post construction. Negligible Small areas within the GI which supports grassland may continue to support a smaller number of skylark pairs especially where open grassland habitat occurs along the western boundary adjacent to off-site arable habitats and away from the residential properties reducing the incidence of cat predation of nests. Negligible Loss of short hedgerow sections for example where access roads are proposed. Areas in which song thrush were recorded are to be retained. Further woodland planting within the GI is likely to increase the overall useable habitat available to song thrush and provide a movement corridor through the site. Song thrushes will also readily inhabit residential areas, particularly once established. Minor Positive 11 fpcr Breeding Bird Survey Report Species Habitat Requirements† Species Account Starling During breeding season will concentrate where suitable holes are available, either naturally or in apertures of buildings. Invertebrate food fed to young. Forages mainly on the ground in open areas of short grass or sparse vegetation, e.g. cereal stubble, farmyards. Small flocks of birds were recorded foraging amongst improved grassland habitats on all surveys, mostly associated with cattle occupancy. Birds were mostly observed taking food off-site to residential areas beyond the eastern boundary, where breeding was likely. Yellowhammer Traditionally based on edges of open areas of forest and fringing scrub of gorse, broom and hawthorn. Extends widely across cultivated land with hedges, plantations, and paths. Feeds mainly on grass seeds, invertebrates in the breeding season. Feeds wholly on the ground by hedges, tracks and newly sown fields. A male singing on the western arable boundary in April, and a female calling in the same area in June. Not recorded in May. † Based upon criteria set out in Table 2 and professional judgement. J:\4300\4348\Ecology\Birds\BBS †† Nature Conservation Value†† Characterisation of Unmitigated Impact Suggested Mitigation/ Compensation/Enhancements Residual Impact†† Local Loss of some existing foraging habitat in the form of grazed grassland field compartments. The inclusion of starling boxes within the built environment would present the species with new nesting opportunities. Areas of grassland and wetland habitats will continue to provide suitable foraging opportunities for the species. Starlings will also readily inhabit residential areas, particularly once established. Minor Positive Local The loss of arable fields greatly reduces foraging opportunities for these largely granivorous birds, and although suitable nesting habitats will remain, the lack of surrounding arable habitat will curtail use of the site. The site along its western boundary is likely to continue to provide nesting opportunities for smaller numbers of yellowhammers where suitable conditions are present adjacent to offsite arable habitats, e.g. hedgerows and field margins. Yellowhammers will often inhabit scrub habitats and this should be encouraged along the western boundary where possible within the GI. The provision of water bodies are likely to provide suitable foraging opportunities during the breeding season. Negligible Assumes that any suggested or proposed mitigation, compensation or enhancements are undertaken in full. 12 Breeding Bird Survey Report 5.5 fpcr The proposed development will result in the loss of a small amount of arable habitat from the site. This has the potential to impact upon the recorded farmland bird assemblage – lapwing, skylark and yellowhammer – in the breeding season. However, only one individual was recorded for all three species, all three were considered to be no more than possible breeding species and the amount of suitable breeding and foraging arable habitat available is restricted to the western extremity of the site. An abundance of similar suitable open farmland habitat exists immediately west of site, which it is expected to be able to absorb the recorded lapwing, skylark and yellowhammer individuals. Bullfinch, a classic woodland edge rather than farmland species, was also only recorded on one occasion and the creation of new woodland plating will ensure the site maintains its current value for the local population. Residual impacts for lapwing, skylark, yellowhammer and bullfinch are predicted to be negligible. 5.6 Dunnock, house sparrow, song thrush and starling are expected to benefit from the proposed GI within the Masterplan, including the retention of many of the existing hedgerows and trees (all species), new woodland planting (dunnock and song thrush) and the creation of open space (particularly important for foraging starlings). In addition, all four species show varying degrees of habituation to residential areas, particularly as gardens mature, and an ability to thrive in urban environments. Therefore, minor positive residual impacts for dunnock, house sparrow, song thrush and starling are predicted. Construction Impacts 5.7 Construction operations could disturb bird species of nature conservation interest using the Application Site for roosting, foraging, breeding and loafing. Disturbance during the breeding season may lead to nest desertion or the avoidance of the area. All birds, their nests and eggs are protected by law and it is an offence, with certain exceptions to intentionally: · Kill, injure or take any wild bird; · Take damage or destroy the nest of any wild bird while it is in use or being built; · Take or destroy the egg of any wild bird. 5.8 The construction works likely to disturb and impact on nesting/breeding birds include the initial ground works, vegetation clearance and construction activities which will result in noise and vibration and loss of suitable breeding habitat. Increased activity adjacent to areas where species may breed may result in disturbance to the species. Operational Impacts 5.9 Birds are generally considered likely to be affected by an increase in use of the area by humans and can be particularly susceptible to noise from roads, cat predation and dogs off the lead. Mitigation Measures 5.10 All nesting birds, their nests and fledgling young are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, 1981 (as amended). To avoid disturbance to breeding birds, any woody vegetation will be removed prior to the bird-breeding season (March to September inclusive). If this is not possible, the site will be checked prior to removal or other groundworks that may disturb breeding species (e.g. dunnocks in hedgerows, skylarks in open field areas) by an experienced ecologist. If active J:\4300\4348\Ecology\Birds\BBS 13 Breeding Bird Survey Report fpcr nests are found, areas will be left untouched and suitably buffered from works until all birds have fledged. Specific advice will be provided prior to undertaking the clearance. 5.11 To prevent disturbance to off-site habitats, areas around the Application Site boundary should be buffered where possible. Other possible mitigation/compensation 5.12 In addition to those enhancements noted above, other enhancements that could be integrated into the development proposals include the erection of a mixture of nest box types such as holefronted boxes for blue tit and great tit and open fronted boxes for species such as robin. 5.13 The additional GI planting along with the retention and enhancement where possible of existing vegetation with native species will provide further compensation for any nesting and foraging habitat loss, provide connectivity with the wider landscape and support conservation and biodiversity enhancement. J:\4300\4348\Ecology\Birds\BBS 14 Breeding Bird Survey Report fpcr 6.0 CONCLUSION 6.1 During breeding bird surveys, 38 species were recorded on site. widespread birds in the West Midlands and the UK. 6.2 No protected (Schedule 1) species were recorded. 6.3 Six BoCC Red-listed (high conservation concern) & S41 NERC Act Priority Species – house sparrow, lapwing, skylark, yellowhammer, song thrush and starling – were recorded. The first four are also Staffordshire LBAP species. 6.4 Two Amber-listed (medium conservation concern) species & S41 NERC Act Priority Species – bullfinch and dunnock - were recorded on site. Bullfinch is also a LBAP species. 6.5 The remaining 30 species recorded on site comprised nine Amber-listed, nineteen Green-listed (low conservation concern) and two introduced (no conservation concern) species. 6.6 Impacts of development were considered for the eight most vulnerable species recorded on site (i.e. those of highest conservation concern reflected by their inclusion on any of the LBAP / S41 NERC Act / Red-Lists). 6.7 The proposed development is expected to result in negligible residual impacts on the local populations of bullfinch, lapwing, skylark and yellowhammer. 6.8 Other than in the short term, i.e. during the construction phase, the proposals and suggested compensation are expected to have a positive residual impact for four notable species currently using the site in summer; dunnock, house sparrow, song thrush and starling. 6.9 All recorded species are common and widespread within the West Midlands and the UK. The site is considered to be of Local conservation value for its breeding bird assemblage. 6.10 The proposed GI detailed in the Illustrative Masterplan aims to retain the majority of existing All are common and hedgerows and trees on site, to enhance hedgerows with native species planting and to create new habitats including further woodland planting, waterbodies and green corridors throughout the site. The retention of existing vegetation and provision of these new areas, along with a new resource of residential gardens, will provide some compensation for the loss of suitable breeding and foraging habitats for many of the recorded species. The GI will increase the degree of usable habitat across the site for a number of woodland edge species, and provide corridors of movement across the site. Furthermore, the GI proposals have the potential to attract new species associated with areas of open water and not currently recorded on site in summer, e.g. reed bunting Emberiza schoeniclus (Amber-listed / S41 NERC Act). J:\4300\4348\Ecology\Birds\BBS 15 fpcr Breeding Bird Survey Report APPENDIX A: 2013 BREEDING BIRD SURVEY RESULTS Specie s Latin Blackbird Blackcap Black-headed gull Turdus merula Sylvia atricapilla Chroicocephalus ridibundus Blue tit Bullfinch Carrion crow Chaffinch Chiffchaff Collared dove Dunnock Goldfinch Great spotted woodpecker Great tit Greenfinch Green woodpecker House martin House sparrow Jackdaw Kestrel Lapwing Long-tailed tit Magpie Mallard Mistle Thrush Pheasant Pied wagtail Red-legged partridge Robin Sparrowhawk Skylark Song thrush Starling Stock dove Swallow Whitethroat Woodpigeon Wren Yellowhammer Parus caeruleus Pyrrhula pyrrhula Corvus corone Fringilla coelebs Phylloscopus sibilatrix Streptopelia decaocto Prunella modularis Carduelis carduelis Dendrocopos major Parus major Carduelis chloris Picus viridis Delichon urbica Passer domesticus Corvus monedula Falco tinnunculus Vanellus vanellus Aegithalos caudatus Pica pica Anas platyrhynchos Turdus viscivorus Phasianus colchicus Motacilla alba Alectoris rufa Erithacus rubecula Accipiter nisus Alauda arvensis Turdus philomelos Sturnus vulgaris Columba oenas Hirundo rustica Sylvia communis Columba palumbus Troglodytes troglodytes Emberiza citrinella TOTAL SPECIES = 38 J:\4300\4348\Ecology\Birds\BBS Survey 1 16.04.13 5 1 5 Survey 2 20.05.13 11 4 Survey 3 tbc 06.13 4 + juv 2 2 6 1 2 7 1 6 2 4 1 4 6 1 2 1 family 6 9 2 2 5 1 14 5 1 2 3 2 1 2 families 1 2 6 5 colonies 7 5 colonies 24 1 1 1 family 6 6 3 4 5 colonies 4 1 2 3 2 1 family 14 1 1 4 8 1 17 2 1 29 4 1 30 2 3 1 14 + 1 juv 1 2 8 1 22 2 13 7 28 2 + 2 juvs 4 1 11 2 16 2 4 6 1 Conservation Status Green list Green list Amber list Green list Amber list, NERC, LBAP Green list Green list Green list Green list Amber list, NERC Green list Green list Green list Green list Amber list Amber list Red list, NERC, LBAP Green list Amber list Red list, NERC, LBAP Green list Green list Amber list Amber list Introduced Green list Introduced Green list Green list Red list, NERC, LBAP Red list, NERC Red list, NERC Amber list Amber list Amber list Green list Green list Red list, NERC, LBAP Bree ding Status on Site Confirmed (FL) Probable (P) Non breeder (UH) Confirmed (FL) Possible (S) Possible (H) Probable (P) Possible (S) Possible (H) Probable (A) Possible (S) Possible (H) Confirmed (FL) Possible (S) Possible (H) Possible (H) Confirmed (ON) Possible (H) Possible (H) Possible (H) Confirmed (FL) Possible (H) Possible (H) Possible (H) Probable (P) Confirmed (FL) Possible (H) Confirmed (FL) Possible (H) Possible (S) Possible (S) Possible (H) Possible (H) Confirmed (FL) Probable (T) Possible (H) Possible (H) Possible (S) 23 16 River Tean A50 Parks' K SL Farm SG SL WH SG HS SD SL D S BH ST G SG MA ST WH Y M D HS BH L SL SG HS HM Moss Beds SL Uttoxeter D D HS HS HM SG G BF D HM Park Fields SG Bramshall Road BOCC RED LISTED BIRDS HS L House sparrow Lapwing LI ST Linnet S Skylark NERC List Species Song thrush Y Yellowhammer Bird seen only to fly over Staffordshire Local BAP Species BOCC AMBER LISTED BIRDS BH Black-headed gull BF Bullfinch HM D Dunnock K G Green woodpecker MA St Modwen Mallard SL Swallow WH Whitethroat House martin M Mistle thrush Kestrel SD Stock dove Land to the West of Uttoxeter fpcr This drawing is the property of FPCR Environment and Design Ltd and is issued on the condition it is not reproduced, retained or disclosed to any unauthorised person, either wholly or in part without written consent of FPCR Environment and Design Ltd. N Ordnance Survey material is used with the permission of The Controller of HMSO, Crown copyright 100018896. FPCR Environment and Design Ltd, Lockington Hall, Lockington, Derby, DE74 2RH t: 01509 672772 masterplanning environmental assessment landscape design urban design J:\4300\4348\Ecology\Birds\Figure 1 BBSNotable Species Plan f: 01509 674565 e: [email protected] w: www.fpcr.co.uk ecology architecture arboriculture BREEDING BIRD SURVEY 2013 DISTRIBUTION OF NOTABLE SPECIES PLAN Not to scale @ A3 Figure 1 NC / 12.06.2013