ISLAND FARM SPORTS VILLAGE, BRIDGEND, WALES Environmental Statement. APPENDIX 9.5 Bird Survey 2009

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1 APPENDIX 9.5 Bird Survey 2009

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3 1.1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY INTRODUCTION METHODOLOGY GENERAL SITE LOCATION & DESCRIPTION RESULTS DISCUSSION CONCLUSIONS & RECOMMENDATIONS REFERENCES... 22

4 ISLAND FARM SPORTS VILLAGE, BRIDGEND, WALES

5 Appendix 9.5 Bird Survey EXECUTIVE SUMMARY A breeding bird survey was undertaken at the Island Farm development site, Bridgend, including within a 300m buffer zone around the site, in order to inform an impact assessment for a proposed multi-use development Three visits were made during April and May 2009 in good weather conditions in order to record the locations and activities of all birds present. Totals of 41 and 47 species were noted in the development site and buffer zone, respectively, with an overall total of 49 species. The breeding status, estimated numbers of territories and distribution of each species in both the development site and buffer zone area is provided The local and UK conservation status of each species has been assessed, identifying a number of red or amber listed birds of conservation concern and those with UK or Bridgend LBAP priority status. Birds of conservation concern red listed species included Skylark, Song Thrush and House Sparrow, with amber listed species including Green Woodpecker, Dunnock, Common Whitethroat, Willow Warbler and Bullfinch A discussion of the results is provided, identifying the areas of greatest and least activity. The former prisoner of war camp was identified as the area with the highest levels of breeding activity Finally, an assessment of the site s overall significance for breeding birds was made, concluding that the site is of immediate local area importance, i.e. significant only at the parish level. 1.2 INTRODUCTION This study was carried out to provide baseline information pertaining to breeding bird activity at the proposed Island Farm development site, and also within a 300m buffer zone around the site, where access permission could be obtained The brief was to record all bird species present, but particular attention was to be paid to the presence of Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 Schedule 1 species and those listed on the UK Red and Amber list of Birds of Conservation Concern. This will inform an impact assessment for a proposed multi-use development at this site and the impacts on birds particular. 1.3 METHODOLOGY A breeding bird survey of the study area was conducted during April and May 2009 by the author, a member of The Glamorgan Bird Club with a prior knowledge of the site. The survey was based upon a modification of Common Bird Census methodology (three visits instead of ten) in which the species present, locations and behaviour are recorded. This enables an estimate of the number of breeding territories to be made. 1

6 1.3.2 Data were gathered on three visits in good weather by walking transects (see Figure 1, below) which provided coverage of the study area. In practice access restrictions meant that some locations in the buffer zone were less thoroughly surveyed. This included farmland at the south and west, plus the school and private residences at the north. However, this was not felt to be a significant constraint on the study as these locations could be surveyed to some extent from public rights of way. In addition, some of the buffer zone, notably the farmland and school, were considered to have low value for breeding birds. Coverage of the core of the Island Farm site was, however, unrestricted and excellent coverage was achieved. Figure 1. Transects used during the breeding bird survey 1.4 GENERAL SITE LOCATION & DESCRIPTION The development site is located at the southern boundary of Bridgend, approximately 1km from the town centre. The settlement of Ewenny lies close to the south east corner of the site Five main infrastructural features contribute towards defining the physical layout of the site. The A473 delineates the northern boundary, with smaller secondary roads more or less forming the western and southern boundaries (respectively Merthyr Mawr Road and New Inn Road). The third feature is an active railway line that serves the Vale of Glamorgan, running along the eastern boundary. Finally, the north east corner of the site is bounded by a science park and residential development The mainly brownfield block of land at the north largely comprises a former Second World War prisoner of war (POW) camp. All but one of the prison huts have been 2

7 demolished as evidenced by a large mound of concrete rubble, now being colonised by scrub and ruderal herbs. Most of the former POW camp is an unmanaged complex of grassland and scrub of varying structure. Additional features include restricted areas of mature broadleaved woodland and wooded corridors. The brownfield area also contains the site of a former country club at the west, characterised by a number of native and non-native conifers as well as broadleaved trees and scrub, a grassy field at the western boundary being rapidly colonised by bramble, and a horse paddock at the east, bounded by residential development. Some of the features of the brownfield area are illustrated in Figures 2, 3, 4 and 5, below The land to the south of the development site is dominated by intensively managed arable farmland. The farmland is enclosed and intersected by managed and unmanaged hedgerows of various sizes. Additional features are a number of boundary trees, two small copses within the fields, and two small ponds. Some of the features of the farmland area are illustrated in Figures 6 and The 300m buffer zone around the development site comprises various land use types. Starting at the north is residential housing and part of Brynteg Comprehensive School playing field and buildings. Moving in a clockwise fashion a science park, hotel and nursing home are located at the north east. Next are a railway and scrubby embankment, some pastureland, commercial properties and a large private residence, all at the east. The south is dominated by intensively managed arable farmland, with associated managed hedgerows. The south western sector contains some mature woodland, private residences and an approximately 200m long stretch of the River Ogmore. The western sector of the buffer comprises intensively managed pastureland with some associated hedgerows and boundary trees. Finally, the north west is mainly amenity grassland, but with some mature scrub and hedgerows Figure 2. Tall scrub in the former POW camp adjacent to the A473 3

8 Figure 3. Scrub encroachment on the rubble remains of former POW huts Figure 4. Tree and scrub belt towards the centre of the brownfield 4

9 Figure 5. Mature conifers at the site of the former country club Figure 6. General view of the farmland, including a copse, looking north east 5

10 Figure 7. Southern boundary hedge, looking east along New Inn Road 1.5 RESULTS Table 1 shows the dates, times and weather conditions for each of the three visits. All visits were conducted in settled weather and were started early in the morning to coincide with the peak in bird activity. Table 1. Visit details of the 2009 breeding bird survey Visit Date Time BST Weather Conditions 1 12/04/09 06:30 12:30 W1, cloud 0/8, cool start, becoming warmer. 2 10/05/09 06:00 12:00 SE1, cloud 3/8, mild with long sunny intervals. 3 23/05/09 05:30 12:00 SE1, clear start 0/8, becoming cloudier, 7/8 at survey end Table 2 provides the survey findings for the Island Farm development site. The sequence, nomenclature and taxonomy in this table follow the British Birds List of the Birds of the Western Palearctic (1997). The breeding status of each species was defined using the categories of breeding evidence adopted by the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) A total of 41 species was recorded during the survey at the development site. Of 6

11 these 11 were considered to be non-breeders, with 30 assessed as possible, probable, or confirmed breeders. The top five most numerous breeders were Wren (15 territories), Robin (12), Dunnock (11), Common Chiffchaff (9) and Willow Warbler (9). Species recorded in the development site but not in the buffer zone were Stock Dove and Eurasian Jay. Table 2. Survey results for the Island Farm development site Species Visit 1 Common Pheasant Phasianus colchicus Common Buzzard Buteo buteo Lesser Black-backed Gull Larus fuscus Herring Gull Larus argentatus Rock Dove Columba livia Stock Dove Columba oenas Wood Pigeon Columba palumbus Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto Green Woodpecker Picus viridis Great Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos major Sky Lark Alauda arvensis Swallow Hirundo rustica Pied Wagtail Motacilla alba Wren Troglodytes troglodytes Dunnock Prunella modularis Robin Erithacus rubecula Visit 2 Visit 3 Approximate Number of Territories Breeding Status 2 Probable 1 Confirmed 0 Nonbreeder 0 Nonbreeder 0 Nonbreeder 0 Nonbreeder 5 Probable 1 Probable 1 Probable 1 Possible 0 Nonbreeder 1 Confirmed 0 Nonbreeder 15 Probable 11 Confirmed 12 Confirmed 7

12 Species Visit 1 Blackbird Turdus merula Song Thrush Turdus philomelos Mistle Thrush Turdus viscivorus Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla Lesser Whitethroat Sylvia curruca Common Whitethroat Sylvia communis Common Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita Willow Warbler Phylloscopus trochilus Goldcrest Regulus regulus Long-tailed Tit Aegithalos caudatus Coal Tit Periparus ater Blue Tit Cyanistes caeruleus Great Tit Parus major Eurasian Jay Garrulus glandarius Magpie Pica pica Western Jackdaw Corvus monedula Carrion Crow Corvus corone Common Starling Sturnus vulgaris House Sparrow Passer domesticus Common Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs Visit 2 Visit 3 Approximate Number of Territories Breeding Status 7 Confirmed 5 Probable 0 Possible 7 Confirmed 0 Possible 7 Confirmed 9 Probable 9 Confirmed 2 Probable 2 Confirmed 2 Possible 3 Probable 4 Probable 1 Confirmed 3 Confirmed 0 Nonbreeder 2 Confirmed 0 Nonbreeder 0 Nonbreeder 3 Probable 8

13 Species Visit 1 Greenfinch Carduelis chloris Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis Siskin Carduelis spinus Linnet Carduelis cannabina Bullfinch Pyrrhula pyrrhula Visit 2 Visit 3 Approximate Number of Territories Breeding Status 1 Possible 0 Possible 0 Nonbreeder 0 Nonbreeder 2 Confirmed Table 3 provides information on the distribution of each species recorded in the development site, plus any other relevant comments The areas with most breeding activity were the scrub and trees within the brownfield, especially within the former POW camp. The areas with least activity were the arable fields and the poorer quality internal hedgerows. Table 3. General comments for each species recorded in the development site Species Common Pheasant Phasianus colchicus Common Buzzard Buteo buteo Lesser Black-backed Gull Larus fuscus Herring Gull Larus argentatus Rock Dove Columba livia Stock Dove Columba oenas Wood Pigeon Columba palumbus Collared Dove Comments Frequently heard at the brownfield, suggesting probable breeding. This species is released for shooting at the nearby Merthyr Mawr Estate. A pair nested in the large pine tree at the former country club location. Adults were noted feeding young in the nest on Visit 3. Occasional flyovers with a directional bias between north east and south west, possibly relating to movements between the breeding sites at Bridgend Industrial Estate and Ogmore Estuary. Occasional flyovers with a directional bias between north east and south west, possibly relating to movements between the breeding sites at Bridgend Industrial Estate and Ogmore Estuary. Flocks of 16 and 12 flew over on Visit 1. One feeding with Wood Pigeons at the farmland on Visit 1, possibly a local Widespread and frequently seen in various habitats over the site. A pair probably nested in the former POW camp. 9

14 Species Streptopelia decaocto Green Woodpecker Picus viridis Great Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos major Sky Lark Alauda arvensis Swallow Hirundo rustica Pied Wagtail Motacilla alba Wren Troglodytes troglodytes Dunnock Prunella modularis Robin Erithacus rubecula Blackbird Turdus merula Song Thrush Turdus philomelos Mistle Thrush Turdus viscivorus Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla Lesser Whitethroat Sylvia curruca Common Whitethroat Sylvia communis Common Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita Willow Warbler Phylloscopus trochilus Goldcrest Regulus regulus Long-tailed Tit Aegithalos caudatus Coal Tit Periparus ater Comments Present and probably breeding at the brownfield. Noted in the wooded area at the west of the brownfield, possibly breeding. Two sang at the farmland on Visit 1, but not seen subsequently. One pair nested in stables at the horse paddock, otherwise a few scattered sightings. Two seen feeding on farmland on Visit 1; non Quite numerous, although relatively scarce along the internal hedgerows of the farmland; highest concentration in the brownfield. Widespread and frequent, with numbers quite evenly distributed. Widespread and frequent, with the greatest concentration in the former pow camp. Frequent at the brownfield, less numerous at the farmland. Four probable pairs at the brownfield and just one registration at the farmland; in a small copse. A pair flew over the former country club on Visit 2. Quite densely concentrated in the brownfield, just one territory at the farmland; in a small copse. One at the former POW camp sang at various locations on Visit 2, but apparently failed to pair up. Favouring scrub at the brownfield, where six pairs were present. Just one pair at the farmland; at an internal hedgerow by a pond. Quite densely concentrated at the brownfield, but absent at the farmland. A notable dense concentration associated with suitable habitat at the former POW camp; eight pairs. Otherwise only noted at the boundary of the farmland and the railway embankment. Two pairs present in the brownfield. Two pairs at the former POW camp and four individuals noted on a hedgerow at the east of the farmland on Visit 1. Probably one pair near the remaining hut at the former POW camp. 10

15 Species Blue Tit Cyanistes caeruleus Great Tit Parus major Eurasian Jay Garrulus glandarius Magpie Pica pica Western Jackdaw Corvus monedula Carrion Crow Corvus corone Common Starling Sturnus vulgaris House Sparrow Passer domesticus Common Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs Greenfinch Carduelis chloris Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis Siskin Carduelis spinus Linnet Carduelis cannabina Bullfinch Pyrrhula pyrrhula Comments Widespread but not numerous. Most frequent in the brownfield, but also on hedgerows and trees on the farmland. Widespread, but not numerous. One pair nested at the north west of the brownfield. Widespread and frequent sightings, breeding confirmed at the former POW camp. Most records of birds in flight over the brownfield, probably relating to local breeders. Frequent widespread sightings, but probably only two breeding pairs. Noted at the horse paddock on Visits 2 and 3, probably local breeders. A few sightings on the farmland presumably relating to local breeders. Widespread, but uncommon. One sang at the north east corner of the former pow camp on Visit 2, possibly originating from the nearby habitation. Two birds at the farmland on Visit 1, probably relating to breeders near the railway line. One flyover migrant on Visit 1. Migrants noted at the farmland on Visit 1, maximum 10. A family party were in the brownfield on Visit 3. Two pairs were seen at the former POW camp on Visit 1 and a single was heard in a small copse on the farmland on Visit Table 4 provides the survey findings for the buffer zone. The sequence, nomenclature and taxonomy in this table follow the British Birds List of the Birds of the Western Palearctic (1997). The breeding status of each species was defined using the categories of breeding evidence adopted by the BTO A total of 47 species was recorded during the survey. Of these 10 were considered to be non-breeders, with 37 assessed as possible, probable, or confirmed breeders. The top five most numerous breeders were Robin (24 territories), Wren (22), Dunnock (17), Blackbird (17) and House Sparrow (17). Species recorded in the buffer zone but not in the development site were Mallard, Eurasian Sparrowhawk, Common Swift, Common Kingfisher, House Martin, Eurasian Nuthatch, Rook and Common Raven. 11

16 Table 4. Survey results for the buffer zone Species Visit 1 Mallard Anas platyrhynchos Common Pheasant Phasianus colchicus Eurasian Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus Common Buzzard Buteo buteo Lesser Black-backed Gull Larus fuscus Herring Gull Larus argentatus Rock Dove Columba livia Wood Pigeon Columba palumbus Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto Common Swift Apus apus Common Kingfisher Alcedo atthis Green Woodpecker Picus viridis Great Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos major Sky Lark Alauda arvensis Swallow Hirundo rustica House Martin Delichon urbicum Pied Wagtail Motacilla alba Wren Troglodytes troglodytes Dunnock Prunella modularis Visit 2 Visit 3 Approximate Number of Territories Breeding Status 1 Possible 0 Probable 0 Possible 0 Nonbreeder 0 Nonbreeder 0 Nonbreeder 0 Nonbreeder 9 Confirmed 4 Probable 1 Probable 0 Possible 2 Probable 0 Possible 0 Nonbreeder 3 Probable 2 Probable 0 Nonbreeder 22 Probable 17 Confirmed 12

17 Species Visit 1 Robin Erithacus rubecula Blackbird Turdus merula Song Thrush Turdus philomelos Mistle Thrush Turdus viscivorus Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla Lesser Whitethroat Sylvia curruca Common Whitethroat Sylvia communis Common Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita Willow Warbler Phylloscopus trochilus Goldcrest Regulus regulus Long-tailed Tit Aegithalos caudatus Coal Tit Periparus ater Blue Tit Cyanistes caeruleus Great Tit Parus major Eurasian Nuthatch Sitta europaea Magpie Pica pica Western Jackdaw Corvus monedula Rook Corvus frugilegus Carrion Crow Corvus corone Common Raven Corvus corax Visit 2 Visit 3 Approximate Number of Territories Breeding Status 24 Confirmed 17 Confirmed 4 Possible 1 Confirmed 4 Probable 1 Probable 4 Probable 4 Probable 2 Confirmed 3 Probable 1 Confirmed 2 Probable 8 Confirmed 8 Confirmed 1 Possible 4 Confirmed 1 Probable 0 Nonbreeder 3 Probable 0 Nonbreeder 13

18 Species Visit 1 Common Starling Sturnus vulgaris House Sparrow Passer domesticus Common Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs Greenfinch Carduelis chloris Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis Siskin Carduelis spinus Linnet Carduelis cannabina Bullfinch Pyrrhula pyrrhula Visit 2 Visit 3 Approximate Number of Territories Breeding Status 4 Confirmed 17 Confirmed 10 Probable 6 Probable 5 Probable 0 Nonbreeder 0 Nonbreeder 1 Probable Table 5 provides information on the distribution of each species recorded in the buffer zone, plus any other relevant comments The areas with most breeding activity were the habitations, the science park and the scrubby areas at the north west at Newbridge Fields. The areas with least activity were the arable fields at the south, the pastureland at the west and the school playing fields. Table 5. General comments for each species recorded in the buffer zone Species Mallard Anas platyrhynchos Common Pheasant Phasianus colchicus Eurasian Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus Common Buzzard Buteo buteo Lesser Black-backed Gull Larus fuscus Herring Gull Comments Noted on the River Ogmore at New Bridge and on a sizeable ornamental pool on a private residence at Ewenny. Several widespread registrations suggesting probable breeding. This species is released for shooting at the nearby Merthyr Mawr Estate. One sighting at the east, near the railway. The pair breeding at the development site was noted copulating on a pylon at the west on Visit 1. Occasional flyovers with a directional bias between north east and south west, possibly relating to movements between the breeding sites at Bridgend Industrial Estate and Ogmore Estuary. Occasional flyovers with a directional bias between north east and south west, possibly relating to movements between the 14

19 Species Larus argentatus Rock Dove Columba livia Wood Pigeon Columba palumbus Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto Common Swift Apus apus Common Kingfisher Alcedo atthis Green Woodpecker Picus viridis Great Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos major Sky Lark Alauda arvensis Swallow Hirundo rustica House Martin Delichon urbicum Pied Wagtail Motacilla alba Wren Troglodytes troglodytes Dunnock Prunella modularis Robin Erithacus rubecula Blackbird Turdus merula Song Thrush Turdus philomelos Mistle Thrush Turdus viscivorus Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla Comments breeding sites at Bridgend Industrial Estate and Ogmore Estuary. Two at the north on Visit 1 and one flew over farmland at the west on Visit 3. Widespread and frequently seen in various habitats, nest with young found in a disused building at the east. Only recorded in association with habitation at the north, absent elsewhere. Four birds were apparently prospecting for nests on houses at the north on Visit 3. One sighting of a bird flying down the River Ogmore on Visit 1, presumably a local Registrations noted at two locations at the west. Just one registration in trees near the River Ogmore, presumably a local One singing on Visits 1 and 2, but not thereafter. One pair probably nested in stables at the west, otherwise frequent sightings at the south east, near Ewenny. Several birds were nest prospecting and building on houses at the north on Visit 3. Three seen at the west on Visit 1, probably not breeding. Widespread and numerous, although scarce on farmland at the south and west. Widespread, although scarce on farmland at the south and west; often associated with buildings and habitation. Widespread and common, with the greatest concentration in the science park and railway embankment. Widespread with greatest concentrations in the science park and associated with habitation at the north. Scarce in the farmland. Widespread but rather uncommon. Absent from farmland at the south and west. A family party were in the science park on Visit 2. Widespread in suitable habitat, but not numerous and absent from farmland at the south and west. 15

20 Species Lesser Whitethroat Sylvia curruca Common Whitethroat Sylvia communis Common Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita Willow Warbler Phylloscopus trochilus Goldcrest Regulus regulus Long-tailed Tit Aegithalos caudatus Coal Tit Periparus ater Blue Tit Cyanistes caeruleus Great Tit Parus major Eurasian Nuthatch Sitta europaea Magpie Pica pica Western Jackdaw Corvus monedula Rook Corvus frugilegus Carrion Crow Corvus corone Common Raven Corvus corax Common Starling Sturnus vulgaris House Sparrow Passer domesticus Common Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs Greenfinch Carduelis chloris Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis Comments Four registrations on Visit 2; one at the north and three at the south east, all but one relating to migrants. One probable breeding record along the railway embankment. Mostly associated with the railway embankment and an apparently unpaired male at Newbridge Fields at the north. Not common, most registrations were associated with the railway embankment. Present only at the railway embankment and at one proven location at the east. Widespread, but uncommon. One pair bred in gorse at the edge of the pastureland at the west, otherwise two widely spaced singles. Several registrations in trees near habitation at the north, another singing from an oak at the west. Widespread, but not numerous. Widespread, but not numerous. Heard only, in the wooded area at the far west. Widespread sightings, but not numerous. Widespread except at farmland at the south. Probably breeds at houses to the north, maximum 23 feeding at pastureland at the west. Four flew north on Visit 1. Widespread, but absent from large areas. A single flew over calling and heading north on Visit 1. Nesting in habitation at the north, otherwise two post-breeding sightings at the south, maximum nine. Fairly common breeder in habitation at the north, but also present in the vicinity of Ewenny. Present at the west and east, most notably the science park, but absent from the north and south. All records relate to the north and east, either near to the railway embankment or habitation. Scattered sightings, most frequently in the vicinity of the railway. 16

21 Species Siskin Carduelis spinus Linnet Carduelis cannabina Bullfinch Pyrrhula pyrrhula Comments Two flyover migrants on Visit 1. Migrants noted over the farmland at the south on Visit 1, maximum 10. A pair probably bred in Blackthorn scrub at Newbridge Fields at the north and a single was in suitable habitat on farmland at the east on Visit In Table 6, all species recorded during the survey in both the development site the buffer zone are listed together with their local and UK status The local status of each species is derived from the most recently published Glamorgan Bird Club Eastern Glamorgan Bird Report; the development site is included within this recording area. All species recorded during the survey fell within the Common or Locally Common designations The UK Biodiversity Action Plan (UK BAP) system was initiated (1994) in response to the UK government signing the Convention of Biological Diversity at the Earth Summit, Rio de Janeiro, in 1993.The UK BAP sets priorities for nationally and locally important wildlife and habitats In response to significant declines in populations, distribution and/or occurrence within the UK, a range of bird species have been added to the UK BAP as priority species for which conservation measures are considered important to ensure long term survival. In support of the UK BAP proposals, the Bridgend LBAP identifies significant populations of locally occurring UK BAP species, in addition to species of significant local conservation interest Eight UK BAP priority species were recorded during the survey: Herring Gull, Skylark, Dunnock, Song Thrush, Common Starling, House Sparrow, Linnet and Bullfinch. Of these Slylark is included within the Bridgend LBAP Red- and amber-listed birds of conservation concern have also been considered. The third quantitative review of red and amber listed birds of conservation concern has recently been published, updating the last review in Six red listed bird species were recorded during the survey: Herring Gull, Skylark, Song Thrush, Common Starling, House Sparrow and Linnet. Thirteen amber listed species were recorded during the survey: Mallard, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Stock Dove, Common Swift, Common Kingfisher, Green Woodpecker, Swallow, House Martin, Dunnock, Mistle Thrush, Common Whitethroat, Willow Warbler and Bullfinch. Table 6. Local and UK status for every species recorded Species Local Status* Bridgend LBAP UK BAP W&C Act 1981 BoCC 17

22 Species Local Status* Bridgend LBAP UK BAP W&C Act 1981 BoCC Mallard Anas platyrhynchos Common breeding resident. Amber Common Pheasant Phasianus colchicus Locally common resident breeder, numbers augmented by shooting releases. Eurasian Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus Common Buzzard Buteo buteo Lesser Black-backed Gull Larus fuscus Herring Gull Larus argentatus breeder, passage migrant and winter visitor. breeder, passage migrant and winter visitor. Amber Red Rock Dove Columba livia feral Stock Dove Columba oenas Locally common resident Amber Wood Pigeon Columba palumbus Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto Common Swift Apus apus Common breeding summer visitor and passage migrant. Amber Common Kingfisher Alcedo atthis Locally common resident Schedule 1 Amber Green Woodpecker Picus viridis Amber Great Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos major Sky Lark Alauda arvensis breeder, passage migrant and winter visitor. Red 18

23 Species Local Status* Bridgend LBAP UK BAP W&C Act 1981 BoCC Swallow Hirundo rustica Common breeding summer visitor and passage migrant. Amber House Martin Delichon urbicum Common breeding summer visitor and passage migrant. Amber Pied Wagtail Motacilla alba breeder and passage migrant. Wren Troglodytes troglodytes Dunnock Prunella modularis Amber Robin Erithacus rubecula Blackbird Turdus merula Song Thrush Turdus philomelos Red Mistle Thrush Turdus viscivorus Amber Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla Common breeding summer visitor and passage migrant; locally common winter visitor. Lesser Whitethroat Sylvia curruca Locally common breeding summer visitor and passage migrant. Common Whitethroat Sylvia communis Common breeding summer visitor and passage migrant. Amber Common Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita Common breeding summer visitor and passage migrant; locally common winter visitor. Willow Warbler Phylloscopus trochilus Common breeding summer visitor and passage migrant. Amber 19

24 Species Local Status* Bridgend LBAP UK BAP W&C Act 1981 BoCC Goldcrest Regulus regulus breeder and passage migrant. Long-tailed Tit Aegithalos caudatus Coal Tit Periparus ater Locally common resident Blue Tit Cyanistes caeruleus Great Tit Parus major Eurasian Nuthatch Sitta europaea Eurasian Jay Garrulus glandarius Magpie Pica pica Western Jackdaw Corvus monedula Rook Corvus frugilegus Carrion Crow Corvus corone Common Raven Corvus corax Common Starling Sturnus vulgaris House Sparrow Passer domesticus Locally common resident breeder, especially in the uplands. Common breeding resident and winter visitor. Red Red Common Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs Greenfinch Carduelis chloris Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis Siskin Carduelis spinus Locally common resident breeder, passage migrant and winter visitor. 20

25 Species Local Status* Bridgend LBAP Linnet Carduelis cannabina Bullfinch Pyrrhula pyrrhula breeder, passage migrant and winter visitor. UK BAP W&C Act 1981 BoCC Red Amber *Definition of Local Status: Common Widespread and abundant in suitable habitat Locally common Less numerous / widespread than 'common' species and /or confined to areas of restricted habitat In addition to providing basic protection to all wild birds, their eggs and young, and prohibiting damage or destruction of active nests, the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, provides special protection for Schedule I listed species, preventing the disturbance of such species at their nests or dependent young. Common Kingfisher is a Schedule 1 species and was noted on the River Ogmore, although not thought to be nesting within the buffer zone. 1.6 DISCUSSION The development site offers a range of habitats which are suitable or potentially suitable for breeding activity, in addition to foraging opportunities and shelter/protection throughout the year for a range of birds Certain of the existing habitats, including woodland, mature hedgerows and scrub in the brownfield area, attract higher levels of activity and appreciably enhance the site with respect to the range of species. The highest level of activity was recorded in the scrub in the brownfield; a notable feature here is the density of breeding warbler species. The presence of a pair of nesting Common Buzzards indicates that the brownfield is relatively undisturbed by human presence, despite its proximity to urban development. Species of conservation concern breeding in the brownfield were Green Woodpecker, Dunnock, Song Thrush, Willow Warbler and Bullfinch In contrast, areas of arable farmland support a lower level of breeding activity. Two Skylarks were singing on Visit 1, but did appear to subsequently breed, perhaps discouraged by the current farming regime. This species could potentially breed at the site in the future Northern Lapwing Vanellus vanellus, a red listed species of conservation concern, was recorded breeding here in 2004 and None were recorded during the survey, but could potentially re-colonise the site. The internal hedgerows were mainly of rather limited interest, but Dunnock was well represented in this habitat. Further species of conservation concern breeding in the farmland were Song Thrush, Willow warbler and Bullfinch. A Yellowhammer Emberiza citrinella was noted on one of these 21

26 internal hedgerows just prior to the survey, but did not linger The buffer zone offers a slightly larger range of habitats than the development site. These are also suitable or potentially suitable for breeding activity, in addition to foraging opportunities and shelter/protection throughout the year for a range of birds. The larger range of habitats and the greater area of the buffer zone compared to the development site are represented in the higher number of species and overall total territories recorded here Areas of the buffer zone with the highest activity were the habitations, the science park and scrubby areas of Newbridge Fields. It is possible that some garden bird species, such as Dunnock, Robin and Blackbird, were somewhat under recorded owing to access restrictions at private residences. A number of species of conservation concern are present in the built up areas, including House Martin, Dunnock, Common Starling and House Sparrow. Less activity was noted in the farmland areas, although Skylarks were present at the arable land to the south on Visits 1 and 2, and could potentially breed there in the future. A Common Kingfisher on the River Ogmore was noteworthy, presumably being a local 1.7 CONCLUSIONS & RECOMMENDATIONS A framework based upon geographical value has been adopted for evaluation of the development site, taking into account the breeding species and their regional/national status. The framework is comprised of 6 levels of value upon which this assessment has been based, these being: International of European importance National of UK or Welsh importance Regional of south Wales importance Authority area Bridgend County Borough Local of immediate local area importance Site of site specific or little importance It is considered that the development site and buffer zone are of local significance owing to the relatively high level of usage by both common and locally common species, and the presence of species of high national and/or local conservation concern However, should the farmland become re-colonised by Northern Lapwing, the development site should then be considered as of Authority area significance. 1.8 REFERENCES Glamorgan Bird Club (2009). Eastern Glamorgan Bird Report 2007 No. 46. Eaton MA, Brown AF, Noble DG, Musgrove AJ, Hearn R, Aebischer NJ, Gibbons 22

27 DW, Evans A and Gregory RD (2009). Birds of Conservation Concern 3: the population status of birds in the United Kingdom, Channel Isles and the Isle of Man. British Birds British Birds (1997). List of the Birds of the Western Palearctic at 23