APPLICATION FOR A LICENCE BATS METHOD STATEMENT

Transcription

1 Date: June 2013 Contract Ref: 0085 APPLICATION FOR A LICENCE BATS METHOD STATEMENT COVERSIDE FARM, HANLEY SWAN, WORCESTERSHIRE For MR P EDWARDS DOCUMENT 2 DELIVERY INFORMATION Focus Ecology Ltd Unit 17H Shrub Hill Industrial Estate Shrub Hill Road Worcester WR14 9EL quotes@focus-ecology.com Tel Focus Ecology Ltd / Mr P Edwards

2 CONTROL SHEET Mr P Edwards Coverside Farm Bat Licence Application: Method Statement Part 2 Name Position Author Graham Davison Director Checked by Fern Fellowes-Day Director Contract No. Project Contact Revision No. Date of Issue 0085 Graham Davison June 2013 Disclaimer Please Note that all reasonable care and attention is made by Focus Ecology to produce reports and advice to a high, professional standard. However, no responsibility is accepted for any consequences howsoever caused, by the release of this report to third parties. Our terms and conditions provide a detailed resume of quality standards and procedures, to which the reader is referred for further information. 1

3 A MITIGATION AND COMPENSATION A.1 Summary of mitigation strategy Destruction of confirmed bat roosts will result from the consented development proposals. Mitigation and compensation measures are therefore required in order to ensure that there is no detriment to the favourable conservation status of those bat species present and ensure legal compliance under an EPS licence application. The following mitigation strategy has been adopted in line with survey findings and development impacts as described in Document 1 to this application. Sensitive timing of key works to avoid periods when bats may be in torpor (November February inclusive or in daytime temperatures below 8 C). Erection of four bat boxes (two Schwegler 2F-DFP and two Schwegler 1FD boxes) on mature trees within the landownership of the applicant (Mr P Edwards), to provide replacement roosting opportunities prior to the demolition commencing. Incorporation of four inbuilt bat box units (Ibstock enclosed bat roost units) and two ridge cavity access points within the replacement dwelling house. Pre-start survey (including dusk or dawn inspection subject to weather conditions) preceding start of works to identify any changes in roost status and confirm the location of any roosting bats prior to demolition works commencing. Supervised removal of roof materials by a suitably licensed and experienced ecologist prior to demolition. Bats to be relocated by hand to the receptor bat boxes, if required. Watching brief during the remainder of demolition and construction works and formal sign-off of completed mitigation elements to ensure compliance with the terms of this licence application. 2

4 A single year of post-development monitoring to assess the success of the mitigation measures provided and direct any remedial works as required. Applying the guidelines of Natural England, an appropriate compensation scheme to offset the impacts arising from this development would entail: Provision of new roost facilities where possible. Need not be exactly like-for-like, but should be suitable, based on species requirements. Minimal timing or monitoring requirements. (see Mitchell-Jones, Figure 4, p. 39). The basic premise of the following mitigation and compensation measures is therefore that: Works must be completed sensitively to avoid accidental killing or injury of bats and unnecessary disturbance; Bats must not be left without a place to roost during the demolition works; New roosting sites should be suitable, based on the requirements of the species affected (common pipistrelle, soprano pipistrelle, whiskered bat); 3

5 B WORKS TO BE UNDERTAKEN BY THE ECOLOGIST OR SUITABLY QUALIFIED PERSON B.1 Capture & Exclusion Before any demolition works are undertaken to Coverside Farmhouse, a pre-start survey of the structure will be completed by at minimum of two experienced and appropriately licensed ecologists. This survey will identify current levels of bat activity at the site, occupied roosting locations and will be used to direct works accordingly. To minimise the risk of encountering hibernating or torpid bats, demolition of Coverside Farmhouse will only commence in suitable weather conditions, where daytime temperatures are above 8 C. Where necessary, demolition will be delayed until suitable weather /temperature conditions are met. Before demolition works commence the licensed ecologist (or his accredited agent) will provide a tool-box talk to illustrate appropriate methods of working to minimise the risk of inadvertently killing or injuring bats. A procedure for hand removal and roofing materials (roof and ridge tiles, lead flashing, etc) will be described and the workforce will be advised of likely bat roosting locations and how to identify bat field signs such as the presence of droppings. Roofing materials will be removed by hand under the direct supervision of the licensed ecologist and/or accredited agents. Roof materials will be removed progressively as directed by the licensed ecologist (or by his accredited agent). Only the licensed ecologist or accredited agent will handle bats. Any persons handling bats will have appropriate handling experience, up to date rabies vaccination certificates and will use suitable bat handling gloves In the event that bats are discovered roosting under tiles, they will be collected by the licensed ecologist/accredited agent and placed in a cotton drawstring bag before immediately relocating to a bat box previously erected at the site (see details below). 4

6 In the event that injured or underweight bats are found, the licensed ecologist (or his accredited agent) will contact the Bat Helpline (Tel ), so that an available local bat carer can be contacted. Once the licensed ecologist/accredited agent is confident that all likely bat roosting locations have been uncovered and no further bats are likely to be impacted by the works they will formally sign off this stage of the licence in writing, thus allowing the remainder of the demolition to be completed without supervision. The licensed ecologist/accredited agent will maintain a watching brief and be on call in the unlikely event that bats are subsequently discovered during the demolition. 5

7 C WORKS TO BE UNDERTAKEN BY THE DEVELOPER/LANDOWNER C.1 Bat roosts C.1.1 In situ retention of roosts Not applicable. All existing roosting locations will be demolished as part of the licensable works. C.1.2 Modification of existing roost(s) Not applicable. All existing roosting locations will be demolished as part of the licensable works. C.1.3 New roost creation New roost creation to maintain the favourable conservation status of bats at Coverside Farm is described below. Tree-Mounted Bat Boxes: Because there is no evidence of a significant roost of bats at the site it is considered that the use of bat box units is acceptable as a temporary replacement for existing roost sites whilst demolition of the property is completed. Four bat boxes (two Schwegler 2F-DFP and two Schwegler 1FD) will be erected on mature trees within the landownership of the client, to provide replacement roosting opportunities prior to the demolition work commencing. Boxes to be installed no less than 4m above ground level prior to any works starting on site. For a plan illustrating the location of the boxes please refer to C.1.4.1, below. Photographs of the bat boxes mentioned above, are provided here for information purposes. Schwegler 2F-DFP Schwegler 1FD 6

8 Integral Bat Boxes: A total of four integral bat boxes (Ibstock enclosed bat roosting Unit C or B: 215mm x 290mm) will be provided within the walls of the replacement residential property (for locations, please refer to plans, below). Boxes will be installed at eaves height to maximise potential for use, with at least one box in a predominantly southerly orientation to maximise the chances of uptake. For a plan illustrating the location of the boxes please refer to C.1.4.2, below. Example of the Ibstock enclosed bat box C. Ridge Tile Access: A total of two ridge tile access locations will be installed to provide access to small, self-contained ridge access roosts with no further access into the living areas or lofts of the property. An illustration of ridge access provision is shown below. A 1m width x 2m length of traditional bitumastic felt will be installed under ridge access locations to ensure that bats have a safe location on which to roost between tiles and felt. For a plan illustrating the location of the ridge tile roosting areas please refer to C.1.4.2, below. 7

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10 C.1.4 Maps and Plans 9

11 C Location of tree mounted bat boxes KEY: Proposed location of tree-mounted bat boxes (on mature deciduous trees. Boxes to be erected by ecologist). Schwegler 2F-DFP Schwegler 1FD Based upon Ordnance Survey Crown Copyright, under licence WL , unauthorized reproduction infringes Crown Copyright and may lead to prosecution or civil proceedings. Please note: this plan is intended only to indicate the approximate location of features and should therefore, not be treated as an accurate scale plan. NORTH Client: Mr P Edwards / E J Planning Site:, Worcestershire Title: Location of tree-mounted boxes Contract: 0085 Date: May 2013 Focus Ecology Ltd 10 May 2013 Coverside Farm

12 C Location of integral bat boxes KEY: Proposed location of bat access tile and 1m width of traditional bitumastic underfelt (not to scale). Proposed location of Ibstock enclosed bat roosting units (not to scale). Ibstock enclosed bat roosting unit C Based upon Ordnance Survey Crown Copyright, under licence WL , unauthorized reproduction infringes Crown Copyright and may lead to prosecution or civil proceedings. Please note: this plan is intended only to indicate the approximate location of features and should therefore, not be treated as an accurate scale plan. NORTH Client: Mr P Edwards / E J Planning Site:, Worcestershire Title: Location of integral bat boxes Contract: 0085 Date: May 2013 Focus Ecology Ltd 11 May 2013 Coverside Farm

13 D POST-DEVELOPMENT SITE SAFEGUARD D.1 Habitat/site Management & Maintenance The proposed mitigation and compensation measures described above are low/no maintenance features that will not require post-development management or maintenance. These features will remain under the control of the landowner (Mr Paul Edwards). D.2 Population Monitoring, Roost Usage etc A single year of post-development monitoring is proposed under this licence application. This will take the form of a daytime inspection of tree-mounted bat boxes followed by dusk emergence survey of the replacement dwelling and associated integral bat roosting features. The survey will be undertaken by a minimum of two experienced and appropriately licensed ecologists from Focus Ecology Ltd. Survey results will compiled as a short letter report and passed to the client, Natural England and the local biological records office. D.3 Mechanism for ensuring delivery of post-development works Post-development monitoring works that form part of this licence Method Statement and are thus a legal obligation within the terms of any licence granted for this development under The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010 (as amended). 12

14 E LAND OWNERSHIP E.1 Mitigation site ownership E.1.1 I confirm that relevant landowner consent have been granted to accept bats into roosts onto land outside the applicant's ownership Yes / No / Not applicable E.1.2 I confirm that landownership consent have been granted to allow the creation of the proposed habitat compensation on land outside the applicant's ownership - Yes / No / Not applicable (all land is under ownership of applicant) E.1.3 I confirm that consent have been granted by the relevant landowner/s for monitoring and maintenance purposes on land outside the applicant's ownership - Yes / No / Not applicable 13

15 F TIMETABLE OF WORKS A: Development activities and timing Activity Timing Notes Submit bat licence June 2013 Obtain bat licence July/August 2013 Subject to issue from Natural England. 30 working days required for determination. Erect bat boxes June/July 2013 Four bat boxes to be installed on mature trees within the landownership of the client at Coverside Farm. Pre-start survey July/August 2013 To be completed by experienced ecologists from Focus Ecology immediately prior to demolition. Bat boxes must be installed prior to works commencing at the site. Supervised works e.g. removal of roof tiles, relocation of bats, demolition of Coverside Farmhouse etc Completion of works phase of development July October 2013 August June 2014 To be completed by hand by Focus Ecology Ltd in collaboration with workforce. Licensee or accredited agent to sign off works as completed once all potential bat roosting areas have been exposed and checked. Any bats encountered to be relocated to bat boxes (see above). This phase will include the completion of demolition works and construction of a new residential property at Coverside Farm. Focus Ecology to remain on call to advise on any remedial activities required or other bat licensing issues that may arise in this intervening period. Focus Ecology to advise on the correct completion of bat mitigation facilities and undertake routine inspections to ensure compliance with bat licence as required. B: Post development monitoring Year July 2014 Details Daytime check of bat boxes followed by dusk or dawn emergence/return survey of replacement dwelling. Short report to be provided to client, Natural England and local biological records centre. 14

16 QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE Focus Ecology was formed in 2010 and has the expertise to provide sure-fire ecological solutions to a wide range of projects. The company ethos forges the highest standards of professional scientific practice with a best value approach for our clients. Our core area of expertise is in the production of specialist ecological reports and advice to support planning applications. However, our flexible approach, range of skills and broad project experience allows us to adapt to your individual requirements. The joint founders of the company, Fern Fellowes-Day and Graham Davison are both Masters-qualified Ecologists. We have a wide range of practical experience from major infrastructure contracts to smaller projects for private individuals across the UK. Graham Davison - BSc (Hons) MSc MIEEM MSB. Graham is an ecologist with over ten years experience in the field of applied ecology. He holds a BSc (Hons) degree in Zoology and an MSc with distinction in Law and Environmental Science. His ecological experience includes surveys to identify nationally and locally important sites for wildlife, ecological services to local planning authorities and provision of ecological reports to accompany major infrastructure projects, housing schemes, industrial developments and mineral extraction. Graham is a competent botanical surveyor and has considerable expertise in protected species surveys, holding protected species licenses for bats, great crested newts, white-clawed crayfish, and barn owls as well as competency in the survey of badgers, reptiles, otter, water vole, breeding and over-wintering birds. Graham is skilled in the production of reports and Nature Conservation Management Plans providing advice to ensure legal compliance and consistency with recognised best practice. Fern Fellowes-Day BSc (Hons) MSc MIEEM MSB Fern has over eight year s professional experience in the ecological consultancy field. Prior to founding Focus Ecology Ltd with joint Director Graham Davison, she worked in a senior position at a leading, independent ecological consultancy managing numerous contracts countrywide. She holds BSc (Hons) in Zoology from the University of Wales, Aberystwyth and MSc in Habitat Creation and Management from Staffordshire University. Fern is a skilled botanical surveyor, specialising in Baseline, Biodiversity and Phase 1 Habitat Surveys. She is proficient with the BREEAM and Code for Sustainable Homes schemes and meets the strict criteria for a suitably qualified ecologist. Fern s particular expertise is with protected species surveys, she has extensive knowledge in dealing with the badgers, with practical experience in artificial sett design and creation and has held numerous Natural England licences to close or disturb badger setts. In addition Fern holds survey licences (Natural England and Countryside Council for Wales) for great crested newts, bats and white-clawed crayfish. Fern has held Natural England Mitigation (development) licences for great crested newts and white-clawed crayfish Conservation licence. She is particularly experienced in dealing with newt issues affecting the quarrying, mineral extraction and landfill industry. Fern is also a competent surveyor of reptiles, water vole and otters. Cassie Needham BSc (Hons) MSc GradIEEM Cassie is an Ecologist with two year s experience in the ecological consultancy field and joined Focus Ecology in Prior to joining Focus Ecology she assisted on a number of large projects nationwide with two leading ecological consultancies. She holds a BSc (Hons) degree in Geography with Ecology from the University of Sussex and an MSc in Conservation from University College London. Cassie is experienced in conducting surveys for protected species; great crested newts, reptiles, bats, dormice and water voles. She also holds a Natural England survey licence for great crested newts and is a Graduate member of The Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (IEEM). 15