Development and Birds

Transcription

1 Development and Birds TEP T: F: TEP Genesis Centre Birchwood Science Park Warrington WA3 7BH TEP

2 Contents Introduction 1-2 EIA and birds 3-4 Appropriate assessments 5-6 Powerline collision studies 7-8 Windfarm assessments 9-10 Upland bird surveys River bird surveys Coastal surveys Greenfield development and birds Brownfield development and birds Building renovation and conservation Creating habitats for birds 23 Designed by Featherfire Design. Images - Peter Gateley, Tim Ross, Mike Walker, Rachel Hayward, Richard Catling, Paul M. Hill and Bill Aspin. Copyright of TEP except where indicated on image. Front cover - Frodsham sub-station, Cheshire.

3 Introduction Page 1 Page 2 This booklet describes how birds might be affected by development. It includes case studies from TEP's experience in different locations. We hope it will help developers, planners and designers understand ornithological constraints and planpositivelyfordevelopmentandbirds. Britain is home to hundreds of bird species, and also provides a winter refuge for many which breed in the arctic circle. Many of Britain's birds are under threat; from climate change, agricultural activity and sometimes from development. UK environmental policy now has a clear focus on protecting and increasing bird populations. The corn bunting, a UK Biodiversity Action Plan species that continues to decline largely due to changes in agricultural practices. TheoncecommonhousesparrowisnowlistedontheUKBiodiversityActionPlan as a conservation priority. TEP's provides the expertise needed to help developers meet their objectives while protecting birds. Our surveyors are skilled in a variety of ornithological survey techniques appropriate to different development environments. We use rigorous and scientific data analysis, which can withstand robust scrutiny from regulators and objectors. We provide practical guidance to developers about how birds can be protected and managed during development. We prepare designs and management statements needed to discharge planning conditions. Many types of development, from upland wind farms to city-centre regeneration, can affect birds. Planning authorities often require developers to assess impacts on birdsandtoimplementmitigationmeasures. Different development situations require different ornithological assessment techniques.thisbookletintroducesthesetechniquesandprovidescasestudiesfor urban,greenfield,wetland,coastalanduplanddevelopmentscenarios. TEP s ornithology team is part of a larger group of environmental professionals specialising in ecology, EIA, landscape design and management. This ensures that our advice forms part of an integrated approachtobiodiversity and development.

4 EIA and birds Page 3 Page 4 Tree sparrow TEP discuss the scope of ornithology surveys with the local planning authority and statutory consultees. Field and desktop surveys identify whether any birds of conservation concern are present on the site. We assess the significance of the population and the potential impacts arising from the development. If there is a significant impact on a locally or regionally important population of birds there is usually a requirement for mitigation. These measures might include timings of site worksandprovisionofalternativehabitatonornearthesite. The EIA process is iterative, so TEP works with developers and planners during the design process to minimise impacts. TEP prepares information for the Environmental Statement ensuring that it complies with the relevant regulations, allowing an accurate and defensible assessment of impact. For controversial developments, the EIA is often subject to close scrutiny at public inquiry and TEP's ecologistsarefamiliarwithprovidingexpertwitnessservices. Parkside Strategic Rail Freight Interchange, Merseyside TEP was commissioned by Astral Developments to advise on the ecological implications of proposals for a rail-served warehousing and inter-modal facility at the former Parkside Colliery, Newton-Le-Willows. An initial appraisal and preliminary research identified the need for a breeding bird survey of the site since a range of interesting bird habitats were present on the site, notably extensive areas of farmland. A number of important species associated with these habitats were recorded including grey partridge, tree sparrow, skylark and barn owl; all meriting consideration in the EIA. TEP advised on detailed management objectives to benefit birds, including provision of a large area of open grassland and an extensive tree planting scheme and a network of waterbodies. The significance of the bird population was considered in the EIA, with the Environmental Statement containing a detailed assessment of the proposals in terms of birds practised in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan. Sue Tranter

5 Appropriate assessments Page 5 Page 6 Another Place, Crosby Shore The UK Government has a statutory requirement to maintain or achieve Favourable Conservation Status for birds in European sites of importance (Special Protection Areas). Many British SPAs are along the coast or in upland or wetland situations. Before detailed scheme development it is necessary to meet the local planning authority and the statutory nature conservation body e.g. NaturalEngland/CCWandagreethescopeofassessment. Fieldsurveysmaybeneeded. The first stage of an Appropriate Assessment is to identify if the development can be managed or designed so as to avoid impact. If impact is unavoidable then there may be scope for mitigation through design and timing of development. In certain situations development may be allowed even where it has an adverse effect on integrity of the SPA. In all situations a rigorous and formulaicprocessofreportingisrequiredinordertocomplywitheuropeanlegislation. Any mitigation or compensation proposals must be carefully thought through to guarantee that they will be effective and implementable. This often requires protracted negotiation between developers, planners, nature conservation bodies and land owners. Skilled negotiation can identify pro-active solutions which meet the needs of all parties and enable development while safeguardingbirdsofeuropeanimportance. Another Place, Crosby Shore TEP was commissioned to assess the ornithological impact of the permanent installation, by Anthony Gormley, of 100 human-size sculptures at Crosby Foreshore. The Crosby Foreshore is a part of the Ribble and Alt Estuaries Special Protection Area so a report was prepared by TEP to provide the basis for Sefton Council to carry out an Appropriate Assessment. The focus of the report was the potential for visitors to disturb feeding waders, particularly bar-tailed godwit and sanderling which occur in internationally important numbers within the SPA. A key recommendation from the report was to avoid installing statues within two principal feeding areas on the lower shore. Other proposed mitigation included a long term monitoring programme and promoting increased public awareness concerning the protection of the birds which use the Crosby shore. TEPs report required detailed analysis of bird records from 1985 onwards. Following a period of intense negotiation with Natural England, Sefton Council granted permission for the sculptures subject to the conditions proposed by TEP

6 Powerline collision studies Page 7 Page 8 Wyre Estuary, Fylde Some larger birds, especially waterfowl, are vulnerable to collisions with overhead powerlines. This is a particular problem where powerlines cross migrationorfeedingroutesorroostingareasusedby waterfowl. When planning new overhead lines it is important to build up a thorough picture of bird movements. This often requires a series of vantage points surveys at different times of the day, including dawn and dusk. Once a full picture of bird movement patterns is established, it may be possible to align the overhead route to minimise collision vulnerability. Stanah 400kV substation Fleetwood TEP was commissioned by National Grid to assess the ecological implications of construction of an overhead line along the Wyre Estuary SSSI, a part of the Morecambe Bay Special Protection Area (SPA). Consultations with Natural England and the RSPB confirmed that pink-footed geese would be the primary target species. The pink-footed goose is a species of key importance in the Morecambe Bay SPA between September and early April. A preliminary study identified periods of peak flight activity across the proposed overhead line route. Following this, a vantage point survey was undertaken during the winter to provide the necessary information for a collision impact study. Using information and records obtained from the Fylde Bird Club it was possible to evaluate the impact that the proposed overhead line would have on the pink-footed goose population.

7 Windfarm assessments Page 9 Page 10 Desktop studies are needed at an early stage in windfarm planning. These identify broad locations of constraint to windfarm developers, allowing them to focus their more detailed site selection process on areas of lower constraint. In many cases detailed surveys are required through the year to build a full picture of bird activity. Most ornithological impacts can be minimised by siting turbines outside the areas of peak constraint and also by sensitive construction processes, to ensure that access routes avoid nesting times and places. Vantage point surveys may be required to determine flightline information which can be analysed using a collision risk model which can predict the effect of turbine collision on bird populations. Sean Grey Isle of Man Windfarm TEP assisted the Manx Electricity Authority in identifying potential windfarm sites which met key requirements of good exposure to wind; accessibility by road for transportation of equipment; and locations that could link into the existing electricity system. Sites that met the basic requirements were appraised in relation to strategic development constraints. These constraints included: designated sites of nature conservation value; areas of high landscape value; aircraft flight zones; areas of land subject to contamination or subsidence; land allocated for development and proximity to housing. Rhyl Flats Ecology desktop survey results indicated that one of the preferred sites was used by hen harriers, a protected bird of prey. Surveys were undertaken throughout the breeding season and the presence of nesting hen harriers was confirmed. This information was incorporated into the more detailed feasibility assessment for the preferred sites.

8 Upland bird surveys Page 11 Page 12 Britain's uplands provide breeding habitat for a number of important bird species including hen harriers, peregrine falcons, greenshanks and dotterels, all of which are legally protected. Many of the upland are protected in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan. The uplands are also important stop-off locations for migrating birdsduringtheautumnandthespring. Largescaledevelopmentproposals,suchaswindfarmsandpowerlines,canaffect extensive areas of upland habitat so it is important that rigorous upland bird surveys are undertaken to gain insight into the importance of any upland area for birds. Upland areas are sometimes subject to national or international designations because of their importance for birds, however, due to a lack in detailed survey information, further survey is often required to inform impact assessments. St Marks, Isle of Man Hen harrier and Short-eared Owl Studies TEP was commissioned by First Investments Limited to assess the effects of a proposed helicopter hangar and landing pad on hen harriers and short-eared owls. The site is near the Stoney Mountain Plantation, an area known to be important for hen harriers and short-eared owls. The field survey methodology was formulated by TEP in consultation with The Isle of Man Government and the Manx Bird Atlas. A vantage point survey was undertaken covering the breeding and winter seasons in order to confirm that each species was present and determine the precise locations of the nests and winter roosts. The final breeding bird survey visit was attended by officers who ringed the hen harrier young. Hen harrier Using GIS, a habitat assessment was also undertaken for the wider locality using aerial photography. All habitats were evaluated for hen harrier foraging and nesting value at the landscape level in order to predict flightlines between nest sites and foraging areas. Peter Hadfield

9 River bird surveys Page 13 Page 14 Kingfishers, grey wagtails and dippers are some of the important bird species that are closely associated with rivers and streams. Development often occurs close to rivers, particularly during urban re-development. Prior survey for nest sites should be co-ordinated with River Corridor Surveys in order to identify habitats and features of value to birds. When planning development in and near water it is helpful to incorporate bird-friendly features such as aquatic planting, nestholesandperchingposts. Wimbledon Substation. Breeding Bird and River Habitat Surveys of the River Wandle TEP was commissioned by National Grid to carry out a Breeding Bird Survey and River Habitat Survey of the River Wandle adjacent to the proposed site for a new 275kW substation in Wimbledon. The bird survey consisted of two visits to the area, following the convention of the British Trust for Ornithology's Breeding Bird Survey (BBS). The River Habitat Survey mapped a 500m section of the river, following Environment Agency guidelines. Kingfisher During the course of the surveys, a pair of kingfishers was observed on the river 100m south of the development site. The behaviour of the pair suggested that they were breeding in the vicinity. Kingfishers are colourful blue and orange birds that inhabit slow moving and still water. They are particularly vulnerable to unsympathetic management of watercourses. Kingfishers are protected under UK law. TEP advised National Grid on habitat enhancement measures to incorporate into the necessary bank establishment works.

10 Coastal bird surveys Page 15 Page 16 Choughs, The Lizard LargepartsofBritain'scoastlineareofinternationalimportanceforbirdsandthisis reflected in the area of coastline protected by designations including Special Protection Areas (SPAs) and Ramsar sites. Sections of coastline are usually protected in this way because they support a particularly large assemblage of birds during the winter and/or because they support an internationally important population of a particular bird species at a particular time of year (Applies to bird species included on Annex I or regularly occurring migratory birds not included in Annex I of the Wild Birds Directive 79/409/EEC). This can be during the winter or the spring and autumn migratory periods and in some cases the breeding season can also be important such as when large tern or gull colonies are present. Coastal birds can be vulnerable to disturbance when feeding on the shore and particularly whenroostinghigheruptheshoreathightide. Derbyhaven, Isle of Man TEP were commissioned by Redford Limited to determine the implications of residential development in Derbyhaven village. The proposed site was an area of grassland and gorse scrub on the edge of Castletown Links golf course. The site is adjacent to the Langness, Derbyhaven and Sandwick Area of Special Scientific Interest (ASSI) which is designated for birds. The ASSI is particularly important for its waders and wildfowl and also the choughs which regularly forage in seaweed on the Sandwick shore. A range of potential ecological impacts were considered including disturbance to shore feeding birds, habitat loss and changes in water quality in the Derbyhaven Bay. TEP also presented evidence at a public inquiry.

11 Greenfield development and birds Page 17 Page 18 The ornithological value of greenfield sites can vary greatly with some sites, such as intensively managed lowland pasture, being of very little value for birds and other sites, such as mixed farmland, being of high importance. Greenfield land such as farmland comprises a large proportion of the British countryside and many bird species associated with this habitat have declined steeply in recent years due to unfavourable management practices. Breeding bird surveys and winter bird surveys are needed to assess the level of interest and identify mitigation proposals. Omega Strategic Site, Warrington TEP advised on the ecological implications of proposals for commercial development on this large site in Warrington owned by English Partnerships. A breeding bird survey identified a range of interesting bird habitats on the site. A winter bird survey was subsequently undertaken and important farmland bird species such as skylark, fieldfare, linnet and lapwing were recorded. Several of these are prioritised in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan. Lapwing A Phase 1 Habitat survey, a series of amphibian surveys and a water vole survey were also carried out. TEP provided advice to benefit birds, including improved management of adjacent farmland as well as recommendations for a tree-planting scheme and the retention of areas of key habitat such as open grassland, hedgerows and wetlands. Sue Tranter

12 Brownfield development and birds Page 19 Page 20 Black Redstart Government planning policy favours the development of brownfield land. Many bird species are associated with brownfield land, including starlings, house sparrows, skylarks and black redstarts. These species are of conservation importance due to recent national declines. Some species, such as the black redstart, are specifically protected by the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, the highestlevelofprotectionaffordedtobirdsintheuk. Ornithologists can quickly identify spatial and temporal constraints to development within brownfield sites and provide advice concerning development layout and mitigation proposals. Ecology supervision may also be needed during the construction period to allow development to proceed near sensitiveareasorduringkeyperiodssuchasthebirdnestingseason. Black Redstarts Black Redstarts are rare and highly protected birds within the UK. This bird has adapted to derelict buildings with sparse vegetation and piles of rubble that mimic its optimum habitat of cliffs and scree slopes in the Alps. There are now small populations of black redstart in a few English cities, including Manchester. TEP was commissioned to carry out a number of black redstart surveys in Greater Manchester in 2007 by clients such as Artisan Construction Group, UAD Group, and Manchester Schools Framework. Constant consultation with Greater Manchester Ecology Unit (GMEU) resulted in these surveys using the optimum methodologies, both in terms of likelihood of bird detection and cost effectiveness. Typically two point count surveys were undertaken during the most active periods of the breeding season, with the number of surveys increased or reduced according to habitat suitability. A number of recommendations were made to enhance habitat for this species, such as installing brown roofs on new developments. This is a simple, environmentally friendly way of recycling building materials on site and creating a non-intrusive habitat for a range of species including black redstart. Graham Catley

13 Building renovation, refurbishment and conservation works are a common development activity, particularly in areas of urban regeneration. Large houses, farm buildings and historic buildings can provide important nesting and shelter habitat for a number of important bird species of conservation concern. Among these are barn owls, house sparrows, starlings and swallows. In addition to these there are a large number of other birds which are not of conservation concern but are legally protected at the nest, such as finches and robins. TEP ornithologists regularly undertake internal building inspections to identify evidence of bird nesting activity. TEP can also assist developers in excluding birds from buildings outsidethenestingseason,allowingdevelopmentactivitiestoproceed. Derelict buildings, Hadley Park, Telford Building renovation and conservation Page 21 Page 22 Hadley Park & Nedge in Telford - Barn Owl Surveys TEP was commissioned by English Partnerships to undertake barn owl and bat surveys at derelict farm buildings at two sites in Telford. Hadley Park and Nedge were subsequently visited by TEP's barn owl and bat specialist who recorded evidence of barn owl occupation on both sites. This evidence included barn owl droppings and pellets and barn owl sightings. Barn owl surveys are often requested by local authorities for barn conversions and restoration projects to comply with the legal protection from which this species benefits. The early identification of these barn owl sites allowed English Partnerships to incorporate an effective barn owl mitigation scheme into the development proposals for Hadley Park and Nedge.

14 Creating habitats for birds Page 23 There are many ways that habitats can be created or managed to improve conditions forbirds;onbothlargeandsmalldevelopments. The creative choice of native and berry-bearing plants in a development's landscape scheme, coupled with provision of nest boxes on trees and buildings, can encourage birdlifeclosetoproperty. On bigger developments, sometimes it is necessary to create dedicated wildlife areas. TEP's landscape architects are highly experienced in creation of new woodlands,wetlandsandgrasslands. At the former Avenue Coking Works in Chesterfield, TEP was appointed by East Midlands Development Agency to design a complex of washlands and meadows in a river valley and on former railsidings. A stream was partly impounded and pasture flooded to encourage reeds and marshy grassland for warblers and waders. Shingle beds were created to encourage the little ringed plover. The scheme won a British Trust for Ornithology Award and has now been handed over to Derbyshire Wildlife Trust. The TEP ornithologists working at the Bidston Docks on the Wirral TEP has provided ornithology services to the following clients: Wetland creation area at The Avenue, Derbyshire (before and one year later) Scottish Power National Grid United Utilities Nilo Energy Peel Holdings Manchester Airport Developments English Partnerships Waterman CPM Balfour Beatty Astral Developments Arcadis Geraghty and Miller International Land Restoration Trust Redford Limited Lambert Smith Hampton Sefton Council Liverpool Biennial Warwick University Morris Homes North Persimmon Homes Lancashire Gladedale Northwest CB Richard Ellis First Investments Artisan Construction Howells Group plc