APPENDIX G ECOLOGICAL REPORTS. G.11 Ornithology

Transcription

1 APPENDIX G ECOLOGICAL REPORTS G.11 Ornithology Damhead Creek 2 ES Volume 2 June 2009

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3 SCOTTISH POWER PLC DAMHEAD CREEK POWER STATION KINGSNORTH, KENT BREEDING BIRD SURVEY

4 PAA Scottish Power PLC Damhead Creek Power Station, Kingsnorth, Kent Breeding Bird Survey 2005 SCOTTISH POWER PLC DAMHEAD CREEK POWER STATION KINGSNORTH, KENT BREEDING BIRD SURVEY Penny Anderson Associates Limited Park Lea 60 Park Road Buxton Derbyshire SK17 6SN October 2005 This project has been undertaken in accordance with PAA policies and procedures on quality assurance. Signed: October 2005

5 PAA Scottish Power PLC Damhead Creek Power Station, Kingsnorth, Kent Breeding Bird Survey 2005 C O N T E N T S 1. INTRODUCTION 2. METHODOLOGY 2.8 Determination of Breeding Status 2.10 Legislation Regarding Birds Breeding in the British Isles 2.11 Criteria Available to Evaluate the Site and its Breeding Bird Assemblage 3. RESULTS AND EVALUATION 3.3 North West Exclusion Area 3.4 Breeding Status 3.6 Conservation Status Schedule 1 Wildlife and Countryside Act Red Listed 3.8 Amber Listed 3.9 UK BAP 3.10 Kent BAP 3.11 Kent Bird Report North East Exclusion Area 3.13 Breeding Bird Status 3.15 Conservation Status Schedule 1 Wildlife and Countryside Act Red Listed 3.17 Amber Listed 3.18 UK BAP 3.19 Kent BAP 3.20 Kent Bird Report Wetland Creation Area 3.22 Breeding Status 3.24 Conservation Status Red Listed 3.25 Amber Listed 3.26 UK BAP 3.27 Kent BAP 3.28 Kent Bird Report South Coastal Corridor Pond 3.30 Breeding Status 3.31 Conservation Status 3.32 Amber Listed 3.33 Kent BAP October 2005

6 PAA Scottish Power PLC Damhead Creek Power Station, Kingsnorth, Kent Breeding Bird Survey Additional Survey Areas 3.36 Central Areas of Bare Ground, Sparse Grassland and Ponds 3.39 Adjacent River Medway Estuary Exposed Tidal Mudflats and Saltmarsh 3.40 Comparisons with Previous Breeding Bird Survey in Compartment 5 (North West Exclusion Area) 3.45 Compartment 10 (North East Exclusion Area) 3.46 Compartment 11 (South Coastal Corridor Pond) 3.47 Compartment 14 (Central Areas of Sparse Grassland, Bare Ground and Ponds) 3.48 Additional Information Barn Owl 3.52 Kestrel 4. SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS 4.1 Summary North West Exclusion Area and North East Exclusion Area 4.5 Wetland Creation Area 4.8 South Coastal Corridor Pond 4.10 Medway Estuary Muddy Margins and Saltmarsh 4.15 Other Species 4.17 Previous Breeding Bird Survey 4.20 Recommendations REFERENCES TABLES 1 Full Listing of Species Recorded across the Site with Breeding and Conservation Status 2 Bird Species and Their Breeding and Conservation Status Recorded from the North West Exclusion Area 3 Bird Species and Their Breeding and Conservation Status Recorded from the North East Exclusion Area 4 Bird Species and Their Breeding and Conservation Status Recorded from the Wetland Creation Area 5 Bird Species and Their Breeding and Conservation Status Recorded from the South Coastal Corridor Pond 6 Bird Species and Their Breeding and Conservation Status Recorded from the Central Areas of Bare Ground, Sparse Grassland, Scrub and Ponds 7 Bird Species and Their Breeding and Conservation Status Recorded from the Muddy Margins and Saltmarsh of the Medway Estuary October 2005

7 PAA Scottish Power PLC Damhead Creek Power Station, Kingsnorth, Kent Breeding Bird Survey 2005 FIGURE 1 Locations of Survey Areas at Damhead Creek, Kingsnorth Showing Locations of some of the Habitat Specific and Interesting Birds of Conservation Concern Utilizing these Areas APPENDICES I II European Ornithology Atlas Committee Categories of Breeding Bird Evidence Map 2 of the Supplementary Ecological Statement (Norton and Hornby 1992) October 2005

8 PAA Scottish Power PLC Damhead Creek Power Station, Kingsnorth, Kent Breeding Bird Survey INTRODUCTION 1.1 Penny Anderson Associates Limited was commissioned by Scottish Power PLC to undertake a breeding bird survey of land at Damhead Creek Power Station 1.2 The purpose of the breeding bird survey was to establish the extent to which designated areas within the Mitigation Land of the site function as habitat for breeding and foraging birds. 1.3 The need to monitor and assess breeding bird activity and general habitat usage by specific species was identified in the Management Plan 1999 to 2003 (PAA 2004). Management objective 3H, detailed in the Management Plan aims to maintain and enhance foraging and breeding habitat for wading birds. 1.4 Areas subject to Management Objective 3H were comprehensively surveyed in order to establish, in addition to breeding bird activity, the current usage of those areas by the target group, wading birds. 1.5 Those areas surveyed were the North West Exclusion Area (NWEA), North East Exclusion Area (NEEA), Wetland Creation Area (WCA) and the South Coastal Corridor Pond (SCCP). 1.6 In addition, bird activity was noted across the whole area within which the four managed, designated areas occur. This includes the muddy river margins and associated saltmarsh and the sparse grassland, bare earth and ponds, which are set within the central area of pulverized fuel ash (PFA) October 2005

9 PAA Scottish Power PLC Damhead Creek Power Station, Kingsnorth, Kent Breeding Bird Survey METHODOLOGY 2.1 The survey methodology is based upon the breeding bird survey (BBS) methodology devised jointly by the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO), the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) and the Joint Nature Conservancy Council (JNCC), (Gilbert et al., 1998). 2.2 This methodology requires three visits to be made between late-march and early-july, with each visit being approximately four weeks apart. The start and finish dates for a particular site will vary depending upon latitude and altitude. 2.3 Extensive previous survey work carried out by PAA, established the distribution of habitat types and identified their potential function for breeding birds, allowing an appropriate survey methodology to be applied without the need for a scoping visit. 2.4 On each of the three survey visits the following details were recorded: Bird numbers, species, age and sex; Habitats being used; and Bird behaviour, e.g. singing, feeding, loafing etc. 2.5 Birds recorded flying over the site are referred to as flyovers (f/o), in the records. 2.6 The breeding bird communities within the four ecological mitigation areas at Damhead Creek Power Station were surveyed three times on 7th April, 6th May and 3rd June The transect routes, which covered the site and the location of strategic observation points are shown on Figure 1. Determination of Breeding Status 2.8 The breeding status of each species can be classified into three categories: confirmed breeder, probable breeder and possible breeder. The behaviour, sex, age and location of individual birds allow conclusions to be drawn about breeding status, based on categories devised by the European Ornithology Atlas Committee (EOAC), It is also possible that species are merely present in a habitat and are not actually breeding. Breeding bird evidence used in this report follows EOAC guidelines, 1979, see Appendix I. 2.9 The three categories, confirmed, probable and possible breeder are abbreviated to C, PR and PO in the accompanying tables. An additional category of non-breeder is abbreviated to NB in the tables October 2005

10 PAA Scottish Power PLC Damhead Creek Power Station, Kingsnorth, Kent Breeding Bird Survey 2005 Legislation Regarding Birds Breeding in the British Isles 2.10 All breeding birds are protected under Section 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981, as amended). This protection extends to killing and injuring, and to the destruction of nests, eggs or chicks. The only exceptions are with certain game species (listed in Schedule 2), which can be killed during specified seasons (Section 2), and certain pest species, which can be controlled under DEFRA licence (see Statutory Instrument 3010, 1996). Additional protection is offered to bird species listed on Schedule 1 of the WCA 1981, which are protected, for example, from disturbance whilst nesting or attempting to make a nest. The recent Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000, has made it an offence to recklessly disturb in addition to intentionally disturb Schedule 1 species. The above is a summary of the legislation and the original Acts and Schedules should be referred to for the precise wording. Criteria Available to Evaluate the Site and its Breeding Bird Assemblage 2.11 A number of criteria are available to determine the conservation status of those species recorded. These criteria aid in evaluating the function of the site for breeding birds, and comprise: Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (Sections 1-8), and amendments. In addition to the blanket protection given under the Act to all breeding birds, further permanent protection is conferred to birds listed on Schedule 1 of the Act (as amended); Population Status of Birds in the UK (Gregory et al., 2002). Under this approach bird populations are assessed, using quantitative criteria, to determine the population status of each species, then placed upon one of three lists, red, amber and green. Red list species are of high conservation concern, having declined by 50% or more in population or breeding range in the last 25 years. Amber listed species are of medium conservation concern, having suffered between 25 and 49% reduction in breeding or non-breeding populations, breeding or wintering ranges, for example. Green list species have a favourable conservation status and are, therefore, not used as indicators of the sites function; Local, Regional and National Biodiversity Action Plans. The Kent BAP (Kent Biodiversity Action Plan Steering Group 1997) lists species for which conservation targets exist within the local area. An action plan for each of these species has been developed to set specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and time bounded targets for the conservation of these species. The United Kingdom BAP (UK Biodiversity Steering Group 1995), lists a number of bird species, of conservation concern, for which national targets and priorities are set in order to address those species needs. They might be selected because they are globally October 2005

11 PAA Scottish Power PLC Damhead Creek Power Station, Kingsnorth, Kent Breeding Bird Survey 2005 threatened or because they have rapidly declining UK populations, i.e. by more than 50% in the last twenty five years; and Kent Bird Report The Kent Bird Report (Ed. J Braggs, 2002) is an annual publication of records, notes and papers on all aspects of Kent ornithology. Individual species records recorded from a site are checked against county records for a particular species, including distribution and abundance. On-site counts are compared against figures for locally important sites that are set out in the Kent Bird Report 2002, which at the time of the survey was the most current report Having reviewed the data from the three breeding bird survey visits, it was felt that of the available criteria, the most appropriate for evaluating the data are: Population Status of Birds in the UK (Gregory et al., 2002); Local, Regional and National Biodiversity Action Plans (Kent Biodiversity Action Plan Steering Group, 1997; UK Biodiversity Steering Group, 1995); and Kent Bird Report 2002 (Ed. J. Braggs, 2002) October 2005

12 PAA Scottish Power PLC Damhead Creek Power Station, Kingsnorth, Kent Breeding Bird Survey RESULTS AND EVALUATION 3.1 A complete bird species list detailing conservation and breeding status is presented for all areas in Table 1. Tables 2 to 5 detail the species recorded for each of the four managed areas along with breeding and conservation status and Tables 6 and 7 show the species observed and their conservation status for the remaining parts of the site namely the Medway Estuary and the central areas of sparse grassland and ponds. 3.2 Figure 1 details the locations of the four areas within the Mitigation Land and some of the more important bird species observed within them. North West Exclusion Area 3.3 A total of 30 species were observed and recorded from within, entering or leaving the NWEA. Please see Table 2 for details of species recorded along with their breeding and conservation status. Breeding Status 3.4 Four species, blue tit, carrion crow, sedge warbler and wren are confirmed as breeding within this area, using the EOAC (1979) guidelines. A further sixteen species are categorised as probable and seven as possible breeding species. 3.5 A single species, the curlew, was observed foraging on a single occasion and has been classified as a non-breeding (NB) species within this particular habitat. Conservation Status Schedule 1 Wildlife and Countryside Act Kingfisher was observed on a number of occasions on the final visit moving along the ditches within the NWEA. It was not possible to establish whether this was a single bird or possibly a pair. Red Listed 3.7 Two species, song thrush and turtle dove are red listed species. Amber Listed 3.8 Seven species, cuckoo, curlew, dunnock, green woodpecker, kestrel, kingfisher and wigeon are amber listed species. UK BAP 3.9 In addition to being red listed, song thrush and turtle dove are also priority bird species in the UK BAP October 2005

13 PAA Scottish Power PLC Damhead Creek Power Station, Kingsnorth, Kent Breeding Bird Survey 2005 Kent BAP 3.10 There were no local BAP species recorded from this area. Kent Bird Report The kingfisher is described as a widespread resident in the county with the number of localities with records of kingfisher increasing between 2001 and Breeding activity was reported from seven sites in Kent in 2002, increasing from three sites previously recorded in North East Exclusion Area 3.12 Twenty-four species were observed and recorded from within, entering or leaving the northeast exclusion area. Please see Table 3 for details of species recorded along with their breeding and conservation status. Breeding Status 3.13 Five species, blackbird, reed bunting, reed warbler, sedge warbler and whitethroat are confirmed as breeding species. A further seven species are classified as probable and seven as possible breeding species Five species were observed flying over or briefly utilising the site but which are unlikely to breed within it. Two of these species, marsh harrier and little egret are of conservation interest. Conservation Status Schedule 1 Wildlife and Countryside Act A male marsh harrier circled the north-eastern part of the site on the first visit, which included the NEEA, before following the river upstream. Red Listed 3.16 Two red list species, song thrush and reed bunting were recorded regularly within this area. Reed bunting was confirmed as breeding within and adjacent to the reedbed. Amber Listed 3.17 Six amber listed species were observed; cuckoo, dunnock, kestrel, and meadow pipit were observed within the NEEA and little egret and marsh harrier were observed flying over October 2005

14 PAA Scottish Power PLC Damhead Creek Power Station, Kingsnorth, Kent Breeding Bird Survey 2005 UK BAP 3.18 Song thrush and reed bunting are also listed as priority bird species within the UK BAP. Kent BAP 3.19 There were no local BAP species recorded from this area. Kent Bird Report Marsh harrier is reported as a regular and increasing summer visitor with breeding now occurring regularly and present throughout the year in all coastal marshland. However, 17 young were produced in 2002 (Braggs, J. (ed), 2002) which is only half that of the 2000 figure of 34 (Braggs, J. (ed), 2001). Wetland Creation Area 3.21 Twenty-one species were observed and recorded from within, entering or leaving the WCA over the three survey visits. Please see Table 4 for details of species recorded along with their breeding and conservation status. Breeding Status 3.22 A single species, coot was confirmed as breeding within this area; the female was observed upon the nest and young were sighted on two occasions. Seven species, including the red listed linnet are categorised as probable breeding species and twelve species including curlew, gadwall and shelduck are categorised as possible breeding species The swallow was classified as a non-breeding species within this area as suitable habitat for breeding was not present. Conservation Status Red Listed 3.24 Two species recorded from the WCA are red listed; linnet and starling are associated with the terrestrial elements of this area. Suitable habitat exists for linnet to nest in, however, it is unlikely that starling would find suitable nesting habitat within this area. Amber Listed 3.25 Nine species recorded from WCA are amber listed; black-headed gull, cuckoo, curlew, dunnock, gadwall, green woodpecker, meadow pipit, shelduck and swallow. All of October 2005

15 PAA Scottish Power PLC Damhead Creek Power Station, Kingsnorth, Kent Breeding Bird Survey 2005 these species, with the exception of the non-breeding swallow are classified as possible breeders. UK BAP 3.26 In addition to being red listed, linnet is a priority UK BAP species for which a species action plan has been written. Kent BAP 3.27 Black-headed gulls are priority species within the local BAP and were observed on all three visits, loafing and feeding upon the open water. Kent Bird Report Gadwall are considered a scarce but increasing breeding species in the county. South Coastal Corridor Pond 3.29 Six species were observed from this area across the three survey visits. Please see Table 5 for details of species recorded along with their breeding and conservation status. Breeding Status 3.30 There were no confirmed or probable breeding species observed within this area A single species, pied wagtail was categorised as a possible breeder. Conservation Status Amber Listed 3.32 Black-headed gull, gadwall and wigeon were observed feeding or loafing on a single occasion for each species. On each of these occasions the birds flushed immediately upon sight of the surveyor. Kent BAP 3.33 A single male black-headed gull was observed loafing on the open water on the final survey visit. Additional Survey Areas 3.34 The four areas specifically surveyed, the NEEA, NWEA, WCA and SCCP, all lie within a matrix of predominantly bare ground with small patches of tall herbs, rank grassland and scrub. Much of the substrate consists of PFA. Within this wider area are a number of sunken ponds with small amounts of fringing vegetation which serve as extraction October 2005

16 PAA Scottish Power PLC Damhead Creek Power Station, Kingsnorth, Kent Breeding Bird Survey 2005 sources for damping down roads and tracks within the site. Some of this area lies outside Scottish Power ownership. The Medway Estuary runs along the eastern edge of the site and contains saltmarsh vegetation with exposed muddy margins at low tide These additional areas, whilst often separate from the main areas of designated Mitigation Land, are important both geographically and functionally in terms of bird use, providing breeding and foraging habitat for a number of bird species. Birds breeding in the mitigation areas will forage within the additional areas and vice versa. Data on bird activity were, therefore, collected more widely as the surveyor travelled between the four areas targeted for more detailed survey. Central Areas of Bare Ground, Sparse Grassland and Ponds 3.36 Thirty species were recorded from within this area or flying over to other parts of the site. Seven of those species are associated with the ponds outside of the Mitigation Land, of which two, gadwall and shelduck are amber listed The remaining 23 species are associated with the terrestrial areas of the site. Four species, linnet, reed bunting, skylark and turtle dove are all red listed species and priority species within the UK BAP and were seen regularly across this area. A further six species, dunnock, kestrel, meadow pipit, oystercatcher, sand martin and stock dove are amber listed Sand martins were confirmed as breeding within this area as a breeding colony was observed in a newly created PFA cliff. Figure 1 shows the approximate location of the colony. Sand martins are described as a declining and local breeding species. Again this is outside the Mitigation Land. Adjacent River Medway Estuary Exposed Tidal Mudflats and Saltmarsh 3.39 Nine species were observed within the saltmarsh and along the muddy margins adjacent to the site. They were black-headed gull, brent goose, cormorant, oystercatcher, redshank, snipe, teal and wigeon. All species were observed to be either feeding in the margins or loafing upon the water. All of these nine species are amber listed and the Kent Bird Report 2002 states that snipe are a local and declining breeding species in the county and more widespread on passage and in winter. Comparisons with Previous Breeding Bird Survey in A breeding bird survey was conducted by the Nature Conservation Bureau Limited in July 1992, which assessed bird usage in a more general context and across a wider area than this survey, which was explicitly aimed at assessing bird use of the four specific areas of the Mitigation Land In the 1992 survey, the whole site at Damhead Creek was split into compartments, numbered 1 to 17 (see Appendix II) and the results discussed in relation to each compartment. Four of these compartments are comparable to the 2005 survey data as October 2005

17 PAA Scottish Power PLC Damhead Creek Power Station, Kingsnorth, Kent Breeding Bird Survey 2005 they correlate with three areas of Mitigation Land and one area outside the Mitigation Land. The WCA did not exist in 1992 and, therefore, there are no records for comparison, also there were no records for the Medway Estuary margins in The corresponding compartments are as follows; Compartment 5 (North West Exclusion Area) 3.43 A total of 21 species were recorded in 1992 compared with 30 species in Many of the species recorded in 1992 were present in 2005, however, there are some notable differences. Linnet, mistle thrush, nightingale and yellowhammer are red and amber listed species which were recorded in 1992 but not 2005, nightingale are also currently listed as a priority species within the Kent BAP Additional species of conservation interest recorded in this area in 2005 include curlew (just on the boundary of the area), kestrel, kingfisher, song thrush and wigeon. Compartment 10 (North East Exclusion Area) 3.45 A total of six species were recorded in 1992 compared with 24 in Linnet and skylark, both red listed species, were recorded in 1992 but not However, the total number of species recorded and the number of birds of conservation interest was much higher in Compartment 11 (South Coastal Corridor Pond) 3.46 There were no bird records listed for compartment 11 in 1992, although this compartment is detailed on Map 2 (Norton and Hornby 1992). Compartment 14 (Central Areas of Sparse Grassland, Bare Ground and Ponds) 3.47 Four species were recorded from across this area in 1992 compared with 30 species in 2005, although two of these four, corn bunting and grey partridge, both red listed, were not recorded in Additional Information Barn Owl 3.48 A barn owl was observed on 19th April leaving the nest box within the pump house in the far southeast of the site between the WCA and the Medway Estuary. It was observed to travel across the site towards the NWEA. The observation was made during a great crested newt survey, whilst the surveyor was checking the pump house for evidence of use by barn owls, in preparation for the breeding bird survey. The pump house contained large quantities of regurgitated barn owl pellets and whitings (droppings), confirming extended use of the pump house for either breeding or daytime roosting October 2005

18 PAA Scottish Power PLC Damhead Creek Power Station, Kingsnorth, Kent Breeding Bird Survey Barn owls are listed on Schedule 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and a licence is required to disturb them whilst they are breeding. The surveyor conducting the breeding bird survey did not hold a current licence and was not, therefore, able to return to the pump house to confirm breeding as this would be deemed as disturbance under the Act A local bird recorder Bill Jones who holds a licence to disturb breeding barn owls for the purpose of education and conservation was asked to confirm usage of a number of owl nest boxes across the site. Mr Jones was able to confirm that barn owls were breeding on the site. However, it was considered that the pump house nest box was not used for breeding but mainly for roosting. The nest box along the path to the NWEA, which is positioned at the top of a telegraph pole was, in Mr Jones opinion the breeding nest box (see Figure 1) The Kent Bird Report 2002 states that the barn owl is a scarce resident with only eleven birds reported from nine sites compared with 34 birds at 23 sites in 2001 during the month of January. Ten pairs were recorded across the county for 2002 compared with fourteen in Just one pair was reported as using a nest box in 2002, down from three records the previous year. Kestrel 3.52 As well as an internal nest box, the pump house houses an external nest box on the eastern wall, facing the river. On 6th May 2005, a female kestrel was observed leaving the nest box and flying around the WCA and the central part of the site. She appeared to be agitated by the presence of the surveyor and returned immediately to the box when the surveyor had retreated some 50m from it. Further evidence of potential breeding was not observed on subsequent survey visits October 2005

19 PAA Scottish Power PLC Damhead Creek Power Station, Kingsnorth, Kent Breeding Bird Survey SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS Summary North West Exclusion Area and North East Exclusion Area 4.1 Both of these areas produced typical assemblages of predominantly common and widespread species but with a good number of birds of conservation interest also being present, and often also breeding on these areas. The habitats of both areas are similar, however, the small differences in the bird assemblages recorded reflect the variation in the proportion of woodland and scrub to reedbed and open water. The NWEA is dominated by woodland and scrub with just small areas of reedbed, whilst the NEEA is dominated by reedbeds with small amounts of fringing, mature scrub. 4.2 The NWEA had fewer open reedbed species, for example just one reed warbler was heard singing and there were no reed buntings heard or observed, both of which were plentiful within the NEEA. Conversely, there were a greater number of woodland/scrub species, such as green woodpecker, great spotted woodpecker, jay and turtle dove within the NWEA, which were not recorded within the NEEA. 4.3 A number of important larger birds were observed showing an interest in the NEEA whilst flying over the area, for example marsh harrier and little egret both circled the reedbed but didn t land and a grey heron was put off landing within the NEEA by the presence of the surveyor, species which were not recorded within the NWEA. 4.4 The NWEA appears to be suffering from scrub encroachment into and around some of the areas of open water. Wildfowl were observed to be using the site on a single occasion but may be put off by the scrubbing up of the wet areas. However, the scrub and trees provide an important habitat for other species and is therefore valuable in the area. Wetland Creation Area 4.5 The WCA is subject to management objective 3H which is to create areas of wetland and marsh that could be used as foraging areas for a variety of wading bird species and to provide secluded nesting and roosting areas away from predators. 4.6 The birds recorded from this area over the survey period represent a relatively diverse assemblage of common and widespread species. A third of the species recorded are associated with the wetland element, the majority of which were observed feeding or loafing. A single wading species, curlew, was observed within this area on 6th May, feeding in the grassland away from the waters edge, although it did not fly immediately upon sight of the surveyor, it appeared agitated at the surveyor s presence. It is quite likely that the black-headed gulls are roosting both around the edge of the pond and upon the island within the pond as they were observed early in the morning on all three visits. Generally, wildfowl were observed regularly feeding at October 2005

20 PAA Scottish Power PLC Damhead Creek Power Station, Kingsnorth, Kent Breeding Bird Survey 2005 the edges and on the open water, although some species, such as gadwall and little grebe were infrequently recorded. 4.7 The remaining species recorded were associated with the terrestrial elements of the site, mainly the tall herbs, bramble and young scrub along the northeast edge of this area. South Coastal Corridor Pond 4.8 This area returned very few birds, all of which flew immediately upon sight of the surveyor. On the survey visit of 6th May 2005 there were no birds observed either on or around the pond. The situation of the pond, immediately adjacent to the Medway Estuary and the fact that it is a newly created habitat are probably the reasons why this area is relatively unused. The pond does not yet have an established flora either within or around the margins, although there were stands of spiked water milfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum) and small patches of water crowfoot (Ranunculus sp.) and some areas of the pond contained dense patches of algal growth. 4.9 Collectively, this means that currently the pond and its environs are unable to compete with the established and extremely rich foraging and security, offered by the adjacent Medway Estuary. However, as the pond matures and is colonized by submerged plants and invertebrate species, the foraging potential of the pond and, therefore, usage by birds is likely to increase. Medway Estuary Muddy Margins and Saltmarsh 4.10 A small, interesting but relatively typical assemblage of birds was recorded from this area during low tide. The exposed mud and saltmarsh during this period offered feeding opportunities for curlew, oystercatcher, snipe and redshank, the margins were used by teal and wigeon, whilst brent geese and cormorants were observed feeding on the open water Few of these birds ventured onto the site; two pairs of oystercatcher were observed on 6th May 2005, to the southwest of the NEEA, along a track leading into the active central part of the site. Wigeon were infrequently observed at two locations around the site, both within the NWEA and on the SCCP Apart from these birds, there seems very little interaction between the saltmarsh and exposed tidal mud and the habitats found on site. This is not altogether surprising as although the habitats are adjacent they are quite different in the feeding opportunities that they offer The relative richness of the established saltmarsh and exposed muds in comparison to the developing habitats within the site means that the curlew, oystercatcher, redshank and snipe have, as yet, little incentive to travel onto the site to feed. As the managed areas mature they will offer greater foraging potential for such species and may subsequently offer suitable breeding habitat for some of these target species October 2005

21 PAA Scottish Power PLC Damhead Creek Power Station, Kingsnorth, Kent Breeding Bird Survey It is encouraging that oystercatcher and curlew were recorded within the site, although only curlew was recorded actually foraging within a specifically managed area. Oystercatchers were recorded loafing at the edge of the central PFA matrix. Other Species 4.15 The barn owls on site are an important part of the breeding bird assemblage at Damhead Creek. Their use of the boxes erected on the site indicates that the scheme makes an important contribution to the conservation of this species both locally and regionally The kestrel, noted as a possible breeding bird on site, is one of our commonest birds of prey but has suffered from changes in agricultural practices that have altered this species habitat and food availability across the county. As such it is a bird of moderate conservation concern with a moderate decline in the UK breeding population. Its presence and possible breeding activity on the site is therefore noteworthy. Previous Breeding Bird Survey 4.17 A number of species were recorded in 1992 (Norton and Hornby 1992), in compartments corresponding to those areas surveyed in 2005, which were not observed in These species are nightingale, yellowhammer, corn bunting and grey partridge, all red listed species. However, the total number of birds recorded and the total number of birds of conservation concern recorded in 2005 are much higher than that of 1992 and include species of wildfowl and waders which are species specifically targeted in the Management Objectives detailed in the Management Plan 1999 to 2003 (PAA 2004) Nightingale might still be present on the site, and an evening survey when this species is singing is the best way to detect it. Retention of thickets of scrub and undergrowth would benefit this species Yellowhammer, corn bunting and grey partridge are all birds of high conservation concern. They have suffered from changes in agricultural practices resulting in losses in their nesting and feeding areas. Their presence on site is likely to be influenced considerably by agricultural practices on adjacent farmland. However, the recent planting of hedge and scrub areas under the Management Plan will provide new habitat for these, and other, species as they mature. In addition the maintenance of many seed-bearing plants on site will continue to provide food sources for these species. Recommendations 4.20 Due to the relative immaturity of the managed habitats on site, in particular the WCA and SCCP, current usage by target species is not necessarily indicative of their potential to provide suitable conditions for those species in the longer term October 2005

22 PAA Scottish Power PLC Damhead Creek Power Station, Kingsnorth, Kent Breeding Bird Survey The baseline data collected this year will provide a comparison for future monitoring surveys. A wintering bird survey is also scheduled for winter Both breeding and wintering bird surveys will be repeated in 2007 under the Management Plan Review (BWP July 2004) It is recommended that an evening visit be included in the breeding bird survey schedule in 2007 to attempt to establish the presence of nightingale, a Kent BAP priority species. Areas of dense scrub on the NWEA should be retained to provide the habitat for nightingales previously recorded in the area The maintenance of open water within the NWEA will encourage greater use by wildfowl and possibly waders. This should be balanced with the need to retain some denser areas of scrub and under storey growth for other bird species The open water areas within the reedbeds of the NEEA also need to be maintained, these areas should be monitored to ensure that they do not decrease in size and depth due to the encroachment of reeds It is recommended that the WCA and SCP should be subject to ongoing monitoring to assess the levels of bird use, particularly by wader species, as these habitats mature Due to the low numbers of barn owls breeding in the county, as reported in the Kent Bird Report 2002 and the use of a barn owl nest box on the site, it is recommended that the nest boxes be maintained and that monitoring of their use be ongoing through future breeding seasons. Although it was established that barn owls were using the site through the breeding season and that a nest box close to the NWEA was being used, confirmation that breeding actually occurred or that young were successfully raised would be desirable in monitoring the value of the site for breeding birds October 2005

23 PAA Scottish Power PLC Damhead Creek Power Station, Kingsnorth, Kent Breeding Bird Survey 2005 REFERENCES Braggs, J. (ed), Kent Bird Report, Kent Ornithological Society. Braggs, J. (ed), Kent Bird Report, Kent Ornithological Society. BWP, Damhead Creek Power Station, Kingsnorth. Mitigation and Exclusion Areas. Management Plan Review. Report prepared for Damhead Creek Ltd. EOAC, Categories of Breeding Bird Evidence. European Ornithological Atlas Committee. Gilbert, G., Gibbons, D. W. and Evans, J., Bird Monitoring Methods. RSPB. Gregory, R. D., Wilkinson, N. I., Noble, D. G., Robinson, J. A., Brown, A. F., Hughes, J., Procter, D., Gibbons, D. W. and Galbraith, C. A., The Population Status of Birds in the UK- Birds of conservation concern: BirdLife International, BOU, BTO, CCW, English Nature, Environment & Heritage Service (Northern Ireland), GCT, HOT, JNCC, NT, RSPB, SNH, WWT, The Wildlife Trusts. Kent Biodiversity Action Plan Steering Group, Kent Biodiversity Action Plan. A Framework for the Future of Kent s Wildlife. Kent County Council, Maidstone. Kent Ornithological Society, Kent Bird Report, Edited by Jonathan Braggs. Norton, J. A and Hornby, J., Kingsnorth Ecological Survey, A Report Compiled on Behalf of Barton Willmore Landscape Architects. The Nature Conservation Bureau Limited, Berkshire. PAA Damhead Creek Power Station, Kingsnorth, Kent. Management Plan 1999 to 2003 Summary of Works Completed. Prepared for Damhead Creek Ltd UK Biodiversity Steering Group, Biodiversity: The UK Action Plan. HMSO, London October 2005

24 TABLES

25 PAA Table 1. Full Listing of Species Recorded across the Site with Breeding and Conservation Status Common Latin Breeding Status Conservation Status Blackbird Turdus merula PR Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla PR Black-headed gull Larus ridibundus PO Amber-listed Blue tit Parus caeruleus C Carrion crow Corvus corone corone C Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs PR Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita PO Coot Fulica atra C Cuckoo Cuculus canorus PR Amber-listed Curlew Numenius arquata PO Amber-listed Dunnock Prunella modularis PR Amber-listed Gadwall PO Amber-listed Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis PR Great tit Parus major PR Green woodpecker Picus viridis PR Amber-listed Greenfinch Carduelis chloris PR Grey heron Ardea cinerea NB Gt spotted woodpecker Dendrocopus major PO Jay Garrulus glandarius PR Kestrel Falco tinninculus PO Amber-listed Kingfisher Alcedo atthis PO Schedule 1 &Amberlisted Linnet Carduelis cannabina PR UK BAP & Red-listed Little egret Egretta garzetta NB Amber-listed Little grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis PO Magpie Pica pica PR Mallard Anas platyrhynchos PR Marsh harrier Circus aeruginosus NB Schedule 1 & Amberlisted Meadow pipit Anthus pratensis PO Amber-listed Moorhen Gallinula chloropus PR Pheasant Phasianius colchicus PR Pied wagtail Motacilla alba PO Reed bunting Emberiza schoeniclus C UK BAP & Red-listed Reed warbler Acrocephalus scirpaceus C Robin Erithacus rubecula PR Rook Corvus frugilegus PO Sedge warbler Acrocephalus schoenobaenus C Shelduck Tadorna tadorna PO Amber-listed Song thrush Turdus philomelos C UK BAP & Red-listed Starling Sturnus vulgaris PO Red-listed Swallow Hirundo rustica NB Amber-listed Turtle dove Streptopelis turtur PR UK BAP & Red-listed Whitethroat Sylvia communis PR Wigeon Anas penelope PO Amber-listed Wood pigeon Columba palumbus PR Wren Troglodytes troglodytes C Key C = Confirmed PR = Probable PO = Possible NB = Non-breeding

26 PAA Table 2. Bird Species and Their Breeding and Conservation Status Recorded from the North West Exclusion Area North West Exclusion Area Common Latin 07/04/2005 Behaviour 06/05/2005 Behaviour Visit 3 Behaviour Breeding status Blackbird Turdus merula 1 Male 1 Male foraging 2 Pair calling PR Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla 1 Singing male 1 2 singing males PR Blue tit Parus caeruleus 7 Calling adults with juveniles C Carrion crow Corvus corone corone 2 Pair with nest at Pair - nest still Calling in flight end of track 2 3 tended above trees through wood C Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs 1 Singing male 3 Singing males 2 Singing males PR Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita 2 Singing males PO Conservation Status Cuckoo Cuculus canorus 1 Singing male 3 2 males singing & a female constantly pursued by males PR Amber-listed Curlew Numenius arquata 1 Feeding on grassland at boundary of exc PO Amber-listed area Dunnock Prunella modularis 2 Singing males 1 Singing male 2 Singing males PR Amber-listed Gt spotted woodpecker Dendrocopus major 1 Adult alarm calling PO Great tit Parus major 3 2 singing males & a calling adult 1 Calling male 1 Calling adult PR Greenfinch Carduelis chloris 4 Calling adults in Calling adults in 2 flight treetops PR Green woodpecker Picus viridis 1 Feeding adult 2 Calling adults PR Amber-listed Jay Garrulus glandarius 2 2 Calling adults PR Kestrel Falco tinninculus 1 1 Male hunting PO Amber-listed Kingfisher Alcedo atthis 1 Adult calling in flight along ditch PO Alarm calling Magpie Pica pica 4 from hawthorn 1 2 Calling adults PR scrub Mallard Anas platyrhynchos 5 2 pairs & a single female PR Moorhen Gallinula chloropus 1 PO Reed warbler 1 Singing male PO 3 singing males, Robin Erithacus rubecula 5 an alarm calling adult & calling 1 Singing male 1 Singing male PR adult Schedule 1 &Amberlisted Page 1 of 2

27 PAA Table 2. Bird Species and Their Breeding and Conservation Status Recorded from the North West Exclusion Area North West Exclusion Area Breeding Common Latin 07/04/2005 Behaviour 06/05/2005 Behaviour Visit 3 Behaviour Conservation Status status Rook Corvus frugilegus 12 PO 2 singing males & 3 singing males & Sedge warbler 4 3 female returning C a calling female to nest Song thrush Turdus philomelos 1 Singing male 1 Singing male PR UK BAP & Red-listed Turtle dove Streptopelis turtur 6 3 pairs feeding on ground at edge of site Whitethroat Sylvia communis 3 Singing males 4 Wigeon Anas penelope 2 Wood pigeon Columba palumbus 100+ Pair flew from central wet area Flushed from wood by surveyors presence 40+ Flushed from wood Wren Troglodytes troglodytes 1 Singing male 2 Singing males 2 Key C = Confirmed PR = Probable PO = Possible NB = Non-breeding A group of 3 foraging 3 singing males & agitated female alarm calling Numerous birds flushed from trees. 3 singing males Singing male & adult with food PR PR PO PR C UK BAP & Red-listed Amber-listed Page 2 of 2

28 PAA Table 3. Bird Species and Their Breeding and Conservation Status Recorded from the North East Exclusion Area North East Exclusion Area Common Latin 07/04/2005 Behaviour 06/05/2005 Behaviour Visit 3 Behaviour Breeding Status Singing male and Blackbird Turdus merula 1 Calling female 2 Pair 4 calling/foraging PR adults Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla 1 Singing male in scrubby edge PO Blue tit Parus caeruleus 1 Singing male PO Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs 1 Singing male in Singing male & a 2 scrubby edge female PR Cuckoo Cuculus canorus 2 Singing male pursuing a female PR Conservation Status Amber-listed Dunnock Prunella modularis 1 Calling adult 1 Calling adult PR Amber-listed Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis 4 Feeding in short grass PR Great tit Parus major 1 Calling adult 1 Singing male PR Greenfinch Carduelis chloris 2 Pair calling in treetops PR Grey heron Ardea cinerea 3 Circled reedbed 3 times before moving into estuary NB Kestrel Falco tinninculus 1 (f/o) Adult flew over NB Amber-listed Little egret Egretta garzetta 1 (f/o) Flew over reedbed NB Amber-listed Mallard Anas platyrhynchos 2 Pair PR Marsh harrier Circus aeruginosus 1 (f/o) Male flew across reedbed and continued along estuary - upstream NB Schedule 1 & Amber-listed Meadow pipit Anthus pratensis 1 Adult calling in flight Reed bunting Emberiza schoeniclus 1 Singing male 3 Pair & a single female Reed warbler Acrocephalus scirpaceus 3 Singing males 5 4 Singing male, mixed adults calling & with food 3 singing males and 2 females with food PO C C Amber-listed UK BAP & Redlisted Page 1 of 2

29 PAA Table 3. Bird Species and Their Breeding and Conservation Status Recorded from the North East Exclusion Area North East Exclusion Area Common Latin 07/04/2005 Behaviour 06/05/2005 Behaviour Visit 3 Behaviour Singing & calling Robin Erithacus rubecula 1 Calling adult 1 PR adult Rook Corvus frugiliegus 2 F/o PO Sedge warbler Acrocephalus schoenobaenus 4 2 singing males & 2 calling/foraging females 4 3 singing males and a female with food Song thrush Turdus philomelos 1 Singing male 2 Pair 1 Adult with food C Whitethroat Sylvia communis 6 Wood pigeon Columba palumbus 1 4 singing males & 2 females Flew from hawthorn scrub Wren Troglodytes troglodytes 2 Singing males 2 Breeding Status 4 Singing males PR 1 Flew from hawthorn scrub Singing male & calling adult C PR PR Conservation Status UK BAP & Redlisted Key C = Confirmed PR = Probable PO = Possible NB = Non-breeding Page 2 of 2

30 PAA Table 4. Bird Species and Their Breeding and Conservation Status Recorded from the Wetland Creation Area Common Latin 07/04/2005 Behaviour 06/05/2005 Behaviour Visit 3 Behaviour Blackbird Turdus merula 1 Male PO Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla 1 Singing male PO Black-headed gull Larus ridibundus 7 Loafing on large pond Wetland Creation Area/Grassland/Scrub 15 Loafing & feeding on pond 26 Loafing & feeding on pond Coot Fulica atra 6 Pair with 4 young 5 Pair with 3 young C Breeding Status PO Conservation Status Amber-listed Cuckoo Cuculus canorus 1 Singing male PO Amber-listed Curlew Numenius arquata 1 Adult feeding on grassland - away from waters edge PO Amber-listed Dunnock Prunella modularis 1 Singing from scrubby bank PO Amber-listed Gadwall 1 Female feeding PO Amber-listed Green woodpecker Picus viridis 1 Alarm calling adult flew from ground - probably PO Amber-listed feeding Linnet Carduelis cannabina 3 Calling in flight 3 Feeding from dandelion heads PR UK BAP & Red-listed Little grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis 1 Female feeding PO Mallard Anas platyrhynchos 2 Pair 1 Female feeding PR Meadow pipit Anthus pratensis 1 Singing male PO Amber-listed Moorhen Gallinula chloropus 1 2 Pair foraging at waters' edge PR Pheasant Phasianius colchicus 1 Calling male 1 Calling male PR Robin Erithacus rubecula 1 Singing male 1 Singing male near pumphouse PR Shelduck Tadorna tadorna 4 2 pairs feeding 1 Feeding female PO Amber-listed Starling Sturnus vulgaris 2 Feeding on grassland PO Red-listed Swallow Hirundo rustica 1 Male singing in flight 2 f/o NB Amber-listed Whitethroat Sylvia communis 5 4 singing males & calling female 3 2 singing males and calling & agitated female Wren Troglodytes troglodytes 1 Singing male 1 Singing male 1 Singing male PR PR Key C = Confirmed PR = Probable PO = Possible NB = Non-breeding

31 PAA Table 5. Bird Species and Their Breeding and Conservation Status Recorded from the South Coastal Corridor Pond South Coastal Corridor Pond Common Latin 07/04/2005 Behaviour 06/05/2005 Behaviour Visit 3 Behaviour Breeding status Conservation Status Black-headed gull Larus ridibundus 1 Male loafing NB Amber-listed Gadwall Anas strepera 2 Pair NB Amber-listed Mallard Anas platyrhynchos 2 Pair 2 Pair foraging/loafing NB Pied wagtail Motacilla alba 2 Pair foraging PO Wigeon Anas penelope 12 Mixed adults feeeding NB Amber-listed Wood pigeon Palumba columbus 6 Drinking/foraging NB Key C = Confirmed PR = Probable PO = Possible NB = Non-breeding

32 PAA Table 6. Birds Species and Their Breeding and Conservation Status Recorded from the Central Areas of Bare Ground, Sparse Grassland, Scrub and Ponds Common Latin 07/04/2005 Behaviour 06/05/2005 Behaviour 03/06/2005 Behaviour Blue tit Parus caeruleus 1 Carrion crow Corvus corone corone 2 Foraging Coot Fulica atra 1 Adult foraging Central Areas Conservation Status Dunnock Prunella modularis 1 Calling adult 1 Singing male Amber Gadwall Anas strepera 1 Female feeding Amber Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis 2 Calling in flight & feeding on ground Great tit Parus major 4 Pair calling & foraging Greenfinch Carduelis chloris 1 Singing male Jackdaw Corvus monedula 4 Feeding Kestrel Falco tinninculus 1 Female flyover Amber Linnet Carduelis cannabina 5 Little grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis 2 Mixed flock of feeding males & females Feeding on separate ponds Mallard Anas platyrhynchos 5 Meadow pipit Anthus pratensis 10 Moorhen Gallinago chloropus 2 Mainly calling adults & 2 singing males Birds on separate ponds 4 Calling & feeding adults pairs & male calling in flight & feeding 3 males & 2 females Red & UKBAP 1 Calling in flight Amber Oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus 2 Calling & loafing Amber Pair foraging with Pied wagtail Motacilla alba 1 Adult foraging 3 juvenile Reed bunting Emberiza schoeniclus 1 Calling male Red & UKBAP Singing male & Robin Erithacus rubecula 1 Foraging adult 2 adult with food 1 Sand martin Riparia riparia Entering & leaving nest holes Amber Page 1 of 2

33 PAA Table 6. Birds Species and Their Breeding and Conservation Status Recorded from the Central Areas of Bare Ground, Sparse Grassland, Scrub and Ponds Central Areas Common Latin 07/04/2005 Behaviour 06/05/2005 Behaviour 03/06/2005 Behaviour Sedge warbler Acrocephalus schoenobaenus 1 Singing male Conservation Status Shelduck Tadorna tadorna 2 Pair Amber Skylark Alauda arvensis 6 Singing males 1 Singing male 2 Singing males Red & UKBAP Stock dove Columba oenas 2 Pair displaying Amber Tufted duck Aythya fuligula 6 3 pairs Turtle dove Streptopelis turtur 2 Feeding Red & UKBAP Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe 1 Female Whitethroat Sylvia communis 1 Singing male Wood pigeon Columba palumbus 5 Feeding or loafing in scrub/trees around site Wren Troglodytes troglodytes 2 Singing males 1 Singing male Page 2 of 2

34 PAA Table 7. Bird Species and Their Breeding and Conservation Status Recorded from the Muddy Margins and Salt Marsh of the Medway Estuary Muddy River Margin and Salt Marsh Common Latin 07/04/2005 Behaviour 06/05/2005 Behaviour 03/06/2005 Behaviour Conservation Status Black-headed gull Larus ridibundus 11 Loafing & feeding Amber Brent goose Branta bernicla 9 Loafing & feeding Amber Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo 4 Feeding 2 Feeding Amber Curlew Numenius arquata 5 Feeding Amber Oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus 2 Loafing 3 Loafing Amber Redshank Tringa totanus 4 Feeding Amber Snipe Gallinago gallinago 4 Feeding Amber Teal Anas crecca 3 Loafing Amber Wigeon Anas penelope 14 Loafing Amber

35 FIGURE

36

37

38

39 APPENDICES

40 APPENDIX I European Ornithology Atlas Committee Categories of Breeding Bird Evidence

41 PAA Appendix 1. European Ornithology Atlas Committee Categories of Breeding Bird Evidence Class Possible Breeding Probable Breeding Category of Evidence Species observed in breeding season in possible nesting habitat Singing male(s) present or breeding calls heard in breeding season Pairs observed in suitable nesting habitat in breeding season Permanent territory presumed through registration of territorial behaviour (song etc.) on at least two different days, a week apart, at the same place. Display and courtship Visiting probable nest site Agitated behaviour or anxiety calls from adults Brood patch on adult examined in hand indicating probable incubating Building nest or excavating nest hole Distraction display or injury feigning Used nest or egg shells found (occupied or laid within the survey period) Recently fledged young (nidicolous species) or downy young (nidifugous species) Confirmed Breeding Adults entering or leaving nest site in circumstances indicating occupied nest or adult sitting on nest. Adults carrying food for young or faecal sacs Nest containing eggs Nest with young seen or heard

42 APPENDIX II Map 2 of the Supplementary Ecological Statement (Norton and Hornby 1992)

43

44

45 SCOTTISH POWER PLC DAMHEAD CREEK POWER STATION KINGSNORTH WINTERING BIRD SURVEY 2005/6

46 PAA Scottish Power PLC, Damhead Creek Power Station, Kingsnorth Wintering Bird Survey 2005/6 SCOTTISH POWER PLC DAMHEAD CREEK POWER STATION KINGSNORTH WINTERING BIRD SURVEY 2005/6 Penny Anderson Associates Limited Park Lea 60 Park Road Buxton Derbyshire SK17 6SN April 2006 This project has been undertaken in accordance with PAA policies and procedures on quality assurance. Signed: April 2006

47 PAA Scottish Power PLC, Damhead Creek Power Station, Kingsnorth Wintering Bird Survey 2005/6 C O N T E N T S 1. INTRODUCTION 1.6 Additional Areas for which Records were Collated Central, Northern and Western Areas 1.7 Medway Estuary and Marshes Ramsar Special Protection Area (SPA) and Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) 2. METHODOLOGY 2.1 Field Survey 2.6 Evaluation of the dataset 3. RESULTS AND EVALUATIONS 3.3 The Four Study Areas 3.5 North West Exclusion Area (NWEA) 3.6 Birds of Conservation Concern 3.7 UK BAP and Red Listed 3.8 Red Listed 3.9 Amber Listed 3.12 Target Species and Relevant Comments from the Kent Bird Report North East Exclusion Area 3.15 Birds of Conservation Concern 3.16 UK BAP 3.17 Amber Listed 3.18 Target Species 3.19 Wetland Creation Area (WCA) 3.20 Birds of Conservation Concern 3.21 Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (Schedule 1) 3.22 UK BAP and Red Listed 3.23 Red Listed 3.24 Amber Listsed 3.26 Target Species and Relevant Comments from the Kent Bird Report South Coastal Corridor Pond (SCCP) 3.30 Birds of Conservation Concern 3.31 UK BAP and Red Listed 3.32 Amber Listed April 2006

48 PAA Scottish Power PLC, Damhead Creek Power Station, Kingsnorth Wintering Bird Survey 2005/ Target Species and Relevant Comments from the Kent Bird Report Additional Areas Central, Northern and Western Areas 3.37 Birds of Conservation Concern 3.38 Red Listed and Schedule Red Listed 3.42 Amber Listed 3.48 Adjacent River Medway Estuary Exposed Tidal Mud Flats and Saltmarsh 3.50 Schedule Red Listed 3.52 Amber Listed 3.53 Kent Bird Report SUMMARY OF EVALUATION/INTERPRETATION 4.4 Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 Schedule Population Status of Birds in the UK 4.7 UK BAP 4.9 Kent BAP 4.10 Target Species 5. SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS REFERENCES TABLES 1 Birds Observed Within the North West Exclusion Area 2 Birds Observed Within the North East Exclusion Area 3 Birds Observed Within the Wetland Creation Area 4 Birds Observed Within the South Coastal Corridor Pond 5 Birds Observed on Adjacent Grasslands and Ponds 6 Birds Observed Upon the Medway Estuary (SPA/SSI) 7 Locations of Birds of Conservation Concern Observed Within Study Areas during the Assessment Period FIGURE 1 Bird species of conservation concern recorded at Damhead Creek Power Station April 2006

49 PAA Scottish Power PLC, Damhead Creek Power Station, Kingsnorth Wintering Bird Survey 2005/6 1. INTRODUCTION 1.1 Penny Anderson Associates Limited was commissioned by Scottish Power PLC to undertake a wintering bird assessment on land at Damhead Creek Power Station. 1.2 The purpose of the wintering bird assessment was to establish the extent to which the four managed ecological mitigation areas, (hereafter referred to as the study areas) function as habitat for over wintering birds, providing a picture of winter bird usage, numbers and distribution across the study areas. 1.3 The study areas assessed were the North West Exclusion Area (NWEA), North East Exclusion Area (NEEA), Wetland Creation Area (WCA) and the South Coastal Corridor Pond (SCCP). 1.4 The need to monitor and assess wintering bird activity and general habitat usage by specific species was identified in the Management Plan 1999 to 2003 (PAA 2004). Management Objective 3H, detailed in the Management Plan aims to maintain and enhance foraging and breeding habitat for wading birds. Data collected during the assessment informs on the foraging and potential roosting or loafing functions of the areas studied. 1.5 The study areas subject to Management Objective 3H were comprehensively assessed in order to establish, in addition to wintering bird activity, the current usage of those areas by the target group, wetland birds, primarily wildfowl and wading birds. Additional Areas for which Records were Collected Central, Northern and Western Areas 1.6 The four study areas are positioned around and adjacent to areas of grassland, bare earth and extraction ponds (Figure 1). This includes a central matrix of predominantly bare, uneven ground occupied by patches of tall herbs, rank grassland and scrub within an active PFA works area. Within this central area are a number of sunken ponds with small amounts of fringing vegetation which serve as extraction sources for damping down roads and tracks within the site. To the north and west of the NEEA and NWEA lay areas of rough grassland and waste ground. Some of these areas lay outside Scottish Power ownership. Medway Estuary and Marshes - Ramsar Special Protection Area (SPA) and Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) 1.7 The Medway Estuary adjoins the eastern edge of the site. Due to the complex and diverse mixes of coastal habitats, which support important numbers of birds throughout the year, the area was designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest in 1981 and classified as a Ramsar Site and a Special Protection Area (SPA) in March In summer, the estuary supports breeding waders and terns, whilst in winter it holds important numbers of geese, ducks, grebes and waders. The site is also of importance during spring and autumn migration periods, especially for waders April 2006

50 PAA Scottish Power PLC, Damhead Creek Power Station, Kingsnorth Wintering Bird Survey 2005/6 1.8 These additional areas, whilst separate from the four study areas, are important both geographically and functionally in terms of bird use, providing foraging and roosting habitat for many species of bird, particularly upon the Medway Estuary. Many of the birds utilising the four study areas will also utilise parts or all of the additional areas and vice versa April 2006

51 PAA Scottish Power PLC, Damhead Creek Power Station, Kingsnorth Wintering Bird Survey 2005/6 2. METHODOLOGY Field survey 2.1 The methodology employed within this study is based upon the Breeding Bird Survey Methodology produced by Gilbert et al. (1998). Two site visits were undertaken on 9 th December 2005 and 2 nd February 2006 to each of the WCA, SCCP, NEEA and NWEA. 2.2 The distinct and compact nature of the four study areas on land at Damhead Creek Power Station allowed all habitats to be comprehensively assessed. 2.3 The additional areas were not subject to the comprehensive methodology applied to the four study areas; however, all species observed or heard whilst walking through and alongside these areas were recorded. 2.4 This allows data obtained from the study areas to be viewed in the context of the wider area, allowing conclusions to be drawn which put their value to wintering birds into relevant context. 2.5 On each of the two assessment visits the following details were recorded: bird species; numbers of individual birds; habitats being used; and bird activities, e.g. feeding, roosting etc. Evaluation of the Dataset 2.6 The following criteria are used to evaluate the assemblages of wintering birds observed, facilitating assessment of the value and function of the study areas as habitat for wintering birds: Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (Schedule 1), (Sections 1-8) and amendments. In addition to the blanket protection given under the Act to all breeding birds, further permanent protection from disturbance is conferred to birds listed on Schedule 1 of the Act (as amended); Population Status of Birds in the UK (Gregory et al., 2002). Under this approach bird populations are assessed using quantitative criteria to determine the population status of each species, then placed upon one of three lists, red, amber or green. Red list species are of high conservation concern, having declined by 50% or more in population or breeding range in the last 25 years. Amber listed species are of medium conservation concern, having suffered between 25 and 49% reduction in breeding or non-breeding populations, breeding or wintering ranges, for example. Green list species have a favorable conservation status and are therefore not used as indicators of the sites function; April 2006

52 PAA Scottish Power PLC, Damhead Creek Power Station, Kingsnorth Wintering Bird Survey 2005/6 Local, Regional and National Biodiversity Action Plans. The Kent BAP (Kent Biodiversity Action Plan Steering Group 1997) lists species for which conservation targets exist within the local area. An action plan for each of these species has been developed to set specific, measurable, achievable and realistic time bounded targets for the conservation of these species. The United Kingdom BAP (UK Biodiversity Steering Group 1995) lists a number of bird species of conservation concern, for which national targets and priorities are set in order to address the needs of those species. They might be selected because they are globally threatened or because they have rapidly declining UK populations, i.e. by more than 50% in the last 25 years; Kent Bird Report The Kent Bird Report (KOS 2002) is an annual publication of records, notes and papers on all aspects of Kent ornithology. Individual species records recorded from a site are checked against county records for a particular species, including distribution and abundance. On-site counts are compared against figures for locally important sites that are set out in the Kent Bird Report 2002, which at the time of the survey was the most current report; and Management Objective 3H of the Management Plan Review This document identifies waders as a target group of birds for which the ecological mitigation areas were created and are currently managed. Specifically the objective is to maintain and enhance foraging and breeding habitat for wading birds April 2006

53 PAA Scottish Power PLC, Damhead Creek Power Station, Kingsnorth Wintering Bird Survey 2005/6 3. RESULTS AND EVALUATION 3.1 Bird species lists detailing numbers, activity and conservation status of each of the species observed is presented for each of the four study areas in Tables 1 to 4. Tables 5 and 6 show the same information for the additional areas outside the designated Mitigation Land; the Medway Estuary along the eastern edge of the site, the central PFA grasslands and ponds and the grassland areas to the north and west. Table 7 details the locations of birds of conservation concern, using the criteria detailed in paragraph Figure 1 identifies the locations of the four ecological mitigation areas, the additional areas and the important bird species observed within them. The Four Study Areas 3.3 Thirty four species were recorded from the four ecological mitigation areas during the assessment period. The most abundant group are the passerines, of which there are 22 species, accounting for 65% of the total assemblage. The next most abundant group are wetland birds, primarily wildfowl and waders, of which there are eight species accounting for 24% of the assemblage. 3.4 Fifteen species, 44% of the total, are classified as birds of conservation concern. North West Exclusion Area (NWEA) 3.5 Twenty-one species were recorded from within, entering or leaving the NWEA. The majority of species recorded are associated with the woodland and woodland edge habitats, with just two species associated with the wetland elements; most are relatively common and widespread species. Birds of Conservation Concern 3.6 Seven of the 21 species (33%) are categorized as birds of conservation concern, they are: UK BAP and Red Listed 3.7 A single song thrush (Turdus philomelos) was observed alarm calling and feeding on visit one. Red Listed 3.8 Ten starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) were observed flying over the area during visit one, but not landing within the area April 2006

54 PAA Scottish Power PLC, Damhead Creek Power Station, Kingsnorth Wintering Bird Survey 2005/6 Amber Listed 3.9 Five species are amber listed; dunnock (Prunella modularis) and green woodpecker (Picus viridis) were observed on visit one. A single woodcock (Scolopax rusticola) was flushed from the track which runs along the south western edge of the area on visit two. All three are associated with the wooded element of the NWEA A water rail (Rallus aquaticus) associated with the wetland habitat component, was observed on visit two Two meadow pipits (Anthus pratensis) were observed flying over but not landing within the area during visit one. Target Species and Relevant Comments from the Kent Bird Report Water rail is described as a regular passage migrant and possibly an increasing winter visitor to the county. Specifically, birds wintering on the north Kent coast are thought to have increased by over 50% between 1993/94 and 2001/ Woodcock is described as a widespread but local winter visitor, with records showing small numbers of birds, mostly single records at five sites in the county. North East Exclusion Area (NEEA) 3.14 Twelve species were recorded from within the area, entering or leaving the NEEA. With the exception of moorhen (Gallinula chloropus) all species are associated with reed, scrub or woodland habitats. Birds of Conservation Concern 3.15 Three of the 12 species (25%) are categorized as birds of conservation concern, they are: UK BAP and Red Listed 3.16 Two reed buntings (Emberiza schoeniclus), were observed feeding within the reed beds during visit one and a group of at least five song thrushes were observed feeding and displaying within the scrubby perimeter during visit two. Amber Listed 3.17 A single dunnock was heard calling during visits one and two from the scrubby perimeter. Target Species 3.18 There were no target species recorded from within the NEEA April 2006

55 PAA Scottish Power PLC, Damhead Creek Power Station, Kingsnorth Wintering Bird Survey 2005/6 Wetland Creation Area (WCA) 3.19 Seventeen species were recorded from within, entering or leaving the WCA. Moorhen, mallard (Anas platyrhynchos), snipe (Gallinago gallinago) and teal (Anas crecca) are associated with the ponds and associated fringing vegetation; the latter three were observed feeding or loafing during both visits. The remaining species are associated with the grassland, scrub and bramble patches scattered across this area. Birds of Conservation Concern 3.20 Eight of the 17 species (47%) are categorized as birds of conservation concern, they are: Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (Schedule 1) 3.21 A female, or possibly juvenile, hen harrier (Circus cyaneus) was observed flying low across the WCA during visit two. UK BAP and Red Listed 3.22 Two song thrushes were observed foraging on the scrubbed-up bank to the north of the ponds. Red Listed 3.23 Over 40 starlings were flushed from feeding upon the grasslands around the pond during visit one. Amber Listed 3.24 A single snipe and up to 21 teals were flushed from fringing vegetation and open water of the linear pond on both visits Two dunnocks and a green woodpecker were observed along the scrubbed-up bank and meadow pipits were flushed from the grassland and observed flying over during both visits. Target Species and Relevant Comments from the Kent Bird Report Snipe is described as a widespread passage migrant and winter visitor, although declining as a breeding species in the county Teal is described as a common winter visitor with some of the highest monthly winter counts for the county recorded on the Medway April 2006

56 PAA Scottish Power PLC, Damhead Creek Power Station, Kingsnorth Wintering Bird Survey 2005/6 South Coastal Corridor Pond (SCCP) 3.28 Eight species were recorded from the SCCP and surrounding hawthorn scrub Curlew (Numenius arquata) and lapwings (Vanellus vanellus) were observed feeding and loafing around the edge of the pond. The remaining species were observed, in low numbers, in the surrounding scrub. Birds of Conservation Concern 3.30 Five of the eight species (62.5%) are categorized as birds of conservation concern, they are: UK BAP and Red Listed 3.31 Two linnets (Carduelis cannabina) were observed feeding in the scrub and sparse tall herbs surrounding SCCP during visit one. Amber Listed 3.32 A single curlew was flushed from the margins during visit one and up to 20 lapwings were observed feeding and loafing around the pond and across much of the shingle substrate during visit two Three lesser redpolls (Carduelis cabaret) and a dunnock were observed loafing in the surrounding scrub and sparse tall herbs during visit two. Target Species and Relevant Comments from the Kent Bird Report Curlew and lapwing winter in large numbers along the Medway Estuary, an area which hold some of the highest monthly counts in the county for both species through the winter months. Additional Areas Central, Northern and Western Areas 3.35 Twenty-two species were recorded across these grasslands and ponds. Passerines were the most abundant group accounting for 50% of the assemblage. Due to the presence of a number of ponds within the central areas, nine species (41%) are wildfowl and wading birds, the remaining two species are raptors Eight species; coot (Fulica atra), gadwall (Anas strepera), little grebe (Tachybaptus ruficollis), marsh harrier (Circus aeruginosus), mistle thrush (Turdus viscivorus), pochard (Aythya ferina), siskin (Carduelis spinus) and tufted duck (Aythya fuligula) were previously unrecorded April 2006

57 PAA Scottish Power PLC, Damhead Creek Power Station, Kingsnorth Wintering Bird Survey 2005/6 Birds of Conservation Concern 3.37 Twelve of the 22 species recorded are birds of conservation concern. Five species; marsh harrier, gadwall, mistle thrush, pochard and tufted duck were recorded from these areas only, during the assessment period (i.e. they were not recorded within the Mitigation Land). Red Listed and Schedule A single adult female marsh harrier was observed hunting low over the grassland to the north of the NEEA during visit two A female, or possibly juvenile, hen harrier was observed taking a similar route during visit one. Red Listed 3.40 A single skylark (Alauda arvensis) was heard calling and a large group of over 30 linnets were observed flying over and feeding upon the central grasslands during visit two Two starlings were observed feeding amongst a large group of lapwings during visit two. Amber Listed 3.42 A single female gadwall was observed during visit one and three female pochards were observed during visit two upon the ponds within the central grassland PFA matrix A single green woodpecker was observed flying and calling in an agitated manner, during visit one as the surveyors traveled across the central grasslands during visit one Up to 35 lapwings were loafing and feeding across a short rabbit-grazed patch of the central grasslands during visit two A group of three meadow pipits were flushed from an area of rough grassland, during visit two in the centre of the site, calling in flight before returning to the ground to feed A single mistle thrush was observed during both visits feeding upon the central grasslands during visit two A single snipe was flushed from vegetation fringing the most easterly pond of the central grasslands April 2006

58 PAA Scottish Power PLC, Damhead Creek Power Station, Kingsnorth Wintering Bird Survey 2005/6 Adjacent River Medway Estuary Exposed Tidal Mudflats and Saltmarsh 3.48 Twenty-two species were observed upon the exposed mud of the Medway Estuary which adjoins the eastern edge of the site, within which the four study areas lie With the exception of curlew, lapwing and teal, none of these species had been recorded elsewhere. Twenty one of the species recorded are birds of conservation concern. Schedule An adult and a juvenile spoonbill (Platalea leucorodia) were observed feeding and moving along the Medway throughout visit two. Red Listed 3.51 Black-tailed godwits (Limosa lapponica) were observed feeding in small groups during both visits. Amber Listed 3.52 Twenty of the 22 species observed are amber listed. Bird movement was constant throughout both visits and all species observed were primarily feeding but also loafing or moving up and downstream. Kent Bird Report The species and numbers recorded are typical of the habitats along the Medway Estuary, however the Kent Bird Report 2002 describes the following noteworthy species: 3.54 Spoonbill is an annual visitor in small but increasing numbers. Birds were recorded during every month of the year in the county, but specifically mentioned is a bird that over-wintered at Kingsnorth where it remained until March Bill Jones, the Environmental Initiatives Officer at Kingsnorth Power Station (adjacent to Damhead Creek Power Station) advised on 2 nd February 2006 that spoonbills had over-wintered on this stretch of the Medway for the last few years A single spotted redshank (Tringa erythropus) was observed feeding alongside a group of knots, the Report states that this species winters in small numbers in the county, with no more than one or two individuals recorded wintering on the Medway during April 2006

59 PAA Scottish Power PLC, Damhead Creek Power Station, Kingsnorth Wintering Bird Survey 2005/ This species is described as an increasing passage migrant and winter visitor to the county April 2006

60 PAA Scottish Power PLC, Damhead Creek Power Station, Kingsnorth Wintering Bird Survey 2005/6 4. SUMMARY OF EVALUATION / INTERPRETATION 4.1 Please refer to Table 7 for a full listing of birds of conservation concern and their locations during the study period. 4.2 Thirty-four species were recorded from within the ecological mitigation areas, of which 15 (44%) are classified as birds of conservation concern. 4.3 Forty-four species were recorded from the additional areas (outside of the Mitigation Land), which include 27 species previously unrecorded in the study areas, the majority of which are species of conservation concern. Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 Schedule Three species; hen harrier, marsh harrier and spoonbill are listed on Schedule 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act Hen harriers and marsh harriers are also red listed and the spoonbill is amber listed. Both the marsh harrier and the spoonbill were observed outside the ecological mitigation areas. Population Status of Birds in the UK 4.5 Fifteen of the 34 species recorded from the four ecological mitigation areas are classified as species of conservation concern. Five are red listed; hen harrier, linnet, reed bunting, song thrush and starling. Ten are amber listed; dunnock, green woodpecker, meadow pipit, snipe, teal, water rail, woodcock, curlew, lapwing and lesser redpoll. 4.6 One additional red listed species and 21 additional amber listed species were observed outside the four ecological mitigation areas, primarily on the exposed mud of the Medway Estuary (see Table 6). UK BAP 4.7 Linnet, reed bunting and song thrush are UK BAP priority species in addition to being red listed. 4.8 Additionally, skylark observed outside the study areas, in the central grasslands, is also a UK BAP priority species in addition to being red listed. Kent BAP 4.9 Black-headed gull (Larus ridibundus), herring gull (Larus argentatus) and lesser blackbacked gull (Larus fuscus) were observed feeding upon or flying along the Medway Estuary. All three species are listed in the Kent BAP although it appears that species action plans have not yet been drawn up April 2006

61 PAA Scottish Power PLC, Damhead Creek Power Station, Kingsnorth Wintering Bird Survey 2005/6 Target Species 4.10 Three of the four areas of ecological mitigation land held target species, they were; teal and snipe in the WCA, woodcock and water rail in the NWEA and lapwing and curlew around the SCCP April 2006

62 PAA Scottish Power PLC, Damhead Creek Power Station, Kingsnorth Wintering Bird Survey 2005/6 5. SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS 5.1 The wintering bird assessment indicates that the site as a whole, which includes the four study areas and the additional areas, supports a diverse assemblage of woodland and wetland birds, along with species normally associated with open habitats. 5.2 Just over half of the 34 species recorded from within the study areas are common and widespread and were recorded throughout the site. However, 47% are classified as birds of conservation concern. Given the current status of many birds in Britain (Gregory et al, 2002), this is not an uncommon situation for areas of semi-natural habitat. 5.3 The presence of six species that fall within the target group (waders) identified in Management Objective 3H (PAA 2004) is extremely encouraging. Especially encouraging are the records pertaining to the SCCP which is a young, developing habitat. Its position immediately adjacent to the Medway Estuary with a diverse assemblage of waders and wildfowl should result in greater usage by such species as the pond and its surrounding habitats mature. 5.4 However, the scrub that is situated between the SCCP and the Medway Estuary will potentially discourage target species (which use the estuary) from coming onto the SCCP. Wading birds prefer open spaces without trees and scrub; management of the scrub belt immediately to the east of the SCCP, such as thinning or even removal, may encourage waders and wildfowl to utilise the SCCP. 5.5 Due to the relative immaturity of the managed habitats on site, in particular the WCA and SCCP, current usage by target species is not necessarily indicative of their potential to provide suitable conditions for those species in the longer term. 5.6 The baseline data collected this year will provide a comparison for future monitoring surveys. Both breeding and wintering bird surveys will be repeated in 2007 under the Management Plan Review (BWP July 2004). 5.7 The maintenance of open water within the NWEA will encourage greater use by wildfowl and possibly waders. This should be balanced with the need to retain some denser areas of scrub and understorey growth for other bird species. 5.8 The open water areas within the reed beds of the NEEA also need to be maintained. These areas should be monitored to ensure that they do not decrease in size or depth due to the encroachment of reeds. 5.9 It is recommended that the WCA and SCCP should be subject to ongoing monitoring to assess the levels of bird use, particularly by wader species, as these habitats mature The presence of hen and marsh harriers flying over and around the site is noteworthy. However, harriers cover large areas looking for prey, and it is not possible to associate April 2006

63 PAA Scottish Power PLC, Damhead Creek Power Station, Kingsnorth Wintering Bird Survey 2005/6 the records with specific parts of the site. It can be concluded however that the site as a whole is an important part of the wider landscape within which both species of harrier spend the winter and marsh harrier the summer, too. As harriers were observed regularly throughout the wintering bird assessment and also during the breeding bird survey (PAA 2005), it is reasonable to assume that throughout the winter and to some degree the summer, the study areas may function as foraging habitat for these species April 2006

64 PAA Scottish Power PLC, Damhead Creek Power Station, Kingsnorth Wintering Bird Survey 2005/6 REFERENCES BWP, Damhead Creek Power Station, Kingsnorth. Mitigation and Exclusion Areas. Management Plan Review. Report prepared for Damhead Creek Ltd. Gilbert, G., Gibbons, D. W. and Evans, J., Bird Monitoring Methods. RSPB. Gregory, R. D., Wilkinson, N. I., Noble, D. G., Robinson, J. A., Brown, A. F., Hughes, J., Procter, D., Gibbons, D. W. and Galbraith, C. A., The Population Status of Birds in the UK- Birds of conservation concern: BirdLife International, BOU, BTO, CCW, English Nature, Environment & Heritage Service (Northern Ireland), GCT, HOT, JNCC, NT, RSPB, SNH, WWT, The Wildlife Trusts. Kent Biodiversity Action Plan Steering Group, Kent Biodiversity Action Plan. A Framework for the Future of Kent s Wildlife. Kent County Council, Maidstone. Kent Ornithological Society (KOS), Kent Bird Report, Jonathan Braggs (ed). PAA, Damhead Creek Power Station, Kingsnorth, Kent. Breeding Bird Survey PAA, Damhead Creek Power Station, Kingsnorth, Kent. Management Plan 1999 to 2003 Summary of Works Completed. Report Prepared for Damhead Creek Ltd. UK Biodiversity Steering Group, Biodiversity: The UK Action Plan. HMSO, London April 2006

65 TABLES

66 PAA Table 1. Birds Observed Within the North West Exclusion Area Common Name Scientific Name Visit 1 09/12/05 North Western Exclusion Area Behaviour Visit 2 02/02/06 Behaviour Conservation Status Blackbird Turdus merula 4 Alarm calling & feeding Alarm calling, aggression & 4 feeding Blue tit Parus caeruleus 1 Calling 3 Singing & alarming Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs 1 Calling Crow Corvus corone corone 15 Loafing/calling in treetops Dunnock Prunella modularis 3 Calling Amber Great spotted woodpecker Dendrocopus major 1 Calling 1 Calling & flying over Great tit Parus major 1 Singing Green woodpecker Picus viridis 3 Aggressive behaviour between birds Amber Jackdaw Corvus monedula 4 Calling/flying over Jay Garrulus glandarius 1 Alarm calling Little owl Athene noctua 2 Alarm calling - agitated at presence of surveyor Meadow pipit Anthus pratensis 2 Flying over Amber Moorhen Gallinula chloropus 1 Calling Pheasant Phasianus colchicus 1 Male flying in & alarm calling Robin Erithacus rubecula 1 Calling 2 Calling Rook Corvus frugilegus 15 Flying over & calling or loafing in treetops Song thrush Turdus philomelos 1 Feeding/alarmed when flew Red, UKBAP Starling Sturnus vulgaris 10 Flying over Red Water rail Rallus aquaticus Foraging in patch of cleared 1 reeds Amber Wood pigeon Columba palumbus 30+ Flying in/out and loafing in trees Woodcock Scolopax rusticola 1 Flushed - flew from the area Amber

67 PAA Table 2. Birds Observed Within the North East Exclusion Area Common Name Scientific Name Visit 1 09/12/05 North Eastern Exclusion Area Behaviour Visit 2 02/02/06 Blackbird Turdus merula 3 Feeding 1 Behaviour Blue tit Parus caeruleus 1 Feeding 1 Calling/feeding Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs 2 Feeding Conservation Status Dunnock Prunella modularis 1 Calling 1 Calling Amber Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis 1 Flying over Greenfinch Carduelis chloris 1 Calling Moorhen Gallinula chloropus 1 Juvenile flushed 1 Reed bunting Emberiza schoeniclus 2 Females feeding Red, UKBAP Robin Erithacus rubecula 2 Calling Song thrush Turdus philomelos 5+ Feeding in trees Red, UKBAP Wood pigeon Columba palumbus 9 Loafing/flying 40+ Loafing in trees Wren Troglodytes troglodytes 1 Calling 1 Alarming

68 PAA Table 3. Birds Observed Within the Wetland Creation Area Common Name Scientific Name Visit 1 09/12/05 Behaviour Wetland Creation Area Visit 2 02/02/06 Blackbird Turdus merula 2 Calling/alarming 2 Calling Blue tit Parus caeruleus 2 Feeding in scrub around pump house Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs 1 Calling Behaviour Conservation Status Dunnock Prunella modularis 2 Calling from scrubby bank 1 Calling from scrubby bank Amber Green woodpecker Picus viridis 1 Calling 1 Calling in flight Amber Hen harrier Circus cyaneus 1 Female/juvenile flying low across grassland Red, Sch 1 Meadow pipit Anthus pratensis 3 Flushed & flying in to area 2 Flushed & flying over Amber Mallard Anas platyrhynchos 2 Roosting/feeding 7 Roosting/feeding Moorhen Gallinula chloropus 1 Pied wagtail Motacilla alba 1 Feeding 2 Calling/flying over Robin Erithacus rubecula 2 Calling 1 Calling Song thrush Turdus philomelos 2 Red, UKBAP Snipe Gallinago gallinago 1 Flushed 1 Flying Amber Starling Sturnus vulgaris 40+ Flying Red Teal Anas crecca 11 Roosting/feeding 21 Roosting/feeding Amber Wood pigeon Columba palumbus 5 Flying/loafing Wren Troglodytes troglodytes 2 Calling/alarming

69 PAA Table 4. Birds Observed Within the South Coastal Corridor Pond Common Name Scientific Name Visit 1 09/12/05 Behaviour South Coastal Corridor Pond Visit 2 02/02/06 Blackbird Turdus merula 2 Feeding in scrub 2 Behaviour Conservation Status Curlew Numenius arquata 1 Feeding at pond edge Amber Dunnock Prunella modularis 1 Calling Amber Greenfinch Carduelis chloris 1 Feeding in scrub Lapwing Vanellus vanellus 20+ Feeding and loafing around pond Amber Lesser redpoll Carduelis cabaret 3 Feeding in scrub Amber Linnet Carduelis cannabina 2 Feeding in scrub Red, UKBAP Robin Erithacus rubecula 1

70 PAA Table 5. Birds Observed on Adjacent Grasslands and Ponds Common Name Scientific Name Visit 1 09/12/05 Behaviour Adjacent Grasslands and Ponds Visit 2 02/02/06 Behaviour Conservation Status Blue tit Parus caeruleus 2 Feeding around pump house Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs 1 Feeding Coot Fulica atra 2 Feeding/loafing Curlew Numenius arquata 1 Flying over Amber Gadwall Anas strepera 1 female Loafing Amber Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis 30 Feeding 15 Feeding in scrub Green woodpecker Picus viridis 1 Flying & calling Amber Greenfinch Carduelis chloris 5 Feeding Hen harrier Circus cyaneus 1 Hunting low immediately north of NEEA Red, Sch 1 Lapwing Vanellus vanellus 30+ Feeding Amber Linnet Carduelis cannabina 30+ Flying above and feeding upon the central grasslands Red, UKBAP Little grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis 1 Feeding Mallard Anas platyrhynchos 30+ Flushed from pond/ditch Marsh harrier Circus aeruginosus 1 Hunting low along eastern saltmarsh and along northern edge of site Red, Sch 1 Meadow pipit Anthus pratensis 3 Calling/flying over Amber Mistle thrush Turdus viscivorus 1 Flying over 1 Feeding on central grasslands Amber Pochard Aythya ferina 3 Females only with male tufted duck - flushed Amber Siskin Carduelis spinus 1 Feeding with other finches Skylark Alauda arvensis 1 Calling Red, UKBAP Snipe Gallinago gallinago 1 Flushed Amber Starling Sturnus vulgaris 2 Feeding Red Tufted duck Aythya fuligula 1 Flushed from pond/ditch

71 PAA Table 6. Birds Observed Upon the Medway Estuary (SPA/SSI) Common Name Scientific Name Visit 1 09/12/05 Medway Estuary (SPA/SSSI) Behaviour Visit 2 02/02/06 Behaviour Conservation Status Black-tailed godwit Limosa lapponica 3 Feeding 5 Feeding Red Black-headed gull Larus ridibundus 8 Flying over 4 Flying Amber Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo 7 Flying over/loafing 20 Flying over Amber Curlew Numenius arquata 20+ Feeding/loafing Amber Dunlin Calidris alpina 2 Feeding Amber Grey plover Pluvialis squatarola 2 Feeding Amber Herring gull Larus argentatus 10 Flying over 2 Amber Heron Ardea cinerea 1 Flying along margin Knot Calidris canutus 25 Feeding Amber Lapwing Vanellus vanellus 70+ Loafing/flying 50+ Feeding Amber Lesser black-backed gull Larus fuscus 5 Loafing/flying Amber Little egret Egretta garzetta 1 Feeding Amber Oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus 50+ Feeding/loafing 30+ Amber Pintail Anas acuta 10 Flying over Amber Redshank Tringa totanus 20+ Feeding, loafing & alarm calling when flushed 25 Feeding and alarm calling - short flights Ringed plover Charadrius hiaticula 1 Feeding 11 Feeding Amber Shelduck Tadorna tadorna 20 Loafing/flying 10 Feeding Amber Shoveler Anas clypeata 20+ Feeding/flying Amber Spoonbill Platalea leucorodia 2 Feeding/flying Amber, Sch 1 Spotted redshank Tringa erythropus 1 Amber Teal Anas crecca 100+ Feeding/loafing 150+ Feeding Amber Wigeon Anas penelope 40+ Feeding/loafing 100+ Feeding Amber Amber

72 PAA Table 7. Locations of Birds of Conservation Concern Observed Within Study Areas During the Assessment Period Common Name Scientific Name Sched 1 Red Listed Amber Listed UKBAP Target Species Dunnock Prunella modularis NWEA, NEEA, SCCP, WCA Curlew Numenius arquata SCCP SCCP Green woodpecker Picus viridis WCA, NWEA Hen harrier Circus cyaneus WCA WCA Lapwing Vanellus vanellus SCCP SCCP Lesser redpoll Carduelis cabaret SCCP Linnet Carduelis cannabina SCCP SCCP Meadow pipit Anthus pratensis WCA, NWEA Reed bunting Emberiza schoeniclus NEEA NEEA Snipe Gallinago gallinago WCA WCA Song thrush Turdus philomelos WCA, NEEA, WCA, NEEA, NWEA NWEA Starling Sturnus vulgaris WCA, NWEA Teal Anas crecca WCA WCA Water rail Rallus aquaticus NWEA NWEA Woodcock Scolopax rusticola NWEA NWEA Key NWEA = North West Exclusion Area NEEA = North East Exclusion Area WCA = Wetland Creation Area SCCP = South Coastal Corridor Pond

73 FIGURES

74

75

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77 Damhead Creek Phase II Proposed Development Bird Surveys, 2007 Prepared by Penny Anderson Associates Ltd Survey Dates: 20 th /21 st February, 26 th /27 th February (wintering birds), 28 th March (migrant birds), 4 th April, 1 st May, 5 th June (migrant birds combined with breeding birds). Surveyors: Paul Fisher, Chloe Pritchard. Introduction Bird surveys were carried out in order to ascertain both the species present on site and the site s function for these species throughout the year. The surveys comprised a wintering bird assessment, spring migrant bird survey and a breeding bird survey. Birds are of particular interest within the scope of this EcIA due to the Medway Estuary being adjacent to the site. The Estuary is designated as an SPA, Ramsar site and SSSI. For ease of reference, the entire survey area has been divided into eight areas and these are presented on Figure 1. In addition, the area of the estuary surveyed (area 4) has been subdivided into a further eight sections to enable bird species and distributions to be assessed systematically. These sub-divisions are presented on Figure 2. Wintering Birds Methodology Due to the slightly late access on site, wintering bird visits were conducted in late February only, with the intention of evaluating additional desk study information to confirm the sites use. Two two-day visits were conducted on 20 th and 21 st February 2007 (covering two low and one high tide) and 26 th and 27 th February 2007 (covering two high and one low tide). During each visit estuary counts were conducted at each tide with additional counts of the nearby wetland habitats, one high and one low tide each visit (a total of two high and two low tide counts). A summary of the tides surveyed for each survey area are presented in Table 1a. Constraints to Survey The amount of the creek within observable distance from the surveyors proved a constraint to the estuary surveys; please refer to Figures 1 and 2. Although the far bank of the creek in sections 6 and 7 were observable with a telescope, only the nearest edge of section 8 and the first 200m from the edge of section 5 were visible. It is believed that large numbers of birds use the expanse of mud and exposed islands in section 5 and beyond (Kingsnorth Ornithological Survey, 1994); these areas were inaccessible for survey. Results The results for the high tide and low tide winter bird surveys are presented in Tables 1b and 1c respectively. A total of 54 species were observed throughout the wintering bird survey, these included 21 on the estuary and 38 on the mainland wetland habitats. Species are discussed in turn below in terms of their protected or conservation status. Locations of different species (with an indication of small, medium or large aggregations of birds) within the survey area are presented on Figure 3 (waders) and Figure 4 (wildfowl and other species).

78 Wildlife and Countryside Act Schedule 1 Species Avocet, greenshank and marsh harrier were recorded during the wintering bird survey. Birds of Conservation Interest A total of four red listed (high conservation concern), 28 amber species (medium conservation concern) were recorded (Gregory et al. 2002). In addition, four UK BAP species and Kent BAP species were recorded - linnet, song thrush, reed bunting and skylark ( Discussion and Recommendations The first high tide surveyed had a very high tide of 6.2m above sea level, and this inundated the entire open mud habitat in addition to the majority of the marshy edges, leaving small islands in Section 5 in which birds could roost. This count revealed the highest number of birds. Totals included 300+ dunlin, 250+ golden plover, <20 grey plover, 245 lapwing, 185 redshank, 26 snipe, 89+ teal, 64+ wigeon and brent goose (75 and 63, respectively). The islands were however difficult to survey due to their distance from an easily accessible point on land and their tall tussocky sward which may have hidden some roosting birds. The remaining two high tides were 5.0m and 5.1m above sea level, respectively, and resulted in lower numbers of birds using the estuary sections indicating a higher function during very high tides, perhaps when more preferable roosting areas are not available. In addition, shelduck (1), ringed plover (2) and greenshank (2) were recorded in the second high tide count (26 th Feb). Noticeably lower numbers of birds were observed during the last high tide count (27 th Feb), this is believed to be due to the disturbance created by workmen on the water at the western (Kingsnorth) end of the estuary. Proportionally lower numbers of birds were observed using the site at low tide on each of the low tide surveys, with the exception of high numbers of predominantly roosting lapwing (600+ and 398), and redshank (72 and 84). Both teal and wigeon remained in reasonably high numbers during low tides. All other species were either absent or in very low numbers (<10 in most cases). One avocet was observed during the second (21 st Feb) low tide count. The open mud habitats of the estuary did not appear to offer good quality foraging habitat for waders and wildfowl, with the high numbers of birds observed during low tide being of roosting lapwing and redshank and not feeding species. The estuary appears to serve as a more important habitat for roosting birds during very high tides, and this may be when more favoured roosting sites are not available. The significant reduction in bird numbers recorded whilst the workmen were on the estuary suggests that the birds appear to have a low tolerance to human disturbance. With this in mind it would be preferable to discourage/minimise public access to the waterfront, as continuous disturbance puts additional stress on roosting and foraging birds, especially in periods of colder or harsh weather conditions. (It may also have a detrimental effect on breeding birds using the marshy edges of the estuary on the adjacent side to the site see later BBS results). There was minimal use of the mainland waterbodies by wildfowl, with teal being the only wildfowl species using the site in any numbers, and only curlew and redshank recorded on the mainland (Grassland 3 and PFA areas). The totals recorded indicated that the use of these areas was not effected by the tides.

79 Spring Passage Migrant Birds Methods Two spring passage migrant bird surveys were conducted, one on 28 th March 2007 and one combined with the first breeding bird visit on 4 th April The migrant bird survey consisted of an additional site walkover, to include all areas surveyed in the wintering bird survey (see Figure 1). The additional survey was timed to coincide with the main spring migration of waders (with most spring passage migrants arriving between end March and May). The second and third breeding bird visits may pick up any late arriving migrants. Results No passage migrants were recorded during the migrant bird surveys. These surveys did however record nine bird species using the estuary and two additional species on the mainland habitats, a woodcock (amber) was flushed from the NWEA and a male hen harrier (WCA Schedule 1, red listed) was observed flying over Grassland 3. The results are presented in Table 2a (March visit) and Table 2b (April visit). Incidental Records The remains of a bittern were found in the south east corner of the WCA during the migrant bird survey. No booming male bitterns were heard from the NEEA whilst carrying out additional species surveys as part of the breeding bird surveys (see further details below). Bittern is protected under Schedule 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act, is a red listed species (of high conservation concern) and a UKBAP species. Discussion and Recommendations Although no specific passage migrant species were recorded, it is possible that individuals seen during these early spring visits were those moving through from wintering grounds to breeding grounds. The reduced number of species and individuals present during these visits would reflect the movement of individuals which had returned to their breeding grounds. The record of bittern, albeit dead, was encouraging. It is however difficult to ascertain what use the bird was intending for the site. It is possible that it was looking for a breeding site. The likelihood of bittern attempting to breed in the NEEA whilst marsh harrier are present is unknown but might be considered unlikely, given the small size of the reedbed. Breeding Birds Methodology A breeding bird survey was conducted over the site as indicated on Figure 1. The sites surveyed included all mitigations areas, namely the wetland creation area (WCA), south coastal corridor pond (SCCP), north west exclusion area (NWEA), north east exclusion area (NEEA) and the estuary. In addition surveys were conducted on the application grasslands 1 and 2 (which would be lost under the DHC development proposals), the former PFA working area, the reservoir (Pond 9) and the large area of rough grassland to the north of the site (Grassland 3). The survey methodology is based on the breeding bird survey (BBS) methodology devised jointly by the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO), the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) and the Joint Nature Conservancy Council (JNCC), (Gilbert et al. 1998). This methodology requires three visits to be made between late March and early July, with each visit being over four weeks apart. The start and finish dates for a particular site will vary depending upon latitude and altitude. The first of these visits is required to scope

80 the site, record the habitats and set up a route and survey approach. This was completed as part of the earlier scoping exercise, which established the distribution of habitat types and identified their potential function for breeding birds, allowing an appropriate survey methodology to be applied. On each of the survey visits the following details were recorded: Bird numbers, species, age and sex; Habitats being used; and Bird behaviour, e.g. singing, feeding, roosting, loafing etc. In keeping with the methodology, surveys began early in the morning and attempted to avoid poor weather conditions, which reduce visibility and can suppress bird activity. The site was surveyed using a combination of transects and point observations. This involved following a predetermined route at a slow walking pace and longer periods of observations were made at strategic points. Sightings were registered on a base map using standard BTO codes. Determination of Breeding Status The breeding status of each species can be classified into three categories: confirmed breeder, probable breeder and possible breeder. The behaviour, sex, age and location of individual birds allow conclusions to be drawn about breeding status, based on categories devised by the European Ornithology Atlas Committee (EOAC), It is also possible that species are merely present in a habitat and are not actually breeding. Breeding evidence used in this report follows EOAC guidelines 1997, see Table 3. The three categories: Confirmed, probable and possible breeders are used to indicate the likely breeding status within the development site. Criteria Available to Evaluate the Site and its Breeding Bird Assemblage A number of criteria are available to determine the conservation status of those species recorded. These criteria aid in evaluating the function of the site for breeding birds, and comprise: Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (Sections 1-8), and amendments. In addition to the blanket protection given under the Act to all breeding birds, further permanent protection is conferred to birds listed on Schedule 1 of the Act (as amended). The complete Act should be should be consulted for the actual wording. Population Status of Birds in the UK (Gregory et al. 2002). Under this approach bird populations are assessed, using quantitative criteria, to determine the population status of each species, then placed upon one of three lists: red, amber and green. Red list species are of high conservation concern, having declined by 50% or more in population or breeding range in the last 25 years. Amber listed species are of medium conservation concern, having suffered between 25% and 49% reduction in breeding or non-breeding populations, breeding or wintering ranges, for example. Green list species have a favourable conservation status and are, therefore, not used as indicators of the site s function; Local, regional and national biodiversity targets. Having reviewed the data from the breeding bird survey it is felt that, of the available criteria, the most appropriate for evaluating the data are:

81 Population Status of Birds in the UK (Gregory et al. 2002); Local and National Biodiversity Action Plans (Kent Biodiversity Action Plan, UK Biodiversity Action Plan). The following weather conditions were recorded on each of the three survey visits: Visit 1: 4 th April clear blue sky, cool breeze. Visit 2: 1 st May overcast, cool. Visit 3: 5 th June overcast, warm. Constraints to survey Due to access problems, only sections of the survey area owned by Scottish Power were surveyed for the full three breeding bird visits. Remaining areas, namely PFA, Grassland 3 and the Reservoir area were surveyed on two of the survey visits only. This may affect the breeding categories assigned to individual species recorded in these areas. Results The results of the breeding bird surveys are presented for all areas included in the survey in Tables 4a to 4i (each Table showing one of the eight survey areas) and summarised in Table 4j. Wildlife and Countryside Act Schedule 1 Species The distribution of these species are shown in Figure 5. A total of four Schedule 1 species were recorded on the site during the breeding bird survey, these were, barn owl, Cetti s warbler, marsh harrier, and peregrine. Black redstart have been recorded breeding in the neighbouring power station in previous years, a dedicated survey for this species at Damhead Creek power station did not reveal this species presence. Birds of Conservation Interest A total of 6 red listed, 28 amber listed, 4 UKBAP species and 4 Kent BAP species were recorded on site during the breeding bird survey. These species are mapped on Figure 6. Table 5 Summary of Breeding Status for each Survey Areas (refer to Figure 1 for survey area locations) Total species Total Confirmed Total Probable Total Possible Grasslands 1 & 2 WCA NEEA NWEA SCCP PFA Grasssland 3 Estuary Reservoir For further details of Schedule 1 species breeding on site please see section below. Discussion and Recommendations The reed beds of the NEEA and NWEA would benefit from some scrub management to increase/retain the reed stands and in turn encourage higher numbers of species reliant on reed-dominated habitats, including reed bunting, reed warbler, water rail and Cetti s warbler.

82 The waterbodies of the WCA and former PFA workings supported small numbers of wetland birds, predominantly moorhen, coot and little grebe. In addition, wildfowl were observed roosting in these areas but did not appear to be breeding. The reservoir also supported small numbers of water birds. A pair of mute swan attempted to breed on this site but deserted their nest. The SCCP, as in 2005 surveys, supported small numbers of roosting wildfowl including teal and shelduck as well as black headed gulls. The majority of bird records for this area were of passerines using the scrub. The Damhead Creek section of the estuary was used mainly by feeding and roosting waders, with the majority of these species most likely to be breeding further out in the estuary. Access of the creek should therefore be kept to a minimum to allow birds to forage and roost without disturbance. Please see below discussions for Grasslands 1 to 3. Species Specific Evaluations A number of specific evaluations and surveys for particular species of conservation interest were undertaken at the same time as the breeding bird surveys. These are presented below. WCA Schedule 1 Species A total of eight Schedule 1 species were recorded on site during the bird surveys, these were avocet, barn owl, bittern (remains), Cetti s warbler, greenshank, hen harrier, marsh harrier and peregrine. A number of additional surveys were conducted in order to ascertain breeding status and use of the site for barn owl, black redstart and peregrine. In addition special attention was also paid to the marsh harriers once breeding behaviour was identified. Barn Owl Observations of the pump house (a known breeding site for barn owl on site) were conducted during breeding bird surveys. In addition, a walkover of the site was conducted in conjunction with the nightingale surveys. Barn owl were observed hunting over the site, but predominantly in close proximity to the breeding sites, confirmed by Scottish Power staff as the pump house and box located in the northern edge of the NWEA. See Figure 5 for further details. Black Redstart Two visits were undertaken at the Damhead Creek power station. The first visit included a scope of the site for potential breeding sites for black redstart (which are known to have bred at the neighbouring Kingsnorth power station in previous years). A walkover of the site was conducted both at dusk and dawn to listen for signing/calling black redstart. Although the power station structures held potential, albeit limited, for breeding black redstart, no sign of the species was found. Other species found breeding within the various power station structures included pied wagtail, collared dove and mistle thrush. Harriers Both marsh harrier and hen harrier have been observed using the site over the winter period in recent years, including 2006/07. The majority of the records were taken from the NEEA and Grassland 3.

83 In 2007 a pair of marsh harriers successfully raised four chicks (which were ringed by local bird ringer, Bill Jones) in the NEEA. Following monitoring during the breeding season it became apparent that the marsh harriers were reliant on both the reedbed and Grassland 3 (including part of Berry Wiggins Drain) as a combined foraging area whilst breeding. The NEEA reedbed provided the necessary cover for nesting, whilst Grassland 3 provided local foraging opportunities for provisioning young. Peregrine A pair of peregrines was recorded during the breeding bird survey flying over the WCA. This species is known to breed at Kingsnorth power station and is unlikely to have another territory at Damhead Creek, due to the close proximity. It is thought that the peregrines take the majority of their prey, in the form of waders and wildfowl, from the adjacent estuary. Other Species Specific Surveys Nightingale A dusk survey for nightingale was conducted as part of the second and third breeding bird survey visits, on 4 th April and 1 st May The surveys involved walkovers across the site in areas of potential habitat for nightingale, namely the NWEA and adjacent scrub along the disused railway. Nightingales were recorded singing in both locations. Discussion and Recommendations Marsh harriers are protected under Schedule 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981). This provides legal protection against disturbance of the birds whilst breeding, above and beyond the protection that all non-schedule 1 bird species receive. Marsh harriers are very prone to human disturbance with reports of females deserting the nest if humans come within 400m of the nest (Moyles and Bell, 2006). Therefore, for this species to return to the NEEA to breed in future years, disturbance should be kept to an absolute minimum. The continued management of the reedbed to limit scrub encroachment, at an appropriate time of year, would also be of benefit to the marsh harriers. Three species of raptor recorded on site are reliant on good numbers of rodents (among other prey) in order to raise young on site. The raptors comprise two pairs of barn owl, one pair of marsh harriers and kestrel. The loss of Grasslands 1 and 2 under the DHC Phase II proposals would lead to the loss of substantial foraging used by the barn owls nesting in the adjacent pump house and the kestrels which have bred at the power station. Any additional loss of rough grassland, such as that owned by Kingsnorth power station, would result in a reduction in the carrying capacity of the site for these raptors, which could in turn lead to unsuccessful breeding or loss of breeding pairs altogether. In light of this, it is strongly advised that appropriate compensation is incorporated into the development design to create suitable rough grassland habitat in close proximity to the site. In addition, the erection of further nest boxes for barn owl and kestrel may provide alternative nesting sites nearer to any new or improved foraging areas. References Gilbert, G., Gibbons, D.W. and Evans, J., Bird Monitoring Methods. Gregory, R.D., Wilkinson, N.I., Noble, D.G., Robinson, J.A., Brown, A.F., Hughes, J., Procter, D., Gibbons, D.W. and Galbraith, C.A., The population status of birds in the United Kingdom, Channel Islands and Isle of Man: an analysis of conservation concern British Birds 95:

84 < Highland Foundation for Wildlife Marsh Harrier/2006 Migration. The Nature Conservation Bureau Limited, Kingsnorth Ornithological Survey 1992/93.

85 Table 1c Winter Low Tide Summary for Wintering Bird Surveys 2007 Prepared by Penny Anderson Associates Ltd Estuary NEEA SCCP WCA PFA Grassland 3 Reservoir Species Latin Name Visit 1 Visit 2 Visit 1 Visit 2 Visit 1 Visit 2 Visit 1 Visit 2 Visit 1 Visit 2 Visit 1 Visit 2 Visit 1 Visit 2 20/02/ /02/ /02/ /02/ /02/ /02/ /02/ /02/ /02/ /02/ /02/ /02/ /02/ /02/ /02/ /02/ /02/2007 Avocet Sch1 Recurvirostra avosetta 1 Barn owl Tyto alba 1 Blackbird Turdus merula Black-headed gull Larus ridibundus Blue tit Panurus caeruleus 4 1 Brent goose Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs 2 Coot Fullica atra 1 1 Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo 1 1 Curlew Numenius arquata Dunlin Calidris alpina 3 Dunnock Prunella modularis Gadwall Anas strepera 2 Golden plover Pluvialis apricaria Goldfinch Cardeulis cardeulis Great black-backed gull Larus marinus 1 Great crested grebe Podiceps cristatus 1 Great spotted woodpecker Dendrocopos major 1 Great tit Parus major Green woodpecker Picus viridis 2 Greenfinch Cardeulis chloris 2 1 Greenshank Sch1 Tringa nebularia Grey plover Pluvialis squatarola 3 Herring gull Larus argentatus 5 3 Kestrel Falco tinnunculus Lapwing Vanellus vanellus Linnet* Cardeulis cannabina 5 Little egret Egretta garzetta 2 Little grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis 1 1 Long-tailed tit Aegithalos caudatus 2 Magpie Pica pica Mallard Anas platyrhynchos 2 2 Meadow pipit Anthus pratensis 12 5 Moorhen Gallinula chloropus Mute swan Cygnus olor 1 pair Oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus Pied wagtail Motacilla alba yarrellii 3 Pochard Aythya ferina 2 Redshank Tringa totanus Reed bunting* Emberize schoeniclus Ringed plover Charadrius hiaticula 2 13 Robin Erithacus rubecula 4 1 Rook Corvus frugilegus Shelduck Tadorna tadorna Shovelor Anas clypeata 4 9 Skylark* Alauda arvensis Snipe Gallinago gallinago Song thrush* Turdus philomelos 2 2 Teal Anas crecca Tufted duck Athya fuligula 4 Wigeon Anas penelope Wood pigeon Columba palumbus Woodcock Scolopax rusticola 1 Wren Troglodytes troglodytes KEY Orange Text = Amber list species (medium conservation concern) on RSPB Birds of Conservation Concern list Red text = Red list species (high conservation concern) on RSPB Birds of Conservation Concern list Bold + Sch 1 = Species protected under Schedule 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act * = UK + Kent BAP species - a priority on the UK and Kent Biodiversity Action Plans

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87 Table 2a Migrant Bird Survey Results, First Visit, 2007 Prepared by Penny Anderson Associates Ltd High Tide 28/03/07 Estuary Section Species Latin Name Nearside Farside Brent goose Branta bernicla 1 pair 7 Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo 1 (scaffold) Curlew Numenius arquata 1 1 Herring gull Larus argentatus 8 first winter birds Oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus 2 pairs 1 pair Redshank Tringa totanus 5 Shelduck Tadorna tadorna 2 pairs flying over Teal Anas crecca <-- 23 (pairs?) --> 3 pairs Wigeon Anas penelope < > KEY Orange text = Amber list species (medium conservation concern) on RSPB Birds of Conservation Concern list Page 1 of 3

88 Table 2b Migrant Bird Survey Results, First Visit, 2007 Prepared by Penny Anderson Associates Ltd High Tide 28/03/07 Main Site Species Latin Name NWEA NEEA SCCP WCA Ponds WCA Terrestrial PFA Ponds PFA Terrestrial Grassland 3 - Day 1 Grassland 3 - Day 2 Reservoir Blackbird Turdus merula 1 1 alarm calling Blue tit Parus caeruleus 2 singing +1 alarming 1 calling 1 female calling + 1 female alarming Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs 1 singing + 1 calling Coot Fullica atra 1 Curlew Numenius arquata 5 4 flushed from northern edge Dunnock Prunella modularis 1 calling 1 singing + 1 calling Great spotted woodpecker Dendrocopos major 1 calling Great tit Parus major 1 singing Greenfinch Cardeulis chloris 2 singing 1 calling Green woodpecker Picus viridis 1 flying Hen harrier Sch 1 Circus cyaneus 1 male flying Kestrel Falco tinnunculus 1 calling Linnet* Carduelis cannabina 2 calling in flight 1 pair flying Little grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis 1 Long-tailed tit Aegithalos caudatus 2 calling Magpie Pica pica pair Mallard Anas platyrhynchos 4 males + 1 female 5 males, 1 female 1 pair Meadow pipit Anthus pratensis 1 singing 1 singing 6 pairs Moorhen Gallinula chloropus calling Mute swan Cygnus olor Peregrine Sch 1 Falco peregrinus pair flew over towards Kingsnorth tower Pied wagtail Moracilla alba yarrellii 1 pair 1 pair Pochard Aytha ferina 1 female Redshank Tringa totanus 1 (P6) Reed bunting* Emberiza schoeniclus 1 male calling Robin Erithacus rubecula 2 singing + 2 alarm calling 1 singing Shelduck Tadorna tadorna 1 pair (roosting) Skylark* Alauda arvensis 4 singing c. 60 (1/2 paired?) singing/displaying Song thrush* Turdus philomelos 1 pair 1 pair Teal Anas crecca 6 males + 2 pairs 1 pair Wigeon Anas penelope 5 flushed Woodcock Scolopax rusticola 1 flushed Wood pigeon Columba palumbus 39 flushed Wren Troglodytes troglodytes 2 singing + 1 alarm 1 singing 1 singing 2 singing KEY Orange text = Amber list species (medium conservation concern) on RSPB Birds of Conservation Concern list Red text = Red list species (high consrvation concern) on RSPB Birds of Conservation Concern list Bold + Sch 1 = Species protected under Schedule 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act * = UK + Kent BAP species - a priority on the UK and Kent Biodiversity Action Plans Page 2 of 3

89 Table 3 Categories of Breeding Bird Evidence Class Possible Breeding Probable Breeding Category of Evidence Species observed in breeding season in possible nesting habitat Singing male(s) present or breeding calls heard in breeding season Pairs observed in suitable nesting habitat in breeding season Permanent territory presumed through registration of territorial behaviour (song etc.) on at least two different days, a week apart, at the same place. Display and courtship Visiting probable nest site Agitated behaviour or anxiety calls from adults Brood patch on adult examined in hand indicating probable incubating Building nest or excavating nest hole Confirmed Breeding Distraction display or injury feigning Used nest or egg shells found (occupied or laid within the survey period) Recently fledged young (nidicolous species) or downy young (nidifugous species) Adults entering or leaving nest site in circumstances indicating occupied nest or adult sitting on nest. Adults carrying food for young or faecal sacs Nest containing eggs Nest with young seen or heard

90 Table 4j Summary of all Breeding Bird Results 2007 Prepared by Penny Anderson Associates Ltd Species Latin Name Conservation status Grassland 1 & 2 WCA NEEA NWEA SCCP PFA Marsh Estuary Reservoir Black-headed gull Larus ridibundus Amber Nb Nb Nb Nb Nb Be Nb Barn owl Sch1 Tyto alba Amber, Sch 1 C C Be Blackbird Turdus merula Pr Pr C Pr Pr Pr Po Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla Pr Blue tit Parus caeruleus Po Brent goose Branta bernicla Amber Be Carrion crow Corvus corone corone Po Be Po Po Cetti's warbler Sch1 Cettia cetti Sch 1 Po Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs Pr Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita Po Chukar Alectoris chukar Po Common gull Larus canus Amber Be Coot Fulica atra Po Po Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo Amber Be Cuckoo Cuculus canorus Amber Pr Po Curlew Numenius arquata Amber Po Po Dunnock Prunella modularis Amber Pr Po Po Pr Po Po Garden warbler Sylvia borin Po Goldfinch Cardeulis cardeulis Po Po Po Great spotted woodpecker Dendrocopos major Po Great tit Parus major Po Pr Po Green woodpecker Picus viridis Amber Be Po Po Be Po Greenfinch Cardeulis chloris Po Pr Po Po Grey heron Ardea cinera Be Herring gull Larus argentatus Amber Be Be Jackdaw Corvus monedula Be Jay Garrulus glandarius Po Kestrel Falco tinnunculus Amber Be Be Lapwing Vanelluls vanellus Amber Po Linnet* Cardeulis cannabina Red, UKBAP Po Pr Po Po Pr Po Little egret Egretta garzetta Amber Be Be Little grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis C Po Magpie Pica pica Pr Po Po Po Po Po Mallard Anas platyrhynchos Po Pr Marsh harrier Sch 1 Circus aeruginosus Amber, Sch 1 C Be Meadow pipit Anthus pratensis Amber Po Po Po Pr Mistle thrush Turdus viscivorus Amber Po Po Moorhen Gallinula chloropus Po Po Po Po Mute swan Cygnus olor Amber C Nightingale Luscinia megarhynchos Amber Pr Oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus Amber Pr Peregrine Sch1 Falco peregrinus Sch 1 Be Pheasant Phasianus colchicus Po Pied wagtail Motacilla alba yarrellii Be Po Pr Po Po Pochard Aythya ferina Amber Pr Redshank Tringa totanus Amber Po Reed bunting* Emberiza schoeniclus Red, UKBAP, KBAP Po Pr Pr Po Pr Reed warbler Acrocephalus scirpaceus Po Pr Pr Po Robin Erithacus rubecula Po Po Pr Po Po Po Pr Sand martin Riparia riparia Amber Po Sedge warbler Acrocephalus schoenobaenus Po Shelduck Tadorna tadorna Amber Be Be Be Pr Skylark* Alauda arvensis Red, UKBAP, KBAP Po Pr Song thrush* Turdus philomelos Red, UKBAP, KBAP Po Po Po Po Starling Sturnus vulgaris Red Be Po Po Teal Anas crecca Amber Po Pr Po Treecreeper Certhia familiaris Po Tufted duck Aythya fuligula Po Po Turtle dove* Streptopelia turtur Red, UKBAP, KBAP Pr Water rail Rallus aquaticus Amber Po Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe Po Pr Whitethroat Sylvia communis Pr Pr Pr Pr Pr Po Po Po Wigeon Anas penelope Amber Pr Willow warbler Pylloscopus trochilus Amber Po Woodpigeon Columbba palambus Be Po Po Po Po Po Po Wren Troglodytes troglodytes Po Pr Pr Pr Po Pr Pr KEY Total Confirmed Total Probable Total Possible Area C = Confirmed breeder Pr = Probable breeder Po = Possible breeder nb = Non breeder be = Breeding elsewhere Orange Text = Amber list spceies (medium conservation conc Red Text = Red list spceies (high conservation concern) on RSPB Birds of conservation concern list Bold + Sch 1 = Species protected under Schedule 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act * = UK + Kent BAP species - a priority on the UK and Kent Biodiversity Action Plans

91 REPRODUCED FROM ORDNANCE SURVEY 1:1250 LANDLINE BY PERMISSION OF ORDNANCE SURVEY ON BEHALF OF HER MAJESTY'S STATIONARY OFFICE, CROWN COPYRIGHT. LICENCE NUMBER AL NWEA 7-Grassland 3 Legend Application site boundary Grasslands 1 & 2 Application Site WCA PFA Estuary area surveyed SCCP and Scrub Edge NEEA Grassland 3 NWEA 6-NEEA 4-Estuary area surveyed 4-Estuary not visible from shore 3-PFA British National Grid Projection: Transverse Mercator False Easting: False Northing: Central Meridian: Scale Factor: Latitude Of Origin: Meters ISO A3 5-SCCP and Scrub Edge 2-WCA 1-Grasslands 1 & 2 Application Site Penny Anderson Associates Ltd, Parklea, 60 Park Road, Buxton, Derbyshire, SK17 6SN. Telephone Project Name Discipline Title: EIA Damhead Creek Ecology Ecological Surveys 2007 Scale 1:7,500 JS Drawn By Originator PAA Ref. G:\SCP001-1_EIA_Damhead\Maps Drawing No. CP Date Figure 1 Revision July 2007 A

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93 REPRODUCED FROM ORDNANCE SURVEY 1:10,000 RASTER BY PERMISSION OF ORDNANCE SURVEY ON BEHALF OF HER MAJESTY'S STATIONARY OFFICE, CROWN COPYRIGHT. LICENCE NUMBER AL NWEA 7-Grassland NEEA Legend Application site boundary Estuary area surveyed 4-Estuary area surveyed 1 Section numbers 3-PFA 4-Estuary not visible from shore 2 5-SCCP and Scrub Edge 7 British National Grid Projection: Transverse Mercator False Easting: False Northing: Central Meridian: Scale Factor: Latitude Of Origin: ISO A3 Meters WCA 1-Grasslands 1 & 2 Application Site 1 6 Penny Anderson Associates Ltd, Parklea, 60 Park Road, Buxton, Derbyshire, SK17 6SN. Telephone Project Name EIA Damhead Creek Discipline Ecology Title: Estuary Sections Scale 1:5,000 Drawing No. Figure 2 JS CP Drawn By Originator PAA Ref. G:\SCP001-1_EIA_Damhead\Maps Date Revision July 2007 A

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95 REPRODUCED FROM ORDNANCE SURVEY 1:1250 LANDLINE BY PERMISSION OF ORDNANCE SURVEY ON BEHALF OF HER MAJESTY'S STATIONARY OFFICE, CROWN COPYRIGHT. LICENCE NUMBER AL Legend Application site boundary ponds Waders High tide M 3 High tide 4 8 L 5 Species Avocet Breeding Oyster Catcher Curlew Greenshank Redshank Ringed plover Woodcock M Snipe (M = Medium population) M Lapwing and Redshank (Medium) L Lapwing (L = Large population) Oyster Catcher and Curlew scattered in small numbers across estuary Area and tidal conditions: High tide Blue circles represent the roost area where birds occured at HIGH tide Yellow circles represent the roost area where birds occured at LOW tide High tide M 2 7 Bird sightings without a circle were all recorded at LOW tide British National Grid Projection: Transverse Mercator False Easting: False Northing: Central Meridian: Scale Factor: Latitude Of Origin: ISO A3 Meters High tide M 1 6 M Penny Anderson Associates Ltd, Parklea, 60 Park Road, Buxton, Derbyshire, SK17 6SN. Telephone Project Name Discipline EIA Damhead Creek Ecology Title: Winter Bird Survey Distribution of Waders Scale 1:5,500 Drawing No. Figure 3 JS CP Drawn By Originator PAA Ref. G:\SCP001-1_EIA_Damhead\Maps Date Revision Aug 2007 A

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97 REPRODUCED FROM ORDNANCE SURVEY 1:1250 LANDLINE BY PERMISSION OF ORDNANCE SURVEY ON BEHALF OF HER MAJESTY'S STATIONARY OFFICE, CROWN COPYRIGHT. LICENCE NUMBER AL Legend M Application site boundary ponds Wildfowl M L L 5 M M Species Cormorant Gadwall Mallard Pochard Shelduck Teal Tufted duck M Brent goose (M=Medium population) M Black Herring Gull (Medium) L Wigeon (L=Large population) Area and tidal conditions: High tide Blue circles represent the roost area where birds occured at HIGH tide Bird sightings without a circle were all recorded at LOW tide British National Grid Projection: Transverse Mercator False Easting: False Northing: Central Meridian: Scale Factor: Latitude Of Origin: Meters ISO A3 M 1 6 Penny Anderson Associates Ltd, Parklea, 60 Park Road, Buxton, Derbyshire, SK17 6SN. Telephone Project Name EIA Damhead Creek Discipline Ecology Title: Winter Bird Survey Wildfowl and Other Birds Scale 1:6,000 Drawing No. Figure 4 JS CP Drawn By Originator PAA Ref. G:\SCP001-1_EIA_Damhead\Maps Date Revision Aug 2007 A

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99 MR REPRODUCED FROM ORDNANCE SURVEY 1:1250 LANDLINE BY PERMISSION OF ORDNANCE SURVEY ON BEHALF OF HER MAJESTY'S STATIONARY OFFICE, CROWN COPYRIGHT. LICENCE NUMBER AL Please see Figure 5 for Schedule 1 Speices Birds BO! Legend CW! BO BO! MR HH 5! Application site boundary Hen Harrier (Red List) Avocet (Amber List) Barn Owl (Amber List) Marsh Harrier (Amber List) Peregrine (Amber List) Redwing (Amber List) Cettis Warbler Greenshank MR GK 4 Additional Information Hunting Flying Roost BO! 2 3 AV F 8 F Nest Feeding British National Grid Projection: Transverse Mercator False Easting: False Northing: Central Meridian: Scale Factor: Latitude Of Origin: ISO A3 Meters 7 PE RE Penny Anderson Associates Ltd, Parklea, 60 Park Road, Buxton, Derbyshire, SK17 6SN. Telephone Project Name EIA Damhead Creek Discipline Ecology Title: BO! BO! PE BO! BO! 1 6 Scale Distribution of Schdule 1 Birds Across the Site 1:5,250 Drawing No. Figure 5 Drawn By JS Originator CP PAA Ref. G:\SCP001-1_EIA_Damhead\Maps Date Revision Aug 2007 A

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101 REPRODUCED FROM ORDNANCE SURVEY 1:1250 LANDLINE BY PERMISSION OF ORDNANCE SURVEY ON BEHALF OF HER MAJESTY'S STATIONARY OFFICE, CROWN COPYRIGHT. LICENCE NUMBER AL ! K Legend Application site boundary N! CK TD ST N TE (! CK N M! TD WW! CK N S MP S S MP S S MP S S CK MP S BirdsConservationConcern KEY BG, Brent goose BH, Black-headed gull CA, Cormorant CK, Cuckoo CU, Curlew D, Dunnock G, Green woodpecker K, Krestrel L, Lapwing LE, Little egret LI, Linnet M, Mistle thrush MP, Meadow Pipit MS, Mute swan N, Nightingale O, Oyster catcher PO, Pochard RB, Reed bunting S, Sky lark MS (! PO! MP! LI!! SM K! SG! RB D RB ST MP SD, Shelduck SG, Starling SM, Sand martin ST, Song thrush TD, Turtle dove TE, Teal WA, Water rail WW, Willow warbler Breeding pair / singing Red list speices bird! SG MP! SD!! WA M RB!! S LI! MP O Amber list speices bird British National Grid Projection: Transverse Mercator False Easting: False Northing: Central Meridian: Scale Factor: Latitude Of Origin: Meters ISO A3! K! LI! G! LE!! MP! RB LE LI! LI!! LE S G!! RB! M! LI!!!!!! L SD BH O BH O! CU BG! L! CA Penny Anderson Associates Ltd, Parklea, 60 Park Road, Buxton, Derbyshire, SK17 6SN. Telephone Project Name Discipline Title: EIA Damhead Creek Ecology Distribution of Birds of Conservation Concern Recorded during BBS Scale 1:6,000 Drawing No. Figure 6 Drawn By JS Originator CP PAA Ref. G:\SCP001-1_EIA_Damhead\Maps Date Revision Aug 2007 A