Appendix 11.D Bat Survey Report 2013

Transcription

1 Appendix 11.D Bat Survey Report 2013 Amec Foster Wheeler Environment & Infrastructure UK Limited

2 Amec Foster Wheeler Environment & Infrastructure UK Limited

3 E.ON Climate and Renewables UK Developments Ltd Lorg Wind Farm Bat Survey (2013) Report Amec Foster Wheeler Environment & Infrastructure UK Limited

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5 3 Amec Foster Wheeler Environment & Infrastructure UK Limited Executive summary Purpose of this report This report has been produced for the purpose of providing E.ON Climate and Renewables UK Developments Ltd (E.ON) with details of the methods and results of bat surveys undertaken by Amec Foster Wheeler Environment and Infrastructure UK Ltd (Amec Foster Wheeler) at the proposed Lorg Wind Farm between April and October Specifically this report and the associated Appendices and Figures provide the details of the methods and results of static bat detector surveys at ground level and at height which were undertaken at two meteorological (met) mast locations within the site and three emergence surveys which were undertaken at Lorg Farmhouse. Very low levels of bat activity were recorded at the two met masts and no activity from species considered to be at high risk of collision with wind turbines were recorded at height. The habitats present at the site including upland grassland and bog habitats, together with steep-sided hill terrain do not represent optimum habitats for any of the bat species potentially present on the site although woodland edge habitats on the periphery of the site offer some sheltered foraging opportunities and the watercourses themselves provide commuting corridors. Lorg Farmhouse was confirmed to be a roost for a small number of soprano pipistrelle bats and is also used by common pipistrelle and Myotis species. The information contained within this report could be used to inform a detailed assessment of impacts on bats in the event of a wind farm development at Lorg.

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7 5 Amec Foster Wheeler Environment & Infrastructure UK Limited Contents 1. Introduction Survey Scope 7 2. Methods Survey Area Desk Study Met mast surveys Emergence Surveys Survey Limitations Results Desk Study Met Mast Surveys 15 Lorg East Met Mast 16 Lorg West Met Mast 16 General Observations Emergence Surveys Discussion Legislation Bats and Wind Farms 20 Overview 20 Assessing the Impacts of Wind Farms on Bats 21 Implications for Bats at the Site 22 Pipistrelle Species 22 Brown Long-Eared Bat 23 Myotis sspecies 23 Nyctalus Species Conclusions 27 Table 1.1 Summary of the Site Risk Analysis 8 Table 2.2 Met Mast Detector Locations 12 Table 3.1 Summary of Emergence Survey Results 17 Table 4.1 Bat Populations Likely to be Threatened Due to Impacts from Wind Turbines (from Natural England TIN051 Bats and Onshore Wind Turbines Interim Guidance, March 2014) 21 Table 4.2 Bat Populations Likely to be at Risk of Individual Casualties from Wind Turbines (from Natural England TIN051 Bats and Onshore Wind Turbines Interim Guidance, March 2014) 22 Table A.1 Bat Passes by Species Per Month Lorg East Met Mast 1 Table A.2 Bat Passes by Species Per Month Lorg West Met Mast 2 Table A.3 Bat Activity Indices at Lorg East 283 Passes in 43 Nights of Activity 3 Table A.4 Bat Activity Indices at Lorg West 20 Passes in 9 Nights of Activity 3 Table B.1 June 2013 Emergence Survey (Front) 1 Table B.2 June 2013 Emergence Survey (Rear) 2 Table B.3 July 2013 Emergence Survey (Front) 4 Table B.4 July 2013 Emergence Survey (Rear) 5 Table B.5 September 2013 Emergence Survey (Front) 6 Table B.6 September 2013 Emergence Survey (Rear) 7

8 6 Amec Foster Wheeler Environment & Infrastructure UK Limited Figure 2.1 Locations of Met Masts and Emergency Surveys After Page 14 Appendix A Appendix B Met mast bat activity data Emergence survey results (Lorg Farmhouse)

9 7 Amec Foster Wheeler Environment & Infrastructure UK Limited 1. Introduction E.ON Climate and Renewables UK Development Ltd (E.ON) is investigating the feasibility of developing a wind farm at Lorg, located to the south of New Cumnock and Afton Reservoir and north east of Knowehead in Dumfries and Galloway and East Ayrshire (central Grid Reference NS ). Bat surveys were undertaken at Lorg (the site) in 2012 by Fairbairn, Douse and Moore (FDM) Ecology 1 Limited on behalf of Natural Power in order to inform the baseline for the proposed wind farm development. Specifically the following surveys were undertaken in the 2012 survey season: Desk-based records search using the following resources: Dumfries and Galloway Environmental Resources Centre (DGERC), National Biodiversity Network (NBN) Gateway, Afton Wind Farm Environmental Statement (ES) and the Dumfries and Galloway and Ayrshire Local Biodiversity Action Plans (LBAP); Daytime walkover survey to identify the presence of potential bat roost habitat; Automated surveys using AnaBat detection equipment, at ten detector locations over five consecutive nights each in May, July and September; and No manual bat activity transect surveys were undertaken due to the health and safety implications of working in the steep and rocky terrain which typifies the site. Following the submission of a scoping request and baseline ecology report in a formal Scoping Opinion was received from Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) 3 which provided advice in respect of inter alia impacts on ecological receptors. Although no direct reference was made to bat survey work in the scoping opinion, SNH noted that they were content with surveys done to date. 1.1 Survey Scope Amec Foster Wheeler Environment & Infrastructure UK Ltd (Amec Foster Wheeler) was commissioned to undertake further survey work for bats, protected species (other than bats) and National Vegetation Classification (NVC) plant communities in the 2013 survey season. A Technical Note was submitted to SNH on 26 March in order to appraise the level of survey effort undertaken for bats prior to 2013 and to set out the proposed scope of 2013 survey work for bats. A desk-based assessment of the likely level of risk posed to local bat populations by the proposed development was undertaken and a summary of this is shown in Table Details are included in Afton 2, Baseline Ecology Report. EC&R. Natural Power. 10/12/ Amec Foster Wheeler (2012). Lorg Wind Farm Scoping Request. Submitted on behalf of EC&R in November 2012; Natural Power (2012). Afton 2. Baseline Ecology Report. Prepared on behalf of EC&R. 3 Letter received form John Gibson, SNH Operations Officer for Southern Scotland, dated 13 December Amec Foster Wheeler (2013). Lorg Wind Farm appraisal of bat survey effort in 2012 and proposed survey effort in Prepared on behalf of EC&R.

10 8 Amec Foster Wheeler Environment & Infrastructure UK Limited Table 1.1 Summary of the Site Risk Analysis Potential Risk Factor Potential Risk Factor Comment Geographical location Medium Site located in Dumfries and Galloway and East Ayrshire within the geographical range of nine bat species, of which three are high risk species: Noctule (Nyctalus noctula), Leisler s (N. leisleri) and Nathusius pipistrelle (Pipistrellus nathusii). Potential roost features Low The site is a remote upland area managed for sheep farming and surrounded by commercial forestry plantation. Lorg Farmhouse offers the only potential roost features within the site boundary; other roost features are considered to be scattered farm buildings, bridges and mature trees downstream along the Water of Ken (outwith the site) and at least 1km from the Site boundary (e.g. Nether Holm of Dalquhairn. Foraging habitat suitability Low Site dominated by open upland grassland and bog habitats with forestry edges at the periphery. Tributaries of the Water of Ken and sheltered upland glens may support some foraging. Commuting route suitability Low Open upland nature of the site means that commuting/migration is likely to be limited to river valleys (e.g. the Water of Ken, which bisects the site) with occasional flights over the hills into adjacent river catchments. Species likely to be present High risk populations 5 Noctule Leisler s Nathusius pipistrelle Species likely to be present Medium risk populations Species likely to be present low risk populations Brown long-eared (Plecotus auritus) Daubenton s (Myotis daubentonii) Natterer s bat (M. nattereri ) Common pipistrelle (P. pipistrellus) Soprano pipistrelle (P. pygmaeus) 9 Whiskered bat (M. mystacinus) Medium Not applicable Low Site located within range of three high risk species: noctule, Leisler s and Nathusius pipistrelle. Noctule is rare but occasionally encountered in Dumfries and Galloway/Ayrshire and apparently expanding in Scotland 6 ; Leisler s bats are also rare although it is considered to be the dominant species in south west Scotland 7 ; Nathusius pipistrelle is rare throughout its range but is widespread across the UK 8. Upland moorland and pasture habitat does not represent the optimal/preferred foraging habitat for any of these species. Site is not within known geographical range of any medium risk species. Common and soprano pipistrelle bats are likely to comprise the majority of bat activity at the site. Daubenton s bats may forage along watercourses. The available habitats are considered suboptimal or unsuitable for whiskered, Natterer s and brown longeared bats which are woodland specialists. Populations of these species are at low risk from wind turbines. On the basis of the coverage of bat surveys undertaken in 2012 and low levels of bat activity recorded across the study area, the site was assessed as requiring a level of survey effort suitable for a site with low risk to bats, and a method based on continuous monitoring of bat activity at ground level and at height was deemed appropriate for Based on Natural England (2012). Bats and Onshore Wind Turbines Interim Guidance. TIN E.g. and documents/anintroductiontothebatsof ScotlandEdition1Dec2006_002.pdf 7 E.g. Haddow, J. (2012). Looking for Leisler s in Scotland. Auritus Consulting 8 E.g. 9 According to distribution maps available from the Bat Conservation Trust e.g.

11 9 Amec Foster Wheeler Environment & Infrastructure UK Limited SNH responded to the consultation request on 29 March 2013 with the following: We are content that due to Health and Safety constraints manual transect surveys were not possible during 2012 and we agree with the justification that no surveys are planned for We are content with survey effort for automated surveys in 2012 and having now had approval for the two met masts we consider the proposed at-height surveys for the 2013 seasons appropriate. Generally we are in agreement that both10 sites be considered in the low risk category and overall, given the constraints faced, enough data will have been gathered to enable a representative analysis and presentation of bat activity at both sites. This report documents the methods used and the results of the 2013 bat surveys which were completed in accordance with a scope developed through professional judgement and with the approval of SNH, and using survey methods set out in the Bat Conservation Trust (BCT) guidelines 11 for a site of low risk to bat species. The information contained within this report can be used in combination with the previous bat report 1 to inform the detailed assessment of predicted impacts on these receptors that would be presented in any subsequent Environmental Statement (ES). This report could also be used as a consultation document in any subsequent communication with SNH and other key stakeholders. 10 The consultation request was submitted for two proposed E.ON wind farms sites, one of which was Lorg. 11 Hundt, L (2012). Bat Surveys Good Practice Guidelines, 2 nd edition. Bat Conservation Trust, London.

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13 11 Amec Foster Wheeler Environment & Infrastructure UK Limited 2. Methods 2.1 Survey Area The site is located at the northern end of a 10km long single track road from the B729. Lorg Farmhouse an unoccupied stone building - is situated in the centre of the site on flat pasture close to the Water of Ken which runs through the site from the north east to the south west. The site is divided into two areas by the steep-sided valley formed by the Water of Ken, with Lorg Farmhouse located on the relatively flat land found alongside the Lorg Burn. The site boundary is shown in Figure Desk Study A detailed desk study was undertaken in 2012 and the results of this study were reported previously 1. The DGERC was contacted in November 2013 for information relating to inter alia bats present within and up to 15km of the site boundary. In addition the Looking for Leisler s in Scotland map 12 and the Nathusius pipistrelle distribution map 13 were referred to and the Dumfries and Galloway and Ayrshire LBAPs were consulted for specific information in relation to bats 14. The NBN Gateway was also searched for records of bat species present within 15km of the site boundary Met mast surveys Two static bat detectors (SM2 - Song Meter detectors [Wildlife Acoustics]) were deployed during the installation of meteorological masts (met masts) in April 2013 as follows (see Figure 2.1): 12 Haddow, J. (2012). Looking for Leisler s in Scotland. Central Scotland Bat Group/Auritus Wildlife Consultancy. accessed January Accessed 07 November Accessed 07 November Due to data protection issues regarding the reproduction of NBN data, NBN records are not reproduced in this report but were used to give an indication of the species likely to be present on site only; accessed May 2015.

14 12 Amec Foster Wheeler Environment & Infrastructure UK Limited Table 2.2 Met Mast Detector Locations Met mast name Habitat description Photographs Eastern mast (Lorg East) NX Altitude: Approximately 445m above sea level. Situated on a broad flat area of bog and surrounded by rolling hills of Craigstewart, High Countam, Black Hill, Cairn Hill and Coranbae Hill. Western mast (Lorg West) NS Altitude: Approximately 520m above sea level. Situated close to the source of a minor tributary of Alwhat Burn within a broad bowl formed by Alwhat Hill, Alhang Hill, Ewe Hill and Brown Hill. Upland grassland and mire habitats dominate in an isolated and exposed location.

15 13 Amec Foster Wheeler Environment & Infrastructure UK Limited Each detector was set up with a high mic at a height of approximately 50m (along with a spare microphone in case of failure) and a low mic attached directly to the logger at a height of approximately 1.5m. The microphones (type SMX-US ultrasonic microphone) are weatherproof and omnidirectional, thus are able to detect bat activity in any direction or orientation relative to the microphone. Whilst the theoretical range of each microphone is up to 100m the exact range of detection is a function of the loudness of the call (which is also influenced by the species of bat) and any external noise (i.e. wind or rain) and is considered to be around 20-30m 16. Bat detector surveys using met masts therefore provide simultaneous data at height and at ground level. The detectors were powered by 10 Watt (W) solar panels used to charge 12 volts (V) 17.2 ampere-hour (Ah) batteries. The detectors were programmed to switch on 30 minutes before sunset and switch off 30 minutes after sunrise. They were set up to record sounds within the frequency range of the calls of bat species known to occur in Scotland. Data collection began on 24 April 2013 and the equipment was checked manually for troubleshooting and data collection purposes at intervals up to November Data from the SM2 detectors were saved onto Secure Digital High Capacity (SDHC) memory cards in WAC format. These files were then converted to WAV and ZC format using Kaleidoscope software (Wildlife Acoustics) with a noise filter set to reject non-bat calls. Bat calls were analysed using AnaLook software (Chris Corben) whereby individual call files were labelled according to the species and behaviour (e.g. feeding buzz or social call) where these were discernible from analysis of bat calls 17. The time and date of each bat call, along with which microphone (i.e. high or low mic) detected the call is recorded by the SM2. Bat call files were analysed by Amec Foster Wheeler Senior Consultant Ecologist Rachel Finan MCIEEM (Agent on SNH bat licence) and calls were checked by Amec Foster Wheeler Senior Consultant Ecologist Claire Hopkins MCIEEM (SNH bat licence holder). Manipulation of bat call data including meteorological data (provided by E.ON) was carried out in Microsoft Excel. All of the bat data obtained over the (continuous) recording period were included in the analyses. The bat activity index (BAI) is a measure of relative bat activity per unit time. In accordance with the BCT guidelines 11 the BAI was calculated at both met masts using two measures: i) the number of night periods when bat activity was actually recorded 18 and ii) the total number of nights when detectors were recording 19 which is 191 nights between 24 April and 31 October 2013 (taken to be the end of the period when bats could be expected to be active). 2.4 Emergence Surveys Following the identification of roosting bats at Lorg Farmhouse in 2012 by FDM Ecology, and in addition to the scope of surveys agreed with SNH (see Section 1.1) three emergence surveys were undertaken by Amec Foster Wheeler surveyors in summer and autumn 2013 at Lorg Farmhouse and its associated sideand outbuildings in order to identify the species of bat present and likely number of bats using the roost. As recommended in the BCT guidelines11, two of the emergence surveys were undertaken during the main survey period of May-August to assess the potential for a maternity roost to be present. The third survey was undertaken in late September to allow for the identification of a temporary roost. During each survey, two surveyors were stationed outside a different part of the building at a location where they could see at least two aspects of the main building, and used hand-held Duet bat detectors connected to Zoom/Edirol digital recorders or AnaBat detectors to record bat calls. 16 This is based on our own experimental set-ups of this equipment in the types of environment the detectors have been placed. 17 Species identification literature including Russ, J. (2012). British Bat Calls a guide to species identification, Exeter; and AnaBat call analysis course notes from Sandie Sowler (course attended by Claire Hopkins, 2012), were used to identify bat calls to species or genus level through interpretation of frequency, call shape and slope parameters. 18 Note that an active night may span two separate dates. 19 Note that this measure does not take into account adverse weather or other conditions which would preclude bats from emerging from roosts.

16 14 Amec Foster Wheeler Environment & Infrastructure UK Limited In accordance with standard best practice (the BCT guidelines 11 ) and taking into account the species likely to be present (i.e. pipistrelle and Myotis species, brown long-eared bat and Nyctalus species) the surveys commenced around 20 minutes before sunset and continued up to around 90 minutes after sunset or until the point at which it could not be determined whether emerging and returning bats were the same individuals i.e. when it got too dark. Emergence surveys were undertaken by Claire Hopkins, Rachel Finan and Amec Foster Wheeler Consultant Ecologist Jenny Sneddon with assistance from other Amec Foster Wheeler staff who were trained in bat emergence survey techniques. 2.5 Survey Limitations Interference from an unknown electrical source at the Lorg West met mast led to memory cards filling up with prohibitively large volumes of unwanted noise data and the decision was taken switch off the high microphone in July so that the western mast was only recording bat activity at ground level from July until the end of the survey period. Whilst the microphones at ground level (both met mast detectors) were changed when reduced sensitivity was detected, it was not possible to change the microphones at height. As such, it would normally be expected that some loss of sensitivity would occur over time, due to the effects of wind, rain and changes in temperature.

17 Key Site boundary Met mast Emergence survey location Lorg West met mast Lorg Farmhouse Lorg East met mast 0m 1000 m Scale A3 Client Lorg Wind Farm Bat Survey (2013) Report Figure 2.1 Locations of met masts and emergence surveys October Gla161a.dwg barkr

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19 15 Amec Foster Wheeler Environment & Infrastructure UK Limited 3. Results 3.1 Desk Study DGERC and NBN Gateway returned records of eight of the nine species known to be present within south west Scotland, in the vicinity of the site. These are: Soprano pipistrelle; Common pipistrelle; Daubenton s bat; Natterer s bat; Whiskered bat; Noctule; Leisler s bat; and Brown long-eared bat. A check of the Nathusius pipistrelle distribution list indicates that there are no known records of this species in the vicinity of the site, although its distribution within the UK is known to be patchy and this species is known to be present in south west Scotland. The Scottish Leisler s Bat Project reported on the findings of survey work undertaken by Central Scotland Bat Group/collaborators during Based on this research Leisler s bat appears to be more widespread in south west Scotland than previously thought 20, and may even be the dominant of the two Nyctalus species in this part of Scotland (the other being noctule) and this is reaffirmed by our own observations at other sites in south west Scotland. According to the map there are a number of confirmed records of both species in the vicinity of the site. Leisler s bats are thought to roost predominantly in trees in south west Scotland. The Dumfries and Galloway LBAP lists eight bat species (all of the species known to be present in Scotland, with the exception of Nathusius pipistrelle) as local priority species but does not give any more detail of their distribution or local abundance. The Ayrshire LBAP does not include bats as priority species however four species (whiskered bat, noctule, common pipistrelle and soprano pipistrelle) are defined as Key Ayrshire Species which do not have Species Action Plans (SAP). Pipistrelle bats were the subject of a SAP in the 2001 Ayrshire LBAP. Communications with Ayrshire Bat Group in identified Craigdullyeart Mine as a large hibernaculum. This is located to the east of New Cumnock (approximately 14km north of the site and in an adjacent river catchment) where all of the Myotis species (Natterer s, Daubenton s and whiskered bats) and brown longeared bats are known to hibernate in winter months. 3.2 Met Mast Surveys The two SM2 bat detectors which were installed on the met masts at the site were fully functioning throughout the period of monitoring, notwithstanding the fact that the high microphone was switched off at 20 Technological advances enabling bat species to be identified in flight from their calls, and greater coverage of an area have led to more accurate distribution maps to be produced. 21 received from Ayrshire Bat Group s Tom Hastings on 03 April 2013 during consultation for Enoch Hill Wind Farm on behalf of E.ON.

20 16 Amec Foster Wheeler Environment & Infrastructure UK Limited Lorg West met mast in July. At least four species of bat were identified from their calls at met masts between April and October 2013; the species/species groups identified were: Leisler s bat; Nyctalus species (sp.); Common pipistrelle; Soprano pipistrelle; Pipistrellus sp. (other than Nathusius pipistrelle); and Myotis sp. No confirmed noctule bat passes were recorded, however due to a degree of overlap between the call parameters of noctule and Leisler s bats it is not possible to rule out the presence of this species; ambiguous calls were noted as Nyctalus sp. and both species are discussed in Section below. Details of bat activity recorded at the met masts are shown in Appendix A. Further analysis of the bat calls recorded at the met masts has resulted in the following observations: Lorg East Met Mast A total of 283 bat passes were recorded between 24 April and 15 October 2013 in 43 nights of activity 22. Leisler s bat, Nyctalus sp., common pipistrelle, soprano pipistrelle, Pipistrellus sp. and Myotis sp. were all recorded at the Lorg East mast. Activity was dominated by soprano pipistrelle (53% of all passes) with pipistrelle species accounting for 83.4% of all activity. Leisler s bat (7.1%) and Nyctalus sp. (4.2%) accounted for the next most frequently recorded group; and Myotis sp. (4.6%) were the least frequently recorded. A single bat pass was recorded at height a soprano pipistrelle pass on 25 August 2013 at 02:11 - with no corresponding activity recorded at ground level which would indicate the bat to have been flying at a height outside the detection range of the ground level detector. Four passes all from common pipistrelle - were recorded within one hour of sunset on 06 and 21 August and two passes on 25 August. Given that bats have species-specific roost emergence behaviour, consistently early calls at sunset may often be taken to indicate the presence of a nearby roost. However the infrequent and isolated nature of these four passes; together with the absence of consistently late passes at sunrise and the scarcity of roosting opportunities are not considered to indicate the presence of a nearby roost, and instead imply early emergence behaviour. Small numbers of bat passes (less than ten in total across the survey period) included feeding buzzes (i.e. indicating that the bat was foraging) or social calls (indicating that there is more than one bat present). The majority of calls were therefore assumed to be passes (i.e. one-off passing of the detector) or foraging without evidence in the form of feeding buzzes. Bat activity indices of less than one pass per night were recorded for all species/groups except for soprano (3.5 passes per night) and common pipistrelle (1.9) when the 43 nights that bats were recorded are taken into account. Lorg West Met Mast No bat passes were recorded at height prior to the upper microphone being switched off in July A total of 20 bat passes (common pipistrelle (50% of all activity), soprano pipistrelle (45% of all activity) and Myotis sp. [5% all activity]) were recorded in only nine nights of activity between 08 August and 17 October 22 A total of 191 nights between 07 April and 31 October in which detectors were deployed and functioning. 31 October is taken to be the end of the period when bats are considered to be active in their annual cycle.

21 17 Amec Foster Wheeler Environment & Infrastructure UK Limited Of these passes, eight (soprano pipistrelle passes recorded on 08 and 09 August and 22 September and common pipistrelle recorded on 19 August, 03 September and 17 October) were within one hour of sunset although there was no corresponding activity within one hour of dawn. No Nyctalus sp. were recorded at the Lorg West mast. General Observations In our experience, when compared with other similar sites in south west Scotland, the total of 303 bat passes from two met masts in a six month period is very low. Of particular relevance to a wind farm development the number of bat passes at height (one soprano pipistrelle bat pass at the Lorg East met mast) is very low and is thought to represent an incidental random pass. The data appear to suggest the presence of small numbers of bats, which use the site for mainly passing through and opportunistic foraging between roosts and areas of higher foraging value; assumed to be elsewhere in the Water of Ken catchment. As such low numbers of high risk species were recorded, and none were recorded at height, no further analysis of bat activity in relation to weather conditions has been carried out. 3.3 Emergence Surveys Lorg Farmhouse is located at the base of a valley and is surrounded by steep-sided hills. The Water of Ken runs approximately 300m to the south east of the farmhouse and Lorg Burn and its tributaries pass within 200m of the buildings. There are two clumps of broadleaved trees at either end of the building, otherwise the surrounding hillsides are intensively grazed by sheep and cattle and devoid of roosting opportunities. Table 3.1 summarises the results of the emergence surveys; the full results are shown in Appendix B. Table 3.1 Summary of Emergence Survey Results Date Weather Conditions Notes Building Status as Roost 10 June Favourable (7-10 degrees, calm, clear) Roost emergence confirmed (soprano pipistrelle) Common and soprano pipistrelles observed foraging and chasing around the building, and using walled track to navigate away from building. Scattered droppings recorded inside outbuilding and butterfly wings also present. Bat roost confirmed (soprano pipistrelle) 1 bat seen to emerge. 30 July Favourable (8-13 degrees, calm-light breeze, clear) 25 September Favourable (10.5 degrees, light moderate wind, 100% cloud, no rain) Roost emergence confirmed (soprano pipistrelle) Roost emergence unconfirmed Roost location at western end of farmhouse confirmed under lead flashing at chimney base (1, possibly 2 bats) and several soprano pipistrelles (2-3) observed flying out of barn at eastern end. Overall high levels of foraging and chasing/social calling activity. Fast onset of darkness reduced likelihood of observing bats emerging. Soprano pipistrelle (including social calls and feeding buzzes), common pipistrelle and Myotis sp. were recorded in front of the house. Soprano and common pipistrelle and two Myotis passes were detected at the rear of the building. Not possible to confirm use of the buildings as a roost. 23 Although noise files were recorded on the Lorg West met mast prior to this date, 08 August was the first date that confirmed bat activity was recorded at this met mast.

22 18 Amec Foster Wheeler Environment & Infrastructure UK Limited The farmhouse was confirmed to contain a small roost of soprano pipistrelle bats during the 2013 surveys and common pipistrelle and Myotis species were also observed flying into and out of the buildings therefore it cannot be ruled out that small numbers of these species occasionally use the building for roosting too. The farm buildings and associated trees and walls provide excellent sheltered foraging habitat and several bats were observed at any one time foraging, chasing each other, social calling and using linear features such as the walls for commuting into and back from the wider area. Incidental observations made by surveyors after the June emergence survey suggests that bats resident at the farmhouse remain very local to the buildings and occasionally extend their foraging trips to the River Ken and wider surroundings.

23 19 Amec Foster Wheeler Environment & Infrastructure UK Limited 4. Discussion 4.1 Legislation All bat species in Scotland are afforded legal protection under the Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations 1994 (as amended 24 ). In reference to the above, it is an offence to deliberately or recklessly: Capture, injure or kill a wild bat; Harass a wild bat or group of wild bats; Disturb a wild bat in a roost (any structure or place which it uses for shelter or protection); Disturb a wild bat while it is rearing or otherwise caring for its young; Obstruct access to a bat roost or to otherwise deny the animal use of the roost; Disturb a wild bat in a manner that is, or in circumstances which are, likely to significantly affect the local distribution or abundance of the species to which it belongs; and Disturb a wild bat in a manner that is, or in circumstances which are, likely to impair its ability to survive, breed or reproduce, or rear or otherwise care for its young. Any feature used by bats (European Protected Species [EPS]) for shelter or protection is considered to be a roost and under the above legislation it is an offence to damage or destroy a breeding site or resting place of such an animal (note: this does not need to be deliberate or reckless to constitute an offence. The above legislation affords protection to bats during all stages of their lifecycle and does not distinguish between an unoccupied or occupied roost i.e.). As EPS, the maintenance of bat populations at favourable conservation status (FCS) is a legal requirement and impacts on the FCS of local bat populations should be assessed as part of any impact assessment. The 'UK Post-2010 Biodiversity Framework' (July 2012) 25 supersedes the UK Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) and forms a framework of priorities for UK-level work for the Convention on Biological Diversity covering the period from 2011 to The UK BAP partnership no longer exists but the lists of priority species and habitats agreed under UK BAP still form the basis of much biodiversity work in each country. In Scotland, the Scottish Biodiversity List (SBL) 26 is a list of animals, plants and habitats that Scottish Ministers consider to be of principal importance for biodiversity conservation in Scotland. It identifies the species and habitats which are the highest priority for biodiversity conservation in Scotland. Bat species which are listed in the SBL are: soprano pipistrelle, common pipistrelle 27, Nathusius pipistrelle, Daubenton s bat, Natterer s bat, whiskered bat, Brandt s bat, brown long-eared bat and noctule. 24 There have been several amendments to the Regulations which apply only to Scotland: 2004, 2007, 2008(a) and 2008(b) accessed January Scottish Biodiversity List accessed January Swift, S. M. (undated) Bat Species in Scotland. accessed January 2014.

24 20 Amec Foster Wheeler Environment & Infrastructure UK Limited 4.2 Bats and Wind Farms Overview Research-based evidence for the impacts of wind farm construction, operation and decommissioning on bats, their behaviour and populations has been growing since the first reports of bat mortality from wind turbines in the USA in Potential impacts during construction can be summarised as: Temporary disturbance to roosting bats from construction activities (noise, vibration and lighting); Temporary loss and degradation of foraging habitats or severance of local commuting routes via vegetation removal along cable/overhead line routes and in areas of construction compounds and crane pads; and Temporary disturbance to commuting and foraging bats from construction activities (noise, vibration and lighting). Bats and their roosts are protected under the above legislation and the impacts of construction activities on roosting behaviour are well-documented 28. Temporary impacts on foraging and commuting habitats resulting from construction of access roads and foundations have been cited as having the potential to cause temporary impacts on bats, e.g. as a result of vegetation clearance or pollution events, depending on the site and the species that are using the site. Potential impacts during decommissioning are assumed to be similar to those during construction. Potential impacts during the operation of wind farm developments can be summarised as: Permanent loss of foraging habitat within the footprint of a wind farm development including turbines and access roads, which results in a reduction in food resources for bats; Collisions with fast-moving turbine blades resulting in trauma injuries (bats are not known to be killed by direct collisions with stationary blades); Barotraumas 29 ; and Alteration to bats behaviour as a result of the presence of wind turbines. One of the main causes of impacts associated with wind farms and bats is direct mortality. It is not clear why bats may be attracted to wind turbines although some actively visit turbines to feed on insects that accumulate around the turbine towers and blades; and modifications to habitats have also been cited as a reason for bats being attracted to the turbines 30. There are very few deaths associated with particular wind speeds (e.g. most foraging occurs at wind speed of <4m/s); few bats are known to feed at >8m/s although noctules are more tolerant to higher wind speeds 31. The pattern of mortality is not fixed and seasonal variations in mortality with a peak in August and September have been documented elsewhere E.g. Stone, E. (2013). Bats and lighting. Overview of current evidence and mitigation Barotraumas are internal injuries sustained as a result of rapid changes in air pressure at turbine blades, as distinct from direct contact with the blades. Detailed in Baerwald, E.F., D Amours, G.H., Klug, B.J. and Barclay,R.M.J. (2008). Barotrauma is a significant cause of bat fatalities at wind turbines. Current Biology vol Reviewed in Tosh, D.G., Montgomery, W.I. & Reid, N. (2014). A review of the impacts of wind energy developments on biodiversity. Report prepared by the Natural Heritage Research Partnership (NHRP) between Quercus, Queen s University Belfast and the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) for the Research and Development Series No. 14/02 31 E.g. Dietz, C., von Helversen, O. and Nill, D. (2007). Bats of Britain, Europe and Northwest Africa. 32 Ahlen I., Baagoe H.J. & Bach L Behaviour of Scandinavian bats during migration and foraging. Journal of Mammalogy 90(6):

25 21 Amec Foster Wheeler Environment & Infrastructure UK Limited The highest mortality rates have been found within bat species which are adapted to catch insect prey in the open air (i.e. several metres away from trees and other obstacles). Such species are morphologically and physiologically adapted to straight and fast flight and are the species most often observed flying at turbine rotor height. The bat species found in Scotland which show higher mortality rates are noctule, Leisler s bat and Nathusius pipistrelle and their populations are categorised as being at high risk from the impacts of wind turbines in the BCT Guidelines. Although few systematic studies of the impacts of wind farms on bats have been completed in the UK, the findings of a recent UK-wide study 33 has indicated that noctules and pipistrelle species are indeed being killed by wind turbines although there isn t evidence to confirm if wind turbines pose a threat to UK bat populations. Assessing the Impacts of Wind Farms on Bats When assessing the likely impacts of a proposed wind farm development on individual bats and local bat populations, appropriate survey techniques need to be employed. In the case of the proposed Lorg Wind Farm development the health and safety implications of working in steep terrain at night was such that an alternative methodology was devised, whereby a desk study complemented by continuous monitoring of bat activity at two met masts (i.e. Lorg East and Lorg West) together with a series of emergence surveys at Lorg Farmhouse were employed in lieu of static bat detector and manual transect surveys recommended by the BCT guidelines. Surveys were designed to identify the likelihood of impacts listed above occurring and how this may affect individual bats as well as the favourable conservation status of local bat populations. According to survey guidelines, most effort should focus on bat populations which are most likely to be affected by direct mortality and may be most threatened by the development (see Table 4.1). Species highlighted in bold text were recorded or potentially recorded at the Site. Table 4.1 Bat Populations Likely to be Threatened Due to Impacts from Wind Turbines (from Natural England TIN051 Bats and Onshore Wind Turbines Interim Guidance, March 2014) 34 Low Medium High Long-eared bat Myotis species Soprano pipistrelle Common pipistrelle (No medium risk species are present in Scotland) Nathusius pipistrelle Noctule Leisler s In particular, recent evidence has indicated that records of dead bats in the UK are almost exclusively noctule and pipistrelle species 33. Based on the findings of European studies (e.g. Rydell et al ) the differences in the numbers and proportions of bat species which are killed at wind turbines reflects local/regional differences in the occurrence of high risk species. The risk of bats being killed by wind turbines varies between species as outlined in Table 4.2. Impacts to individuals of each species also need to be considered, as different species will exploit different landscape features at different times of the year. Efforts should be made to identify significant concentrations of bats, particularly those species identified as high risk, as indicated in Table 4.2. Species highlighted in bold text were recorded or potentially recorded at the Site. 33 Proceedings of the National Bat Conference, September Interim report on the National Bats and Wind Farms Project by Dr. Fiona Matthews. 34 Species/species groups shown in bold in Table 4.2 and 4.3 were recorded or potentially recorded at the site. 35 Rydell, J., Engstrom, H., Hedenstrom, A., Larsen, J.K., Pettersson, J. and Green, M. (2012). The effect of wind power on birds and bats a synthesis. Report 6511 for the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency.

26 22 Amec Foster Wheeler Environment & Infrastructure UK Limited Table 4.2 Bat Populations Likely to be at Risk of Individual Casualties from Wind Turbines (from Natural England TIN051 Bats and Onshore Wind Turbines Interim Guidance, March 2014) Low Medium High Myotis species Common pipistrelle Noctule Long-eared bat Soprano pipistrelle Leisler s Nathusius pipistrelle The following paragraphs identify whether there is a risk of direct mortality as a result of the operation of a wind farm development at the site. Implications for Bats at the Site A small summer bat roost for soprano pipistrelle was confirmed to be present at Lorg Farmhouse, which is also used by common pipistrelle and Myotis species (likely to be Daubenton s bat, which is best suited to the habitats available at the site). This building is considered to be the only feature within the site boundary with potential to support roosting bats; other suitable features are considered to be further down the Water of Ken catchment (outwith the site boundary). Whilst the BCT guidelines require a study area of 200m from proposed turbine locations for potential roost features, other sources 36 have recommended buffers of 2km from maternity roosts to turbines to reduce the potential for impacts on flying bats (in particular juveniles). As there is no evidence that Lorg Farmhouse supports maternity colony of bats, wind farm development would not be expected to have direct impacts on the roost and this is not discussed further in this report. Instead the risks to bats and bat populations are considered only in terms of potential to affect foraging and commuting behaviour. Pipistrelle Species Pipistrelle species (common and soprano bats only) dominated the activity on-site, based on the results of met mast surveys and emergence surveys at Lorg Farmhouse. No calls were attributed to Nathusius pipistrelle, which is rare although widespread across the UK. The risks to this species from further wind farm development at Lorg are considered negligible as the evidence suggests that this species does not use the site. Summer roosts of both soprano and common pipistrelles tend to be in crevices around the outside of newer buildings, the average roost consisting of 200 individuals 37. However roosts can also be found in trees and bat boxes where pipistrelles can also be found in autumn and over winter. Pipistrelles tend to emerge from their roost minutes after sunset and forage mainly on small insects such as midges. Soprano pipistrelles appear to have a closer affinity to riparian landscapes where they can be found feeding over wetland habitats. As discussed above there are no roosts within a minimum of 2km from the site. Common and soprano pipistrelles are known to travel 5km from the roost 38 and although they have broad habitat preferences they show preferences for riparian woodland and parkland and tend to avoid very open habitat such as moorland and grassland where linear features are comparatively rare 39. They often forage along regularly-used flightpaths (Swift, Undated). Both soprano and common pipistrelle were recorded at Lorg East and Lorg West met masts; foraging and social calling behaviour were also observed in some of the calls, although low numbers of bat passes and 36 Burrows, L. (2013). Noctule bats and wind turbines. Feature article in CIEEM In Practice. Pp BCT (2010). Species Information Sheets Soprano pipistrelle and Common pipistrelle. 38 Avery, M. I Pipistrelle. In: The Handbook of British Mammals (Ed. by G. B. Corbet & S. Harris), pp Oxford : Blackwell. Also Swift (Undated). Bat species in Scotland

27 23 Amec Foster Wheeler Environment & Infrastructure UK Limited irregular sightings imply the occasional presence of more than one bat using features across the site. A single soprano pipistrelle bat was recorded at height at the Lorg East mast and this record is considered to be an incidental random pass. Based on the known habitat preferences of these species it is considered likely that the river valleys (e.g. the Water of Ken and its tributaries) would provide the most productive insect prey resource and that activity will be concentrated in these areas, with forays onto the more open areas during suitable weather conditions. While soprano and common pipistrelle bats are two of the most common and widespread of all species of bat resident within Scotland, changes in agricultural practices throughout the UK have accelerated their decline over recent decades. Populations are being continuously monitored through surveys such the National Bat Monitoring Programme (NBMP) and through data collected in the field by professionals. Bats have also been included as one of the UK Biodiversity Indicators since The 2014 State of the UK s bats report 40 indicates that common pipistrelle populations are increasing, according to upward trends in field surveys, although soprano pipistrelle a priority species in the UK did not show any significant change in the years up to Soprano and common pipistrelle bats have been assessed as being at medium risk at the species level, but their individual populations are assessed as being low risk from wind turbines (see Tables 4.1 and 4.2). Very low levels of pipistrelle bat activity were recorded at the met mast locations within the site in comparison with our experience of other upland sites in Dumfries and Galloway and Ayrshire, with mean Bat Activity Indices 41 of fewer than six passes per night combined for the two pipistrelle species present (see Tables B.3 and B.4), which are considered to represent small numbers of bats passing multiple times during foraging. Based on our observations at other upland sites, pipistrelle bat activity is lowest at those locations which are most remote from the main river valleys. Brown Long-Eared Bat No brown long-eared activity was recorded at the site. The brown long-eared bat is widespread throughout most of Britain (except in northern Scotland and offshore Isles) (e.g. Dietz et al. 2009). This species of bat is often associated with open woodland which can include deciduous and coniferous habitats. They can be found foraging and commuting along hedgerows, treelines and sheltered valleys. During the summer, brown long-eared bats often roost in the roofs of buildings and can be found often in clusters around ridge ends or around chimneys. They are often found to hibernate in cooler places such as within crevices in caves. They are commonly found to occupy holes in trees, bat and bird boxes. Due to the fact that this species was not recorded at the site, and because the preferred foraging and roosting habitats of this species are absent from the site and vicinity, it is concluded that this species is not at risk from turbine development at the site. Myotis Species Myotis species activity recorded during surveys was identified only to genus level due to the large overlap in call frequencies within the genus Myotis which allows for a level of subjectivity in call identification (see Section 2.5). Although it was not possible to definitively categorise Myotis bat calls to species level, the habitats present on site (i.e. open upland grassland, pasture and bog, together with the Water of Ken) would suggest that most of these calls are likely to be from Daubenton s bat a species which specialises in foraging over water, and which will range over large distances in upland areas. Their presence at the met mast locations which are away from the main Water of Ken valley indicate that small numbers of these bats will exploit prey resources available in wetland and bog habitats found in the upper reaches of tributary burns, and it cannot 40 BCT (2014). State of the UK s bats Bat activity index a means of estimating the number of passes per unit time (e.g. one night/one hour) is calculated by dividing the number of passes by the unit time.

28 24 Amec Foster Wheeler Environment & Infrastructure UK Limited be ruled out that these individuals may cross watersheds into adjacent catchments by following these conduits. Other Myotis species present in Scotland Natterer s, whiskered and Brandt s bats - tend to be more closely associated with woodland habitats although they may also be recorded in upland areas (e.g. from studies in the Yorkshire Dales National Park pers. obs.). Myotis bats can travel long distances, flying at low altitudes, from their roosts to their foraging grounds, typically up to 6km from their roost. Myotis bats are fairly widespread throughout the UK and appear to be increasing over most of their range. Myotis bats typically exploit aquatic and wetland habitats with a dietary preference for small flies, caddis flies and mayflies. All species within the genus Myotis are afforded the same level of protection, but no Myotis species have been included on the UK BAP priority species list or the SBL. As they have been assessed as being at low risk both at a species and population level, it is considered unlikely that Myotis bats would be adversely affected by the proposed development. Nyctalus Species Even small increases in mortality rates can have significant impacts on populations of noctule and Leisler s bats, which have comparatively short average lifespans and low birth rates (e.g. Dietz et al. 2009). Noctule and Leisler s bats have been assessed as being at high risk at both the species and population levels (see Tables ). No Nyctalus sp. calls were recorded at height. Low numbers of Nyctalus species passes were recorded at the Lorg East met mast and no Nyctalus species passes were recorded at the Lorg West met mast (at the low mic), with confirmed Leisler s bat passes in line with the known distribution of these species across Scotland 42. Leisler s bats are considered to be scarce in Britain, with the UK population being estimated as 28,000 (Battersby, 2005) but they are regularly encountered in Dumfries and Galloway and Ayrshire where they are particularly closely associated with wooded glens (pers. Comm. David Dodds, 22/10/2013). Leisler s bats are assessed as being at high risk from wind turbines at both the individual and population levels. Their wing morphology makes them high, fast and efficient fliers, the compromise being that they are best suited to open habitats as they are not very manoeuvrable. They also forage over long distances 43 with several foraging areas visited in a night from a roost. This species has been noted to prefer foraging over pasture as well as woodland edge and riparian habitats, and even forages over coastal areas. These known preferences point to the identification of this species on the site as a result of it randomly passing through. No Leisler s bat passes were recorded at height at the met mast detectors. As a result of the very low number of Leisler s bat passes recorded, and their apparent absence from at-height data, it is assumed that this species does not roost in close proximity to the site, and that activity is sporadic and may be linked to movement of individuals between low-lying habitats and adjacent catchments or foraging areas over wetland habitats. The risk of wind farm development to these species is considered to be low. Noctule is a UK priority Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) species and is regarded as generally uncommon in the UK with an estimated population size of 50,000 (Battersby, 2005) 44, which has declined over recent decades 45. Noctules hunt over open woodland, unimproved grassland and lakes and rivers, where their prey is most common. They roost in holes in trees and show a strong preference for old woodpecker holes in beech trees on the edge of woods or in the open. As discussed above, there is a lack of roosting habitat at 42 and proceedings of the 2013 Scottish Bat Conference, Battleby, attended by Claire Hopkins. 43 Altringham, J. D. (2003). British Bats. New Naturalist Series, London. 44 Battersby, J. & Tracking Mammals Partnership (eds., 2005) UK Mammals: Species, Status and Population Trends. First Report by the Tracking Mammals Partnership. JNCC/Tracking Mammals Partnership, Peterborough. 45 A decline of 21% was reported by JNCC between 1998 and 2004: The State of the UK s Bats 2014 report (reference 21) reported no significant trend in noctule populations in the year to 2013.

29 25 Amec Foster Wheeler Environment & Infrastructure UK Limited the Site and other potential roosting opportunities are likely to be scattered along the Water of Ken valley, at least 1km from the Site boundary. Conversely the site is surrounded on all sides by open grassland and bog-covered hilltops ascending to over 640m in altitude, resulting in high levels of comparative exposure and low productivity in terms of preferred insect prey; the Water of Ken offering the only obvious commuting route from lower-lying areas. The foraging range of noctules is documented as being up to 26km from the roost site; flight is typically fast and not confined to narrow corridors created by rivers, tree lines or other features in the way that the other species (other than Leisler s) observed on the site are; and may be up to hundreds of metres high, which can make it susceptible to collision with wind turbines if these are placed along commuting routes or in feeding areas 46. This species is also tolerant of higher wind speeds than other species, as cited in Burrows (2013). In studies of noctule bat mortality 47 fatalities are noted to be highest in August and September which has been linked with long-distance migration in continental Europe, and with the mobilisation of female and juvenile bats from local populations. Bat activity from noctule was not confirmed at the site although ambiguity in call frequency parameters between noctule and Leisler s bat means that it cannot be ruled out that this species may be present. However, with a bat activity index for Nyctalus sp. of less than 0.5 passes per night (based on the number of bat activity nights) and if it were to be assumed that some of these passes were from noctule, this is considered to represent a very low number of passes, and it is considered very unlikely that populations of noctule would be at risk. 46 E.g. Burrows, L. (2013). Noctule bats and wind turbines. Feature article in CIEEM In Practice magazine, pp E.g. Lehnert, C., Kramer-Schadt, S., Schonborn, S., Lindecke, O., Niermann, I. and Voigt, C. (2014). Wind farm facilities in Germany kill noctule bats from near and far. PLOS One 9(8).

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31 27 Amec Foster Wheeler Environment & Infrastructure UK Limited 5. Conclusions Data retrieved from two bat detectors deployed at the site for six months in 2013 indicated the presence of at least four species of bat: common and soprano pipistrelle, Leisler s bat and Myotis species, with the potential presence of noctule also detected. As data collection was based on two points it is not possible to make observations about the likely origin (in terms of roosts) of the individuals that were detected; however it is considered likely, taking into account the habitat preferences and known behaviour of these species, that the Water of Ken and its tributaries will form the core of bat activity on site, with foraging also taking place at the edges along plantation forestry; and with commuting between catchments and sub-catchments also possible. The site occupies a remote area of open pasture and bog habitats deep in upland Galloway which extends in all directions around the site. Whilst much of the site is relatively unproductive upland bog and wetland habitats, the Water of Ken and, to a lesser extent, its tributaries, provide likely commuting routes connecting these areas with roosts assumed to be in lower-lying areas. As such, it is recommended that these features, which include Lorg Burn, Altry Burn and Pulmulloch Burn, are protected from wind turbine development with the imposition of a minimum 50m buffer between these features and turbine blade tips 48. The typical behaviour of Leisler s and noctule bats, makes these species susceptible to collisions with wind turbines, especially where these are sited within 2km of maternity roosts, however data searches and a review of mapping indicates that there are unlikely to be any suitable features within this radius of the proposed turbines, and none of these species were recorded during emergence surveys at Lorg Farmhouse. Very low numbers of passes were recorded from these species (assuming that noctule may be present) with none recorded at height and the interpretation of bat call data indicates that risks of wind farm development to these species are very low. The interpretation of bat call data indicates that there may be some risk to individual common and soprano pipistrelle bats, however because these species are common, widespread and at least stable in the locality/region there are not considered to be any risks to the local/regional populations of these species. The low volume of calls implies that only very small numbers of individual bats are likely to use the areas proposed for turbine development and this would not have a significant risk to the local populations. Risks to Myotis species (namely Daubenton s bat) are also considered to be very low by virtue of their low flight height and very low call volumes recorded. Due to the apparent absence of Nathusius pipistrelle and brown long-eared bat from the site these species are not considered to be at risk from wind turbine development at the site. 48 Based on TIN051 guidance.

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33 A1 Amec Foster Wheeler Environment & Infrastructure UK Limited Appendix A Met mast bat activity data Table A.1 Bat Passes by Species Per Month Lorg East Met Mast Species April May June July August September October Total % Leisler's Nyctalus sp Common pipistrelle Soprano pipistrelle Pipistrellus sp Myotis sp Unknown Total

34 A2 Amec Foster Wheeler Environment & Infrastructure UK Limited Table A.2 Bat Passes by Species Per Month Lorg West Met Mast Species August September October Total % Common pipistrelle Soprano pipistrelle Myotis sp Total %

35 A3 Amec Foster Wheeler Environment & Infrastructure UK Limited Table A.3 Bat Activity Indices at Lorg East 283 Passes in 43 Nights of Activity Species Total BAI (active nights) BAI (total nights) Leisler's Nyctalus sp Common pipistrelle Soprano pipistrelle Pipistrellus sp Myotis sp Unknown Total Table A.4 Bat Activity Indices at Lorg West 20 Passes in 9 Nights of Activity Species Total BAI (active nights) BAI (total nights) Common pipistrelle Soprano pipistrelle Myotis sp Total

36 A4 Amec Foster Wheeler Environment & Infrastructure UK Limited

37 B1 Amec Foster Wheeler Environment & Infrastructure UK Limited Appendix B Emergence Survey Results (Lorg Farmhouse) The following tables show the results of emergence surveys. Table B.1 June 2013 Emergence Survey (Front) Surveyor name Date Surveyor location Survey start Survey End Claire Hopkins 10/06/2013 Front of farmhouse Temperature Precipitation Cloud cover Wind speed/direction Time of sunset 11 degrees at start, 7 at end None <10% Calm Real time (BST) Species Bat Passes Behaviour Additional Notes Pipistrelle sp. 1 Pass Faint call recorded. Identification not possible. Heard near west end of farmhouse Soprano pipistrelle 1 Emergence Single bat emerged from roof near chimney Soprano pipistrelle 1 Foraging Around tree in garden Common pipistrelle Several Chasing and social calling Common pipistrelle Several Chasing and social calling 2 bats chasing around garden which continues for several seconds. 2+ bats chasing and social calling in garden with an occasional swoop around the end of the building Soprano pipistrelle 1 Pass 1 bat flies around building from west to east Common pipistrelle Several Foraging Foraging around garden and front of house Soprano pipistrelle Several Chasing 2 bats chasing in garden and flying past surveyor several times Common pipistrelle Several Pass Unseen. Several passes heard at south side of courtyard Common pipistrelle Soprano pipistrelle Many Foraging and social calling Continuous foraging by 2 pipistrelle species around garden. Social calls also heard until Common pipistrelle Several Foraging Foraging around garden Common pipistrelle Continuous Foraging Continuous foraging around yard and garden Soprano pipistrelle 2 Pass Single bat passes from west to east and returns Common pipistrelle 2 Pass Brief pause in activity then 2 common pipistrelle bats pass on south side of the building and courtyard. 49 From accessed February 2014

38 B2 Amec Foster Wheeler Environment & Infrastructure UK Limited Real time (BST) Species Bat Passes Behaviour Additional Notes Pipistrelle sp. 1 Foraging Feeding buzz heard Soprano pipistrelle 4 Foraging Single bat foraging a beat around the south side of building and flies off to south east along the walled driveway n/a / / Surveyor enters building and finds scattered droppings and butterfly wings possibly indicative of brown long-eared roost? Soprano pipistrelle 1 Foraging Foraging around south of building Pipistrelle sp. / / Surveyor enters building again. No brown long-eared bats recorded; pipistrelles recorded entering and leaving room via window/door. Summary of Emergence Confirmed emergence: 1 x soprano pipistrelle Unconfirmed emergence: 0 Table B.2 June 2013 Emergence Survey (Rear) Surveyor name Date Surveyor location Survey start Survey End Jenny Sneddon 10/06/2013 Rear/east of farmhouse Temperature Precipitation Cloud cover Wind speed/direction Time of sunset 11 degrees at start, 7 at end None <10% Calm Real time (BST) Species Bat Passes Behaviour Additional Notes Common pipistrelle 1 Flying into/out of building (no evidence for emergence/re-entry from roost) Common pipistrelle 1 Flying into/out of building (no evidence for emergence/re-entry from roost). Single bat observed flying in through small window at east end of building. A bat flew out of the window a few seconds later. Single bat flies into building through window and out again via roof Common pipistrelle 1 Flying into/out of building (no evidence for emergence/re-entry from roost) Common pipistrelle 1 Flying into/out of building (no evidence for emergence/re-entry from roost). Single bat observed flying in through small window at east end of building. A bat flew out of the window a few seconds later. Single bat observed flying in through small window at east end of building. A bat flew out of the window a few seconds later Common pipistrelle Several Foraging Bat feeding around birch and rowan trees Common pipistrelle 1 Foraging Feeding overhead Common pipistrelle Continuous Foraging 2 bats seen together foraging around building.

39 B3 Amec Foster Wheeler Environment & Infrastructure UK Limited Real time (BST) Species Bat Passes Behaviour Additional Notes Common pipistrelle 2 Pass 2 passes observed Common pipistrelle 1 Foraging Feeding overhead Soprano pipistrelle 1 Foraging Feeding overhead Soprano pipistrelle 2 Foraging 2 bats feeding overhead Common pipistrelle 1 Flying into/out of building (no evidence for emergence/re-entry from roost). Bat flies in through window and out 5 seconds later Common pipistrelle and Soprano pipistrelle 1 Flying into/out of building (no evidence for emergence/re-entry from roost). 2 nd bat flies out through window. Identification not confirmed Common pipistrelle 1 Flying into/out of building (no evidence for emergence/re-entry from roost). Single pass in and out of window Common pipistrelle Several Foraging Feeding overhead Soprano pipistrelle Several Foraging Feeding overhead Common pipistrelle Several Foraging Feeding overhead Common pipistrelle Several Foraging Feeding overhead Soprano pipistrelle Continuous Foraging 2 bats feeding constantly. Summary Confirmed emergence: 0

40 B4 Amec Foster Wheeler Environment & Infrastructure UK Limited Table B.3 July 2013 Emergence Survey (Front) Surveyor name Date Surveyor location Survey start Survey End Jenny Sneddon 30/07/2013 Front of building Temperature Precipitation Cloud cover Wind speed/direction Time of sunset 13 degrees at start, 8 at end None 30% Calm - light Real time (BST) Species Bat Passes Behaviour Additional Notes Soprano pipistrelle 2 Pass 2 bats seen flying around mature ash tree in scrub area at front of house until Soprano pipistrelle 1 Emergence Single bat observed flying out from under lead piping at chimney base at western end of house Soprano pipistrelle 1 Unconfirmed emergence Bat may have exited beneath chimney or flown round the side of the roof Soprano pipistrelle 1 Foraging Feeding in scrubby area to south of house Soprano pipistrelle 1 Pass Faint pass. Not seen Soprano pipistrelle Continuous Foraging Continuous feeding in scrubby area Soprano pipistrelle Continuous Foraging Continuous feeding in scrubby area Soprano pipistrelle Continuous Foraging Continuous feeding in scrubby area Soprano pipistrelle Several Foraging Feeding over courtyard Soprano pipistrelle Several Foraging Feeding in scrub area Soprano pipistrelle Several Foraging Feeding overhead Soprano pipistrelle 1 Pass Unseen Soprano pipistrelle Several Foraging Feeding over courtyard Soprano pipistrelle Several Foraging Feeding over courtyard Soprano pipistrelle Several Foraging Feeding in scrub area Soprano pipistrelle Continuous Foraging Feeding over courtyard Soprano pipistrelle 1 Pass Along track adjacent to Water of Ken. Summary Confirmed emergence: 1 x soprano pipistrelle Unconfirmed emergence: 1 x soprano pipistrelle

41 B5 Amec Foster Wheeler Environment & Infrastructure UK Limited Table B.4 July 2013 Emergence Survey (Rear) Surveyor name Date Surveyor location Survey start Survey End Ben King 30/07/2013 Rear of building Temperature Precipitation Cloud cover Wind speed/direction Time of sunset 13 degrees at start, 8 at end None 30% Calm - light Real time (BST) Species Bat Passes Behaviour Additional Notes Soprano pipistrelle Several Foraging and social calling. Single bat feeding around trees at side of barn. Feeding buzz and social calls also heard Soprano pipistrelle and common pipistrelle 2 Emergence (SP) and pass (CP). 2 bats observed. One emerged from barn. Multiple passes around trees. Common pipistrelle joined in but not seen to emerge Soprano pipistrelle Several Pass Flying around barn entrance for 10 seconds Soprano pipistrelle Several Emergence, foraging and social calling Soprano pipistrelle Several Emergence, foraging and social calling. 2 bats observed feeding around trees and emerging from barn. Social calls and feeding buzzes. As above Soprano pipistrelle Several Pass Infrequent passes Soprano pipistrelle 2-3 Pass Low intensity calls Soprano pipistrelle 2 Pass Not seen Soprano pipistrelle 1 Pass Not seen Soprano pipistrelle 2 Social calling and foraging. 2 passes heard. Number of bats unclear Soprano pipistrelle 1 Pass Chirping heard (faint). Not seen Soprano pipistrelle 1 Pass Not seen Soprano pipistrelle 2 Pass Not seen. Summary Confirmed emergence: 5 x soprano pipistrelle Unconfirmed emergence: 0

42 B6 Amec Foster Wheeler Environment & Infrastructure UK Limited Table B.5 September 2013 Emergence Survey (Front) Surveyor name Date Surveyor location Survey start Survey End Jenny Sneddon 25/09/2013 Front of house Temperature Precipitation Cloud cover Wind speed/direction Time of sunset 10.5 degrees at start and end None 100% Light-moderate Real time (BST) Species Bat Passes Behaviour Additional Notes Soprano pipistrelle 1 Pass Flew overhead. Unseen Soprano pipistrelle 1 Pass Flew from west to east at the front of the house Soprano pipistrelle 1 Foraging Single bat feeding in front of the house. Feeding buzzes heard Soprano pipistrelle 1 Foraging Single bat feeding in front of the house. Feeding buzzes heard Common pipistrelle 1 Pass Brief pass. Unseen Soprano pipistrelle 1 Pass Bat flew from east to west at the front of the house Soprano pipistrelle 1 Pass Brief pass. Unseen Unknown 1 Pass Brief pass. Unseen Soprano pipistrelle 1 Foraging Short, brief pass. Feeding at the front of the house. Feeding buzzes Myotis sp and common pipistrelle 1 Foraging Short, brief pass. Feeding at the front of the house. Feeding buzzes. Summary Confirmed emergence: 0 Unconfirmed emergence: 0

43 B7 Amec Foster Wheeler Environment & Infrastructure UK Limited Table B.6 September 2013 Emergence Survey (Rear) Surveyor name Date Surveyor location Survey start Survey End James Keating 25/09/2013 Rear of building Temperature Precipitation Cloud cover Wind speed/direction Time of sunset 10.5 degrees at start and end None 100% Light-moderate Real time (BST) Species Bat Passes Behaviour Additional Notes Soprano pipistrelle 1 Possible emergence. Flew to north west Soprano pipistrelle 1 Possible emergence. Flew from eastern side to the north west Common pipistrelle 1 Possible emergence. Emerged from narrow window and flew due north Soprano pipistrelle 1 Possible emergence. Flew from eastern side of building to the north Soprano pipistrelle 2 Possible emergence. Flew from eastern side of building to north west Soprano pipistrelle 2 Pass Flew from eastern side of building to north west Soprano pipistrelle 1 Pass Flew from eastern side of building to the north Soprano pipistrelle 1 Pass Flew from east to west Soprano pipistrelle 1 Pass Flew from eastern side of building due west Soprano pipistrelle 2 Pass Two passes 10 seconds apart from east to the west Soprano pipistrelle 1 Possible emergence. Appeared at top left corner of the house, flew north Myotis sp. 1 Possible emergence. Emerged from right hand side of house (western end) and flew north east Soprano pipistrelle and Myotis sp. Several Passes Not seen Soprano pipistrelle 1 Possible emergence Flew from top of roof to the north east Common pipistrelle 1 Social calling Flew from top of roof to the east Soprano pipistrelle 1 Pass Flew from eastern side to the north Common pipistrelle 1 Re-entry Flew from east into the house Soprano pipistrelle 1 Pass From western side to the east Unknown 1 Pass From western side of roof to the north. Summary Confirmed emergence: 0 Unconfirmed emergence:6 x soprano pipistrelle; 1 x common pipistrelle & 1 x Myotis sp.

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