Appendix 9.C Summer Vantage Point Survey Report

Transcription

1 Appendix 9.C Summer Vantage Point Survey Report Entec UK Limited

2 Entec UK Limited

3 Kelmarsh Windfarm Summer (Vantage Point) Bird Survey November 2008

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5 Client Job Name Report title File reference E.ON Renewables Ltd Kelmarsh Wind Farm Summer (Vantage Point) Bird Survey 3173_010_SummerVPrpt_sw_eon.doc Signed Name Position Date Originated Susan White Senior Ecologist 25/11/08 Reviewed Philippa Harvey Principal Ecologist 25/11/08 ISSUING OFFICE: Arden House Deepdale Business Park Ashford Road Bakewell Derbyshire DE45 1GT TEL: FAX: Members: Andrew Baker BSc MIEEM Peter Shepherd BSc PhD MIEEM James Gillespie BSc PGDip MIEEM Steve Betts BSc MSc MIEEM Web: Offices in: Bakewell, Oxford, Berwick-upon-Tweed & Monmouth Registered in: Cardiff No. OC Registered address: Arden House Deepdale Business Park Ashford Road Bakewell Derbyshire DE45 1GT

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7 Report Contents 1 Introduction Site Description Proposed Works Aims of Study Methodology Consultation Field Survey Vantage Point Count Survey Methodology Results Constraints Bird Activity Raptors Waders Wildfowl Farmland bird assemblage Gulls Evaluation of key issues Habitat features of value to birds Presence of target species Farmland bird assemblage Gulls Recommendations Appendix 1: Site and Habitat Map Appendix 2: Species List _010_SummerVPrpt_sw_eon.doc i

8 1 Introduction 1.1 Site Description The site is working farmland, located approximately 1.5km south-west of Kelmarsh village in Northamptonshire, centred at OS grid reference SP The A14 road is situated adjacent to the northern site boundary. The adjacent land is composed of further arable fields and improved pasture. A plan of the site, including the proposed turbine locations is included in Appendix 1. The survey area contains of a series of arable fields, many of which have been recently ploughed. The majority have neutral grassland field margins of varying widths with patches of tall ruderal vegetation. A number of permanent grassland fields are also present which are dominated by perennial rye-grass Lolium perenne with other occasional grasses. Field boundaries are frequently formed by species-poor hedges dominated by hawthorn Crataegus monogyna and with occasional trees. The hedgerows are variable throughout the site with some being more actively managed than others there fore providing diversity in height and structure. Tallyho Covert, an area of semi-natural and plantation broad-leaved woodland, is present within the site. The semi-natural woodland canopy has mixed age and structure but is generally continuous with species including ash Fraxinus excelsior, pedunculate oak Quercus robur and hawthorn. The plantation woodland in the southern section of Tallyho Covert is dominated by Lombardy poplar Populus var. italic. Tallyho Covert is a non-statutory designated County Wildlife Site. A stream with wooded banks dissects the site and there are a number of small ponds and wet ditches. 1.2 Proposed Works E.ON proposes to develop a windfarm of up to seven turbines. The proposed turbine locations are situated towards the north-eastern end of the site. At this stage, the precise layout of the turbines and associated infrastructure is not known. 1.3 Aims of Study Baker Shepherd Gillespie has been commissioned to undertake a survey of bird activity at the proposed wind farm site between September 2007 and September This report represents the data collected between April and September The objective of the study is to identify the range of species that use the habitats within and adjacent to the proposed wind farm in summer with particular reference to target species (raptors, waders and wildfowl) that are considered to be at greater risk from wind turbine developments. 2 Methodology 2.1 Consultation Prior to the start of survey consultations were undertaken with Natural England, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) and Northamptonshire Wildlife Trust for comments on the scope of survey proposed. In addition, the RSPB was asked to provide details of any key bird species which they advise should be given particular consideration. 2.2 Field Survey Survey visits were undertaken over the summer period between April and September 2008: a total of 15 survey visits. The principle survey method was vantage point counts from two positions on the site. Over the survey period the study area was assessed at different times of day including dawn and dusk periods and in different weather conditions. Surveys were 3173_010_SummerVPrpt_sw_eon.doc Page 1

9 undertaken by Principal Ecologist Carlos Abrahams MIEEM, Senior Ecologists Susan White AIEEM, Dr Kate Vincent AIEEM and David Stiles and Field Assistant Ruth Walker. The dates and timing of surveys is given in Table 1. Table 1: Survey times, conditions and personnel Date Weather Sunrise/set Survey Time Surveyor Start End Partial cloud, moderate NW breeze, 12 o C 0605/ SW/KV Cloudy/sunny spells, mod NW breeze, 8 o C 0602/ SW/KV Sunny, moderate NE breeze, 20 o C 0509/ SW Overcast, moderate E breeze, 17 o C 0507/ SW Overcast, light SW breeze, 17 o C 0449/ SW/CA Cloudy/sunny, light SW breeze, 17 o C 0439/ SW/KV Sunny, light NE breeze, 17 o C 0439/ SW/KV Overcast, light W breeze, 18oC 0450/ SW/CA Overcast, drizzle/showers, 12oC 0451/ SW/CA Overcast, showers, 16oC 0544/ SW Sunny, light E breeze, 17oC 0546/ SW/DS Overcast, showers, light NW breeze 16oC 0610/ KV Sunny, still, 15oC 0637/ RW Partial cloud, still, 14oC 0649/ RW Partial cloud, hazy, 17oC 0702/ RW 2.3 Vantage Point Count Survey Methodology Two vantage points (VP) were selected to provide views across the proposed windfarm site and surrounding survey area. The location of each vantage point is shown on Figure 1 in Appendix 1. The methodology followed the guidance set out in Survey methods for use in assessing the impacts of onshore windfarms on bird communities, Scottish Natural Heritage, A total of 72 hours of vantage point counts were made from the two vantage point locations between April and September 2008 (see Table 2, below). VP1, covering the eastern section of the survey area is located at Ordnance Survey grid reference SP and VP2 at SP The two vantage points provided a high degree of coverage of the rotor sweep area of the proposed wind farm with no overlapping of the survey area. The height of each proposed wind turbine is 90m to hub with a 40m rotor sweep. Mature woodland in Tallyho Covert and landform on site partially obscured some ground level observations, although this constraint is considered to be of limited significance Two vantage points were used instead of one, to give better ground coverage and also to assist in more accurately mapping bird movements through the proposed rotor sweep area. Each vantage point count was undertaken for a period of 1.5 to 3 hours with bird movements recorded on maps and recording forms. The following information was recorded: Species Number of individuals Time of observation Flight height Direction of flight Behaviour (flight, hunting, feeding, roosting etc.) Time in flight observed Estimation of time spent in rotor sweep area 3173_010_SummerVPrpt_sw_eon.doc Page 2

10 Records of non-target species, such as wood pigeon Columba palumbus were summarised in order to allow the surveyor to spend more time monitoring for target species (waders, wildfowl and raptors). Table 2: Vantage point survey hours Date Vantage Point 1 Vantage Point 2 Start Finish Time (hrs) Start Finish Time (hrs) Total hours 36 Total hours _010_SummerVPrpt_sw_eon.doc Page 3

11 3 Results 3.1 Constraints Tallyho covert and aspect partially obscured some ground level observations, although this constraint is considered to be of limited significance Two vantage points were used instead of one to give slightly better ground coverage and also to assist in more accurately mapping bird movements through the proposed rotor sweep area. Species such as barn owl Tyto alba and lapwing Vannellus vanellus are often active at night. Night time activity was not recorded during these surveys although several visits were carried out at dusk which is likely to reduce the significance of this constraint. Where possible incidental records of nocturnal birds encountered during bat surveys were recorded and mapped. 3.2 Bird Activity The survey area supports a wide range of bird species typical of mixed farmland habitats (arable fields, permanent grassland, hedgerows and small woodland blocks). A total of 29 species were recorded during the surveys (see Appendix 2), including five species of high conservation concern (red list) and seven species of medium conservation concern (amber list) 1, see Table 3. In addition, a female harrier was sighted and judged to be either hen harrier Circus cyaneus, which is a red list species or Montague s harrier Circus pygargus, an amber list species. Table 3: Bird species recorded of high and medium conservation concern Common name Latin name UK conservation status Barn Owl Tyto alba Amber Common gull Larus canus Amber Dunnock Prunella modularis Amber Harrier sp Circus sp. Red/Amber Kestrel Falco tinnunculus Amber Lapwing Vanellus vanellus Amber Lesser black-backed gull Larus fuscus Amber Linnet Carduelis cannabina Red Red Kite Milvus milvus Amber Skylark Alauda arvensis Red Song thrush Turdus philomelos Red Swallow Hirundo rustica Red Yellowhammer Emberiza citrinella Red The bird activity is discussed in more detail below with particular reference to target groups which are considered to be at higher risk from bird strike from wind turbines (raptors, waders and wildfowl). Features described in the text are identified on the site plan on Figure 1 in Appendix Raptors Six raptor species were recorded during the surveys: barn owl Tyto alba, buzzard Buteo buteo, kestrel Falco tinnunculus, red kite Milvus milvus, harrier species Circus sp. and sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus. 1 Gregory et al (2001) The population status of birds in the UK: Birds of conservation concern British Birds 95: _010_SummerVPrpt_sw_eon.doc Page 4

12 Barn owl Barn owl was recorded during one vantage point survey visit ( ) and again on one evening bat survey ( ). All were sightings of a single bird hunting and flying along hedgerows, field margins or woodland edge to the north of the site and broadly in line with turbines 2, 3, 4 and 5. The birds were observed in typical hunting/flight behaviour quartering the site at low heights ranging between 0-150m from proposed turbine locations. In total six flights were recorded within the survey area all of which were between 3 and 7.5m height and, as such, well below the rotor sweep area. Buzzard Buzzard was recorded on 12 of the survey visits. The majority of sightings were of birds in flight across the site and most often in the vicinity of Tally-ho Covert, although they were also observed perched in mature trees in hedgerows. In total 46 flights were recorded within the survey area, of these eight were recorded more than 250m from the nearest proposed turbine location, 21 between 51 and 250m and 18 between 0 and 50m from the nearest turbine location. Of the 18 flights which were within 50m of a proposed turbine 11 were at a height close to the rotor sweep area, see Table 4, below. Table 4: Buzzard observations within 50m of proposed turbine areas Date Nearest proposed Distance from Flight height Estimated time near turbine location turbine (m) rotor sweep area (s) * * * (soaring) Six further flights were observed close to the positions of the proposed turbines but at heights well below the rotor sweep area. Kestrel Kestrel was recorded on two survey visits, hunting or flying over the site. In total three flights were recorded within the survey area, one was 400m from proposed turbine location 3 ( ), one 200m from turbine 1 ( ) and the last 200m from turbine 3 ( ). All flight heights were in the range of 10 to 30m and, as such, were at heights well below the proposed rotor sweep area. Red kite Red kite was recorded on four survey visits. The birds were observed flying over the site, hunting and roosting in mature trees in hedgerows. In total four flights were recorded within the survey area, all of which were recorded within 200m from nearest proposed turbine location (turbines 2, 4, 5 and 6) and three were within 50m (turbines 4 and 5). All flight heights were in the range of 20 to 30m and as such below the rotor sweep area. See table 5, below. 3173_010_SummerVPrpt_sw_eon.doc Page 5

13 Table 5: Red kite observations in proximity to proposed turbine areas Date Nearest proposed Distance from Flight height Activity turbine location turbine (m) Hunting In flight In flight Perched Hunting Sparrowhawk There was a single observation of sparrowhawk during the survey period. The bird was recorded hunting following the line of hedgerows and the western edge of Tally-ho covert on 28 th August 2008, starting approximately 150m from proposed turbine location 4 and last seen 150m from turbine location 7. The bird flew at a height of 10m or less, and as such was well below the proposed rotor sweep area. Harrier A female harrier Circus sp., considered to be either hen or Montague s harrier, was observed on site on five occasions during the summer vantage point surveys. The bird was also recorded on site on two occasions during the breeding bird surveys 2, see Table 6 below. The records are mapped on Figure 1 in Appendix 1. All sightings were fleeting, at some distance or in poor weather conditions and a male bird was not seen. Due to the strong similarities of female hen and Montague s harriers an identification to species level was not possible. Table 6: Harrier observations Date Nearest proposed Distance from Flight height Activity turbine location turbine (m) * Flight (disturbed) * Flight (disturbed) In flight and In flight Perched ,5 and On ground/perched and Perched/flight * sightings recorded during breeding bird surveys. The majority of sightings of the harrier were to the east of the site and the bird was frequently observed in or disturbed from perches in mature trees. On the 13 th September 2008 the harrier was observed in association with a juvenile raptor. This sighting was at some distance (>500m) from the vantage point (VP1) and in poor light and as such a species identification of the juvenile bird was not possible. The juvenile bird was repeatedly calling from a perch in a mature tree and the harrier was seen to fly up to the juvenile and then away to a perch in an adjacent tree. This behaviour was repeated a number of times Waders Lapwing One wader species, lapwing Vanellus vanellus, was record in the survey period. A flock of 15 lapwing were recorded flying over the site on the 13 th August The birds were flying at 20m height approximately 750m south of proposed turbine location 1. 2 Breeding Bird Survey Report, BSG, July 2008, _005_BBS_sw_eon 3173_010_SummerVPrpt_sw_eon.doc Page 6

14 3.2.3 Wildfowl Two wildfowl species, mallard Anas platyrhynchos and Canada goose Branta canadensis were recorded in the survey period. Mallard Mallard was recorded on two survey visits, on both occasions the birds were seen flying over the site. A single (male) bird was recorded on the 28 th May 2008 approximately 75m west of proposed turbine location 4 at a height of 20m. On 28 th August 2008 three birds were recorded flying approximately 350m south-west of turbine locations 1 and 2 at a height of 70m. Canada goose Canada goose was recorded on, or in the vicinity of the site. The species was observed on 8 th July 2008 when two flights of seven then 15 birds were observed over the site. The first flock of seven birds was approximately 500m from proposed turbine 1, at approximately 100m height. The latter flock of 15 birds was flying approximately 25m from turbine 1 at 20m height Farmland bird assemblage Five birds species of conservation concern and commonly associated with arable and mixed farming habitats were recorded during the survey; dunnock Prunella modularis, linnet Carduelis cannabina, skylark Alauda arvensis, song thrush Turdus philomelos, swallow Hirundo rustica and yellowhammer Emberiza citrinella. Dunnock A single dunnock was observed flying along the hedgerow between proposed turbine locations 4 and 5 on 17 th April The bird was at least 50m from either turbine and was at 1 to 2m height for the duration of the flight. Linnet Linnet was recorded on three survey visits when flocks of birds were observed in flight over fields. On 14 th and 28 th August 2008, small flocks of 2-3 birds were observed flying at heights of less than 5m and at least 150m from any of the proposed turbine locations. On 27 th September a restless flock of 40 linnet was observed continuously over a period of one hour, flying low over fields and hedges between proposed turbine locations 4, 5 and 7. Skylark Skylark were regularly recorded on the site. The species was observed in display flights over fields in all areas of the site. In total 40 flights were recorded within the survey area at heights ranging from ground level to 60m. Display flights are typical of this species and start at ground level with calling birds gradually gaining height, maintaining maximum height for period of time before returning to the ground. Twenty display flights were recorded within 50m of a proposed turbine location (turbines 2, 3, 4 and 5), of which eight were within 25m of a proposed turbine location (also turbines 2, 3, 4 and 5). All flights in proximity of a proposed turbine location were recorded during the breeding season between mid-april and mid-june. Flights within 50m of the proposed turbine locations are detailed in Table 7, below. 3173_010_SummerVPrpt_sw_eon.doc Page 7

15 Table 7: Skylark display flights in proximity to turbine locations. Date Nearest turbine Distance from turbine (m) Peak height (m) Time at peak height (s) Song thrush Song thrush was recorded on site on four survey visits, three of which were of birds singing from mature trees on the edge of Tally-ho Covert. The species was observed in flight on one occasion on 13 th June 2008, flying along the line of a hedgerow at 10 to 20m height and approximately 500m from the nearest proposed turbine location. Swallow Swallow was recorded on ten of the survey visits and in every month from April to September. All sightings were of birds in flight and foraging over the site. In total 31 flights were recorded within the survey area, of these 12 were recorded between 50m and 250m from the nearest proposed turbine location and 19 were within 50m. All flight heights were in the range of 1.5 to 40m. Of the 19 flights which were within 50m of a proposed turbine two were at a height close to the rotor sweep area. On the 8 th July 2008, two birds were observed flying 25m from proposed turbine 3 at a height of 40m spending four seconds in proximity of the rotor sweep area. On 14 th August 2008 four birds were hunting 25m from turbine 4 at a height of 40m, spending eight seconds in the rotor sweep area. All other flights observed close to the positions of the proposed turbines were at heights well below the proposed rotor sweep area. Yellowhammer Yellowhammer was recorded on eight of the survey visits. All sightings were of birds moving along hedgerows on the site. Seven flights were recorded within 50m of a proposed turbine location, all were at heights of 5m or less, as birds moved between perches on the hedge and as such were not in the proximity of the rotor sweep area. 3173_010_SummerVPrpt_sw_eon.doc Page 8

16 3.2.5 Gulls Two gull species were recorded during the surveys; common gull Larus canus and lesser blackbacked gull Larus fuscus. Gulls were recorded both flying over the site and were not seen to land within the boundary of the survey area. Common gull Three common gull flights over the site were recorded on 20 th September 2008, the birds did not land within the site boundary. Two birds were observed flying at 30m height approximately 15m from proposed turbine location 4, the birds were in proximity of the rotor sweep area for 10 seconds. A single bird was seen to fly at 20m height and 25m from turbine 4, spending 5 seconds in the rotor sweep area. Finally, a single common gull was observed flying at a height of 60m and 50m from turbine1, spending 5 seconds in the rotor sweep area. Lesser black-backed gull A single lesser black-backed gull was recorded flying over the site on the 14 th August The bird was approximately 750m from proposed turbine location 1 at a height of 20m. 3173_010_SummerVPrpt_sw_eon.doc Page 9

17 4 Evaluation of key issues 4.1 Habitat features of value to birds The distribution of species within the study area is largely related to locations of the different habitat types. The arable fields and permanent pasture are regularly used by species such as kestrel, skylark, and swallow. The field margins and game cover crops sown in field margins are also used by species such as linnet and hunting barn owl. The hedgerows provide habitats for species such as yellowhammer and dunnock as well as a range of more common species such as chaffinch Fringilla coelebs and blackbird Turdus merula. Sparrowhawk were recorded hunting along the hedgerows. Mature trees in hedgerows, alongside ditches and in Tallyho Covert provide song perches and breeding territory for song thrush and are important perches for a number of raptor species. Buzzard, red kite and harrier sp. were seen perched in mature trees within hedgerows and alongside the stream with bisects the site. 4.2 Presence of target species Raptors Barn owl, kestrel and sparrowhawk were observed flying over the site and hunting along hedgerows, the woodland edge and field margins. Kestrel was recorded at heights up to 30m while barn owl and sparrowhawk at 7.5m or less. These species are not considered to be at particular risk as a result of the presence of wind turbines, provided the turbines are location at sufficient distance from the habitats described. Buzzard were commonly encountered, either roosting in mature trees or flying over the site at heights ranging from m. The range of habitats in the study area provide good foraging and nesting opportunities suggesting it is likely that this species may breed locally. The flight heights and proximity of buzzard to the proposed turbine location suggest that individual birds may be a some risk from strike by rotor blades, however buzzard are considered to be common in lowland England and it is considered unlikely that individual mortalities would impact significantly on the local population of the species. Red kite were observed on four occasions, either perched in mature trees or flying over the site. Only single birds were seen and there was no evidence of breeding on the site. It is likely that the site is used a part of a wider territory for foraging by red kites on an occasional basis. The site in general supports limited nesting opportunities for red kites, given the small amount of woodland present in Tally-ho Covert or alongside the stream. Red kite have been released in the Rockingham Forest area of Northamptonshire (approximately 20km north-east of the site) as part of a project to restore viable, self-sustaining populations to England. Rockingham Forest is one of three English release sites (the others being the Chilterns and Yorkshire). In the Rockingham Forest area, the first birds were released in The first successful breeding was confirmed in 1997 and sixteen pairs fledged 22 young in Around 100 pairs bred in 2006 (Carl Ivans, pers. comm.). The population is expected to continue to grow, with birds nesting in progressively smaller woodlands within the core population area as the range gradually expands (Carl Ivan, pers. comm.). The majority of pairs nest to the north of the A14 dual carriageway, three known nest sites are present to the south of the A14. 3 Brown A. and Grice P. (2005) Birds in England. T & AD Poyser: London 3173_010_SummerVPrpt_sw_eon.doc Page 10

18 Since the local population of red kite is known to be increasing significantly each year, the recruitment of new birds within this growing population is likely to offset any displacement as a result of the presence of turbines or mortality through collision with turbines. A female harrier, considered to be either a hen or Montague s harrier, was observed within the site in May, June, August and September. Both the hen and Montague s harrier will at times feed in open country and farmland, predominantly on passerines such as skylark, dunnock, wren and linnet and on young game birds. Montague s harrier will also take small mammals and invertebrates. Preferred breeding habitat for hen harrier is open terrain such as, moorland, heathland, fens and sand dunes. In Britain the species nests predominantly on heather moorland or amongst young growth conifer forest. Outside the breeding season, hen harrier will winter in the south and south-east of England, particularly on the coastal areas between the Humber and Hampshire. Winter/passage populations can be bolstered by hen harriers from Scotland or mainland Europe, arriving in October and leaving in March or early April. Winter habitats are generally river valleys, reedbeds, fens, bogs, heaths, young forest, downs, salt marshes and arable farmland. The hen harrier is a rare breeding bird in England. Nineteen territorial pairs were recorded in 1998 and young raised from five nests in The species has suffered catastrophic population loss in England and Brown and Grice 4 postulate that its extinction as a breeding bird in England is again a possibility. As a result of severe population decline and on-going threat the species is considered to be of high conservation concern in the UK and in Europe. Individual mortalities as a result of rotor strike, or the displacement of birds avoiding the wind farm site would be likely to have a significant impact on the national population of this species. Although unlikely to be seen, the habitat at Kelmarsh could support a wintering hen harrier but does not provide suitable breeding habitat for the species. If the bird observed on-site was confirmed as hen harrier it could be assumed that this is a young, non-breeding bird outside of its normal range and therefore unlikely to return. The interaction viewed with the juvenile raptor could have been between the adult harrier and fledgling of another species. Montague s harrier are a migratory species arriving in breeding grounds in England in April or May and normally departing in mid to late August. Nesting habitats include reed and saw-sedge beds, open heathlands, rough grasslands, young conifer plantations and arable crops. Since breeding resumed in 1975, the great majority of nests in England have been in winter wheat, barley or oil-seed rape crops. Breeding attempts have been isolated events and breeding in many areas is, at best, occasional or sporadic and it is likely that the total English population has never exceeded about 30 pairs in any one year. The current stronghold is around the fenland fringes of the Wash in Lincolnshire and Norfolk where the number of nests in this area peaked at nine in Away from their breeding grounds they are scarce visitors and most are migrants seen in spring and autumn, with birds being scarcest in inland or northern counties. The Montague s harrier is considered to be a very rare breeding bird in England (Brown and Grice, 2005) and is regarded to be of conservation concern in the UK. As is the case with hen harrier, individual mortalities as a result of rotor strike, or the displacement of birds avoiding the wind farm site would be likely to have a significant impaction on the national population of Montague s harrier. The habitat at Kelmarsh is suitable for breeding Montague s harrier. It is possible that the juvenile bird seen in association with the adult harrier was of another species but it cannot be 4 Brown, A. and Grice, P. (2005) Birds in England T & A D Poyser: London 3173_010_SummerVPrpt_sw_eon.doc Page 11

19 discounted as a juvenile Montague s harrier. Montague s harrier are not necessarily faithful to breeding territories but it is equally possible that it may return to breed in successive summers. Should either the hen or Montague s harrier continue to make use of the site for either feeding or breeding purposes then there is a risk of disturbance or mortality during both the construction and operational phases of the windfarm. As a result of both species rarity such events would have a significant impact on either species at a population level and in a national context. Waders Only one flight of lapwing over the site was recorded during the summer surveys and it is not considered likely that this species is using the site for breeding. The potential impact of the wind farm development is not considered to be significant for this species. Wildfowl Mallard and Canada goose were recorded flying over the site during the summer vantage point surveys. Neither species is considered to be of conservation concern and the potential impact of the wind farm development is not considered to be significant for either species. 4.3 Farmland bird assemblage The study area supports a range of typical farmland bird species, many of which have experienced population declines within the UK (such as skylark, swallow, yellowhammer, song thrush and linnet) and are consequently identified as conservation priorities. For example, these species are included in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan and as Birds of Conservation Concern and Species of principal Importance (NERC Act 2006). Of these, skylark is probably has greater potential to experience a negative impact through bird strike or displacement given its flight behaviour which may take birds into the rotor swept area. The other species are less likely to be spatially correlated with the rotor swept area and therefore potential impacts are less likely to be significant. 4.4 Gulls Two species of gull, common gull and lesser black-backed gull, which are both of medium of conservation concern were recorded flying over the survey area. Common gull are not widespread breeders in England, with nest sites confined to the south-east coast. Lesser blackbacked gull are generally coastal breeders, small numbers can be found inland on heather moor lands and blanket bogs. As such the study site and its environs do not provide suitable breeding habitat for either species. The potential impact of the windfarm development is not considered to be significant for these species. 3173_010_SummerVPrpt_sw_eon.doc Page 12

20 5 Recommendations Birds in association with hedgerows, woodland and field margin habitats included species of high conservation concern in the UK (linnet, song thrush and yellowhammer) and of medium conservation concern (barn owl, dunnock and kestrel) were recorded in flight. Song thrush, are also listed as Species of Principal Importance under Section 41 of the NERC Act and are Priority Species under the UK Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) are a material consideration in planning terms according to Planning and Policy Statement 9. It is recommended that in order to avoid fragmentation of the habitat by retaining hedgerows, mature tree and field margin habitats should be retained on the site during the development phase. In addition, although the flight heights of these species were low, well below rotor height, it is recommended that turbines are sited at least 50m all from hedgerows and woodland. Skylark which are high conservation concern and listed as Species of Principal Importance under Section 41 of the NERC Act and are Priority Species under the UK Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP), nest and feed on the ground in arable and grass pasture fields. This species will repeatedly engage in song-flight behaviour close to the nest site ascending vertically up to 150, therefore, with the potential to bring the birds into close proximity with the turbine blades. The impact of bird strike or avoidance is considered not to be significant at a population level and any loss of breeding habitat as a result of birds avoiding areas close to the turbines can be mitigated in other areas of the site, for example through the provision of skylark plots (refer to Breeding Bird Survey Report 5 ). There are no recommendations as regards common gull, lapwing, lesser black-backed gull or swallow as it is considered unlikely that the proposed windfarm will have a negative impact on the population status of these species. The potential impact on red kite populations as a result of the development is considered to be low, and there are no specific recommendations regarding this species, although red kite are likely to benefit from the retention of the woodland and mature trees on the site. Further survey of the site is recommended with regard to the harrier sp. the purpose being to ascertain if the site is used repeatedly, to identify the species and to assess the likelihood of breeding on or in the vicinity of the site. Such survey would take the form of monthly visits to the site from late March to early September using a combination of walkover and vantage point survey methods. 5 Baker Shepherd Gillespie Breeding Bird Survey Report, July 208, _005_BBS-sw_eon 3173_010_SummerVPrpt_sw_eon.doc Page 13

21 6 Appendix 1: Site and Habitat Map 3173_010_SummerVPrpt_sw_eon.doc Page 14

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24 7 Appendix 2: Species List Birds recorded during Vantage Point Surveys September 2007 March Scientific name Accipter nisus Alauda arvensis Alectoris rufa Anas platyrhynchos Apus apus Branta canadensis Buteo buteo Carduelis cannabina Circus sp. Columba palumbus Corvus frugilegus Corvus corone Corvus monedula Cyanistes caerulus Emberiza citrinella Erithacus rubecula Falco tinnunculus Fringilla coelebs Hirundo rustica Larus canus Larus fuscus Milvus milvus Parus major Prunella modularis Sylvia communis Turdus merula Turdus philomelos Tyto alba Vanellus vanellus Common name sparrowhawk skylark red-legged partridge mallard swift Canada goose buzzard linnet harrier sp. wood pigeon rook carrion crow jackdaw blue tit yellowhammer robin kestrel chaffinch swallow common gull lesser black-backed gull red kite great tit dunnock whitethroat blackbird song thrush barn owl lapwing 3173_010_SummerVPrpt_sw_eon.doc Page 16