Mountain Ranch Bike Park, Heol Pen-y-Bryn, Caerphilly

Transcription

1 Sunset Sports Ltd Mountain Ranch Bike Park, Heol Pen-y-Bryn, Caerphilly Bird Survey June 2016

2 Contents 1. Introduction Survey method Survey findings Discussion Recommendations References... 7 Appendix 1. Bird species list... 8 Document reference: C217/D5/V1 Cover photographs: Left: Western end of site, showing good mix of habitats for birds; Right: Great Spotted Woodpecker nest hole in Birch tree. This document has been produced for Sunset Sports Ltd by: Sturgess Ecology 12 Lon Ysgubor, Rhiwbina, Cardiff, CF14 6SG peter@sturgess-ecology.co.uk Web: i

3 1. Introduction Sunset Sports Ltd are intending to develop land at Mountain View Ranch (Grid Reference ST138847) as a bike park. Sturgess Ecology was commissioned to carry out an initial ecological survey during autumn 2015 (Sturgess Ecology, 2015) and this highlighted a number of features of nature conservation significance to be taken into account by the project. However, due to the time of year and the nature of the survey there were some aspects where further information was requested by the local authority in order to progress the planning application. This report provides an account of birds observed on the site. The bird survey was undertaken between April and June 2016, and was supplemented by observations made during other ecological surveys. The SEWBReC data search carried out during the initial study provided several records of birds within and near to the site (although many of these were only provided as 2x2km tetrad records). The habitat survey confirmed that the site supported a varied mix of habitats used by good numbers of overwintering birds. It suggested that large numbers of breeding birds would also be present, potentially including some locally significant species for nature conservation. 2. Survey method The bird survey agreed with the Rhondda Cynon Taf County Ecologist involved a series of three morning walk-through surveys carried out during spring 2016, during weather conditions when birds were considered likely to be singing or displaying. The survey dates were 20th April, 17th May and 3rd June Each visit lasted between 3.5 and 4hours. Birds were identified by sight or song, using binoculars where necessary. Observations during the survey visits were recorded onto an aerial photographic base-plan using standard British Trust for Ornithology recording conventions to indicate possible breeding activity (such as presence of nests, singing and other territorial behaviour). In addition, birds were also observed during other ecological surveys undertaken during the spring, particularly surveys of reptiles and amphibians. 3. Survey findings The survey findings are discussed in Table 1 and summarised in Figure 1. Table 1 summarises the observations of each species, and its likely status within the site. Discussing the species in approximate taxonomic order. Figure 1 shows the locations where the birds of greatest significance for nature conservation were observed. The Red and Amber colours in the figure denote species in the Red or Amber categories of the Birds of Conservation Concern 4 (Eaton et al, 2015). These species also include the birds species seen within the survey that are listed in the Section 42 Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 Species and Habitats of Principle Importance for the Conservation of Biodiversity in Wales (WAG, 2007). Species that were only seen in flight over the site are not shown in the figure. 1

4 Table 1. Bird survey summary Species Herons Grey Heron Wildfowl Canada Goose Mallard Birds of prey Buzzard Peregrine Sparrowhawk Rails Moorhen Waders Woodcock Gulls Herring Gull Lesser Black-backed Gull Pigeons and doves Stock Dove Wood Pigeon Cuckoo Cuckoo Owls Tawny Owl Swift and hirundines House Martin Swallow Swift Observations and status on site Individuals seen occasionally hunting in ponds, but no heronry in or close to site. Up to 4 birds seen occasionally on short grassland at east end of site. Possibly breeding in larger pond near Mountain Ranch buildings, beyond study area boundary. Also occasionally seen in flight. Up to 4 birds seen on ponds, mainly in east of study area. No evidence of breeding in study area. Seen and heard regularly, and possibly breeding in woodland within study area, although no nest site was observed. Only seen once, flying over site towards quarry, carrying a pigeon. Only seen once. Likely to be a regular but secretive visitor. Possibly breeding in woodland, but no nest site observed during survey. Only observed once on pond at eastern end of site. No evidence of breeding. Three birds seen in damp woodland and beside ponds during winter visits, but none seen during breeding season. Occasionally seen in flight, passing overhead but not landing. Occasionally seen in flight, passing overhead but not landing. Seen and heard calling in woodland at east end of site, possibly indicating a pair breeding on site. Regularly observed, with possibly several pairs breeding in woodland areas, mainly at the eastern end of the site. Not seen within study area, but heard calling from Craig yr Allt to the north on several occasions. Occasionally seen being mobbed by small birds by day. Night-time calling suggests 2 possible territories in wooded parts of the site. Occasionally seen in flight, feeding over grassland areas. Seen in flight, feeding over grassland areas. Possibly nesting in buildings beyond eastern end of study area. Occasionally seen in flight, feeding over grassland areas. 2

5 Species Woodpeckers Great Spotted Woodpecker Green Woodpecker Pipits and wagtails Grey Wagtail Pied Wagtail Tree Pipit Wren, Dunnock, Robin Dunnock Robin Wren Thrushes Blackbird Fieldfare Mistle Thrush Redwing Song Thrush Warblers, crests and flycatchers Blackcap Chiffchaff Goldcrest Pied Flycatcher Whitethroat Willow Warbler Wood Warbler Tits Blue Tit Observations and status on site Seen and heard regularly, with two nest holes confirmed in woodland areas. Heard occasionally. Possibly nesting on site, but not confirmed. Only seen once, beside woodland stream during winter survey. Not seen during breeding season. Seen feeding in the car-park just south-east of the study area, and occasionally passing over in flight. At least two or three territories in the grassy open areas at the eastern end of the site and beside the old fairways. Seen occasionally in woodland areas in several parts of the site. Probably breeding. Frequently encountered in woodland, probably many breeding territories. One of the most numerous breeding birds in the wooded areas. Commonly seen in and around woodland areas, likely to be many breeding territories. Flocks passing over during winter survey. Not present in breeding season. Possibly up to three territories in woodland areas and in trees beside old fairway. Seen during winter survey, feeding in Hawthorns beside old fairway. Not present in breeding season. Regularly seen and heard, with several territories in the woodland. Small numbers holding territory in the densest scrub and woodland habitats. Several territories in woodland and dense scrub through the study area. Only heard occasionally, but probably breeding in low numbers in woodland. Not seen within study area, but one individual noted close to western part of the site on 3rd June, so possibly breeding nearby. One observed singing in the bracken and scattered scrub habitat at the west end of the site. The most abundant warbler in the survey, with several territories in scrub margin habitats throughout the study area. One bird singing in woodland near the stream, only heard on two occasions, apparently just outside the study area to the north of the stream. Widespread and apparently common throughout the woodland habitat. Several nests noted in older trees. 3

6 Species Coal Tit Great Tit Long-tailed Tit Nuthatch and treecreeper Nuthatch Treecreeper Crows and starlings Carrion Crow Jackdaw Jay Magpie Starling Sparrows and finches Bullfinch Chaffinch Goldfinch Greenfinch House Sparrow Linnet Buntings Reed Bunting Observations and status on site Only heard rarely. Possibly breeding on site, but perhaps just passing through. Frequently heard calling in the woodland habitat, indicating several territories present. Regularly observed in the eastern woodland, and at least one family group indicated successful breeding. Regularly heard calling in the older woodland areas, apparently at least three territories present. Only seen once. Probably breeding locally, but no signs observed during the survey. Regularly seen, but only in small numbers. Probably breeding in the eastern woodland, but no nest noticed during the study. Small numbers regularly seen and heard in the eastern woodland, probably nesting on site. Single birds seen or heard during most visits. Probably breeding somewhere in the general area. Regularly seen and heard, and almost certainly nesting nearby. However, no nests seen in the survey. Small numbers of young birds seen feeding in grassland, but breeding on site not confirmed. Recorded on most visits, with at least three territories in dense scrub and woodland. Regularly seen but only in small numbers. Probably breeding on site. Most often seen in flight over grassland areas. Possibly nesting on site but not confirmed. Regularly recorded singing from woodland beside central fairway, so probably a pair nesting there. Infrequently recorded near car-park at eastern end of site. Possibly nesting in or near adjacent buildings. Small groups regularly observed in flight in central and western scrub margins. Probably breeding locally. One male bird regularly observed singing beside the ponds and scrub margin in the centre of the site. 4

7 Figure 1. Summary of bird survey data, showing locations of BOCC4 Red and Amber-listed species. 5

8 4. Discussion The survey findings indicate that the study site supports a good diversity of nesting birds, including several species of local nature conservation value. This was only a limited study and other birds almost certainly use the site too, perhaps just passing through or not breeding every year. One surprising observation during the study was that the north-facing slope that makes up a high proportion of the study area appears to hold a lower density of breeding birds than the nearby south-facing side of the valley. This was particularly noticeable during some of the earliest visits in the year, when the north-facing slope supported ground-frost or was relatively cold and had very few birds singing, while the south-facing slope to the north of the stream was in full sunshine and seemed full of bird-song. The temperature difference is probably less noticeable later in the spring, and is unlikely to affect the sunnier areas at the top and bottom of the slopes, but it does appear to be a factor that limits the number of birds within the study area. The most significant breeding birds noted during the survey were Bullfinch, Linnet, Reed Bunting, Song Thrush and Tree Pipit, which are all listed as 'contributory species' in the Criteria for the Selection of SINCs in the Mid-Valleys Area. (Contributory species are used as supporting criteria when designating habitats that are important in a county context.) These species are also included in the Welsh Government's Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 Section 42 list of Species and Habitats of Principle Importance for the Conservation of Biodiversity in Wales. The presence of over-wintering Woodcock is also a SINC contributory factor. The observations of Wood Warbler and Pied Flycatcher during the breeding season are of local interest because these are both typically associated with older woodlands. However, both species were only rarely seen, and neither was proven to be actually nesting within the site. It is possible that they might breed on the site, and there might be scope to encourage Pied Flycatchers in the older woodland by provision of nest boxes. The mountain bike trails currently proposed within the woodland will occupy a relatively small proportion of the woodland habitat, and the biking activity within the woods will be relatively quiet and restricted to certain areas. It is therefore unlikely to alter the habitat to such an extent that any species currently breeding in the woodland will no longer be able to do so. The species most likely to be affected by the proposed project is probably Tree Pipit, because part of the mix of tall grasses and scattered scrub where they currently nest will be lost to the proposed infrastructure. In the long term there might be scope to mitigate this by creating new clearings in areas of the north-facing slope that are currently becoming overgrown by dense scrub and Bracken, and this would also have benefits for other wildlife, particularly reptiles, invertebrates and plants. 5. Recommendations All wild bird nests, while they are being built or used, are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act. Damage and disturbance to nests should therefore be avoided. This study has confirmed that there is a good variety of birds nesting on the site, and using a variety of habitats for nesting, including woodland scrub and long grass habitats. The best way to avoid disturbing nests is to make sure that any works that might affect potential nesting habitat is carried out outside the breeding season (which is typically between March and August inclusive). The optimum time of year to carry out any vegetation clearance would be during September and October, which is outside the nesting season, but also before reptiles, amphibians and 6

9 Dormice enter their hibernation period. It is important that these other protected species are also considered when planning works on site. It may be possible to undertake very limited clearance of specific trees or bushes during the nesting season, but only if an ecologist can confirm that no nests would be affected, and that there would be no impact on any other protected species. In general this type of work should wait until after the nesting season, and after the relevant licences for Dormice and Great Crested Newts have been obtained. The design of the new layout and the installation of the trails should aim to avoid the loss of any older trees which are large enough to support nesting holes. Where small trees have to be removed in the construction process these could be formed into piles where they would provide habitat for wildlife, including some birds such as Wren or Dunnock. There are numerous possibilities to incorporate small-scale habitat enhancements for birds into the new site layout. For example, installing nest boxes or providing small waterfeatures close to some of the woodland trails could be a useful opportunity to enhance the habitat for birds and provide features of interest for visitors. Nest boxes and bird-feeders positioned on or within sight of the new building could also be a way to encourage visitors to take an interest in the site's wildlife. 6. References Caerphilly County Borough Council, Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council and Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough (2008). Criteria for the Selection of Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation in the County Boroughs of Blaenau Gwent, Caerphilly, Merthyr Tydfil and Rhondda Cynon Taf (the Mid-Valleys Area ). Eaton MA, Aebischer NJ, Brown AF, Hearn RD, Lock L, Musgrove AJ, Noble DG, Stroud DA and Gregory RD (2015) Birds of Conservation Concern 4: the population status of birds in the United Kingdom, Channel Islands and Isle of Man. British Birds 108, Wales Biodiversity Partnership (2008). Guidelines for the Selection of Wildlife Sites in Wales. Sturgess Ecology (December 2015). Mountain Ranch Bike Park, Heol Pen-y-Bryn, Caerphilly: Ecology Survey. Unpublished Report to Sunset Sports Ltd. 7

10 Appendix 1. Bird species list The following table lists the birds observed during ecological surveys carried out between October 2015 and June 2016, and gives both scientific and common names. Species only seen in flight are shown in brackets. Species name (Accipiter nisus) Aegithalos caudatus Anas platyrhynchos Anthus trivialis Apus apus Ardea cinerea Branta canadensis Buteo buteo Carduelis carduelis Carduelis chloris Certhia familiaris Columba oenas Columba palumbus Corvus corone Corvus monedula Cyanistes caeruleus (Delichon urbicum) Dendrocopos major Emberiza schoeniclus Erithacus rubecula (Falco peregrinus) Fringilla coelebs Gallinula chloropus Garrulus glandarius (Hirundo rustica) (Larus argentatus) (Larus fuscus) Linaria cannabina Motacilla alba Motacilla cinerea Parus major Passer domesticus Periparus ater Phylloscopus collybita Phylloscopus sibilatrix Phylloscopus trochilus Pica pica Picus viridis Prunella modularis Pyrrhula pyrrhula Regulus regulus Scolopax rusticola Sitta europaea Strix aluco Common name (Sparrowhawk) Long-tailed Tit Mallard Tree Pipit Swift Grey Heron Canada Goose Buzzard Goldfinch Greenfinch Treecreeper Stock Dove Wood Pigeon Carrion Crow Jackdaw Blue Tit (House Martin) Great Spotted Woodpecker Reed Bunting Robin (Peregrine) Chaffinch Moorhen Jay (Swallow) (Herring Gull) (Lesser Black-backed Gull) Linnet Pied Wagtail Grey Wagtail Great Tit House Sparrow Coal Tit Chiffchaff Wood Warbler Willow Warbler Magpie Green Woodpecker Dunnock Bullfinch Goldcrest Woodcock Nuthatch Tawny Owl 8

11 Sturnus vulgaris Sylvia atricapilla Sylvia communis Troglodytes troglodytes Turdus iliacus Turdus merula Turdus philomelos Turdus pilaris Turdus viscivorus Starling Blackcap Whitethroat Wren Redwing Blackbird Song Thrush Fieldfare Mistle Thrush 9