Appendix 9.A Vantage point survey report l:\data\projects\ea-210\24421 winwick wind farm (sub file)\24421 winwick es final.doc Entec UK Limited May 2010
l:\data\projects\ea-210\24421 winwick wind farm (sub file)\24421 winwick es final.doc Entec UK Limited May 2010
Winwick Windfarm, Northamptonshire Vantage Point Survey Report November 2009 Final
Client Job Name Report title File reference E.ON Renewables Ltd Winwick Wind Farm Winwick Wind Farm Vantage Point Survey 3844.01_003_VPreport_final_kv_eon.doc Signed Name Position Date Originated Dr Kate Vincent Senior Ecologist 11/11/09 Reviewed Guy Miller Principal Ecologist 19/11/09 ISSUING OFFICE: Arden House Deepdale Business Park Ashford Road Bakewell Derbyshire DE45 1GT TEL: 01629 815544 FAX: 01629 815577 Web: www.bsg-ecology.com Email: info@bsg-ecology.com Offices in: Bakewell, Oxford, Berwick-upon-Tweed & Monmouth Registered in: Cardiff No. OC328772 Registered address: Arden House Deepdale Business Park Ashford Road Bakewell Derbyshire DE45 1GT Members: A list of members is available at each office.
Report Contents 1.1 Site Description... 1 1.2 Proposed Works... 1 1.3 Aims of Study... 1 2 Methodology... 1 2.1 Consultation... 1 2.2 Field Survey... 1 2.3 Vantage Point Count Survey Methodology... 3 3 Results... 4 3.1 Constraints... 4 3.2 Bird Activity... 4 3.2.1 Raptors... 5 3.2.2 Waders... 6 3.2.3 Wildfowl and water birds... 6 3.2.4 Farmland bird assemblage... 6 3.2.5 Gulls... 7 4 Evaluation of key issues... 8 4.1 Habitat features of value to birds... 8 4.2 Presence of raptors, waders and wildfowl... 9 4.3 Farmland bird assemblage... 10 4.4 Gulls... 10 5 Recommendations... 11 6 Appendix 1: Figure 1: Vantage Point locations... 12 7 Appendix 2: Figure 2: Survey area covered by VP survey... 14 8 Appendix 3: Vantage Point Species List... 16 3844.01_003_VPreport_final_kv_eon.doc i
1.1 Site Description The site is situated within farmland, located to the east of Winwick village in Northamptonshire, centred at OS grid reference SP 640 746. The B4036 road is situated adjacent to the eastern site boundary, and the remainder of the site is bounded by further farmland. The site consists of a series of arable and improved grassland fields. Field boundaries are frequently formed by hedgerows, with one small stream and occasional drainage ditches. A number of farm buildings and associated hard standing access tracks are located to the east of the site. Warren Covert, an area of mature mixed woodland, is present to the south of the site. In addition, a number of small areas of plantation broadleaved woodland are present throughout the site. 1.2 Proposed Works E.ON Renewables Ltd proposes to develop a wind farm of up to eight turbines, plus associated site infrastructure including access tracks. 1.3 Aims of Study Baker Shepherd Gillespie was commissioned to undertake a survey of bird activity at the proposed wind farm site between October 2008 and September 2009. The objective of the study is to identify the range of species that use the habitats within and adjacent to the proposed wind farm with particular reference to target species (such as 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. 2.2 Field Survey Survey visits were undertaken on a monthly basis over the period between October 2008 and September 2009. 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 undertaken by Ecologist Susan White AIEEM, Senior Ecologist Guy Miller MIEEM, Senior Ecologist Corin Simmonds MIEEM, and Chris Needham MIEEM. The dates and timing of surveys are given in Table 1. 3844.01_003_VPreport_final_kv_eon.doc Page 1
Table 1: Details of vantage point survey dates and hours Survey Start/finish time of Total survey hours date survey period VP1 VP2 Weather 28.10.08 12.30-14.00 1.5 Overcast, showers, 8 o C, no wind 28.10.08 12.20-13.50 1.5 Overcast, showers, 8 o C, no wind 28.10.08 14.10-15.40 1.5 Overcast, showers, 8 o C, no wind 28.10.08 14.10-15.40 1.5 Wet, cold, 5 o C, no wind 29.10.08 09.00-12.00 3 Clear, cold, 3 o C, no wind 29.10.08 13.00-16.00 3 Clear, cold, -1 o C, no wind 13.11.08 09.00-12.00 3 Still, 6/8 cloud, 5 o C, no wind 13.11.08 12.10-15.10 3 Wet, 7 o C 28.11.08 11.20-13.20 2 Fog, 2 o C, no wind 28.11.08 13.00-16.00 3 Fog, 2 o C, no wind 17.12.08 8.20-9.20 1 Sunny, 3 o C, no wind 17.12.08 11.00-14.00 3 Sunny, 3 o C, no wind 17.12.08 11.15-14.15 3 Clear 3 o C, 1/8 cloud, still 18.12.08 09.00-12.00 3 8 o C, 7/8 cloud, slight westerly wind 18.12.08 12.15-15.15 3 Still, 8/8 cloud, slight westerly wind, 10 o C 2cm snow on ground, light snow 07.01.09 9.15-12.15 3 flurries, still, visibility good to 1 mile, 0 o C 2cm snow on ground, light snow 07.01.09 12.30-15.30 3 flurries, still, visibility good to 1 mile, 0 o C 08.01.09 8.45-11.45 3 Light snow cover, still, visibility to 400m, 1 o C, fog 08.01.09 12.00-15.00 3 Light snow cover, still, fog clearing, 4 o C 12.02.09 9.45-12.45 3-2 o C, still, 10 cm of snow in fields 12.02.09 13.00-16.00 3-2 o C, still, 10 cm of snow in fields 13.02.09 8.15-11.15 3 Still 1 o C, 10 cm of snow in fields 13.02.09 11.30-14.30 3 Still 4 o C, 10 cm of snow in fields 12.03.09 10.00-13.00 3 8/8 cloud, 10 o C, light rain, still 12.03.09 13.15-16.15 3 8/8 cloud, 10 o C, light SW wind 13.03.09 7.15-10.15 3 Low cloud 8/8 cloud, visibility down to 13.03.09 10.30-13.30 3 400 metres, cold, 4 o C Murky 8/8 cloud, some light rain, SW wind 23.04.09 9.45-12.45 3 8/8 cloud, light westerly, 12 o C 23.04.09 13.00-16.00 3 Hazy sunshine, light SW wind, 16 o C 24.04.09 7.30-10.30 3 Low cloud, still, 9 o C 24.04.09 10.45-13.45 3 Sunny, 3/8 cloud, 16 o C, moderate southerly wind 14.05.09 14.15-17.15 3 Dull, 8/8 cloud, 13 o C 14.05.09 17.30-20.30 3 Dull, 8/8 cloud, 13 o C 15.05.09 8.00-11.00 3 Dull, 8/8 cloud, 13 o C 15.05.09 11.15-14.15 3 Dull, showers, 8/8 cloud, 12 o C, easterly winds 10.06.09 9.45-12.45 3 8/8 cloud, still overcast, 12 o C 10.06.09 13.00-16.00 3 Cloudy, light easterly, 8/8 cloud,15 o C Sunny, warm, 2/8 cloud, NW wind 25.06.09 10.45-13.45 3 moderate 3844.01_003_VPreport_final_kv_eon.doc Page 2
Survey date Start/finish time of survey period 25.06.09 14.00-17.00 3 VP1 VP2 Weather Sunny, warm, 2/8 cloud, NW wind moderate 30.07.09 10.15-13.15 3 Heavy clouds, 5/8 cloud 15 o C, SW wind 30.07.09 13.30-16.30 3 Heavy clouds, 5/8 cloud 15 o C, SW wind 31.07.09 7.30-10.30 3 7/8 cloud, still 11 o C 31.07.09 10.45-13.45 3 SW wind, heavy dark clouds, 12 o C 13.08.09 11.45-14.45 3 3/8 cloud, still 16 o C 13.08.09 15.00-18.00 3 3/8 cloud, still 17 o C 14.08.09 7.00-10.00 3 3/8 cloud, still 13 o C 14.08.09 10.15-13.15 3 3/8 cloud, still 14 o C 24.09.09 12.45-15.45 3 16 o C, sunny warm, slight west wind, 4/8 cloud 24.09.09 16.00-19.00 3 16 o C, sunny warm, 4/8 cloud 25.09.09 6.45-9.45 3 6 o C, cool still 25.09.09 10.00-13.00 3 7 o C, cool, still, bright sunshine Total hours 72 72 2.3 Vantage Point Count Survey Methodology Two vantage points (VP) were selected to provide views across the proposed wind farm site and surrounding survey area. The location of each vantage point is shown in Figure 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 (2005). A total of 72 hours of vantage point counts were made from each of the two vantage point locations between October 2008 and September 2009. VP1, covering the western and northern section of the survey area is located at Ordnance Survey grid reference SP 630 743: VP2 covers the southern and eastern section of the survey area and is located at Ordnance Survey grid reference SP 643 743. The two vantage points provided a full coverage of the proposed wind farm and a buffer zone of a minimum of 300 metres around the proposed turbine locations. The survey areas covered by each VP are shown in Figure 2. 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 Records of non-target species, such as woodpigeon Columba palumbus were summarised in order to allow the surveyor to spend more time monitoring for target species (waders, wildfowl and raptors). 3844.01_003_VPreport_final_kv_eon.doc Page 3
3 Results 3.1 Constraints Species such as barn owl Tyto alba and lapwing Vannellus vanellus are often active at night. Night time activity was not specifically recorded during these surveys although because several VP visits were carried out at dusk, and also because other survey work was carried out at dusk between April and October (e.g. bat surveys) when neither species were recorded incidentally, the significance of this constraint is considered to below. 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 54 species were recorded during the surveys (see Appendix 3), including nine species of high conservation concern and sixteen species of medium conservation concern 1, see Table 2. 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). Where possible the surveys have also specifically recorded species of high conservation concern including the farmland birds: linnet, skylark, starling and yellowhammer, and any gull species of medium conservation concern. Table 2: Bird species recorded of high and medium conservation concern Common name Latin name UK conservation status Grey partridge Perdix perdix High Lapwing Vanellus vanellus High Linnet Carduelis cannabina High House sparrow Passer domesticus High Song thrush Turdus philomelos High Fieldfare Turdus pilaris High Skylark Alauda arvensis High Starling Sturnus vulgaris High Yellowhammer Emberiza citrinella High Black-headed gull Larus ridibundus Medium Common gull Larus canus Medium Lesser black-backed gull Larus fuscus Medium Great black-backed gull Larus marinus Medium Dunnock Prunella modularis Medium Reed bunting Emberiza schoeniclus Medium Snipe Gallinago gallinago Medium Mallard Anas platyrynchos Medium Osprey Pandion haliaetus Medium Little egret Egretta garzetta Medium Marsh harrier Circus aeruginosus Medium Teal Anas crecca Medium Swallow Hirundo rustica Medium Swift Apus apus Medium House martin Delichon urbica Medium Kestrel Falco tinnunculus Medium 1 Eaton, M. et al. 2009. Birds of Conservation Concern 3: The Population Status of Birds in the UK, Channel Islands and Isle of Man. British Birds 102: 296-341 3844.01_003_VPreport_final_kv_eon.doc Page 4
3.2.1 Raptors Six raptor species were recorded during the surveys: buzzard Buteo buteo, kestrel Falco tinnunculus, osprey Pandion haliaetus, sparrowhawk Accipter nisus, hobby Falco subbuteo and marsh harrier Circus aeruginosus. Buzzard Buzzard was recorded on 16 of 51 the survey visits. The majority of sightings were of single birds except on 12 th March 2009 when four birds were seen together. The species was recorded either roosting in mature trees or flying over the site. In total 34 flights were recorded within the survey area, of these 12 were recorded between 200m and 50m from the nearest proposed turbine location and five within 50m. All flight heights were in the range of 10 to 80m of which half of these were less than 30 metres. Of the five flights which were within 50m of a proposed turbine one was close to the proposed rotor swept area. This flight occurred on 24th April 2009 and the bird was observed flying at a height of 35-40m for 30 seconds of which approximately 5 seconds was close to the proposed rotor swept area. All other flights observed close to the positions of the proposed turbines were at heights of less than 30m and therefore below the proposed rotor swept area. Kestrel Kestrel was recorded on nine of the 51 survey visits. The species was recorded roosting in mature trees, hunting or flying over the site. The majority of sightings were of single birds but during April a pair was seen perched in a mature tree near a nestbox. A pair of kestrels was recorded breeding within the site during the breeding bird survey. All nine flights were recorded within the survey area, of these, three were at least 100m from the nearest proposed turbine location and one within 50m. All flight heights were in the range of 10 to 15m and as such were at heights well below the proposed rotor sweep area. Osprey A single osprey was seen on one occasion on the 30 th July 2009. The bird was recorded flying in a south-easterly direction across the site between the location of Vantage Point 1 and Warren Covert. The flight was at a height of between 20-40m and passed within 50 metres of a proposed turbine location (Turbine 2). Sparrowhawk Sparrowhawk was recorded on three of the survey visits. The species was recorded hunting or flying over the site. All of the sightings were of single birds. All three were at least 100m from the nearest proposed turbine location. All flight heights were in the range of 10 to 15m and as such were at heights well below the proposed rotor swept area. Hobby A single hobby was seen on one occasion on the 24 th April 2009. The bird was recorded flying in a southerly direction across the site at a height of between 50-30m along the eastern site boundary. Marsh harrier A single marsh harrier was seen on one occasion on 13 th August 2009. The bird was recorded flying in a south westerly direction across the site, just north of Vantage Point 2. The flight was at a height of less than 15m and passed within 50 metres of a proposed turbine location (Turbine 3). 3844.01_003_VPreport_final_kv_eon.doc Page 5
3.2.2 Waders Three wader species were recorded during the surveys: golden plover Pluvialis apricaria, lapwing Vanellus vanellus and snipe Gallinago gallinago. Golden plover Golden plover were recorded on site on two survey visits, one in October 2008 and one in April 2009. Flock size in October 2008 was of 30 birds whereas the April 2009 record was of only a single bird. The flight details for October were a flock of thirty birds flying in a northerly direction (over the proposed location of Turbine 3) at a height of approximately 70 metres. The record for the single bird seen in April 2009 was a flight in a southerly direction over Vantage Point 2 at a height of less than thirty metres. Lapwing Lapwing was recorded on four occasions between January and March 2009. On two occasions (once in January and once in February 2009) a flock of six birds was recorded flying through the site. The January flight was in a south-easterly direction at a height of between 30 and 50m. The February flight was in a westerly direction at a height of 30 metres, just south of Vantage Point 2. Snipe On one occasion on 18 th December 2008 a flock of nine snipe were recorded flying in a zig-zag pattern in a north-easterly direction from the south east side of the site. The flight varied between 30 and 50 metres in height. During this flight the flock passed within 50 metres of a turbine location (Turbine 5). 3.2.3 Wildfowl and water birds Five wildfowl and water-bird species (mallard Anas platyrynchos, teal Anas crecca, Canada goose Branta canadensis, little egret Egretta garzetta and heron Ardea cinera) were recorded on, or in the vicinity of the site. Mallard were recorded on six survey visits with the largest flock size being 13 birds. This flock was seen flying north-east from the pond at the centre of the site. All six flights were at a height of less than twenty metres. A flock of 23 teal was disturbed from the pond at the centre of the site and was recorded flying south over Vantage Point 2 during September 2009. The flight was at a height of less than twenty metres. Four flights of Canada geese were recorded within the site between January and March 2009. The flock size varied between two and ten birds. All the flights were at a height less than twenty metres. A heron was seen on two occasions, once in April 2009 and once in June 2009. Both flights were at a height of less than twenty metres. The April flight was in a southerly direction across the site and the flight recorded during June was in a northerly direction. There was one record of a little egret on site during July 2009. The flight was in a westerly direction at a height of between 70 and 90m. The little egret flew within 50 metres of a proposed turbine location (Turbine 8) and was recorded on site for approximately 60 seconds. 3.2.4 Farmland bird assemblage Eight bird species of high conservation concern, commonly associated with arable and mixed farming habitats were recorded during the survey; grey partridge Perdix perdix, house sparrow Passer domesticus, song thrush Turdus philomelos, fieldfare Turdus pilaris, linnet Carduelis cannabina, skylark Alauda arvensis, starling Sturnus vulgaris and yellowhammer Emberiza citrinella. 3844.01_003_VPreport_final_kv_eon.doc Page 6
Grey partridge Grey partridge were recorded on one of the 51 survey visits. A pair of birds was observed flying very low, close to Crow Spinney. House sparrow House sparrows were recorded flying low between the hedgerows and field margins close to Winwick Warren farmhouse. Song thrush A song thrush was seen on one occasion foraging within the field margins before flying low in a northerly direction. Fieldfare Fieldfare was recorded on two of the survey visits. The species was observed flying over the site and occasionally either foraging in arable fields or roosting in mature trees. The two flights were of one individual bird (seen in November 2008) and a flock of 100 birds (in March 2009). All flight heights were 20m or less, well below the proposed rotor sweep area. Linnet A flock of three linnet was recorded foraging in hedgerows during February 2009. The birds were flying at approximately 1.5m height. Skylark Skylark were recorded on six survey visits (December 2008; February, March, April and June 2009). The species was most frequently observed in display flights over arable fields in the central areas of the site. In total 10 flights were recorded within the survey area at heights ranging from ground level to approximately 50m. There were six flights recorded during the spring and these display flights started at ground level with calling birds gradually gaining height, maintaining maximum height for period up to 90 seconds before returning to the ground. Starling Starling were recorded flying over the site on four of the 51 survey visits (October-December 2008) with the largest flock being 80 birds on 28 th October 2008. In total, 6 flights were recorded, of which four were 150 to 200m from the nearest proposed turbine location. The remaining three flights occurred within 75m of the nearest proposed turbine location and were a heights of 15m or less which is well below the proposed rotor swept area. Yellowhammer Yellowhammer was recorded on two of the survey visits. On each occasion the species was observed flying along or moving through hedgerow habitats. All flight heights were 5m or less, well below the proposed rotor sweep area. 3.2.5 Gulls Five gull species were recorded during the surveys; black-headed gull Larus ridibundus, common gull Larus canus, herring gull Larus argentatus, lesser black-backed gull Larus fuscus and greater black-backed gull Larus marinus. Gulls were recorded both flying over the site and roosting and feeding in open fields within the survey area. Black-headed gull Black-headed gull was recorded on site on eight survey visits throughout the year. In total, 12 flights were recorded within the survey area; of these six were at distances 100-300m from the nearest proposed turbine location. The remaining six flights were observed within 25m 3844.01_003_VPreport_final_kv_eon.doc Page 7
of the proposed locations of Turbines 2, 3 and 4. The majority of flights were at heights of less than 30m, which is below the proposed rotor sweep area. Three flights were recorded up to 50m height. On 12 th March 2009 a flock of 30 black-headed gulls were recorded flying north into a field south of Turbine 3. This flock remained on site feeding for over an hour. Common gull Common gull was recorded on site on five survey visits between October 2008 and February 2009. In total 16 flights were recorded within the survey area of which the largest flock size was five. All of these flights were at distances 100-300m from the nearest proposed turbine location. The flights were observed at heights of less than 30m, which is below the proposed rotor sweep area. Herring gull Herring gulls were recorded on two survey visits between October 2008 and December 2008. In total five flights were recorded within the survey area. Of these, four were recorded between 100-350m from the nearest proposed turbine location (Turbine 1). One flight was recorded within 20m from the proposed location of Turbine 1. This flight was a flock of four birds at a height of 25m or less, below the proposed rotor sweep area. Lesser black-backed gull Lesser black-backed gull was recorded on six survey visits between October 2008 and September 2009. In total, 11 flights were recorded within the survey area; all of these were between 200-300m from the nearest proposed turbine location. The recorded heights for these flights were between 15-60m. Greater black-backed gull A single greater black-backed gull was recorded flying through the site during March 2009. The single bird flew in a southerly direction to the east of turbine 5 at a height of between 60-70 metres. 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 gulls. The field margins and game cover crops sown in field margins are also used by species such as linnet, song thrush and yellowhammer. The hedgerows provide habitats for species such as house sparrow, and a range of more common species such as chaffinch Fringilla coelebs and blackbird Turdus merula. Mature trees in hedgerows, alongside ditches and within the woodland provide roosting/perching habitats, in particular for buzzard and starling. 3844.01_003_VPreport_final_kv_eon.doc Page 8
4.2 Presence of raptors, waders and wildfowl Raptors Of the six species of raptors recorded on site three are of medium conservation concern, these are osprey, marsh harrier and kestrel. Buzzard was commonly encountered, either roosting in mature trees or flying over the site at heights ranging from 10-80m. The ranges of habitats in the study area provide good foraging and nesting opportunities. It is likely that this species may breed locally. The majority of kestrel flight behaviour recorded within the study area has been relatively close to the ground level. Birds have been regularly recorded flying and hovering within the study area typically at heights less than 20m above ground level. The majority of flight behaviour recorded suggests that the time spent by this species within the rotor swept areas is likely to be relatively low, and this potentially reduces the likelihood of an impact on occurring. However the species is potentially more vulnerable when hovering directly under turbines. The low number of flights recorded is likely to significantly reduce the likelihood of an impact off this species. A single osprey was seen on one occasion on the 30 th July 2009 and a single marsh harrier was recorded on one occasion on 13 th August 2009. Both these birds flew through the site without stopping. This behaviour at this time of year suggests that these birds were transient migratory birds moving through the country. A single hobby was seen flying across the site in April 2009 and as this bird was not seen again in subsequent survey visits, it is assumed that this record is also of a transient migratory bird. While these species are potentially at risk of collision the very limited flight time within the sit, is likely to significantly reduce any possible risk. Sparrowhawk was recorded hunting or flying low over the site. The majority of flight behaviour recorded suggests that the time spent by this species within the rotor swept areas is likely to be relatively low, and this potentially reduces the likelihood of an impact on occurring. Waders Golden plover which is of medium conservation concern and lapwing which is of high conservation concern were recorded in the survey area. Lapwing is a biodiversity action plan species, is a Species of Principle Importance and is consequently identified as conservation priorities. As a result lapwing is a material consideration in planning terms according to Planning and Policy Statement 9. Snipe was also recorded on site and is a medium conservation concern species. Golden plover were recorded on-site on only two occasions in October 2008 and April 2009. The largest flock size being only 30 birds; the second sighting being only a single bird. This species often over winters in lowland English farmland; particularly favouring permanent pasture, recently ploughed, stubbles, fallow and root-crop fields. As such, the habitats in the study area do provide winter foraging opportunities for golden plover. The flight behaviour of this species when flying across the site or when disturbed from foraging areas has the potential to take birds into the rotor swept area of the proposed wind farm. However the initial findings suggest that an impact on this species through collision is unlikely to be particularly significant given the very low level of use of the site. Only small numbers of lapwing were recorded on four occasions between January and March. There is no evidence to suggest breeding although the site does appear to provide potentially suitable breeding habitat for this species. For guidance, the flight behaviour during breeding displays in particular has the potential to take birds into the rotor swept area of a proposed wind farm. However the initial findings suggest that an impact on this species through collision is unlikely to be particularly significant given the lack of evidence of breeding and the low level of use within the site. 3844.01_003_VPreport_final_kv_eon.doc Page 9
A small flock of snipe were recorded on site and the flight behaviour of this species when flying across the site or when disturbed from foraging areas has the potential to take birds into the rotor swept area of the proposed wind farm. However the initial findings suggest that an impact on this species through collision is unlikely to be particularly significant given that this species was only seen once during the course of the year. Wildfowl Five wildfowl and water-bird species were recorded on, or in the vicinity of, the site. Of these, only mallard was regularly recorded on site. The watercourses in the study area provide good foraging and nesting opportunities for mallard making it likely that this species may breed within the site. The remaining species were either recorded once or very irregularly in low numbers and are not considered in any further detail. 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, house sparrow, song thrush yellowhammer and linnet) and are consequently identified as conservation priorities. These species 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). As a result they are a material consideration in planning terms according to Planning and Policy Statement 9. 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 Four species of gull which are of medium conservation concern were recorded in the survey area (black-headed, common, lesser black-backed, great black-backed). Herring gull was also recorded on site and this species is a high conservation concern species, is a UK BAP species and a Species of Principal Importance. In winter, black-headed and common gull are generally found in a wide variety of habitats, including grazed or ploughed land such as that present within the study site. These species are migratory and the numbers of black-headed and common gulls is significantly increased in England in winter by birds from continental Europe. Flights recorded during the survey period were mainly below 30m. This indicates that the flight behaviour of this species when flying across the site or when disturbed from foraging areas, has the potential to take birds into the rotor swept area of the proposed wind farm. The site does not provide suitable breeding habitat for this species. Herring gull is principally coastal bird with only small populations moving inland in the winter months. These are usually found in the vicinity of urban areas or reservoirs. The species was recorded on site between October and December 2008 when it was observed flying across the site and foraging in fields and flying low between foraging areas. Although only one flight was observed in the proximity of proposed turbine location (Turbine 1) it was of sufficient height to be within the proposed rotor swept area. The flight behaviour of the species, particularly when disturbed from a foraging area, may offer some potential for bird strike. Additionally, there is some potential for displacement of the species crossing the site and commuting between 3844.01_003_VPreport_final_kv_eon.doc Page 10
regularly used roosting and foraging sites. Overall, the low level of use by this species is likely to significantly reduce the risk of collision. Lesser black-backed gull are generally coastal breeders, small numbers can be found inland on heather moorland and blanket bogs. As such, the study site does not provide suitable breeding habitat. Wintering populations in England are boosted by birds from near-continental Europe and are most commonly found in areas close to secure roosts on reservoirs and sources of domestic refuse. The study site may provide some winter foraging opportunities for this species but very low numbers of birds were recorded and these were flying at heights generally well below the proposed rotor swept area suggesting this species is at very low risk of collision. 5 Recommendations It is recommended that in order to avoid fragmentation of the habitat, hedgerows, mature trees and field margin habitats should be retained on the site during the development and operational phases. In addition, as good practice, it is recommended that turbines are sited at least 50m all from hedgerows and woodland. Skylark which are of 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), are potentially at risk because they 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. Given the widespread distribution of this species, the impact of bird strike or displacement is unlikely to be significant at a population level and any loss of breeding habitat as a result of birds avoiding areas close to the turbines could potentially be mitigated in other areas of the site, for example through the provision of skylark plots (refer to Breeding Bird Survey Report 2 ). There are no recommendations as regards the five gull species, lapwing, golden plover or mallard as it is considered unlikely that the proposed wind farm will have a significant negative impact on the population status of these species. An impact on buzzard using the site is possible through collision but the potential impact on local buzzard populations as a result of the development is unlikely be significant at more than a site/local level, particularly given the recent growth in population range expansion this species has experienced. There are therefore no specific recommendations regarding this species, although buzzard is likely to benefit from the retention of the woodland and mature trees on the site. Kestrel is potentially at risk through collision, but given the low number of flights recorded, no specific mitigation is recommended. However as good practice, where kestrel is present, it is best to avoid allowing rough grassland to develop under turbine blades. 2 Baker Shepherd Gillespie Breeding Bird Survey Report, October 2009, 3844.01_002_bbs_report_final_kv_eon 3844.01_003_VPreport_final_kv_eon.doc Page 11
6 Appendix 1: Figure 1: Vantage Point locations 3844.01_003_VPreport_final_kv_eon.doc Page 12
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7 Appendix 2: Figure 2: Survey area covered by VP survey 3844.01_003_VPreport_final_kv_eon.doc Page 14
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8 Appendix 3: Vantage Point Species List Birds recorded during Vantage Point Surveys October 2008 September 2009. Scientific name Turdus merula Larus ridibundus Cyanistes caeruleus Branta canadensis Corvus corone corone Fringilla coelebs Larus canus Phalacrocorax carbo Prunella modularis Turdus pilaris Regulus regulus Pluvialis apricaria Carduelis carduelis Larus marinus Parus major Dendrocopos major Carduelis chloris Perdix perdix Ardea cinera Larus argentatus Falco subbuteo Delichon urbica Passer domesticus Corvus monedula Falco tinnunculus Vanellus vanellus Larus fuscus Sylvia curruca Carduelis cannabina Egretta garzetta Aegithalos caudatus Pica pica Anas platyrynchos Circus aeruginosus Cygnus olor Pandion haliaetus Phasianus colchicus Motacilla alba Alectoris rufa Turdus iliacus Common name blackbird black-headed gull blue tit Canada goose carrion crow chaffinch common gull cormorant dunnock fieldfare goldcrest golden plover goldfinch great black-backed gull great tit great-spotted woodpecker greenfinch grey partridge heron herring gull hobby house martin house sparrow jackdaw kestrel lapwing lesser black-backed gull lesser whitethroat linnet little egret long-tailed tit magpie mallard marsh harrier mute swan osprey pheasant pied wagtail Red-legged partridge redwing 3844.01_003_VPreport_final_kv_eon.doc Page 16
Scientific name Emberiza schoeniclus Erithacus rubecula Corvus frugilegus Alauda arvensis Gallinago gallinago Turdus philomelos Accipter nisus Sturnus vulgaris Hirundo rustica Apus apus Anas crecca Columba palumbus Troglodytes troglodytes Emberiza citrinella Common name reed bunting robin rook skylark snipe song thrush sparrowhawk starling swallow swift teal woodpigeon wren yellowhammer 3844.01_003_VPreport_final_kv_eon.doc Page 17