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JFA Environmental PlanningOathall House70 Oathall RoadHaywards HeathRH16 3ENTel: 01444 455500www.jfa.co.uk

Landscape and Ecology Management Plan

Parcel X

Haywards Heath, West Sussex

Crest Nicholson

JFA Ref: WS1184

August 2015

Contents

1.0 Introduction ................................................................................................................................1

2.0 Aims and Objectives....................................................................................................................1

3.0 Site Location and Description .....................................................................................................2

4.0 Implementation of LEMP ............................................................................................................2

5.0 Description and evaluation of features to be managed .............................................................3

6.0 Design and Management Constraints.........................................................................................5

7.0 Landscape and Ecological Management .....................................................................................6

8.0 Health & Safety .........................................................................................................................10

9.0 Conclusion.................................................................................................................................11

10.0 References.................................................................................................................................12

Figures

Figure 1 – Habitat Management Areas

Figure 2 – Habitat Remediation Areas

Appendices

Appendix I –Management Schedule

Client Crest NicholsonDate 25th August 2015Status FinalAuthor Tom Johnson BSc Grad CIEEMChecked Fiona Baker BSc, MSc, MCIEEM

A

2

7

2

A

2

7

2

A

2

7

2

LEAP

LAP

Mixed woodland

LEGEND

Scattered trees

Wildflower

grassland

Stream

Ornamental

planting

Grass verges

Hardstanding &

residential

Formal

hedgerow

Invasive species

Conservation

grassland

Informal

hedgerow

Ghyll woodland

LEAP

Local areas for

play

LAP

WS1184

09/15

Habitat Management Areas

NTS

1 1

Parcel X

Crest Nicholson

Client

Project name

Drawing title

Scale Drawn by Checked by Date

Job number Drawing number Rev

FBTJ

Rev Date Description Drwn by Chkd by

A 02/09

Removed relief road

sightline areas

TJ FB

A

2

7

2

A

2

7

2

Ornamental

species to be

removed

LEGEND

Failed wildflower

planting

Construction

waste to be

removed

Invasive species

to be removed

WS1184

08/15

Habitat Remediation Areas

NTS

2 -

Parcel X

Crest Nicholson

Client

Project name

Drawing title

Scale Drawn by Checked by Date

Job number Drawing number Rev

FBTJ

Rev Date Description Drwn by Chkd by

PARCEL X, HAYWARDS HEATH LANDSCAPE & ECOLOGY MANAGEMENT PLAN

1 KEN 1867

1.0 Introduction

1.1 JFA Ltd were commissioned by Crest Nicholson South East to produce a Landscape and

Ecology Management Plan (LEMP) for the residential and ecological areas of the site known

as St Francis or Parcel X in Haywards Heath, Sussex. The landscape plan for the site can be

found in Figure 1. This document forms part of a section 106 agreement for the site.

1.2 The LEMP has been informed by the ecological assessments and surveys undertaken by JFA

between 2005 and 2015. Details of ecological and landscape management for the site can

be found section 7.0.

1.3 This document has been created to address management with regards to planning condition

29 – the scheme of hard and soft landscaping for residential and planning condition 35 – the

environmental statement (Cresswell Associates, 2002).

2.0 Aims and Objectives

2.1 The LEMP sets out objectives and prescriptions for the management of ecology and

landscaped areas of the development at Parcel X for a period of ten years post-development.

2.2 The objectives of the LEMP are:

To maintain and enhance the existing ecological features present adjacent to the

site;

To maintain green space within the residential development;

To ensure the ongoing quality of all new landscape and biodiversity features;

To enhance biodiversity and ecological connectivity within the site and with adjacent

habitats;

To comply with the relevant wildlife legislation and national planning policies;

To engender a sense of naturalness and tidiness across the site;

To achieve the above whilst causing the minimum disruption, disturbance and

alteration to the surrounding landscape.

2.3 This document has been prepared in line with British Standard 42020:2013 Biodiversity –

Code of practice for planning and development. In line with chapters 8 and 11 of the National


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Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), the primary aim of this document is to ensure that the

proposed development is the result of good design and conserves and enhances the

biodiversity of the site.

3.0 Site Location and Description

3.1 The site of St Francis (Parcel X), Haywards Heath, Sussex is located at grid reference TQ 33464

22672. The B2112 and the A272 roads border the site to the south and west. Residential

development lies to the north and ghyll woodland to the east, with the sports ground

beyond.

3.2 The site is approximately 10.2ha site in total area, the residential area occupies

approximately 3ha and the ghyll woodland occupies 1.1ha. The landscape elements of the

residential area include local play areas, areas of amenity and informal grassland, formal and

informal hedgerows, ornamental planting and mixed woodland.

4.0 Implementation of LEMP

4.1 This management plan has been prepared to give management prescriptions for a ten year

period post construction. The responsibility for undertaking the management works lie with

Crest Nicholson. Crest Nicholson have secured agreements that the management will be

undertaken on their instruction as follows:

The residential and associated ecological areas are to be managed by to be

completed by Crest Nicholson.

The woodland areas are to be managed by to be completed by Gordon and Co.

Table 1: Responsible persons and lines of communication

ResponsiblePerson

Company Email Phone

ResidentialSite Manager

Crest Nicholson Details to be inserted by CrestNicholson

Details to beinserted byCrest Nicholson

Manager ofWoodlandAreas

Gordon and Co. Details to be inserted by Gordonand Co.

Details to beinserted byGordon and Co.

ClientEcologist

JFA Landscapeand Ecology

[email protected] 01444455500


3 KEN 1867

5.0 Description and Evaluation of Features to be Managed

5.1 The landscape and ecological features of the site can be spilt into three key management

areas, comprising:

Residential areas

Ghyll and associated woodland

Ecological areas

5.2 A description of each management area is provided below along with a summary of the

landscape and ecological features within each area. Figure 1 shows the different

management areas of the site. Figure 2 shows the ecological issues recorded during June

2015 site visit that require rectification. Post construction management is detailed in section

7.0 below and Appendix 1.

Residential Areas

5.3 Developed residential areas comprise the majority of the site and includes all buildings

(proposed and completed) and associated soft landscaping.

5.4 The following landscape proposals are in progress/have been implemented within the

constructed residential areas.

Planting of native individual trees and shrubs to enhance the amenity and ecological

value of this area;

Provision of native hedgerows to demarcate boundaries, provide screening from

neighbouring properties and provide an habitat of high ecological value;

Provision of play areas, grassland and wildflower areas for amenity and wildlife:

Small areas of ornamental planting directly outside houses

Details of the planting locations can be found in Figure 1.

Ghyll and Associated Woodland

5.5 The ghyll runs from the north to the south of the site and is situated at the base of the steep

sided wooded banks which form the eastern site boundary. The ghyll, associated vegetation

and woodland have been retained due to their high ecological value, ghyll woodland being


4 KEN 1867

a rare habitat type found in the south east of England. Ecological management is given in

section 7.0. Ecological methodology relating to the woodland itself can be found in the in

the Woodland Management Plan (JFA, 2005).

5.6 The ghyll woodland and local area is home to badgers, dormice, breeding birds and bats.

Ecological enhancements introduced to this area include, bat roosting boxes, bird and

dormice nest boxes, an artificial badger sett, and further enhancements in accordance with

the Code for Sustainable Homes recommendations (JFA, 2012).

5.7 The existing woodland stream is considered a main watercourse by the Environment Agency

(EA) and the continuity of its course has been protected by the construction of a tunnel with

the road bridge of the new A272, Haywards Heath ring road passing over.

Ecological Areas

A variety of ecologically important habitats occur on site. Management for these areas is

outlined in section 7.0.

Mixed Semi-natural Woodland

5.8 Areas of woodland are found in the northeast and northwest corners of the site. These areas

are connected woodland to the ghyll woodland and are similar in tree species diversity, tree

maturity and the potential to support species, such as breeding birds, dormice and bats.

5.9 Informal and formal hedgerows exist throughout the site providing important habitats for a

wide diversity of species. Both hedgerow types consist of native species such as hawthorn,

hazel and holly, which provide food for breeding birds, dormice and many other species.

Wildflower Grassland

5.10 The majority of open green space on site is native wildflower grassland. These areas are

particularly useful in both landscape and ecological terms - they provide important habitats

for pollinating invertebrates, reptiles and small mammals and are aesthetically pleasing

when in flower.

Conservation Grassland

5.11 Native grassland occurs in the southern eastern corner of site. It connects to the off-site

native grassland bordering the northern side of the A272. This forms a habitat of high

ecological value, especially for locally occurring flora.


5 KEN 1867

6.0 Design and Management Constraints

6.1 The following points condense potential constraints that may need to be taken into account

in any future site works or amendments to the management plan.

Public Amenity

6.2 The wildflower grassland areas on site may be used by local residents as an amenity space.

Areas of high footfall may affect the establishment of wildflowers, shrubs and diverse

grasses. Local play areas (LAPs) and local equipped play areas (LEAPs) are to be implemented

to alleviate usage on the ecological areas, and the sports field to the east of the site should

encourage the majority of residents to use this area for amenity activities.

Anti-social Behaviour

6.3 It is possible that some form of antisocial behaviour might occur. The management company

will be responsible for the tidying up and removing traces of fly tipping and graffiti etc.

should they occur.

Ecology

6.4 Ecological surveys of the site carried out between 2005 and 2015 identified the following

species on site JFA (2005-2015):

Breeding birds (JFAc, 2005)

Badgers (JFAa, 2005)

Dormice (JFAa, 2005)

Rhododendron (Rhododendron ponticum) (JFA, 2012a; JFA, 2015)

Japanese knotweed (Fallopia japonica) (JFA, 2005a; JFA, 2012a; JFA, 2015)

In addition, the site was noted for its potential to support herptiles, bats, hedgehog and

numerous invertebrates.

6.5 To remain compliant with environmental legislation, management should take into

consideration the presence of these species. Methods for sensitive working practices have

been provided within the management prescriptions in section 7.0.


6 KEN 1867

7.0 Landscape and Ecological Management

7.1 Management will take into account the visual, safety and biodiversity aspects of the site in

accordance with landscape and ecological objectives. The relevant management

prescriptions for each area is provided below. The management work schedule showing the

annual timing of management works can be found in Appendix I.

Residential Areas

Amenity Areas and Grassland

7.2 Footpaths have been created throughout the site which will reduce the level of footfall

occurring on landscaped and/or ecological areas. Areas of grassland have also been created

for amenity use (as shown in Figure 1) these should be mown eight times a year to 40mm.

Similarly, the grass verges of roads and paths should be mown to 40mm, eight times a year

in metre wide strips, immediately adjacent to the road/paved areas. Grassland beyond a

metre from the road should be managed as a wildflower meadow, being left to flower

annually, cutting to 150mm each March and September. This length allows plants to flower

and reptiles, amphibians and other species to utilise the area throughout the year.

Scattered Trees

7.3 Trees within the residential boundary will be inspected annually to ensure they do not pose

any health and safety risks. During establishment, all scattered trees should be halo cut

annually to reduce neighbouring completion and ensure longevity (halo cutting involves the

cutting of vegetation beneath the canopy to reduce competition for resources). Any trees

that fail to become established should be replaced. It was noted that trees in the north west

corner are missing from the planting scheme, and some failing has occurred within trees

planted on the southern road embankment, see Figure 2. Planting should occur between

November and February and should be monitored subsequently until established.

Formal Hedges

7.4 Formal hedges should be faced up annually, weeding is required beneath the hedges to

encourage the native hedge to become established. The hedge should be monitored during

establishment and any failed trees should be replaced. The use of herbicides is discouraged

as this will reduce the ecological diversity of the hedge. The formal hawthorn hedge


7 KEN 1867

surrounding the car parks in the north of the site, should be cut to a height of one metre

every five years.

Ornamental Planting

7.5 The soft landscape planting plan for the site required the use of native/or species beneficial

to pollinating insects. This was also required in accordance with the CfSH Ecology report

recommendations. Monitoring of the plants in the ornamental beds should take place bi-

annually, where plants have failed, replacement planting should include species of ecological

benefit and be carried out between March to April and September to November. Weeding

of the planting must be carried out annually.

Wildflower Grassland

7.6 The wildflower grassland areas should be cut to 150mm each autumn. Many of these areas

detailed on the planting plan appear to be grass with little or no wildflower species present

(most notably the area south of the north western housing and the northern side of the site

entrance (See Figure 2). It appears that plants have failed in these areas so replanting should

occur in a suitable period for establishment (March – April or August - November).

Subsequent years of monitoring twice a year will ensure that these wildflower meadows

become established.

Weed Control

7.7 The majority of weed control will be carried out by cutting, hoeing or hand-pulling. Herbicide

use should be avoided on non-invasive plants due to the proximity of the site to the sensitive

ghyll woodland habitat and the presence of protected species.

Fencing and surfaces

7.8 All knee rail, post and rail, close board fencing, metal railings, gates, walls and fences shall

be maintained in good order in perpetuity. Any bark or gravel should be topped up annually

to maintain appropriate depths, as required.

Litter

7.9 Regular rubbish / litter collections should be made and disposed of in an authorised manner.

It is possible that fly tipping may occur in some areas, particularly those adjacent to public

footpaths, this should be removed as soon as possible.


8 KEN 1867

Ghyll and Associated woodland

Ghyll Woodland

7.10 Before development of the site commenced, a Woodland Management Plan was written

(JFA, 2005b) to maintain the retained and translocated woodland areas during and post

development. The following monitoring was carried out in the first 2 years following

construction starting:

• Check activity at each badger sett and record any new setts

• Survey dormouse nest boxes (dormouse survey licence required).

• Survey bat boxes (licence not required unless bats are recorded, after which that box

must only be opened by a licence holder).

7.11 It is recommended that the following surveys are carried out to monitor the management

actions and inform the need for any future changes:

Every year:

• Check tree safety, particularly around any public footpaths (or more frequently if

recommended for safety reasons).

Every two years:

• Undertake bat activity survey.

• Undertake breeding bird survey.

• Check activity at each badger sett and record any new setts

• Survey dormouse nest boxes (dormouse survey licence required).

Every five years:

• Record sample photos of each area of habitat.

• Record species and cover in quadrats along a series of sampling transects through the

retained woodland.

7.12 Any works to the trees should be carried out in the non-growth season and avoid bird nesting

season (March – August inclusive). The landowner should gain confirmation from an

ecologist that there are no roosting bats in any tree prior to undertaking remedial works. All

cutting should be carried out between September and February so as to be outside of the

bird nesting season.


9 KEN 1867

7.13 The Management Plan also states that it should be reviewed by the management committee

during the final year of development to ensure any issues that have arisen since its

completion have been addressed.

Stream

7.14 The stream should be monitored annually to ensure good quality of water and consistent

flow.

7.15 Areas of the development to the east of the site are dealing with surface run off due to the

steep incline of the adjacent land. This should be prevented by creating barriers, such as

small retaining walls or planting species that thrive on hillside environments, to reduce over

siltation to the watercourse and ensure a continuous flow.

7.16 Shrubs and saplings are beginning to become established in and around the stream. These

plants should be cut back every five years to ensure the water course does not become

blocked. Plants occurring within the watercourse itself should also be removed if they begin

to cause damming.

Invasive Species

7.17 Two Schedule 9 species of plant occur onsite. It is an offence to cause these plants to grow

or spread into the wild. Japanese knotweed was found in the north east of the woodland,

immediately adjacent to the site boundary (grid reference TQ33662265). Appropriate

measures should be undertaken to ensure its removal. The rhododendron in the south of

the ghyll woodland should be removed and the stumps should be treated with appropriate

herbicide. Other problems spp. such as Norway maple and Buddleia should be monitored as

they are known to occur onsite (JFA, 2012a).

Ecological Areas

Conservation Grassland

7.18 The conservation grassland should be mown to 150mm once during August or September

and again in December. Biannual cuts during these times mimic traditional meadow

management and allow the largest diversity of wildflowers to complete their life cycle

(Plantlife, 2015). Cutting to a length not below 150mm allows reptiles, amphibians and other

species to utilise the area.


10 KEN 1867

7.19 The construction rubble and lime waste in this area needs to be removed immediately as the

lime may contaminate the soil and watercourse (see Figure 2). Following removal,

restorative planting should be carried out as per the Landscape and Planting Plan (Figure

1).This area has been also been nutrified via surface runoff, causing ruderal weeds to

dominate. To achieve the above conservation grass management regime, initial strimming

of these weeds may be required.

Informal Hedge

7.20 The informal hedges on site (such as the one occurring on the north western border) should

be faced up every three years, following DEFRA guidelines (DEFRA, unpublished). A different

third of the hedge area is to be cut each year in a three year rotation, as this will allow two

thirds to flower and fruit each year providing foraging opportunities for mammals and birds.

A more regular cut may be required in areas adjacent to footpaths to allow these to remain

open. All cutting work should occur in February as this allows fruit to remain on the trees for

the longer, benefitting the wildlife.

North Western Woodland

7.21 It is advised that the cherry laurel in the north western corner of site (see figure 2) should be

removed and replaced by native species, this would open up the woodland to the light and

encourage woodland ground flora species in this area.

8.0 Health & Safety

8.1 Working on the site and around water carries a number of risks. The landowner will be

responsible for drawing up a health and safety risk assessment which will be updated every

year. The site will be managed to comply with all Health and Safety Executive, approved

codes of practice and health and safety legislation. The managing agent will be responsible

for ensuring that the annual risk assessment takes into account the effectiveness of all

control measures.

8.2 The landowner will be responsible for ensuring that accidents and incidents which occur on

the site are reported to the relevant enforcing authority as required by the Reporting of

Injuries, Disease and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995. The ecologist working

annually on site will prepare a risk assessment that will be reviewed annually and be made

available on request to the landowner.


11 KEN 1867

9.0 Conclusion

9.1 Provided the management detailed in this document is implemented the development will

meet the aims and objectives laid out in section 2.0, legislation pertaining to biodiversity and

the S106 agreement for the site. This will ensure the longevity of both residential and

ecological areas for the benefit of people and biodiversity.


12 KEN 1867

10.0 References

Cresswell Associates (2002), Environmental statement, August 2002.

Bibby, C.J., Burgess, N.D. and Hill, D.A. (1992). Bird Census Techniques. Academic Press,

London.

Edgar, P., Foster, J. and Baker, J. (2010). Reptile Habitat Management Handbook. Amphibian

and Reptile Conservation, Bournemouth Froglife.

DEFRA (unpublished), Hedgerow Management and Wildlife. A review of research on the

effects of hedgerow management and adjacent land on biodiversity.

Froglife (1999). Froglife Advice Sheet 10: reptile survey. Froglife, London.

JFA (2005a). Parcel X Ecological Assessment. Ref: WS 1184

JFA (2005b). Woodland Management Plan. Ref: WS 1184

JFA (2005c). Bird List for X & Y. Ref WS 1184

JFA (2012a). Annual Ecological Monitoring Report for New Anscombe Wood, Parcel X. Ref:

WS 1167

JFA (2015). Site visit 09/06/15. Red: WS 1184

JFA (2012b). Code for Sustainable Homes Assessment. Ref: WS 1184

Marchant, J.H. (1983) BTO Common Bird Census Instructons. BTO. Thetford.

Plantlife (2015). Road verges and wildlife management guidelines.

http://www.plantlife.org.uk/uploads/documents/Road_Verge_Campaign_full_guidelines_

2015.pdf

Rodwell, J S (2006). National Vegetation Classification User's Handbook. 1st ed.

Peterborough : JNCC


13 KEN 1867

Appendix I - 10 Year Management Schedule

Landscape and ecological mitigation and enhancement measures - Land surrounding Parcel X, St Francis Development August 2015

2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 Total overArea Activity Timing Manpower Rate YR 1 YR 2 YR 3 YR 4 YR 5 YR 6 YR 7 YR 8 YR 9 YR 10 10 yearsA - Ghyll Woodland

Badger activity survey Feb-Apr & Sep-Oct (both inclusiv1 man, 7 days every two years x x x x x 5Dormouse nest box surveys Apr - Nov inclusive 2 men, 9 days every two years x x x x x 10Breeding bird surveys Mar - Jul inclusive 1 man, 4 days every two years x x x x x 5Bat activity surveys May - Sep inclusive 2 men, 3 days every two years x x x x x 5Woodland flora survey Spring - Summer 1 man, 1 day every five years x x 2Record sample photos of each habitat Spring - Summer 1 man, 1 day every five years x x 2

B - Woodland edgesCoppice management of edges 5 year rotation autumn/rotation of 5- 10 years 2 men, 5 days every five years x x 2Cut back scrub so that surrounding areas are not encroached late autumn 2 men, 2 days once per year x x x x x x x x x x 10Arboriculture H&S inspection of residential boundaries and foothpaths - 1 man, 1 day once per year x x x x x x x x x x 10Tree work (following H&S recommendation) - Work dependent once per year (if applicable) x x x x x x x x x x 10

C - HedgesFace up and cut northern car park hedges to 1m high - 1 man, 1 day once per year x x x x x x x x x x 10Face up north western hedge in thirds to allow fruiting autumn/rotation of 5- 10 years 1 man, 1 day every five years x x 2Weed hedge surrounding north east development - 2 men, 1 day once x 1Coppice and lay hospital boundary hedge to restore gaps late spring 2 men, 2 days every three years x 1Monitor establishment of hedges - 1 man, 1 day every two years (until established) x x x x x 5Remaining informal hedges cut in rotation, a third of hedge cut each time February 2 men, 3 days once per year x x x x x x x x x x 10

D - Scattered treesHalo cut the weeds beneath the tree - 2 men, 2 days once per year x 1Plant missing trees in north west corner Nov - Feb inclusive 2 men, 4 days once x 1Replace failings on southern road embankment Nov - Feb inclusive 2 men, 4 days once x 1Ensure establishment of the newly planted trees - Establishment dependent every two years (until established) x x x x x 5

E- Conservation grassland replanted - (Relief Road Embankment - Anscome Woods) - Monitor establishment of grassland - 1 man, 1 day once per year (until established) x x x x x x x x x x 10Replace failings Mar - Apr, Aug - Nov inclusive Work dependent establishment dependent x x x x x 5Remove rubble, lime and other waste - 1 man, 1 day once x 1Cut back scrub so that grassland is not encroached late autumn 2 men, 2 days once per year x x x x x x x x x x 10South western triangle should be cut to >150mm late autumn 1 man, 1 day once a year x x x x x x x x x x 10Other grassland areas mown to >150mm Mar & Sep 2 men, 4 days twice per year x x x x x x x x x x 10

F - Amenity grasslandMow amenity areas to 40mm, 8x per year - 2 men, 3 days eight times per year x x x x x x x x x x 10Mow residential grass verges in 1m wide strips to 40mm high - 3 men, 3 days once a month x 1Other grassland areas mown to >150mm Mar & Sep 2 men, 4 days twice per year x x x x x x x x x x 10

G - Wildflower areasCut to 150mm in autumn autumn 2 men, 3 days once per year x x x x x x x x x x 10Replace grass with wildflowers, according to planting plan Mar - Apr, Aug - Nov inclusive 2 men, 3 days once x 1Monitor to ensure establishment spring - summer 1 man, 1 day twice a year x 1Replace failings Mar - Apr, Aug - Nov inclusive 1 man, 1 day every two years x x x x x 5

H - Ornamental plantingRemove weeds - 2 men, 2 days once per year x x x x x x x x x x 10Replace failings with native/wildlife beneficial spp Mar - Apr, Aug - Nov inclusive 2 men, 2 days every two years (until established) x x x x x 5Monitor establishment of replacements - 1 man, 1 day every two years x x x x x 5

I - StreamCreate barriers around planting to reduce surface run off - 2 men, 5 days once x 1Monitor stream quality and effectiveness of barriers - 1 man, 1 day once per year x x x x x x x x x x 10Remove emerging shrubs and saplings from stream - 2 men,.2 days every five years x x 2

J - Invasive species Schedule 9Annual treatment to eliminate Japanese Knotweed - 1 man, 1 day once per year (until eliminated) x x x x x x x x x x 10Remove rhododendron - 2 men, 3 days once per year (until eliminated) x x x x x x x x x x 10Invasive vegetation species monitoring - 1 man, 1 day once per year x x x x x x x x x x 10

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