THWAITES SYKES HOLT BAT SURVEY REPORT...Sykes Holt, Mellor Brook, Lancashire Bat Survey Report 3...

THWAITES SYKES HOLT

BAT SURVEY REPORT

Prepared for: Rural Solutions, on behalf of Daniel

Thwaites PLC

Prepared by: SK Environmental Solutions Ltd

Date: 20th July 2016

Reference: SK/JN00208/D01

Sykes Holt, Mellor Brook, Lancashire

Bat Survey Report

CONTENTS

1 INTRODUCTION.............................................................................................................. 2

2 SURVEY METHODOLOGY ........................................................................................... 5

3 LEGISLATION AND PLANNING POLICY ................................................................... 9

4 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS ....................................................... 123

5 REFERENCES ............................................................................................................. 156


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1 INTRODUCTION

Background

1.1 SK Environmental Solutions Limited was commissioned by Rural Solutions (on behalf

of Daniel Thwaites PLC) to undertake an update of bat surveys originally undertaken

in 2015 at Sykes Holt, Mellor Brook, Lancashire.

1.2 The current proposals include the extensive redevelopment of the site in order to

construct a microbrewery with associated office space, accommodation and parking.

1.3 Previous bat surveys of the site, undertaken in 2014 and 2015, recorded low numbers

of common and soprano pipistrelle bats and a Myotis spp bat roosting within the Sykes

Holt cottage. Droppings of whiskered bats (Myotis mystacinus) were also found within

the cottage. It is therefore likely that the Myotis spp bat seen roosting belonged to that

species.

1.4 No bats were seen roosting within any of the other buildings on site.

1.5 The purpose of the survey was to update the 2014/5 survey findings prior to any licence

applications, and where relevant:

Identify whether bats are roosting within the internal or external features of the

building proposed for development;

Determine whether a European Protected Species Mitigation (EPSM) licence or a

Bat Low Impact Licence is still likely to be required to facilitate development;

Make recommendations, if required, regarding appropriate avoidance measures,

mitigation or, if necessary, compensation measures.

1.6 The instructed works therefore entailed two dusk emergence surveys of Sykes Holt

cottage only. During previous survey work, no bats were found roosting in any of the

other buildings, therefore a re-survey would not be required.

Site Description

1.7 The survey site is situated on the outskirts of the village of Mellor Brook, approximately

6.5km east of Blackburn, in Lancashire. The red-line boundary extends to c. 7.8

hectares and is located within Mammon Wood, which is designated as Ancient and


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Semi-Natural Woodland. Mellor Brook, a small stream, runs through the centre of the

wood, flowing in a westerly direction. Located within the woodland are two natural

ponds, one in the northern part of the site and one in the southern part. Within the

centre of the survey site lies Sykes Holt Cottage and garden with an ornamental pond

located to the east. A small complex of agricultural buildings and an adjacent paddock

lie to the east. The topography of the site is broadly flat with sharp slopes to the north

and south of the brook.

1.8 The A59 runs in a broadly west to east direction directly south of the survey site. On

the other side of the road lies the BAE Systems Salmesbury Aerodrome, which extends

to an area of approximately 200 hectares. The landscape to the north of the survey

site is dominated by arable and pasture fields bounded by hedgerows and mature

trees. Numerous ponds exist within these fields.

1.9 The main building, known as Sykes Holt Cottage, is a 16th century, largely bare stone

building with a pitched, slate roof. Adjoining the original building on the western

elevation is more recent, two-storey extension, which is rendered and whitewashed

along the ground floor, with exposed brick elevations at first floor level. There is an

overhanging, porch-style slate roof over the ground floor level of the extension. The

main roof slates have gaps present underneath, providing good potential for crevice-

dwelling bats.

Figure 1 - Site Location


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Proposed Development

1.10 It is proposed to develop the site into a microbrewery with associated landscaping and

parking. According to current plans, the majority of the existing buildings will be

removed and some trees will be felled to the south of the buildings, in order to provide

sufficient space for the construction of the brewery building and for associated car

parking. Throughout the wider site, it is understood that the majority of the woodland

and the brook is to be retained and will not be impacted by the development.


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2 SURVEY METHODOLOGY

Desk Study

2.1 The desktop study involved conducting database searches for statutory and non-

statutory designated sites, records of bat species and features of interest within and

surrounding the proposed site up to 2km from the central grid reference. The central

grid reference SD 636 315 was used as the central point of all searches. The baseline

conditions are based on a review of existing available information including:

Previous ecological reports (Lloyd Bore, 2015)

MAGIC (Multi-Agency Geographical Information for the Countryside) website (to

identify statutory designated sites);

Ordnance Survey mapping (to identify potentially notable habitats);

Aerial photography (to identify potentially notable habitats); and

2.2 Eight species of bats have been recorded breeding in Lancashire: whiskered Myotis

mystacinus, Brandt’s Myotis brandtii, Natterer’s Myotis nattererii, Daubenton’s Myotis

Daubentoni, noctule Nyctalus noctula and brown long-eared bats Plecotus auritus,

common pipistrelle Pipistrellus pipistrellus and soprano pipistrelle and P. pygmaeus.

2.3 A further three bat species have been identified in Lancashire, although maternity

roosts have not been found: Nathusius’ pipistrelle Pipistrellus nathusii, Leisler’s bat

Nyctalus leisleri and lesser horseshoe bats Rhinolophus hipposideros.


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Previous Survey Work (Lloyd Bore 2014/15)

2.4 Previous bat survey work was carried out by Lloyd Bore Ltd in 2014 and 2015. A

summary of their finding can be seen below:

Figure 2 – Bat activity locations (2014/2015)

Figure 3 – Bat dropping locations (2014/2015)

f

G1: 11/05/15 CP - emerge

C: 17/06/15 CP - emerge

D: 17/06/15 Pip spp - emerge

A2: 30/07/14 CP – emerge

17/06/15 CP – emerge

10/09/15 CP – enter

F: 10/09/15 Pip spp –

enter

E: 10/09/15 Myotis – enter

17/06/15 Myotis - emerge

G2: 30/07/14 CP – emerge

Pip spp – emerge

B: 30/07/14 SP – emerge

A1: 11/05/15 CP – emerge

17/06/15 CP – emerge

10/09/15 CP – enter

h

Approx. 20 old pip. droppings

<30 pipistrelle droppings

<100 Myotis spp droppings


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Dusk Emergence/Dawn Re-Entry Surveys

2.5 Surveys were undertaken on two occasions in May and June 2016. Surveyors were

positioned so as all aspects of Sykes Holt Cottage were observable on each occasion.

2.6 Surveyors used either frequency division bat detectors attached to digital recording

devices that recorded all bat calls for later analysis or an EchoMeter Touch bat

detector, which records all calls in high detail full spectrum.

2.7 An infra-red camera, attached to a digital video recorder and a bat detector was used

to film elevations of buildings where appropriate. Recordings were analysed post

survey to look for emerging or entering bats or confirm emergence/re-entry locations.

If necessary, the sound file was also analysed to establish species identification.

2.8 Emergence surveys started at least 15 minutes prior to sunset and continued for at

least 1.5 hours after sunset. Re-entry surveys started at least 1.5 hours prior to sunrise

and continued until 15 minutes after sunrise. The surveyors were on site approximately

15 minutes prior to the survey commencing. This is in accordance with the Bat

Conservation Trust's Bat Surveys for Professional Ecologists: Good Practice

Guidelines (3rd edition).

2.9 An experienced bat ecologist was present during each of the surveys.

Table 1 - Survey Details

Date of

survey

Survey

type

Start

time

Finish

time

sunrise

/ sunset Surveyors Weather

26.05.2016

Evening

Emergence

Survey

21:05 22:40 21:23 X 3

100% cloud cover, showers at

start, light breeze, cool,

11.2°C

16.06.2016

Evening

Emergence

Survey

21:30 23:15 21:43 X 3.

Dry, cool, 100% cloud-cover,

light breeze, 14.5°C (start),

13.5°C (finish)


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3 LEGISLATION AND PLANNING POLICY

3.1 The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010 (as amended) and the

Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) provide legal protection to all UK bat

species.

3.2 In summary, a person may be guilty of an offence if they:

Damage or destroy a breeding or resting place of bats;

Deliberately capture, injure or kill a bat/s;

Deliberately disturb bats, and in particular disturbance likely to impair animals

ability to survive, breed or nurture young, their ability to hibernate and migrate and

disturbance likely to have a significant effect on local distribution and abundance;

Intentionally or recklessly disturb a bat/s while occupying a structure or place used

for shelter and/or protection (Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended));

and

Intentionally or recklessly obstruct access to any structure or place that a bat/s use

for shelter or protection (Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended)).

3.3 The legislation applies to bat roosts even when they are not occupied.

3.4 Maximum penalties are punishable with fines up to £5,000 per offence and up to 6

months’ imprisonment. Actions affecting multiple animals may be construed as

separate offences and therefore there is potential for penalties to be applied per animal

impacted.

3.5 Under certain circumstances licences can be granted by the Statutory Nature

Conservation Organisation (Natural England in England) to permit actions that would

otherwise be unlawful.

3.6 Local authorities have obligations under sections 40 and 41 of the Natural Environment

and Rural Communities Act (NERC) 2006 to have regard to the purpose of conserving


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biodiversity in carrying out their duties. Seven species of bat species are listed on

Section 41 the NERC Act.

Survey Limitations

3.7 The survey was undertaken at a suitable time of year for surveying bats and, for the

most part, under suitable weather conditions. Rain showers punctuated the first (dusk)

survey and although bat activity was reduced during this period, the weather conditions

were not considered extreme enough to unduly impact the survey results.

3.8 Due to access limitations, an internal inspection was not carried out. However, the lead

surveyor was the same individual who had conducted the surveys at Lloyd Bore in

2015 and had inspected the property thoroughly at this point.


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July 2016

Dusk Bat Emergence Survey (26th May 2016)

3.9 During the emergence survey on the 26th May 2016 a single soprano pipistrelle bat

emerged from the north-western corner of the newer section of Sykes Holt cottage at

21.12, approximately eleven minutes prior to sunset.

3.10 No other bats were definitively recorded emerging from or entering the building,

although one Pipistrellus spp bat was seen circling the south-facing gable end of the

older section of the cottage between 21.35 and 21.38.

3.11 A moderate level of bat activity was observed during the emergence survey, with

regular foraging and commuting behaviour being observed throughout the survey.

3.12 The first bat observed was the emerging soprano pipistrelle bat. However, common

pipistrelle bats were active very soon after this. Pipistrelle bats are one of the earliest

bats to emerge from their roosts, therefore this is not considered to be uncharacteristic.

3.13 The early appearance of the bats indicates the presence of other bat roosts in the

vicinity.

3.14 Common pipistrelles were the dominant bat species recorded throughout the survey

with many soprano pipistrelle bats also identified. No other bat species were observed

during the survey.

Dusk Emergence (16th June 2016)

3.15 During the dusk survey of the 16th June 2016, two common pipistrelle bats definitively

emerged from the building. The two definitive emergences came from the southern

eaves of the newer extension of the cottage and a crevice beneath a window on the

southern elevation of the older section of the cottage.

3.16 An additional common pipistrelle bat was observed potentially emerging from the

eastern gable wall of the newer section of the cottage at 21.36, seven minutes prior to

sunset. This was the first bat to be observed during the survey. However, the surveyor

was unsighted by the gable end of the building, and could not confirm definitive


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emergence. None of the other surveyors observed a bat approaching the building

however, therefore it is likely that it emerged from the building.

3.17 A soprano pipistrelle bat was observed circling the southern gable apex of the older

section of the cottage numerous times between 23.08 and 23.12. This bat then entered

a crevice at the apex of the gable end at 23.12. It was not seen emerging again within

the duration of the survey.

3.18 A moderate level of bat activity was observed during the emergence survey, with

regular foraging and commuting behaviour being observed throughout the survey in all

areas of the survey site.

3.19 Common and soprano pipistrelle were the two most abundant species recorded

throughout the survey, with occasional passes from noctule bats and a Myotis spp bat.


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4 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

4.1 On the basis of the information gathered as a result of the survey work undertaken, the

cottage at Sykes Holt is occupied by low numbers of common and soprano pipistrelle

bats. This is fitting with the results of the surveys carried out previously by Lloyd Bore

Ltd, who found the property to be used by common and soprano pipistrelles and very

low numbers of whiskered bats.

4.2 During the survey work undertaken in 2016, no Myotis spp bats of any type were

observed roosting within the building. However, it is not unusual for single male bats

to have numerous roosting locations within a home range that are alternated between.

Whiskered bats may therefore still roost within the building occasionally, just not within

the periods of time that were surveyed.

4.3 The roosting locations observed during the 2016 survey work were similar to those

observed in 2014 and 2015 by Lloyd Bore, but differed slightly. Additional roosting

locations have been observed at the southern gable apex of the older section of the

cottage, as well as within a crevice under a window on the adjacent southern elevation.

A further additional roosting location has been identified on the north-western corner

of the newer section of the cottage (see Figure 4, below).

4.4 The numbers of roosting bats have not increased from the previous survey work.

Therefore, the status of the roost remains the same; the building appears to be used

by low numbers of male or non-breeding female bats, which roost singly and vary their

roosting behaviour frequently. This is characteristic of males and non-breeding

females, which are not bound to a maternity roost in the way that breeding females

are.

4.5 Based on the current plans, proposed work is likely to directly impact all of the roosts

found with the building. Therefore, a European Protected Species Licence (EPSM) will

be required prior to works commencing on the property.


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Figure 4 – Bat roost locations (2016)

4.6 As conditions have not changed, and the status of the roost remains similar to that

observed during previous survey work. The advice previously provided by Lloyd Bore

Ltd is therefore still relevant. The 2015 Lloyd Bore report recommends:

“Works are to be commenced during a period when bats are not likely to be present, and

are therefore least vulnerable to disturbance, i.e. September to October or March to April.

A pre-works inspection is to be carried out by a licenced bat consultant just prior to works

being commenced, to look for evidence of bats or bat activity.

An induction for site workers is to be provided by a licenced bat consultant just prior to works

being commenced, to inform site workers of the presence of bats, of the legal protection

afforded to bats and their roosts and of the correct working procedure regarding bats.

Works are to be undertaken slowly, by hand and with care. For example, roofing slates

and/or external stonework is to be removed carefully and checked on the underside for the

presence of bats before being discarded.

A licenced bat consultant is to be in attendance on site to provide a watching brief while

critical works are undertaken i.e. roof coverings are removed in areas near bat roosts.

Where possible, in order to mitigate for the loss of any bat roosts, artificial roosting features

should be installed in the new building. For example:

16/06/16 Soprano

Pipistrelle - enter

26/05/16 Soprano

Pipistrelle - emerge

16/06/16 Common


16/06/16 Common


16/06/16 Common

Pipistrelle – possible emerge


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If the building is to be re-roofed, then access points should be installed in the new roof.

This will include;

bat access slates on the southern and northern eaves areas;

ridge access gaps at the east-facing gable apex of the extension and on the eastern

roof ridge of eastern wing.

All replacement bat roosts and access points are to be provided in as similar locations

and orientations as possible to those in the existing building.

Any new roof pitches are to be lined with Type 1F bitumen fibre based hessian

reinforced felt, not a breathable roofing membrane (BRM). BRM's have been shown to

degrade in the presence of bats, as well as endangering the lives of bats through

entanglement in the fibres (Waring. S, 2015*).

Bat mitigation features are to be checked by an appropriately licensed and experienced

bat consultant, prior to works being completed so that changes can be made if

necessary. Mitigation will also need to be signed-off on completion by the licensed bat

consultant.

External lighting on the building is to be avoided. If external lighting is absolutely necessary,

any external lights are to be cowled so that they are directional, downward-facing and of low

wattage, in order not to illuminate bat roosting habitat and nearby bat foraging/commuting

areas.”

4.7 There is no reason to deviate from these recommendations, as they are still relevant

given the current roosting evidence.

4.8 However, in addition to those recommendations, and in light of roosts being found

within a crack in the external elevations of the building, it is also recommended that

any gaps that can be left in the external fabric of the building should be left un-pointed

to provide future roosting opportunities for bats.

4.9 A detailed mitigation plan will be produced and finalised in preparation for the EPSM

licence application.

4.10 An application for a licence requires current survey data to support it. Therefore, if

commencement of work is delayed beyond the start of the 2017 summer bat survey

season then an update survey will be required to support the licence application.


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5 REFERENCES

Altringham, J.D. (2003) British Bats. Harper Collins, London

Bat Conservation Trust (2009) The National Bat Monitoring Programme – Annual Report 2009. Bat Conservation Trust, London. (available at www.bats.org.uk/pages/nbmp_reports.html)

Collins, J. (ed.) (2016) Bat Surveys for Professional Ecologists: Good Practice

Guidelines (3rd edn).The Bat Conservation Trust, London.

Dietz, C., Nill, D. & von Helversen, O. (2009) Bats of Britain, Europe and Northwest

Africa. A & C Black JNCC (2004). Bat Workers' Manual. 3rd edition.

Lloyd Bore Ltd (2015) C410-RP02 Bat Survey Report Natural England (undated). Standing Advice Species Sheet: Bats

Waring. S (2015) Bats and Breathable Roofing Membranes. http://www.batsandbrms.co.uk/background.php

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