Peel Holdings (Land & Property) Ltd
ESL (Ecological Services) Ltd, 1 Otago House, Allenby Business Village, Crofton Road, Lincoln, LN3 4NL
Ecological Baseline Survey of Hazelhurst, Salford SCS.PH
ECOLOGICAL BASELINE SURVEY OF
HAZELHURST, SALFORD
FINAL
MARCH 2012
Peel Investments (North) Ltd
ESL (Ecological Services) Ltd, 1 Otago House, Allenby Business Village, Crofton Road, Lincoln, LN3 4NL
Ecological Baseline Survey of Hazelhurst, Salford SCS.PH
DOCUMENT CONTROL
TITLE: Ecological Baseline Survey of Hazelhurst, Salford VERSION: Final DATE: March 2012 ISSUED BY: Anne Goodall AUTHOR: Emily Cook CHECKED BY: Vanessa Tindale APPROVED BY: Vanessa Tindale ISSUED TO: Richard Knight
Peel Investments (North) Ltd Peel Dome The Trafford Centre Manchester M17 8PL
This report has been prepared by ESL with all reasonable skill, care and diligence, within the terms of the contract with the Client. The report is confidential to the Client. ESL accepts no responsibility of whatever nature to third parties to whom this report may be made known. No part of this document may be reproduced without the prior written approval of ESL.
Peel Investments (North) Ltd
ESL (Ecological Services) Ltd, 1 Otago House, Allenby Business Village, Crofton Road, Lincoln, LN3 4NL
Ecological Baseline Survey of Hazelhurst, Salford SCS.PH
CONTENTS
Page 1 INTRODUCTION 1 2 DESK STUDY 1 3 FIELD SURVEY METHODS 3 4 RESULTS 4 4.1 Site Description 4 4.2 Habitats, Plant Communities and Plant Species 4 4.3 Amphibians and Reptiles 8 4.4 Mammals 9 4.5 Birds 9 5 CONSTRAINTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 9 6 POTENTIAL OPPORTUNITIES AND ENHANCEMENTS 11 6.1 Hedgerows 11 6.2 Broadleaved Woodland with Areas of Wet Woodland 12 6.3 Ponds 12 6.4 Grassland 12 6.5 Urban Areas 13 7 REFERENCES 13 FIGURES 1 Location Plan 2 Habitat Map 3 Potential Constraints and Ecological Enhancement Suggestions APPENDICES 1 Species Recorded at Hazelhurst Site on 5 October 2011 and 19 January 2012 2 Desk Study Results
Peel Investments (North) Ltd
ESL (Ecological Services) Ltd, 1 Otago House, Allenby Business Village, Crofton Road, Lincoln, LN3 4NL
Ecological Baseline Survey of Hazelhurst, Salford SCS.PH
1
ECOLOGICAL BASELINE SURVEY OF HAZELHURST, SALFORD
1 INTRODUCTION
1.1 ESL (Ecological Services) Ltd has been commissioned by Peel Holdings (Land & Property)
Ltd to carry out an ecological survey of Hazelhurst, Worsley, Salford, hereafter referred to as
‘the site’. The site location and survey area boundary are shown on Figure 1.
1.2 The survey is required to assist with the identification of strategic sites in the context of the
emerging Salford Core Strategy. Given the time of year an initial scoping visit and desk study
was undertaken to identify potential ecological constraints to development and identify
possible opportunities for enhancements, and to indicate any gaps in the available information
which will need to be considered at the correct season.
1.3 This report describes the methods used and provides the findings of the survey together with
recommendations for further work where appropriate. For plant species recorded on the site
and for bird, mammal and invertebrate species recorded both on the site and in the wider
area, English names are used throughout the text with a full species list including scientific
names given in Appendix 1. Where plants and animals not recorded are referred to, the
scientific name is also given in the text. Both English and scientific names of plants are given
according to Stace (2010) and Atherton et al (2010) for higher plants and bryophytes
respectively. A habitat map is given as Figure 2. Figure 3 gives suggestions for potential
enhancements.
2 DESK STUDY
Sources consulted
2.1 The Natural England and JNCC websites were consulted to obtain information pertaining to
any internationally protected sites and for citations of any Sites of Special Scientific Interest
(SSSI) or National Nature Reserves (NNR) within 5km of the site. Information was also
sought on any Local Nature Reserves (LNR) within 2km of the site. Greater Manchester
Ecology Unit (GMEU) was asked to provide protected species records and locations of any
Sites of Biological Importance (SBIs) within a 2km radius of the site.
Results
2.2 The nearest site of international importance is Manchester Mosses Special Area of
Conservation (SAC) which is about 6km southwest of the site and is designated for its raised
bog habitats. There no NNRs or SSSIs within 5km of the site, the nearest being Astley &
Bedford Mosses SSSI (part of the SAC mentioned above). It is very unlikely that
development of this site would have an adverse effect on either the SAC or constituent SSSIs.
Peel Investments (North) Ltd
ESL (Ecological Services) Ltd, 1 Otago House, Allenby Business Village, Crofton Road, Lincoln, LN3 4NL
Ecological Baseline Survey of Hazelhurst, Salford SCS.PH
2
2.3 The GMEU provided details of six SBIs situated within 2km of the site, as follows:
• Worsley Wood SBI. Variety of woodlands/plantations, a reservoir and ponds. Wardley
Wood located along the western edge of the site is part of the Worsley Wood SBI
complex. Part of this site, approximately 260m to the south-west of the site, is also an
LNR.
• Alder Forest Marsh SBI. Willow carr with associated areas of oak/birch woodland.
• Bittern Pits Wood SBI. Secondary woodland on peat.
• Bridgewater Canal SBI. A canal with diverse emergent and submerged aquatic plant
communities.
• How Clough SBI. Woodland of various ages situated in shallow clough and along
disused railway.
• Middle Wood SBI. Mature plantation, a lake and grassland areas.
Locations for all of these sites are given in Appendix 2.
2.4 The GMEU provided numerous protected species records within 2km of the site (see
Appendix 2). Many of these records are fairly recent, resulting from ecological surveys in the
general area for a proposed pipeline. One record for great crested newt Triturus cristatus was
provided within the site itself in Wardley Wood.
2.5 Seven records for bats were provided, within 2km from the site. Five of these records were for
common pipistrelle Pipistrellus pipistrellus with single records for noctule Nyctalus noctula and
soprano pipistrelle Pipistrellus pygmaeus. The closest records were for common pipistrelle
approximately 600m north-west of the site.
2.6 One water vole Arvicola amphibius record was provided, about 1.25km away from the site to
the west. Only one record was listed for badger Meles meles, a possible sett just under 1km
south of the site. The GMEU also provided a record of brown hare Lepus europaeus, just
under 2km from the site to the southwest.
2.7 Records for seven UK BAP Priority bird species were also provided by the GMEU. These
were dunnock, song thrush, willow tit Poecile montanus, starling Sturnus vulgaris, house
sparrow Passer domesticus, bullfinch Pyrrhula pyrrhula and reed bunting Emberiza
schoeniclus. There is suitable breeding habitat for several of these species on site. A map
showing locations of GMEU records is given in Appendix 2.
2.8 The site falls within English Nature’s Natural Area 26 ‘The Urban Mersey Basin’ which is
characterised by large urban areas interspersed with both large and small semi-natural and
regenerating habitats (woodland, wetland, grassland and wasteland). Watercourses of various
sizes and types are frequent.
Peel Investments (North) Ltd
ESL (Ecological Services) Ltd, 1 Otago House, Allenby Business Village, Crofton Road, Lincoln, LN3 4NL
Ecological Baseline Survey of Hazelhurst, Salford SCS.PH
3
3 FIELD SURVEY METHODS
3.1 A walkover survey of the site and adjacent areas was carried out by an experienced ecologist
on 19 January 2012. A risk assessment was undertaken and a method statement prepared in
order to evaluate any specific risks and implement safe-working procedures, and the following
surveys were completed.
Habitats, Plant Communities and Plant Species
3.2 All habitats and plant communities in the survey area were mapped and characterised, so far
as possible for the season, by identifying the dominant and typical species. Hedgerows in this
area were assessed against the criteria for importance set out in the Hedgerow Regulations
(1997). Notes were also made on the adjacent land, where views and access allowed.
Amphibians and Reptiles
3.3 Six waterbodies are shown on OS maps on site and a further pond is shown just outside the
boundary within the adjacent woodland. A search was also made for any recent or smaller
pools, not shown on the OS maps, either on site or visible on adjacent land which might have
potential to support breeding amphibian populations, in particular great crested newts. All
waterbodies present on site were assessed as amphibian habitat (EN, 2001).
3.4 All habitats were assessed for their potential for use by reptiles, looking particularly for more
open vegetation that would provide suitable areas for basking, close to areas of more dense
vegetation which would provide protection from predators (Beebee and Griffiths, 2000). No
searches were made for these species as they are still in hibernation at this time of year.
Mammals
3.5 All trees (except in heavily wooded areas) were visually inspected from the ground and
scanned for features considered to have potential to support roosting bats. Such features
commonly include disused woodpecker holes, cracks and splits in boughs, delaminating bark
and ivy clad limbs (BCT, 2007). There were no buildings present on the site.
3.6 A search was made for wetland habitat, such as streams, ditches and drains, on or close to
the site in order to assess their suitability for use by water voles or otters. A search was also
made for signs of use by badgers. Such signs include setts, dung pits, pathways, paw prints,
hairs and feeding signs such as snuffle holes and scratched logs (Harris et al, 1994).
Birds
3.7 All birds seen and heard on and immediately adjacent to the site were recorded. An
assessment was made of the habitats on site for their potential to support breeding birds
listed on Schedule 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981 and as amended).
Peel Investments (North) Ltd
ESL (Ecological Services) Ltd, 1 Otago House, Allenby Business Village, Crofton Road, Lincoln, LN3 4NL
Ecological Baseline Survey of Hazelhurst, Salford SCS.PH
4
4 RESULTS
4.1 SITE DESCRIPTION
4.1.1 The site includes three arable fields divided by hedgerows, together with broadleaved
woodland, boundary hedgerows, scattered trees, a woodland stream, ponds and small areas
of rough grassland/tall herbs. Broadleaved woodland adjoins the south-western boundary
with a small recreation ground and houses and gardens to the east and south. The whole site
is fairly well-used by the public, especially dog-walkers. Houses and gardens and the M60
motorway abut the north-western site boundary whilst the A580 bounds the site to the north.
Figure 2 shows the locations of different habitats on site.
Photograph 1 Northern part of site, facing NW Photograph 2 South-western part of site, facing
NW
4.2 HABITATS, PLANT COMMUNITIES AND PLANT SPECIES
Arable fields
4.2.1 Most of the site is under arable, currently planted with oilseed rape. One large field forms the
northern half of the site with two smaller fields forming the southern half (Photographs 1 and
2). The field margins are 1-2m wide and comprise rough grassland dominated by common
nettle, false oat-grass, creeping buttercup, annual meadow-grass and broad-leaved dock.
Arable weeds common within the field included fat hen, wavy bittercress, knot-grass and
common field speedwell.
Rough grassland/tall herbs
4.2.2 Small areas of rough grassland/tall herbs are present around the pylon in the north-east of the
site, adjacent to the recreation ground to the east and in the south of the site, this last area
having garden fences to its western and southern edges. These areas are dominated by
common nettle, false oat-grass, creeping thistle, great willowherb, bramble and rosebay
willowherb (see Photograph 3). Occasional young sycamores and hawthorns are present.
Peel Investments (North) Ltd
ESL (Ecological Services) Ltd, 1 Otago House, Allenby Business Village, Crofton Road, Lincoln, LN3 4NL
Ecological Baseline Survey of Hazelhurst, Salford SCS.PH
5
Photograph 3 Rough grassland in north of site Photograph 4 Central dividing hedge, facing N
Hedgerows
4.2.3 The hedges dividing the arable fields and adjoining the western boundary of the woodland are
currently unmanaged, 2-5m high and 1-3m wide, and comprise hawthorn and blackthorn with
occasional ash, holly and elder (see Photograph 4). The ground flora is dominated by
bramble, common nettle, false oat-grass, cleavers and creeping buttercup. Some of the
hedgerows become gappy in places where footpaths cut through them or close to the point of
joining a garden fence.
4.2.4 A gappy unmanaged (part ornamental) 2-3m high hedge forms the north-eastern boundary
separating the site from Richmond Drive and includes hawthorn, holly, ash saplings and
occasional elder, apple, ornamental privet and butterfly-bush. The ground flora is continuous
with the adjacent field margin, comprising false oat-grass, creeping buttercup, Yorkshire-fog,
cleavers and common nettle.
4.2.5 Managed ornamental garden hedges comprising cherry laurel, Leyland cypress and
occasional holly and dogwood adjoin the eastern section of site just south of the recreation
ground. Another hedge is present along the southern edge of the site associated with a
fenced nursery school beyond. This hedge is unmanaged, 6m high, 3-4m wide and comprises
hawthorn with occasional elder, wild cherry, rowan, field maple and frequent standards of
crack willow and wild cherry. The ground flora of this hedge comprises bramble, false oat-
grass, common nettle, great willowherb and occasional red currant.
4.2.6 A gappy unmanaged hedge (part ornamental) divides part of the southern edge of the site
from several gardens. This hedge is approximately 6m high, 3-4m wide and dominated by
hawthorn with occasional holly, sycamore and elder over a ground flora dominated by
bramble, common nettle, cleavers, great willowherb and common feather-moss.
Peel Investments (North) Ltd
ESL (Ecological Services) Ltd, 1 Otago House, Allenby Business Village, Crofton Road, Lincoln, LN3 4NL
Ecological Baseline Survey of Hazelhurst, Salford SCS.PH
6
4.2.7 Managed ornamental hedges associated with houses and gardens are found adjacent to the
south-western corner of the site. These are 1-3m high and comprise either beech, cherry
laurel, garden privet or cotoneaster.
Broadleaved Woodland/ Wet Woodland
4.2.8 Wardley Wood towards the west of the site comprises mainly pedunculate oak, alder, silver
birch, beech, horse chestnut, sweet chestnut, ash and sycamore with an understorey of holly
and dense areas of rhododendron in places (see Photograph 5). The ground flora comprises
bluebell, bramble, ivy, common nettle, common feather-moss and occasional pendulous
sedge. Areas of wet woodland present within this larger woodland have species such as alder
and willows. This woodland forms part of the Worsley Wood complex designated as an SBI.
Photograph 5 Wardley Wood Photograph 6 Woodland Pond (Pond 5)
Ponds
4.2.9 Seven ponds are shown within the site boundary on OS maps and a further marshy pond was
identified during the survey, adjacent to the woodland and within the northern arable field. At
the time of survey following heavy rain several ephemeral pools of water were present in the
woodland, within shallow depressions and hollows.
4.2.10 Pond 1 is a large wet depression forming a seasonal marshy pond with occasional shallow
standing water surrounded by scattered scrub in an area of marshy grassland adjacent to
Wardley Wood and within the northern arable field. Emergent vegetation is dominated by
bulrush with patches of soft rush, and the surrounding scrub includes dogwood, willow sp,
bramble and elder. The marshy grassland has frequent common feather-moss, creeping
thistle and common ragwort.
4.2.11 Pond 2 is a seasonal marshy pond within a hollow surrounded by scattered scrub on the edge
of an arable field and adjacent to the hedgerow that runs east to west separating the northern
field from the two southern fields. At the time of survey the pond was damp with extensive
lesser pond-sedge throughout and patches of marginal soft rush and great willowherb.
Peel Investments (North) Ltd
ESL (Ecological Services) Ltd, 1 Otago House, Allenby Business Village, Crofton Road, Lincoln, LN3 4NL
Ecological Baseline Survey of Hazelhurst, Salford SCS.PH
7
Surrounding scattered scrub comprised elder, holly, bramble and hawthorn with occasional
young pedunculate oak and silver birch.
4.2.12 Pond 3 is a roughly circular pond in the north-western corner of Wardley Wood, separated
from Pond 4 by a narrow path.. It has steep embankments and the M60 directly to the west.
The pond is heavily shaded by surrounding trees. Bankside vegetation includes silver birch,
alder, pedunculate oak and rhododendron.
4.2.13 Pond 4 is an elongated pond directly to the east of Pond 3. It is shaded by pedunculate oak,
holly, bramble and rhododendron and looks to have varied depths.
4.2.14 Pond 5 is a large kidney shaped pond in the north-eastern part of Wardley Wood and is
connected by a shallow stream to the main stream running north-to south through the centre
of the woodland (see Photograph 6). Marginal vegetation includes areas of hard rush with
duckweed covering the ponds surface. Bankside vegetation comprises mature trees, bramble
scrub and rhododendron. Mallards were present at the time of survey. This pond appears to
have varied depths with shallow margins.
4.2.15 Pond 6 is another large pond in the eastern part of Wardley Wood with a dry stream running
along its southern edge. Part of the eastern area of the pond is damp with extensive lesser
pond-sedge whilst the remainder of the pond held water at the time of survey. Aquatic
vegetation included water-starwort with emergent willow scrub and, bankside vegetation
comprises bramble, holly, rhododendron, pedunculate oak and mature willows. A steep
embankment lies adjacent to the southern side of the pond forming the edge of the woodland
where it meets the arable field.
4.2.16 Pond 7 is a large but heavily shaded woodland pond just within the southern site boundary
and just north of Pond 8. It appeared to have varied depths and shallow margins. Mallards
were present. Bankside vegetation comprised mature trees, holly and bramble.
4.2.17 Pond 8 is a shaded pond within the broadleaved woodland directly south of Pond 7 and lies
just outside of the site boundary. It has public footpaths in close proximity and mallards were
recorded using the waterbody. Bankside vegetation includes frequent common feather-moss
and semi-mature and mature pedunculate oak, silver birch and beech trees. The great
crested newt record provided by the GMEU is located in the area of Ponds 7 and 8.
Woodland Stream
4.2.18 A stream enters Wardley Wood in the north via a culvert and then runs north to south through
the wood until it turns west to meet the western boundary of the woodland. Smaller shallower
streams run east from the main stream. The main stream has steep sided banks with limited
Peel Investments (North) Ltd
ESL (Ecological Services) Ltd, 1 Otago House, Allenby Business Village, Crofton Road, Lincoln, LN3 4NL
Ecological Baseline Survey of Hazelhurst, Salford SCS.PH
8
aquatic vegetation (Photograph 7). Bankside vegetations included hart’s-tongue, soft rush
and rhododendron.
Photograph 7 Main woodland stream Photograph 8 Japanese knotweed along fence
Non-woodland trees and scattered scrub
4.2.19 A narrow strip of mixed trees and shrubs of wild privet, cherry laurel and dogwood lies east of
the pylon in the north-east corner. Directly to the west of this pylon are several young, semi-
mature and mature trees including sycamore and ash. Young pedunculate oak trees, elder
and bramble scrub line the northern boundary fenceline adjacent to the A580. A line of semi-
mature silver birch, sycamore, ash and pedunculate oak separates the site from the recreation
ground to the east. Scattered scrub comprising predominantly bramble is found along the field
and site boundaries, with denser areas in the woodland and in the marshy grassland area
surrounding Pond 1.
Invasive species
4.2.20 Four stands of Japanese knotweed are present on site. Two small linear stands are present
along the northern boundary fence just east of Wardley Wood (Photograph 8), and there are
two stands within the woodland itself, associated with the main woodland stream and the
smaller shallower stream that runs east from the main stream.
4.3 AMPHIBIANS AND REPTILES
4.3.1 The ponds on site are considered to have some potential for great crested newts with
connectivity between them and suitable surrounding terrestrial habitat. As a record has been
provided for great crested newts within the vicinity of Ponds 7 and 8 it is considered likely that
they may utilise the other waterbodies and terrestrial habitats on site. There are several
potential spoil and rubble refuge sites along the northern field edge although none are within
the vicinity of the ponds on site.
Peel Investments (North) Ltd
ESL (Ecological Services) Ltd, 1 Otago House, Allenby Business Village, Crofton Road, Lincoln, LN3 4NL
Ecological Baseline Survey of Hazelhurst, Salford SCS.PH
9
4.3.2 None of the habitats on site are particularly suitable for use by reptiles due to the isolated
nature of the site with residential areas to the east and south and main roads to the north and
west. Extensive areas of unsuitable habitat in the form of arable fields account for the majority
of the site. Given the time of year no reptiles were recorded during the site walkover.
4.4 MAMMALS
4.4.1 Many of the trees in Wardley Wood have features suitable for use by roosting bats. However
these are unlikely to be affected by any future development of the site. Very few of the non-
woodland trees scattered around the site are mature enough to be used by roosting bats,
except for those in the north-east corner by the pylon which have started to develop suitable
features. The hedges, waterbodies and woodland edge habitats on site may provide foraging
habitat and movement corridors for bats.
4.4.2 There were no badger activity signs noted on site or in adjacent land and it is considered
unlikely that the site is used by foraging badgers.
4.4.3 The woodland stream was not considered suitable for use by water voles or otters and no
signs to indicate past or current presence were found.
4.5 BIRDS
4.5.1 In total, 18 bird species were recorded on site during the survey with two further species also
noted in immediately adjacent habitats (see Appendix 1). They are all fairly common and
widespread species, none of which are listed on Schedule 1 to the Wildlife and Countryside
Act. Two of the species, dunnock and song thrush, are UK BAP Priority Species. All habitats
on site have the potential to support nesting birds, particularly the hedgerows, scattered trees
and woodland areas, but there is no suitable nesting habitat for any of the Schedule 1 species
likely to occur in this area.
5 CONSTRAINTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Habitats and Plant Communities
5.1 All habitats and plant communities recorded on the site are common and widespread in a local
and national context. However, certain of these habitats, namely lowland woodland, ponds
and hedgerows, are included in the UK and Greater Manchester BAP. Where more detailed
surveys at the correct season confirm that these areas meet the criteria for the relevant HAP
they should be retained if possible, or the loss mitigated if this is not possible. Where they can
be retained, enhancement as set out in section 6 below would provide biodiversity gain.
Peel Investments (North) Ltd
ESL (Ecological Services) Ltd, 1 Otago House, Allenby Business Village, Crofton Road, Lincoln, LN3 4NL
Ecological Baseline Survey of Hazelhurst, Salford SCS.PH
10
5.2 None of the hedgerows on site meet the criteria for Importance set out in the Hedgerows
Regulations (1997) although all now qualify as UK BAP habitats. Most of the hedges are
species-poor, have no or few trees and are un- or poorly-managed, and some are not intact.
Plant Species
5.3 No nationally rare, nationally scarce or Red Data plant species, defined by Wigginton (1999),
Stewart, Pearman and Preston (1994) and Cheffings et al (2005) respectively and no local or
UK BAP Priority Species of plant were recorded from the site.
5.4 The stands of Japanese knotweed have the potential to spread and should be treated prior to
development. Japanese knotweed is a highly invasive alien plant and under Section 9 of the
Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981 and as amended) it is illegal to introduce this species or
allow it to spread in the wild. It is classed as ‘controlled waste’ under the Environmental
Protection Act 1900 and a Duty of Care applies. It will survive shallow burial, is easily
dispersed and unless dealt with correctly will re-grow and spread across the site resulting in
long-term management problems and costs
Amphibians and Reptiles
5.5 There are seven ponds on site and a further pond nearby with potential to support breeding
great crested newts and the desk study produced a great crested newt record from the vicinity
of Ponds 7 and 8. Therefore, it is recommended that a presence/presumed absence great
crested newt survey is undertaken on the relevant waterbodies. This involves four survey
visits in the March to June period with at least two of these in the peak mid-April to mid-May
period (HGBI, 1998). An additional two visits are normally required if great crested newts are
found, in order to estimate population size.
Mammals
5.6 It is unlikely that any of the trees with features suitable for use by roosting bats will be lost to
the development, but the desk study produced several bat records for the general area and
with the range of habitats available it is considered likely that the site is used by a range of
foraging bat species. Therefore it is recommended that a bat activity survey is undertaken
during the spring/summer months which could include an assessment of any mature trees for
features that are likely to be impacted by future development.
5.7 Since no badger signs were found, no specific badger surveys are recommended but the site
is suitable for use by badgers and general surveillance for any badger signs should be
undertaken during the course of other fieldwork on site.
5.8 There is no suitable habitat for water voles or otters and therefore no further surveys are
recommended for these species.
Peel Investments (North) Ltd
ESL (Ecological Services) Ltd, 1 Otago House, Allenby Business Village, Crofton Road, Lincoln, LN3 4NL
Ecological Baseline Survey of Hazelhurst, Salford SCS.PH
11
Birds
5.9 All of the habitats on site could support nesting birds, including a number of BAP Priority
Species. It is thought unlikely that any Schedule 1 species would be breeding on site but as a
good assemblage of farmland and woodland species could be present, a breeding bird survey
is recommended. This would involve at least six visits between late March and early July.
5.10 In order to avoid damaging or destroying bird nests, site clearance should be undertaken
outside the breeding season, which typically runs from the beginning of March to the end of
August. If this is not possible then a check must be made for nests by a suitably experienced
individual prior to any clearance works. Any nests thought to be active should be identified
and protected until the eggs have hatched and young have fledged. Active nests can be
present outside this time and any found at any stage should be protected in the same way.
Invertebrates
5.11 Due to the diversity of habitats on site it may support a good range of invertebrate species
including notable species. Therefore, it is recommended that a habitat assessment survey by
an entomologist is undertaken, ideally in the late spring/summer months.
6 POTENTIAL OPPORTUNITIES AND ENHANCEMENTS
6.1 HEDGEROWS
6.1.1 Any hedges to be retained would benefit from gapping-up and doubling the width with native
species to improve species diversity. All hedgerows should be species-rich with a minimum of
6 woody species per 30m length. Recommended species are hawthorn, blackthorn, elder,
hazel, spindle, wild privet and dog-rose, plus honeysuckle and bramble. This would provide a
biodiversity gain and help achieve the targets for this important BAP habitat.
6.1.2 Where available, standard trees should be selected and promoted from existing hedgerow
components. Where insufficient existing tree species are available native hedgerow trees
should be planted every 50m. Suitable tree species are ash and pedunculate oak.
6.1.3 Alternate sides of the hedgerows should be trimmed every other year in order to allow the
shrubs to berry and fruit. This would benefit bird and small mammal species both directly and
indirectly, by providing food for invertebrates. Where possible strips of rough floristically rich
grassland should be maintained along both sides of the hedges to increase cover at ground
level. All newly planted hedgerows should comprise a double row of shrubs and should meet
the minimum species requirement for UK BAP species-rich hedges. This would be a positive
enhancement, creating further linear corridors connecting a mosaic of habitats.
Peel Investments (North) Ltd
ESL (Ecological Services) Ltd, 1 Otago House, Allenby Business Village, Crofton Road, Lincoln, LN3 4NL
Ecological Baseline Survey of Hazelhurst, Salford SCS.PH
12
6.2 BROADLEAVED WOODLAND WITH AREAS OF WET WOODLAND
6.2.1 The areas of broadleaved and wet woodland forming the SBI should be retained and
incorporated into the plans for the site. Dead wood should be retained and left in-situ in the
areas of wet woodland as it can provide a valuable habitat for invertebrates. All south facing
woodland edges would benefit from having scalloped edges which creates sheltered enclaves
and maintains structural diversity. Any felled trees should be used to create brash piles and
refuge sites for amphibians and small mammals. Open areas should be maintained to provide
a mosaic of habitats within the woodland, and a programme of rhododendron removal should
be set in place. This will create further open glades, which will again increase the mosaic and
benefit invertebrates, amphibians and small mammals.
6.2.2 All new tree or woodland planting should ideally comprise locally native species, although
some ornamental planting is acceptable in the built areas. All new semi-natural habitats
should be linked to the existing mosaic of habitats including rough grassland and scrub.
6.3 PONDS
6.3.1 Ponds are both a UK BAP and LBAP habitat. The woodland ponds are currently heavily
shaded by mature trees and would benefit from having some trees and scrub coppiced or
cleared around their margins to open them up. The two marshy ponds (Ponds 1 and 2)
provide valuable wildlife habitats and may require future coppice management to prevent
scrub encroachment. It is currently not known if great crested newts are present on the site
however following the recommended presence/presumed absence surveys it may be
beneficial to provide further ponds designed to benefit this species if they are found on site.
6.3.2 Any additional ponds created would be a significant enhancement for biodiversity and should
incorporate a range of native aquatic and marginal plants, varied depths with shallow margins
and have mostly unshaded banks. They should have a range of surrounding habitats
including species-rich grassland areas with some scattered scrub linking them to nearby
suitable habitats. Hibernacula and refuge piles could be incorporated around the pond
margins to benefit amphibians.
6.4 GRASSLAND
6.4.1 Grassland margins should be created where possible along hedges, around the periphery and
bordering woodland to provide a mosaic of habitats. Any new areas of grassland creation
should be species-rich, ideally including the typical hay meadow and pasture species for this
locality. Improving the species diversity of the grassland areas can be achieved through the
Peel Investments (North) Ltd
ESL (Ecological Services) Ltd, 1 Otago House, Allenby Business Village, Crofton Road, Lincoln, LN3 4NL
Ecological Baseline Survey of Hazelhurst, Salford SCS.PH
13
use of meadow seed mixtures and/or plug-plants. They should be managed to provide pollen
and nectar for invertebrates and to provide seeds for birds.
6.5 URBAN AREAS
6.5.1 As great crested newts and other amphibians may be present in the vicinity and are likely to
disperse over a wider area, where possible wildlife-friendly kerbs should be used adjacent to
gulley pots. As amphibians tend to follow vertical barriers that obstruct their line of movement
such as a kerb, they often fall into any gulley pots they encounter. Wildlife kerbs provide a
recessed channel to allow amphibians to bypass the gulley pot (ACO Wildlife Systems, 2011).
6.5.2 Sensitive lighting schemes should be incorporated to avoid any impacts on commuting bats.
Roosting and nesting opportunities for bats and birds could be increased by the provision of
bat and bird boxes on mature trees and in suitable locations on the new houses. Specially
designed bat bricks are available that could be incorporated into the outer walls of new
buildings to provide roosting opportunities for bats. These are inexpensive and discreet and
should be utilised in the design.
7 REFERENCES
ACO Wildlife Systems. 2011. Drainage and Building Solutions for Wildlife Conservation.
Atherton I, Bosanquet S, & Lawley M. (eds). 2010. Mosses and Liverworts of Britain and
Ireland – a Field Guide. British Bryological Society.
Bat Conservation Trust. 2007. Bat Surveys – Good Practice Guidelines. Bat Conservation
Trust, London
Beebee JC and Griffiths R. 2000. Amphibians and Reptiles Harper Collins, London.
Cheffings C M & Farrell L (Eds), Dines T D, Jones R A, Leach S J, McKean D R, Pearman D
A, Preston C D, Rumsey F J, Taylor I. 2005. The Vascular Plant Red Data List for Great
Britain. Species Status 7:1-116. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough.
English Nature. 2001. Great Crested Newt Mitigation Guidelines. English Nature,
Peterborough.
Harris S, Jefferies D, Cheeseman C and Booty C. 1994. Problems with Badgers? (3rd ed).
RSPCA, Sussex.
Peel Investments (North) Ltd
ESL (Ecological Services) Ltd, 1 Otago House, Allenby Business Village, Crofton Road, Lincoln, LN3 4NL
Ecological Baseline Survey of Hazelhurst, Salford SCS.PH
14
Herpetofauna Groups of Britain & Ireland (HGBI). 1998. Evaluating local
mitigation/translocation programmes: maintaining best practice and lawful standards.
Advisory notes for Amphibian and Reptile Groups. Froglife. Halesworth. Suffolk
Stace C. 2010. New Flora of the British Isles. 3rd Edition, CUP, Cambridge.
Stewart A, Pearman D A and Preston C D. 1994. Scarce Plants in Britain. JNCC,
Peterborough.
Wigginton M J. 1999. British Red Data Books. 1 Vascular Plants. 3rd edition. JNCC,
Peterborough.
www.aco.co.uk
http://www.natureonthemap.org.uk/ accessed 20 January 2012
http://www.ukbap.org.uk accessed 20 January 2012
Peel Investments (North) Ltd
ESL (Ecological Services) Ltd, 1 Otago House, Allenby Business Village, Crofton Road, Lincoln, LN3 4NL
Ecological Baseline Survey of Hazelhurst, Salford SCS.PH
APPENDIX 1
Species Recorded at Hazelhurst Site on 5 October 2011 and 19 January 2012
Peel Investments (North) Ltd
ESL (Ecological Services) Ltd, 1 Otago House, Allenby Business Village, Crofton Road, Lincoln, LN3 4NL
Ecological Baseline Survey of Hazelhurst, Salford SCS.PH
SPECIES RECORDED AT HAZELHURST SITE ON 5 OCTOBER 2011 AND 19 JANUARY 2012
ENGLISH NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME DAFOR
PLANTS
alder Alnus glutinosa O annual meadow-grass Poa annua O apple Malus pumila R ash Fraxinus excelsior R beech Fagus sylvatica O blackthorn Prunus spinosa O bluebell Hyacinthoides non-scripta O bramble Rubus fruticosus F bristly oxtongue Helminthotheca echioides O broad-leaved dock Rumex obtusifolius F bulrush Typha latifolia O cherry laurel Prunus laurocerasus O cleavers Galium aparine F common chickweed Stellaria media R common duckweed Lemna minor O common field-speedwell Veronica persica R common nettle Urtica dioica F common ragwort Senecio jacobaea O cow parsley Anthriscus sylvestris R crack-willow Salix fragilis R creeping bent Agrostis stolonifera O creeping buttercup Ranunculus repens F creeping thistle Cirsium arvense O dandelion Taraxacum sp O dogwood Cornus sanguinea O elder Sambucus nigra R false oat-grass Arrhenatherum elatius F fat-hen Chenopodium album R field maple Acer campestre R garden privet Ligustrum ovalifolium R great willowherb Epilobium hirsutum O hard rush Juncus inflexus O hawthorn Crataegus monogyna O hogweed Heracleum sphondylium R holly Ilex aquifolium R horse-chestnut Aesculus hippocastanum O ivy Hedera helix O Japanese knotweed Fallopia japonica R knotgrass Polygonum aviculare O large bindweed Calystegia silvatica R lesser pond-sedge Carex acutiformis O male-fern Dryopteris filix-mas R pedunculate oak Quercus robur F perennial rye-grass Lolium perenne R petty spurge Euphorbia peplus R prickly sow-thistle Sonchus asper O red currant Ribes rubrum R redshank Persicaria maculosa R reed canary-grass Phalaris arundinacea R rhododendron Rhododendron ponticum O ribwort plantain Plantago lanceolata O rosebay willowherb Chamerion angustifolium O rowan Sorbus aucuparia R scentless mayweed Tripleurospermum inodorum R shepherd's-purse Capsella bursa-pastoris R
Peel Investments (North) Ltd
ESL (Ecological Services) Ltd, 1 Otago House, Allenby Business Village, Crofton Road, Lincoln, LN3 4NL
Ecological Baseline Survey of Hazelhurst, Salford SCS.PH
ENGLISH NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME DAFOR
PLANTS continued
silver birch Betula pendula O soft-rush Juncus effusus O spear thistle Cirsium vulgare R sweet chestnut Castanea sativa O sycamore Acer pseudoplatanus R wavy bitter-cress Cardamine flexuosa O white clover Trifolium repens F wild cherry Prunus avium R wild privet Ligustrum vulgare R willow Salix sp O Yorkshire-fog Holcus lanatus O
MOSSES
common feather-moss Kindbergia praelonga O
KEY TO DAFOR
(An estimate of plant relative abundance at a site)
D Dominant A Abundant F Frequent O Occasional R Rare
ENGLISH NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME SITE ADJACENT
BIRDS
mallard Anas platyrhynchos � sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus � �
woodpigeon Columba palumbus � �
great spotted woodpecker Dendrocopos major � meadow pipit Anthus pratensis �
pied wagtail Motacilla alba �
wren Troglodytes troglodytes � dunnock Prunella modularis � robin Erithacus rubecula � �
blackbird Turdus merula � song thrush Turdus philomelos � goldcrest Regulus regulus � long-tailed tit Aegithalos caudatus � blue tit Cyanistes caeruleus � �
great tit Parus major � �
coal tit Periparus ater � treecreeper Certhia familiaris � magpie Pica pica � �
carrion crow Corvus corone � �
chaffinch Fringilla coelebs �
MAMMALS
common shrew Sorex araneus � grey squirrel Sciurus carolinensis �
Peel Investments (North) Ltd
ESL (Ecological Services) Ltd, 1 Otago House, Allenby Business Village, Crofton Road, Lincoln, LN3 4NL
Ecological Baseline Survey of Hazelhurst, Salford SCS.PH
APPENDIX 2
Desk Study Results
GMEU provides an ecological advisory service to and on behalf of the ten district councils of Greater Manchester The Unit is attached to Tameside as lead authority.
BOLTON, BURY MANCHESTER, OLDHAM, ROCHDALE, SALFORD, STOCKPORT, TAMESIDE, TRAFFORD, WIGAN.
Greater Manchester Ecology Unit Council Offices, Wellington Road, Ashton-under-Lyne OL6 6DL Email: [email protected] Telephone: 0161 3719171 Principal Ecologist: Derek Richardson MIEEM
SBIs Salford Reference Number
Site Name Grid Reference
Grade District Description
A70
Astley Hospital
SD699007
C
Wigan
Mature broadleaved plantation with associated habitats including pond and small orchard.
A72 Ponds near New Manchester (West)
SD723023
A
Wigan An area of important amphibian breeding habitat on the boundaries of Wigan and Salford. The site supports a number of water features together with woodland, scrub, grassland and industrial waste material undergoing active plant colonisation. The site supports great crested newt and common toad, UK Biodiversity Priority Species, and important assemblages of other amphibians.
E3
Ponds near New Manchester (East)
SD725023
A Salford
A84
Marsh at Lower Green
SJ703991
C
Wigan
The site supports areas of open water with reedbed and swamp. Additional habitats include woodland, scrub and neutral grassland. The site supports an assemblage of birds and amphibians.
GMEU provides an ecological advisory service to and on behalf of the ten district councils of Greater Manchester The Unit is attached to Tameside as lead authority.
BOLTON, BURY MANCHESTER, OLDHAM, ROCHDALE, SALFORD, STOCKPORT, TAMESIDE, TRAFFORD, WIGAN.
Reference Number
Site Name Grid Reference
Grade District Description
B59
Clifton Moss (North)
SD762036
B
Bolton
Peat mossland substrate, disturbed by construction of the M61 in the early 1970s, colonised by a very complex mosaic of habitat types. The majority of the site is covered by dense scrub and developing woodland with pockets of marsh, acidic and neutral grassland together with several small areas of open water associated with localised swamp and bog pools.
E12
Clifton Moss (South)
SD764033
B
Salford
B60
Unity Brook (West)
SD765042
B
Bolton
Steep sided broadleaved clough woodland on Unity Brook, a tributary to the River Irwell. Associated habitats include acid grassland-heath matrix and marsh.
B63
Ringley Woods (West)
SD773047
A
Bolton
Extensive area of semi-natural broadleaved woodland on the east bank of the River Irwell and extending up various side valleys. The site supports a diverse collection of habitats including lowland broadleaved woodland (UK Biodiversity Action Plan Habitat), scrub, bracken, tall herb and acidic, neutral and marshy grassland. In addition, there are a number of streams and several small water bodies. Much of the woodland is ancient.
C14
Ringley Woods (East)
SD785045
A
Bury
C50
Rhodes Farm Sewage Works
SD785039
A
Bury
An effluent treatment works with areas of open water, sludge lagoons and filter beds. The
GMEU provides an ecological advisory service to and on behalf of the ten district councils of Greater Manchester The Unit is attached to Tameside as lead authority.
BOLTON, BURY MANCHESTER, OLDHAM, ROCHDALE, SALFORD, STOCKPORT, TAMESIDE, TRAFFORD, WIGAN.
Reference Number
Site Name Grid Reference
Grade District Description
site's primary interest is for birds. In addition, great crested newt, water vole and bats occur on the site.
E10
Springside Reservoirs
SD743032
C
Salford
Two reservoirs with associated swamp, willow carr and grassland habitats.
E11
Worsley Wood
SD753010
B
Salford
A complex of mature woodland plantations important for their size and location as well as habitat value. Areas of wet woodland and lowland mixed deciduous woodland, UK Biodiversity Priority Habitats, are present together with a reservoir and several ponds, Priority Habitats in Greater Manchester
E14
Clifton Country Park
SD775040
B
Salford
A semi-natural woodland, of which small parts are identified as Ancient Woodland and a man-made lake on former industrial land in the Croal Valley. Additional habitats include ponds and grassland/scrub matrix. One pond on the site supports great crested newt.
E15
Grassland & Heath off Clively Avenue
SD789022
B
Salford
An area of uneven ground with frequent hollows and hummocks, which support a mosaic of habitats. The UK Biodiversity Priority Habitat lowland heathland is present together with acid grassland, neutral grassland, scrub and open water.
GMEU provides an ecological advisory service to and on behalf of the ten district councils of Greater Manchester The Unit is attached to Tameside as lead authority.
BOLTON, BURY MANCHESTER, OLDHAM, ROCHDALE, SALFORD, STOCKPORT, TAMESIDE, TRAFFORD, WIGAN.
Reference Number
Site Name Grid Reference
Grade District Description
E29
Botany Bay Wood
SJ730983
A
Salford
The site supports plantation woodland which is the largest single block of woodland in Greater Manchester. It supports a nationally important heronry and is recognised by Natural England as a pSSSI.
E31
Alder Forest Marsh
SJ748996
C
Salford
An area of willow carr with associated areas of oak/birch woodland.
E32
Bridgewater Canal
SJ763994-SJ767796
B
Salford
Navigable canal that runs through an industrial area. Diverse emergent and submerged aquatic plant communities
E4
Bittern Pits Wood
SD739000
C
Salford
A good example of a semi-natural, secondary woodland, classified by the National Vegetation Classification (NVC) as W4. This type of woodland usually develops on lowland acid peat, often on former mosslands. It is a scarce habitat in Greater Manchester and largely confined to the former Chat Moss complex.
E5
Brickfield Wood
SD731018
B
Salford
A wet carr woodland site surrounded by housing and bordered to the north by a disused railway. The site also supports a number of ponds, together with areas of grassland and a ditch. Great crested newt is recorded from the site.
E6
Blackleach Reservoir
SD739040
B
Salford
An area within a Country Park supporting a mosaic of habitats including open water, swamp, marsh, tall E7 herb vegetation, species-rich neutral grassland,
GMEU provides an ecological advisory service to and on behalf of the ten district councils of Greater Manchester The Unit is attached to Tameside as lead authority.
BOLTON, BURY MANCHESTER, OLDHAM, ROCHDALE, SALFORD, STOCKPORT, TAMESIDE, TRAFFORD, WIGAN.
Reference Number
Site Name Grid Reference
Grade District Description
woodland and scrub. E7
Middle Wood
SD740005
B
Salford
Mature plantation woodland with a lake and areas of grassland. The site supports good populations of birds.
E8
Walkden Reservoir
SD744027
C
Salford
Small reservoir of interest for its associated vegetation and water birds.
E9
How Clough
SD749028
B
Salford
An area of predominately mature, semi-natural broadleaved woodland in a broad, shallow clough. Some areas of younger woodland occur along a dismantled railway line in the east of the site.
GREATER MANCHESTER ECOLOGY UNITECOLOGICAL SEARCH - WORSLEY, SALFORD
GRID REFS SD 7467 0119 & SD 7500 0138MAP 1 OF 3
SCALE 1:20,000 (A3)
THE MAP IS BASED UPON ORDNANCE SURVEY MATERIAL WITHTHE PERMISSION OF ORDNANCE SURVEY ON BEHALF OF THE
CONTROLLER OF HMSO ©CROWN COPYRIGHTUNAUTHORISED REPRODUCTION INFRINGES CROWN COPYRIGHT
AND MAY LEAD TO PROSECUTION OR CIVIL PROCEEDINGS
TAMESIDE MBC LICENCE NO LA100022697, 2011 Date Produced: 19/10/2011
Wi
Telephone 0161 342 4121Email: [email protected]
SPRINGSIDE RESERVOIRS
BOTANY BAY WOOD
BITTERN PITS WOOD
ALDER FOREST MARSH
MIDDLE WOOD
BRICKFIELD WOOD
WALKDEN RESERVOIR
WORSLEY WOOD
HOW CLOUGH
KEY
SITE OF BIOLOGICAL IMPORTANCE
SBI BOUNDARY
2KM BUFFER ZONE
Date Produced: 19/10/2011
Wi
Telephone 0161 342 4121Email: [email protected]
WORSLEY WOODS
2KM BUFFER ZONE
BATS - OTHER SIGNS
COMMON PIPISTRELLE (11)NOCTULE (3)SOPRANO PIPISTRELLE (3)
THE MAP IS BASED UPON ORDNANCE SURVEY MATERIAL WITHTHE PERMISSION OF ORDNANCE SURVEY ON BEHALF OF THE
CONTROLLER OF HMSO ©CROWN COPYRIGHTUNAUTHORISED REPRODUCTION INFRINGES CROWN COPYRIGHT
AND MAY LEAD TO PROSECUTION OR CIVIL PROCEEDINGS
TAMESIDE MBC LICENCE NO LA100022697, 2011
KEY
LNR BOUNDARY
WATER VOLE - ABSENCE
WATER VOLE - PRESENCEWATER VOLE - EXTENT OF SIGNS
GREAT CRESTED NEWT - ABSENCE
GREAT CRESTED NEWT - PRESENCE
BROWN HARE
GREATER MANCHESTER ECOLOGY UNITECOLOGICAL SEARCH - WORSLEY, SALFORD
GRID REFS SD 7467 0119 MAP 2 OF 3SCALE 1:20,000 (A3)
GREATER MANCHESTER ECOLOGY UNITECOLOGICAL SEARCH - WORSLEY, SALFORD
GRID REFS SD 7467 0119 & SD 7500 0138MAP 3 OF 3
SCALE 1:20,000 (A3)
THE MAP IS BASED UPON ORDNANCE SURVEY MATERIAL WITHTHE PERMISSION OF ORDNANCE SURVEY ON BEHALF OF THE
CONTROLLER OF HMSO ©CROWN COPYRIGHTUNAUTHORISED REPRODUCTION INFRINGES CROWN COPYRIGHT
AND MAY LEAD TO PROSECUTION OR CIVIL PROCEEDINGS
TAMESIDE MBC LICENCE NO LA100022697, 2011 Date Produced: 19/10/2011
Wi
Telephone 0161 342 4121Email: [email protected]
2KM BUFFER ZONE
KEYNERC ACT SPECIES (S41)
BULLFINCH (3)DUNNOCK (9)HOUSE SPARROW (8)LAPWING (2)LINNET (1)REED BUNTING (5)SONG THRUSH (17)STARLING (4)TORTULA FREIBERGII (1)WILLOW TIT (2)
Top Related