Ecological Baseline Survey of Hazelhurst, Salford FINAL · 1 INTRODUCTION 1 2 DESK STUDY 1 3 FIELD...

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



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.




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




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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.




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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.




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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).




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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.




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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.




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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.




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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




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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.




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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.




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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.




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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.




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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




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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.




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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




APPENDIX 1

Species Recorded at Hazelhurst Site on 5 October 2011 and 19 January 2012




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




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 �




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.



Reference Number



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



Reference Number



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.



Reference Number



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,



Reference Number



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


WORSLEY WOODS

2KM BUFFER ZONE

BATS - OTHER SIGNS

COMMON PIPISTRELLE (11)NOCTULE (3)SOPRANO PIPISTRELLE (3)




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


GRID REFS SD 7467 0119 MAP 2 OF 3SCALE 1:20,000 (A3)


GRID REFS SD 7467 0119 & SD 7500 0138MAP 3 OF 3

SCALE 1:20,000 (A3)




TAMESIDE MBC LICENCE NO LA100022697, 2011 Date Produced: 19/10/2011

Wi


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)

Ecological Baseline Survey of Hazelhurst, Salford FINAL · 1 INTRODUCTION 1 2 DESK STUDY 1 3 FIELD...

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