Padgbury Lane South, Congleton REPTILE MITIGATION STRATEGY

Transcription

1 Padgbury Lane South, Congleton REPTILE MITIGATION STRATEGY February 2014

2 FPCR Environment and Design Ltd Registered Office: Lockington Hall, Lockington, Derby DE74 2RH Company No [T] [F] [E] [W] This report is the property of FPCR Environment and Design Ltd and is issued on the condition it is not reproduced, retained or disclosed to any unauthorised person, either wholly or in part without the written consent of FPCR Environment and Design Ltd. Ordnance Survey material is used with permission of The Controller of HMSO, Crown copyright Rev Issue Status Prepared / Date Approved/Date - Draft 1 HES / AL / A Final HES / AL / B Final HES / AL /

3 Reptile Mitigation Strategy CONTENTS 1.0 INTRODUCTION SURVEY METHODOLOGY LEGISLATION AND POLICY RESULTS MITIGATION STRATEGY... 6 TABLES Table 1: Key Reptile Site Survey Assessment Categories (HGBI 1998) Table 2: Reptile survey conditions and results FIGURES Figure 1: Refugia Location Plan and Reptile Location Plan Figure 2: Reptile Mitigation Translocation / Displacement Plan J:\5200\5299\ECO\Reptiles 1

4 Reptile Mitigation Strategy 1.0 INTRODUCTION 1.1 This report provides details of potential mitigation and compensation works at land west of Padgbury Lane, Congleton, Cheshire in relation to reptiles. This report should be read in conjunction with the Reptile Survey Report (FPCR, July 2013) and Great Crested Newt Mitigation Strategy Padgbury Lane South (FPCR, February 2014). 1.2 An Environmental Impact Assessment has been prepared for a wider site, incorporating two separate outline planning applications, Padgbury Lane North and Padgbury Lane South. This report details the mitigation strategy for the individual site at Padgbury Lane South. 1.3 The site at Padgbury Lane South comprised unmanaged grassland suitable for use by reptiles. The main body of the site comprised unmanaged grassland with tussocks. The site is bound and bisected by hedgerows and Loach Brook flows northwards along the south-western boundary. Semi-improved and marshy grassland are present in association with the water-course and two ponds are present with the grassland habitat. 1.4 The composition of suitable reptile habitat throughout the site necessitated reptile surveys, which were undertaken using the standard methods recommended by the Herpetofauna Workers Manual 1 and the Froglife Advice Sheet 10 - Reptile Survey 2. Seven visits were made during 2013, with a peak count of 3 individual slow worm Anguis fragilis recorded. Froglife s method for assessing reptile population sizes is based on the peak number of adult reptiles seen using refugia/observed by one person in one day. Using these guidelines, the site supports a low population of slow worm (peak count of <5 adult slow worm). Slow worm were recorded within the northern extent of the site. 1.5 The site will also be subject to a great crested newt (GCN) mitigation strategy, as a population was recorded within the site. The reptile and great crested newt mitigation strategies will be integrated at the same time to ensure both reptiles and great crested newt are safely removed from the working area. 1.6 The site is situated to the west of Congleton, comprising 8.20 hectares. The surrounding landscape is predominantly agricultural land and residential development. The fields bordering Loach Brook to the south and west were in use as pasture and arable land at the time of survey. The land at Padgbury Lane North, immediately north, comprised further arable land bordered by hedgerows. Residential development is located to the east. 2.0 SURVEY METHODOLOGY Reptile Survey 2.1 A strategic reptile presence / absence survey was undertaken at specific locations identified as offering potential habitat within the area of survey. The survey was undertaken based on methodology detailed in the Herpetofauna Workers Manual (JNCC 1999) and the Froglife Advice Sheet 10 - Reptile Survey (Froglife 1999). Methods involved a search for basking reptiles on / 1 Herpetofauna Workers Manual, Gent and Gibson (1999). JNCC 2 Froglife (1999) An introduction to planning, conducting and interpreting surveys for snake and lizard conservation. Froglife Advice Sheet 10. Froglife, Halesworth J:\5200\5299\ECO\Reptiles 2

5 Reptile Mitigation Strategy under naturally occurring and strategically positioned artificial refugia. The artificial refugia used were 0.5m 2 sections of roofing felt with a black upper side. These were placed in locations that offered the most suitable habitat for common reptiles i.e. in open grassland, near hedgerows and along Loach Brook at a density of ten refugia per hectare of suitable habitat. The location of refugia is shown in Figure In addition, the surveys also followed the guidelines recommendations by: Approaching refugia from downwind and avoiding casting a shadow and with care so as to not disturb basking animals when checking; Lifting and replacing tins, to check for the presence of reptiles underneath in hot weather is undertaken with care, to avoid potential harm to any animals underneath; Assessment 2.3 Reptile populations were assessed in accordance with population level criteria as stated in the Key Reptile Site Register 3. This system classifies populations of individual reptile species into three population categories assessing the importance of the population (Table 1). These categories are based on the total number of animals observed during individual survey occasions. Table 1: Key Reptile Site Survey Assessment Categories (HGBI 1998) Species Low Population (No. of individuals) Good Population (No. of individuals) Exceptional Population (No. of individuals) Adder < >10 Common lizard < >20 Grass snake < >10 Slow worm < > LEGISLATION AND POLICY 3.1 All common reptile species, including common lizard and grass snake, are partially protected under Sections 9(1) and 9(5) of Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) 4. This legislation protects these animals from: intentional killing and injury; selling, offering for sale, possessing or transporting for the purpose of sale or publishing advertisements to buy or sell a protected species. 3 Herpetofaune Groups of Britain and Ireland (1998), Evaluating Local Mitigation / Translocation Programmes: Maintaining Best Practice and Lawful Standard. HGBI advisory notes for Amphibian and Reptile Groups (ARGs). HGBI, c/o Froglife, Halesworth. Unpbubl 4 The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended). [Online]. London:HMSO Available from: [Accessed 11/11/2013] J:\5200\5299\ECO\Reptiles 3

6 Reptile Mitigation Strategy 3.2 The impact that this legislation has on the Planning system is outlined in ODPM 06/2005 Government Circular: Biodiversity and Geological Conservation Statutory Obligations and their Impact within the Planning System 5. This states: The presence of a protected species is a material consideration when a planning authority is considering a development proposal that, if carried out, would be likely to result in harm to the species or its habitat. Local authorities should consult English Nature [now Natural England] before granting planning permission. They should consider attaching appropriate planning conditions or entering into planning obligations under which the developer would take steps to secure the long-term protection of the species. They should also advise developers that they must comply with any statutory species protection provisions affecting the site concerned. 3.3 This partial protection does not directly protect the habitat of these reptile species. Where these animals are present on land that is to be affected by development, the implications of legislation are that providing that killing can reasonably be avoided then an operation is legal. Guidance provided by Natural England 6 and the Amphibian and Reptile Groups of the UK 7 recommends that this should be achieved by ensuring that: the animals are protected from injury or killing; mitigation is provided to maintain the conservation status of the species; population monitoring is carried out subsequent to operations. 3.4 All common reptiles are also included on the list of habitats and species which are of principal importance for the conservation of biodiversity in England as required under Section 41 of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities (NERC) Act 8. The S41 list is used to guide decision-makers, including local planning authorities, in implementing their duty under section 40 of the Act, to have regard to the conservation of biodiversity in England, when carrying out their normal functions. 4.0 RESULTS Desktop study 4.1 No local reptile records were provided for areas within 1km of the site boundary from consultees. Field survey 4.2 The surveys confirmed the presence of slow worm. No other reptile species were recorded during the surveys. Table 2: Reptile survey conditions and results 5 Government Circular: Biodiversity and Geological Conservation Statutory Obligations and their Impact within the Planning System (ODPM 06/2005, Defra 01/2005) 6 Reptiles: guidelines for developers, English Nature (2004). 7 Maintaining best practise in reptile mitigation/translocation programmes: Herpetofauna Groups of Britain and Ireland. 8 The Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act [Online]. Available from: [Accessed 14/11/2013] J:\5200\5299\ECO\Reptiles 4

7 Reptile Mitigation Strategy Survey Date and Time Weather Common lizard Grass snake Slow worm Other Species 1 18/06/2013 6pm 2 19/06/ am 3 24/06/2013 8am 4 27/06/2013 9am 5 01/07/2013 8am 19 o C Sunny Spells, 60% Cloud No rain, light Breeze 16 o C, 30% Cloud No rain 18 o C Partly Sunny No rain, slight Breeze 15 o C Partly Sunny No rain, slight Breeze 16 o C Sunny spells No rain, slight Breeze Toads /07/2013 7pm 7 09/07/2013 7am 16 o C Sunny No rain, slight Breeze 18 o C Sunny No rain, no wind Other Fauna 4.3 During the surveys the only additional species associated with refugia was common toad, with 6 individuals observed in a single survey visit. Population Size Class Assessment 4.4 The results indicate that the site supported a low population (<5 adults) of slow worm. Slow worm is a Cheshire region BAP priority species as it is an uncommon species within Cheshire (with only 4 records in the Cheshire region since 1995). Grass snake and slow worm are listed as species of principal importance under Section 41 of the NERC Act It is possible that the reptiles recorded during survey form part of a population that occupies suitable habitat in the wider landscape. However, slow worms do not move long distances with home ranges probably only several hundred square metres 9. It is therefore possible that slow worms are only present in the local area surrounding the area where this species was recorded. In order to ensure that no offence is committed and that the species is maintained at a favourable conservation status within the wider area a mitigation strategy comprising translocation and enhancement of retained habitats will be undertaken. 4.6 No grass snake were found but due to the relative difficulty in surveying grass snake, the presence of suitable habitat within the site and the transient nature of their foraging habitat it is considered likely that grass snake may be using the site in small numbers especially along the Loach Brook corridor. 9 Edgar, P. Foster, J. and Baker J. (2010), Reptile Habitat Management Handbook, Amphibian and Reptile Conservation, Bournemouth J:\5200\5299\ECO\Reptiles 5

8 Reptile Mitigation Strategy 5.0 MITIGATION STRATEGY 5.1 Habitats suitable for reptile occupation are to be lost through proposals, comprising much of the grassland, scrub and woodland habitats. Retained habitats within the development include the permanent pond P2 and immediate surrounding habitats along with a wide margin along the connecting hedgerow and Loach Brook comprising rough grassland. 5.2 The following section provides details of mitigation required. Implementation of the following mitigation strategy is considered sufficient to ensure that the conservation status of the local reptile population is maintained. 5.3 Conservation status is defined as the sum of the influences acting on the species concerned that may affect the long term distribution and abundance of its population within its territory. It is assessed as favourable when: population dynamics data on the species concerned indicate that it is maintaining itself on a long term basis as a viable component of its natural habitats, and the natural range of the species is neither being reduced nor is likely to be reduced for the foreseeable future, and there is, or will probably continue to be, a sufficiently large habitat to maintain its populations on a long term basis. Assessment of Potential Impacts and Mitigation Strategies 5.4 Slow worm were only recorded in one location in the northern part of the site (Figure 1). This area is to be retained through proposals, however without the implementation of mitigation there is potential for an adverse impact on reptile species caused by: loss of habitat through vegetation clearance, Incidental harm during earthworks/site clearance. 5.5 Mitigation measures aim to ensure that reptiles are not killed or injured during works and that their local conservation status is maintained. 5.6 The precise method of translocation is greatly dependant on the nature of the construction programme and the phasing of development. Important factors include the extent of working area associated with each phase and the nature of habitat within it. 5.7 Due to the nature of the site and the presence of GCN, translocation methods would include trapping and translocation and hand removal of suitable vegetation and refugia. Receptor Areas 5.8 Trapping and translocation requires the active removal of individuals into suitable habitat elsewhere (a receptor site). The proposed receptor site will comprise retained and enhanced habitats within the northern and southern extents of the site. This area is also proposed to be used as a great crested newt reserve. The receptor area used will meet a number of criteria, as follows: An area that provides suitable habitat An area secure from development in the long-term J:\5200\5299\ECO\Reptiles 6

9 Reptile Mitigation Strategy An area that maintains connectivity with other areas of suitable habitat 5.9 Habitat enhancements will include the creation of hibernation features, such as log piles and artificial hibernacula The habitat enhancement in the receptor area will ensure that there is sufficient carrying capacity to support the translocated reptile population. Translocation Proposals Trapping and Translocation 5.11 Rough grassland habitat to be lost within the centre of the site provides suitable habitat for slow worm and grass snake. The scrub habitat at the south eastern extent of the site provides suboptimal habitat for reptiles, however is within 500m of the existing pond and therefore provides terrestrial habitat for GCN. Due to the extent of these habitats the whole area will be cleared by trapping and translocation. This area will be fenced with reptile/amphibian exclusion fencing to ensure that removed animals do not return to the affected area, with drift fencing installed where appropriate. Following this, refugia will be laid at a rate of 100 per hectare and pitfall traps will be installed every 5 m (50 pitfall traps per hectare each with 10m drift fencing) along fencing. Translocation will be undertaken only during the active period, between late- March to early-october when the daytime temperature is above 10 o C. Traps will be closed if evening temperatures drop below 5 o C. A total of 30 trapping visits will be made and once an average of fewer than two individuals per week of any reptile species has been reached and five clear GCN trapping days have been recorded at the end of the thirty days, a destructive search will be undertaken. Animals captured during the exercise will be recorded and translocated to the receptor areas. Trapping will only cease once five clear trapping days have been achieved Once caught, reptiles will be swiftly transferred into clean, cloth bags, taken to the receptor habitat and released immediately in order to minimise stress to individuals Once trapping has ceased, a destructive search will be undertaken and suitable scrub habitat removed by hand (detailed below). This will only be carried out during suitable weather conditions. The search will involve the supervised hand dismantling of features such as piles of brash and / or rubble, which may provide areas of refuge. Any individual found will be placed under newly created refugia within the receptor site The fencing will only be removed once development has ceased and/or the site has been made unsuitable for reptiles. Removal of Scrub 5.15 Removal of scrub will be undertaken in the south-eastern extent of the site. These habitats provide sub-optimal conditions due to the density of shading, homogenous structure and lack of refuge. Timings will take account of statutory constraints in relation to nesting birds with the initial cut (to 50cm) programmed outside of the breeding season (March to September inclusive) Trapping will take place during the bird breeding season and since all birds are protected whilst on the nest, all vegetation should be checked by an experienced ecologist prior to any removal. If active nests are found vegetation would be left untouched and suitably buffered until all birds have fledged. Removal of the scrub will involve a first cut using brushcutters with the vegetation cut to no less than 50 cm. This will take place prior to erection of fencing and prior to the J:\5200\5299\ECO\Reptiles 7

10 Reptile Mitigation Strategy breeding bird season. The retention of the lower section will ensure that any hibernating animals are left undisturbed The next cuts will only take place once great crested newt trapping has ceased and only between April and October during suitable weather conditions (temperatures above 10 C with no rain). The first cut would be to 200mm and the second 1-2 hours later to 50mm. All arisings will be removed from the working areas to prevent potential areas of refugia from being used by reptiles moving across the area. Any animals caught will be relocated into the receptor site All areas of existing suitable refuge within the working area such as rubble piles and other discarded items will be removed by hand under the supervision of a suitably experienced ecologist. Any animals caught will be relocated to the suitable retained habitat corridor along Loach Brook Following the final cut the roots will be removed under supervision of a suitably qualified ecologist. Any reptiles found should be removed to retained habitats Once removal is complete the working areas should be regularly strimmed during suitable weather to prevent formation of suitable habitat for use by reptiles In order to prevent any accidental encroachment of adjacent works into retained areas of suitable reptile habitat along Loach Brook, sturdy fencing such as Heras will be erected prior to the commencement of works. Fencing will be maintained throughout the construction phase. No material storage will be permitted within the fenced area The site manager and other relevant staff undertaking construction work will be briefed on the possible presence of grass snake and slow worm in the area. Staff will be provided with information relating to the legislation and briefed on the procedures to be implemented in the event that reptiles are found within the working area. The latter will include the capture and safe removal of any individuals present within the working area and their transfer to retained habitats. This will be undertaken by nominated site personnel, briefed in the procedure. Enhancement 5.23 The proposals include areas of retained and / or newly created habitat that will be managed to achieve conservation benefits for the existing reptile populations, along with other species. The management of the receptor areas and other areas of created habitats will be specifically designed to improve both the botanical and structural diversity of vegetation in order to benefit reptiles Enhancements for reptiles will improve the overall value and will include: The creation of several hibernacula and log piles to provide increased refuge availability; Creation of new water bodies which will provide an additional foraging resource for grass snake, should they be present Long term management to ensure the site continues to provide suitable habitat for reptiles Monitoring of the population for three years following completion of the development; recording of numbers and age-classes of reptiles associated with 20 tins located within the receptor site on three suitable occasions per year. J:\5200\5299\ECO\Reptiles 8

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13 Padgbury Lane South, Congleton GRASSLAND ASSESSMENT March 2014

14 FPCR Environment and Design Ltd Registered Office: Lockington Hall, Lockington, Derby DE74 2RH Company No [T] [F] [E] [W] This report is the property of FPCR Environment and Design Ltd and is issued on the condition it is not reproduced, retained or disclosed to any unauthorised person, either wholly or in part without the written consent of FPCR Environment and Design Ltd. Ordnance Survey material is used with permission of The Controller of HMSO, Crown copyright Rev Issue Status Prepared / Date Approved/Date Draft HES / AL / A Final HES / AL / B Final HES / AL / C Final HES / AL /

15 CONTENTS 1.0 INTRODUCTION LEGISLATION RELATING TO LOCAL WILDLIFE SITES METHODOLOGY BASELINE SURVEY EVALUATION AND POTENTIAL EFFECTS PROPOSED MITIGATION...13 FIGURES Figure 1: Phase 1 Habitat Plan APPENDIX Appendix A: Extract from the Local Wildlife Site Selection Criteria for the Cheshire region (2012) J:\5200\5299\ECO\Eco App\Ecoapp\5299 Rev D.Doc 1

16 1.0 INTRODUCTION 1.1 This report details the results of a Phase 1 Habitat Survey undertaken by FPCR Environment and Design Ltd for land at Padgbury Lane, Congleton. Clarification of the extent and location of grassland habitats within the site has been sought and this report details these. This document provides an assessment of the potential of onsite semi-improved grassland to qualify for designation as a Local Wildlife Site (LWS) under the restorable grassland site selection criteria or as neutral grassland habitat of principal importance for the conservation of biodiversity (as listed within Section 41 of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities (NERC) Act (2006) (formerly referred to as UKBAP habitats) 1 ). This report should be read in conjunction with the Phase 1 Habitat Assessment (FPCR, 2013). 1.2 The site is situated to the west of Congleton, comprising 8.20 hectares. The surrounding landscape is predominantly agricultural land and residential development. The fields bordering Loach Brook to the south and west were in use as pasture and arable land at the time of survey. The land at Padgbury Lane North, immediately north, comprised arable land bordered by hedgerows. Residential development bounded the site to the east. 2.0 LEGISLATION RELATING TO LOCAL WILDLIFE SITES 2.1 Local Wildlife Sites are the most important non-statutory sites for nature conservation in Cheshire. Although not protected by national legislation they do receive policy protection (as Local Sites ), as reflected in the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). The NPPF suggests that Local Sites can have a fundamental role to play in meeting overall national biodiversity targets and that appropriate weight should be attached to designated sites when making planning decisions. 2.2 The NERC Act came into force on 1st October Section 41 (S41) of the Act requires the Secretary of State to publish a list of habitats and species that are of principal importance for the conservation of biodiversity in England. The list has been drawn up in consultation with Natural England, as required by the Act. 2.3 In addition the NPPF states planning policies should promote the preservation, restoration and re-creation of priority habitats, ecological networks and the protection and recovery of priority species populations, linked to national and local targets. Policies should also identify suitable indicators for monitoring biodiversity and aim to prevent harm to geological conservation interests. 3.0 METHODOLOGY 3.1 Fieldwork for the survey was originally conducted during May 2013, with subsequent visits made by the surveyor on a number of occasions during June, July and November. Survey of the grassland was undertaken in May, June and November 2013 using the standard Extended Phase 1 The Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act [Online]. Available from: [Accessed 20/11/2013] J:\5200\5299\ECO\Eco App\Ecoapp\5299 Rev D.Doc 2

17 1 Habitat Survey Methodology as recommended by Natural England 2, to identify specific habitats and features of ecological interest. Habitats were marked on a base plan and where appropriate, target notes were made. 3.2 Plant nomenclature follows Stace (2010) 3. Abundances are given as DAFOR ratings; D Dominant, A Abundant, F Frequent, O Occasional, R Rare, L Locally. Abundances relate to specific areas surveyed. Survey Analysis 3.3 The data gathered during the survey was applied to the following site selection guidelines as outlined in Local Wildlife Site Selection Criteria for the Cheshire Region 4. The following sections; are taken directly from this document. Indicator species are listed in Appendix A. Apart from semi-improved indicator species, all indicators can be used interchangeably. Please note, BAP priority habitat within the text has been superseded by NERC Act (2006) habitats of principal importance. Neutral grassland 3.4 Threshold to qualify as Lowland meadow BAP priority habitat (and LWS status) requires a minimum of: Four occasional indicator species (see Appendix A), at least three of which are listed as neutral grassland indicators. OR Four rare neutral grassland indicators (see Appendix A), Marshy grassland 3.5 Threshold to qualify as purple moor grass and rush pasture BAP priority habitat (and LWS status) requires a minimum of: Four occasional indicator species (see Appendix A), at least three of which are listed as marshy grassland indicators. OR Four rare marshy grassland indicators (see Appendix A), Acid grassland 3.6 Threshold to qualify as Lowland acid grassland BAP priority habitat (and LWS status) requires a minimum of: Three occasional acid grassland/heathland indicator species (see Appendix A), OR Four rare acid grassland/heathland indicators (see Appendix A). 2 JNCC. (1990). Handbook for Phase 1 habitat survey a technique for environmental audit. Peterborough: JNCC 3 Stace, C.A. (2010). New Flora of the British Isles. (3 rd Ed.). Cambridge: Cambridge University Press 4 November 2012, updated February Local Wildlife Site Selection Criteria for the Cheshire Region. J:\5200\5299\ECO\Eco App\Ecoapp\5299 Rev D.Doc 3

18 Calcareous grassland 3.7 Threshold to qualify as Lowland calcareous grassland BAP priority habitat (and LWS status) requires a minimum of: Four occasional indicator species (see Appendix A), at least three of which are listed as calcareous grassland indicators. OR Four rare calcareous grassland indicators (see Appendix A). Restorable grassland 3.8 Moderately species rich semi-improved, where there is good potential to restore to BAP quality. Threshold to qualify as restorable grassland habitat (and LWS status) requires a minimum of: Four occasional indicator species present from list (see Appendix A), but two or fewer occur from the lists given for neutral/acid/marshy/calcareous grassland. 3.9 Restorable semi-improved grassland should have less than 30% cover of white clover and rye grass and generally host at least three of the following grasses: common bent, crested dog s tail, false oat grass, meadow fescue, meadow foxtail, red fescue, sweet vernal grass, tufted hair grass (rarer grasses more typical of unimproved grassland may be counted). Undetermined species rich grassland 3.10 Threshold to qualify as BAP priority grassland habitat (and LWS status) requires a minimum of: Four occasional indicator species (see Appendix A), only one of which may be a semi-improved indicator. OR Any four rare neutral, marshy, acid or calcareous grassland indicators (see Appendix A) This type of grassland is still considered BAP priority habitat as indicator species are interchangeable. Species rich arable field margins may be selected using this criterion providing they are not sown. Sown wildflower grasslands may qualify under this criterion once they have proved to be sustainable e.g. retaining a species-rich sward approximately 20 years after sowing. Constraints A comprehensive species list was collected during the initial survey in May 2013 and subsequent surveys and further abundance data collected in accordance with the FEP handbook during November 2013 to determine the potential for the site to qualify as a Local Wildlife Site. November is outside the recommended survey season for grassland, however due to the number of visits made throughout the year, it is considered that the results are an accurate representation of what is present. Abundance data for grass species is not included. J:\5200\5299\ECO\Eco App\Ecoapp\5299 Rev D.Doc 4

19 4.0 BASELINE SURVEY Flora (Figure 2) 4.1 The grassland present appears to have been unmanaged for some years, the majority is species poor but diversity varies across the site. Target notes on the accompanying Phase 1 Habitat Plan (Figure 1) provide further detail on the composition of the locations of grassland across the site. Fence lines and hedgerows denote the main boundaries between grassland of differing management. Semi-improved Neutral Grassland 4.2 The main grassland compartment which extends from the fence line (denoted on the Phase 1 Habitat Plan as a dotted black line) to the northern boundary appears to have been left unmanaged for some time. This area comprises poor semi-improved neutral grassland (TN1) much of which is dominated by false oat-grass Arrhenatherum elatius. Other abundant and frequent grass species present included timothy Phleum pratense, common bent Agrostis capillaris and Yorkshire fog Holcus lanatus. The herb composition of this area was limited due to the lack of management and dominance of coarse grasses, with creeping buttercup Ranunculus repens and common sorrel Rumex acetosa found to be the only herb species of any abundance. Further herb species were rare throughout the sward and very localised, including greater bird sfoot-trefoil Lotus pedunculatus, selfheal Prunella vulgaris and ribwort plantain Plantago lanceolata. The initial survey in May identified pignut Conopodium majus although this was restricted to the peripheries. Ruderal herb species, such as creeping thistle Cirsium arvense and hogweed Heracleum sphondylium were interspersed throughout the open grassland and found to be abundant through the centre of this habitat. Ruderal herbs formed a considerable part of the grassland composition. 4.3 Two specimens of a marsh orchid (considered to be northern marsh orchid) Dactylorhiza purpurella were noted within the grassland north of the pond (TN2). Table 1: Species List: Compartment TN1 TAXON COMMON NAME ABUNDANCE (within the survey area) Agrostis capillaris* Common bent - Alopecurus pratensis* Meadow foxtail - Arrhenatherum elatius* False oat-grass - Cardamine pratensis* Cuckooflower r Cerastium fontanum Common mouse-ear r Cirsium arvense Creeping thistle a Cirsium vulgare Spear thistle o Conopodium majus Pignut r Dactylis glomerata Cocks-foot - Dryopteris dilatata Broad-buckler fern r Dropteris filix-mas Male fern r Festuca rubra agg* Red fescue - Galium aparine Common cleavers o J:\5200\5299\ECO\Eco App\Ecoapp\5299 Rev D.Doc 5

20 TAXON COMMON NAME ABUNDANCE (within the survey area) Heracleum sphondylium Hogweed f Juncus effusus Soft-rush r Lamium album White dead-nettle r Lotus pedunculatus Greater bird s-foot-trefoil r Plantago lanceolata* Ribwort plantain r Poa annua Annual meadow-grass - Poa trivialis Rough meadow-grass - Prunella vulgaris* Selfheal r Ranunculus repens Creeping buttercup o / lf Rumex acetosa* Common sorrel a Rumex obtusifolius Broad-leaved dock o Rumex conglomeratus Clustered dock r Senecio jacobaea Common ragwort f Silene dioica Red campion r Taraxacum officinale agg Dandelion r Trifolium repens White clover r Urtica dioica Common nettle f Species listed in bold are Cheshire LWS grassland indicator species Those underlined are also neutral grassland indicators Those with a star * are also restorable semi-improved grassland indicators 4.4 The grassland found to the south and west of the above (TN3 and TN4) was generally found to comprise a different structure to that found in TN1. Parts of the grassland appear to be rabbit grazed. The grassland displays a tussock structure. Only very small differences occur in species composition, detailed below. 4.5 The grassland found within TN3 differed in structure due to an abundance of common bent, red fescue Festuca rubra agg. and cock s-foot Dactylis glomerata with false oat-grass less frequent. Additional species included hairy sedge Carex hirta (locally frequent), sweet vernal-grass Anthoxanthum odoratum, crested dog s-tail Cynosurus cristatus and meadow buttercup Ranunculus acris (rare). 4.6 The area directly north of this (TN4) was similar in composition to TN3, this area supported slightly more diversity. One specimen of common spotted orchid Dactylorhiza fuchsii was identified within the north-western extent of the grassland in close proximity to existing residential development (TN5). 4.7 The centre of the grassland that occupied TN4 (TN6) was dominated by grass species such as Yorkshire fog, sweet vernal-grass and common bent. Rabbit grazing had maintained a short open sward in this area and forbs such as common sorrel and creeping buttercup were still abundant throughout the sward. Further species present were rare or occasional throughout and included ribwort plantain, common knapweed, greater bird s-foot-trefoil, meadow vetchling Lathyrus pratensis, field wood-rush Luzula campestris and common bird s-foot-trefoil Lotus corniculatus. Ruderal herbs were limited in this area. J:\5200\5299\ECO\Eco App\Ecoapp\5299 Rev D.Doc 6

21 Table 2: Species List: Compartment TN6 TAXON COMMON NAME ABUNDANCE (within the survey area) Agrostis capillaris* Common bent - Alopecurus pratensis* Meadow foxtail - Anthoxanthum odoratum* Sweet vernal grass - Arrhenatherum elatius* False oat-grass - Cadamine flexuosa Wavy bittercress r Carex hirta Hairy sedge f Centaurea nigra Common knapweed r Cerastium fontanum Common mouse-ear r Cirsium arvense Creeping thistle o Dactylis glomerata Cocks-foot - Dactylorhiza fuchsii Common spotted orchid r (peripheries) Festuca rubra agg.* Red fescue - Galium aparine Common cleavers r Holcus lanatus Yorkshire fog - Holcus mollis Creeping soft-grass - Juncus conglomeratus Compact rush r Lathyrus pratensis Meadow vetchling r Lotus corniculatus Bird s-foot trefoil r Lotus pedunculatus Greater bird s-foot trefoil r Luzula campestris* Field wood-rush r Phleum pratense Timothy - Plantago lanceolata* Ribwort plantain o Potentilla reptans Creeping cinquefoil r Prunella vulgaris* Selfheal r Ranunculus acris* Meadow buttercup r Ranunculus repens Creeping buttercup a Rumex acetosa* Common sorrel a Rumex conglomeratus Clustered dock r Rumex obtusifolius Broad-leaved dock o Senecio jacobaea Common ragwort la / o Stellaria media Common chickweed r Taraxacum officinale agg. Dandelion r Trifolium repens White clover r Urtica dioica Common nettle r Veronica chamaedrys* Germander speedwell - Species listed in bold are Cheshire LWS grassland indicator species 5 Those underlined are also neutral grassland indicators Those with a star * are also restorable semi-improved grassland indicators 5 Nov Local Wildlife Site Selection Criteria for the Cheshire region. Fourth Draft J:\5200\5299\ECO\Eco App\Ecoapp\5299 Rev D.Doc 7

22 4.8 The fields south of the fence line appeared to have been subject to a degree of grazing (TN7 and TN8) and supported more ruderal vegetation with patches of common nettle Urtica dioica, broadleaved dock and creeping thistle. The presence of perennial rye-grass Lolium perenne and abundant creeping buttercup and white clover suggests the fields had been subject to improvement. White clover was found to be abundant across both field compartments, with more than 30% coverage. A small area surrounding the ephemeral pond (TN9) within the southern extent of field TN8 was found to support localised species richness, detailed below. 4.9 Sheep s sorrel Rumex acetosella was only found within the most southern field (TN8), as a small localised patch. No other acid-loving plants were identified The southern extent of the grazed field (TN9) was low lying and a small localised patch supporting a greater diversity of species was present in association with the ephemeral pond. The species listed in the text below were limited to this localised area (TN9) and included field wood-rush Luzula campestris, soft rush Juncus effusus, hard rush Juncus inflexus, wavy bittercress Cardamine flexuosa, great willowherb Epilobium hirsutum, cuckooflower Cardamine pratensis, pignut Conopodium majus, bird s-foot-trefoil Lotus corniculatus and lesser stitchwort Stellaria graminea. The species list for the grassland compartments TN7 and TN8 is provided in Table 3 below. Table 3: Field compartments TN7 and TN8 TAXON COMMON NAME ABUNDANCE (within the survey area) Aegopodium podagraria Ground elder r Alopecurus geniculatus Marsh foxtail - Alopecurus pratensis* Meadow foxtail - Angelica sylvestris Wild angelica r Anthoxanthum odoratum* Sweet vernal-grass - Argentina anserina Common silverweed o Arrhenatherum elatius* False oat-grass - Bellis perennis Daisy r Cardamine pratensis* Cuckooflower r Cardamine flexuosa Wavy bittercress r Centaurea nigra Common knapweed r Cerastium fontanum Common mouse-ear o Chamerion angustifolium Rosebay willowherb lf Cirsium arvense Creeping thistle lf / r Cirsium vulgare Spear thistle r Conopodium majus Pignut r Dactylis glomerata Cocks-foot - Epilobium hirsutum Great willowherb la Festuca rubra agg* Red fescue - Galium aparine Common cleavers r Heracleum sphondylium Hogweed r Juncus conglomeratus Compact rush - J:\5200\5299\ECO\Eco App\Ecoapp\5299 Rev D.Doc 8

23 TAXON COMMON NAME ABUNDANCE (within the survey area) Juncus effusus Soft-rush la / r Juncus inflexus Hard rush r Lamium album White dead-nettle r Lotus corniculatus Bird s-foot-trefoil r Luzula campestris* Field wood-rush r Plantago lanceolata* Ribwort plantain lf / o Plantago major Greater plantain r Poa annua Annual meadow-grass - Poa trivialis Rough meadow-grass - Potentilla reptans Creeping cinquefoil lf Prunella vulgaris* Selfheal lf / r Ranunculus repens Creeping buttercup a Rumex acetosa* Common sorrel lf / o Rumex acetosella Sheep s sorrel r Rumex conglomeratus Clustered dock r Rumex obtusifolius Broad-leaved dock r Senecio jacobaea Common ragwort la / o Silene dioica Red campion r Stellaria graminea Lesser stitchwort r Stellaria media Common chickweed lf Taraxacum officinale agg Dandelion r Trifolium repens White clover a Urtica dioica Common nettle o Veronica chamaedrys* Germander speedwell r Veronica serpyllifolia Thyme-leaved speedwell r Species listed in bold are Cheshire LWS grassland indicator species Those underlined are also neutral grassland indicators Those with a star * are also restorable semi-improved grassland indicators 4.11 The banks adjacent to Loach brook (TN10) supported tussock grassland of similar composition to that of the grassland within TN4. A small pocket of more diverse grassland was present at TN11 with common knapweed Centaurea nigra, meadow vetchling Lathyrus pratensis and creeping cinquefoil Potentilla reptans recorded frequently. Further species recorded comprised betony Stachys officinalis, bush vetch Vicia sepium, hairy tare Vicia hirsuta, tufted vetch Vicia cracca and common bird s-foot-trefoil Lotus corniculatus. A species list for this area is provided in table 4 below. Table 4: Semi-improved Neutral Grassland along banks adjacent to Loach brook (TN10) TAXON COMMON NAME ABUNDANCE (within the survey area) Agrostis capillaris* Common bent - Alopecurus pratensis* Meadow foxtail - J:\5200\5299\ECO\Eco App\Ecoapp\5299 Rev D.Doc 9

24 TAXON COMMON NAME ABUNDANCE (within the survey area) Angelica sylvestris Wild angelica r Anthoxanthum odoratum* Sweet vernal grass - Arrhenatherum elatius* False oat-grass - Cadamine flexuosa Wavy bittercress Cardamine pratensis* Cuckooflower r Carex hirta Hairy sedge r Centaurea nigra Common knapweed lf / o Cerastium fontanum Common mouse-ear r Chamerion angustifolium Rosebay willowherb r Cirsium arvense Creeping thistle f Cirsium vulgare Spear thistle r Conopodium majus Pignut r (peripheries) Dactylis glomerata Cocks-foot - Deschampsia cespitosa* Tufted hair-grass - Digitalis purpurea Common foxglove r Festuca rubra agg.* Red fescue - Galium aparine Common cleavers r Heracleum sphondylium Common hogweed o Holcus lanatus Yorkshire fog - Holcus mollis Creeping soft-grass - Hypericum perforatum Perforate St. John s-wort r Juncus conglomeratus Compact rush - Juncus articulates / acutiflorus Jointed / sharp flowered rush - Juncus effusus Soft-rush - Juncus inflexus Hard rush - Lathyrus pratensis Meadow vetchling lf / o Lotus corniculatus Bird s-foot trefoil r Lotus pedunculatus Greater bird s-foot trefoil r Phleum pratense Timothy - Plantago lanceolata* Ribwort plantain la / o Potentilla reptans Creeping cinquefoil lf / r Prunella vulgaris* Selfheal r Ranunculus acris* Meadow buttercup r Ranunculus ficaria Lesser celandine - Ranunculus repens Creeping buttercup f Rubus fruticosus agg Bramble r Rumex acetosa* Common sorrel a Rumex conglomeratus Clustered dock r Rumex obtusifolius Broad-leaved dock o Scrophularia nodosa Common figwort r J:\5200\5299\ECO\Eco App\Ecoapp\5299 Rev D.Doc 10

25 TAXON COMMON NAME ABUNDANCE (within the survey area) Senecio jacobaea Common ragwort o Silene dioica Red campion r Solanum dulcamara Bittersweet r Stachys officinalis Common betony r Stellaria graminea Lesser stitchwort lf Stellaria holostea Greater stitchwort lf Stellaria media Common chickweed r Taraxacum officinale agg. Dandelion r Urtica dioica Common nettle o Veronica chamaedrys* Germander speedwell - Vicia cracca Tufted vetch r Vicia hirsuta Hairy tare r Vicia sepium Bush vetch r Species listed in bold are Cheshire LWS grassland indicator species 6 Those underlined are also neutral grassland indicators Those with a star * are also restorable semi-improved grassland indicators Marshy Grassland 4.12 The grassland gently slopes down towards the brook on the western periphery of the site and at its southern extent (the beginning of the slope indicated by the red dotted line on the Phase 1 Habitat Plan). The grassland adjacent to the brook supported areas of low-lying marshy grassland with small amounts of standing water. Species typical of wet conditions were observed and included great willowherb Equisetum hirsutum, greater bird s-foot-trefoil, marsh horsetail Equisetum palustre, marsh thistle Cirsium palustre, bog stitchwort Stellaria uliginosa, marsh bedstraw Galium palustre, amphibious bistort Persicaria amphibian and a rush species Juncus sp.. Marsh marigold Caltha palutris and a sweet-grass Glyceria sp. were identified within the north-western extent of the marshy grassland. These areas are within the floodplain and the presence of these species suggests they are at least ephemerally wet, if not wet most of the year round. Himalayan balsam Impatiens glandulifera, an invasive species listed on schedule 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, was identified in patches along the brook edge and within the wetter areas of the site. 5.0 EVALUATION AND POTENTIAL EFFECTS 5.1 Padgbury Lane South is proposed for residential (up to 180 dwellings), community facilities and associated infrastructure. Public open space and green infrastructure will be incorporated into proposals ensuring all features of conservation value are retained where possible and enhanced. The neutral grassland located adjacent to the brook and banks (TN10) is to be retained where feasible with at least two thirds of this area retained and enhanced through proposals, along with a wide strip along the northern hedgerow (H4, Phase 1 Habitat Plan, Padgbury Lane South) 6 Nov Local Wildlife Site Selection Criteria for the Cheshire region. Fourth Draft J:\5200\5299\ECO\Eco App\Ecoapp\5299 Rev D.Doc 11

26 connecting the permanent pond with the brook. The majority of grassland on higher ground (TN1, TN3, TN4 and TN6) along with TN7 and TN8 is to be lost. 5.2 Using methodology provided within the Farm Environment Plan (FEP) recommended by Natural England 7 the following conclusions can be drawn. The methodology describes how to assess abundance levels for species within a grassland: 5.3 The way to assess this is to walk around the habitat and stop at regular intervals or random points along the way. For most habitats, stopping ten times will be enough. At each stop a square metre of the vegetation is assessed and all species recorded. A species is rare if it occurs in one or two stops out of ten. It is occasional if it occurs in three or four stops out of ten. Frequent species occur in five or more stops out of ten. Assessment of TN1, TN3 and TN4: Main body of grassland located within the higher lying area of the site 5.4 The grassland within TN1, TN3 and TN4 is considered to be species poor due to the abundance of coarse grasses present. Thirteen indicator species have been identified throughout the sward, however many of these were found to be rare and are unlikely to be encountered in enough abundance to include them as indicators. 5.5 Under the semi-improved grassland criteria one indicator species was found in enough abundance to be considered within the criteria, this being common sorrel (abundant). The grassland also supports more than three grass species (Yorkshire fog, common bent, false oatgrass, red fescue, sweet vernal grass, crested dog s-tail and meadow foxtail) which are necessary species for qualification as restorable semi-improved grassland. 5.6 Under the neutral grassland criteria, only one species, ribwort plantain which is considered to be rare, is present. It is therefore considered that this grassland does not meet the selection criteria for designation as a restorable semi-improved grassland or neutral grassland Local Wildlife Site. Assessment of TN6: Small area within the main body of grassland 5.7 A small section (TN6: approximately 0.4ha in extent) of the rough grassland present within the main body of the site supported a slightly greater diversity and structure. Eleven grassland indicators were identified within this area, most of which were considered to be rare using the FEP methodology. 5.8 Indicator species of restorable semi-improved grassland comprised one occasional species; ribwort plantain and five rare species; field wood-rush, selfheal, meadow buttercup, common sorrel and germander speedwell. The grass species present were indicative of semi-improved grassland and comprised common bent, meadow foxtail, sweet vernal grass, false oat-grass and red fescue. This area is not considered to meet the criteria for selection as a restorable semiimproved grassland Local Wildlife Site. 5.9 Five neutral grassland indicator species have been identified within this area, one which was not recorded at any of the ten stops and could not be used in the assessment; common spotted orchid. The further indicator species were found to be rare; common knapweed and meadow 7 Natural England. March Higher Level Stewardship, Farm Environment Plan (FEP) Manual; Third Edition. (sections and 2.4.2) J:\5200\5299\ECO\Eco App\Ecoapp\5299 Rev D.Doc 12

27 vetchling, bird s-foot-trefoil and greater bird s-foot-trefoil. It is considered that this area only just meets the criteria for selection as a Neutral Grassland Local Wildlife Site. Assessment of TN7 and TN8: Grazed fields to the south of the site 5.10 The grassland within TN7 and TN8 was considered to be poor with a small pocket of localised species richness surrounding the ephemeral pond. Indicator species were generally confined to this area. Ten grassland indicator species were identified within these fields Under the semi-improved grassland criteria four species were recorded during the ten stops. Two were found to be occasional; ribwort plantain and common sorrel and two found to be rare; selfheal and germander speedwell. Grasses present comprised sweet vernal grass, false oatgrass, red fescue, meadow foxtail and red fescue, however perennial rye-grass, creeping buttercup and white clover were found in abundance throughout the area. White clover and perennial rye-grass are found in large patches across these grassland areas, and comprise more than 30% coverage Three neutral indicator species were found to be rare in accordance with the Natural England methodology comprising common knapweed, pignut and common bird s-foot-trefoil. Sheeps sorrel was only recorded in one area of TN8, and was not recorded during the ten stops. It is considered that these areas of grassland do not qualify as a Local Wildlife Site under the criteria for semi-improved grassland or neutral grassland. Assessment of TN10: Grassland adjacent to Loach brook and along banks 5.13 The grassland along the banks and adjacent to the brook supported a slightly greater diversity compared to the rest of the site. Twelve grassland indicators were identified within the area, most of which were considered to be rare or occasional using the FEP methodology Indicator species of semi-improved grassland comprised one occasional species; ribwort plantain and five rare species; cuckooflower, selfheal, meadow buttercup, common sorrel and germander speedwell. As with the grassland within TN1, TN3, TN4 and TN6, the grass species present were indicative of semi-improved grassland and comprised a similar composition along with tufted hair-grass Deschampsia cespitosa. This area is not considered to meet the criteria for selection as a semi-improved grassland Local Wildlife Site Six neutral grassland indicator species have been identified within this area, two which were not recorded at any of the ten stops and could not be used in the assessment; pignut and common betony. Two indicator species were found to be occasional; common knapweed and meadow vetchling and two found to be rare; bird s-foot-trefoil and greater bird s-foot-trefoil. It is therefore considered that this area meets the criteria for selection as a Neutral Grassland Local Wildlife Site. 6.0 PROPOSED MITIGATION 6.1 Two thirds of the grassland adjacent to Loach Brook and along the banks (TN10) is being retained. The loss of a third of this area will be mitigated for by restoration of the retained areas to species-rich neutral grassland through implementation of an appropriate management regime and creation of an additional area of species rich neutral grassland to the north of TN10. Losses cover an area of approximately 0.4ha. Mitigation will include retention and management of an J:\5200\5299\ECO\Eco App\Ecoapp\5299 Rev D.Doc 13

28 area of 0.85 ha and creation of a new area of species rich grassland of approximately 0.11ha. Long term management would involve traditional hay meadow management comprising hay cutting in late July with all arisings removed and scrub management. 6.2 The grassland occupying TN6 covers an area of approximately 0.4ha and it is unfeasible to retain this area. The loss of this area would be mitigated for through enhancement of retained grassland (approximately 0.64ha) around the existing pond and along the hedgerow connecting the pond to Loach Brook. At least 50% of the bramble will be cleared from this area and an appropriate cutting regime will be implemented including monitoring to ensure management is having the desired effect. Retention and enhancement of this area will provide mitigation for the loss of TN6 and will provide robust green corridors of greater diversity and value for local wildlife. 6.3 It can be seen from the above information that both areas that meet the LWS criteria only just meet them and both areas are in long-term decline due to lack of any management, which has resulted in dominance of coarse grasses and scrub invasion. The mitigation proposed for the loss of TN6 comprising approximately 0.4ha and the loss of a third of TN10 comprising approximately 0.4ha includes the retention and management of approximately 1.5ha of grassland enhancing the diversity of these areas and securing them in the long term and the creation of a further 0.1 ha of species rich neutral grassland directly linked to this area, which will also be subject to the same management regime. All management prescriptions would be agreed with Cheshire East s ecologist. Proposals ensure that there will be no significant effect from the loss of TN6 and partial loss of TN10. J:\5200\5299\ECO\Eco App\Ecoapp\5299 Rev D.Doc 14

29 Appendix A Extract from the Local Wildlife Site Selection Criteria for the Cheshire region (2012) Indicator species Refer to descriptions for H1- H12 for full explanation. In summary DAFOR occasional occurrence of any 4 species from list below denotes LWS status grassland. For acid grassland the threshold is 3 occasional acid grassland indicators. Indicators should not be confined to field edges Neutral grassland (lowland meadows and other neutral grassland). At least 4 DAFOR rare neutral indicators (or 3 occasional neutral indicators plus one other occasional indicator from the table). Habitat type (indicators are all interchangeable 1 ) Marshy Acid Lowland grasslan grassland Calcareou d (purple or acid s moor grass grassland/ grassland and rush heathland At least 4 pasture) At least 4 mosaics DAFOR rare calcareous DAFOR (dry and wet) indicators (or rare At least 4 3 occasional marshy DAFOR rare calcareous indicators or 3 indicators plus (or 3 occasional one other occasional acid occasional marshy indicators indicator from indicators should be the table). plus one present. other occasional indicator from the table). Semi-improved grassland a The presence of at least 4 DAFOR occasional indicators denotes grassland which may be restored to BAP quality. Indicators should not be confined to field edges Adder s tongue fern Agrimony Autumn hawkbit Betony Bilberry Biting stonecrop Bitter vetch Black knapweed Black medick Bloody crane's-bill Blue fleabane Bog asphodel Bog pimpernel Bristle club rush Buck's-horn plantain Bugle Bulbous buttercup Burnet saxifrage Carline thistle Clustered bellflower Common bird's-foot trefoil Common bistort Common catsear Common centaury Common meadow-rue Common rock-rose Common sorrel Common stork's-bill Common valerian Cotton grasses J:\5200\5299\ECO\Eco App\Ecoapp\5299 Rev D.Doc 15

30 Cowberry Cowslip Cranberry Crowberry Cuckoo flower Devilsbit scabious Dropwort (s) Dyer's greenweed Eyebrights Fairy flax Field scabious Field woodrush Gentians Germander speedwell Globeflower Goatsbeard Greater bird's-foot trefoil Greater burnet Greater knapweed Hairy violet Harebell Heath bedstraw Heath speedwell Heathers b Hemp-agrimony Hoary Plantain Hoary Rock-rose Horseshoe vetch Jointed rushes Kidney vetch Lady's bedstraw Lady's mantle sp. Lesser hawkbit Lesser spearwort Lesser trefoil Lesser water-parsnip Lichens Lousewort Marjoram Marsh cinquefoil Marsh hawk's-beard Marsh marigold Marsh pennywort Marsh valerian Marsh violet Marsh/fen bedstraw Meadow buttercup Meadow rue Meadow saxifrage Meadow thistle Meadow vetchling Meadowsweet Milkwort sp. Mountain pansy Mouse-ear hawkweed Narrow leaved water dropwort Orchids J:\5200\5299\ECO\Eco App\Ecoapp\5299 Rev D.Doc 16

31 Ox-eye daisy Parsley-pierts Pepper saxifrage Pignut Purple Milk-vetch Ragged robin Red clover Restharrow Ribwort plantain Rough hawkbit Salad burnet Saw-wort Selfheal Sheep's bit Sheep's-sorrel Shepherd's cress Small sedges c Small scabious Sneezewort Spagnum sp. Squinancywort Stemless/Dwarf thistle Sundew Thyme-leaved sandwort Thymes Tormentil (s) Violets Water avens Water mint Western gorse Whorled caraway Wild angelica Wild basil Wild strawberry Wild Thyme Wood anemone Wood sage Yarrow Yellow rattle Yellow-wort a Restorable semi-improved grassland should generally host at least 3 of the following grasses: common bent, crested dog s tail, false oat grass, meadow fescue, meadow foxtail, red fescue, sweet vernal grass, tufted hair grass (rarer grasses typical of unimproved grassland also count) and should have less than 30% cover of white clover and rye grass. b Including cross leaved heath Erica tetralix, bell heather Erica cinerea, ling Calluna vulgaris. c Excluding hairy sedge Carex hirta. Indicators should not be confined to field edges. Occasional on the DAFOR scale of relative abundance equates to a minimum cover of 11% or the occurrence of a species in at least 3 random samples from a total of ten assessments 8. Cheshire grassland axiophytes 9 not listed above and species listed under S13 can be considered as indicators. 8 Defra FEP Manual. Third edition BSBI axiophyte tables J:\5200\5299\ECO\Eco App\Ecoapp\5299 Rev D.Doc 17

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