appendix g ecological reports - scottishpower · appendix g ecological reports damhead creek 2 –...
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APPENDIX GECOLOGICAL REPORTS
Damhead Creek 2 – ES Volume 2June 2009
G.1 Phase 1 Habitat Survey
Damhead Creek Phase II Proposed Development Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey Survey Dates: 14th and 15th June, 30th August, 14th September 2006. Surveyors: Sarah Ross, Chloe Pritchard, Jenni Weaver, Miranda Cowan, Ceri Griffiths. Survey Area As indicated in Figure 1. Covers the application site, the adjacent wetland creation area (with three ponds), the road and road verges, the car park area to the north and the grassland strip to the south. Methodology Following standard Phase 1 Habitat Survey methodology (JNCC 1993) with additional assessments for potential for protected faunal species (IEA 1995). Lists of the main plant species in each main habitat type were also collected, and each plant assigned a relative abundance scale (D = dominant, A = abundant, F = frequent, O = occasional, R = rare). These lists were used to identify any potentially interesting/notable/scarce species. Plant species lists are presented in Table 1. Results Target Notes 1) Grassland Area 1 North An unmanaged grassland, neutral to slightly calcareous grassland, all of which would be lost to development. The sward is dense, around 1m in height, and dominated by a range of grasses. Main grasses are false oat-grass, bents and meadow-grasses. This northern end tends to have a great diversity of species, with a greater mixture of grasses and more herbs. The area has potential for reptiles and amphibians. 2) Grassland Area 1 Centre Moving south the sward becomes less herb-rich and more dominated by A. elatus, but with a greater number of Umbellifers and shrubs. Species include Alexander’s. hemlock, hogweed and, more rarely, wild parsnip. Some small patches of rushes that could be used by snipe over winter (not seen on site). Many scattered bramble patches - possibly used by whitethroat and reed bunting for breeding (both seen on site). Higher mounds (spoil from pond construction) have wild carrot, black mustard, hoary cress along with other grass species. A large hemlock patch to centre-west of this area. 3) Grassland Area 1 South Scattered scrub and hogweeed are frequent in this area and smooth tare is locally dominant. Grassland used by insects such as odonata (seen roosting in tall grass). Potential for Protected Species in Grassland Area 1 Potential for breeding birds: whitethroat and reedbunting observed on site showing breeding behaviour. Possibility of other bird species in shrubs/bramble. Not suitable for ground-nesting species. Wintering birds: may be potential for area to be used as forage/roosting area.
No potential for dormice, little suitable habitat and isolated. No roosting structures for bats on site, except pump house building. No signs of badger use, although small animal run in rushy area – but species not confirmed. Potential habitat for grass snake, lizard and slow worm. Great crested newt (GCN) potentially using area for hibernation, probably less suitable for foraging due to tall grass. No waterbodies on this area for breeding except ditches/ponds on adjacent land. Good habitat for small mammals – likely to support barn owl and kestrel populations. 4) Grassland Area 2 Tall unmanaged neutral to calcareous grassland, similar to grassland 1, but less diverse. Again this area would be lost to the proposed development. Dominated by false oat-grass and couch with less Timothy, Yorkshire-fog, bents and meadow-grasses. Frequent mugwort and common nettle occur around west edge, indicating some past disturbance. There is a drain around the north and east edges with pebble/chippings along the far side and slightly more open vegetation. Small areas to the north and south are more sparsely vegetated (see Figure 1) and have potential for reptiles. Protected faunal species potential as for Grassland 1. 5) Car Parking Area and Track Open areas or car parking and track with sparse vegetation along edges. This area is dominated by disturbed ground supporting a range of species typical of this habitat type, but also including annual beardgrass. 6) Car Park 2 Entrance This area has several large concrete blocks to prevent vehicle access to the site. These, along with other scattered debris on site, could offer hibernation sites for amphibians (including GCN). A single adult common toad was found sheltering under some debris on site. 7) Car Park 2 Main Area An area of hardstanding (clinker, gravel and concrete) surrounded by security fencing. The main area is open with sparse vegetation including hoary cress, golden samphire and common centaury. The edges close to the fencing have increased frequency of butterfly-bush, teasel, common ragwort and bramble. These more densely vegetated areas may provide shelter for amphibians and reptiles. 8) Car Park 2 Scrub This area has a greater proportion of scrub dominated by butterfly-bush and bramble approximately 1m to 2m tall. Invertebrates noted in the area comprise tortoiseshell, painted lady, small white, small heath and 6-spot ladybird. 9) Car Park 2 Waterbody Within this area there is a shallow, irregularly shaped waterbody covering approximately 4m x 6m. The water at the time of survey was 4cm to 6cm deep with emergent vegetation including oak-leaved goosefoot, amphibious bistort and curled dock (the spp. littoralis). The area is surrounded by vegetation comprising butterfly-
bush, common fleabane, willows, golden samphire and great willowherb. This area may support amphibians including GCN. 10) Car Park 2 Edge The south-west edge of the car part is bordered by a line of hybrid black poplars along with various scrub/disturbed ground species including blackthorn, bramble, butterfly-bush, dog rose, mugwort and bittersweet. 11) Grassland Area 3 This unmanaged grassland runs along the southern boundary of the existing Damhead Creek power station, and may be temporarily disturbed by the laying of an underground cable. In composition it is similar to grasslands 1 and 2 but rather less diverse. The grass canopy is around 2m tall and dominated by a range of common species, along with several that indicate slightly calcareous condition (e.g. wild carrot and vervain). There are a number of clumps of scrub, including dog rose, bramble and hawthorn, between the grassland strip and the perimeter ditch. The area is slightly drier that grasslands 1 and 2, but becomes damp toward the ditch. Invertebrates recorded comprise small copper, painted lady, common blue, small white, small heath, ruddy darter and emperor. In addition, a dead slow worm was found towards the western end. A mammal path was present in the grass and may be used by badgers (a badger dung pit was present in the far south-west corner of grassland 2). 12 and 13) Wetland Creation Area North This area comprised unmanaged grassland with areas of ruderal/disturbed ground species and scattered scrub. There were some areas of shrub/tree planting. At target note 13 bee orchids were recorded. Pond 2 is in this area. High potential for amphibians and reptiles. 14) Wetland Creation Area South This area is managed grassland with the area being mown once a year in autumn. This results in rather more diverse grassland in this area, particularly where some soil stripping has occurred around pond 1. High potential for amphibians and reptiles. Descriptions of Ponds 1 to 3, Wetland Creation Area Pond 1 This pond was created some 6-8 years previously in mitigation for habitat loss under previous development at Damhead Creek power station. The area was used for the translocation of the rare divided sedge. For full species lists and description see PAA report on Botanical Monitoring 2005. Pond 2 This is a long linear shaped pond with two small islands at the far southern and northern end, again created some 6-8 years ago. Given that the immediate surround area of the pond is characterised by damp exposed mud, the water levels appear to have fallen considerably. The bank sides of the pond shelve gently into the water, although the western edge of the pond has flatter areas that are becoming characterised by marshy grassland. No submerged vegetation could be found in the pond, although its edges are fringed patches of bulrush and sea club-rush. The small islands are dry and are colonised by grasses and herbs typical of neutral soils, including cock’s-foot, Yorkshire-fog, yarrow and bristly oxtongue.
The marshy area along the western edge is mostly characterised by bare patches of damp soil, although does have localised patches of soft-rush. The more open areas reflect early colonisation of more soft-rush and the grasses Yorkshire-fog, common bent and creeping bent. Pond 3 This pond was created as a GCN refuge area during site clearance for previous development at Damhead Creek power station. The pond is small, quite shallow sided and is now entirely overgrown. For a full description see the PAA report on Amphibian Monitoring 2005. 15) Road Verge and Self-sown Grassland The road verge is approximately 200m long by 6m wide. The first 1.5m of the eastern end is typical of sown amenity grassland, and is mown, with a further 1m strip being un-mown. The majority of the verge is, however, a mix of self-sown grassland with more sparsely vegetated areas that are used as a temporary car parking area. Some hard core/gravel is laid. The plant species are typical of this open, disturbed habitat, with sparsely vegetated, self-sown, neutral grassland on coarse substrate, which is in places quite bare. Tall herbs predominate, with creeping thistle, wild teasel, common fleabane, bristly ox-tongue and common couch. A tall, dense patch of hemlock dominates the eastern corner of the grassland (standing dead stems at time of survey) interspersed with frequent common nettle. Bramble and Rosa species are encroaching from hedge line to north with locally abundant ground ivy. A belt of young trees planted along southern fence line predominately pedunculate oak, ash, hawthorn, blackthorn and willow species. An area of compact gravel currently used as a car park has sparse vegetation; occasional common fleabane, bramble, rare common figwort and English stonecrop. Incidental faunal records comprise small heath, small copper, common blue, common darter plus green woodpecker on poplar trees. References JNCC (1993). Handbook for Phase 1 Habitat Survey. A Technique for Environmental Audit. JNCC, Peterborough. IAE (1995). Guidelines for Baseline Ecological Assessment. E&FN Spoon, London. PAA. 2005. Damhead Creek Power Station, Kingsnorth, Kent. Botanical Monitoring 2005. Unpublished report by Penny Anderson Associates Ltd prepared for Scottish Power Plc. PAA. 2005. Damhead Creek Power Station, Kingsnorth, Kent. Amphibian Monitoring 2005. Unpublished report by Penny Anderson Associates Ltd prepared for Scottish Power Plc.
Photographs (see Figure 1 for locations) Photograph 1: Overview of proposed development land, characterised by rank grassland.
Photograph 2: Overview photograph to include proposed development land on the right and wetland creation area on the left.
Photograph 3: Overview of proposed development land.
Photograph 4: Overview of pond 2 on the wetland creation area encompassing the bund along the eastern edge of the site. Vegetation can be seen fringing the pond, with the mix of neutral grassland species on the small islands. The right of the photographs depicts the western edge, which has lower lying flat areas, which have damp exposed muddy areas with sparse vegetation.
Photograph 5: Pond 2 and the lower lying flat marshy area with areas of exposed mud and sparse vegetative cover. To the far right of the photograph the ground slopes upwards, where an area of tall herb has colonised.
Photograph 6: Overview of Pond 1
Photograph 7: Overview of wetland creation area from the north, looking south.
Photograph 8: Badger dung pit is SW corner of grassland 2.
Photograph 9: Grassland 3 and perimeter ditch.
Photograph 10: Car park area 2
Photograph 11: Waterbody in car park 2.
DAMHEAD CREEK PHASE II PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT - PHASE 1 HABITAT SURVEYAbundance of the Main Plant Species in the Habitats Surveyed
Prepared by Penny Anderson Associates Ltd.
Grassland 1
Grassland 2
Car Park 1 & Track
Grassland 3
Car Park 2 &
Waterbody
Road Verges
Self-sown Grassland
Wetland Creation
Area
Ponds 1 to 3
Trees and shrubsAcer campestre Field maple ABetula pendula Silver birch R RBuddleia davidii Butterfly-bush R R F-LA RCornus sanguinea Dogwood RCorylus avellana Hazel R RCrataegus monogyna Hawthorn R FCytisus scoparius Broom RFraxinus excelsior Ash OPopulus x canadensis Hybrid black poplar RPrunus spinosa Blackthorn O R OQuercus robur Pedunculate oak ARhamnus cathartica BuckthornRosa canina agg. Dog rose R R R FRosa arvensis Field rose R RRubus idaeus Raspberry RRubus fruticosus agg. Bramble O O O O-LF O O-LD RSalix caprea Goat willow R O RSalix sp. Willow species R RSambucus nigra Elder OUlex europaeus Gorse R R O
Grasses, sedges and rushesAgrostis capillaris Common bent F O R O F-LA O OAgrostis stolonifera Creeping bent O F R R-O O OAlopecurus pratensis Meadow foxtail AAnthoxanthum odoratum Sweet vernal grass R OArrhenatherum elatius False-oat grass A A O R O O FBromus hordeaceus Soft brome R O RBromus sterilis Barren brome RCarex otrubae False fox-sedge RCatapodium rigidum Fern grass R RCynosurus cristatus Crested dog's-tail O R ODactylis glomerata Cock's-foot O F R O R O O O ODeschampsia caespitosa Tufted hair-grass R RElytrigia cf. atherica Sea couch O RElytrigia repens Common couch O F R OFestuca arundinacea Tall fescue RFestuca rubra Red fescue F-LA R R R R F-LA RHolcus lanatus Yorkshire-fog F O O R R O O O FJuncus effusus Soft rush R LO LFJuncus inflexus Hard rush R R R RLolium perenne Perennial ryegrass O O R-OPhleum pratense Timothy grass O-F R OPoa pratensis Smooth meadow grass RPoa sp. Meadow-grass species O OPolypogon monspeliensis Annual beard-grass R RVulpia cf. myuros Rat's-tail fescue R
HerbsAchillea millefolium Yarrow O O O R R O O RAnagallis arvensis Scarlet pimpernel R RAlchemilla vulgaris Common Lady's mantle RAgrimonia eupatoria Agrimony R R RArctium minus Lesser burdock RArtemisia vulgaris Mugwort O-LF F-LA R R R O R RBallota nigra Black horehound R
Scientific Name English Name
DAFOR Abundance Scale
1 of 3
Grassland 1
Grassland 2
Car Park 1 & Track
Grassland 3
Car Park 2 &
Waterbody
Road Verges
Self-sown Grassland
Wetland Creation
Area
Ponds 1 to 3
Scientific Name English Name
DAFOR Abundance Scale
Beta vulgaris ssp. maritima Sea beet R-OBlackstonia perfoliata Yellow-wort R RBrassica nigra Black mustard R RCapsella bursa-pastoris Shepherd's-purse R RCarduus tenuiflorus Slender thistle RCentaurium erythraea Common centaury OCerastium fontanum Common mouse-ear R O OChamerion angustifolium Rosebay willowherb R O OChenopodium glaucum Oak-leaved goosefoot RChrysanthemum vulgare Tansy RCirsium arvense Creeping thistle O O R R R O ACirsium vulgare Spear thistle R RCirsium cf. eriophorum Woolly thistle RConium maculatum Hemlock LD O-LD O LDConvolvulus arvense Common bindweed R R-O OConyza canadensis Canadian fleabane O R O-F R-LF RCrepis biennis Rough hawks-beard R-OCrepis capillaris Smooth hawksbeard R O ADaucus carota ssp. carota Wild carrot O RDipsacus fullonum Teasel O O R O R LAEpilobium hirsutum Great willowherb O R R OEpilobium sp. Willowherb species R R RErodium cicutarium Common stork's-bill R R OFumaria sp. Fumitory species RGalium aparine Cleavers F F O R OGeranium dissectum Cut-leaved cranesbill R RGeranium molle Dove's-foot geranium R R R O-LA RGeranium robertianum Herb-Robert OGlechoma hederacea Ground Ivy LAHeracleum sphondylium Common hogweed O R RHypericum perforatum Perforate St John's wort R OHypericum sp. St John's wort species R O LRInula crithmoides Golden samphire R O A RLapsana communis Nipplewort RLathyrus nissolia Grass vetchling RLathyrus pratensis Meadow vetchling R RLeontodon autumnalis Autumn hawkbit RLeontodon hispidus Rough hawkbit O O O O R O RLepidium draba Hoary cress O-LF RLinaria vulgaris Common toadflax R RLotus corniculatus Common bird's-foot trefoil O R R OMalva sylvestris Common mallow R R R O LAMatricaria discoidea Pineappleweed R RMedicago lupulina Black medick O-LA RMelilotus albus White melilot R RMercurialis perennis Dogs mercury ROdontites verna Red bartsia ROphrys apifera Bee orchid RPapaver sp. Poppy species RPastinaca sativa var. sativa Wild parsnip RPersicaria amphibia Amphibious bistort RPicris echioides Bristly ox-tongue O O O O O O-F O FPicris hieracioides Hawkweed oxtongue R R-LFPilosella officinarum Mouse-ear hawkweed OPlantago coronopus Buck's-horn plantain R RPlantago lanceolata Ribwort plantain A F R R R R O OPolygala sp. Milkwort species RPotentilla palustris Marsh cinquefoil RPotentilla reptans Creeping cinquefoil R O O R R-O F RPrunella vulgaris Selfheal R OPulicaria dysenterica Common fleabane R F-LA O O-LARanunculus repens Creeping buttercup R R R O O O-F
2 of 3
Grassland 1
Grassland 2
Car Park 1 & Track
Grassland 3
Car Park 2 &
Waterbody
Road Verges
Self-sown Grassland
Wetland Creation
Area
Ponds 1 to 3
Scientific Name English Name
DAFOR Abundance Scale
Raphanus raphanistrum Wild radish RReseda luteola Weld R R R RRumex acetosa Common sorrel R RRumex conglomeratus Clustered dock RRumex crispus ssp. crispus Curled dock O O R R R R ORumex crispus cf. ssp. littoralis Curled dock RRumex obtusifolia Broad-leaved dock R O O OScrophularia nodosa Common figwort RSedum anglicum English stonecrop LOSenecio jacobaea Common ragwort R R R O O O RSenecio viscosus Sticky groundsel RSenecio vulgaris Groundsel OSilene alba White campion O O R OSisymbrium officinale Hedge mustard R RSmyrnium olusatrum Alexander's RSolanum dulcamara Bittersweet O O R R LRSolanum nigrum Black nightshade RSonchus asper Prickly sow-thistle R O O O O RSonchus oleraceus Smooth sow-thistle F F O R-OStachys byzantina Lamb's-ears RStellaria graminea Lesser stitchwort LA O AStellaria media Common chickweed OSymphytum officinale Common comfrey OTaraxacum officinale agg. Dandelion R R R O R RTorilis japonica Upright hedge-parsley R RTragopogon pratensis ssp. minor Goat's-beard R RTrifolium campestre Hop trefoil R R RTrifolium pratense Red clover RTrifolium repens White clover R R O ATripleurospermum maritimum Scentless mayweed R R O OTussilago farfara Colt's-foot R RUrtica dioica Common nettle O O R R O R R-LA A LOVerbascum thapsus Great mullein RVerbena officinalis Vervain R R R OVeronica sp. Speedwell species OVicia cracca Tufted vetch O R LAVicia hirsuta Hairy tare R RVicia sativa Common vetch O F RVicia tetrasperma Smooth tare LA FVicia sp. Tare species R R
MossesBrachythecium albicans Whitish feather-moss R
KEY:D= dominantA = abundantF = frequentO = occasionalR = rareL = locally
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Date: Dwg:
Author: Rev:
Habitat Map
Scottish Power Plc.
Damhead Creek Phase IINov 2006
CC/JS AFigure 1
PAA Ref: PAA Dwg:G:\SCPO01_Damhead_2006\Maps
LegendApplication site boundarySurvey boundary
HabitatsAmenity grasslandNeutral-calcareous managed grasslandNeutral-calcareous unmanaged grasslandMarshySelf-sown grasslandHemlock patchesBrambleTall herbsDense scrubOpen waterTypha/pond verge vegetationWoodlandYoung native shrub/tree planting
" " "
" " Open ground - gravel/concretePebblesHardstanding with sparse vegetationHardstanding/buildings
Í Scattered scrub
!? Hybrid black poplars!( Tree! !
!! Spoil mound!H Target note
PhotographFencing
Post & rail
I II I Tall security fencingWire fence
Reproduced from the 1:10,000 scale raster digital base mapping with the permission of the Controller of Her Majesty's Stationary Office, Crown Copyright
Licence Number AL 100013280
E 0 50 100 150 20025Metres
Scale: 1:3,000 @ A3
GRASSLAND AREA 2
CAR PARK 2
CAR PARK 1
GRASSLAND AREA 1
WETLAND CREATION AREA
GRASSLAND AREA 3
!(n
POND 3
POND 1
POND 2
Damhead Creek Phase II Proposed Development Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey Prepared by Penny Anderson Associates Ltd Survey Date: 30th May 2007 Surveyor: Helen Hamilton Survey Area As indicated in Figure 1. Covers the mitigation land including the North West Exclusion Area and the North East Exclusion Area, land along Bury Wiggins Drain and along the sea front. Adjoins the proposed development area as surveyed in 2006 (also shown on Figure 1). Methodology Following standard Phase 1 Habitat Survey methodology (JNCC 1991) with additional assessments for potential for protected faunal species (IEA 1995). Lists of the main plant species in each main habitat type were also collected, and each plant assigned a relative abundance scale (d = dominant, a = abundant, f = frequent, o = occasional, r = rare). These lists were used to identify any potentially interesting/notable/scarce species. Plant species lists are presented in Table 1. Results Target Notes (for TN 1 to 15 see the 2006 Phase 1 Habitat descriptions) 16) Grassland 1 – unmanaged grassland Grassland 1 is a variable habitat and found across much of the site, with certain areas being grazed or un-grazed, having more or less tall herb or scrub and being more or less rank and species-poor. A patchy grassland area alongside ditch D10 extends north to Pond P10. This area contains abundant tall ruderal patches and other areas close-grazed by rabbits. Some are used for off-road biking, leaving localised areas of bare ground. Bank up to PFA track supports dense bramble. Area is good for reptiles with common lizard and slow worm recorded under reptile ‘tins’. An area adjacent to the ‘mineral railway’ in the far north of the site is species-poor and very rank. However, this area contains several clumps of spiked sedge (Carex spicata) and grass-leaved vetchling (Lathyrus nissolia), rare elsewhere on site, is also present here. 17) Ditch 10 and Pond 10 Ditch is 2 - 3m wide and water is 30cm or more deep. Open water in the centre is fringed by emergent vegetation along the banks. There are a range of species present with sea club-rush (Bolboschoenus maritimus) suggesting some brackish element to the water. Banks are either grassy as Grassland 1, or overhanging with dense scrub and bramble, which in some places completely encloses the channel creating shady conditions within. Oblong pond adjoining Ditch 10, with steep sides fringed with emergent vegetation dominated by sea club-rush. Central 90% is open water with submerged vegetation dominated by horned pondweed (Zannichellia palustris). Patches of scrub are present on
the banks, especially to the east, and this is comprised of native species typical of the site, mainly hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna). Canada geese graze the banks and moorhen are also present. Also contains fish, species unknown. Emergent vegetation merges into a small marsh area to the north of the pond which has a more terrestrial marshy flora still dominated by sea club-rush, but with abundant hard rush (Juncus inflexus) and frequent false fox sedge (Carex otrubae) among other herbs and graminoid species. Nearby grassland to north contains series of ephemeral shallow pools. 18) Scattered scrub Scattered scrub present throughout the site composed of native species. Many denser areas appear to have been planted, e.g. along Ditch 10. These habitats are very popular with breeding birds. 19) Ephemeral short-perennial vegetation Present on tracks of PFA substrate. Sparsely vegetated with high proportion of bare ground, but only localised vegetation, especially characterised by several rare species which have been the subject of on-going annual surveys for the past ten years. The more abundant of these species are annual beard-grass (Polypogon monspeliensis), cord grass (Parapholis incurva) and oak-leaved goosefoot (Chenopodium glaucum).The areas are heavily rabbit-grazed, with vegetation height increasing with the distance from the edge of the track. Species list encompasses both sparse track vegetation and taller fringes. 20) Pond 9 Large triangular pond with an emergent fringe of bulrush (Typha latifolia) and sea club-rush at base of steeply sloping banks. Open water occupies about 80% of pond area. Fish are probably present. Filamentous green alga is present. Rabbit warrens are present on banks, in amongst scrub and tall herb patches. 21) Ditch 7 and banks This ditch is densely scrubbed on both banks along much of its length, scrub being composed of typical woody species for the site. The ground flora contains grassy species including false brome (Brachypodium sylvaticum) but is also characterised by stands of vigorous tall herb species such as hemlock (Conium maculatum), lesser burdock (Arctium minor), Russian comfrey (Symphytum x uplandicum), rosebay willowherb (Chamerion angustifolium), St John’s wort (Hypericum sp.), common nettle (Urtica dioica) and mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris). In-channel vegetation is confined to more open sections, and contains water star-wort (Callitriche sp.), bulrush, bittersweet (Solanum dulcamara) and great willowherb (Epilobium hirsuta). 22) Reedbed 1 - NWEA A dense swamp dominated by tall common reed (Phragmites australis) and surrounded by scrub containing hawthorn, white willow and bramble. A lone pedunculate oak (Quercus robur) tree stands in the centre of the reedbed. Abundant breeding bird activity was present in the reedbed including reed warblers, moorhen and cuckoo. More detailed descriptions are with the quadrat data taken as part of the botanical monitoring surveys for DHC Phase 1, and these should be referred to.
23) Pond 11 Pond located within reedbed 1 of the NWEA. See notes with quadrat data for botanical monitoring (as above).
24) Woodland 1 A strip of established scrubland along an overgrown track of PFA which itself supports typical grassland flora of other parts of the site (see Grassland 1), but with some occasional bare areas and other with out-of-place aquatic plants such as water mint (Mentha aquatica) and water figwort (Scrophularia auriculata) suggesting that ditch spoil may have been spread on the area in the past. Woodland is characterised by a range of native shrub and tree species which appear to have self-colonised the area. Bramble forms a dense understorey. A badger path runs down the track, heading off-site to the west. A few disused latrine areas were also present along this path. (NB: an active badger sett has been identified on the track close to the NWEA within the brambles). 25) Ditch 6 – Berry Wiggins Drain This ditch is also known as is Berry Wiggins Drain and has a trapezoidal channel much choked with emergent vegetation (90% cover). Immediately downstream of Reedbed 1 (NWEA) the ditch channel is about 1m wide, with a depth of about 0.5-1m. The banks are grassy with tall herb patches and bramble thickets, supporting numerous rabbit warrens. Other areas are largely ungrazed and have a tall rank sward. Grassy and tall herb areas are characterised by species as found in Grassland 1. Scrub is also present, comprising willow, ash, hawthorn and other woody species typical of the site. The upstream section of Ditch 6 extends from Reedbed 1 (NWEA) north east toward the railway line. The ditch here is much smaller, being 0.5m wide for most of the section. It is also mostly shallower and becomes increasingly species-poor toward the railway, largely being dominated by floating sweet-grass (Glyceria fluitans). The extreme downstream section, near to Reedbed 2 (NEEA - not surveyed on this date, due to nesting marsh harrier, see previous monitoring reports for habitat notes and species list) is wider and deeper, and is fully vegetated with common reed (Phragmites australis)and branched bur-reed (Sparganium erectum). 26) Grassland 2 – coastal grassland Grassland 2 is the coastal grassland which shows a different character and species composition to Grassland 1. These grasslands are located on the sea defences which surround the study site to the east – and as such they are probably managed through mowing on an annual basis to control scrub establishment and so that the defences can be inspected. Overall this grassland is more heavily dominated by grass species, and is tall and ungrazed. Scrub areas have been planted to landward, comprising native species, many areas of which are sparse. 27) Scrub (coastal) Sparse planted scrub to landward side of Grassland 2. Comprises a mix of native species. 28) Saltmarsh Off-site area, below the high tide mark with vegetation dominated by salt-marsh grass (Spartina anglica) though other species such as common sea-lavender (Limonium
vulgare) and perennial glasswort (Sarcocornia perennis) persist in certain areas. Not surveyed in detail. 29) Ephemeral-short perennial near Pond P7 Area around mitigation pond where topsoil has been removed contains a high proportion of bare ground which is slowly colonising with vegetation characteristic of low-nutrient scarified habitats. This area has high levels of rabbit grazing, which also helps to keep vegetation short (1-3cm) and sparse. Mosses are frequent and rare patches of Cladonia lichen are also present in this area. 30) Pond 7 Relatively newly created brackish pond near to the estuary, with low levels of vegetation cover – mainly open water. Brackish water-crowfoot (Ranunculus baudotii) occurs in this pond, together with sea clubrush and extensive patches of Enteromorpha alga. The pond banks are sparsely vegetated with ephemeral short perennial vegetation. References JNCC, 1991. Handbook for Phase 1 Habitat Survey – a technique for environmental audit. Reprinted 1993. JNCC, Peterborough.
IEA, 1995. Guidelines for Baseline Ecological Assessment. E & FN Spon, London.
DAMHEAD CREEK PHASE II PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT - PHASE 1 HABITAT SURVEY, MITIGATION LAND, MAY 2007Abundance of the Main Plant Species in the Habitats Surveyed
Grassland 1 (inland) Ditch 10 Pond 10 Scattered
scrub
Ephemeral/Short
PerennialPond 9 Ditch 7 and
banksReedbed 1
(NWEA) Pond 11 Woodland 1 Ditch 6 Grassland
2 (coastal)Scrub
(coastal) Saltmarsh
Ephemeral/ short
perennial nr P7
P7
Trees and shrubsAsh Fraxinus excelsior rBlackthorn Prunus spinosa lo oBramble Rubus fruticosus agg. o-lf (marsh) ld aCommon osier Salix viminalis oDog rose Rosa canina agg. r fDogwood Cornus sanguinea rElder Sambucus nigra r fField maple Acer campestre aField rose Rosa arvensis r rGoat willow Salix caprea oGorse Ulex europaeus f lo fGrey willow Salix cinerea loGuelder rose Viburnum opulus loHawthorn Crataegus monogyna o ld (scrub) f o dPedunculate oak Quercus robur r rPoplar seedling Populus sp. (seedling) rSilver birch Betula pendula r rSycamore Acer pseudoplatanus rWhite willow Salix alba o (scrub) oWild plum Prunus domestica r
Grasses, sedges and rushesAnnual meadow-grass Poa annua a o-lf laBarren brome Bromus sterilis o-lf o-lfBranched bur-reed Sparganium erectum r-loBulrush Typha latifolia a-ld lf ldCock's-foot Dactylis glomerata lf-la a-ldCommon bent Agrostis capillaris fCommon couch Elytrigia repens loCommon reed Phragmites australis a-ld ldCreeping bent Agrostis stolonifera lfCurved hard-grass Parapholis incurva o-lfFalse brome Brachypodium sylvaticum lo loFalse fox-sedge Carex otrubae r f (marsh) oFalse-oat grass Arrhenatherum elatius o-lf o-lfFern grass Catapodium rigidum rHard rush Juncus inflexus a a (marsh) o-lfHorned pondweed Zannichellia palustris a-ldMeadow foxtail Alopecurus pratensis r rPerennial ryegrass Lolium perenne vloRed fescue Festuca rubra oRough meadow-grass Poa trivialis lo-lf f-la fSalt-marsh grass Spartina anglica dSalt-marsh rush Juncus gerardii lo o-ldSea barley Hordeum marinum r-vlaSea clubrush Bolboschoenus maritimus a d lf-la o-la lfSmall sweet-grass Glyceria declinata dSmooth meadow-grass Poa pratensis o-la o (marsh) f-aSoft brome Bromus hordeaceus o rSpiked sedge Carex spicata lr-lo (marsh)Tall fescue Festuca arundinacea a-ldYellow oat-grass Trisetum flavescens o-lfYorkshire-fog Holcus lanatus f
Herbs 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16Autumn hawkbit Leontodon autumnalis r
Scientific NameEnglish Name
DAFOR Abundance Scale
Prepared by Penny Anderson Associates Ltd
1 of 3
Grassland 1 (inland) Ditch 10 Pond 10 Scattered
scrub
Ephemeral/Short
PerennialPond 9 Ditch 7 and
banksReedbed 1
(NWEA) Pond 11 Woodland 1 Ditch 6 Grassland
2 (coastal)Scrub
(coastal) Saltmarsh
Ephemeral/ short
perennial nr P7
P7Scientific NameEnglish Name
DAFOR Abundance Scale
Beaked hawks-beard Crepis vesicaria rBittersweet Solanum dulcamara r lo lf r-laBlack knapweed Centaurea nigra rBlack medick Medicago lupulina f-ld o r-vlfBrackish water-crowfoot Ranunculus baudotii fBristly ox-tongue Picris echioides o r loBuck's-horn plantain Plantago coronopus lfBugle Ajuga reptans loCelery-leaved buttercup Ranunculus sceleratus r rChanging forget-me-not Myosotis discolor rCleavers Galium aparine lfCommon bindweed Convolvulus arvense lfCommon bird's-foot trefoil Lotus corniculatus lf o-lf laCommon duckweed Lemna minor oCommon fleabane Pulicaria dysenterica o o-lf f (marsh) o lo-lfCommon mallow Malva sylvestris o-lfCommon mouse-ear Cerastium fontanum r lo loCommon nettle Urtica dioica a o (marsh) f aCommon ragwort Senecio jacobaea f o-a lfCommon sea-lavender Limonium vulgare o-lfCommon vetch Vicia sativa r fCommon water-crowfoot Ranunculus aquatilis a r rCow parsley Anthriscus sylvestris rCreeping buttercup Ranunculus repens r lo o o-lfCreeping cinquefoil Potentilla reptans a lfCreeping thistle Cirsium arvense a-lf o (marsh) o lfCurled dock Rumex crispus lr-lo fCut-leaved cranesbill Geranium dissectum f rField forget-me-not Myosotis arvensis lfFool's watercress Apium subnodulosus oGermander speedwell Veronica chamaedrys r-loGoat's-beard Tragopogon pratensis rGood King Henry Chenopodium bonus-henricus oGrass vetchling Lathyrus nissolia lf oGreat willowherb Epilobium hirsutum o f oGreater burdock Arctium lappa oGround Ivy Glechoma hederacea a o-lf oGypsywort Lycopus europaeus o loHedge bedstraw Galium mollugo lo-lfHedge bindweed Calystegia sepium f-laHedge mustard Sisymbrium officinale r rHemlock Conium maculatum r-lo lfHoary cress Lepidium draba o f-laLesser burdock Arctium minus oLesser stitchwort Stellaria graminea o-lf+C146Lesser trefoil Trifolium dubium r oMugwort Artemisia vulgaris rOxford ragwort Senecio squalidus loPerforate St John's wort Hypericum perforatum lo-lfPrickly sow-thistle Sonchus asper fRed clover Trifolium pratense r-lfRibwort plantain Plantago lanceolata F oRosebay willowherb Chamerion angustifolium lo loRough hawkbit Leontodon hispidus rRussian comfrey Symphytum x uplandicum lo lf oSalsify Tragopogon porrifolius rScarlet pimpernel Anagallis arvensis rSlender thistle Cirsium tenuiflorus la-vlo laSmooth hawks-beard Crepis capillaris rSmooth tare Vicia tetrasperma lo-lf o (marsh)Sow-thistle species Sonchus sp. rSpear thistle Cirsium vulgare rSpear-leaved willowherb Epilobium lanceolatum o-lf
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Grassland 1 (inland) Ditch 10 Pond 10 Scattered
scrub
Ephemeral/Short
PerennialPond 9 Ditch 7 and
banksReedbed 1
(NWEA) Pond 11 Woodland 1 Ditch 6 Grassland
2 (coastal)Scrub
(coastal) Saltmarsh
Ephemeral/ short
perennial nr P7
P7Scientific NameEnglish Name
DAFOR Abundance Scale
Square-stalked St John's wort Hypericum tetrapterum lo-lfSt John's wort species Hypericum sp. rTeasel Dipsacus fullonum o o-lf loUpright hedge-parsley Torilis japonica r rWater figwort Scrophularia aquatica oWater forget-me-not Myosotis scorpioides rWater mint Mentha aquatica f-ld oWater plantain Alisma plantago-aquatica rWater star-wort species Callitriche sp f lfWhite campion Silene alba oWhite clover Trifolium repens f aWhite dead-nettle Lamium alba rWild mignonette Reseda lutea rWillowherb species Epilobium sp. fYarrow Achillea millefolium lo r-lfYellow-wort Blackstonia perfoliata lr-loYorkshire fog Holcus lanatus f
Lower plantsFilamentous green algae Cladophora sp. lo lf oGreen alga Enteromorpha sp. a f-la
KEY:d = dominanta = abundantf = frequento = occasionalr = rarel = locally / localv = very
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9 8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
17
17
18
20
2124 22
23
19
16
27
26
25
28
28
3029
15
14
1312
11
10
Title:
Client:
Project:
Date: Dwg:
Author: Rev:
Habitat Map
Scottish Power Plc.
Damhead Creek Phase IIAUG07
CC/JS AFigure 1
PAA Ref: PAA Dwg:G:\SCP001-1_EIA_Damhead\Themes\Habitats_2007
LegendSurvey boundaryAmenity grasslandBrambleHemlock patchesEphemeral/ short grasslandSelf sown grasslandRush dominatedTall ruderal grasslandNeutral-calcareous managed grasslandNeutral-calcareous unmanaged grasslandEarth moundMarshySaltmarshCoastal grassTall herbsScattered scrubDense scrubWet woodland SxYoung native shrub/treeWoodlandTypha/ pond edge vegReedbedWaterbodiesOpen groundPebbles
! !
Hardstanding sparse vegetationHardstanding / buildings
. Target notes
Reproduced from the 1:10,000 scale raster digital base mapping with the permission of the Controller of Her Majesty's Stationary Office, Crown Copyright
Licence Number AL 100013280
E 0 50 100 150 20025Metres
Scale: 1:3,000 @ A3
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3
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1
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