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APPLICATION FOR A LICENCE
BATS – METHOD STATEMENT
DOCUMENT 2 – DELIVERY INFORMATION
Focus Ecology Ltd
Unit 17H
Shrub Hill Industrial Estate
Shrub Hill Road
Worcester
WR14 9EL
Email: [email protected]
Tel. 01905 780084
© Focus Ecology Ltd / Mr P Edwards
COVERSIDE FARM,
HANLEY SWAN, WORCESTERSHIRE
For
MR P EDWARDS
Date: June 2013
Contract Ref: 0085
1 Focus Ecology Ltd Bat Licence Method Statement Document 2 Coverside Farm, Hanley Swan
CONTROL SHEET
Mr P Edwards
Coverside Farm
Bat Licence Application: Method Statement Part 2
Name Position
Author
Graham Davison
Director
Checked by
Fern Fellowes-Day
Director
Contract No. Project Contact Revision No. Date of Issue
0085 Graham Davison
01 17 June 2013
Disclaimer
Please Note that all reasonable care and attention is made by Focus Ecology to produce reports and advice to a
high, professional standard. However, no responsibility is accepted for any consequences howsoever caused, by
the release of this report to third parties. Our terms and conditions provide a detailed resume of quality standards
and procedures, to which the reader is referred for further information.
2 Focus Ecology Ltd Bat Licence Method Statement Document 2 Coverside Farm, Hanley Swan
A MITIGATION AND COMPENSATION
A.1 Summary of mitigation strategy
Destruction of confirmed bat roosts will result from the consented development
proposals. Mitigation and compensation measures are therefore required in order to
ensure that there is no detriment to the favourable conservation status of those bat
species present and ensure legal compliance under an EPS licence application. The
following mitigation strategy has been adopted in line with survey findings and
development impacts as described in Document 1 to this application.
Sensitive timing of key works to avoid periods when bats may be in torpor
(November – February inclusive or in daytime temperatures below 8˚C).
Erection of four bat boxes (two Schwegler 2F-DFP and two Schwegler 1FD
boxes) on mature trees within the landownership of the applicant (Mr P
Edwards), to provide replacement roosting opportunities prior to the
demolition commencing.
Incorporation of four inbuilt bat box units (Ibstock enclosed bat roost units)
and two ridge cavity access points within the replacement dwelling house.
Pre-start survey (including dusk or dawn inspection subject to weather
conditions) preceding start of works to identify any changes in roost status
and confirm the location of any roosting bats prior to demolition works
commencing.
Supervised removal of roof materials by a suitably licensed and experienced
ecologist prior to demolition. Bats to be relocated by hand to the receptor bat
boxes, if required.
Watching brief during the remainder of demolition and construction works and
formal sign-off of completed mitigation elements to ensure compliance with
the terms of this licence application.
3 Focus Ecology Ltd Bat Licence Method Statement Document 2 Coverside Farm, Hanley Swan
A single year of post-development monitoring to assess the success of the
mitigation measures provided and direct any remedial works as required.
Applying the guidelines of Natural England, an appropriate compensation scheme to
offset the impacts arising from this development would entail:
‘Provision of new roost facilities where possible. Need not be exactly like-for-like, but
should be suitable, based on species’ requirements. Minimal timing or monitoring
requirements.’ (see Mitchell-Jones, 2004. Figure 4, p. 39).
The basic premise of the following mitigation and compensation measures is
therefore that:
Works must be completed sensitively to avoid accidental killing or injury of
bats and unnecessary disturbance;
Bats must not be left without a place to roost during the demolition works;
New roosting sites should be suitable, based on the requirements of the
species affected (common pipistrelle, soprano pipistrelle, whiskered bat);
4 Focus Ecology Ltd Bat Licence Method Statement Document 2 Coverside Farm, Hanley Swan
B WORKS TO BE UNDERTAKEN BY THE ECOLOGIST OR SUITABLY
QUALIFIED PERSON
B.1 Capture & Exclusion
Before any demolition works are undertaken to Coverside Farmhouse, a pre-start
survey of the structure will be completed by at minimum of two experienced and
appropriately licensed ecologists. This survey will identify current levels of bat
activity at the site, occupied roosting locations and will be used to direct works
accordingly.
To minimise the risk of encountering hibernating or torpid bats, demolition of
Coverside Farmhouse will only commence in suitable weather conditions, where
daytime temperatures are above 8°C. Where necessary, demolition will be delayed
until suitable weather /temperature conditions are met.
Before demolition works commence the licensed ecologist (or his accredited agent)
will provide a ‘tool-box talk’ to illustrate appropriate methods of working to minimise
the risk of inadvertently killing or injuring bats. A procedure for hand removal and
roofing materials (roof and ridge tiles, lead flashing, etc) will be described and the
workforce will be advised of likely bat roosting locations and how to identify bat field
signs such as the presence of droppings.
Roofing materials will be removed by hand under the direct supervision of the
licensed ecologist and/or accredited agents. Roof materials will be removed
progressively as directed by the licensed ecologist (or by his accredited agent).
Only the licensed ecologist or accredited agent will handle bats. Any persons
handling bats will have appropriate handling experience, up to date rabies
vaccination certificates and will use suitable bat handling gloves
In the event that bats are discovered roosting under tiles, they will be collected by
the licensed ecologist/accredited agent and placed in a cotton drawstring bag before
immediately relocating to a bat box previously erected at the site (see details below).
5 Focus Ecology Ltd Bat Licence Method Statement Document 2 Coverside Farm, Hanley Swan
In the event that injured or underweight bats are found, the licensed ecologist (or his
accredited agent) will contact the Bat Helpline (Tel. 0845 1300 228), so that an
available local bat carer can be contacted.
Once the licensed ecologist/accredited agent is confident that all likely bat roosting
locations have been uncovered and no further bats are likely to be impacted by the
works they will formally ‘sign off’ this stage of the licence in writing, thus allowing the
remainder of the demolition to be completed without supervision. The licensed
ecologist/accredited agent will maintain a watching brief and be ‘on call’ in the
unlikely event that bats are subsequently discovered during the demolition.
6 Focus Ecology Ltd Bat Licence Method Statement Document 2 Coverside Farm, Hanley Swan
C WORKS TO BE UNDERTAKEN BY THE DEVELOPER/LANDOWNER
C.1 Bat roosts
C.1.1 In situ retention of roosts
Not applicable. All existing roosting locations will be demolished as part of the
licensable works.
C.1.2 Modification of existing roost(s)
Not applicable. All existing roosting locations will be demolished as part of the
licensable works.
C.1.3 New roost creation
New roost creation to maintain the favourable conservation status of bats at
Coverside Farm is described below.
Tree-Mounted Bat Boxes:
Because there is no evidence of a significant roost of bats at the site it is considered
that the use of bat box units is acceptable as a temporary replacement for existing
roost sites whilst demolition of the property is completed. Four bat boxes (two
Schwegler 2F-DFP and two Schwegler 1FD) will be erected on mature trees within
the landownership of the client, to provide replacement roosting opportunities prior to
the demolition work commencing. Boxes to be installed no less than 4m above
ground level prior to any works starting on site. For a plan illustrating the location of
the boxes please refer to C.1.4.1, below. Photographs of the bat boxes mentioned
above, are provided here for information purposes.
Schwegler 2F-DFP Schwegler 1FD
7 Focus Ecology Ltd Bat Licence Method Statement Document 2 Coverside Farm, Hanley Swan
Integral Bat Boxes:
A total of four integral bat boxes (Ibstock enclosed bat roosting Unit C or B: 215mm x
290mm) will be provided within the walls of the replacement residential property (for
locations, please refer to plans, below). Boxes will be installed at eaves height to
maximise potential for use, with at least one box in a predominantly southerly
orientation to maximise the chances of uptake. For a plan illustrating the location of
the boxes please refer to C.1.4.2, below.
Ridge Tile Access:
A total of two ridge tile access locations will be installed to provide access to small,
self-contained ridge access roosts with no further access into the living areas or lofts
of the property. An illustration of ridge access provision is shown below. A 1m width
x 2m length of traditional bitumastic felt will be installed under ridge access locations
to ensure that bats have a safe location on which to roost between tiles and felt. For
a plan illustrating the location of the ridge tile roosting areas please refer to C.1.4.2,
below.
Example of the Ibstock enclosed
bat box C.
8 Focus Ecology Ltd Bat Licence Method Statement Document 2 Coverside Farm, Hanley Swan
9 Focus Ecology Ltd Bat Licence Method Statement Document 2 Coverside Farm, Hanley Swan
C.1.4 Maps and Plans
10
Client: Mr P Edwards / E J Planning
Site: Coverside Farm, Hanley Swan, Worcestershire
Title: Location of tree-mounted boxes
Contract: 0085
Date: May 2013 Based upon Ordnance Survey © Crown Copyright, under licence WL1005167, unauthorized reproduction infringes Crown Copyright and may lead to prosecution or civil proceedings. Please note: this plan is intended only to indicate the approximate location of features and should therefore, not be treated as an accurate scale plan.
Focus Ecology Ltd May 2013 Coverside Farm
C.1.4.1 Location of tree mounted bat boxes
NORTH
KEY:
Proposed location of tree-mounted bat boxes (on mature deciduous trees. Boxes to be erected by ecologist).
Schwegler 2F-DFP
Schwegler 1FD
11
Client: Mr P Edwards / E J Planning
Site: Coverside Farm, Hanley Swan, Worcestershire
Title: Location of integral bat boxes
Contract: 0085
Date: May 2013 Based upon Ordnance Survey © Crown Copyright, under licence WL1005167, unauthorized reproduction infringes Crown Copyright and may lead to prosecution or civil proceedings. Please note: this plan is intended only to indicate the approximate location of features and should therefore, not be treated as an accurate scale plan.
Focus Ecology Ltd May 2013 Coverside Farm
C.1.4.2 Location of integral bat boxes
NORTH
KEY:
Proposed location of bat access tile and 1m width of traditional bitumastic underfelt (not to scale).
Proposed location of Ibstock en-closed bat roosting units (not to scale).
Ibstock enclosed bat roosting unit C
12 Focus Ecology Ltd Bat Licence Method Statement Document 2 Coverside Farm, Hanley Swan
D POST-DEVELOPMENT SITE SAFEGUARD
D.1 Habitat/site Management & Maintenance
The proposed mitigation and compensation measures described above are low/no
maintenance features that will not require post-development management or
maintenance. These features will remain under the control of the landowner (Mr
Paul Edwards).
D.2 Population Monitoring, Roost Usage etc
A single year of post-development monitoring is proposed under this licence
application. This will take the form of a daytime inspection of tree-mounted bat
boxes followed by dusk emergence survey of the replacement dwelling and
associated integral bat roosting features. The survey will be undertaken by a
minimum of two experienced and appropriately licensed ecologists from Focus
Ecology Ltd. Survey results will compiled as a short letter report and passed to the
client, Natural England and the local biological records office.
D.3 Mechanism for ensuring delivery of post-development works
Post-development monitoring works that form part of this licence Method Statement
and are thus a legal obligation within the terms of any licence granted for this
development under The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010 (as
amended).
13 Focus Ecology Ltd Bat Licence Method Statement Document 2 Coverside Farm, Hanley Swan
E LAND OWNERSHIP
E.1 Mitigation site ownership
E.1.1 I confirm that relevant landowner consent have been granted to accept
bats into roosts onto land outside the applicant's ownership – Yes / No /
Not applicable
E.1.2 I confirm that landownership consent have been granted to allow the
creation of the proposed habitat compensation on land outside the
applicant's ownership - Yes / No / Not applicable (all land is under
ownership of applicant)
E.1.3 I confirm that consent have been granted by the relevant landowner/s
for monitoring and maintenance purposes on land outside the applicant's
ownership - Yes / No / Not applicable
14 Focus Ecology Ltd Bat Licence Method Statement Document 2 Coverside Farm, Hanley Swan
F TIMETABLE OF WORKS
A: Development activities and timing
Activity Timing Notes
Submit bat licence June 2013
Obtain bat licence July/August 2013 Subject to issue from Natural England. 30 working days required for determination.
Erect bat boxes June/July 2013 Four bat boxes to be installed on mature trees within the landownership of the client at
Coverside Farm.
Pre-start survey July/August 2013 To be completed by experienced ecologists from Focus Ecology immediately prior to
demolition. Bat boxes must be installed prior to works commencing at the site.
Supervised works e.g. removal
of roof tiles, relocation of bats,
demolition of Coverside
Farmhouse etc
July – October 2013 To be completed by hand by Focus Ecology Ltd in collaboration with workforce. Licensee or
accredited agent to sign off works as ‘completed’ once all potential bat roosting areas have
been exposed and checked. Any bats encountered to be relocated to bat boxes (see above).
Completion of works phase of
development
August 2013 - June
2014
This phase will include the completion of demolition works and construction of a new residential
property at Coverside Farm. Focus Ecology to remain ‘on call’ to advise on any remedial
activities required or other bat licensing issues that may arise in this intervening period. Focus
Ecology to advise on the correct completion of bat mitigation facilities and undertake routine
inspections to ensure compliance with bat licence as required.
B: Post development monitoring
Year July 2014
Details Daytime check of bat boxes followed by dusk or dawn emergence/return survey of replacement
dwelling. Short report to be provided to client, Natural England and local biological records
centre.
15 Focus Ecology Ltd Bat Licence Method Statement Document 2 Coverside Farm, Hanley Swan
QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE
Focus Ecology was formed in 2010 and has the expertise to provide sure-fire ecological solutions to a
wide range of projects. The company ethos forges the highest standards of professional scientific
practice with a ‘best value’ approach for our clients. Our core area of expertise is in the production of
specialist ecological reports and advice to support planning applications. However, our flexible
approach, range of skills and broad project experience allows us to adapt to your individual
requirements. The joint founders of the company, Fern Fellowes-Day and Graham Davison are both
Masters-qualified Ecologists. We have a wide range of practical experience from major infrastructure
contracts to smaller projects for private individuals across the UK.
Graham Davison - BSc (Hons) MSc MIEEM MSB.
Graham is an ecologist with over ten years experience in the field of applied ecology. He holds a BSc
(Hons) degree in Zoology and an MSc with distinction in Law and Environmental Science. His
ecological experience includes surveys to identify nationally and locally important sites for wildlife,
ecological services to local planning authorities and provision of ecological reports to accompany
major infrastructure projects, housing schemes, industrial developments and mineral extraction.
Graham is a competent botanical surveyor and has considerable expertise in protected species
surveys, holding protected species licenses for bats, great crested newts, white-clawed crayfish, and
barn owls as well as competency in the survey of badgers, reptiles, otter, water vole, breeding and
over-wintering birds. Graham is skilled in the production of reports and Nature Conservation
Management Plans providing advice to ensure legal compliance and consistency with recognised
best practice.
Fern Fellowes-Day BSc (Hons) MSc MIEEM MSB
Fern has over eight year’s professional experience in the ecological consultancy field. Prior to
founding Focus Ecology Ltd with joint Director Graham Davison, she worked in a senior position at a
leading, independent ecological consultancy managing numerous contracts countrywide. She holds
BSc (Hons) in Zoology from the University of Wales, Aberystwyth and MSc in Habitat Creation and
Management from Staffordshire University. Fern is a skilled botanical surveyor, specialising in
Baseline, Biodiversity and Phase 1 Habitat Surveys. She is proficient with the BREEAM and Code for
Sustainable Homes schemes and meets the strict criteria for a ‘suitably qualified ecologist’. Fern’s
particular expertise is with protected species surveys, she has extensive knowledge in dealing with
the badgers, with practical experience in artificial sett design and creation and has held numerous
Natural England licences to close or disturb badger setts. In addition Fern holds survey licences
(Natural England and Countryside Council for Wales) for great crested newts, bats and white-clawed
crayfish. Fern has held Natural England Mitigation (development) licences for great crested newts and
white-clawed crayfish Conservation licence. She is particularly experienced in dealing with newt
issues affecting the quarrying, mineral extraction and landfill industry. Fern is also a competent
surveyor of reptiles, water vole and otters.
Cassie Needham BSc (Hons) MSc GradIEEM
Cassie is an Ecologist with two year’s experience in the ecological consultancy field and joined Focus
Ecology in 2012. Prior to joining Focus Ecology she assisted on a number of large projects nationwide
with two leading ecological consultancies. She holds a BSc (Hons) degree in Geography with Ecology
from the University of Sussex and an MSc in Conservation from University College London. Cassie is
experienced in conducting surveys for protected species; great crested newts, reptiles, bats, dormice
and water voles. She also holds a Natural England survey licence for great crested newts and is a
Graduate member of The Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (IEEM).