Beinneun Windfarm Appendix A7.1 Environmental Statement – Technical Appendix Phase 1/NVC Habitat Survey Target Notes
Arcus Renewable Energy Consulting Ltd RidgeWind Ltd November 2011 Page 1
1 PHASE 1/NVC HABITAT SURVEY TARGET NOTES 1.1 INTRODUCTION
This Technical Appendix of the Environmental Statement (ES) presents baseline information from phase one and National Vegetation Classification (NVC) surveys undertaken in relation to the Development.
Phase 1 and NVC surveys were undertaken between August and November 2010; specifically 23rd-27th August 2010, 22nd-23rd September 2010, 27th-28th October 2010 and 16th November 2010.
1.2 RESULTS Results of the Phase 1 habitat survey, NVC survey are shown in ES Figures 7.3a-f, and Target Note locations are shown in Figure 7.1.1. This section presents species lists, sample quadrat data and target notes.
1.2.1 Species List Rarity status in this list below is taken from Stace 20101
Table 7.1.1: Species List
. There are three categories of rarity based on the number of 10 km x 10 km squares in the British Isles in which the plant occurs. There are 3,859 10 km x 10 km squares in the British Isles. Plants listed as uncommon occur in not more than 250 squares; scarce plants occur in not more than 100 squares, and rare plants have only been recorded from 15 squares.
Latin Name English Name Comment
Alchemilla alpina Alpine ladies mantle
Agrostis stolonifera Creeping bent
Agrostis canina Velvet bent grass
Agrostis capilaris Common bent grass
Arctostaphylos alpina Alpine bearberry Scarce
Arctostaphylos uva-ursi Bearberry
Antennaria dioica Mountain everlasting
Anthoxanthum odoratum Sweet vernal grass
Betula nana Dwarf birch Scarce
Betula pendula Silver birch
Blechnum spicant Hard fern
Calluna vulgaris Ling heather
Campanula rotundifolia Harebell
Carex binervis Green-ribbed sedge
Carex bigelowii Stiff sedge
1 Stace, C. 2010 New Flora of the British Isles 3rd edition Cambridge University Press, Cambridge
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Latin Name English Name Comment
Carex demissa Common yellow sedge
Carex echinata Star sedge
Carex flacca Glaucous sedge
Carex nigra Common sedge
Carex panicea Carnation sedge
Carex pulicaris Flea sedge
Carex pilulifera Pill sedge
Cetraria islandica A lichen
Cladonia arbuscula Lichen
Cladonia ciliata Lichen
Cladonia coccifera Lichen
Cladonia portentosa Lichen
Cladonia squamosa var squamosa Lichen
Cladonia unicalis Lichen
Cornus suecica Dwarf cornel Uncommon
Dactylorhiza maculata Heath spotted orchid
Deschampsia cespitosa Tufted hair-grass
Deschampsia flexuosa Wavy hair-grass
Dicranum sp Moss
Diphasium alpinum Alpine club moss
Drosera intermedia Intermediate-leaved sundew
Drosera rotundifolia Round-leaved sundew
Eleocharis palustris Common Spike-rush
Empetrum nigrum ssp nigrum Crowberry
Empetrum nigrum ssp hermaphroditum Crowberry Uncommon
Epilobium brunnescens New Zealand willowherb
Erica cinerea Bell heather
Erica tetralix Cross-leaved heath
Eriophorum angustifolium Common cotton-grass
Beinneun Windfarm Appendix A7.1 Environmental Statement – Technical Appendix Phase 1/NVC Habitat Survey Target Notes
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Latin Name English Name Comment
Eriophorum vaginatum Hare's tail cotton-grass
Festuca ovina Sheep’s fescue
Festuca vivipara Festuca vivipara
Fontinalis antipyretica Moss
Gallium saxatile Heath bedstraw
Holcus lanatus Yorkshire fog
Huperzia selago Fir clubmoss
Hydrocotyle vulgaris Water pennywort
Hylocomium splendens Moss
Hypnum cupressiforme Moss
Hypnum jutlandicum Moss
Juncus acutiflorus Sharp-flowered rush
Juncus bulbosus Bulbous rush
Juncus effusus Soft rush
Juncus squarrosus Heath rush
Juncus triglumis Three-flowered rush Uncommon
Juniperus communis ssp nana Dwarf juniper Uncommon
Lycopodium clavatum Stag’s horn clubmoss
Menyanthes trifoliata Bogbean
Molinia caerulea Purple moor-grass
Myrica gale Bog myrtle
Nardus stricta Mat grass
Narthecium ossifragum Bog asphodel
Parnassia palustris Grass of Parnassus
Pedicularis palustris Marsh lousewort
Pedicularis sylvatica Lousewort
Pellia epiphylla A liverwort
Philonotis fontana A moss
Picea sitchensis Sitka spruce
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Latin Name English Name Comment
Plagiothecium undulatum Moss
Pinguicula vulgaris Common butterwort
Pinus contorta Lodgepole pine
Platismatia glauca Lichen
Plagiothecium undulatum Moss
Pleurozium schreberi Moss
Pleurozia purpurea Purple spoonwort
Poa annua Annual meadow grass
Polygala serpyllifolia Heath milkwort
Polytrichum commune Moss
Potamogeton polygonifolius Bog pondweed
Potentilla erecta Tormentil
Ranunculus flammula Spearwort
Ranunculus acris Meadow buttercup
Ranunculus repens Creeping buttercup
Racomitrium lanuginosum Moss
Rhynchospora alba White-beaked sedge
Rhytidiadelphus loreus Moss
Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus Moss
Rhytidiadelphus triquetrus Moss
Rubus chamaemorus Cloudberry
Scabiosa pratensis Devils bit scabious
Scorpidium scorpioides Moss
Scorpidium revolvens Moss
Sphagnum affine? Moss
Sphagnum capillifolium Moss
Sphagnum compactum Moss
Sphagnum cuspidatum ssp cuspidatum Moss
Sphagnum cuspidatum ssp rubellum Moss
Beinneun Windfarm Appendix A7.1 Environmental Statement – Technical Appendix Phase 1/NVC Habitat Survey Target Notes
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Latin Name English Name Comment
Sphagnum denticulatum Moss
Sphagnum fallax Moss
Sphagnum fuscum Moss
Sphagnum magellanicum Moss
Sphagnum palustre Moss
Sphagnum papillosum Moss
Sphagnum subnitens Moss
Sphagnum tenellum Moss
Taraxacum officinale ag Dandelion
Thalictrum alpinum Alpine meadow-rue
Trichophorum germanicum Deergrass
Trifolium repens White clover
Triglochin palustris Marsh arrowgrass
Utricularia intermedia agg Intermediate bladderwort Uncommon
Vaccinium myrtillus Blaeberry
Vaccinium vitis-idaea Cowberry
Viola palustris Marsh violet
1.2.2 Quadrat data Quadrat data is presented according to the Domin scale where:
• Cover of 91-100% is recorded as Domin 10; • Cover of 76-90% is recorded as Domin 9; • Cover of 51-75% is recorded as Domin 8; • Cover of 34-50% is recorded as Domin 7; • Cover of 26-33% is recorded as Domin 6; • Cover of 11-25% is recorded as Domin 5; • Cover of 4-10% is recorded as Domin 4; • Cover of less than 4% with many individuals is recorded as Domin 3; • Cover of less than 4% with several individuals is recorded as Domin 2; and • Cover of less than 4% with few individuals is recorded as Domin 1.
Target Note 1 Grid Reference NH 20350715
Mosaic of M15 Trichophorum germanicum-Erica tetralix wet heath and M17Trichophorum germanicum – Eriophorum vaginatum blanket mire. This area is very wet with acid flushes present throughout. M15 communities tend to occupy the tops of small knolls, with M17 being present in the flatter and wetter areas. M15 quadrat is presented below:
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Species Domin Scale
Calluna vulgaris 9
Trichophorum germanicum 6
Myrica gale 5
Molinia caerulea 4
Erica tetralix 4
Sphagnum capillifolium 3
Cladonia arbuscula 3
Potentilla erecta 2
Narthecium ossifragum 2
Pleurozium schreberi 3
Target Note 2 Grid Reference NH 20679 06629
Area approximately 20 m x 20 m comprising M6 Carex echinata-Sphagnum recurvum/auriculatum mire located in a plateau. Owing to the co-dominance of C. echinata throughout, this habitat is considered to below to the C. echinata sub-community M6a. M. caerulea is also dominant and an extensive Sphagnum carpet is present mainly comprising S. palustre and S. capillifolium, but with S. denticulatum present in wetter areas. Vegetation height is approximately 25 cm.
Species Domin Scale
Calluna vulgaris 5
Carex echinata 6
Sphagnum palustre 3
Molinia caerulea 7
Erica tetralix 4
Sphagnum capillifolium 3
Cladonia arbuscula 2
Potentilla erecta 2
Narthecium ossifragum 2
Sphagnum denticulatum 2
Target Note 3 Grid Reference NH 20587 06347
Area of M19 Calluna vulgaris-Eriophorum vaginatum blanket mire approximately 20 m x 20 m.
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Target Note 4 Grid Reference NH 20404 06336
Area of M19 Calluna vulgaris-Eriophorum vaginatum blanket mire approximately 45 m x 75 m located adjacent to a small lochan.
Target Note 5
Small area of U6 Juncus squarrosus – Festuca ovina grassland.
Target Note 6
Area of semi-natural self seeded Betula sp. lining watercourses within plantation woodland. Such areas are very wet, creating stunted growth in the trees.
Target Note 7 Grid Reference NH 2085 0715
Area of M15 Trichophorum germanicum - Erica tetralix wet heath and M18 Trichophorum germanicum-Eriophorum vaginatum blanket mire mosaic. This area appears to have been planted with Pinus sylvestris in a grouped planting scheme to create a more natural habitat; self seeded B. pendula and Juniper communis were also noted. Small areas of M18 Erica tetralix–Sphagnum papillosum raised mire are also present in flat wet valleys.
Target Note 8 Grid Reference NH 21106 06643
Area of tussoky M25 Molina-caerulea – Potentilla erecta mire present in a hollow with an approximate height of 30cm. This area is clearly dominated by M. caerulea, but it does represent a relatively rich form of M25 with a range of forbs, sedges and rushes also present, likely to be owing to a lack of intensive management.
Species Domin scale
Juncus effusus 4
Carex echinata 2
Galium aparine 2
Molinia caerulea 9
Succisa pratensis 1
Hylocomium splendens 2
Deschampsia flexuosa 2
Potentilla erecta 5
Narthecium ossifragum 5
Carex nigra 2
Target Note 9 Grid Reference NH 21642 06390
Area of M19 Calluna vulgaris-Eriophorum vaginatum blanket mire in an area approximately 100 m x 50 m in size. This community is dominated by equal amounts of C. vulgaris and E. vaginatum with an approximate vegetation height of 25 cm.
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Species Domin scale
Calluna vulgaris 8
Eriophorum vaginatum 8
Vaccinium myrtillus 4
Molinia caerulea 4
Sphagnum capillifolium 4
Hylocomium splendens 4
Arctostaphylos uva-ursi 4
Potentilla erecta 3
Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus 3
Cladonia sp. 2
Erica tetralix 2
Eriophorum angustifolium 5
Target Note 10 Grid Reference NH 20637 04729
Large exposed peat hagg, approximately 2 m deep.
Target Note 11 Grid Reference NH 21174 04996
Area of transitional M15 Trichophorum germanicum-Erica tetralix wet heath and M25 Molina-caerulea – Potentilla erecta mire in a valley grading north-east into M25 vegetation.
Species Domin scale
Calluna vulgaris 8
Carex echinata 2
Pleurozium schreberi 3
Molinia caerulea 8
Sphagnum capillifolium 4
Hylocomium splendens 3
Narthecium ossifragum 2
Potentilla erecta 3
Trichophorum germanicum 4
Cladonia sp. 3
Erica tetralix 2
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Target Note 12 Grid Reference NH 21338 05256
A very wet basin supporting M18 Erica tetralix–Sphagnum papillosum raised mire in an area approximately 120 m x 80 m in size. The approximate average vegetation height is 20 cm. A dense sphagnum carpet is present in most places with E. vaginatum scattered through the sphagnum rather than forming tussocks. The mire extends down a shallow slope into a valley in a northern direction where the slope becomes steeper the amount of C. vulgaris increases significantly and sphagnum becomes less dominant.
Species Domin scale
Calluna vulgaris 3
Eriophorum vaginatum 8
Sphagnum papillosum 6
Molinia caerulea 4
Sphagnum capillifolium 3
Racomitrium sp. 4
Narthecium ossifragum 4
Potentilla erecta 2
Scorpodium revolvens 3
Cladonia sp. 4
Erica tetralix 4
Sphagnum palustre 5
Target Note 13 Grid Reference NH 21328 05490
A steep north facing slope dominated by H12 Calluna vulgaris – Vaccinium myrtillus heath. This area appears to be relatively unmanaged with heather being uniformly mature with an average approximate height of 50 cm.
Species Domin scale
Calluna vulgaris 9
Vaccinium myrtillus 6
Empetrum nigrum 3
Rubus chamaemorus 5
Sphagnum capillifolium 4
Hylocomium splendens 4
Vaccinium vitis-idaea 3
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Target Note 14 Grid Reference NH 21321 05611
A very wet area of vegetation which does not fit discretely into a specific community, but is most similar to M20 Eriophorum vaginatum raised mire owing to the dominance of E. vaginatum. However this area represents a relatively rich form of this community, with a moderate sphagnum carpet present, mainly dominated by S. papillosum. Averis et al.2
Species
suggest this type of vegetation may be derived from Erica-Sphagnum papillosum mire M18. A number of M2 Sphagnum cuspidatum/fallax bog pools are also present.
Domin scale
Calluna vulgaris 4
Eriophorum vaginatum 9
Sphagnum papillosum 5
Molinia caerulea 5
Sphagnum capillifolium 4
Polygala serpyllifolia 1
Narthecium ossifragum 2
Potentilla erecta 4
Erica tetralix 2
Target Note 15 Grid Reference NH 21515 05657
Area of M19 Calluna vulgaris-Eriophorum vaginatum blanket mire with a high occurrence of S. capillifolium. This area is present on a shallow west facing slope with an average approximate vegetation height of 25 cm.
Species Domin scale
Calluna vulgaris 9
Eriophorum vaginatum 9
Vaccinium myrtillus 3
Cladonia sp. 4
Sphagnum capillifolium 8
Rubus chamaemorus 3
Sphagnum papillosum 4
Trichophorum germanicum 5
Erica tetralix 4
2 Averis et al. (2004). An illustrated guide to British upland vegetation.
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Target Note 16 Grid Reference NH 22113 05565
Small area of M17 Trichophorum germanicum-Eriophorum vaginatum mire in a basin with Dactylorhiza maculata scattered throughout this area. It is very wet with small M3 Eriophorum angustifolium bog pools present throughout. Vegetation has an approximate average height of 25 cm.
Species Domin scale
Calluna vulgaris 7
Eriophorum vaginatum 8
Sphagnum papillosum 4
Trichophorum germanicum 8
Sphagnum capillifolium 4
Racomitrium sp. 3
Narthecium ossifragum 3
Sphagnum palustre 5
Eriophorum angustifolium 4
Cladonia sp. 5
Drosera sp. 3
Sphagnum capillifolium subsp. rubellum 4
Target Note 17 Grid Reference NH 21320 05242
A single large peat hagg approximately 1.5 m high.
Target Note 18 Grid Reference NH 21052 06929
Area of M15 vegetation on a shallow west facing slope, with an average approximate vegetation height of 15 cm. This area is dominated by T. germanicum and C. vulgaris with a good cover of Cladonia sp. indicating it belongs to the sub-community M15c.
Species Domin scale
Calluna vulgaris 6
Molinia caerulea 2
Juncus squarrosus 2
Cladonia sp. 5
Sphagnum capillifolium 4
Narthecium ossifragum 4
Potentilla erecta 2
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Species Domin scale
Trichophorum germanicum 7
Erica tetralix 4
Racomitrium sp. 3
Empetrum nigrum 2
Target Note 19 Grid Reference NH 21050 06909
An area of M15 vegetation on a shallow west facing slope, with an approximate average vegetation height of 25 cm.
Species Domin scale
Calluna vulgaris 5
Molinia caerulea 2
Sphagnum palustre 2
Myrica gale 9
Sphagnum capillifolium 3
Narthecium ossifragum 4
Potentilla erecta 2
Trichophorum germanicum 7
Erica tetralix 5
Sphagnum papillosum 2
Drosera sp. 2
Deschampsia flexuosa 1
Scorpodium revolvens 3
Target Note 20 Grid Reference NH 21555 06404
Area of transitional M15 – M25 vegetation.
Species Domin scale
Calluna vulgaris 8
Molinia caerulea 8
Hylocomium splendens 3
Carex echinata 2
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Species Domin scale
Sphagnum capillifolium 4
Narthecium ossifragum 1
Potentilla erecta 2
Trichophorum germanicum 4
Erica tetralix 2
Cladonia sp. 3
Pleurozium schreberi 3
Target Note 21 Grid Reference NH 22249 06608
Area of M15 with and approximate vegetation height of 15 cm. The constant cover of Cladonia sp. indicates this area belongs to the sub-community M15c.
Species Domin scale
Calluna vulgaris 6
Molinia caerulea 4
Juncus squarrosus 4
Cladonia sp. 7
Juncus acutiflorus 3
Narthecium ossifragum 4
Potentilla erecta 1
Trichophorum germanicum 8
Scorpodium revolvens 2
Racomitrium sp. 4
Target Note 22 Grid Reference NH 22434 06808
H17 Calluna vulgaris – Arctostaphylos alpinus heath. Area of prostrate heath cropped by excessive winds at an altitude of 597 m, with a maximum vegetation height of 7 cm. This area is diverse with a range of species noted, many of which are alpine or montane species. The nationally scarce Arctostaphylos alpine is present throughout.
Species Domin scale
Calluna vulgaris 8
Molinia caerulea 1
Cladonia sp. 5
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Species Domin scale
Polytrichum commune 2
Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus 2
Pleurozium schreberi 2
Potentilla erecta 2
Trichophorum germanicum 2
Vaccinium myrtillus 4
Arctostaphylos uva-ursi 3
Racomitrium sp. 3
Hylocomium splendens 2
Empetrum nigrum 4
Agrostis canina 4
Nardus stricta 4
Carex panicea 5
Alchemilla alpine 4
Festuca vivipara 1
Arctostaphylos alpina 4
Target Note 23 Grid Reference NH 22555 06722
H17 Calluna vulgaris – Arctostaphylos alpinus heath. Area of prostrate heath cropped by excessive winds at an altitude of 609 m, with a maximum vegetation height of 6 cm. This area is relatively diverse with a range of species noted, many of which are alpine or montane species. The nationally scarce Arctostaphylos alpine is present throughout the sward. Juniperus communis has a patchy distribution but is present throughout this area.
Species Domin scale
Calluna vulgaris 8
Erica cinerea 5
Cladonia sp. 6
Juniperus communis 4
Pleurozium schreberi 2
Potentilla erecta 5
Trichophorum germanicum 4
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Species Domin scale
Vaccinium myrtillus 4
Arctostaphylos uva-ursi 4
Racomitrium sp. 2
Agrostis canina 2
Arctostaphylos alpina 5
Target Note 24 Grid Reference NH 22549 06692
M19 vegetation located at a high altitude (558 m), this represents a slightly drier form of M19 with limited sphagnum and a good cover of Cladonia sp. Vegetation has an approximate average height of 20 cm.
Species Domin scale
Calluna vulgaris 8
Eriophorum vaginatum 8
Vaccinium myrtillus 4
Cladonia sp. 4
Sphagnum capillifolium 3
Rubus chamaemorus 2
Eriophorum angustifolium 5
Hylocomium splendens 5
Juncus squarrosus 2
Arctostaphylos uva-ursi 4
Target Note 25 Grid Reference NH 22641 06651
Transitional area between H16 Calluna vulgaris – Arctostaphylos uva-ursi heath and H12 Calluna vulgaris – Vaccinium myrtillus heath located on a shallow east facing slope with an approximate average vegetation height of 25 cm.
Species Domin scale
Calluna vulgaris 9
Eriophorum vaginatum 3
Vaccinium myrtillus 5
Cladonia sp. 2
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Species Domin scale
Rubus chamaemorus 4
Hylocomium splendens 4
Arctostaphylos uva-ursi 2
Target Note 26 Grid Reference NH 22691 06671
Area of M19 on a shallow east facing slope at an altitude of 602 m. The area is dominated by C. vulgaris and E. Vaginatum with a vegetation height of 25 cm.
Species Domin scale
Calluna vulgaris 7
Eriophorum vaginatum 8
Vaccinium myrtillus 4
Cladonia sp. 3
Sphagnum capillifolium 3
Narthecium ossifragum 4
Trichophorum germanicum 4
Juncus squarrosus 4
Target Note 27 Grid Reference NH 22773 06816
This area appears to represent a habitat transitional between H13 Calluna vulgaris – Cladonia arbuscula heath and H15 Calluna vulgaris – Juniperus communis heath owing to the relatively high coverage of C. arbuscula and J. communis with a constant cover of C. vulgaris. This heath is short and wind-clipped with a maximum height of 7 cm.
Species Domin scale
Calluna vulgaris 8
Empetrum nigrum 2
Vaccinium myrtillus 2
Cladonia arbuscula 7
Carex flacca 2
Juniperus communis 4
Trichophorum germanicum 5
Juncus acutiflorus 4
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Species Domin scale
Festuca vivipara 1
Target Note 28 Grid Reference NH 20829 04848
An area of M15 vegetation dominated by C. vulgaris and T. germanicum. Owing to the presence of a dense lichen carpet this area is considered to belong to the Cladonia sub-community M15c.
Species Domin scale
Calluna vulgaris 7
Empetrum nigrum 4
Racomitrium sp. 2
Cladonia sp. 7
Hylocomium splendens 2
Sphagnum capillifolium 4
Trichophorum germanicum 7
Juncus squarrosus 3
Nardus stricta 2
Agrostis sp. 4
Potentilla erecta 2
Target Note 29 Grid Reference NH 20820 04838
Montane form of H10 present on a rocky outcrop at an altitude of 480 m. The vegetation is wind clipped with a maximum height of 6 cm and a number of alpine species are present.
Species Domin scale
Calluna vulgaris 6
Carex flacca 3
Erica cinerea 5
Lycopodium alpinum 2
Deschampsia flexuosa 1
Potentilla erecta 1
Trichophorum germanicum 4
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Species Domin scale
Vaccinium myrtillus 2
Racomitrium sp. 2
Target Note 30 Grid Reference NH 21171 04994
An area of M19 on a shallow north facing slope at an altitude of 464 m with a vegetation height of 20 cm.
Species Domin scale
Calluna vulgaris 8
Eriophorum vaginatum 7
Vaccinium myrtillus 4
Cladonia sp. 4
Sphagnum capillifolium 4
Empetrum nigrum 4
Rubus chamaemorus 2
Juncus acutiflorus 2
Hylocomium splendens 3
Molinia caerulea 2
Target Note 31 Grid Reference NH 21160 05035
A very wet area of vegetation located within a small valley with an average vegetation height of 15 cm. This area is dominated by E. vaginatum over a dense Sphagnum carpet dominated by S. fallax, S. papillosum and S. capillifolium. This community is similar to Target Note 14 which does not fit discretely into a specific community, but is most similar to M20 Eriophorum vaginatum raised mire owing to the dominance of E. vaginatum and relatively low occurrence of C. vulgaris. It is likely to have been derived from Erica-Sphagnum papillosum mire M18.
Species Domin scale
Calluna vulgaris 4
Eriophorum vaginatum 8
Erica tetralix 4
Sphagnum fallax 7
Sphagnum capillifolium subsp. rubellum 6
Sphagnum papillosum 5
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Species Domin scale
Drosera sp. 2
Molinia caerulea 5
Narthecium ossifragum 2
Target Note 32 Grid Reference NH 21153 05339
Similar to Target Note 31; M20 vegetation likely to have been derived from M18, comprising E. vaginatum over a dense Sphagnum carpet. This area also has a high cover of M. caerulea. Vegetation height is 35 cm.
Species Domin scale
Calluna vulgaris 2
Eriophorum vaginatum 8
Erica tetralix 4
Potentilla erecta 3
Carex nigra 1
Sphagnum papillosum 4
Drosera rotundifolia 1
Molinia caerulea 7
Narthecium ossifragum 4
Carex echinata 1
Target Note 33 Grid Reference NH 21892 05635
Area of M15 Trichophorum germanicum-Erica tetralix wet heath with an average vegetation height of 25 cm.
Species Domin scale
Calluna vulgaris 4
Trichophorum germanicum 7
Racomitrium sp. 2
Potentilla erecta 4
Eriophorum angustifolium 4
Scorpodium revolvens 2
Juncus squarrosus 4
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Species Domin scale
Molinia caerulea 7
Narthecium ossifragum 4
Target Note 34 Grid Reference NH 22426 05517
Area similar to Target Note 14; dominated by E. vaginatum with a dense Sphagnum carpet. This habitat does not fit discretely into a specific community, but is most similar to M20 Eriophorum vaginatum, likely to have been derived from Erica-Sphagnum papillosum mire M18. Vegetation height is approximately 30 cm.
Species Domin scale
Calluna vulgaris 5
Eriophorum vaginatum 8
Trichophorum germanicum 4
Racomitrium sp. 3
Potentilla erecta 2
Eriophorum angustifolium 4
Sphagnum capillifolium 5
Juncus squarrosus 4
Molinia caerulea 4
Vaccinium myrtillus 1
Sphagnum fallax 3
Sphagnum papillosum 3
Nardus stricta 4
Empetrum nigrum 2
Target Note 35 Grid Reference NH 22622 05681
M19 Calluna vulgaris-Eriophorum vaginatum blanket mire dominated by E. vaginatum and C. vulgaris. S. capillifolium has a patchy distribution; otherwise Sphagnum species are very limited.
Species Domin scale
Calluna vulgaris 7
Eriophorum vaginatum 9
Trichophorum germanicum 4
Beinneun Windfarm Appendix A7.1 Environmental Statement – Technical Appendix Phase 1/NVC Habitat Survey Target Notes
Arcus Renewable Energy Consulting Ltd RidgeWind Ltd November 2011 Page 21
Species Domin scale
Cladonia sp. 3
Hylocomium splendens 3
Eriophorum angustifolium 2
Sphagnum capillifolium 4
Empetrum nigrum 2
Vaccinium myrtillus 2
Target Note 36
Area of wind-clipped montane heath with a height of 6 cm belonging to the H13 community as indicated by the dominance of C. vulgaris and Cladonia sp. The nationally scarce A. alpina is also present throughout this area.
Species Domin scale
Calluna vulgaris 9
Empetrum nigrum 4
Cladonia sp. 5
Molinia caerulea 2
Carex flacca 1
Potentilla erecta 1
Trichophorum germanicum 4
Vaccinium myrtillus 2
Nardus stricta 4
Racomitrium sp. 4
Agrostis sp. 1
Arctostaphylos alpina 2
Juncus acutiflorus 3
Polytrichum commune 2
Target Note 37 Grid Reference NH 21853 06290
Area of U4 Festuca ovina-Agrostis capillaris-Galium saxatile grassland located on a shallow south facing slope. Evidence of deer grazing is apparent and this habitat appears to be relatively diverse; most likely owing to a lack of intensive management. Small patches of C. vulgaris are scattered throughout, however this species is unlikely
Appendix A7.1 Beinneun Windfarm Phase 1/NVC Habitat Survey Target Notes Environmental Statement – Technical Appendix
RidgeWind Ltd Arcus Renewable Energy Consulting Ltd Page 22 November 2011
to become established owing to regular grazing. In some areas M. caerulea is dominant, however such areas are patchy and small.
Species Domin scale
Molinia caerulea 2
Anthoxanthum odoratum 4
Ranunculus acris 3
Campanula rotundifolia 4
Festuca vivipara 3
Potentilla erecta 4
Trifolium repens 3
Ranunculus repens 3
Nardus stricta 2
Hylocomium splendens 3
Agrostis sp. 4
Carex rostrata 1
Juncus squarrosus 4
Taraxacum officinale agg. 2
Carex pulicaris 1
Galium saxatile 2
Deschampsia cespitosa 2
Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus 3
Target Note 38 Grid Reference NH 21728 06158
Relatively small area of M19 Calluna vulgaris-Eriophorum vaginatum blanket mire present on a ledge between two ravines. Owing to its location it is likely to be largely inaccessible to grazers. The vegetation height is approximately 25 cm and it is relatively diverse with a good structure. It is likely to belong to the Erica tetralix sub-community M19a owing to the presence of E. tetralix throughout.
Species Domin scale
Calluna vulgaris 8
Trichophorum germanicum 5
Eriophorum vaginatum 7
Erica tetralix 5
Beinneun Windfarm Appendix A7.1 Environmental Statement – Technical Appendix Phase 1/NVC Habitat Survey Target Notes
Arcus Renewable Energy Consulting Ltd RidgeWind Ltd November 2011 Page 23
Species Domin scale
Eriophorum angustifolium 4
Sphagnum capillifolium 7
Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus 2
Rhytidiadelphus loreus 2
Narthecium ossifragum 1
Pleurozium schreberi 2
Cladonia portentosa 2
Target Note 39
Transitional community between M15 Trichophorum germanicum-Erica tetralix wet heath and M19 Calluna vulgaris-Eriophorum vaginatum blanket mire dominated by C. vulgaris but with T. germanicum and E. vaginatum also present throughout. Small patches are locally dominated by Narthecium ossifragum.
Species Domin scale
Calluna vulgaris 9
Trichophorum germanicum 5
Eriophorum vaginatum 4
Erica tetralix 2
Eriophorum angustifolium 4
Sphagnum capillifolium 4
Narthecium ossifragum 5
Pleurozium schreberi 2
Target Note 40 Grid Reference NH 21573 06057
Species-rich version of M25 Molinia caerulea-Potentilla erecta mire, dominated by M. caerulea with a tussoky structure. Owing to its relative diversity this community is likely to be in a transitional phase from U4 Festuca ovina-Agrostis capillaris-Galium saxatile grassland.
Species Domin scale
Molinia caerulea 8
Anthoxanthum odoratum 4
Ranunculus acris 4
Campanula rotundifolia 2
Appendix A7.1 Beinneun Windfarm Phase 1/NVC Habitat Survey Target Notes Environmental Statement – Technical Appendix
RidgeWind Ltd Arcus Renewable Energy Consulting Ltd Page 24 November 2011
Carex echinata 1
Potentilla erecta 2
Juncus effusus 2
Sphagnum fallax 4
Agrostis sp. 2
Deschampsia cespitosa 1
Target Note 41 Grid Reference NH 21440 05990
Area of M19 vegetation dominated by mature C. vulgaris, but with E. vaginatum also present throughout. M. caerulea has a patchy distribution, dominating in small areas. Vegetation height is 40 cm.
Species Domin scale
Calluna vulgaris 9
Erica tetralix 2
Eriophorum vaginatum 5
Sphagnum capillifolium 4
Potentilla erecta 2
Cladonia sp. 2
Sphagnum fallax 2
Hylocomium splendens 3
Target Note 42
This hillside is a mosaic of M15 Trichophorum germanicum-Erica tetralix wet heath on slightly higher ground with M18 Erica tetralix–Sphagnum papillosum mire present in the wet hollows. An M15 quadrat is presented below. This area is within the lower reaches of the site and is the only area in which Myrica gale was recorded within the survey area.
Species Domin scale
Calluna vulgaris 8
Trichophorum germanicum 6
Myrica gale 5
Potentilla erecta 1
Erica tetralix 4
Sphagnum capillifolium 3
Beinneun Windfarm Appendix A7.1 Environmental Statement – Technical Appendix Phase 1/NVC Habitat Survey Target Notes
Arcus Renewable Energy Consulting Ltd RidgeWind Ltd November 2011 Page 25
Species Domin scale
Cladonia sp. 3
Molinia caerulea 4
Narthecium ossifragum 2
Pleurozium schreberi 2
Target Note 43 Grid Reference NH 20528 07182
Location of M3 Eriophorum angustifolium bog pool dominated by E. angustifolium, but with S. fallax, S. papillosum and S. capillifolium present at the margins.
Target Note 44 Grid Reference NH 20679 06629
Flat area approximately 20 m x 20 m comprising M6 Carex echinata-Sphagnum recurvum/auriculatum, with a vegetation height of 25 cm. C. echinata is spread evenly throughout the sward. C. vulgaris appears to be encroaching, this may be a result of under grazing.
Species Domin scale
Calluna vulgaris 5
Carex echinata 5
Sphagnum papillosum 3
Potentilla erecta 1
Erica tetralix 4
Sphagnum capillifolium 3
Cladonia sp. 3
Molinia caerulea 7
Narthecium ossifragum 2
Target Note 45 Grid Reference NH 20587 06347
Small area of M19 Calluna vulgaris-Eriophorum vaginatum blanket mire, approximately 20 m x 20 m.
Target Note 46 Grid Reference NH 20404 06336
Small area of M19 Calluna vulgaris-Eriophorum vaginatum blanket mire vegetation immediately south of a small lochan.
Target Note 47
Area of conifer plantation, predominantly sitka spruce, but with some lodgepole pine and scots pine also present.
Target Note 48
Appendix A7.1 Beinneun Windfarm Phase 1/NVC Habitat Survey Target Notes Environmental Statement – Technical Appendix
RidgeWind Ltd Arcus Renewable Energy Consulting Ltd Page 26 November 2011
Mosaic of M15 Trichophorum germanicum-Erica tetralix wet heath generally located on small hillocks with M18 Erica tetralix – Sphagnum papillosum mire present in the flat valleys between.
Target Note 49
Mature Scots pine lining Allt Garbh-Dhoire, likely to provide habitat for nesting birds.
Target Note 50 Grid Reference NH 20051 06873
Flush of M25 grassland with M15 and M17 in surrounding area.
Target Note 51 Grid Reference NH 20105 06408
Small bog pool with Drosera intermedia, Menyanthes trifoliata and Eriophorum angustifolium. Utricularia present in this pool and others on the site.
Target Note 52 Grid Reference NH 20362 05948
Patches of M19 here on slopes above the loch.
Target Note 53 Grid Reference NH 20362 05948
More patches of M19 in mosaic with M17, with abundant Narthecium ossifragum.
Target Note 54 Grid Reference NH 20636 05590
Eriophorum species sampled from relatively base-rich flush, on examination this turned out to be Eriophorum angustifolium.
Target Note 55 Grid Reference NH 21216 05473
Carpets of Cladonia portentosa with much Narthecium ossifragum. Also recorded here were Arctostaphylos uva-ursi, Cladonia unicalis, Calluna vulgaris (wind-clipped), Polytrichum commune, Racomitrium lanuginosum and Trichophorum germanicum. Rubus chamaemorus and Vaccinium vitis-idaea.
Target Note 56 Grid Reference NH 21299 05453
Transition zone between H12 and M19
Target Note 57 Grid Reference NH 21337 05471
Transition into H21
Target Note 58 Grid Reference NH 21404 05238
M17 with Racomitrium hummocks and some bog pools.
Target Note 59 Grid Reference NH 21834 05550
Alternates in this area between grassy H12 and mixed M15 wet heath.
Target Note 60 Grid Reference NH 219876 05594
Patchy H13 near the cairn at this location. Carex pilulifera and Carex binervis recorded here.
Target Note 61 Grid Reference NH 22159 05697
Sphagnum fuscum hummocks in this area. Along the ridge is patchy H13 and H14. Some areas have extensive Cladonia with Juncus squarrosus. M3 and M2 bog pools. Empetrum nigrum ssp hermaphroditum occurs on the ridge top, with H21 heath fading in and out where there is more shelter on the slopes.
Target Note 62 Grid Reference NH 21936 05843
H21 with M19 occurring patchily through on deeper peat. Base-rich flush nearby with Sphagnum tenellum and much Narthecium ossifragum.
Beinneun Windfarm Appendix A7.1 Environmental Statement – Technical Appendix Phase 1/NVC Habitat Survey Target Notes
Arcus Renewable Energy Consulting Ltd RidgeWind Ltd November 2011 Page 27
Target Note 63 Grid Reference NH 22034 07241
Rhynchospora alba near here. Also alpine clubmoss Lycopodium alpinum, and Alchemilla alpina. Slither of M19 at base of slope but steep ground alternates between H21 and H12 heath.
Target Note 64 Grid Reference NH 22146 07217
H21 with Empetrum nigrum ssp hermaphroditum. Also Rubus chamaemorus and Vaccinium vitis-idaea.
Target Note 65 Grid Reference NH 22157 07213
Large Sphagnum fuscum hummock
Target Note 66 Grid Reference NH 22149 07173
H13 and H14 start at this point.
Target Note 67 Grid Reference NH 22083 07248
Dwarf cornel Cornus suecica noted here.
Target Note 68 Grid Reference NH 24536 07877
Possible Juncus biglumis
Target Note 69 Grid Reference NH 24421 07425
Area of H13c habitat.
Species Domin scale
Calluna vulgaris 9
Cladonia cilliata 5
Empetrum nigrum ssp hermaphroditum 2
Festuca vivipara 4
Agrostis capillaris 2
Cetraria islandica 2
Lycopodium alpinum 2
Huperzia selago 3
Gallium saxatile 2
Polytrichum commune 2
Racomitrium lanuginosum 2
Trichophorum germanicum 2
Carex bigelowii 2
Deschampsia flexuosa 2
Cladonia coccifera 2
Appendix A7.1 Beinneun Windfarm Phase 1/NVC Habitat Survey Target Notes Environmental Statement – Technical Appendix
RidgeWind Ltd Arcus Renewable Energy Consulting Ltd Page 28 November 2011
Target Note 70 Grid Reference NH 24193 07212
Edge between H21 and mire vegetation.
Target Note 71 Grid Reference NH 24122 07150
Complex series of mires with Sphagnum fuscum, S. compactum and S. subnitens
Target Note 72 Grid Reference NH 24034 07055
Transition vegetation between H21 and H13
Target Note 73 Grid Reference NH 23911 06969
H15
Cladonia unicalis, Cladonia vulgaris (prostrate), patchy Trichophorum, Juniperus communis ssp nanna, Cetraria islandica, Deschampsia flexuosa, Empetrum nigrum ssp hermaphroditumm Racomitrium and some Carex panicea.
Target Note 74 Grid Reference NH 24164 06877
Possible vegetative Anagallis tenella here with Trichophorum germanicum, Erica tetralix, Succisa pratensis, Calluna vulgaris, Racomitrium, Molinia caerulea, Carex echinata, Juncus squarrosus, Sphagnum tenellum and Deschampsia cespitosa.
Target Note 75 Grid Reference
Flushed area with much Narthecium ossifragum and some Sphagnum papillosum. Other species include S. palustre, Juncus squarrosus, Carex echinata and Trichophorum germanicum.
Target Note 76 Grid Reference NH 24750 06894
Patchy H10 with much Erica cinerea, more or less co-dominant with Calluna vulgaris.
Target Note 77 Grid Reference NH 24811 06896
H15 much J. communis with T. caespitosa.
Target Note 78 Grid Reference NH 25224 07239
Patchy H21. Antennaria dioica and cf Juncus bulbosus
Target Note 79 Grid Reference NH 24317 07304
Rich flush with Trichophorum germanicum, ?Sphagnum affine, Sphagnum tenellum, Juncus squarrosus, Narthecium ossifragum, Dicranum sp, Racomitrium lanuginosum, Calluna vulgaris and Potentilla erecta.
Target Note 80 Grid Reference NH 24292 07291
Prostrate wind clipped Calluna vulgaris with Caldonia unicalis, C. gracile, C. impexa, Carex bigelowii, Carex panicea, Racomitrium lanuginosum, Vaccinium myrtillus, Vaccinium uva-ursi, Empetrum nigrum ssp hermaphroditum.
Target Note 81 Grid Reference NH 24085 07288
Carex sp sampled from this location. Cladonia dominated.
Target Note 82 Grid Reference NH 24056 07261
Stand of Antennaria dioica.
Target Note 83 Grid Reference NH 24024 07224
Another Narthecium dominated flush with lots of Sphagnum tenellum.
Target Note 84 Grid Reference NH 23835 06944
Snowbed with much Nardus stricta.
Beinneun Windfarm Appendix A7.1 Environmental Statement – Technical Appendix Phase 1/NVC Habitat Survey Target Notes
Arcus Renewable Energy Consulting Ltd RidgeWind Ltd November 2011 Page 29
Target Note 85 Grid Reference NH 23830 06944
Grazed area transitional between heath and grassland.
Target Note 86 Grid Reference NH 23692 06915
Location of Carex pulicaris.
Target Note 87 Grid Reference NH 23538 07002
Ridge with Juniperus communis and Arctostaphylos uva-ursi.
Target Note 88 Grid Reference NH 23415 06977
Bog pools and some Sphagnum fuscum hummocks.
Target Note 89 Grid Reference NH 22965 06808
Another series of Sphagnum fuscum hummocks.
Target Note 90 Grid Reference NH 22741 06596
Rich form of M25 vegetation, mostly Molinia caerulea but also with Calluna vulgaris, Erica tetralix and Eriophorum angustifolium.
Target Note 91 Grid Reference NH 22753 06306
Erosion feature, M17b mire vegetation with much Cladonia
Target Note 92 Grid Reference NH 23006 06254
Rock outcrop here with Juniperus communis, Racomitrium, Calluna vulgaris Huperzia, Cladonia and Parnassia palustris.
Target Note 93 Grid Reference NH 23098 06320
M15b, with Trichophorum germanicum, Erica tetralix, Narthecium ossifragum, Eriophorum angustifolium, Pleurozia purpurea, generally thin soils in this area.
Target Note 94 Grid Reference NH 23379 06521
M11 type Small sedge flush with Saxifraga aizoides, Carex bigelowii, Carex panicea
Target Note 95 Grid Reference NH 23469 06620
M11 type Small sedge mire with Eleocharis palustris, Carex pulicaris, Triglochin palustris, and Saxifraga aizoides, Carex panicea, small Juncus spp, and Juncus triglumis. Some Empetrum and Calluna vulgaris.
Target Note 96 Grid Reference NH 23510 06678
Thalictrum alpinum
Target Note 97 Grid Reference NH 23535 06748
Juniperus communis and Arctostaphylos uva-ursi
Target Note 98 Grid Reference NH 23531 06772
Small bowl of deeper peat with M17 vegetation.
Target Note 99 Grid Reference NH 22199 08326
Evidence of regular use of the bank-side by deer and sheep.
Target Note 100 Grid Reference NH 22283 08624
Fontinalis antipyretica abundant.
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39
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6261
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0 0.5 1 km
Key
Target Note
Repro
duced
from
Ordn
ance
Surve
y digit
al ma
p data
© Cr
own c
opyri
ght 2
011.
All rig
hts re
serve
d. Lic
ense
numb
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0048
606
Revision: ARef: 467/ES/001
Produced: LHuReviewed: SCApproved: IS
Date: 25/10/2011
1:35,000 Scale @ A3
Target NotesFigure A7.1.1
Beinneun WindfarmEnvironmental Statement