whitecleaves quarry, buckfastleigh - devon · quarry and its surrounding environment, located in...

Devon Wildlife Consultants, 26 Commercial Road, Exeter, EX2 4AE

Tel: 01392 455930

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Devon Wildlife Consultants is a trading style of Devon Wildlife Enterprises Limited

Whitecleaves Quarry, Buckfastleigh

Bat Activity Survey

Report No: 08/003e

Date: October 2008

Client: Sam Gilpin Demolition Ltd

Andrew Charles MSc. MIEEM, Michael Symes BSc (Hons) AIEEM

& Katie Jones BSc (Hons) MIEEM

Report 08/003: Bat Activity Survey – Whitecleaves Quarry, Buckfastleigh

WHITECLEAVES QUARRY, BUCKFASTLEIGH

BAT ACTIVITY SURVEY

This report was prepared on behalf of

SAM GILPIN DEMOLITION LTD

October 2008

Devon Wildlife Consultants

Checked by Signed Dated

Carly Bawdon MSc MIEEM

Report 08/003e: Bat Activity Survey – Whitecleaves Quarry, Buckfastleigh

Contents 1 Introduction ..................................................................................................................1

2 Survey Methodology .....................................................................................................2

3 Results ...........................................................................................................................4

3.1 12th

May 2008 Survey Visit ...................................................................................4

3.2 31st May 2008 Survey Visit ...................................................................................5

3.3 9th

June 2008 Survey Visit.....................................................................................6

3.4 23rd

June 2008 Survey Visit ..................................................................................7

3.5 14th

July 2008 Survey Visit ...................................................................................8

3.6 21st July 2008 Survey Visit....................................................................................9

3.7 4th

August 2008 Survey Visit...............................................................................11

3.8 27th

August 2008 Survey Visit.............................................................................12

3.9 15th

September 2008 Survey Visit.......................................................................13

3.10 21st September 2008 Survey Visit .......................................................................15

4 Discussion....................................................................................................................17

5 Implications of the Development................................................................................19

5.1 Introduction ........................................................................................................19

5.2 Greater Horseshoe Bat Flight Lines...................................................................19

5.3 Potters Wood SSSI & Buckfastleigh Caves SSSI...............................................21

6 Mitigation....................................................................................................................23

6.1 Introduction ........................................................................................................23



7 Recommendations.......................................................................................................25



References...........................................................................................................................26

Appendices..........................................................................................................................27

Appendix 1 – Bat Activity Survey Transect Map..............................................................28

Appendix 2 – Bat Activity Survey Maps............................................................................29

Appendix 3 – Greater Horseshoe Bat Activity Overview Map.........................................30

Appendix 4 – Proposed Vegetation Removal & Re-profiling Works ...............................31

Appendix 5 – Greater Horseshoe Bat Mitigation Plan .....................................................32

Appendix 6 – SSSI & SAC Citations .................................................................................33

Report 08/003e: Bat Activity Survey – Whitecleaves Quarry, Buckfastleigh 1

1 Introduction

1.1 This report contains the results of a Bat Activity Survey undertaken at Whitecleaves

Quarry and its surrounding environment, located in Buckfastleigh, Devon. The site is

located at National Grid Reference SX 737 656. This survey was carried out on behalf

of Sam Gilpin Demolition Ltd.

1.2 The Bat Activity Survey was undertaken from May to September, inclusive,

comprised of two survey visits undertaken each month.

1.3 Whitecleaves Quarry is located to the southeast of Buckfastleigh and is separated from

the town by the A38 which forms the northern and western boundary to the site.

Agricultural pasture border the site to the northeast and east, with Potters Wood

located to the south. Whitecleaves Quarry comprises of the large void of the quarry

which is predominantly inundated with water. The quarry walls are formed by high,

steep rock faces, which are further surrounded by patches of woodland and the Dean

Burn watercourse which flows adjacent to the south-western boundary to the site.

1.4 It is understood that it is proposed to develop the site to create a recycling centre and

associated offices. To facilitate this proposal, the central area of the quarry will be

extended and raised through mining and re-profiling, with additional re-profiling

around the quarry entrance and the proposed office location.


2 Survey Methodology

Due to the rarity of greater horseshoe bats and their legal protection as listed on Annex II of

the Habitat Directive, Natural England states that development proposals of an area of 1Ha or

larger which are within 4km of a known greater horseshoe roost should be subject to a

programme of bat activity surveys. This should include two activity surveys to be undertaken

each month from May to September (Mitchell-Jones, 2004) to identify any feeding habitats or

flight lines used by this species throughout the summer period.

Whitecleaves Quarry partially includes the northern extent of Potters Wood Site of Special

Scientific Interest (SSSI); in addition Whitecleaves Quarry is located approximately 800m to

the south of Buckfastleigh Caves SSSI. Both of these SSSI’s include large roosts for greater

horseshoe bats which are recognised within the SSSI designations for these areas.

Buckfastleigh Caves SSSI also forms part of the South Hams Special Area of Conservation

(SAC) which refers to the presence of greater horseshoe bat roosts within its designation.

Through the sites proximity to these greater horseshoe roosts and in consideration that the site

is in excess of 1Ha, the Bat Activity Survey was deemed necessary prior to the proposed

development works.

The Bat Activity Survey comprised of a transect survey which was undertaken twice monthly

from May 2008 to September 2008, inclusive. The actual route was identified during daylight

hours in order to locate any potential risks associated with the route and to identify points

within the site which may be utilised by foraging/commuting bats. The water level within the

quarry void prevented access beyond the western track way which leads into the quarry and

subsequently into the pool of water. It is noted that bat activity recorded from the quarry void

will only represents those bats which frequented the western track way and the entrance/exit

point of the quarry void while the surveyor was present within these positions.

The path of the transect route and location of the listening points utilised for the survey are

detailed on the Bat Activity Survey Transect Map – DWC Drawing Number: 08/003-01, in

Appendix 1.

The transect route, with listening points, was continually walked throughout the survey visits.

It was walked in an anti-clockwise direction during the first survey visit undertaken each

month, and in a clockwise direction for the second survey visit of each month.

Transects were walked from 15 minutes before sunset until 3 hours after sunset. Stops were

made at the identified listening points. These listening points were held for approximately 5

minutes. All bat activity was recorded using a Batbox Duet bat detector, recording to

minidisk. To aid species identification all recordings were analysed using BatSound (3.3)

computer software.

All identified bat activity recorded during the survey visits is illustrated upon Bat Activity

Survey Maps - DWC Drawing Numbers 08/003-02 to 08/003-11 in Appendix 2.

The Bat Activity Survey Maps illustrate the location of all recorded bat activity. Observed bat

flight is illustrated as an arrow indicating the position and direction of the observed flight, with


the colour of the arrow utilised to indicate the species of the observed bat. Where bat echo-

locations calls were detected without observation of the bats flight, ‘H’ symbol is used to

illustrate the position of the surveyor when this echo-location call was recorded. In this

incidence a alphanumeric code is utilised to indicate the identified species. All illustrated bat

activity upon the Bat Activity Survey Map is accompanied by the time that the activity was

recorded. Where multiple bats of the same species were identified at the same time a

multiplication symbol and the actual number of identified bats is provided adjacent to the time

of the identified bat activity.


3 Results

Two survey visits were undertaken between May to September 2008 inclusive. The weather

conditions and bat activity recorded during the survey visits, undertaken at the time of

writing, are presented in Sections 3.1 to 3.10, and illustrated upon Bat Activity Survey Maps -

DWC Drawing Numbers 08/003-02 to 08/003-11 in Appendix 2.

3.1 12th

May 2008 Survey Visit The weather conditions during the bat activity survey visit are presented in Table 3.1. All bat

activity recorded during the survey visit is illustrated upon DWC Drawing Number 08/003-02

in Appendix 2.

Survey Date: 12th

May 2008

Sunset: 20:50

Survey Start Time: 20:35

Survey End Time: 23:50

Parameter Temp (ºC)

Wind Speed (Beaufort Scale)

Cloud Cover %

Precipitation

Start of Survey 20 F0 5 None

End of Survey 16 F0 0 None

Table 3.1: Weather conditions recorded during the 12th

May 2008 survey visit

This transect was undertaken on the 12th

May 2008, starting at 20:35 and finishing at 23:50.

The transect identified the activity of a range of bat species, including common pipistrelle

(Pipistrellus pipistrellus), soprano pipistrelle (Pipistrelle pygmaeus), Daubenton’s bat (Myotis

daubentonii), unidentified Myotis species and serotine bats (Eptesicus serotinus).

Identified pipistrelle activity comprised of both commuting and foraging bats which were

generally associated with the tracks and woodland edges within and around the site.

Myotis species including Daubenton’s bat were identified during the transect. A single

unidentified Myotis species of bat was recorded commuting within the edge of a track way to

the south of the quarry void. Visual observation of a number of Myotis species of bats

foraging over the Dean Burn water course and the pool of water within the quarry, confirmed

that these individuals were Daubenton’s bats. Individual Daubenton’s bats were also recorded

foraging over the Dean Burn water course at 21:48 and again at 23:45.

Serotine bats were recorded at southern lip of the quarry and within the central quarry void.

The recordings of this species indicated that the individuals were foraging and potentially

commuting to or from the area.

No greater horseshoe bat activity was detected during this transect.

A summary of the bat species identified during the transect survey is provided in Table 3.2,

with an indication of the activity identified.


Species Detected Frequency Activity Identified

Common pipistrelle 5 Commuting & foraging

Soprano pipistrelle 3 Commuting & foraging

Unidentified pipistrelle species 1 -

Serotine 3 Commuting & foraging

Daubenton’s bat 3 Foraging

Unidentified Myotis 1 Commuting

Unidentified bat species 1 Commuting

Total Number of Recordings 17

Table 3.2: Summary of bat activity recorded during the 12th

May 2008 survey visit

3.2 31st May 2008 Survey Visit

The weather conditions during the bat activity survey visit are presented in Table 3.3. All bat


in Appendix 2.

Survey Date: 31st May 2008

Sunset: 21:15





Cloud Cover %

Precipitation

Start of Survey 16 F1 60 Following

showers


Table 3.3: Weather conditions recorded during the 31st May 2008 survey visit

This transect was undertaken on the 31st May 2008, starting at 21:00 and finishing at 00:15.

The transect identified the activity of a range of bat species, including greater horseshoe,

common pipistrelle, soprano pipistrelle, unidentified Myotis species and noctule bat (Nyctalus

noctula).

The echo-location call of one greater horseshoe bat was identified passing swiftly within or

adjacent to the wooded area upon the steep slope, adjacent and above the Dean Burn water

course.


associated with open areas immediately adjacent to more dense habitats such as woodland or

scrub. A high level of soprano pipistrelle activity was also identified beneath the A38 directly

adjacent and above the entrance to the quarry from Strode Road (B3380).

Unidentified Myotis species of bats were recorded foraging in proximity to the Dean Burn

water course. One additional individual was identified flying in a northerly direction along the

edge of a track to the west of the quarry void. Due to the speed and directness this individual

was considered to be commuting within or through the site.


The foraging echo-location calls of one noctule bat were recorded within the void of the

quarry.




Greater horseshoe 1 Commuting

Common pipistrelle 4 Commuting & foraging



Noctule 1 Foraging

Unidentified Myotis 3 Commuting & foraging



Table 3.4: Summary of bat activity recorded during the 31st May 2008 survey visit

3.3 9th

June 2008 Survey Visit The weather conditions during the bat activity survey visit are presented in Table 3.5. All bat


in Appendix 2.

Survey Date: 9th

June 2008

Sunset: 21:23




Wind Speed

(Beaufort Scale) Cloud Cover

% Precipitation




June 2008 survey visit


June 2008, starting at 21:08 and finishing at 00:23.


common pipistrelle, soprano pipistrelle, unidentified Myotis species and noctule bats.

Six individual greater horseshoe bats were identified between 21:53 and 22:06 within the

wooded area adjacent and above the Dean Burn water course. Two of these individuals were

observed descending the slope flying towards the water course. The echo-location calls of

three further greater horseshoe bats were identified, with single bats recorded within track

ways to the north and south of the quarry, and one additional individual recorded within the

central quarry void. All recordings of the greater horseshoe bats comprised of fast moving

individuals which were considered to be commuting within or through the site.


generally associated with the tracks and woodland edges within the site. Additionally a high


level of common and soprano pipistrelle activity was identified beneath the A38 directly

adjacent and above the entrance to the quarry. Activity at this location included a number of

individuals of both species, with social calls recorded between individual common pipistrelle

bats.

Echo-location calls of unidentified Myotis species of bats were recorded in proximity to the

Dean Burn water course. The echo-location calls included feeding ‘buzzes’ indicating

foraging.

A single noctule bat was briefly detected to the north of the quarry void.





Common pipistrelle 12 Commuting, foraging & social interaction



Noctule 1 -

Unidentified Myotis 3 Foraging





3.4 23rd

June 2008 Survey Visit The weather conditions during the bat activity survey visit are presented in Table 3.7. All bat


in Appendix 2.

Survey Date: 23rd

June 2008

Sunset: 21:30





Cloud Cover %

Precipitation



Table 3.7: Weather conditions recorded during the 23rd


This transect was undertaken on the 23rd

June 2008, starting at 21:15 and finishing at 00:30.


common pipistrelle, soprano pipistrelle and unidentified Myotis species of bats.

Two individual greater horseshoe bats were identified at 22:10 and 22:11 moving south and

briefly foraging above a track way. The echo-location calls of two further greater horseshoe


bats were identified, with single bats recorded within track ways to the north and west of the

quarry. The recordings of these two individual greater horseshoe bats comprised of fast

moving individuals which were considered to be commuting within or through the site.

Identified pipistrelle bat species activity comprised of both commuting and foraging bats

which were generally associated with the tracks and woodland edges within the site. A high

level of common pipistrelle activity was also identified beneath the A38 directly adjacent and

above the entrance to the quarry, including a number of social calls recorded between

individual common pipistrelle bats.

Echo-location calls of unidentified Myotis species of bats were recorded in proximity to the

Dean Burn water course and above track ways surrounding the quarry void.

An unidentified bat was observed briefly within the quarry void, although due to the distance

between this bat and the surveyor no echo-location recording was possible. Four further

unidentified bats were recorded at the western extent of the site, where echo-location calls

were either too brief or faint to allow identification.




Greater horseshoe 4 Commuting & foraging







Table 3.8: Summary of bat activity recorded during the 23rd


3.5 14th

July 2008 Survey Visit The weather conditions during the bat activity survey visit are presented in Table 3.9. All bat


in Appendix 2.

Survey Date: 14th

July 2008

Sunset: 21:21





Cloud Cover %

Precipitation




July 2008 survey visit


July 2008, starting at 21:06 and finishing at 00:21.



common pipistrelle, soprano pipistrelle, serotine and unidentified Myotis species of bat.

Three greater horseshoe bats were identified commuting along a track way flying in a

southern direction at 21:57 in close succession. One further individual greater horseshoe bat

was also identified commuting along a track at 22:11.

Identified pipistrelle bat species activity comprised of both commuting and foraging bats

which was widely dispersed throughout the site. Activity was generally associated with the

woodland edges, track ways, the central void of the quarry and the Dean Burn Water Course.

Recordings of two unidentified Myotis species of bats were noted along the western edge of

the site, above a track way at 23:01 and within the open coach park area at 23:18.

A serotine bat was identified foraging high along the woodland edge and southern lip of the

central quarry void at 23:13.

Faint bat echo-location calls were recorded at 21:49 at the entrance to the quarry void, and at

22:24 at the north-eastern tip of the site area. No observation of these bats was made and the

recorded bat calls were to faint and brief to allow any further identification.






Soprano pipistrelle 6 Commuting, foraging & social interaction



Serotine 1 Commuting & foraging




July 2008 survey visit

3.6 21st July 2008 Survey Visit



in Appendix 2.


Survey Date: 21st July 2008

Sunset: 21:15





Cloud Cover %

Precipitation



Table 3.11: Weather conditions recorded during the 21st July 2008 survey visit

This transect was undertaken on the 21st July 2008, starting at 21:00 and finishing at 00:15.


common pipistrelle, soprano pipistrelle, long-eared species of bat (Plecotus sp.), Daubenton’s

and unidentified Myotis species of bats.

Four greater horseshoe bats were observed at 21:48 moving in close succession along the

vegetated south-western edge of the site. The echo-location calls of one further greater

horseshoe bat were identified at the entrance to the quarry void at 22:50. These recordings

comprised of fast moving individuals which was considered to be commuting within or

through the site.

A high level of pipistrelle bat species activity was identified within and surrounding the site.

This included commuting and foraging bats noted above track ways, along vegetation lines

and within the central void of the quarry. Social calls of both common and soprano pipistrelle

bats were recorded at the western edge of the site and from the central quarry void.

Faint echo-location calls of unidentified Myotis species of bats were recorded in proximity to

the Dean Burn Water Course and above track ways surrounding the quarry void. One Myotis

bat was observed flying close above the waters surface of the Dean Burn Water Course,

which is typical behaviour of Daubenton’s bat, allowing further identification of this

individual.

One long-eared bat, a common pipistrelle and a soprano pipistrelle were observed foraging

within close proximity at the western boundary of the site. During this observation the long-

eared bat was observed feeding upon moths on the wing.

Two unidentified bats were observed briefly within close proximity of the quarry entrance,

although due to the distance between this bat and the surveyor no echo-location recording was

possible.








Long eared bat species 1 Foraging





Table 3.12: Summary of bat activity recorded during the 21st July 2008 survey visit

3.7 4th

August 2008 Survey Visit The weather conditions during the bat activity survey visit are presented in Table 3.13. All bat


in Appendix 2.

Survey Date: 4th

August 2008

Sunset: 20:55





Cloud Cover %

Precipitation




August 2008 survey visit


August 2008, starting at 20:40 and finishing at 23:55.


common pipistrelle, soprano pipistrelle, long-eared bat, serotine and noctule bat.

Twenty-one greater horseshoe bats were observed in close succession between 21:17 and

21:25. All these bats were recorded making fast passes, in a south-west direction along a track

way to the north-west of the quarry void. Further echo-location calls of greater horseshoe bats

were also detected at the north and southern extent of the quarry and within a track way to the

south-west of the quarry, at 22:28, 23:19 and 23:25. These bats comprised of fast moving

individuals, which were considered to be commuting within or through the site.

A high level of common and soprano pipistrelle bat activity was recorded throughout the

transect survey from all areas of the site. This included commuting and foraging bats noted

above track ways, along vegetation lines and within the central void of the quarry.

A long-eared bat was observed foraging at the eastern extent of the quarry site at 21:49. This

individual was observed flying between an adjacent hedgerow and the wooded site boundary.

An additional long-eared bat was also detected within the quarry void at 22:38.


Two serotine bats were detected during the survey, including one individual observed

foraging around the former weighbridge and one individual detected foraging above the lake

within the quarry void.

A noctule bat was detected at 22:48 near the entrance of the quarry. This bat produces strong

echo-location calls which can be detected at distance and this bat may have been foraging or

commuting high above the site.

Unidentified bats were also recorded briefly within the void of the quarry and within a track

way. The recordings of these bats were insufficient to allow species identification due to the

distance between the bat and the surveyor.







Unidentified pipistrelle species 1 Commuting & foraging


Serotine bat 2 Foraging

Noctule bat 1





3.8 27th

August 2008 Survey Visit The weather conditions during the bat activity survey visit are presented in Table 3.15. All bat


in Appendix 2.

Survey Date: 27th

August 2008

Sunset: 20:11





Cloud Cover %

Precipitation






August 2008, starting at 19:46 and finishing at 23:11.


common pipistrelle, soprano pipistrelle, long-eared, serotine and Myotis species of bat.


Three greater horseshoe bats were detected at the entrance to, and just within the quarry void

at 21:30, 21:57 and 22:45. The first two individuals were recorded making fast passes and the

third bat was recorded briefly foraging. Three further greater horseshoe bats were recorded at

the northern extent of the site within a track way. These bats foraged over a length of the track

way for a short period of time before exiting the site.

Further bat activity included a relatively high level of detected and/or observed common

pipistrelle, soprano pipistrelle, long-eared and Myotis species of bats. This activity was

recorded throughout the northern and western extent of the survey, in addition to the central

quarry void. Activity was recorded largely in association with track ways and wooded edges

within the site, and at the western boundary of the site, beneath the elevated A38 road way.

One serotine bat was also recorded during the survey, foraging within the quarry void at

22:03.

A high level of social calls and interaction was recorded between the pipistrelle bats species,

with a single social interaction also recorded between two Myotis species bats. UK bat species

enter their mating period during late August and it is considered that the increase in the level

of social interaction could be attributed to this.









Unidentified Myotis 9 Commuting, foraging & social interaction




3.9 15th

September 2008 Survey Visit The weather conditions during the bat activity survey visit are presented in Table 3.17. All bat


in Appendix 2.

Survey Date: 15th

September 2008

Sunset: 19:29





Cloud Cover %

Precipitation




September 2008 survey visit



September 2008, starting at 19:14 and finishing at

22:29.


lesser horseshoe (Rhinolophus hipposideros), common pipistrelle, soprano pipistrelle,

Nathusius’ pipistrelle (Pipistrellus nathusii), long-eared bats, Daubenton’s and unidentified

Myotis species of bat.

One greater horseshoe bat was detected briefly within a track way to the north of the quarry

void at 21:56.

Further bat activity included a relatively high level of detected and/or observed common

pipistrelle, soprano pipistrelle, long-eared and Myotis species of bats. Activity included

commuting and foraging individuals, accompanied by several social calls. Activity was

predominantly detected or observed along woodland edges and track ways surrounding the

quarry, within the quarry void and beneath the elevated A30 road.

It is considered that this high level of social calls and interaction recorded between these

species relates to the late summer/autumn mating period for all UK species of bat.

A single Nathusius’ pipistrelle was detected in close proximity to two soprano pipistrelle bats,

along the wooded edge at the eastern extent of the quarry. Two Daubenton’s bats were

observed foraging over the central water body of the quarry at 21:04; and a single lesser

horseshoe bat was detected foraging within Potters Wood at the southern extent of the quarry.

Unidentified bats were also recorded briefly at 19:43 and 19:45 within the western extent of

the quarry. The recordings of these bats were insufficient to allow species identification, this

may have been due to the distance between the bat and the surveyor.





Lesser horseshoe 1 Foraging



Nathusius’ pipistrelle 1 Foraging

Unidentified pipistrelle 2 Commuting & foraging

Long eared bat species 7 Foraging& social interaction


Unidentified Myotis sp. 6 Commuting, foraging & social interaction

Unidentified bat 2 -



September 2008 survey visit


3.10 21st September 2008 Survey Visit



in Appendix 2.

Survey Date: 21st September 2008

Sunset: 19:15





Cloud Cover %

Precipitation



Table 3.19: Weather conditions recorded during the 21st September 2008 survey visit

This transect was undertaken on the 21st September 2008, starting at 19:00 and finishing at

22:15.


lesser horseshoe, common pipistrelle, soprano pipistrelle, long-eared, serotine and

unidentified Myotis species of bat.

Twenty four greater horseshoe bats were detected during the survey all recorded travelling

within and through the site along the track way to the north of the quarry. Twenty-three of

these were recorded between 19:42 and 19:49, with twenty-two individuals flying south, and

one bat flying north. One bat was also detected within the track way at 21:15. All the greater

horseshoe bats were recorded briefly and/or observed flying at speed through the site.

A lesser horseshoe bat and two Myotis species of bats were also recorded briefly at the

northern extent of the site at 19:50.

A high level of common pipistrelle activity was recorded throughout track ways; woodland

edges of the site and the quarry void, activity included commuting, foraging and social

behaviour. A lower level of soprano pipistrelle bat activity was recorded, with activity limited

to the track way to the north of the quarry void and Whitecleaves woodland edge at the

northern extent to the site.

Serotine bats were detected above the southern extent of the quarry void. Due to the relatively

low echolocation call peak frequency of this species (approximately 25kHz), which may be

detected at distance and the foraging flight behaviour of this species when utilising relatively

open areas, it is considered that a number of the recordings made for this species between

20:26 and 20:49 may have originated from a single or limited number of serotine bats.

Further bat activity comprised of two long-eared bats and an unidentified bat within the

central void of the quarry at 20:45, 21:20 and 20:43 respectively, with an unidentified

pipistrelle species of bat detected at the eastern extent of the site.






Lesser horseshoe 1 Foraging



Unidentified pipistrelle 1 Commuting & foraging

Long-eared bat species 2 Foraging& social interaction

Unidentified Myotis sp. 2 Commuting, foraging & social interaction


Unidentified bat 1 -


Table 3.20: Summary of bat activity recorded during the 21st September 2008 survey visit


4 Discussion

The Bat Activity Survey at Whitecleaves Quarry, undertaken during May, June, July, August

and September 2008, identified a relatively high level of bat activity with a range of bat

species. This activity has largely been identified in association with the track ways and

woodland edges within the site, and in association with the Dean Burn water course and

beneath the elevated A38 road way at the western extent to the site. The eastern extent of the

site had relatively lower levels of bat activity which may be due to the high elevation and

more exposed nature of this site boundary.

Nine bat species were identified during the survey visits, including greater horseshoe, lesser

horseshoe, common pipistrelle, soprano pipistrelle, Nathusius’ pipistrelle, noctule, serotine,

long-eared bat species and Myotis species of bat, including Daubenton’s bat.

It is considered that additional species of Myotis bat, such as Natterer’s bat (Myotis nattereri),

whiskered bat (Myotis mystacinus) and Brandt’s bat (Myotis brandtii) may have been

represented during the survey. Due to the similar attributes of the flight patterns and echo-

location calls of these closely related species no further identification was undertaken, with

the exception of Daubenton’s bat which was identified by their distinctive foraging flight

pattern, foraging close over the surface of water bodies, such as the Dean Burn water course

or the pool within the quarry void.

The Bat Activity Survey identified a high level of greater horseshoe bat activity, recorded

within track ways, woodland edges and within the central void to the quarry. The flight lines

and positions of recorded greater horseshoe bat activity is illustrated upon the Greater

Horseshoe Bat Activity Overview Map, DWC Drawing Number 08/059a-12, in Appendix 3.

Greater horseshoe bats were predominantly considered as commuting individuals, moving

fast, within and through the site, and recorded approximately between 30 minutes and 1 hour

after sunset. Bats were recorded circumnavigating the central quarry void, predominantly

flying along track ways to the west of the quarry void and in association with the Dean Burn

Water Course and the adjacent area of woodland. Four greater horseshoe bats were also

recorded moving south along the eastern boundary of the site during the 21st July 2008

transect survey.

Low levels of foraging greater horseshoe bat activity was also recorded during the surveys

undertaken on the 23rd

June, 21st July, 4

th August and 27

th August 2008. This included brief

periods of single or low numbers of greater horseshoe bats within the quarry void and above

the track ways to the west of the quarry void.

Greater horseshoe bats commonly use dark sheltered linear features, such as woodland rides,

hedgerows and water courses as commuting routes between roosts and feeding areas. It is

considered that the track ways immediately to the west of the quarry void, the Dean Burn

water course and associated woodland, and the wooded eastern boundary to the quarry, are

utilised as commuting routes. It is also considered that the adjacent woodland and track way

at the western extent of the quarry is used in conjunction with the water course, as the


descending topography and wooded vegetation creates a sheltered, dark environment with a

potential abundance of invertebrate prey species.


5 Implications of the Development

5.1 Introduction

It is understood that it is proposed to develop the site to create a recycling centre and

associated offices. It is understood that to facilitate this proposal, the central area of the quarry

will need to be raised and levelled, thus removing the current water bodies, with areas of re-

profiling required around the quarry entrance and the proposed office location, to create larger

open areas than currently are present.

The re-profiling works would see an expansion of the quarry void with a level area created

and extended to include the current western extent of the quarry void. It is understood that the

current western extent of the quarry will be mined over a period of 5 years, involving two

blasts per year. The subsequent mineral stone will be removed from the quarry with waste

material utilised to level the quarry base. In addition a track way and open area, to the north of

the quarry void, will be amalgamated and levelled, creating an area for the proposed offices.

The areas of wooded vegetation to be removed and areas of land to be mined and/or re-

profiled are illustrated upon DWC Drawing Number 08/003-14, in Appendix 4.

5.2 Greater Horseshoe Bat Flight Lines

The current study has identified a variety of greater horseshoe bats commuting within or

through the quarry site. From this identified activity it is considered that greater horseshoe

bats utilise commuting routes which circumnavigate the quarry void to the east and the west.

Predominantly greater horseshoe bats utilised the track ways immediately to the northwest of

the quarry void and the Dean Burn water course and associated woodland, as well as utilising

the eastern wooded boundary of the site. Low levels of single or low numbers of greater

horseshoe bats was also recorded foraging within the quarry void and above the track ways to

the southwest of the quarry void. The flight lines and positions of recorded greater horseshoe

bat activity is illustrated upon the Greater Horseshoe Bat Activity Overview Map, DWC

Drawing Number 08/059a-12, in Appendix 4.

Due to the rarity of greater horseshoe bats and its protection as listed on Annex II of the

Habitat Directive, development proposals are required to account and protect identified

feeding habitats or flight lines used by this species (Mitchell-Jones, 2004).

The identified greater horseshoe commuting routes, particularly through the western extent of

the survey area, are important to the permeability of the landscape for greater horseshoe bats

by connecting foraging habitats and roost sites, including the designated sites of Potters Wood

SSSI and Buckfastleigh Caves SSSI.

5.2.1 Eastern Boundary

It is understood that the eastern boundary of the quarry will not be directly affected by the

proposed development with activity limited to the installation of a safety fence lining the

quarry void. Previously a bund has been created and planted with wooded species running the

length of the eastern site boundary, connecting Whitecleaves Wood, at the northern extent of


the quarry site, to a plantation woodland adjacent to Potters Wood, at the southern extent of

the site.

During the survey relatively low levels of commuting greater horseshoe bats were recorded

utilising the eastern boundary, which may be due to elevated position of this boundary. It is

considered that as the growth of the wooded vegetation along this boundary develops the level

of shelter will also increase, in turn increasing the permeability for greater horseshoe bats

along this commuting route.

5.2.2 Western Extent of the Site The western extent of the site will be subject to a high level of disturbance including mining

and re-profiling of areas to the northwest and southwest of the current quarry void.

It is proposed that the current wooded areas immediately to the southwest of the quarry void

will be mined with the area subsequently re-profiled to grade into the adjacent track way

located to the southwest of the quarry void, creating an expanded central quarry void. During

the survey a number of greater horseshoe bats were identified utilising this track way,

commuting within and through the site, including a number of individuals partially using the

track way before descending the adjacent woodland and proceeding into the corridor of the

Dean Burn Water Course.

Currently this track way ranges in width from approximately between 6 to 20 metres and is

sheltered from the surrounding areas of woodland and ground/rock topography. The

expansion and connection of the track way within the central quarry void will increase the

level of potential exposure to this commuting route, potentially decreasing the permeability of

this feature to greater horseshoe bats. A level of shelter will be maintained by the position of

this track way, set within the hillside, combined with the shading from the adjacent woodland

to the west. Mitigation should be instated to protect this flight line including measures to

maintain use of the track way by greater horseshoe bats.

It is also proposed to amalgamate the track way to the northwest of the quarry void to a small

clearing creating an initial recycling sorting area and offices. This area will require the

removal of vegetation and a tree line which currently separates the two areas, with the ground

level graded, creating a larger area of open space. During the survey a high level of greater

horseshoe bats were identified utilising this track way, including individuals commuting from

Whitecleaves Wood at the northern extent of the site, which flew along the full length of the

track way.

Currently this track way ranges in width approximately from 6 to 15 metres and is sheltered

by the adjacent areas of woodland and trees. The amalgamation of these areas will create a

larger area of open space with a greater level of potential exposure. This increased level of

potential exposure will influence and potentially reduce the permeability of this feature to

greater horseshoe bats. A level of shading will be maintained by the adjacent woodland to the

east and woodland strip to the west although further mitigation will be required to elevate this

and reduce the impact of the works.


5.3 Potters Wood SSSI & Buckfastleigh Caves SSSI

Whitecleaves Quarry partially includes the northern extent of Potters Wood SSSI which is

designated for its geological interest, and partially as an important site for roosting bats

including greater horseshoe bats. Buckfastleigh Caves SSSI is located approximately 600m to

the north of Whitecleaves Quarry at it closest point.

Planning policy states that local planning authorities have a statutory duty under the Wildlife

& Countryside Act 1981 to ensure that proposed developments avoid damage to SSSI’s and

SAC’s, and that the objectives of such sites are considered. Where direct impacts to statutory

designated sites, such as SSSI and SAC sites are antisipated permission from Natural England

will be required to allow such works.

Although the southern extent of Whitecleaves Quarry forms the northern extent of Potters

Wood SSSI, it is noted that entrances into the cave system are located between 200 to 400

metres from the quarry. It is understood from Natural England that Potters Wood SSSI was

last assessed in 2004/2005 and was considered as in a maintained and favourable condition,

with lesser horseshoe bats recorded hibernating in Shaky Cave and lesser and greater

horseshoe bats hibernating in Bunkers Cave, with associated evidence of invertebrate prey

remains indicating use of the caves as summer bat roosts.

Geological interest pertaining to the cave system of Potters Wood SSSI includes important

mineral deposits forming aragonite crystals and calcite helictites. The network of caves was

formed 150,000 years ago, providing an important study site for late Pleistocene cave

formation.

Buckfastleigh Caves SSSI are also designated largely due to geological interest, and partially

through the inclusion of the endemic cave shrimp (Niphargellus glenniei) and as an important

site for roosting bats. Buckfastleigh Caves SSSI supports the largest colony of greater

horseshoe bats in the country, with the cave system containing more than 1,000 bats, which

estimated at approximately one quarter of the UK’s total population.

Buckfastleigh Caves SSSI also forms an isolated patch of the South Hams Special Area of

Conservation (SAC). The South Hams SAC includes a number of areas within south Devon,

including coastal calcareous grassland, scrub and cliffs, woodlands and cave systems such as

Buckfastleigh Caves.

Potential impacts to these designated sites include a range of factors, including factors which

may influence greater horseshoe bats.

Impacts to the designated sites may potentially include isolation or interruption of greater

horseshoe bat flight lines leading to and from the cave roosts, and foraging habitats. As such it

will be important to maintain the connectivity of the landscape for greater horseshoe bats with

the identified flight lines adequately protected.

Mitigation measures will be required to ensure flight lines for greater horseshoe bat within

and through the site are not impeded, and measures will be required to ensure that blasting


operations do not influence the cave systems of Potters Wood SSSI or Buckfastleigh Caves

SSSI.

Additional potential impacts consist of disturbance to roosting bats within both Potters Wood

SSSI and Buckfast Cave SSSI, through potential vibration and air pressure changes resulting

from the blasting associated within the proposed mining operations of the quarry. Further

impacts may also be experienced through influences to the integrity of the cave systems,

causing rock movements or alterations to hydrological flows.

Further determination of these impacts is difficult to quantify and may remain undetermined

without further study or ecological and geological monitoring. Previously Whitecleaves

Quarry was commercially mined, including blasting, during which time hibernating greater

horseshoe bats were present with numbers monitored at Buckfastleigh Caves SSSI from 1966

to present. Potters Wood SSSI was designated in 1986 coinciding with termination of the

commercial quarrying at Whitecleaves Quarry.

As statutory designated sites, any proposed works which may cause an impact to the Potters

Wood SSSI and Buckfastleigh Caves SSSI will require prior permission from Natural

England.


6 Mitigation

6.1 Introduction

Appropriate protection and mitigation should be utilised to alleviate the proposed impacts to

the identified greater horseshoe bat flight lines, also indecently reducing the potential impact

to flight lines leading and connecting to Potters Wood SSSI and Buckfastleigh Caves SSSI.

Further mitigation measures are also required to avoid any further impacts to Potters Wood

SSSI and Buckfastleigh Caves SSSI.

These aspects are considered in more detail in Section 6.2 and 6.3 below. An accompanying

Greater Horseshoe Bat Mitigation Map, DWC Drawing Number 08/003-14, is presented in

Appendix 5.


Greater horseshoe bat commuting flight lines were identified circumnavigating Whitecleaves

Quarry, including the woody eastern boundary and the tracks ways, woodland and the Dean

Burn Water Course through and at the western extent of the site.

It is understood that the eastern boundary flight line will remain unaffected by the proposed

development. This boundary has previously been planted with trees and it is considered as

these trees develop this flight line will become more sheltered, in turn increasing the

permeability for greater horseshoe bats along this commuting route. Therefore no mitigation

is considered for this identified flight line.

The track way flight lines located within the western extent of the survey area will be opened

up, connecting to the adjacent quarry void and woodland clearing. This will increase the level

of exposure within these track ways, influencing the identified flight lines, potentially

reducing the suitability for greater horseshoe bats. It is considered that the situation of the

track ways, in combination with remaining surrounding vegetation will provide some shelter

although it is recommended that additional vegetation be planted to increase the level of

shelter, creating dense woodland edge habitats. It is considered that this vegetation planting

may alleviate the disturbance to this track way, allowing greater horseshoe bats to continue

the commute through the quarry, utilising the wooded edge of the former track ways and

clearing.

As these identified flight lines will be impacted upon, by an increase in their current exposure,

further bat activity monitoring may be considered to ensure that this level of mitigation is

adequate.

To avoid any further impact to these identified flight lines it is recommended that no external

lighting should illuminate any part of the identified commuting flight lines. This should be

maintained during all times of darkness throughout the year. Although bat species generally

hibernate from October to May individual bats may rouse from torpor during periods of mild

weather, moving between hibernation roosts and occasional foraging.


It is understood that re-establishment of the eastern track way boundary, to the southwest of

the central quarry void, will be undertaken following the mining/re-profiling works with

vegetation planting. This vegetation planting should consist of a hedgerow/hedgebank.

Planting should be utilised to create a broad feature, approximately 3-6m in width should be

allowed to reach an average height of around 3m. It should comprise of native, wildlife

attracting species. It is noted that the re-established track way boundary may only be

reinstated following mining works, which is estimated to take 5 years to complete. During this

period the track way flight line will incur a higher level of exposure than present.

A wetland strip is proposed to run below the steep eastern cliff face to the quarry void. It is

also proposed to incorporate a vegetation strip parallel to this wetland. It is considered that

this wetland and vegetated strip may include wildlife interest and serve as a future bat flight

corridor linking the wooded vegetation to the north and south of the quarry void, and

potentially providing additional bat foraging habitat. The wetland should incorporate a graded

edge encouraging the establishment of emergent and marginal plant species thus increasing

the potential wildlife value. Planting of the accompanying vegetation strip should incorporate

native, wildlife attracting tree and shrub species allowed to reach an average height of around

3m. It is noted that this wetland and associated planting will only be reinstated following

mining works, which is estimated to take 5 years to complete.


It will be important to maintain the connectivity of the landscape for greater horseshoe bats,

allowing their dispersal and movement between foraging habitats and roost sites such as

Potters Wood SSSI and Buckfastleigh Caves SSSI. To achieve this greater horseshoe bat

flight lines should be adequately protected or mitigated for to alleviate any impact to these

statutory designated sites. Flight lines within Whitecleaves Quarry are considered within

Section 6.2 above.

Indirect impacts to Potters Wood SSSI and Buckfastleigh Caves SSSI may result from the

blasting undertaken as part of mining operations. This potential impact would be considered

at a lesser extent with regard to Buckfastleigh Caves SSSI due to the greater distance from

Whitecleaves Quarry. It is understood that blasting operations were previously undertaken at

Whitecleaves Quarry during former commercial mining works.

Blasting operations may cause potential disturbance to roosting or hibernating bats within the

cave systems through damage to the integrity of the cave system and/or from air pressure

changes and/or vibration.

The type and level of blasting should be selected to avoid any such impact. If an impact can

not be avoided prior permission will be required from Natural England. As a precautionary

measure it may be considered suitable to avoid blasting operations during the most sensitive

periods for bats, such as maternity or deep hibernation periods, which would be May to

August and November to February respectively.


7 Recommendations


Vegetation planting should be undertaken along the perimeter of all the remaining vegetation

adjacent to the identified greater horseshoe track way flight lines, immediately following any

vegetation removal/clearance works. This planting should comprise of native shrub species,

such as hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna), blackthorn (Prunus spinosa), field maple (Acer

campestre) and hazel (Corylus avellana), sourced from local providence. These woodland

shrub species are shade tolerant and should be utilised to create dense sheltered, woodland

edge habitats.

Further bat activity monitoring should be considered to ensure that this level of mitigation is

adequate to the identified greater horseshoe bat flight lines.

New hedge planting should be utilised to re-establish the eastern boundary of the track way to

the southwest of the quarry void. This planting should create a broad feature, approximately

3-6m across and allowed to reach an average height of around 3m. It should comprise of

native, wildlife attracting species. Hedgerow trees should be planted or allowed to develop at

approximately 20m intervals along the hedgerow, which will provide further shelter in

addition to bat feeding perches. It is noted that this re-established track way boundary may

only be reinstated following mining works, which are estimated to take 5 years to complete.

The wetland strip proposed to run below the steep eastern cliff face to the quarry void should

incorporate a graded edge encouraging the establishment of emergent and marginal plant

species, and be accompanied by a 6 metre wide vegetation strip comprising of native, wildlife

attracting shrub species, allowed to reach an average height of around 3m. It is noted that this

wetland and associated planting will only be reinstated following the proposed mining works,

which are estimated to take 5 years to complete.


The type and level of blasting should be selected to avoid any impact to Potters Wood SSSI

and Buckfastleigh Caves SSSI. If an impact can not be avoided prior permission will be

required from Natural England.

As a precautionary measure, to minimise any potential impact through vibration, air pressure

changes, damage to the integrity of the cave systems, blasting operations should be avoided

during the most sensitive periods for bats, such as maternity or deep hibernation periods,

which would run from May to August and November to February respectively.


References

Bat Conservation Trust. (2007). Bat Surveys – Good Practice Guidelines. Bat Conservation

Trust, London.

Countryside & Rights of Way Act 2000. HMSO

Devon Biodiversity Action Plan. http://www.devon.gov.uk/devon_biodiversity_action_plan

English Nature. (2003). Managing Landscapes for the Greater Horseshoe Bat. English

Nature, Peterborough

English Nature. (2004). The Bat Mitigation Guidelines. English Nature, Peterborough

JNCC. (2001). Habitat Management for Bats. Joint Nature Conservation Committee,

Peterborough

Mitchell-Jones A.J. & Mcleish A.P. (2004). The Bat Workers Manual, 3rd

Edition. Joint

Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough

UK Biodiversity Action Plan. www.ukbap.org/uk

Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981, as amended HMSO


Appendices

Appendix 1: Transect Survey Map

DWC Drawing Number 08/003-01

Appendix 2: Bat Activity Survey Maps

DWC Drawing Numbers 08/003-02 - 08/003-11

Appendix 3: Greater Horseshoe Bat Activity Overview Map

DWC Drawing Numbers 08/003-12

Appendix 4: Proposed Vegetation Removal & Re-profiling Works


Appendix 5: Greater Horseshoe Bat Mitigation Plan


Appendix 6: SSSI & SAC Citations

Report 08/059a: Bat Activity Survey – Buckfast Winery, Devon 28

Appendix 1 – Bat Activity Survey Transect Map

3.

Bat Activity Survey Transect Map


Site: Whitecleaves Quarry

Drawing No: 08/003-01

Scale: DNS

Date: May 2008

Drawn by: AC

Checked by: KJ

Key

Code Feature

▬▬ Transect route

■ Listening points

This map is not definitive

N


Appendix 2 – Bat Activity Survey Maps

3.

Bat Activity Survey Map – 12th

May 2008




Scale: DNS

Date: May 2008

Drawn by: AC

Checked by: KJ

Key

Code Feature

▬▬▬ Observed common pipistrelle bat flight

▬▬▬ Observed soprano pipistrelle bat flight

▬▬▬ Observed Daubenton’s bat flight

H Bat echo-location calls detected,

with flight of bat not observed

45Pp Common pipistrelle bat

55Pp Soprano pipistrelle bat

Pp Unidentified pipistrelle species bat

M Myotis species bat

Es Serotine bat

U Unidentified bat

21:37 Time of recorded activity

NB: H indicates position of surveyor when bat echo location

calls were detected.


N

45Pp 23:38 H

21:22

21:27

21:41

21:48

23:45

H 55Pp 21:34

H Es 23:50

H 45Pp 22:09

H 45Pp 23:01

H 55Pp22:27

H Pp 23:29

H U 23:22

H Es 23:32

H Es 23:37

21:27

H M 21:38

3.

Bat Activity Survey Map – 31st May 2008




Scale: DNS

Date: May 2008

Drawn by: AC

Checked by: KJ

Key

Code Feature



▬▬▬ Observed Myotis species bat flight







Nn Noctule bat

GSH Greater horseshoe bat

U Unidentified bat





N

GHS 22:51 H

21:22

22:48

21:41

00:12

H 55Pp 22:40

H Nn 22:21

H Pp 21:58

H 45Pp 21:31

U 21:33

H U 21:38

H Pp 00:10

H Nn 23:14

45Pp 23:19

21:28

M 22:34 H M 22:37

3.


June 2008




Scale: DNS

Date: June 2008

Drawn by: AC

Checked by: KJ

Key

Code Feature

▬▬▬ Observed greater horseshoe bat flight








Nn Noctule bat


U Unidentified bat





N

GHS 21:57 H

H GHS 22:03

M & 2xGHS 21:53 H

H 45Pp 23:41

H Pp 21:34

GHS 23:27

H M & 55Pp 21:50

H U 22:35

H 45Pp 21:19 3x 45Pp & 2x 55Pp 22:11 H 3x 45Pp & 2x 55Pp 23:03

45Pp 23:43

Pp 21:28 H U & 55Pp 23:10

22:41

M 21:48 H

H Pp 21:28

55Pp & 45Pp 22:22

H M 22:29

Nn 22:30

55Pp 22:31

H U & GHS 22:50

H 55Pp & GHS 22:57

2x 45Pp 22:58

55Pp 23:00

Pp & 55Pp 23:49 H

22:06

3.

Bat Activity Survey Map – 23rd

June 2008




Scale: DNS

Date: June 2008

Drawn by: AC

Checked by: KJ

Key

Code Feature




▬▬▬ Observed unidentified bat flight








U Unidentified bat





N

H Pp 23:08

H 55Pp 23:50

H GHS 22:59

H 55Pp & Pp

22:36

H 55Pp 22:45

45Pp 22:43 U 23:20 H

M 22:19 H Pp 21:42

23:02 4x45Pp 23:23 H

H Pp 21:31

2xPp 23:41

45Pp 22:49

H 45Pp & 55Pp 22:52

M 22:55 H M & Pp 23:11

45Pp & GHS 23:38

Pp & 45Pp 23:31 H 55Pp 00:13……

21:54 & 21:55

22:01

22:10

& 22:11

45Pp 22:21 H

H 45Pp & M 22:25

H 45Pp 23:04 U 23:35 H

55Pp 00:11

45Pp 23:56 H

U 22:13

U 23:54

45Pp 23:58 H

3.


July 2008




Scale: DNS

Date: July 2008

Drawn by: AC

Checked by: KJ

Key

Code Feature





flight of bat not observed



Pp Unidentified pipistrelle bat


GHS Greater horseshoe bat

Es Serotine bat

U Unidentified bat





N

H 45Pp & 55Pp22:23

2x 55Pp 23:23 H M 23:18

H Pp 21:34

H 45Pp 22:42

45Pp & 55Pp 23:58

3x 21:57

H Es 23:13

45Pp 23:37 H

U 21:49 H

M 23:01 H

22:03

22:09

22:48

00:14

23:38

22:11 H U 22:24

3.

Bat Activity Survey Map – 21st July 2008




Scale: DNS

Date: July 2008

Drawn by: AC

Checked by: KJ

Key

Code Feature




▬▬▬ Observed long eared bat flight








U Unidentified bat





N

H 45Pp 22:04

H 2x 55Pp 22:23

H 55Pp 23:25

H M 23:51

2x 55Pp 22:49 H

GHS 22:50

55Pp 23:19 H 55Pp 22:39

45Pp & 55Pp 23:21

H U 23:17

H 2x 55Pp 22:00

23:10

H M 22:53

H 55Pp 22:58

H M 22:31

2x 45Pp & 2x 55Pp 23:28

H 55Pp 22:42 45Pp 21:31 H

U 21:29 H

55Pp 21:49 H

22:12 22:11

22:14

21:52

21:48

3x 21:48

22:14

21:52

21:52

22:36

21:42

3.


August 2008




Scale: DNS

Date: August 2008

Drawn by: AC

Checked by: KJ

Key

Code Feature





▬▬▬ Observed serotine bat flight





LE Long-eared bat species

Es Serotine bat


Nn Noctule bat

U Unidentified bat





N

H 45Pp 21:46

H 2x 55Pp 21:32

45Pp 21:32

H Es 23:25

H U 20:59

U 21:04

2x 55Pp & LE 22:38

55Pp 23:10

H Nn 22:48

H 55Pp 21:17

45Pp 22:21 H

U 23:05 H

55Pp 22:02 H

9x 21:17 21:17

2x 21:28

21:49

21:44

22:28

23:25

21:55

21:15

22:43 3x 21:21

8x 21:22

21:25

55Pp 22:24 H

55Pp 22:21 H

55Pp 23:04 H

Pp 22:59 H

45Pp 22:49 H

H 45Pp 23:14

GHS & U 23:19

GHS 23:25 H

3.


August 2008




Scale: DNS

Date: August 2008

Drawn by: AC

Checked by: KJ

Key

Code Feature











Es Serotine bat







N

H LE 21:52

H GHS, 55Pp & LE 22:08

H M 22:06

H 45Pp & M 21:20

45Pp & GHS 21:30

GHS & LE 21:57

Pp45 & Es 22:03

GHS, M & 3x LE 22:45

H 55Pp 21:26

45Pp 21:08 H

45Pp & 55Pp 21:43 H

21:24

21:37

3x 22:18

7x 20:00

20:54 20:40

20:46

21:15

21:05

22:25

20:43

55Pp & M 20:48 H M 22:16

45Pp 21:36 H

H 55Pp 20:42

2x M 20:51 H

45Pp & 55Pp21:09 H

45Pp 21:12 H

20:54

21:31

H 45Pp 22:21

3.


September 2008




Scale: DNS

Date: September 2008

Drawn by: AC

Checked by: KJ

Key

Code Feature









LHS Lesser horseshoe bat



NPp Nathusius’ pipistrelle bat








N

H NPp & 2x 55Pp 20:21

H LE 22:11

H 55Pp 20:03

45Pp 19:58 H

21:34

21:29

2x 20:04

2x 21:04

2x 22:09

19:43

20:08

U 19:43 H

H LE 20:09

H LE 21:34 45Pp 21:40 H

M 21:36 H

H LHS 22:17

H 55Pp 20:29

H 45Pp 20:31

H 45Pp & 55Pp 20:44

H Pp 20:48 H M & LE 20:56

GHS & 45Pp 21:56

H 45Pp & LE 21:07

Pp 22:05

H M 21:14

H M 21:50

H 45Pp 22:25

H LE 20:18

U 19:41 H

3.

Bat Activity Survey Map – 21st September 2008




Scale: DNS

Date: September 2008

Drawn by: AC

Checked by: KJ

Key

Code Feature







LHS Lesser horseshoe bat




BLE Brown long-eared bat

Es Serotine bat


U Unidentified bat





N

H 45Pp & U 20:43

45Pp & LE 21:20

H Es 20:26

H Pp 20:09

20:02

19:49

6x 19:42

3x 19:47

19:49

19:46

19:37

45Pp 20:57 H

H 45Pp 20:42

45Pp 21:01 H

H LHS & 2x M 19:50

19:41

13x 19:44

20:03

H Es 20:36

H Es 20:38

45Pp 20:54

H Es 20:34

H LE 20:45

H Es 20:49

45Pp 21:12 H

H GHS & 2x 45Pp 21:15

H 55Pp 21:36

H 55Pp 21:39

H 55Pp 21:41


Appendix 3 – Greater Horseshoe Bat Activity Overview Map

3.

Greater Horseshoe Bat Activity Overview Map




Scale: DNS

Date: October 2008

Drawn by: AC

Checked by: KJ

Key

Code Feature


lines

● Position of recorded greater horseshoe

bat echo-location calls

- - - - - - Likely greater horseshoe bat flight lines


N

At the southern extent of the

track way greater horseshoe

bats were predominantly

observed entering the wooded

vegetation and descending the

slope towards the Dean Burn

water course.

Greater horseshoe bats

were also recorded within

a track way leading to the

southern extent of the site.

Significant numbers of greater

horseshoe bats have been identified

entering the site at the northern

extent of a track way

Likely flight lines represent probable flight

routes linking the observed flight lines and

positions of recorded greater horseshoe bat

echo-location calls.

Four greater horseshoe bats were

identified commuting along the

eastern boundary on the 21st July

2008 survey visit. It is likely that

these individuals commuted along

the vegetation line from

Whitecleaves Wood at the northern

extent of the site.


Appendix 4 – Proposed Vegetation Removal & Re-profiling Works

3.

Proposed Vegetation Removal & Re-profiling Works




Scale: DNS

Date: October 2008

Drawn by: AC

Checked by: KJ

Key

Code Feature

▬▬▬ Areas of proposed vegetation removal

▬▬▬ Areas of proposed re-profiling


N


Appendix 5 – Greater Horseshoe Bat Mitigation Plan

3.

Greater Horseshoe Mitigation Plan




Scale: DNS

Date: October 2008

Drawn by: AC

Checked by: KJ

Key

Code Feature

▬▬▬ Recommended vegetation planting

▬▬▬ Proposed wetland


The wetland strip proposed to run below the steep

eastern cliff face to the quarry void should

incorporate a graded edge encouraging the

establishment of emergent and marginal plant

species, and be accompanied by a 6 metre wide

vegetation strip comprising of native, wildlife

attracting tree and shrub species, allowed to reach

an average height of around 3m. It is noted that

this wetland and associated planting may only be

reinstated following mining works, which is

estimated to take 5 years to complete. Vegetation planting to be undertaken

along the perimeter of all the

remaining vegetation adjacent to the

identified greater horseshoe track way

flight lines, immediately following

any vegetation removal/clearance

works. This planting should comprise

of native shrub species creating dense

sheltered, woodland edge habitats.

Further bat activity monitoring should

be considered to ensure that this level

of mitigation is adequate to the

identified greater horseshoe bat flight

lines.

6 metre vegetation planting

strip should continue linking

to Potters Wood SSSI at the

southern extent of the site.

New hedge planting should be utilised to re-establish the eastern boundary of the

track way to the southwest of the quarry void. This planting should create a broad

feature, approximately 3-6m across allowed to reach an average height of around

3m. It should comprise of native, wildlife attracting species. Hedgerow trees should

be planted or allowed to develop at approximately 20m intervals along the

hedgerow, which will provide further shelter in addition to bat feeding perches. It is

noted that this re-established track way boundary may only be reinstated following

mining works, which is estimated to take 5 years to complete.

The type and level of blasting should be selected to

minimise any impact to Potters Wood SSSI and Buckfast

Caves SSSI. As a precautionary measure, to minimise any

potential impact through vibration, air pressure changes,

damage to the integrity of the cave systems, blasting

operations should be avoided during the most sensitive

periods for bats, such as maternity or deep hibernation

periods, which would be May to August and November to

February respectively.


Appendix 6 – SSSI & SAC Citations

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