Otter and Water Vole Presence/Likely Absence Survey - Proposed Residential Development, Land north of Chamberhouse Mill Lane, Colthrop in ...
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Otter and Water Vole Presence/Likely Absence
Survey
Proposed Residential Development, Land north of
Chamberhouse Mill Lane, Colthrop in Berkshire
Report Reference: CE-CP-1478-RP07 - Draft v1i
Produced by Crestwood Environmental Ltd.
15 May 2020
Crestwood Report Reference: CE-CP-1478-RP07 - Draft v1i:
Version & Date
Written / Updated by: Checked & Authorised by:
Status Produced
Amy Berry (Assistant Ecologist) /
Draft v1i 15/11/19 Lucy Cash (Associate Director)
Jaclyn Walker (Senior Ecologist)
The information which we have prepared and provided is true, and has been prepared and provided in accordance with the Chartered
Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management’s Code of Professional Conduct. We confirm that the opinions expressed are our
true and professional bona fide opinions.
This report has been prepared in good faith, with all reasonable skill, care and diligence, based on information provided or known
available at the time of its preparation and within the scope of work agreement with the client.
We disclaim any responsibility to the client and others in respect of any matters outside the scope of the above.
The report is provided for the sole use of the named client and is confidential to them and their professional advisors unless otherwise
stated in an accompanied ‘letter of reliance’ with an official Crestwood Environmental Limited letterhead. No responsibility is accepted
to others.
Should any part of the report be altered or tampered, with in any way, after being issued to the Client then this will invalidate the
entire document.
Crestwood Environmental Ltd.
1 & 2 Nightingale Place
Pendeford Business Park
Wolverhampton
West Midlands
WV9 5HF
Tel: 01902 229 563
Email: info@crestwoodenvironmental.co.uk
Web: www.crestwoodenvironmental.co.uk
CONTENTS
1 INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................1
1.1 BACKGROUND................................................................................................................ 1
1.2 PURPOSE AND SCOPE .................................................................................................... 1
1.3 SITE DESCRIPTION .......................................................................................................... 1
2 LEGISLATION ............................................................................................................................2
2.1 PROTECTION FOR OTTER ............................................................................................... 2
2.2 PROTECTION FOR WATER VOLE .................................................................................... 2
3 METHODOLOGY .......................................................................................................................3
3.2 DESK STUDY ................................................................................................................... 3
3.4 WATER VOLE FIELD SURVEY .......................................................................................... 4
3.5 IMPACTS AND EFFECTS METHOD OF ASSESSMENT ...................................................... 4
3.6 LIMITATIONS .................................................................................................................. 5
4 RESULTS AND EVALUATION ......................................................................................................6
4.1 DESK STUDY ................................................................................................................... 6
4.2 FIELD SURVEY RESULTS .................................................................................................. 6
5 ASSESSMENTS OF IMPACTS..................................................................................................... 11
5.2 PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT LAYOUT .............................................................................. 11
5.3 POTENTIAL SOURCES OF IMPACTS ................................................................................ 11
5.4 POTENTIAL EFFECTS ....................................................................................................... 12
6 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS............................................................................... 13
6.2 RECOMMENDATIONS .................................................................................................... 13
6.3 PRECATIONARY WORKING MEASURES FOR OTTER....................................................... 13
6.4 PRECAUTIONARY WORKING MEASURES FOR WATER VOLE ......................................... 15
6.5 SENSITIVE LIGHTING SCHEME........................................................................................ 16
LIST OF APPENDICES:
APPENDIX 1 Figure E7 – Otter and Water Vole Survey Location Plan
LIST OF TABLES:
Table 1 Situation Rating Summary Definitions..............................................................................2
Table 2 Summary Table of Survey Results and Recommendations ..............................................2
Table 3 Classification of Nature of Effect & Scale of Importance .................................................5
Table 4 Summary of Impacts and Likely Effects (Pre-Mitigation) – Otter/Water Vole .................12
Table 5 Recommendations for Otter and Water Vole ..................................................................13
Otter and Water Vole Survey
Proposed Residential Development, Colthrop, Berkshire
SUMMARY
The Otter and Water Vole Presence/Likely Absence Survey ('the Survey') detailed in this report was carried out
by Crestwood Environmental Ltd. (‘Crestwood’) as requested JSA Architects (‘the Client’) to support a planning
application for residential development.
Records for Otter and Water Vole were returned as part of the desk study for the Extended Phase 1 Habitat
Survey. The River Kennet, which flows adjacent to the southern boundary of the Site, and associated riparian
habitat, is considered to be of High suitability for Otter. An Otter spraint and lying-up/couch area was recorded
at the Site during the survey.
The River Kennet and the watercourse running through the Site (RW2) are considered to be of Moderate
suitability for Water Vole.
The watercourse running though the western extent of the Site (RW1) is considered to be of Negligible
suitability for Water Vole and Low suitability for Otter.
The Kennet and Avon Canal is considered to be of Low suitability for Otter and Water Vole.
As suitable habitats for these protected species are present at the Site, recommended mitigation has been
proposed to ensure no important adverse effects are caused by the Proposed Development.
If the Proposed Development does not commence within 18 months, an update survey is recommended to be
undertaken at the Site.
The tables below outline the results of the survey, potential impacts, and any recommendations. They also assign
a level of urgency to address the overall situation arising from the results.
Table 1 Situation Rating Summary Definitions
Code Situation Rating Example Situation (as described in Table 2)
To prevent (otherwise likely) breach of legislation from current activities or to
Requires urgent attention / action
prevent delays to the planning submission or project.
Requires attention / action, but not Awareness of potential future issues / considerations such that future action
necessarily urgently will be required (e.g. pre-commencement surveys).
Currently no further urgent action No current issues, but future action may be required, e.g. survey results may
required become ‘out-of-date’.
Table 2 Summary Table of Survey Results and Recommendations
Protected Potential Implications of Situation
Survey Results Recommendation
Species Impact Rating
Otter are present at the Loss of Low suitability Mitigation Strategy.
Otter
Site. commuting habitat. To include 10m standoff from the
Water Water Vole are likely Loss of Moderate suitability River Kent and precautionary
Vole absent within the Site. foraging, breeding and working methods.
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commuting habitat
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1 INTRODUCTION
1.1 BACKGROUND
Crestwood Environmental Ltd. has been appointed by JSA Architects (‘the Client’) to undertake a
presence/likely absence survey for Otter (Lutra lutra) and Water Vole (Arvicola amphibius) on land
north of Chamberhouse Mill Lane in Colthrop, in Berkshire – centred at National Grid Reference
(NGR) SU 53397 66215 (‘the Site’).
1.2 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
The purpose of the survey, assessment and report is to provide ecological advice, specifically with
regards to Otter and Water Vole in respect of the design and construction of the Proposed
Development and to prevent a potential breach in wildlife legislation.
The scope of the survey is:
• To assess the suitability of running waterbodies at the Site for Otter and Water Vole; and
• To record the presence/likely absence of Otter and Water Vole at the Site and within 30m of
the Site (where accessible).
The description of the Site and the results of the survey relate to the findings at the time of the field
survey only; 24th June 2019 and 26th September 2019.
1.3 SITE DESCRIPTION
The Site is located on land north of Chamberhouse Mill Lane in Colthrop, Berkshire. The Site is
currently a brownfield site featuring an area of woodland and a large area of grazed fields. The Site
is bounded by the River Kennet and the Kennet and Avon Canal. The majority of surrounding land
use to the north, east and south is agriculture and residential development is located to the
northwest of the Site.
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2 LEGISLATION
2.1 PROTECTION FOR OTTER
In the UK, Otter receive legal protection under the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations
2019 (as amended) (HMSO, 2019) and the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) (HMSO,
1981). Under the Regulations it is an offence to:
• Deliberately capture or kill an Otter;
• Deliberately disturb an Otter in such a way as to be likely significant to affect:
∙ i) the ability of any significant group of Otters to survive, breed or nurture their young;
or
∙ ii) the local distribution or abundance of Otters; or
• Damage or destroy a breeding site or resting place of any Otter (this does not necessarily
need to be intentional or deliberate).
Under Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (HMSO, 1981), (which includes extended
provisions by the Countryside and Rights of Way (CRoW) Act 2000) (HMSO, 2000), it is an offence to:
• Intentionally damage, destroy or obstruct access to any place that an Otter uses for shelter
or protection; and
• Intentionally or recklessly disturb an Otter while it is occupying a structure or place that it
uses for shelter or protection.
The Otter is also listed as a Species of Principal Importance (SPI) in England under the Natural
Environment and Rural Communities (NERC) Act 2006 (HMSO, 2006).
2.2 PROTECTION FOR WATER VOLE
Water Vole are protected in England and Wales under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as
amended) (HMSO, 1981). Water Voles are listed on Schedule 5 of the Act and are protected under
Section 9 which make it an offence to:
• Intentionally kill, injure or take a Water Vole (Section 9 (1));
• Intentionally or recklessly damage or destroy a structure or place used for shelter or
protection by a Water Vole (Section 9 (4a));
• Intentionally or recklessly disturb a Water Vole while it is occupying such a place (Section 9
(4b)); or
• Intentionally or recklessly obstruct access to any structure or place a Water Vole uses for
shelter or protection (Section 9 (4c)).
There are additional offences in relation to possessing, controlling (Section 9 (2)), as well as buying
and selling (Section 9 (5)) any live or dead Water Vole or anything derived from them; however, these
are largely irrelevant in respect of the potential impacts of the Proposed Development.
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The Water Vole is also listed as a Species of Principal Importance in England under the Natural
Environment and Rural Communities (NERC) Act 2006 (HMSO, 2006).
According to the Standing Advice Species Sheet (Natural England, n.d.), there is no provision under
the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (HMSO, 1981) for issuing licences for activities which would
otherwise cause an offence under the Act (including ‘Development’). Any activities which may cause
an offence have to be covered by the defence in the Act which permits otherwise illegal actions “if
they are the incidental result of a lawful operation and could not have been avoided”.
Technical Information Note TIN042 (Natural England, 2011) states that “if Water Voles are present in
the area that consideration should be given to whether proposals can be amended in such a way that
the work does not result in an offence, i.e. does not result in disturbance to Water Voles or loss of
their burrows”. Every effort should be made to ensure that any potential impact(s) to Water Voles
can be reasonably avoided.
3 METHODOLOGY
The survey was undertaken on all running water courses within/adjacent to the Site, as well as a
distance of 30m either side of the Site boundary (where accessible). The location of these water
courses is shown in Figure E7 in Appendix E1.
The weather conditions during and prior to the surveys was considered to be suitable.
3.2 DESK STUDY
As part of the desk study carried out during the Extended Phase 1 Habitat survey, records were
requested from the local biological records centre. A summary of this information is provided where
relevant.
A search for any EPS Licences relating to Otter within 1km of the Site was undertaken (DEFRA, 2019).
3.3 OTTER FIELD SURVEY
Otter surveys can be carried out throughout the year and record field signs along rivers and streams
to determine activity levels and patterns of behaviour over a predetermined area of suitable habitat
(RSPB, 1995).
Field signs of Otter activity include footprints, spraints (Otter droppings), feeding remains, slides
(where Otters pass back and forth to the waters’ edge), lying-up areas and holts. The presence of
such signs can be used to determine Otter usage of particular stretches of a river and its tributaries.
There are a number of different resting places used by Otters. Below is a brief description of the
terminology used in this report.
Holts
Otter holts are places/structures used by Otters for shelter on a ‘permanent’ basis. Holts are covered
structures, usually a hole or burrow along the riverbank amongst riparian vegetation and the roost
system of river side trees, or behind boulders set into the bank. Usually a holt will also have other
associated Otter field signs such as footprints or an accumulation of spraint. Holts may also be
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connected to lying-up areas and have more than one entrance as with Badger setts.
Lying-up areas/couches
Lying-up areas or couches are ‘temporary’ areas used by Otters for resting, grooming or feeding
whilst on the move. Lying-up areas usually do not form a full covered structure, rather they are
partially hidden bankside shelves amongst riparian vegetation, or ‘nest-like’ structures amongst
reeds and grasses. As with holts, lying up areas usually have other field signs to demonstrate use by
Otters.
Natal Dens
Natal dens are holts which are used by Otters to give birth and rear their young, natal dens usually
have inconspicuous entrances and have little or no evidence of Otter activity around the entrance.
Natal dens can be located some distance from the watercourse, sometimes being set back in
woodland amongst log piles, tree roots, rubble or even amongst reed beds.
3.4 WATER VOLE FIELD SURVEY
The Water Vole survey was carried out in accordance with guidance in the Water Vole Conservation
Handbook (Strachan, 2016) and included searches for:
• Latrines (regularly used places where faeces are deposited, usually on ledges or prominent
mud-banks along the waters’ edge);
• Tracks/footprints and droppings (individual faeces on pathways or ledges used by the
animals);
• Feeding stations (areas where food is cut into short lengths and laid side by side on ledges
by the waters’ edge), paw-prints, nest holes, tunnels/runways and lawns; and
• Potential burrows (shelter used by Water Voles – often have an entrance below the water/at
the water’s edge as well as an additional entrance above ground).
The optimum survey period for Water Vole is between mid-April and the end of June (inclusive) and
between July and September (inclusive) (Strachan, 2016).
The survey was undertaken on two visits; 24th June 2019 and 26th September 2019. The weather
conditions were suitable at the time/prior to survey.
3.5 IMPACTS AND EFFECTS METHOD OF ASSESSMENT
To help inform the design of the Proposed Development and to inform the planning and decision
making process, an assessment of the likely impacts and effects on ecological features has been made
taking into account the following impact/effect types in line with relevant guidance (CIEEM, 2017),
(CIEEM, 2016).
A description of the criteria to assess, on a scale of Negligible to High, the degree and type of change
on ecological receptors are provided in Table 3.
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Table 3 Classification of Nature of Effect & Scale of Importance
Classification / Nature of
Summary of Effect
Scale of Importance Effect
Effects are minor such that no important negative change to the
Negative ecological receptor occurs or irreversible damage occurs to an
ecological receptor of negligible ecological importance.
Negligible Effects are either absent or such that no overall net change to the
Neutral
ecological receptor occurs.
Not
Important Effects are minor such that no important positive change to the
Positive
ecological receptor occurs.
Likely to create a small change to ecological receptors without
causing long-term or irreversible damage to the integrity / status of
Negative
an ecological receptor or causing long-term or irreversible damage
Low to an ecological receptor of low ecological importance.
Likely to create a small change to ecological receptors providing
Positive short-term minor benefits to the integrity / status of an ecological
receptor.
Likely to create a moderate change to ecological receptors,
including partial loss, medium-term or reversible damage to the
Negative integrity / status of an ecological receptor or without causing long-
Moderate term or irreversible damage to a habitat of moderate ecological
importance.
Likely to create a beneficial change on an ecological receptor,
Positive
without improving integrity / status of an ecological receptor.
Likely to create a substantial change to ecological receptors,
Important including loss, or long-term or irreversible damage on the integrity /
Negative status of a valued ecological receptor or without causing long-term
or irreversible damage to a habitat of high to very high ecological
High importance.
Likely to create a substantial beneficial change to ecological
Positive receptors, improving the integrity / status of a valued ecological
receptor.
3.6 LIMITATIONS
The watercourse running through the central extent of the Site (RW2) was densely vegetated which
prevented full access to the whole extent of the channel and banks. The channel was accessed where
possible and surveyed from the bank and was not deemed a significantly limiting factor.
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4 RESULTS AND EVALUATION
4.1 DESK STUDY
The local biological records centre (Thames Valley Environmental Records Centre, 2019) provided the
following records:
• Four Otter records within 2km of the Site. All records were dated from 2010 onwards; three
records were of Otter spraint (droppings) and one record was of an observational sighting of
two individuals. The nearest record was associated with the River Kennet located circa 80m
east of the Site; and
• 15 records of Water Vole within 2km of the Site, dated 1999 – 2017. The records included
feeding signs and latrines. The most recent record was associated with a circa 500m stretch
of the Kennet and Avon Canal.
There are no granted EPS Licenses for Otter within 1km of the Site (DEFRA, 2019).
4.2 FIELD SURVEY RESULTS
A description of the watercourses included in the survey is detailed below. Figure E7 in Appendix E1
of this report shows the locations of the two watercourses (RW1 and RW2) within the bounds of the
Site, the River Kennet, and the Kennet and Avon Canal which bound the Site to the north and south.
Running Water
Running Water 1 (RW1)
RW1 was located in the western extent of the Site (see Plate 1). The channel of RW1 was circa 1-2m
in width with a vertical concrete bank profile and no vegetation cover.
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Plate 1 Running Water 1 (RW1)
Running Water 2 (RW2)
RW2 was located centrally in the Site in an east – west direction (see Plate 2).
Plate 2 Running Water 2 (RW2)
The channel of RW2 was circa 2m in width with a gently sloping bank profile. Areas of the channel
were flowing slowly from west to east, with varied depths of circa 0.5m to circa 1m, and dry towards
the western extent. The majority of the channel was densely vegetated with species including
Common Hogweed (Heracleum sphondylium), Comfrey (Symphytum officinaleI), Yorkshire-fog
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(Holcus lanatus), Common Bent (Agrostis capillaris), Bulrush (Typha gracilis) and Common Thistle
(Cirsium vulgare). Areas of the channel were shaded with trees which contained little vegetation
underneath.
River Kennet
The River Kennet was located adjacent to the southern Site boundary (see Plate 3) and flowed from
west to east.
The channel was circa 15m wide with fast flowing water and a gently sloping bank profile. Bankside
vegetation included areas of mature woodland with branches overhanging the water transitioning
into Improved Grassland.
Plate 3 River Kennet
Kennet and Avon Canal
The Kennet and Avon Canal was located adjacent to the northern Site boundary (see Plate 4).
The channel was circa 10m wide and featured a vegetated steep sloping bank profile. The canal
featured a weir in the western extent, which resulted in fast flowing water within this area. The
channel featured slower flowing water towards the eastern extent. The bankside vegetation featured
dense Grassland and tall Ruderal vegetation.
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Plate 4 Kennet and Avon Canal
Otter
The Running Water (RW1 and RW2) within the Site boundary is considered to provide limited
opportunities for foraging Otter due to the abundant dense vegetation obscuring access to the water
in order to search for suitable prey items. The bank profiles are not considered suitable for the
construction of holts; however, the channels are considered to provide some commuting
opportunities. Therefore, it is considered RW1 and RW2 are of overall Low suitability for Otter.
The Kennet and Avon Canal located along the northern boundary of the Site offers good
opportunities for foraging and commuting/dispersal. The bankside vegetation along this stretch of
the watercourse provides only limited opportunities for holt building due to the minimal presence of
proximal/overhanging mature trees; however, some cover is present suitable for laying up/couch
areas. Therefore, it is considered the Kennet and Avon Canal is of overall Moderate suitability for
Otter.
The River Kennet located along the southern boundary of the Site is considered to provide good
opportunities for foraging, due to the presence of Fish and Amphibian prey, and acts as a wildlife
corridor providing ecological connectivity to watercourses in the local and wider areas.
There was suitable riparian habitat for Otter along the length of the River Kennet that bounds the
Site, as the Woodland/Trees provides cover and the roots of the trees provide good opportunities
for the creation of holts and couches.
The River Kennet and the associated riparian habitats provide good quality habitat and opportunities
for foraging, shelter and dispersal. Therefore, it is considered the River Kennet is of High suitability
for Otter.
An Otter spraint was recorded (see Figure E7 in Appendix E1 for location) on the bank of the River
Kennet (see Plate 5) towards the eastern extent of the Site during the survey and a lying-up
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area/couch (Plate 6) was found on the on the bank of the River Kennet towards the western extent
of the Site during the Extended Phase 1 Survey (see Figure E7 in Appendix E1 for location). The
presence of spraint and couch indicates the presence of Otter along the River Kennet.
Plate 5 Otter Spraint
Plate 6 Lying-up Area/Couch
Water Vole
No evidence of Water Vole was recorded within the Survey Area (where accessible).
RW1 contains no vegetation considered suitable for foraging Water Vole. The banks of RW1 are of
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concrete construct and therefore provide no opportunities for burrowing Water Vole. Additionally,
the banks are devoid of any ground vegetation resulting in no cover from predation. Therefore, it is
considered RW1 is of Negligible suitability for Water Vole.
RW2 supports a water depth between circa 0.5m to 1m with both aquatic and bankside vegetation
considered suitable for foraging Water Vole. The areas of less dense vegetation provide suitable areas
for burrowing Water Vole. RW2 at the Site is therefore considered to be of overall Moderate
suitability for Water Vole.
The presence of a weir in the western extent of the stretch of Kennet and Avon Canal creates fast
flowing water which is unsuitable for Water Vole. The slower flowing sections towards the central
and eastern extents, provides opportunities for commuting Water Vole, and the vegetated banks
provide good foraging and burrowing opportunities. Therefore, it is considered the Kennet and Avon
Canal is of High suitability for Water Vole.
The River Kennet contains aquatic and bankside vegetation considered suitable for foraging Water
Vole. The banks of the River Kennet are gently sloped and provide suitable opportunities for
burrowing Water Vole. Therefore, is considered the River Kennet is of Moderate suitability for Water
Vole.
5 ASSESSMENTS OF IMPACTS
The following assessment is based on the results of all surveys undertaken at the Site:
• Desk study; and
• Field Survey.
5.2 PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT LAYOUT
The following is understood to form the Proposed Development layout, as shown on Drawing
Number: PL-102:
• Loss of vegetative habitats predominantly located in the central, northern and eastern
extents of the Site;
• Modification of RW2 located centrally to the Site;
• Minimum 8m stand-off from the Kennet and Avon Canal and the River Kennet; and
• Habitat Creation to include trees/shrubs in the southern extent of the Site.
5.3 POTENTIAL SOURCES OF IMPACTS
Water Vole are considered likely absent from the Site (where accessible); however, the potential
impacts and likely effects on Water Vole as a result of the Proposed Development are discussed
below. Water Vole are a mobile species and as the Site is ecologically connected and contains habitat
of Moderate/High suitability; therefore, there is the potential for Water Vole to colonise the Site.
Additionally, the presence of dense vegetation precluded full access; therefore, there is the
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possibility that Water Vole evidence was obscured from view at the time of the survey.
Construction Impacts
The potential construction impacts on Otter and Water Vole as a result of the Proposed Development
are as follows:
• Partial loss of vegetative habitats of Moderate suitability for foraging/commuting Otter and
Water Vole;
• Modification of RW2;
• Increase in dust during construction;
• Increase in light spill on retained habitats as a result of development lighting;
• Increase in noise during construction hours; and
• Retention of suitable habitat.
Post-Construction Impacts
The potential post-construction impacts of the Proposed Development include:
• An increase in light spill on retained habitats as a result of residential lighting;
• Increase in noise; and
• Increase in human activity.
5.4 POTENTIAL EFFECTS
5.4.1 below identifies the potential impacts and likely effects on Otter and Water Vole as a result of
the Proposed Development. Scale and nature of effect are based on those descriptions set out in
Table 3.
Table 4 Summary of Impacts and Likely Effects (Pre-Mitigation) – Otter/Water Vole
Species Impacts Effects Scale of Effect Nature of Effect
Loss of Low suitability habitat for
Loss of suitable riparian Otter.
Low
habitat. Loss of Moderate suitability
habitat for Water Vole.
Otter Reduction in the use of proximal
and Increased light spill. High
habitats by Otter and Water Vole Negative
Water
Vole Potential direct
killing/injury/disturbance of Otter
Increase in human activity. High
and Water Vole using the
surrounding areas.
Reduction in water quality of on-
Increase in dust. Moderate
Site and off-Site habitats.
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Retention of suitable
Retention of suitable foraging and
habitat adjacent to River Negligible Neutral
sheltering habitat.
Kennet.
Creation of habitat in the
southern extent of the Increase in suitable shelter
Moderate Positive
Site habitat.
(trees/shrubs/grassland)
6 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
The watercourses provide suitability for Otter and Water Vole at the Site.
The results of the survey indicate that Otter is present within the Site and the Survey Area. An Otter
spraint and lying-up area/couch was found along the banks of the River Kennet and the habitat at
the Site offers opportunities for foraging, commuting and shelter and it is therefore considered to be
of High suitability for Otter.
The results of the survey indicate that Water Vole is likely absent from the Site and the Survey Area.
The habitat at the Site offers opportunities for burrowing and foraging and is therefore considered
to be of Moderate suitability.
The retention of the River Kennet and RW2 and associated riparian habitat with an appropriate stand-
off will maintain habitat for Otter and Water Vole, as well as ecological connectivity.
6.2 RECOMMENDATIONS
Recommendations for fauna at the Site are detailed in Table 5.
Table 5 Recommendations for Otter and Water Vole
Records Suitable Species
Species within Habitat Evidence in Further Survey/Mitigation Recommended
2km Present Survey Area
Otter ☒ ☒ ☒ No further surveys required.
A minimum 10m standoff from the River Kennet and Kennet
and Avon Canal for all works regarding the Proposed
Development should be implemented (Environment Agency,
2016).
Water Vole ☒ ☒ ☐
Precautionary Working Measures (see Section 6.4.1 - 6.4.6)
Implementation of a Sensitive Lighting Scheme (see Section
6.5.1 - 6.5.3).
6.3 PRECATIONARY WORKING MEASURES FOR OTTER
An Otter lying-up area/couch was recorded along the bank of the River Kennet in the western extent
of the Site. Damage or destroying a breeding or resting places, or obstructing access to a resting or
sheltering place (see Sections 2.1 - 2.1.3) would result in a breach of legislation and would require
the need for an European Protected Species (EPS) Licence.
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To prevent (an otherwise likely) breach of legislation, initial recommendations are as follows:
• A minimum 10m standoff from the River Kennet and Kennet and Avon Canal and a minimum
15m standoff from the identified lying-up area/couch;
• An update survey prior to works commencing to search for presence/evidence of Otter and
identify any further lying-up areas/couch or holts along the River Kennet and/or Kennet and
Avon Canal;
• In the event that any selective vegetation removal is required within 10m of the River Kennet
and/or Kennet and Avon Canal or within 15m of the identified laying up area/couch then
these works should be undertaken under supervision of a suitability qualified ecologist;
• Works within proximity to the riverbanks to be undertaken strictly during daylight hours only
to avoid disturbance to Otter; Otters are a crepuscular species, meaning activity peaks at
dawn and dusk;
• Works adjacent to the River Kennet should take place outside of the peak breeding season
(avoiding early March to early June); and
• Implementation of a Sensitive Lighting Scheme (see below).
Precautionary working measures should be implemented during vegetation removal to protect any
Otter potentially present at the Site during works. Vegetation removal should be undertaken under
an appropriate Method Statement and supervised by a suitably experienced ecologist.
In the event that precautionary working measures (as detailed above) are not suitable/appropriate
for the Proposed Development then an EPS Licence from Natural England will be required to be
applied for to allow the Proposed Development to proceed lawfully.
If the removal or modification of suitable habitat for Otter occurs along the River Kennet due to the
Proposed Development, the loss of suitable habitat should be compensated through the creation of
artificial holts using log piles; large logs should be used for the base which will form a series of
chambers, thinner logs can be used to roof the chambers and debris piled on top to make the
structure waterproof. Holt requirements are as follows:
• Artificial holts must have two or three entrances below, at or above water level;
• No above ground entrance should be too high above the water level; they should be circa
20cm across and flush with the bank;
• Tree cover should be present around the holt; additional planting of trees may be required;
and
• The tunnel should slope upwards from the entrance and may be curved to help exclude light.
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6.4 PRECAUTIONARY WORKING MEASURES FOR WATER VOLE
It is recommended that RW2 is retained and protected with a 7m buffer (5m where 7m is not
practical) either side of RW2 during the construction phase of the Proposed Development.
Exclusion fencing/hazard fencing should be installed along the buffers so that no vehicles enter and
cause any accidental damage and that no disturbance occurs in this area.
If the entire retention of RW2 is not possible, then the diversion of RW2, where required, should be
performed under supervision of a suitability experienced ecologist and Method Statement to ensure
best practices are followed.
Initial recommendations for the removal/modification of RW2, where required, are as follows:
• A search for the presence/evidence of Otter and Water Vole by a suitably experienced
ecologist immediately prior to works pertaining to RW2;
• Completely strip required areas of RW2 of vegetation under the supervision of an ecologist
immediately following a search for evidence;
• Vegetation removal should be undertaken in a directional manner to ‘push’ Otter and Water
Vole towards suitable habitat;
• The area should firstly be strimmed to a height of 150mm (where applicable and safe to do
so) and another search for evidence undertaken by the ecologist;
• Following the second search, vegetation should then be strimmed to ground level and
another check made by the ecologist;
• Vegetation removal should then be undertaken using a toothed bucket;
• Bare earth should be maintained along the banks to create unsuitable Water Vole habitat;
and
• Fill in RW2 with soil and make level to create unsuitable Water Vole habitat.
Precautionary working measures should be implemented during vegetation removal to protect any
Water Vole potentially present at the Site (considered unlikely) during works. Vegetation removal
should be undertaken under an appropriate Method Statement and supervised by a suitably
experienced ecologist.
Ditch diversion and vegetation removal should take place during the very early part of the breeding
season (late February to early April) as Water Vole are active but young animals are unlikely to have
been born.
Habitat management works are recommended along the retained areas of RW2; selective vegetation
clearance along the channel would benefit Water Vole by providing easier access to aquatic habitat
for predator avoidance and prevent the ditch being over-vegetated.
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6.5 SENSITIVE LIGHTING SCHEME
A sensitive lighting scheme should be implemented at the Site to prevent unnecessary light spill into
naturally dark wildlife corridors currently used by nocturnal species. The Institution of Lighting
Professional’s “Guidance Notes for the Reduction of Obtrusive Light GN01:2011” document should
be used as a design reference.
To avoid post-construction impacts from increased artificial light levels, the following guidelines
(Fure, 2006) (Jones, 2000) (Bat Conservation Trust/Institute of Lighting Engineers, 2018) can be used
to minimise adverse impacts from lighting on nocturnal wildlife, including Otter:
• Type of lamp: using low- or high-pressure sodium instead of mercury or metal halide lamps;
• Use of UV filters/glazing;
• Light levels: Within standards for safety and security, light levels should be at the minimum
required;
• Timing: Use of timers and/or movement sensors to ensure lighting is only used when
required;
• Minimising light spill by design of luminaire and use of accessories such as hoods, cowls
louvres and shields; and
• Use directional lighting to avoid illuminating important commuting corridors and foraging
habitat, as well as potential bat roost features within trees.
Of particular importance will be lighting in proximity to the River Kennet and Kennet and Avon Canal
as well as any retained habitats within the Site boundary and along the periphery of the Site
boundary, where lighting should avoid illumination of vegetative habitats.
Providing the recommendations are adhered to it is considered that there would be no important
adverse effect from the Proposed Development on Otter and Water Vole.
If protected species are found to be present within the Site during construction of the Proposed
Development, then appropriate surveys, mitigation and compensation measures should be devised
and implemented prior to any construction work taking place; including the production of European
Protected Species licences for submission to Natural England if applicable.
If the Proposed Development does not commence within 18 months of the original survey date, it is
recommended an updated survey is carried out.
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REFERENCES:
▪ Bat Conservation Trust/Institute of Lighting Engineers, 2018. Bats and Lighting in the UK – Bats and the Built
Environment Series, s.l.: s.n.
▪ CIEEM, 2016. Guidelines for Ecological Impact Assessment in the UK and Ireland: Terrestrial, Freshwater and Coastal.
2nd ed. Winchester: Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management.
▪ CIEEM, 2017. Guidelines for Preliminary Ecological Appraisal, Winchester: CIEEM.
▪ DEFRA, 2019. MAGIC MAP. [Online]
Available at: https://magic.defra.gov.uk/MagicMap.aspx
[Accessed 2019].
▪ Environment Agency, 2016. Guidance - Flood risk activities: environmental permits. [Online]
Available at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/flood-risk-activities-environmental-permits
[Accessed 12 September 2019].
▪ Fure, A., 2006. Bats and Lighting. The London Naturalist, Volume 85.
▪ HMSO, 1981. The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended). London: HMSO.
▪ HMSO, 2000. Countryside and Rights Of Way Act. s.l.:HMSO.
▪ HMSO, 2006. Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act. London: HMSO.
▪ HMSO, 2019. The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 (as amended). London: HMSO.
▪ Jones, J., 2000. Impact of Lighting on Bats, s.l.: s.n.
▪ Natural England, 2011. Water Voles and Development: Licencing Policy. [Online]
Available at: http://publications.naturalengland.org.uk/file/95002
[Accessed 14 September 2017].
▪ Natural England, n.d.. Standing Advice Species Sheet: Water vole. Peterborough: Natural England.
▪ RSPB, R. a. R., 1995. The New Rivers and Wildlife Handbook, s.l.: Aquatic Conservation.
▪ Strachan, 2016. Water Vole Mitigation Handbook, s.l.: s.n.
▪ Thames Valley Environmental Records Centre, 2019. Biological Records Report, s.l.: s.n.
APPENDICES:
Appendix E1 Figure E7 – Otter and Water Vole Survey Location Plan
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Appendix E1:
Figure E7 – Otter and Water Vole Survey Location Plan
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