University of Winchester BAP Update 2021

The University of Winchester

Sarah Jackson

November 2021

Acknowledgements

Arcadian Ecology & Consulting Ltd were contracted by Anna Wyse, The University of Winchester to deliver this work The author would like to thank Anna Wyse for arranging and allowing access to conduct the survey work.

Publication Details

This document should be cited as: Jackson, S. (2021) Biodiversity Action Plan Update 2021. The University of Winchester. Arcadian Ecology & Consulting Ltd, Curdridge.

Arcadian Ecology & Consulting Ltd is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust.

Maps reproduced under Ordnance Survey licence no. 100015632 with the permission of Her Majesty's Stationery Office, Crown Copyright 2021. Unauthorised reproduction infringes Copyright and may lead to prosecution or civil proceedings.

Front Cover: King Alfred Campus by Sarah Jackson

Published by:

Arcadian Ecology & Consulting Ltd.

Beechcroft House

Vicarage Lane

Curdridge

Hampshire

SO32 2DP

A company Ltd by guarantee & registered in England No. 10033962

All assessments and recommendations provided are based on the information available to Arcadian Ecology & Consulting Ltd (Arcadian Ecology), and Arcadian Ecology endeavours to ensure all advice is accurate and appropriate at the time of publication. However, it is the sole responsibility of the recipient to ensure that any actions they take are both legally and contractually compliant, and Arcadian Ecology does not accept responsibility or liability for any losses incurred or arising from the advice we provide

No part of this document may be reproduced without permission. Information contained in this report is intended for The University of Winchester Records of protected and notable species may be forwarded to relevant recording organisations with site names removed. All other information in this report should not be passed on to any third party without the express permission of The University of Winchester and Arcadian Ecology For information on how to obtain further copies of this document and accompanying data please contact Arcadian Ecology: arcadian@hiwwt.org.uk.

Document Control

Executive Summary

The University of Winchester commissioned Arcadian Ecology & Consulting Ltd to undertake a review of their existing Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP), and to update the plan following a biodiversity assessment of its grounds at King Alfred Campus, West Downs Campus and Bar End Sports Field.

An extended Phase 1 habitat survey was undertaken over 2 days to identify the key habitat types, the potential species they could support and to review progress towards actions in the current BAP

King Alfred Campus, West Downs and Bar End Sports Field are all primarily areas of amenity grassland, but are interspersed with habitats of higher ecological value such as wildflower meadows, hedgerows, scattered trees and ponds. Within the amenity grassland, areas have been left to grow, creating more structural diversity and wildlife interest.

The information gathered during surveys was used to create updated action tables for the individual campuses, and those to be implemented across the University.

Actions range from those maintaining or enhancing features that have already been created to benefit biodiversity such as the maintenance of hedges and in-filling of gaps; while others are new ideas or seeking opportunities to engage with students and/or the local community

By implementing the actions of the BAP the University will enhance the biodiversity of the campus as part of the University Environment Strategy and working towards a Green Flag award

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1. Background

Arcadian Ecology & Consulting Ltd (Arcadian Ecology) were appointed by The University of Winchester to undertake a review of the existing Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP), and to update the plan following a biodiversity assessment of its grounds at King Alfred Campus, West Downs Campus and Bar End Sports Field.

1.2. Site Description

The University of Winchester is situated in the heart of the city. It comprises two campuses: King Alfred Campus (SU 4714 2919) and West Downs Campus (SU 4684 2947); and the University sports field at Bar End (SU 4906 2862), and covers approximately 15.4 hectares (Map 1)

The campuses comprise a range of habitats including amenity grassland, rough grassland, wildflower meadows, formal planting, hedgerows, scattered trees, copse, ponds, buildings, hard standing and infrastructure, in an urban setting.

1.3. Remit and Scope of the Report

This report will assess the University’s progress towards the existing Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP), and its current ecological status, and make recommendations on how to improve the biodiversity of the University grounds through an updated BAP.

2. BIODIVERSITY AND LEGISLATION

There has been a notable increase in people’s engagement with the environment, recognising the immense pressure that the environment is under and the need to act before it is too late.

The State of Nature report 2013 identifies the biodiversity losses the UK has suffered, with over 60% of species having declined in the last 50 years (Burns et al. 2013). The latest State of Nature report, published in 2019, further highlights the declines in abundance with 13% of the 696 terrestrial and freshwater species within the indicator showing a significant decline since 1970, and 6% over the last 10 years; with more species having decreased (41%) than increased (26%) within the indicator since 1970, and 44% decreased and 36% increased in the last 10 years. Species distribution also decreased, by an average of 5% since 1970, and is 2% lower than 2005 (Hayhow et al. 2019)

The Aichi Biodiversity Targets were agreed by 196 countries under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) in 2010. In March 2019, JNCC on behalf of Defra, assessed the UK’s performance and found that the UK had failed to meet 14 of the 19 targets assessed (House of Commons Environmental Audit Committee 2021).

It reported that the status of habitats and species has deteriorated and there has been a continued increase in the prevalence of invasive species, as well as a continued deterioration in the fish size classes in the North Sea and status of pollinating insects. There has also been a shortfall in the funding for biodiversity by government of 29% from £641 million to £456 million between 2012/13 and 2017/18 (House of Commons Environmental Audit Committee 2021).

In 2019, the Chartered Institute of Ecologists and Environmental Managers (CIEEM) declared a climate emergency and biodiversity crisis. This was a call to action for CIEEM members, governments and society to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through nature-based solutions, as the restoration of biodiversity can potentially mitigate the effects of climate change such as carbon sequestration by peat bogs (CIEEM 2019) Winchester City Council declared a climate emergency in June 2019, announcing its commitment to the council becoming carbon neutral by 2024 and its aim for the wider district by 2030 (Winchester City Council 2019); and the University of Winchester declared a climate emergency in September 2019, pledging to be carbon neutral by 2030 and a commitment to sustainability within all aspects of the university (University of Winchester 2019)

Action is being taking at many levels, through government legislation and policy, to more local initiatives such as the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust’s Wilder 2030 strategy, an overview of some of these are detailed below.

2.1. Environment Act 2021

The Environment Act makes provision about targets, plans and policies:

• for improving the natural environment;

• for statements and reports about environmental protection;

• for the office for Environmental Protection;

• about waste and resource efficiency;

• about air quality;

• for the recall of products that fail to meet environmental standards;

• about water;

• about nature and biodiversity;

• for conservation convenants;

• about the regulation of chemicals; and

• for connected purposes

It will be key for the delivery of the government’s 25 Year Environment Plan and tackling the environmental and climate crises. It will set long-term and legally binding environmental targets (GOV.UK 2020)

2.1.1. 25 Year Environment Plan

The environment plan sets out goals for improving the environment within a generation, through improvement of air and water quality, and protection of plants, trees and wildlife.

Key areas of the plan are (including some, but not all, of the actions identified for achieving the goals):

• Clean air – including the reduction of emissions from five damaging air pollutants; and stopping the sale of conventional petrol and diesel cars and vans by 2040

• Clean and plentiful water – including a reduction in damaging abstraction from rivers and groundwater; reduction in water leakage; and minimising harmful bacteria in designated bathing waters.

• Thriving plants and wildlife – including the reserve of loss of marine biodiversity; increase in proportion of protected marine sites; restoring 75% of terrestrial and freshwater protected sites to favourable condition; creating or restoring 500,000 hectares of wildlife-rich habitat outside the protected sites network; increasing woodland in England.

• Reducing the risks of harm from environmental hazards – including making sure everyone has access to information to assess risk to lives and livelihoods from flooding and coastal erosion; and ensuring decisions on land, including development, reflect current and future flood risk

• Using resources from nature more sustainably and efficiently – including maximising the value and benefits we get from resources; improving our approach to soil management; ensuring fish stocks are recovered and maintained at levels that can produce maximum sustainable yield; and ensuring the food is produced sustainably and profitably.

• Enhancing beauty, heritage and engagement with the natural environment – including the safeguarding and enhancement of the beauty of our natural scenery; ensuring there are high quality, accessible, natural spaces close to where people live and work; and increasing action to improve the environment from all sectors of society.

• Mitigating and adapting to climate change – including the continued cutting of greenhouse gas emissions.

• Minimising waste – including working towards zero avoidable waste by 2050; eliminating avoidable plastic waste by 2042; and significantly reducing marine plastic pollution.

• Managing exposure to chemicals

• Enhancing biosecurity – including the management and reduction of the impact of existing plant and animal diseases, lowering the risk of new ones and tackling invasive, non-native species; and ensuring strong biosecurity protection at our borders.

2.1.2. Nature Recovery Network

The Nature Recovery Network (NRN) is part of the 25 year Environment Plan. The NRN will be a national network of wildlife-rich places to increase and restore nature, with Defra and Natural England leading to bring together partners, legislation and funding to create the network which will restore and enhance England’s wildlife-rich places (GOV.UK 2020)

2.1.3. Biodiversity Net Gain

A biodiversity metric has been created to use habitats to assess the wildlife value of an area. Biodiversity Net Gain is to be included in the new Environment Bill, making in a mandatory condition for planning permission. The target for net gain can vary across the country / planning authorities, but a 10% biodiversity net gain is most widely adopted (GOV.UK 2021).

2.2. Pledges and Initiatives

2.2.1. 30x30

The 30x30 commitment aims to protect 30% of land and sea around the world by 2030. It is a pledge by political leaders from 64 countries to reverse biodiversity loss. The UK government announced at the same time their commitment to protect 30% of the UK’s land for biodiversity by 2030 (GOV.UK 2021).

The Wildlife Trusts are also running a fundraising appeal ’30 by 30’ to generate funds to start the process of nature’s recovery across 30% of land and sea by 2030 (The Wildlife Trusts 2021).

2.2.2. Wilder 2030

Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust’s 10 year strategy to create a much wilder Hampshire & Isle of Wight, with nature’s recovery at the forefront of tackling the climate crisis, restoration of broken ecosystems and the return of missing wildlife; and people to benefit from a healthy natural environment (Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust 2019)

This will be achieved through two key programmes:

• Team Wilder: more people on nature’s side

1 in 4 people connecting with wildlife and taking action for nature’s recovery.

• Wilder Land & Sea: more space for nature to thrive – at least a third of land and sea to be wilder and where wildlife is recovering; pressure on nature reduced everywhere else; and nature recovering, ecosystems restored and wildlife returning.

2.2.3. Rewilding

Rewilding is the large-scale restoration of ecosystems, allowing nature to take back control and natural processes to prevail. It is a minimal intervention approach which allows the landscape to evolve and return to a more natural state. It allows ecosystems to provide natural functions for the benefit of people (ecosystem services) such as carbon sequestration, natural flood management and nitrate reduction. It also provides the opportunity to re-introduce missing species, such as beaver.

2.3. Planning & Biodiversity

Biodiversity is a key consideration in local decision making. Newly built and renovation plans for buildings within The University of Winchester should take the following into consideration.

The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) sets out the Government’s requirements for the planning system and the development of local and neighbourhood plans. It sets out the purpose of the planning system; to achieve sustainable development through 3 key areas; economic, social and environmental. The environmental strand includes the protection and enhancement of the natural environment and improving biodiversity.

The NPPF highlights key points for consideration in relation to green space and biodiversity:

- the promotion of healthy communities requiring access to high quality open spaces including the ability to designate land as Local Green Space;

- the protection of green belt land to assist in safeguarding the countryside from encroachment, prevent neighbouring towns merging, preserve the setting and character of historic towns, assist in urban regeneration and to check the unrestricted sprawl of large built-up areas; and

- conserving and enhancing the natural environment through protection of valued landscapes, recognition of the benefits of ecosystem services, minimising impacts on biodiversity and providing net gains where possible.

The section on conserving and enhancing the natural environment was updated in July 2021 The key addition relevant to the University of Winchester is in paragraph 175, part D, which in addition to the supporting of developments whose primary objective is to conserve or enhance biodiversity which was already present in the NPPF, has added that “opportunities to improve biodiversity in and around developments should be integrated as part of their design, especially where this can secure measurable net gains for biodiversity or enhance public access to nature where this is appropriate.” (Freeths 2021)

Hampshire Ecological Network Map has been completed under the requirement of the National Planning Policy Framework for all local planning authorities to map and consider ecological networks within their plans, policies and procedures. The mapping identifies core statutory sites (broadly those with international or national levels of designation), core non-statutory (namely locally designated sites and priority habitats) and network opportunity sites (those with potential to be enhanced for the benefit of wildlife) It aims to improve and extend existing wildlife sites, improve habitat connectivity, create new sites and reduce pressure on wildlife through improvement of the wider environment (HBIC 2020)

2.3.1. Building with Nature

Building with Nature is a set of standards, supported by best practice guidance, that enables planners and developers to deliver high-quality green infrastructure. The standards provide an evidencebased, how-to, guide on delivering high-quality green infrastructure.

2.4. Legal context for Protection of Biodiversity

2.4.1. The Conservation of Habitats and Species (Amendment)(EU Exit) Regulations 2019

This regulations state that:

“Where impacts cannot be avoided or satisfactorily reduced/mitigated, the competent authority will need to ascertain that the plan or project will not have a negative impact on the designated site populations, which would otherwise constitute an adverse effect on the integrity of the international site as a whole. “

The University of Winchester has one site designated for its international and European conservation importance less than 500 metres from Bar End Sports Field and under 1km from King Alfred campus, the River Itchen SAC.

European designated sites are the Special Areas of Conservation (SAC), Special Protection areas (SPA) and Ramsar sites (areas of international wetland importance), designated before 31 December 2020, collectively known as the National Site Network. These designations all have implications for local decision making and special care must be taken to ensure decisions and plans do not adversely impact on these sites, the species or features for which they have been designated.

The ecological and chemical quality for the River Itchen has been assessed as part of on-going monitoring linked to the water framework directive The most recent data available is for 2019, which classified the river overall as moderate, being good for ecological elements but failing on chemical, due to presence of priority hazardous substances (EA 2021)

The Natural Environment and Rural Communities (NERC) Act 2006 requires every local authority to have regard to conserving biodiversity in the execution of their functions. Section 41 of the act lists 65 priority habitats and 1150 priority species, all of which are identified on the ‘UK Post-2010 Biodiversity Framework’ which succeeded the UK Biodiversity Action Plan, which should be taken into consideration by local authorities when implementing their duty under the NERC Act.

3. REVIEW OF PROGRESS

The University of Winchester Biodiversity Action Plan was written in 2012, with a review and update in 2021. The following sections detail the progress towards the actions following meetings and a site visit in June 2021, with the progress from 2016 also included for reference (grey boxes indicate it was new action in 2016).

3.1. King Alfred Campus

Maintain green roofs

Maintain wildflower areas

Develop suitable sustainable watering regime

Appropriate management of wildflower areas by Stripe, KKB and Holm lodge

Retain longer grass in front of St Elizabeth’s Hall to protect White Helleborine

Enhance green wall Plant in spaces on green wall

Productive green roof providing additional space for wildlife

Productive wildflower areas

Food source and shelter for invertebrates

Protection of native species

Opportunity for other dormant species in seed bank to grow

Food source and shelter for invertebrates and birds

Complete. Some additional planting may be required to fill in gaps

Green roof was flourishing at time of survey

Flower rich areas present with lots of invertebrates observed

Mowing regime has been relaxed, allowing grass and herbs to grow

Creation of sensory garden at Queens Road halls

Doing well, but still some gaps

Good coverage over wall

Student and staff engagement

Create practical task list for EnvSoc/staff

Food source for invertebrates especially bees and butterflies

Area for students to relax and engage with nature

Increased engagement and sense of ownership of green spaces on university campus

Rolling programme of tasks for EnvSoc

Action has not been progressed as no suitable areas. Medecroft as alternative

EnvSoc no longer exists but possibility to engage with Sustainability Society

Create native chalk grassland

On steep slopes create areas of chalk grassland

Native habitat in-keeping with local area

No progress Potential site south of Alwyn Hall has been identified

Reduction of mowing and less students on site has resulted in species naturally occurring, including a number of orchids

Provision of continual food sources for wildlife

Appropriate species planting to habitats and landscape

Connected habitats to aid movement of wildlife through the landscape

Mixed planting and relaxed mowing regime benefitting a range of species. When doing replacement planting will take opportunity to include different, appropriate species.

New planting of trees and shrub species, and removal of some saplings.

Monitoring

of bat boxes Increased

Wildlife sensitive lighting Bats not dissuaded from using areas due to lighting regime

Hedgehogs able to move around the landscape

Hooded/cowled lighting installed

Create holes in fence along southern boundary of site for hedgehogs

Part of a national scheme ‘Hedgehog Street’ www.hedgehogstreet.org

Opportunity for engagement with neighbours and local community

Holes present along fence line. Hedgehogs using copse on KAC. Hedgehog initiative, including surveys by staff and students. Silver Award for hedgehog friendly campus from the British Hedgehog Preservation Society and currently working towards gold award

Retain and protect space for wildlife

Develop ecotones along parts of the hedge lines in The Dytche

Increased cover for invertebrates and small mammals

Food source for invertebrates, birds and small mammals

Areas left longer creating a transition between the short grass and hedges

Increased standing dead wood on campus

Retain and protect current swift nest holes in Main Building

Ensure building works and routine maintenance do not block holes or disturb birds during breeding season (April-August)

Identify new areas with potential to support nests for swifts (and other species)

Liaise with Estates Projects Team and Maintenance Team

Retention of trees as habitat for invertebrates, birds and bats

Identified as and when appropriate

Holes retained as usable nest sites

Habitat provision for breeding swifts

Limited knowledge of existing BAP within university.

Will arrange talks with grounds and maintenance teams on completion of BAP 2021 review and update.

Maintain wildlife ponds

Regular and appropriate maintenance of ponds and surrounding vegetation

Increased habitat for amphibians, reptiles, dragonflies and damselflies

Some evidence of pond drying due to encroachment of surrounding vegetation and choking with duckweed

3.2. West Downs Campus

Inclusion of wildlife features on new building (WD1)

Wildlife / biodiversity enhancements included on new building

Compensation for habitats lost to development footprint

Increased space for wildlife

Features for bats and swifts included in design of new building

Develop understorey amongst boundary trees

Appropriate management of limited green spaces

Prune trees to allow more light to reach ground and understorey to develop

Increased diversity of habitats

Not really managed except when requested by neighbours

Only grass and nettles currently present

Planting still ad hoc in cosmic garden. Need co-ordinated approach with all interested parties

Boundary only cut once a year which has benefitted species such as hedgehog and slow worms

Maintain butterfly garden

Coherent approach to management of cosmic garden

Wildlife friendly area meeting all the demands of interested parties

Suggestion of bog garden for 2017

Plans for planting need to fit with research project (through time)

Planting still ad hoc in cosmic garden. Need co-ordinated approach with all interested parties

Appropriate management of butterfly garden

Productive wildflower areas

Food source and shelter for invertebrates

Established butterfly garden attracting bees and butterflies

Stag beetle piles in butterfly garden

Flower rich butterfly garden supporting lots of invertebrates.

More planting to occur this autumn to extend flowering period.

Provision of more space for wildlife

Monitoring of bat boxes

Not occurred

Remove non-native species

Creation of a wildlife pond

Create holes in fence along northern boundary of site for hedgehogs

Hedgehogs able to move around the landscape

Part of a national scheme ‘Hedgehog Street’ www.hedgehogstreet.org

Opportunity for engagement with neighbours and local community

Gaps present under fence, but no specific holes located

Increased standing dead wood on campus

Retention of trees as habitat for invertebrates, birds and bats

Standing dead wood left as and when opportunities arise

Reduce mowing regime behind hedge on eastern boundary

Remove pampas and bamboo from cosmic garden

Create wildlife pond in cosmic garden

Increased cover for invertebrates and small mammals

Food source for invertebrates, birds and small mammals

Invasive, non-native species removed from site

Increased habitat for amphibians, reptiles, dragonflies and damselflies

Area has been left to grow

Still present (bamboo)

Pond created in cosmic garden

3.3. Bar End Sports Field

Maintain ephemeral pools

Maintain pools to allow smaller, pioneer species to grow

Installation of bat boxes on trees

Installation of swift box

Variety of habitat types for a range of invertebrates

Mowing to retain short and long areas of vegetation

Increased roosting provision for bats No bat boxes present

Increased nesting provision for swifts

Mowing to retain short and long areas of vegetation

Provision of more space for wildlife

Develop ecotones along northern boundary

Increased cover for invertebrates and small mammals

Food source for invertebrates, birds and small mammals

More areas of long grass present. Still short to base of hedge around car park.

3.4. Campus Wide Actions

Increased engagement and sense of ownership of green spaces on university campus

Student and staff engagement

Develop EnvSoc survey skills to monitor campus

Rolling programme of tasks and skill development opportunities for EnvSoc

Records contributing to local and national databases

Reduced risk of committing an offence

Not progressed at EnvSoc no longer present but to be taken forwards as Sustainability Society

Create ecotones

Provision of food sources for wildlife

Engage with estates and maintenance team to make them aware of biodiversity and legislation relevant to campus

Put out camera traps around campus and post footage on university website

All staff working on grounds aware of potential species issues

Biodiversity protected on campus

Insight into natural world, foster appreciation of biodiversity actions

No formal training has been given, but general awareness by some team members and toolbox talk to be arranged

Hedgehog surveys have been undertaken, including use of camera trapping

Reduce management around hedge bases to soften edges and vary structure

Increased cover for invertebrates and small mammals

Food source for invertebrates, birds and small mammals

Mowing has been reduced across the campus creating more varied structure and connectivity

Appropriate species planting to habitats and landscape

Bat friendly species planting

Connected habitats to aid movement of wildlife through the landscape

Increased food sources for night flying insects

Range of species planting and natural colonisation has occurred on campus

Species including star jasmine and longer grassland supporting invertebrate prey

Inclusion of wildlife features on new buildings

Wildlife / biodiversity enhancements included on new buildings

Compensation for habitats lost to development footprint

Increased space for wildlife

Features included on new West Downs building

Valuing biodiversity

Undertake an ecosystem services assessment of the campus

Provides ‘value’ to the campus

Opportunity to engage with whole university

Not occurred

4. CURRENT STATUS OF BIODIVERSITY

The current status of biodiversity at The University of Winchester has been assessed by undertaking a botanical survey, to establish the habitats and likely species present on the site.

Whilst this method will not capture everything present, it will give an indication of the current biodiversity interest of the University, and highlight areas for improvement for inclusion in the action plan.

4.1. Methodology

An extended Phase 1 habitat survey was conducted on 29th and 30th June 2021 by Sarah Jackson (MCIEEM) of Arcadian Ecology & Consulting Ltd.

The Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) methodology for Phase 1 habitat survey was followed (Joint Nature Conservation Committee, 2010). A walkover survey of the site was undertaken, with areas classified and mapped using a standard set of colours on a Phase 1 Habitat Map to indicate the habitat types present. For each different habitat type a species list was compiled, with particular reference to protected, notable or BAP species; this list will not give every species found on the site, but will give a representation of the diversity, significance, and dominance of plant species found within each habitat type. The location of descriptions relating to specific areas and features of interest or note were annotated on the Phase 1 Habitat Map using Target Notes.

Plant nomenclature in this report follows Rose (1989; 2006) for native and naturalised species of vascular plant. Plant names in the text are given with the common names first, followed by the scientific name in italics. Where there is a degree of doubt in the identification of a plant, ‘cf.’ precedes the specific epithet to signify the plant is very probably the species indicated, but it was not possible to distinguish it from similar members of the genus with certainty.

4.1.1. Constraints to Survey

There is extensive ornamental / garden planting on site, these species have not been identified due to the many variants.

Some areas are very short mown, species identification was undertaken, but it was not possible to identify all species due to only small fragments of plants being visible.

Species that readily hybridise, such as lime and willow, have only been identified to genus level.

4.2. Results Habitats

There are a range of habitats present at The University of Winchester. The most dominant habitats, amenity grassland and buildings/hard standing, are of limited ecological value, however the areas of wildflowers, hedgerows, ponds and trees create diversity on the campus enable it to support a range of species. Within the areas of amenity grassland, some areas have been left to grow, providing more structural diversity and allowing herbs to flower amongst the grasses, increasing their ecological value. Areas of wildflower planting are also present on King Alfred Campus, such as the banks by The Dytche and around the ponds, and the butterfly garden at West Down, with a notable abundance of invertebrate species present in these areas.

Protected and Notable Species

No protected or notable species were recorded during the Phase 1 habitat survey. However, based on the habitat types and features identified at the site, it is considered that the site has the potential to support common amphibians, common bat species, small mammals, birds, including swifts, and common and widespread invertebrates, with opportunities for badgers and widespread reptiles.

Biodiversity Action Plan Update 2021: The University of Winchester

A number of invertebrates were observed or heard during the survey including marbled white and meadow brown butterflies, white ermine moth, burnet moth, red-tailed bumblebee, white-tailed bumblebee, hoverflies and grasshoppers.

A roe deer and fawn were also seen towards the Queen’s Road halls on King Alfred Campus.

Conclusion

The University of Winchester campuses have a range of habitats, with linked areas of green space within the campus and to the wider landscape offering opportunities for species to move around the landscape. Whilst many of the high ecological value habitats are not extensive, they offer important space for foraging and shelter, particularly for invertebrates, which in turn provides a food source for bats and birds known to be on site.

Further enhancements to the campuses could be made, with more detail included in the biodiversity action tables.

A species list created during site visits conducted in June 2021 is provided in Appendix 1

5. ACTION TABLE

Based on the results of the extended Phase 1 survey and discussion with university staff, suitable actions have been developed that will improve the biodiversity interest of The University of Winchester campus. Actions are focussed on providing a connected space for wildlife at the University in a local context.

Some of the actions listed are already underway; others are potential projects, while others are aspirational, they represent ideal actions given sufficient resources and time. The actions listed represent the current priorities. Priorities will, however, change for many reasons, hence the need for regular review of this BAP.

The action tables have been divided into those for King Alfred Campus, West Downs Campus, Bar End Sports Fields and Wider Campus, for those actions that are not location specific.

Each action table is divided into 5 main columns; Objective, Action, Outcome, Targets and Reporting Method. Objectives are the overall aim of undertaking the action, actions are the key activities that need to be undertaken, outcomes are the benefits to biodiversity that will be achieved, the targets are the steps that need to be fulfilled by the end of the stated years, and the reporting method identifies how progress towards the final objective is going to be monitored. Some targets also include management suggestions on how best to achieve the target, these should be incorporated into the estates management plans for the sites.

5.1. King Alfred Campus: Action Table and Map

Maintain green roofs Maintain suitable sustainable watering and management regime

Maintain wildflower areas

Appropriate management of wildflower areas by Stripe, KKB and Holm lodge

Productive green roof

Flourishing, selfsustaining green roofs

Annual biodiversity check

Productive wildflower areas

Food source and shelter for invertebrates

Areas retained for over-wintering invertebrates and seed source for birds

Areas retained for over-wintering invertebrates and seed source for birds

Areas retained for over-wintering invertebrates and seed source for birds

Continue to maintain longer grass in front of St Elizabeth’s Hall to protect white Helleborine and on slopes

Protection of native species

Opportunity for other dormant species in seed bank to grow

Management: Cut each autumn, but retaining an area of approximately 25% uncut

Reduce mowing frequency with no mowing around area of White Helleborine during growth and flowering period

(Approximately April to June but look for stems appearing)

Do not mow area until White Helleborine has set seed

Management: Cut each autumn, but retaining an area of approximately 25% uncut

Reduce mowing frequency with no mowing around area of White Helleborine during growth and flowering period (Approximately April to June but look for stems appearing)

Do not mow area until White Helleborine has set seed

Management: Cut each autumn, but retaining an area of approximately 25% uncut

Reduce mowing frequency with no mowing around area of White Helleborine during growth and flowering period (Approximately April to June but look for stems appearing)

Do not mow area until White Helleborine has set seed

Annual biodiversity check Butterfly and bumblebee survey

Annual biodiversity check

Monitor bamboo at base of green wall

Student and staff engagement

Ensure non-native species doesn’t become dominate

Area not dominated by one species of low ecological value

Create practical task list for students/staff Increased engagement and sense of ownership of green spaces on university campus

Link with Sustainability Society

Clear dominant ground flora in copse Management: Clear sycamore saplings and some ivy to allow woodland flora to develop in copse area

Species diverse green wall Annual biodiversity check

Wildlife pond maintenance

Management: Clearing vegetation in ponds in autumn (max of a quarter to a third at a time) and leave material on bank for at least 24 hours so any wildlife in removed material can get back in to pond if required. Every 1 to 2 years.

University Internet / social media page

Hold a Biodiversity Week Opportunity for staff and students to get involved with surveying on site

Hold a biodiversity week with opportunities to join bat walk, moth trapping surveys and hedgehog surveys

University Internet / social media page Greenhouse for students Increased engagement and sense of ownership

Sustainable food production

Install greenhouse to encourage students to ‘grow their own’

Students to look for grant opportunities to fund purchase

Annual biodiversity check

Provision of continual food sources for wildlife

Appropriate species planting to habitats and landscape

Connected habitats to aid movement of wildlife through the landscape

Encourage growth of native woodland flora in copse to provide Spring flowering species.

Management: Remove pines and sycamore saplings, coppice hazel and remove dead limbs to encourage growth of ground flora, allowing more light to ground. Use cut material for log pile within copse.

Management: If native species of ground flora not present, plant with locally sourced species such as bluebell, wood anemone, primrose, and snowdrop

Annual biodiversity check

Provision of more space for wildlife

Monitoring and installation of bat boxes

Increased roosting provision for bats Check boxes and if not being used, site in a different location

Wildlife sensitive lighting Bats not dissuaded from using areas due to lighting regime

Install bat box with camera Bat box check

Check for spill from lighting along southern boundary of campus, and install cowls/hoods to direct light down if necessary so dark areas for foraging and commuting bats

Annual biodiversity check

Retention/maintenance of holes fence along southern boundary of site for hedgehogs

Hedgehogs able to move around the landscape Hedgehog friendly campus

Opportunity for engagement with neighbours and local community

Retain/maintain holes in boundary fences, particularly if fences are repaired / replaced

Retain/maintain holes in boundary fences, particularly if fences are repaired / replaced

Retain/maintain holes in boundary fences, particularly if fences are repaired / replaced

Annual biodiversity check

Shade tolerant / woodland planting at Holm Lodge

Shelter and food source for invertebrates

Plant under trees and by wall to entrance of Holm Lodge where it is currently heavily shaded bare ground

Planters on roof of terrace with herbs, salad and vegetables as part of ‘Edible Winchester’

Link with local initiative ‘Incredible Edible Winchester’ https://www.winacc.org.uk/aboutus/action-groups/incredibleedible/

Example of sustainable, seasonal food production for staff, students and local community

Install and plant up planters (based on load bearing restrictions). Encourage staff and/or students to take on maintenance and using items grown (as per allotments at Holm Lodge)

Install bird drinker/bath

More native climbers on walls around Queen’s Road Halls

Increased pollen and nectar sources for invertebrates

Plant native species of climber in any gaps on walls of terrace between buildings

Annual Biodiversity Check

Annual biodiversity check

Annual biodiversity check

Maintain ecotones along parts of the hedge lines in The Dytche

Increased cover for invertebrates and small mammals

Food source for invertebrates, birds and small mammals

Continue reduced mowing frequency along select parts of the hedge to develop gradient in vegetation from hedge into tall ruderals, herbs, long grass and amenity grassland.

Consider planting of small shrubs or tall wildflowers to create a more diverse species and structure within ecotone

Annual biodiversity check

Increased native species within boundary of Medecroft

Increased cover, food and nesting opportunities for birds, invertebrates, bats and small mammals

Any new or replacement planting using native fruit, seed and nut producing species Include sensory planting within and around new allotments

Increased standing dead wood on campus

Retention of trees as habitat for invertebrates, birds and bats

Any trees identified as hazardous retained as monoliths if safe to do so

Management: Additional holes drilled to create cavities and stimulate rotting

Annual biodiversity check

Annual biodiversity check

Retain and protect space for wildlife

Retain and protect current swift nest holes in Main Building

Ensure building works and routine maintenance do not block holes or disturb birds during breeding season (April-August)

Identify new areas with potential to support nests for swifts (and other species)

Liaise with Estates Projects Team and Maintenance Team

Holes retained as usable nest sites

Habitat provision for breeding swifts

Active swift nest site(s) identified

Link with Swift Society to check boxes

Estates Projects Team and Maintenance Team up-to-date on location of nest site(s) and restrictions to works

Estates Projects Team and Maintenance Team up-to-date on location of nest site(s) and restrictions to works

Estates Projects Team and Maintenance Team up-to-date on location of nest site(s) and restrictions to works

Estates Projects Team and Maintenance Team work plans

Maintain wildlife ponds Regular and appropriate maintenance of ponds and surrounding vegetation Include wildlife ramps where required

Increased habitat for amphibians, reptiles, dragonflies and damselflies

Pond with range of invertebrates & established vegetation. Install wildlife ramp or stepping stones where required

Management: Pond vegetation should be thinned or seed heads cut before ripening to prevent one species becoming dominate. Never remove all plants at the same time (including vegetation surrounding the ponds) to ensure some cover is always present for wildlife.

Maintain insect hotel by pond on main campus –replace with new woody material

Pond with a diversity of species including invertebrates, amphibians & plants.

Annual biodiversity check

5.2. West Downs Campus: Action Table and Map

OBJECTIVE ACTION

Maintain understorey amongst boundary trees

OUTCOME

Prune trees to allow more light to reach ground and understorey to develop. Reduce management frequency.

1- 2

Increased diversity of habitats Trees pruned to create some lighter areas

TARGET (YEARS)

3 – 5

Understorey developing. Planting may be required if not occurring naturally e.g. honeysuckle, holly, hazel

6 – 10

REPORTING

METHOD

‘Layers’ within woodland Annual biodiversity check

Appropriate management of limited green spaces

Coherent approach to management of cosmic garden

Maintain butterfly garden Appropriate management of butterfly garden

Wildlife friendly area meeting all the demands of interested parties

Productive wildflower areas

Food source and shelter for invertebrates

Meeting to discuss “vision” for area

Area meeting targets for all interested parties

Annual biodiversity check

Areas retained for over-wintering invertebrates and seed source for birds

Increase species diversity to extend flowering season

Management: Cut each autumn, but retaining an area of approximately 25% uncut

Provision of more space for wildlife

Monitoring of bat boxes

Increased roosting provision for bats

Check bat boxes and move to new location if not being used

Annual biodiversity check Butterfly and bumblebee survey

Bat box check

Increased standing dead wood on campus

Retention of trees as habitat for invertebrates, birds and bats

Any trees identified as hazardous retained as monoliths if safe to do so

Re-use cut material to create partially buried habitat piles in semishaded areas

Management: Additional holes drilled to create cavities and stimulate rotting

Annual biodiversity check

Continue reduced mowing regime behind hedge on eastern boundary

Increased cover for invertebrates and small mammals

Food source for invertebrates, birds and small mammals

Continue reduced mowing frequency behind hedge on eastern boundary

Continue reduced mowing frequency behind hedge on eastern boundary

Continue reduced mowing frequency behind hedge on eastern boundary

Annual biodiversity check

Monitor non-native species Monitor to ensure pampas and bamboo does not spread in cosmic garden

Invasive, non-native species controlled Monitor extent of pampas and bamboo, and manage if spreading

Annual biodiversity check

Maintenance of wildlife pond Maintain wildlife pond in cosmic garden

Increased habitat for amphibians, reptiles, dragonflies and damselflies

Pond with range of invertebrates & established vegetation.

Pond with a diversity of species including invertebrates, amphibians & plants.

Annual biodiversity check

Management: Pond vegetation should be thinned or seed heads cut before ripening to prevent one species becoming dominate. Never remove all plants at the same time to ensure some cover is always present for wildlife.

Management: Pond with a diversity of species including invertebrates, amphibians & plants.

5.3. Bar End Sports Field: Action Table and Map

OBJECTIVE ACTION

Maintain ephemeral pools

Maintain pools to allow smaller, pioneer species to grow

OUTCOME

Variety of habitat types for a range of invertebrates

1- 2

Continue to manage ephemeral pools, including short mown areas for pioneer species in base of pool.

Manage through scything or mowing.

TARGET (YEARS) REPORTING

3 – 5

Continue to manage ephemeral pools, including short mown areas for pioneer species in base of pool

6 – 10

Continue to manage ephemeral pools, including short mown areas for pioneer species in base of pool

METHOD

Annual biodiversity check

Provision of more space for wildlife

Installation of bat boxes on trees Increased roosting provision for bats

Engagement with Allotment Society to make boxes

Installation of swift boxes Increased nesting provision for swifts

Engagement with Allotment Society to make boxes

Staff and student engagement through camera footage

Install beehives Sustainable food production

Opportunity for community engagement – demonstration of utilising any green space

Erection of at least 2 bat boxes on trees on southern boundary

If bat boxes not being used by year 5, site in a different location

Bat box check

Erection of swift box on building, possibly install one with camera and have live feed to university webpage / social media

Install beehives by ephemeral pools

Engage with Winchester Bee Keeping Society

Bird box check University social media

Honey production

Continue reduced cutting frequency of northern hedge

Food source for invertebrates, birds and small mammals

Allow top of hedge to grow Annual biodiversity check

Increase species diversity in long grass

More flowering plants and extended season providing pollen and nectar sources for invertebrates

Planting to increase species diversity in areas of long grass

Annual biodiversity check

Develop ecotones along northern boundary

Increased cover for invertebrates and small mammals

Food source for invertebrates, birds and small mammals

Retain strip of longer vegetation against base of hedge

Annual biodiversity check

5.4. Wider Campus: Action Table

Student and staff engagement Develop student / staff survey skills to monitor campus

Increased engagement and sense of ownership of green spaces on university campus

Rolling programme of tasks and skill development opportunities Records contributing to local and national databases

1- 2

Training in species surveys e.g. butterflies, bumblebees and small mammal trapping

Join in national monitoring schemes e.g. swift monitoring survey

Use ‘iRecord’ to record species on campus and contribute to county records

TARGET (YEARS)

3 – 5

Hold fundraising event to buy own kit e.g. pond dipping nets, camera traps and longworth traps for small mammal trapping

6 – 10

Hold BioBlitz to engage with local community and utilize survey skills

REPORTING

METHOD

Results sent to local records centre Report findings on University webpage / social media

Take part in local and national schemes e.g. No

Mow May, Hedgehog Friendly Campus Award, 30 Days Wild

Encourage staff and students to take action for wildlife, which also has a health and wellbeing benefit

Achieve gold award for hedgehog friendly campus

Identify areas to not mow in May such as bottom of Queens Road

Promote and report achievement on university webpage / social media

Engage with estates and maintenance team to make them aware of biodiversity and legislation relevant to campus

Reduced risk of committing an offence

All staff working on grounds aware of potential species issues

Biodiversity protected on campus

Talk for existing estates team staff on biodiversity & legislation. Refer to WCC planning biodiversity checklist (Appendix 2) and species specific recommendations (Appendix 3)

Include biodiversity and legislation in induction for all new estates / /maintenance team staff.

Develop reference document for estate and maintenance team including species, surveys, timing of works etc

Inclusion in induction process

Reference document produced

Put out camera traps around campus and post footage on university website

Create ecotones Reduce management around hedge bases to soften edges and vary structure

Insight into natural world, foster appreciation of biodiversity actions

Increased cover for invertebrates and small mammals

Food source for invertebrates, birds and small mammals

Space for wildlife Continue reduced mowing frequency Increased cover for invertebrates and small mammals

Food source for invertebrates, birds and small mammals

Use camera traps to monitor actions e.g. holes in fences for hedgehogs and share footage online

Reduce mowing frequency along hedges to develop gradient in vegetation from shrubs to tall ruderals, herbs, long grass and amenity grassland

Continue to leave areas of long grass, such as slopes.

Take part in ‘No Mow May’ across the site

Reduce mowing frequency along hedges to develop gradient in vegetation from shrubs to tall ruderals, herbs, long grass and amenity grassland

Continue to leave areas of long grass, such as slopes.

Take part in ‘No Mow May’ across the site

Reduce mowing frequency along hedges to develop gradient in vegetation from shrubs to tall ruderals, herbs, long grass and amenity grassland

Continue to leave areas of long grass, such as slopes.

Take part in ‘No Mow May’ across the site

University webpage / social media

Annual biodiversity check

Annual biodiversity check

Provision of food sources for wildlife

Hedgerow management for wildlife

Food source for invertebrates, birds and small mammals

Nesting for birds

Leave hedges (where possible) to be cut after nesting season and fruiting. Ideally some should be left until January.

Leave hedges (where possible) to be cut after nesting season and fruiting. Ideally some should be left until January.

Leave hedges (where possible) to be cut after nesting season and fruiting. Ideally some should be left until January.

Annual biodiversity check

Inclusion of wildlife features on new buildings

Appropriate species planting to habitats and landscape

Connected habitats to aid movement of wildlife through the landscape

Only use locally sourced, native species for new and replacement planting

Choose range of species to maximise flowering season.

Only use locally sourced, native species for new and replacement planting

Choose range of species to maximise flowering season.

Only use locally sourced, native species for new and replacement planting

Choose range of species to maximise flowering season.

Annual biodiversity check Bat friendly species planting

Increased food sources for night flying insects

Plant species that provide food sources for night flying insects in wildflower areas.

Wildlife / biodiversity enhancements included on new buildings

Compensation for habitats lost to development footprint.

10% Biodiversity Net Gain mandatory within Environment Act 2021.

Increased space for wildlife

New buildings should include features to compensate for the habitats lost as a minimum, with further enhancements included where possible Seek opportunities for enhancement / inclusion of wildlife features when works undertaken on existing buildings.

New buildings should include features to compensate for the habitats lost as a minimum, with further enhancements included where possible

Seek opportunities for enhancement / inclusion of wildlife features when works undertaken on existing buildings.

New buildings should include features to compensate for the habitats lost as a minimum, with further enhancements included where possible

Seek opportunities for enhancement / inclusion of wildlife features when works undertaken on existing buildings.

Annual biodiversity check Bat Transect Survey

Annual biodiversity check

Valuing biodiversity

Undertake an ecosystem services assessment of the campus

Provides ‘value’ to the campus

Opportunity to engage with whole university

Student project or Student Union lead project to assess campus ecosystem services

Ecosystem service report

6. REFERENCES

• Building with Nature

https://www.buildingwithnature.org.uk/

• Burns, F., Eaton, M.A., Gregory, R.D. et al. (2013). State of Nature report. The State of Nature Partnership http://www.rspb.org.uk/Images/stateofnature_tcm9-345839.pdf

• CIEEM (2019). https://cieem.net/cieem-declares-climate-emergency-and-biodiversity-crisis/

• CIEEM. (2013). Code of Professional Conduct. CIEEM.

• Department for Communities and Local Government (2012). National Planning Policy Framework

• Environment Agency (2021) Catchment Data Explorer

https://environment.data.gov.uk/catchment-planning/WaterBody/GB107042022580 [accessed 11th August 2021]

• Freeths (2021). https://www.freeths.co.uk/2021/07/23/changes-to-the-natural-environmentsection-of-the-national-planning-policy-framework-nppf/

• GOV.UK (2021). https://www.gov.uk/guidance/biodiversity-metric-calculate-the-biodiversitynet-gain-of-a-project-or-development

• GOV.UK (2020). https://www.gov.uk/government/news/pm-commits-to-protect-30-of-uk-landin-boost-for-biodiversity

• GOV.UK (2020). https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/environment-bill-2020/august2020-environment-bill-environmental-targets

• GOV.UK (2020). https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/nature-recoverynetwork/nature-recovery-network

• GOV.UK (2019). https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/25-year-environment-plan/25year-environment-plan-our-targets-at-a-glance

• Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust (2019). https://www.hiwwt.org.uk/sites/default/files/201911/HIWWT_Wilder_Brochure_Final_Low_Res%20%283%29%20book.pdf

• Hampshire Biodiversity Information Centre (2020). Mapping the Hampshire Ecological Network: On behalf of the Local Nature Partnership. Version 3. March 2020. Hampshire Biodiversity Information Centre, Winchester.

• Hayhow DB, Eaton MA, Stanbury AJ, Burns F, Kirby WB, Bailey N, Beckmann B, Bedford J, Boersch-Supan PH, Coomber F, Dennis EB, Dolman SJ, Dunn E, Hall J, Harrower C, Hatfield JH, Hawley J, Haysom K, Hughes J, Johns DG, Mathews F, McQuatters-Gollop A, Noble DG, Outhwaite CL, Pearce-Higgins JW, Pescott OL, Powney GD and Symes N (2019) The State of Nature 2019. The State of Nature partnership.

• House of Commons Environmental Audit Committee (2021). Biodiversity in the UK: bloom or bust? First Report of Session 2021-22

• Joint Nature Conservation Commitee (2010). Handbook for Phase 1 habitat survey: a technique for environmental audit. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough.

• Rose, F. (1989). Colour identification guide to the grasses, sedges, rushes and ferns of the British Isles and north-western Europe. Viking, London.

• Rose, F. (2006). The wildflower key: how to identify wild flowers, trees and shrubs in Britain and Ireland (revised edition). Fredrick Warne, London.

• The Wildlife Trusts (2021). https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/30-30-30

• University of Winchester (2019) https://www.winchester.ac.uk/news-and-events/presscentre/media-articles/university-of-winchester-declares-climate-emergency.php

• Winchester City Council (2019). https://www.winchester.gov.uk/climate-change-and-energy

APPENDICES

Appendix 1:

Botanical species list compiled during Phase 1 habitat survey with a qualitative measure of abundance based on DAFOR scale

Appendix 1: Botanical species list compiled during Phase 1 habitat survey with a qualitative measure of abundance based on DAFOR scale.

The DAFOR scale provides an assessment of the abundance of particular species.

D = Dominant, A = Abundant, F = Frequent, O = Occasional, R = Rare. Species can also be Locally Dominant (LD) or Locally Abundant (LA) meaning there is a particularly dense patch but it does not extend to an entire area, for example a nettle bed.

King Alfred Campus

Bar End Sports Field

Appendix 2. Winchester City Council Planning Biodiversity Checklist

Biodiversity Checklist for Full Applications

Site address:

There are numerous legally protected sites of nature conservation interest across Hampshire. Hampshire also supports a wide range of legally protected species and non-statutory important sites. Developments can adversely affect these and in many cases Local Planning Authorities (LPAs) are legally required to address potential impacts to these. LPAs are required by the Government to consider the conservation of biodiversity when determining a planning application. Government planning policies for biodiversity are set out in the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), while the Local Authority’s local plan / core strategy will set out how they address these requirements in local policy terms. In order to meet these requirements, LPAs need to be able to understand what the potential impacts of the development might be and if there are impacts on biodiversity, how these will be avoided or mitigated.

This Checklist has been designed to help you work out if your proposal is likely to affect biodiversity, and if so, help you understand what additional information you will need to provide to support your application and how to get that information.

Guidance for applicants

If your answers to the questions in Sections 1, 2 and / or 3 identify that your project may potentially have an adverse impact on designated sites, priority or other notable habitats or legally protected or notable species you will need to submit a Biodiversity Statement or other suitable report which demonstrates the following:

• Information about the sites, species, habitats or features that could be affected (such as location, size, abundance, importance)

• Likely impacts of your development on habitats, sites or species identified in this Checklist

• How alternative designs and locations have been considered

• How adverse impacts will be avoided

• How any unavoidable impacts will be mitigated or reduced (see note 4)

• How impacts that cannot be avoided or mitigated will be compensated (see note 4)

• Any proposals for enhancements of biodiversity

Where more targeted and specific reports are necessary (for example bat surveys), these must:

• Be undertaken by an appropriately qualified and experienced person

• Be of appropriate scope and detail (i.e. be carried out to established standards)

• Be conducted at an appropriate time of year, in suitable weather conditions and using recognised methodologies.

Reports may not be required where applicants are able to provide pre-application correspondence from Natural England, the Local Authority or their ecological adviser that confirms that they are satisfied that the proposal will not have an adverse impact on any features identified in Sections 1, 2 or 3.

The application may not be validated if any of the information submitted proves to be inadequate. If validated and the information is subsequently found not to fully address any potential impacts then further information may be required during the course of any planning application, for instance if any of the information you have provided needs clarification, or if other potential impacts are identified. If sufficient information on ecological issues is not provided by the time the application needs to be determined, the application may be refused.

It is strongly advised that you consider biodiversity at the earliest possible stage in your project as there are seasonal constraints to much of the survey work that may be needed to support your application.

For further advice on competent ecologists that can undertake specialist survey work, please see the Chartered Institute of Ecological and Environmental Management http://www.cieem.net in the first instance.

SECTION 1 – Legally protected sites for nature conservation

PROPOSAL DETAILS

Please answer ALL questions Yes or No by marking the appropriate box against each question

1.1 Is the application for any of the following:

• >0.5ha in area

• >10 units/dwellings

• power station

• sewage treatment works

• fish farm

• industrial/agricultural development next to or discharging pollutants into a water course

• a new road scheme

AND within 2km of a SAC, SPA or Ramsar site? (see note 1)

1.2 Is the application for any of the following:

• power station

• sewage treatment works

• fish farm

• industrial/agricultural development next to or discharging pollutants into a water course

• a new road or rail scheme

• any new housing units

• any new industrial units

• other infrastructure and services

• industrial estate

• service station

• golf course

• leisure centre/stadium

• car park

• industrial or agricultural unit with large powder or liquid discharges

AND within 500m of a SSSI? (see note 1)

If you have answered ‘YES’ to any of these, is it likely that the development would have an impact on the identified site? (see note 2)

Please explain why / why not, or state if further information is provided

SECTION 2 – Habitats

PROPOSAL DETAILS

Please answer ALL questions Yes or No by marking the appropriate box against each question

NB: If Yes, there may be a SINC* , Priority Habitat** or other important feature within or adjacent to the application site – please see note 3 for further information on identifying these.

2.1

YES NO

Is it likely that the development would have an impact (see note 2) on this?

Please explain why / why not, or state if further information is provided

Are any of the following present on or within 100m of the application site?

a) Broad-leaved woodland

b) Veteran (particularly old / large) trees

c) Water courses (rivers or streams)

d) Lakes or ponds

e) Wetlands or marshes

f) Flower-rich meadow / grassland

g) Water meadow

h) Heathland

i) Mature hedgerow

* SINC – Site of Importance for Nature Conservation. These are not legally protected, but are identified in planning policy as being of importance for biodiversity and are considered during the planning process – see http://www3.hants.gov.uk/biodiversity/hampshire/sincs.htm

** Priority Habitat – natural or semi-natural habitats that have been identified as being at risk (in that they are rare or in decline) or that are important for certain key species of plant or animalhttp://www.naturalengland.org.uk/ourwork/conservation/biodiversity/protectandmanage/prioritylist.aspx

Section 3 – Legally protected species

PROPOSAL DETAILS

Please answer ALL questions Yes or No by marking the appropriate box against each question

YES NO

3.1 Will the proposal affect any of the following features / structures? (see note 2)

a) buildings with hanging tiles (see note 5), timber cladding or weatherboarding where the building is within 200m of woodland or water

b) pre-1960 buildings or structures within 200m of woodland and/or water

c) pre-1914 buildings or structures within 400m of woodland and/or water

d) pre-1914 buildings with gable ends, peg tile / traditional clay tile roofs or slate roofs, hanging tiles or weatherboarding regardless of location

e) underground structures (e.g cellars, caves or mines)

f) bridges or similar structures

g) structures where there is known current or historic bat use

3.2 agricultural buildings particularly of traditional brick, timber or stone construction and/or with exposed timber beams greater than 20cm thick

3.3 other large agricultural buildings

3.4 Will the proposal affect trees with any of the following features? (see note 2)

a) old and veteran trees

b) trees with obvious holes, cracks, cavities or heavy vegetation

c) trees with a circumference greater than 1m at chest height

If you have ticked ‘YES’ to any of these, you will need to consider potential impacts to the following:

Survey attached?

Bats and bat roosts

Bats and bat roosts

Barn owl

Nesting birds

Barn owls

Bats and bat roosts

Nesting birds

PROPOSAL DETAILS

Please answer ALL questions Yes or No by marking the appropriate box against each question

3.5 Are there streams, rivers or lakes on or within 25m of the application site that would be affected (including their banks and adjacent habitat) by the development?

If you have ticked ‘YES’ to any of these, you will need to consider potential impacts to the following:

Bat foraging habitat

Otters

Water vole

White-clawed crayfish

Survey attached?

3.6 Will the proposals affect (see note 2) any of the following features?

a) deciduous (i.e. not mainly conifer) woodland?

b) field hedgerows over 1m tall and over 0.5m thick?

c) areas of scrub well-connected to woodland or hedgerows?

3.7 Is the proposal either:

- a major application (>0.5ha, >10 dwellings or >1000m2 floor space for non-residential) within 500m of a pond, - or any other application within 200m of a pond where water in the pond(s) at its highest level (excluding flood events), is 225m2 (c.15m x 15m)?

3.8 Will the proposal affect mature/overgrown gardens over 0.25ha, or any rough grassland, derelict/brownfield land, railway land or allotments? (see note 2).

3.9 Will the proposal affect flower-rich meadows or grassland on or directly adjacent to the site? (see note 2).

Bat foraging habitat

(see note 1a)

Dormice

Breeding birds

Badger

Amphibians (particularly with respect to great crested newts)

Reptiles

Breeding birds

Breeding birds

Notes

Note 1

You can find out if your application site is on or near any of these sites from www.natureonthemap.org.uk, www.magic.gov.uk or the LPA’s Local Plan Proposals Map.

SSSI = Site of Special Scientific Interest (designated and protected under UK law); SAC = Special Area of Conservation; SPA = Special Protection Area (these are designated and protected under EU law and are also SSSIs); Ramsar site = internationally important wetland, designated under the Ramsar Convention – these will also be SPAs / SACs and SSSIs. See http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/ourwork/conservation/designatedareas/default.aspx for more information.

Note 2

Effects could be DIRECT, such as destruction, removal or modification, or INDIRECT through disturbance such as run-off, noise, dust, lighting or increased recreational use.

Note 3

Areas of designated Ancient Woodland and some Priority Habitats can be found on www.magic.gov.uk. The LPA’s Local Plan Proposals Map may identify the location of any SINCs. Ordnance survey maps may also help.

Note 4

Avoidance = measures taken to avoid impacts – should be the first considerations; Mitigation = measures which make unavoidable impacts less severe; Compensation = measures which counterbalance remaining impacts, resulting in an overall no net loss of biodiversity. (NB ‘Mitigation’ as a general term, or a ‘mitigation strategy’ is often used to cover all these processes).

Note

5 – a note on hanging tiles.

This checklist, where relating to potential impacts on bats, is adapted from the Bat Conservation Trust’s guidelines (see http://www.bats.org.uk/pages/guidanceforprofessionals.html) on where bats might reasonably be likely to be found. However bats can be found in other locations, types or areas of buildings. It is particularly important to note that where a building has hanging tiles but is not within 200m of woodland or water, there is still potentially a reasonable likelihood of bats being present and a survey may be required in situations other than those specifically identified in this checklist.

Important: this checklist can not include all protected species and all circumstances where they may be affected. Legislation relating to protected species applies in all circumstances and it is the responsibility of the developer to ensure that protected species and habitats are not impacted as a result of development. If protected species are found during the course of development, work should be halted and advice sought from Natural England or a qualified ecologist.

1 Have ALL questions on ALL sections been completed?

2 Have any questions been answered ‘Yes’?

3 Does the applicant identify likely impacts and address potential issues in any comments made on the checklist?

4 Has a separate statement, report or other supporting information been submitted to address potential impacts?

If you are unsure about any of these, please call the Hampshire County Council Development and Biodiversity team (part of the Strategic Environmental Delivery Group) on 01962 832313

Appendix 3.

Species Specific Work Recommendations

© John Black

Bats and Buildings

Guidance for built environment professionals, consultants, building owners and managers on the conservation actions to promote and cater for bats in buildings.

Bats and the Built Environment Project

Why do bats roost in buildings?

Bats and people have been sharing dwellings for thousands of years, however as natural roosting sites (such as veteran trees and undisturbed cave systems) have become scarer due to factors such as changes in land use and development, so the importance of roosts in man-made structures has increased. Man-made structures that provide suitable roosting habitat for bats include houses, bridges, mines, barns etc. Their suitability is down to the stability of the micro-climate they can contain and often their proximity to insect-rich feeding grounds. In fact loss of natural roosts has increased the importance of man-made structures for bats to the point that such roosts are becoming essential to the survival of many bat species. However even these man-made roosts are now under threat; demolition of old buildings, renovations, changes in use, artificial lighting and the move towards air-tight buildings, all have implications for bat populations using buildings.

Protection and the law

In the UK, due to the decline in bat numbers in the last century, all species of bat are protected by the Wildlife & Countryside Act (1981) as amended, Countryside and Rights of Way Act (2000) and the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations (2017). This makes it illegal to deliberately or recklessly kill, injure, capture or disturb bats, obstruct access to bat roosts or damage or destroy bat roosts, whether occupied or not.

Having bats does not mean that building work, roof repairs, pest control or timber treatment cannot take place. However, if any work is going to alter the roost or access space an EPS licence may be needed. You should consult your Statutory Nature Conservation Organisation (SNCO) when planning the work, and follow their advice on how to proceed. In many cases they will send a trained licensed bat worker to inspect your roost and provide advice, free of charge. If the work is of a large scale or requires planning permission an ecological consultant should be employed.

To avoid delays, allow sufficient time ahead of the work to allow time for the necessary surveys and follow up.

Bats are biodiversity indicators. Having a bat roost in your building or surrounding area is a sign of a healthy green environment. Making space for bats is an important conservation action.

Which bats roost in buildings?

All the UK bat species have been known to use buildings but some species are more building reliant than others. Different bat species select different types of roosts in buildings since they look for sites comparable to those chosen in natural habitats. Bats that use buildings can generally be divided into four categories, although there is regional variation and some species can occupy more than one category:

1. Crevice-dwelling bats (which tend to be hidden from view) such as the common pipistrelle, soprano pipistrelle, Nathusius’ pipistrelle, Brandt's bat and whiskered bat

2. Roof-void dwelling bats (that may be visible on roof timbers) include serotine, Leisler's bat, Daubenton's bat, brown long-eared bat and barbastelle

3. Bats that need flight space in certain types of roost include Natterer's bat, and brown and grey long-eared bat

4. Bats that need flight space and flying access into the roost include greater horseshoe and lesser horseshoe bat

© Surrey Bat Group

Where in the building?

In buildings a range of possible roosting opportunities exist that mimic those found in the natural environment. Crevice-like or treecavity type spaces include those found in both modern and traditional houses such as behind fascia and barge boarding, behind hanging tiles

Places that bats may use in buildings

and weather boarding, spaces beneath roof tiles, wall coatings, hollow mortice joints, rain gutters and chimneys. Cave-like spaces include attics and cellars that are dark, exhibiting stable temperatures and humidity. These spaces may be found in a range of buildings including barns and other farm buildings, historic buildings, castles, churches and terraced houses.

Bat signs

Bats do not make nests or cause structural damage. The most obvious sign of their presence is droppings but even these can be hard to find. Bat droppings consist of insect remains and crumble easily between your fingers to a powder often containing shiny fragments. Rodent droppings are smooth and plastic, quickly becoming hard. They cannot be crumbled. Bat droppings are frequently mistaken for mouse droppings, so do the ‘crumble test’. Bat droppings do not present any known health hazards in the UK, but we suggest you wash your hands after handling any droppings. If

you need to clean up a large number of droppings then consider wearing a dust mask. Droppings can be swept up safely to use as an excellent fertilizer in the garden.

Large accumulations may reflect use over a number of years rather than large numbers of bats at any one time.

Droppings may not always be readily visible in a loft. Other signs to look for are grease marks on the rafters, urine splashes, cobweb free corners, or insect remains from a feeding perch.

When looking for bats or their signs make sure not to disturb the roost!

does not replace the need for mitigation as part of the licensing process.

What do bats look for in a home?

Like us, bats are looking for shelter that is clean (free of disease and parasites), comfortable (protected from the weather) and secure (safe from predators and disturbance). However, bats also have unique requirements and may live in several different roosts throughout the year depending on their seasonal needs. A number of factors are important when considering roosts for bats:

Temperature

Temperature is very important to bats. Unlike people, bats are different to us in that they look for warm roosts in the summer and cool roosts in the winter.

Summer:

Bats usually only have one young a year. Mother bats gather together and find somewhere warm to rear their young called a maternity roost. Males will form smaller roosts elsewhere that are often cooler than the needs of the females. Generally maternity roosts should probably be between 30 and 40°C (keeping in mind that the larger the number of bats the greater the temperature gain from body heat). Also, some species have their own unique preferences and studies have shown that even a 1.5°C difference may influence bats when choosing one building over another. It is always best to provide a number of different options for bats so that they can choose the right roosts and temperature based on their needs.

Winter:

British bats feed on insects which are scarce in the winter. Bats have adapted to this seasonal scarcity by going into hibernation; where they lower their body temperature to the ambient temperature or just above. Hibernation roosts are often a cool space, generally between 0 and 6°C, with high humidity. Horseshoe bats prefer slightly warmer conditions of 6-10°C.

Aspect and orientation

Summer maternity roosts in the northern hemisphere often have a southerly or westerly aspect for maximum solar heating. Male roosts and hibernation sites typically have a northerly aspect.

Creating roosts in buildings

The advice below describes general principles to consider when providing new spaces for bats. It does not provide sufficient information for mitigation when a roost is already present. Work on existing roosts should be covered by an EPS licence.

Access, size of roost space and structure

• Crevice-dwelling bats can crawl into their roosts via small gaps in the range of 15–20mm high (h) by 20–50mm wide (w). The roost area should maintain a crevice of this approximate size that the bats can roost between. The area this roost provision covers can be small but about 1m2 would be useful for summer nursery roosts. The height of entry can be from 2–7m.

• Roof-void dwelling bats require similar dimensions to access the roost but typically need timber joists or beams on which to roost. The height of entry can be from 2–7m.

• Bats needing a flying area require the same access dimension as mentioned above, 15–20mm (h) x 20–50mm (w) situated over 2m in height. The roosting area should not be trussed, to allow flight, and should ideally be about 2.8m in height and 5m in length and width.

Lesser horseshoe bat roost in garage loft

© Helen Clark

• Horseshoe bats need a larger access so that they can fly (instead of crawl) directly into the roost. Lesser horseshoe bats need an access of 300mm (w) x 200mm (h), while greater horseshoe bats need 400mm (w) x 300mm (h). As above, the roosting area should not be trussed, to allow flight, and should ideally be about 2.8m in height and 5m in length and width.

Materials and structure

Materials for the roosts should be rough (for grip), non-toxic or corrosive, with no risk of entanglement. The materials should also have suitable thermal properties that reduce 24 hour fluctuations but allow maximum thermal gain for summer roosts.

Lighting

Bats are nocturnal animals and have been perfectly adapted to exist in low-light conditions for millenia. This means that most bat species find artificial lighting to be very disturbing. Artificial lights shining on bat roosts, their access points and the flight paths away from the roost must always be avoided as it could cause roosts to be abandon and therefore an offence to be committed.

If it is considered necessary to illuminate a building known to be used by roosting bats, then specialist advice must be sought to ensure that the light does not fall on the roost access or the flight line away from the roost.

Please see BCT’s specialist document Bats and artificial lighting guidance note (2018) https://www.bats.org.uk/our-work/buildingsplanning-and-development/lighting for more detailed information.

Landscape

In addition to the building requirements, it is important to provide planting and landscape features to attract bats in the first place. Proximity to vegetation, linear features such as unlit hedges and tree-lines, and access to water are all important.

Bats use linear features such as dark hedgerows, tree lines, and waterways as commuting pathways from the roost to foraging areas. The vegetation not only acts as cover from potential predators and the weather, but also provides structure for acoustic orientation and navigation and potential for feeding on the insects found there.

Maintaining or creating good foraging areas for bats means establishing areas that attract insects, especially nocturnal insects. These habitat features include rivers, ponds, unimproved grassland, ancient semi-natural woodland and hedgerows planted with native vegetation. See BCT’s Encouraging Bats document and the Landscaping for Bats document for more information.

Roof reconstruction

© Kelly Gunnell

Example of good bat habitat

© Anne Youngman

Bats and Buildings

By taking bats into account prior to starting work, you will:

• Minimise costs and delays

• Avoid disturbing bats or their roosts, which means you will be avoiding the risk of prosecution and helping to conserve an important protected species.

Maintenance, repairs and alterations

Bats are in an area that may be affected by building works: Having bats does not mean that building work, roof repairs, pest control or timber treatment cannot take place. Your Statutory Nature Conservation Organisation (SNCO) can provide free advice to dwellings, and places of worship in England, requiring small scale maintenance and remedial works. Contact your SNCO when planning the work and follow their advice on how to proceed. In many cases they will send a trained licensed bat worker to inspect your roost and provide advice, free of charge.

It is important to allow sufficient time ahead of the work to allow the SNCO to comment. For advice on works in other buildings, contact an ecological consultant instead.

Timing

Building works should avoid the times of year when bats are most vulnerable to disturbance. The summer months, when bats are in maternity roosts, and the winter months, when bats are hibernating, should be avoided.

Typically early spring and autumn are the best times to do work that may affect bats but it is always best to consult your SNCO for advice.

Insulation

Loft insulation

Almost all UK bat species have been found roosting in roofs. Any work that you carry out in your roof void that has the potential to affect bats or their roost should be carried out only following advice from the SNCO. To avoid disturbance, works should only be carried out when bats are absent; this will depend on the type of roost present but during April or between September and October are likely to be the best times.

When installing insulation it is important to retain the bat access points to the roost. It is advised to pare back the insulation a minimum of 10cm from the eaves (this also helps to maintain building ventilation). Spray insulation is not recommended since access points cannot be easily retained and fumes may harm the bats.

Cavity wall insulation

Bats are known to roost in cavity walls during all seasons but use by different species is little understood due to the inaccessibility. Concern about the carbon footprint of housing stock has led to an emphasis on having cavity walls insulated. To avoid entombing bats during this process it is advised to begin insulation from the bottom of the cavity wall and work upwards, thus giving any bats still remaining in the wall a chance to wake and escape. If possible, a gap at the top of the cavity wall should be left for bats. Check with your installer if this is appropriate.

Finding bats during building works:

Always keep in mind the possibility of finding bats when doing any work to buildings. If bats are found, the work should stop and your SNCO should be consulted immediately.

If this is a known roost, access points and a gap for the roost must be retained and the work must not be done between 1 November and the end of March, in case bats are hibernating in the wall. However, it is best to consult your SNCO for advice.

Serotine house roost

© Roger Jones

Demolition

The demolition of buildings is a major threat to bat species that use them. This is especially true for demolitions where they are not part of a planning application. Where this occurs an S80 demolition notice is completed by the applicant and an S81 issued by a Building Control Officer at the local authority. In most cases the S80 form supplied by the local authority does not include a question on protected species and therefore it would seem likely that in many cases the presence of bats could be overlooked.

If there is a suspicion or likelihood that bats use a structure then it should be surveyed by an ecologist prior to demolition as the Countryside Right of Way Act and other legislation still applies.

BCT is working with the Association of Local Government Ecologists (ALGE), the Chartered Institute of Ecologists and Environmental Managers (CIEEM) and others to address this matter and raise awareness of local authority duty in this situation.

Bats in new buildings

The move towards low and zero carbon buildings places great emphasis on building structures being air-tight, but these buildings will not have the access and crevices normally used by building-reliant species such as bats and birds. In more traditional designs that use weather boarding/wood cladding, there is potential for some crevice dwellers (particularly pipistrelles, Brandt’s bat and whiskered bats) to find roosts. However, unless positive, proactive steps are taken, there is concern that future housing stock will hold no potential for bat roosts for several species.

The good news is that it is possible to design into the fabric of the building readymade or bespoke spaces for bats that still maintain the airtightness (U-value) of the building. Please consult the RIBA Publication Designing for Biodiversity: A technical guide for new and existing buildings (2013) for more information.

Further Bats and Built Environment advice

Bats in Buildings is just one of many best practice guidance notes as part of our Built Environment work programme that can be found at www.bats.org.uk. Other guidance includes topics such as artificial lighting, landscaping, designing for biodiversity, pest control and insulation. For the most up-to-date information please check our webpages and follow our social media.

does not replace the need for mitigation as part of the licensing process.

Kent bat box

Pipistrelles in an ecostyrocrete single crevice box

Bat flight path into roosts

Bat roosts

Resources

For more detailed information, please consult the following resources:

• Kelly Gunnell, Dr Carol Williams and Brian Murphy

Designing for Biodiversity: A technical guide for new and existing buildings 2nd edition (2013) RIBA Publishing, London

• The Roost webpage, a resource hub for bat mitigation and enhancement information: https://www.bats.org.uk/ourwork/buildings-planning-anddevelopment/roost

Brown long-eared bats in roof corner

Bat Conservation Trust enquiries@bats.org.uk

www.bats.org.uk

1 For a list of current SNCO information: https://www.bats.org.uk/our-work/biodiversitypolicy-advocacy/government-bodies-sncos

In England contact your SNCO via the Helpline.

Studio 15, Cloisters House, Cloisters Business Centre, 8 Battersea Park Road, London SW8 4BG. www.bats.org.uk

About the Bat Conservation Trust

The Bat Conservation Trust’s (BCT) vision is of a world rich in wildlife where bats and people thrive together. Your help can make a difference! Become a member of BCT today and help us to ensure future generations can enjoy these amazing mammals.

You can join online or contact us on the details above. We can also provide details of your local bat group.

The Bat Conservation Trust (known as BCT) is a registered charity in England and Wales (1012361) and in Scotland (SC040116). Company Limited by Guarantee, Registered in England No: 2712823. Registered office: Studio 15, Cloisters House, Cloisters Business Centre, 8 Battersea Park Road, London SW8 4BG. Vat Reg No: 877158773.

Leisler's bat on brick work

© Hugh Clark © Patrick Smith

Hedgehogs and development

Hedgehog ecology and status

Hedgehogs are native and widespread across the UK. They require a mixture of habitats for foraging, nesting and mating, and a connected landscape.

Hedgehogs are currently rapidly declining, with at least a third lost from Britain since 2000 (State of Britain’s Hedgehogs Report, 2018). They appear to be faring better in urban than rural areas, with those populations potentially improving. They are one of the few animals able to happily live alongside us, actually preferring gardens and amenity grassland habitats. Enhancing and connecting urban and suburban areas will help this struggling species to survive.

Hedgehogs are iconic and popular, voted Britain’s favourite mammal several times. Publicising hedgehog-friendly features in your development can be highly beneficial.

Hedgehogs and the law

Hedgehogs are protected by British law under Schedule 6 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, making it illegal to kill or capture them using certain methods. Similar protection exists in Northern Ireland under Schedule 6 & 7 of the Wildlife Order 1985. They are also protected in Britain under the Wild Mammals Protection Act (1996), prohibiting cruelty and mistreatment.

They’re listed as a Species of Principle Importance in England under the Natural Environment and Rural Communities (NERC) Act 2006 Section 41, in Wales under the Environment Act 2016, and in Scotland under the Nature Conservation Act 2004. Similarly, hedgehogs are on the Priority Species List for Northern Ireland.

Additionally, hedgehogs are on the Scottish Biodiversity list as ‘Watching Brief Only’ requiring monitoring to prevent decline.

These laws make hedgehogs a material consideration for Local Planning Authorities (LPAs) during the planning process.

Developments should also be consistent with Local Plans (LPs) and Neighbourhood Area Plans (NAPs), some of which may explicitly refer to hedgehog conservation and connectivity of the landscape.

Before the build

Information about whether hedgehogs have previously been recorded in the area can be obtained easily from www.BIGHedgehogMap.org, local record centres and National Biodiversity Network (NBN) Atlas (subject to data licences). Hedgehogs roam far and wide in the summer looking for food and mates, so be sure to include a search radius of 3km around the development site.

Given the widespread distribution of hedgehogs, if your site offers suitable habitat for hedgehogs then it can be assumed that hedgehogs are present. You’ll then need to consider ways to protect any hedgehogs during the build and think about how hedgehog-friendly features will fit into the site layout (see page 9). Hedgehog habitat includes:

► dense scrub to build hibernation nests in during the winter

► short grass to forage in for invertebrate prey

► longer grass to forage in and to make nests in during the summer

► areas of leaf litter to collect and use for hibernation nests

► log piles and decaying vegetation to forage in and hibernate in ► hedgerows and boundary vegetation are important corridors for travel and nesting sites

Depending on your ecologist’s assessment, they may propose mitigation measures, habitat enhancement works and/or monitoring measures. These can affect the budget, timescale and physical layout of the development and therefore need to be considered at an early stage.

Surveys for hedgehogs are not essential under planning regulations, however LPAs may sometimes require surveys to be conducted, particularly where hedgehogs are considered a local conservation priority, or the proposed development could have significant impacts at the population level. This may be the case, for instance, if your development is on the only large green space in an area that is surrounded by development.

Surveying

If you are required to survey for hedgehogs or are unsure if the habitat is suitable and would like to determine if hedgehogs are present or absent, there are two main methods you can use that your ecologist will be able to advise on:

► Torchlight surveys involve walking a set transect around the site with a high–powered torch to scan the ground for hedgehogs, and usually take place over four consecutive nights. A licence from the relevant statuatory organisation is required.

► Footprint tunnels contain ink pads either side of bait and clean paper for animals to leave their footprints (see diagram opposite). They are placed along the edges of suitable habitat around the site and checked daily for hedgehog footprints. They are rebaited each day for five days. Ideally, ten tunnels are used per 1km2. No licence is required for this survey technique.

Given their hibernation period over winter, all surveys for hedgehogs are seasonally constrained and may need to be repeated. Two survey periods during separate months within the active season are recommended to confirm the presence or absence of hedgehogs on site. The best times of year to carry out hedgehog surveys are shown below:

Survey type

Habitat suitability assessment

Hedgehog survey

optimal period sub-optimal period

Month

unsuitable period for this survey type

During the build

The Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) should include measures to protect individual hedgehogs. Work likely to cause disturbance during hibernation – for example removal of hibernation habitats such as log piles and dense scrub – shouldn’t take place during November to March.

Preparing the site

Caution is needed in case of nesting hedgehogs when clearing the ground prior to development, particularly piles of deadwood or leaves and areas of long grass or dense vegetation, and when using machinery within a foot of ground level. Areas should be cleared on rotation with scrubby patches left to provide nesting habitat and cover. If this is not possible, piles of dead wood and brash piles can be created in other areas around the site to mitigate for the removal of suitable nesting sites. These can be created behind hedges or out of the way for smaller developments with limited space.

Temporary shelters, such as hedgehog houses, can be added to these areas. Particularly hazardous areas, such as where there will be high traffic, should be blocked off to prevent hedgehog access, but connectivity should also be ensured throughout the rest of the build to facilitate movement across and surrounding the site.

Hazards

The building site should be made safe for ground-dwelling animals with hazards such as open holes, pits, ditches, ponds and drains covered over or fitted with ramps to allow for escape. Netting should be kept off the ground to avoid entanglement and any slack netting tied up. Rubbish should be kept contained in a designated area to avoid animals becoming trapped in litter.

There have been some cases of developers using netting to cover hedgerows to prevent birds nesting prior to site works. Please avoid doing this as netting poses a serious risk to hedgehogs, as they use hedgerows as a primary corridor for travel.

Animal welfare

If a hedgehog is found during development and/or there are welfare concerns, the British Hedgehog Preservation Society can be contacted for advice and guidance on 01584 890 801.

Features of the build

Connectivity

Consider connectivity of the landscape, enabling ground-dwelling species such as hedgehogs to move around freely. Boundaries and barriers within and surrounding the development, including fencing, railing and gates, should be made permeable e.g.:

► through the use of fence panels with 13 x 13 cm holes at ground level (hedgehog holes)

► leaving a sufficient gap beneath gates

► leaving brick spaces at the base of brick walls

A variety of fence suppliers stock specific hedgehog-friendly fencing options, which can be easily incorporated at little or no additional cost. Hedgehog holes should be positioned to connect as much of the landscape as possible and can be mapped by your ecologist, or alternatively by contacting Hedgehog Street at hedgehogs@ptes.org

Similarly, where essential ground level changes may create barriers to movement (e.g. high kerbs, steps, terracing, sunken patios, gullies and drains), the landscaping should ensure sloped access/escape routes for grounddwelling species.

Planting

Hedges are preferable to fences to define property boundaries where possible. Native-species hedgerows are particularly recommended throughout any development, promoting connectivity and providing a rich and diverse food source and shelter for a range of wildlife. Sympathetic planting of boundaries and features that have the potential to fragment the landscape will create useful wildlife corridors. Existing trees should ideally be retained and new native species planted where possible.

Scrub and deadwood

Retain areas of unkempt leaf litter, dead wood and scrub to provide shelter for hedgehogs. Scrub patches (particularly brambles) that provide suitable hibernation nesting habitat are important for hedgehogs and small patches of this habitat may be used by many animals. Where an area of scrub is lost, efforts should be made to replant areas with scrubby native hedgerow species such as bramble and hawthorn. Logpiles can be installed on site behind hedges, or out of the way, and they can be anything between half a meter to 3 meters depending on the size of habitat that has been lost.

Habitat features

Minimise areas of hard standing and artifical grass in favour of grassland or permeable ‘living driveways’. Wild grass and flower areas can be created to encourage biodiversity and food for hedgehogs and can be used to make the development more visually appealing.

Other features such as ponds in gardens and log piles that help to encourage hedgehogs and other wildlife should also be included where possible. Water features and ditches should always have a sloped or ramp exit for hedgehogs to escape.

Including hedgehog-friendly features in the build presents a promotional opportunity. Joint press releases with wildlife organisations you’ve been working with (such as People’s Trust for Endangered Species, British Hedgehog Preservation Society, Wildlife Trusts) can enhance public perception of a new development. See image of Barratt Homes’ Kingsbrook estate in Aylesbury, right.

If you would like input into the design phase of a development, such as ideal Hedgehog Highway routes, please contact hedgehogs@ptes.org for free advice on your plans.

After the build Education

Include details of hedgehogfriendly features and sign post to relevant wildlife organisations in the new home owners welcome pack. This will raise awareness and prevent home owners from reversing these features, for instance blocking fence holes or removing ramps.

Hedgehog Highway signs are an effective way of indicating the purpose of the hole in the fence and can be used in conjunction with any publicity. These are available at a discount when purchased in bulk from Hedgehog Street. Please contact hedgehogs@ptes.org for a quotation.

You can also request copies of our Top Tips leaflet covering 10 simple steps to make your garden hedgehog-friendly. These can be distributed to all new homeowners and cover everything they need to know about how to help hedgehogs.

Monitoring

Monitoring habitat features for up to ten years after completion helps to identify successful features and those that need improvement. An ecological consultant can advise on the most appropriate monitoring regime. Methods should mirror surveys carried out prior to any work in order to make a direct comparison before and after build.

Land management

Advice should be given to any company that takes over management of the open space in the development. The land will need to be managed appropriately, with connectivity maintained, areas of scrub retained, wild flower and grass areas mown once annually in September, and water bodies kept clear with escape routes.

Chemical use should be avoided and organic management encouraged because toxicity levels can build up in animals like hedgehogs, and vital food sources are removed from the ecosystem. Hedgerows will need maintenance during early years to encourage lateral growth, and ideally laying in later years. They can be cut on rotation, with one side or the top being trimmed every three years, out of bird breeding season (November –March), with care taken to avoid any hibernating hedgehogs at the base.

More detailed information and advice can be found in our hedgehog ecology and land management guide. This can be obtained for free by contacting hedgehogs@ptes.org or by downloading it electronically from our website www.hedgehogstreet.org/ hempguide.

Hedgehog ecology and land management

Case study — Russell Armer Homes, Cumbria and Lancashire

In 2016 Cumbrian homebuilder, Russell Armer Homes, wanted to support hedgehog conservation by becoming the first homebuilder in the country to create Hedgehog Highways.

Hedgehog Street worked closely with the developer and encouraged the introduction of 125mm x 125mm hedgehog holes across the development, allowing hedgehogs to move from garden to garden. The first homes helping conservation in this way, by being part of a Hedgehog Highway, were Russell Armer’s new homes at OverSands View, Grange-over-Sands and the Sheiling, Arkholme – a total of 56 properties. By creating gaps in fences, Russell Armer Homes are establishing habitat corridors for Cumbrian and Lancastrian hedgehogs. These gaps are too small for most pets to use, but allow safe passage for hedgehogs.

Russell Armer Homes have also committed to creating hedgehog gaps in new homes built in the future. Each home with a hedgehog gap will be provided with an informative leaflet and have a special sign installed, so any new owners understand the importance of this small hole, and why it shouldn’t be blocked.

Martyn Nicholson, Managing Director, Russell Armer Homes: “We are delighted to become Hedgehog Champions by creating what we believe to be Cumbria and Lancashire’s first Hedgehog Highways. Hedgehogs have been associated with the area for many years, thanks to Beatrix Potter’s Tales, and it is important to look after their welfare. Since installing these Hedgehog Highways we’ve had really positive responses from clients who buy a home on the development and even those who just come for a viewing! It’s a real talking point and we’re pleased to be doing our bit for wildlife. We hope homeowners who are not living in a home with a gap in their fence and other developers will follow our lead and remove a brick, or cut a gap, in their own fencing.”

Hedgehog Street is a joint project run by People's Trust for Endangered Species and the British Hedgehog Preservation Society.

hedgehogs@ptes.org www.hedgehogstreet.org

We’d like to thank Dr Deborah Wright, Senior Hedgehog Officer at Warwickshire Wildlife Trust for her contribution to this guidance booklet. The Warwickshire Wildlife Trust ‘Help for Hedgehogs’ project is part funded by British Hedgehog Preservation Society.

020 7498 4533

enquiries@ptes.org

www.ptes.org

registered charity no. 274206

01584 890 801

info@britishhedgehogs.org.uk www.britishhedgehogs.org.uk

registered charity no. 1164542

Front cover © CBCK-Christine / iStockphoto.com. Other images © Sheila Lodey, Neil Mitchell / Shutterstock.com, Richard Green, Pam Lovesay, Val Holley, Joanne Nituan, Iain Green, Karin Hildebrand Lau / Shutterstock.com, Russell Armer