APPLICATION FOR A LICENCE BATS METHOD · PDF fileAPPLICATION FOR A LICENCE BATS – METHOD STATEMENT DOCUMENT 2 – DELIVERY INFORMATION Focus Ecology Ltd Unit 17H Shrub Hill Industrial

APPLICATION FOR A LICENCE

BATS – METHOD STATEMENT

DOCUMENT 2 – DELIVERY INFORMATION

Focus Ecology Ltd

Unit 17H

Shrub Hill Industrial Estate

Shrub Hill Road

Worcester

WR14 9EL

Email: [email protected]

Tel. 01905 780084

© Focus Ecology Ltd / Mr P Edwards

COVERSIDE FARM,

HANLEY SWAN, WORCESTERSHIRE

For

MR P EDWARDS

Date: June 2013

Contract Ref: 0085

mailto:[email protected]

1 Focus Ecology Ltd Bat Licence Method Statement Document 2 Coverside Farm, Hanley Swan

CONTROL SHEET

Mr P Edwards

Coverside Farm

Bat Licence Application: Method Statement Part 2

Name Position

Author

Graham Davison

Director

Checked by

Fern Fellowes-Day

Director

Contract No. Project Contact Revision No. Date of Issue

0085 Graham Davison

01 17 June 2013

Disclaimer

Please Note that all reasonable care and attention is made by Focus Ecology to produce reports and advice to a

high, professional standard. However, no responsibility is accepted for any consequences howsoever caused, by

the release of this report to third parties. Our terms and conditions provide a detailed resume of quality standards

and procedures, to which the reader is referred for further information.


A MITIGATION AND COMPENSATION

A.1 Summary of mitigation strategy

Destruction of confirmed bat roosts will result from the consented development

proposals. Mitigation and compensation measures are therefore required in order to

ensure that there is no detriment to the favourable conservation status of those bat

species present and ensure legal compliance under an EPS licence application. The

following mitigation strategy has been adopted in line with survey findings and

development impacts as described in Document 1 to this application.

Sensitive timing of key works to avoid periods when bats may be in torpor

(November – February inclusive or in daytime temperatures below 8˚C).

Erection of four bat boxes (two Schwegler 2F-DFP and two Schwegler 1FD

boxes) on mature trees within the landownership of the applicant (Mr P

Edwards), to provide replacement roosting opportunities prior to the

demolition commencing.

Incorporation of four inbuilt bat box units (Ibstock enclosed bat roost units)

and two ridge cavity access points within the replacement dwelling house.

Pre-start survey (including dusk or dawn inspection subject to weather

conditions) preceding start of works to identify any changes in roost status

and confirm the location of any roosting bats prior to demolition works

commencing.

Supervised removal of roof materials by a suitably licensed and experienced

ecologist prior to demolition. Bats to be relocated by hand to the receptor bat

boxes, if required.

Watching brief during the remainder of demolition and construction works and

formal sign-off of completed mitigation elements to ensure compliance with

the terms of this licence application.


A single year of post-development monitoring to assess the success of the

mitigation measures provided and direct any remedial works as required.

Applying the guidelines of Natural England, an appropriate compensation scheme to

offset the impacts arising from this development would entail:

‘Provision of new roost facilities where possible. Need not be exactly like-for-like, but

should be suitable, based on species’ requirements. Minimal timing or monitoring

requirements.’ (see Mitchell-Jones, 2004. Figure 4, p. 39).

The basic premise of the following mitigation and compensation measures is

therefore that:

Works must be completed sensitively to avoid accidental killing or injury of

bats and unnecessary disturbance;

Bats must not be left without a place to roost during the demolition works;

New roosting sites should be suitable, based on the requirements of the

species affected (common pipistrelle, soprano pipistrelle, whiskered bat);


B WORKS TO BE UNDERTAKEN BY THE ECOLOGIST OR SUITABLY

QUALIFIED PERSON

B.1 Capture & Exclusion

Before any demolition works are undertaken to Coverside Farmhouse, a pre-start

survey of the structure will be completed by at minimum of two experienced and

appropriately licensed ecologists. This survey will identify current levels of bat

activity at the site, occupied roosting locations and will be used to direct works

accordingly.

To minimise the risk of encountering hibernating or torpid bats, demolition of

Coverside Farmhouse will only commence in suitable weather conditions, where

daytime temperatures are above 8°C. Where necessary, demolition will be delayed

until suitable weather /temperature conditions are met.

Before demolition works commence the licensed ecologist (or his accredited agent)

will provide a ‘tool-box talk’ to illustrate appropriate methods of working to minimise

the risk of inadvertently killing or injuring bats. A procedure for hand removal and

roofing materials (roof and ridge tiles, lead flashing, etc) will be described and the

workforce will be advised of likely bat roosting locations and how to identify bat field

signs such as the presence of droppings.

Roofing materials will be removed by hand under the direct supervision of the

licensed ecologist and/or accredited agents. Roof materials will be removed

progressively as directed by the licensed ecologist (or by his accredited agent).

Only the licensed ecologist or accredited agent will handle bats. Any persons

handling bats will have appropriate handling experience, up to date rabies

vaccination certificates and will use suitable bat handling gloves

In the event that bats are discovered roosting under tiles, they will be collected by

the licensed ecologist/accredited agent and placed in a cotton drawstring bag before

immediately relocating to a bat box previously erected at the site (see details below).


In the event that injured or underweight bats are found, the licensed ecologist (or his

accredited agent) will contact the Bat Helpline (Tel. 0845 1300 228), so that an

available local bat carer can be contacted.

Once the licensed ecologist/accredited agent is confident that all likely bat roosting

locations have been uncovered and no further bats are likely to be impacted by the

works they will formally ‘sign off’ this stage of the licence in writing, thus allowing the

remainder of the demolition to be completed without supervision. The licensed

ecologist/accredited agent will maintain a watching brief and be ‘on call’ in the

unlikely event that bats are subsequently discovered during the demolition.


C WORKS TO BE UNDERTAKEN BY THE DEVELOPER/LANDOWNER

C.1 Bat roosts

C.1.1 In situ retention of roosts

Not applicable. All existing roosting locations will be demolished as part of the

licensable works.

C.1.2 Modification of existing roost(s)

Not applicable. All existing roosting locations will be demolished as part of the

licensable works.

C.1.3 New roost creation

New roost creation to maintain the favourable conservation status of bats at

Coverside Farm is described below.

Tree-Mounted Bat Boxes:

Because there is no evidence of a significant roost of bats at the site it is considered

that the use of bat box units is acceptable as a temporary replacement for existing

roost sites whilst demolition of the property is completed. Four bat boxes (two

Schwegler 2F-DFP and two Schwegler 1FD) will be erected on mature trees within

the landownership of the client, to provide replacement roosting opportunities prior to

the demolition work commencing. Boxes to be installed no less than 4m above

ground level prior to any works starting on site. For a plan illustrating the location of

the boxes please refer to C.1.4.1, below. Photographs of the bat boxes mentioned

above, are provided here for information purposes.

Schwegler 2F-DFP Schwegler 1FD


Integral Bat Boxes:

A total of four integral bat boxes (Ibstock enclosed bat roosting Unit C or B: 215mm x

290mm) will be provided within the walls of the replacement residential property (for

locations, please refer to plans, below). Boxes will be installed at eaves height to

maximise potential for use, with at least one box in a predominantly southerly

orientation to maximise the chances of uptake. For a plan illustrating the location of

the boxes please refer to C.1.4.2, below.

Ridge Tile Access:

A total of two ridge tile access locations will be installed to provide access to small,

self-contained ridge access roosts with no further access into the living areas or lofts

of the property. An illustration of ridge access provision is shown below. A 1m width

x 2m length of traditional bitumastic felt will be installed under ridge access locations

to ensure that bats have a safe location on which to roost between tiles and felt. For

a plan illustrating the location of the ridge tile roosting areas please refer to C.1.4.2,

below.

Example of the Ibstock enclosed

bat box C.



C.1.4 Maps and Plans

10

Client: Mr P Edwards / E J Planning

Site: Coverside Farm, Hanley Swan, Worcestershire

Title: Location of tree-mounted boxes

Contract: 0085

Date: May 2013 Based upon Ordnance Survey © Crown Copyright, under licence WL1005167, unauthorized reproduction infringes Crown Copyright and may lead to prosecution or civil proceedings. Please note: this plan is intended only to indicate the approximate location of features and should therefore, not be treated as an accurate scale plan.

Focus Ecology Ltd May 2013 Coverside Farm

C.1.4.1 Location of tree mounted bat boxes

NORTH

KEY:

Proposed location of tree-mounted bat boxes (on mature deciduous trees. Boxes to be erected by ecologist).

Schwegler 2F-DFP

Schwegler 1FD

11

Client: Mr P Edwards / E J Planning

Site: Coverside Farm, Hanley Swan, Worcestershire

Title: Location of integral bat boxes

Contract: 0085

Date: May 2013 Based upon Ordnance Survey © Crown Copyright, under licence WL1005167, unauthorized reproduction infringes Crown Copyright and may lead to prosecution or civil proceedings. Please note: this plan is intended only to indicate the approximate location of features and should therefore, not be treated as an accurate scale plan.

Focus Ecology Ltd May 2013 Coverside Farm

C.1.4.2 Location of integral bat boxes

NORTH

KEY:

Proposed location of bat access tile and 1m width of traditional bitumastic underfelt (not to scale).

Proposed location of Ibstock en-closed bat roosting units (not to scale).

Ibstock enclosed bat roosting unit C


D POST-DEVELOPMENT SITE SAFEGUARD

D.1 Habitat/site Management & Maintenance

The proposed mitigation and compensation measures described above are low/no

maintenance features that will not require post-development management or

maintenance. These features will remain under the control of the landowner (Mr

Paul Edwards).

D.2 Population Monitoring, Roost Usage etc

A single year of post-development monitoring is proposed under this licence

application. This will take the form of a daytime inspection of tree-mounted bat

boxes followed by dusk emergence survey of the replacement dwelling and

associated integral bat roosting features. The survey will be undertaken by a

minimum of two experienced and appropriately licensed ecologists from Focus

Ecology Ltd. Survey results will compiled as a short letter report and passed to the

client, Natural England and the local biological records office.

D.3 Mechanism for ensuring delivery of post-development works

Post-development monitoring works that form part of this licence Method Statement

and are thus a legal obligation within the terms of any licence granted for this

development under The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010 (as

amended).


E LAND OWNERSHIP

E.1 Mitigation site ownership

E.1.1 I confirm that relevant landowner consent have been granted to accept

bats into roosts onto land outside the applicant's ownership – Yes / No /

Not applicable

E.1.2 I confirm that landownership consent have been granted to allow the

creation of the proposed habitat compensation on land outside the

applicant's ownership - Yes / No / Not applicable (all land is under

ownership of applicant)

E.1.3 I confirm that consent have been granted by the relevant landowner/s

for monitoring and maintenance purposes on land outside the applicant's

ownership - Yes / No / Not applicable


F TIMETABLE OF WORKS

A: Development activities and timing

Activity Timing Notes

Submit bat licence June 2013

Obtain bat licence July/August 2013 Subject to issue from Natural England. 30 working days required for determination.

Erect bat boxes June/July 2013 Four bat boxes to be installed on mature trees within the landownership of the client at

Coverside Farm.

Pre-start survey July/August 2013 To be completed by experienced ecologists from Focus Ecology immediately prior to

demolition. Bat boxes must be installed prior to works commencing at the site.

Supervised works e.g. removal

of roof tiles, relocation of bats,

demolition of Coverside

Farmhouse etc

July – October 2013 To be completed by hand by Focus Ecology Ltd in collaboration with workforce. Licensee or

accredited agent to sign off works as ‘completed’ once all potential bat roosting areas have

been exposed and checked. Any bats encountered to be relocated to bat boxes (see above).

Completion of works phase of

development

August 2013 - June

2014

This phase will include the completion of demolition works and construction of a new residential

property at Coverside Farm. Focus Ecology to remain ‘on call’ to advise on any remedial

activities required or other bat licensing issues that may arise in this intervening period. Focus

Ecology to advise on the correct completion of bat mitigation facilities and undertake routine

inspections to ensure compliance with bat licence as required.

B: Post development monitoring

Year July 2014

Details Daytime check of bat boxes followed by dusk or dawn emergence/return survey of replacement

dwelling. Short report to be provided to client, Natural England and local biological records

centre.


QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

Focus Ecology was formed in 2010 and has the expertise to provide sure-fire ecological solutions to a

wide range of projects. The company ethos forges the highest standards of professional scientific

practice with a ‘best value’ approach for our clients. Our core area of expertise is in the production of

specialist ecological reports and advice to support planning applications. However, our flexible

approach, range of skills and broad project experience allows us to adapt to your individual

requirements. The joint founders of the company, Fern Fellowes-Day and Graham Davison are both

Masters-qualified Ecologists. We have a wide range of practical experience from major infrastructure

contracts to smaller projects for private individuals across the UK.

Graham Davison - BSc (Hons) MSc MIEEM MSB.

Graham is an ecologist with over ten years experience in the field of applied ecology. He holds a BSc

(Hons) degree in Zoology and an MSc with distinction in Law and Environmental Science. His

ecological experience includes surveys to identify nationally and locally important sites for wildlife,

ecological services to local planning authorities and provision of ecological reports to accompany

major infrastructure projects, housing schemes, industrial developments and mineral extraction.

Graham is a competent botanical surveyor and has considerable expertise in protected species

surveys, holding protected species licenses for bats, great crested newts, white-clawed crayfish, and

barn owls as well as competency in the survey of badgers, reptiles, otter, water vole, breeding and

over-wintering birds. Graham is skilled in the production of reports and Nature Conservation

Management Plans providing advice to ensure legal compliance and consistency with recognised

best practice.

Fern Fellowes-Day BSc (Hons) MSc MIEEM MSB

Fern has over eight year’s professional experience in the ecological consultancy field. Prior to

founding Focus Ecology Ltd with joint Director Graham Davison, she worked in a senior position at a

leading, independent ecological consultancy managing numerous contracts countrywide. She holds

BSc (Hons) in Zoology from the University of Wales, Aberystwyth and MSc in Habitat Creation and

Management from Staffordshire University. Fern is a skilled botanical surveyor, specialising in

Baseline, Biodiversity and Phase 1 Habitat Surveys. She is proficient with the BREEAM and Code for

Sustainable Homes schemes and meets the strict criteria for a ‘suitably qualified ecologist’. Fern’s

particular expertise is with protected species surveys, she has extensive knowledge in dealing with

the badgers, with practical experience in artificial sett design and creation and has held numerous

Natural England licences to close or disturb badger setts. In addition Fern holds survey licences

(Natural England and Countryside Council for Wales) for great crested newts, bats and white-clawed

crayfish. Fern has held Natural England Mitigation (development) licences for great crested newts and

white-clawed crayfish Conservation licence. She is particularly experienced in dealing with newt

issues affecting the quarrying, mineral extraction and landfill industry. Fern is also a competent

surveyor of reptiles, water vole and otters.

Cassie Needham BSc (Hons) MSc GradIEEM

Cassie is an Ecologist with two year’s experience in the ecological consultancy field and joined Focus

Ecology in 2012. Prior to joining Focus Ecology she assisted on a number of large projects nationwide

with two leading ecological consultancies. She holds a BSc (Hons) degree in Geography with Ecology

from the University of Sussex and an MSc in Conservation from University College London. Cassie is

experienced in conducting surveys for protected species; great crested newts, reptiles, bats, dormice

and water voles. She also holds a Natural England survey licence for great crested newts and is a

Graduate member of The Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (IEEM).

Documents

APPLICATION FOR A LICENCE BATS METHOD · PDF fileAPPLICATION FOR A LICENCE BATS – METHOD STATEMENT DOCUMENT 2 – DELIVERY INFORMATION Focus Ecology Ltd Unit 17H Shrub Hill Industrial