SDA 11 Land at North West Heathfield

Transcription

Chapter 13: SDA 11 – Land at North-west
Heathfield
SITE CONTEXT
13.1
Strategic Development Area (SDA) 11 is located on the north-western edge of Heathfield.
It is situated between Heathfield High Street (A265) and the complex of woodlands that
dominate open countryside to the north. The SDA is situated on the northern side of a
ridge and is approximately 150m O.D. at its highest point i.e. along its southern limit. It
then slopes northwards to approximately 115m O.D. at its lowest point. The National Grid
Reference for the centre of the SDA is TQ 574 215. At the time of the survey, the SDA
collectively measured 9.33 hectares (ha) in size.
13.2
For the purpose of the survey, SDA 11 (see Appendix: Habitat Map) has been divided into
the following six Sub-areas based on land ownership:
Sub-area 1 – Tilsmore Lodge (1.87ha)
Sub-area 2 – Land at Tilsmore Nurseries (1.45ha)
Sub-area 3 – Land to the rear of Rothershaw (1.15ha)
Sub-area 4 – Land adjacent to the Police Station including Reynards and
Woodhatch (4.5ha)
Sub-area 5 – Holmhurst, High Street (0.17ha)
Sub-area 6 – Lavender Cottage (0.19ha)
13.3
The SDA comprises irregularly shaped, but connected parcels of land, broadly orientated
from west (Sub-area 1) to east (Sub-area 4), north of residential properties along the
A265. Four residential properties and their associated grounds are included within the
SDA. These include Sub-areas 5 and 6, which are discrete sites, and a section of Subarea 4 extending southwards to include two other properties. All four of these houses
front onto the A265. The remaining Sub-areas all have houses adjacent to their southern
boundaries.
13.4
The majority of the SDA forms part of the statutory designated High Weald Area of
Outstanding Natural Beauty1 (AONB). There are no statutory or non-statutory designated
nature conservation sites within or adjacent to the SDA boundary. There is a small area of
1
Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty are areas of high scenic quality that have statutory protection under the
National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949, in order to conserve and enhance the natural beauty of
their landscapes. There are 38 AONBs in England and Wales. They are designated by Natural England under the
Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000. They differ from National Parks in their more limited opportunities for
extensive outdoor recreation and the way that they are managed without a dedicated authority.
The Ecology Consultancy
Strategic Sites Ecological Assessment / Report for Wealden District Council
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Ancient Semi-Natural Woodland (ASNW) present within the SDA (Sub-area 3) with ASNW
also contiguous with other parts of the SDA boundary (see Ancient Woodland description
below).
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DESK STUDY FOR SDA 11: LAND AT NORTH-WEST HEATHFIELD
13.5
The following information regarding the present and historical ecological interest of the
SDA, covering a 2km radius search area, was supplied by SxBRC, Wealden District
Council and on-line mapping services:
Ancient Woodland
13.6
There are twenty-four areas of ASNW within a 2km radius of SDA 11. The closest of these
is Markly Wood which is located immediately to the north of the SDA. This is a 160ha
Planted Ancient Woodland (PAW) which is contiguous with the northern boundary of Subarea 4, the north-western boundary of Sub-area 1 and forms part of the northern limit of
Sub-area 3. This PAW contains large areas of ghyll woodland which run adjacent to the
northern boundary of Sub-area 2, extending into the SDA along the northern boundary of
Sub-area 3, before heading north-east. Ghyll woodland also runs adjacent to the northeastern corner of Sub-area 4 before heading north-west to join with other off-site ghylls.
Heatherden Wood (25ha) is located south-west of SDA 11 (on the south side of Heathfield
High Street (A265) and also contains ghyll woodland. All remaining areas of woodland to
the south are fragmented and isolated from the SDA due to urban development.
Designated Landscape
13.7
The majority of SDA 11 is located within the Statutory Designated High Weald AONB,
whose boundary cuts across the southern extent of the SDA. The southern parts of Subareas 1, 4, 5 and 6 are situated outside, but adjacent to the AONB. The High Weald
AONB comprises the area between the North and South Downs, which are the outer
chalk rims of the ancient Wealden anticline. Sandstones and clays are exposed in the
centre of the dome, producing a hilly countryside of ridges and valleys with small,
irregular shaped fields, abundant small ancient woods, ghylls and shaws, scattered
settlements, ancient routeways and sunken lanes.
Biodiversity Opportunity Areas
13.8
Sub-areas 2-4 are within Heathfield Habitat Link Biodiversity Opportunity Area (BOA)
identifying them as priority areas for the delivery of Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP)
targets2. Targets for this BOA include the sympathetic management of habitat mosaics
present within the BOA and to increase the ‘permeability’ of the landscape for wildlife
(South East England Biodiversity Forum, 2009).
2
Biodiversity Opportunity Areas are identified at a regional spatial scale as areas of opportunity for restoration and
creation of BAP habitats. They do not include opportunities for all BAP habitats present in the region or identify all
areas where these could be applied. Work is still needed to develop opportunity areas in urban and marine
environments in particular. Each BOA has its own area statement with targets.
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Designated Nature Conservation Sites
13.9
There is one statutory designated site for nature conservation located within 2km of the
SDA. This is Heathfield Park Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) located 1.6km to the
east of Sub-area 4. A summary of the citation for this 41ha designated site is below
(SxBRC, 2011):
Table 1: Heathfield Park SSSI
Citation
‚The site is an example of ancient Wealden ghyll woodland formed by the vigorous
downcutting of a stream into the Ashdown Sand series of the Hastings Beds. A
number of ‘Atlantic’ plants, uncommon in the south-east, are present and the lichen
flora is also notable. The stream has been dammed to form a series of lakes, the
northernmost of which are included in the site and add to its interest.
The woodland is dominated by mature beech Fagus sylvatica with both pedunculate
and sessile oak Quercus robur and Q. petraea, holly Ilex aquifolium and scattered yew
Taxus baccata. In the north and east birch Betula spp. becomes frequent and the
stream valleys contain willow Salix spp. and alder Alnus glutinosa. Where beech is
dense only the moss Leucobryum glaucum gives ground cover, but where the canopy
is more open bracken Pteridium aquilinum and bramble Rubus fruticosus are found
with rhododendron Rhododendron ponticum invading in places.
Continuous woodland cover in this sheltered ghyll provides a moist, mild microclimate
and a number of plant species occur here which are otherwise restricted to western
counties, including Cornish moneywort Sibthorpia europaea, hay-scented buckler-fern
Dryopteris aemula and the liverwort Frullania tamarisci.
The site is also of county importance for lichens: a total of 76 species have been
recorded here, mostly from the old oaks.
The lakes add to the value of the site for dragonflies and birds. Great reedmace Typha
latifolia forms fringing vegetation and the open water is dominated by white and yellow
water-lilies Nymphaea alba and Nuphar lutea‛.
13.10 There are two non-statutory designated sites within a 2km radius of the SDA, the nearest
of which is Oaken & Furlong Woods Site of Nature Conservation Importance (SNCI)
located 1.75km to the north-east Sub-area 4 (see Table 2 below).
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Table 2: Sites of Nature Conservation Importance within a 2km radius of SDA 11
Site Name
Oaken &
Furlong
Woods
Meer’s &
Hornslodge
Ghyll
Complex
Reason for designation
Part of a woodland complex which includes Great
Furnace and North Down Woods. The wood is mostly
very old, hornbeam coppice of which some is
neglected, with scattered hazel, oak and sweet
chestnut, a few standards and a bluebell ground flora
typical of Wealden woods. The most interesting
feature of the wood is the important "Atlantic" moss
and fern community associated with the ghyll flora and
outcrops of sandstone. The canopy here is similar to
the rest of the wood, but with occasional ash, beech,
alder and sallow. Localised base-enriched flushes are
also evident in the wood, with field maple, and there is
secondary woodland growth on old fields nearby.
There is also evidence of past mineral extraction
within the woods.
A woodland complex consisting of a narrow area of
woodland along a ghyll stream. The woodland is
predominated by hornbeam coppice, with some ash,
hazel and sweet chestnut coppice occasionally. The
ground flora throughout the woodland is dominated by
bluebells and wood anemones with patches of
moschatel, lesser celandine and stream banks
covered in ramsons. Some areas of the ghyll are
accessible by sheep and are grazed.
Area
(ha)
Distance
from SDA
(km)
31.6
1.75
24.0
1.95
Water bodies
13.11 There are a total of 45 ponds present within a 2km radius of SDA 11. These ponds are all
relatively small and are scattered throughout the landscape. This figure excludes ghylls
and streams (and their connected ponds and lakes) which are characteristic and widely
distributed features of the High Weald AONB landscape, adding further to the number of
water bodies. The closest off-site ponds (which are on-line) are situated 237m directly
north of Sub-area 4, in Markly Wood PAW.
Records of Protected and BAP Species
13.12 Records of the following protected, rare, notable and/or invasive species were identified
within a 2km radius of SDA 11 using data provided by SxBRC.
Plants
13.13 There is a 1996 record for spiked rampion from Cross in Hand (Brown’s Lane) which is
approximately 1.35km to the south-west of Sub-area 1. This plant is confined to East
Sussex and is a UK BAP priority species given special protection under Schedule 8 3 of
3
Schedule 8 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) relates to protected plants and fungi. All wild
plants in Britain are protected from intentional uprooting by an unauthorised person. Schedule 8 plant species (see
www.naturenet.net/law/sched8.html) are given additional protection as intentional picking, uprooting, destroying,
trading (including parts and derivatives) etc. are all prohibited.
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the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended). There are currently only a few
records within the county, from the Heathfield and Hailsham areas.
13.14 A 1990 record for hay-scented buckler-fern was returned from Little London (The
Spinney) approximately 2km south-west of Sub-area 4. This species is rare in the county.
13.15 There are two 2006 records for common wintergreen from Markly Wood, the closest
being approximately 1km north-east of Sub-area 4. This species is rare in the county.
13.16 There are five records for Cornish moneywort within a 2km radius of SDA 11. The closest
of these is from 2007, 1.35km east of Sub-area 4. This species is rare in the county.
Invertebrates
13.17 Notable and rare invertebrates which are all Species of Principal Importance for
Biodiversity4 that have been recorded within the 2km data search area, and for which
suitable habitat is present within the SDA, are as follows:
Oak hook-tip
White admiral
Small Phoenix
Buff ermine
Dot Moth
Mouse moth
Knot grass
Rustic
Mottled rustic
Rosy Rustic
Birds
13.18 There are records for 65 species of birds within the search area, including 13 Birds of
Conservation Concern5 (BoCC) Red List species and 16 BoCC Amber List species. Many
4
5
Section 41 (S41) of the NERC Act (2006) includes a published list of habitats and species which are of principal
importance for the conservation of biodiversity in England. It is used to guide decision-makers such as LPAs in
implementing their duty under section 40 of the NERC Act (2006), to have regard to the conservation of
biodiversity in England, when carrying out their normal functions (see Chapter 16 and 17).
Birds of Conservation Concern status is prioritised into high concern (Red), medium concern (Amber) and low
concern (Green) (Eaton et al, 2009). Red-list species are those that are globally threatened according to the IUCN
criteria; those whose population or range has declined rapidly in recent years; and those that have declined
historically and not shown a substantial recent recovery. Amber-list species are those with an unfavourable
conservation status in Europe; those whose population or range has declined moderately in recent years; those
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of these species require habitats not present at SDA 11, but examples of BoCC Red List
that may use the SDA due to the habitats present include cuckoo, song thrush, linnet and
yellowhammer. All four of these species are UK BAP species (JNCC, 2010) and under the
Natural Environment and Rural Communities (NERC) Act (2006) are Species of Principal
Importance for Biodiversity.
Bats
13.19 There are records for seven different bat species including; noctule, serotine,
whiskered/Brandt's bat, Natterer’s bat, Daubenton's bat, brown long-eared, common
pipistrelle and unidentified pipistrelle species. The most recent and closest record is for a
2004 Natterer’s hibernation roost at Tilsmore Tunnel, 40m east of Sub-area 4.
Reptiles
13.20 The following reptile species have been recorded within the search area:
Four slow-worm records, the closest being a 2006 record at Ghyll Road, Heathfield,
1.2km south of Sub-area 4;
Four common lizard records, the closest being a 1990 record at Heathfield Park
1.86km south-east of Sub-area 4;
Eight records of grass snake, the closest being a 1997 record 428m south of Subarea 4; and
One record of adder, the closest being a 2006 record from Waldron Ghyll 1.2km
south of the Sub-area 4.
Great crested newt /amphibians
13.21 There are four records of great crested newt within the 2km search area, the closest
being a 2006 record at Waldron Ghyll, 1.2km south of Sub-area 4. Five records of
common toad (UK BAP priority species) were also returned, with the closest record being
from 2007 at Geers Wood, 903m south of Sub-area 4.
Dormouse
13.22 There are two records of dormouse within the 2km search area, the closest being a 1998
record at Sellyns Farm, Cross in Hand, 1.35km west of Sub-area 1.
Water vole
13.23 There is one record of water vole within the 2km search area from 2001, recorded at High
Meadows Lake, Mayfield Flat Farm, 1.88km north-west of SDA 11.
whose population has declined historically but made a substantial recent recovery; rare breeders; and those with
internationally important or localised populations. Green-list species are those that fulfil none of the criteria.
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Invasive plant species
13.24 The data search returned a high number of records for invasive plant and animal species
that may potentially be present within the SDA. Invasive plant species listed on Schedule
9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) most likely to be present within
on-site habitats are three-cornered garlic, montbretia, variegated yellow archangel,
rhododendron, cotoneaster spp, Indian balsam, New Zealand pygmyweed and Nuttall's
Waterweed. The last four species are aquatic species that can be found in areas of
standing water.
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HABITAT SURVEY: OVERVIEW OF SDA 11
13.25 SDA 11 includes six Sub-areas. The largest of these is Sub-area 4 which comprises 48%
of the total SDA area. Apart from Sub-area 1, the Sub-areas are connected together and
are broadly orientated from west (Sub-area 1) to east (Sub-area 4). Sub-areas 5 and 6 are
small residential properties to the south of Sub-area 4 and constitute less than 4% of the
total area.
13.26 Habitats present within the overall strategic development survey area included a
moderate diversity of grassland types consisting of unimproved acid, semi-improved
acid, marshy, poor semi-improved and improved grassland. The external and internal
boundaries of the SDA comprised woodland, scattered tree, scrub and hedgerows. These
were dominated by native species, but with mixed woodland present in Sub-area 3,
including a small area of PAW. Other habitat present included: running and standing
water, dry ditches, earth banks, bracken and tall ruderal, along with hardstanding,
buildings and private gardens with introduced shrubs.
HABITAT SURVEY: SUB-AREA 1 - TILSMORE LODGE
Overview
13.27 All parts of Sub-area 1 were surveyed on the 24th May 2011. The Sub-area is 1.87ha in
size, forms part of the Tilsmore Estate and is currently unmanaged. The SDA is accessed
from the A265 via land between Tilsmore Lodge and Tilmore Cottage. Markly Wood
Planted Ancient Woodland forms the north and west boundary. Broad-leaved seminatural woodland forms the northern and eastern boundary, and gardens of properties on
the A265 delimit the south boundary. It is connected to Sub-area 2 via off-site woodland
in the eastern corner, which includes the head of an off-site (but adjacent) ghyll. Habitats
present within the Sub-area included: unimproved acid, marshy and poor-semi-improved
grassland, broad-leaved semi-natural woodland, scattered trees, continuous and
scattered scrub, tall ruderal and bracken.
Broad-leaved semi-natural woodland
13.28 Secondary woodland and woodland edge was dominated by pedunculate oak with some
sweet chestnut, holly, hazel and ash (each also present as coppiced stools). The shrub
layer included occasional mountain ash and invading rhododendron (T1). The ground flora
was dominated by bluebell (mainly the pure native species, but some areas dominated by
hybrid bluebell). Dead standing, fallen and buried wood (mainly sweet chestnut and oak)
was present in good quantity.
Scattered trees and scrub
13.29 Lines of mature open-grown pedunculate oaks dominated the Sub-area and were
associated with banks and/or ditches and usually marked internal compartments. In
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some areas these mature trees had spread to form strips of secondary woodland, while in
other areas they had been cleared – including very recently. Scattered trees and scrub
included frequent to occasional pedunculate oak (including a large amount of self-seeded
specimens), downy birch, silver birch, beech, sweet chestnut and holly. Dense bramble
scrub was present around the edges of the grassland and as discrete pockets within it.
Woodland ground flora, including wood anemone, enchanter’s nightshade and hard fern,
appeared to be recolonising from adjoining sections of woodland and hedgerows. Flytipped garden waste of potential value to hibernating reptiles was present adjacent to a
property on the southern boundary (T4).
Unimproved acid grassland
13.30 Unimproved mildly acid grassland was present in the east of the Sub-area. Sweet vernal
grass dominated with occasional oval sedge, cock’s-foot, timothy and Yorkshire fog.
Abundant wildflowers included two orchid species common twayblade, common spotted
orchid (T3), as well as hybrid cinquefoil, yarrow, bugle, heath speedwell, germander
speedwell, heath bedstraw and a single bush of common heather. The more westerly
field was not as botanically rich, probably having been overgrazed in the past, but is likely
to be recovering due to the current change in management. Acid grassland to the north
(bordering the marshy grassland) was also less diverse and comprised similar grass
species, but with the addition of common bent, common sorrel and rough meadow grass
(the latter in drier areas). A colony of the invasive plant species – montbretia was present
adjacent to a property on the southern boundary (T5).
Marshy grassland
13.31 The acid grassland drains north-east into an area of rush pasture with abundant soft rush
and frequent compact rush, marsh thistle, bugle and greater bird’s-foot-trefoil. Other
wetland indicators included angelica and pink water speedwell. Ferns were frequent
across this habitat including lady fern, male fern and narrow buckler-fern (T2).
Tall ruderal / bracken
13.32 Small stands of bracken had formed patches along the field edges. Large stands of
broad-leaved dock bordered the area of marshy grassland.
Fauna
13.33 Abundant bird song was heard within and adjacent to the Sub-area. The following bird
species were recorded during the survey; guinea fowl, pheasant, great tit, chiffchaff, bluetit and wood pigeon. Roe deer and rabbit were also present.
13.34 During the survey of the grassland a range of damselflies were observed, including the
white-legged damselfly (which has a marked southern distribution in England), as well as
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large red and common blue. Common blue, large white and large skipper butterfly were
also present.
Target Notes relevant to Sub-area 1
13.35 Target Notes (T) are features within the Sub-area assessed as being of ecological interest
and are marked on the Habitat Map in Appendix.
Target Note 1
13.36 Invasive plant species – rhododendron
Target Note 2
13.37 Rush and fern species in marshy grassland
Target Note 3
13.38 Orchid species in unimproved acid grassland
Target Note 4
13.39 Fly-tipped garden waste of potential value to reptiles
Target Note 5
13.40 Invasive plant species – montbretia
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PROTECTED SPECIES RISK ASSESSMENT: SUB-AREA 1 - TILSMORE LODGE
13.41 The habitats at Sub-area 1 were evaluated as to their likelihood to provide sheltering,
roosting, nesting and foraging habitat for the following species/species groups:
Breeding birds
Bats
Badgers
Reptiles
Great crested newt
Dormice
13.42 These species were selected for further consideration because the results of the desk
study revealed that they occur in the vicinity of the SDA and potentially suitable habitat is
present within Sub-area 1. The results of the field survey, combined with information from
the desk study, are presented in Table 3 below. The relevant legislation and policies
relating to protected species is presented within Chapter 16 and 17.
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Table 3: Assessment of potential presence of invasive and protected species within Sub-area 1 of SDA 11
Species
Main legislation
(see Chapter 16)
Reason for consideration
Likelihood of occurrence
HIGH. Areas of suitable breeding habitat (woodland, scattered
trees and scrub) for a variety of species are present around the
external and internal boundaries. The Sub-area is well
connected to off-site foraging resources in the wider
countryside, particularly Markly Wood to the north. 65 species
recorded within a 2km radius of the SDA. Whilst only 6 bird
species were recorded during the survey abundant bird activity
was noted.
HIGH (roosting) HIGH (foraging). Extensive areas of connected
woodland (including PAW and ghyll woodland) stretch to the
west, north and east providing both suitable roosting and
foraging opportunities. Foraging habitat is of good quality, but
limited in size. No buildings were present. Lines of mature
pedunculate oak trees, marking internal compartments, are of
potential value to roosting bats with features such as split
branches, rot holes present etc. Seven bat species are recorded
within a 2km radius of the SDA including a Natterer’s
hibernation roost 300m east of Sub-area 1.
Breeding
birds
Wildlife and Countryside Act
1981 (as amended) selected species Schedules
1 and 8.
Woodland, scattered trees and scrub
provide suitable breeding habitat for
both common garden species and
woodland species. Open countryside
to east, north and west (and gardens
to the south) provides a wider
foraging network.
Bats
1981 (as amended) Schedule 5. The
Conservation of Habitats and
Species Regulations 2010 Schedule 2.
Badger
Protection of Badgers Act
1992.
Mature/semi-mature scattered trees
provide suitable roosting habitat.
Adjacent
woodland
complex
provides extensive off-site foraging,
commuting and roosting habitat.
Mosaic of grassland, tall ruderal and
scrub provides a small area of good
foraging habitat. The Sub-area is
located on the north-western edge of
Heathfield with excellent connectivity
with open countryside to the west,
north and east.
Widespread
and
wide-ranging
species, especially in the south and
west of the UK. Woodland, tree and
scrub habitat with occasional raised
banks is suitable for sett-building.
Fields and scrub provide good
foraging habitat.
Widespread
reptiles
Wildlife and Countryside Act,
1981 (as amended) Schedule 5 (partial
protection)
Boundary
vegetation
including
woodland
edge
with
banks,
standing/fallen deadwood and dense
scrub provides potential hibernating
MEDIUM. The Sub-area and adjacent habitat included good
cover and connectivity for badger to move across the wider
landscape viz. woodland, scattered trees and scrub. Woodland
banks provided suitable topography for sett construction. More
open areas of grassland with a shorter sward and bramble
scrub provided optimum foraging habitat, but were limited in
area. A preliminary search did not find any signs of badger, but
this does not guarantee their absence as they are a mobile
species. Badger records are not provided as part of the SxBRC
data search.
HIGH. All areas apart from the more shaded woodland and
scattered tree/scrub habitat around the boundary are of high
value to reptiles. The area is undisturbed and not accessed by
the public. Grassland, tall-ruderal and scrub mosaic provides
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Species
Main legislation
(see Chapter 16)
habitat. Mosaic of grassland, tallruderal and scrub provides basking
and foraging opportunities for
widespread species of reptile.
optimal habitat for widespread reptile species. This Sub-area is
located in a rural location and connected to suitable habitat to
the south-east, south and southwest (including large woodland
gardens) which may be used by wide-ranging species such as
grass snake. Large piles of garden waste in the south provide
additional egg-laying and hibernating sites. There are off-site
records for all four species of widespread reptile from the data
search, the closest being a 1997 grass snake record 868m to
the south of Sub-area 1.
MEDIUM. The nearest pond is the recently created pond in
Sub-area 2 approximately 125m east of Sub-area 1. This pond
provides very limited suitable breeding habitat. No ponds are
present within Sub-area 1, but marshy grassland may
occasionally provide temporary standing water, but for limited
periods of the year. The Sub-area is contiguous with Markly
Wood and provides optimum terrestrial habitat. Woodland,
woodland banks, mature trees and dense scrub provide good
hibernating habitat. There are four records for great crested
newt within a 2km radius of the SDA. There are no records
within 500m of the Sub-area the closest being a 2006 record at
Waldron Ghyll, 1.5km south of Sub-area 1. Three ponds within
500m are visible on OS mapping, all in Markly Wood to the
north, the closest of which is 420m from the Sub-area. There
are no barriers to dispersal, but the presence of abundant
habitat around these ponds may limit the need for animals to
disperse to the Sub-area.
MEDIUM. Potentially suitable on-site habitat is limited to the
woodland on the western boundary and scattered trees and
scrub around the west, north and east boundary. Whilst these
are relatively small in area they are contiguous with the large
woodland complex to the north (Tilsmore Wood). The structure
of the on-site woodland is sub-optimal but groups of trees and
scrub are well connected and dense. Foraging and nest building
plants were present in varying quantities, including hazel
Great
crested newt
No ponds are present, but suitable
terrestrial habitat is found particularly
on habitat boundaries. Three ponds
identified within a 500m radius,
which is the guideline distance
(English Nature, 2001) which great
crested newt may commute between
breeding ponds and terrestrial sites.
The Sub-area is located in a rural
setting on the north-west edge of
Heathfield. The Sussex countryside
has an abundance of shallow ponds
suitable as breeding sites.
Dormouse
Linear
boundary
features
viz.
woodland, and trees/scrub provide
suitable nesting habitat. Food and
nesting building plants, such as
hazel, bramble and honeysuckle
were all present.
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Species
Invasive
plants
species
Main legislation
(see Chapter 16)
Section 14 and Part II of
Schedule 9 of the Wildlife
and Countryside Act 1981
(as amended)
There is a wide range of invasive
plant species of which a number of
widespread
species
occur
in
woodlands, aquatic and wetland
habitats, and disturbed sites or close
to settlements. As such there is
potential for invasive plants to be
present in the Sub-area.
(occasional), honeysuckle (rare), bramble (abundant) and
hawthorn (rare). A 1998 data record was returned from Cross in
Hand (Sellyns Farm) 1.35km west of Sub-area 1.
PRESENT. Rhododendron and montbretia were recorded within
woodland and are included as invasive plant species under
Schedule 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as
amended).
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NATURE CONSERVATION EVALUATION: SUB-AREA 1 - TILSMORE LODGE
13.43 On the basis of the information available from the Phase 1 habitat survey, data search
and review of BAPs, Sub-area 1 has been evaluated in terms of its potential for
biodiversity, support of protected species and habitats, and the contribution the area
makes as part of the wider landscape. A combined evaluation of the nature conservation
value of the site using standard criteria developed by IEEM (2006) and selected criteria
from Defra's (2006) 'Local Sites' evaluation guidance is provided in Table 4 below.
13.44 The biodiversity value of protected and BAP species within the Sub-area is a preliminary
evaluation based upon the desk study records, habitat suitability and the conservation
status of the species in question. It should be noted that where European Protected
Species or BAP species are present on-site they may be valued at a lower level/scale
where it is considered likely that populations would not be of sufficient importance to
justify designation at a higher level. However, regardless of their biodiversity value, such
species are still subject to national and/or European legislation.
13.45
Key aspects of relevant planning policy and legislation regarding conservation, including
an explanation of species referred to as being of 'Principal Importance for the
Conservation of Biodiversity', European Protected Species and BAP species and
habitats, are provided in Chapters 16-18.
Table 4: Combined Evaluation of the Nature Conservation Value of Sub-area 1 of SDA
11
Criteria
6
Remarks
Features of
International
Importance
Sub-area 1 is not subject to any international statutory nature
conservation designations. The closest site of International Importance is
Ashdown Forest designated as both a SAC and SPA, located
approximately 11.5km to the north-west. Ashdown Forest is important for
its lowland wet and dry heath habitats and associated bird assemblage.
No heathland habitat or any supporting habitats that maintain the
integrity of this designated area are present within the Sub-area.
Features of
National
Importance
Sub-area 1 is not subject to any national nature conservation
designations.
It is not considered that any habitats or populations or assemblages of
species within the Sub-area would meet the criteria for the designation of
6
SSSIs at an appropriate geographic level .
Features of
Regional (Sussex)
Value
Sub-area 1 is not subject to any non-statutory nature conservation
designations.
The south-eastern corner of the Sub-area is adjacent to the source of a
ghyll flowing north into Markly Wood PAW. The Weald area of South-East
England contains a concentration of ghyll woodland which is included
under the county’s Woodland BAP and significant at this level.
Guidelines for selection of biological SSSIs http://jncc.defra.gov.uk/page-2303#download
1111
11
Criteria
Remarks
Features of
District (Wealden)
Importance
Unimproved mildly acid grassland and associated mosaics of marshy
grassland and tall-ruderal/bracken are present. Whilst this grassland
resource does not fall within the category of lowland heathland or dry
acid grassland (Sussex and UK BAP priority habitats) it is nonetheless an
uncommon and declining habitat and is considered to be of ecological
value of at least the district level.
The grassland resource, in conjunction with mosaics of woodland, trees
and scrub habitats, is likely to support a moderately diverse assemblage
of invertebrates of value at the district level, particularly in combination
with adjacent Sub areas.
Features of Local
(Heathfield)
Importance
A number of protected and UK/Sussex BAP species may occur at the
Sub-area as follows:
- Reptiles including slow-worm, common lizard, grass snake and adder;
- Birds such as house sparrow, cuckoo, starling, dunnock, linnet, song
thrush and bullfinch;
- Amphibians such as great crested newt and toads;
- Invertebrates such as stag beetle;
- Small mammals such as hedgehog and dormice; and
- Bats, such as soprano, noctule bat and brown long eared.
Based on the quality and extent of habitat present, it is considered that
populations of these species would be significant at the local level.
There is a single UK BAP priority habitat present on-site: lowland mixed
deciduous woodland (see Habitat Map) although this habitat is limited in
extent and not considered to be an outstanding example of its type, it is
therefore of no more than local importance.
The Sub-area is not managed or publically accessible and therefore
woodland, scattered trees and scrub are relatively undisturbed and
provide cover and foraging opportunities for a breeding bird assemblage
of value in a local context.
Mature pedunculate oak trees are important ecological features due to
their age and potential to support a wide range of species/species
groups, including bats, birds, reptiles/amphibians (at their base/roots)
and invertebrates (including saproxylic species in standing and fallen
deadwood). They are replaceable in only the long-term i.e. 50-100+ years
and are considered to be of value at the local level.
Features of Value
within the
immediate vicinity
of the Sub-area
The remaining habitats at the Sub-area comprising poor semi-improved
and improved grassland are likely to be of some value as foraging, cover
and breeding sites for a range of generalist species and therefore of value
in maintaining the ecology of the area. However, they are common and
widespread habitats that do not generally support rare species or diverse
assemblages of species and are therefore of value in the immediate
vicinity of the Sub-area.
Features of
Secondary and
Supporting Value
/ Connectivity
within the
landscape
The woodland may provide connectivity between off-site ecological
receptors such as small fields, woodland units, hedgerows and tree lines
(see above).
Woodland and scattered trees and scrub may provide a buffer to ancient
woodland (PAW) to the south and west. It extends the foraging and
breeding range for off-site species using the adjacent woodland complex.
The Sub-area may also function as a buffer to the urban edge of
Heathfield and potentially provides a wildlife corridor and/or stepping
stones for mobile species moving across the Heathfield urban-rural
1112
11
Criteria
Remarks
fringe.
Social Value /
Recorded History
and Cultural
Associations
This Sub-area is privately owned. It is accessed from A265 between
Tilsmore Cottage and Tilsmore Lodge, which judging by the remnant
avenue of trees used to be a historic drive into the wider Tilsmore Estate.
The primary value of Sub-area 1 is in its amenity and aesthetic value to
those residents whose houses back onto the Sub-area, affording them
views over the countryside and potential (informal) recreation.
No recorded ancient trees were present, although numerous mature
pedunculate oak trees were present.
Trees receiving TPOs are present at the southern end of the Sub-area
and provide visual amenity value (please see Habitat Map for location).
Economic value
The fields are likely to have been historically grazed, but the Sub-area has
remained unmanaged for a number of years. Whilst it is generally
recommended that mature oaks be retained, they could potentially be
harvested for timber. It may be possible to sell woodland products
resulting from cyclical woodland management e.g. firewood, timber,
poles, charcoal etc. Due to the small size of on-site woodland
opportunities available for income generation these activities would be
very limited. All remaining habitats and species do not currently provide a
resource that could be exploited for their economic value.
Size and extent
The Sub-area measures 1.87ha (total SDA area 9.33ha) with woodland,
scattered tree and scrub habitats occupying approximately 60%.
Mosaics of acid grassland, marshy grassland and tall-ruderal/bracken
occupy the remaining 40%. Due to its size the Sub-area supports only a
moderate range of habitat types, but these have potential to support a
range of BAP and protected species due to their type and geographic
location.
Fragility
The woodland and mature trees are susceptible to ground disturbance.
The grassland (acid and marshy) is susceptible to both disturbance and
changes in hydrology/drainage which would affect its species
composition. It is also (and has already become) susceptible to scrub
encroachment and the spread of coarse grassland. Remaining habitats
i.e. the bracken and self-established young/semi-mature scattered trees
and scrub are relatively recently established would rapidly recover from
impacts and can be restored.
Typicalness
Woodland and associated habitats are typical of their individual types.
The grassland resource is typical of lightly acidic Wealden substrates
with localised wet areas.
Summary of Nature Conservation Evaluation
13.46 On the basis of the above criteria, Sub-area 1 is considered to be of ecological value
within at least the Wealden District context due to the presence of wet acid grassland.
The Sub-area also appears to form part of the catchment of a ghyll stream flowing into
Markly Wood. Due to the restricted distribution of such features in SE England, the Subarea is considered to be of regional importance in terms of maintaining the hydrology of
the stream, and boundary habitat would be important in buffering it from the effects of
any future development.
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13.47 Other habitats in the Sub-area, principally old trees and lowland deciduous woodland are
considered to be of local value, as is the juxtaposition of grassland, scrub and scattered
trees providing habitat structure for a wide range of species. The Sub-area as a whole,
and particularly scrub and woodland at the boundaries, provide buffering and supporting
habitat to Markly Wood PAW. Due to its proximity to woodland, and the nature of the
habitats present, the Sub-area has potential to support a range of declining and BAP
species, and species that are protected at National and European level i.e. badger,
reptiles, great crested newts, bats and dormice. The legal and policy implications
associated with these species are detailed in Chapter 16 and 17.
.
1114
GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE APPRAISAL: SUB-AREA 1 - TILSMORE LODGE
Water bodies and the local catchment area
13.48 Sub-area 1 does not include any standing water such as ponds, but the area of marshy
grassland to the north (which is a notable feature of the Sub-area) may contain surface
water during the winter months. The source of a ghyll is adjacent to the eastern corner of
the Sub-area.
Habitat connectivity
13.49 Markly Wood surrounds the west, north and eastern boundaries and consequently Subarea 1 is very well connected to the larger woodland complex located to the north and
west of Heathfield, via on-site woodland, scattered trees and scrub, and lines of mature
oak trees. These habitats provide a potential wildlife corridor for a range of mobile
species such as bats, birds, invertebrates, badgers and small mammals. These species
are potentially commuting along the woodland edge, within the Sub-area and moving
across the Heathfield urban-rural fringe into the wider Wealden countryside and the
Heathfield Habitat Link BOA.
Sustainable transport routes/PROW
13.50 Sub-area 1 is privately owned and no Public Right Of Way (PROW) is present. There is
currently no network of cycle routes serving the Sub-area. There is currently a private
access point into Sub-area 1 from the A265.
1115
CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: SUB-AREA 1 - TILSMORE LODGE
13.51 The northern half of Sub-area 1 falls within the boundary of the statutory designated High
Weald AONB. Sub-area 1 is not subject to any statutory or non-statutory nature
conservation designations. The nearest statutory designated site for nature conservation
is Heathfield Park SSSI located 1.9km to the east of Sub-area 1. The nearest nonstatutory designated nature conservation site is Oaken & Furlong Woods SNCI located
2.15km to the north-east of Sub-area 1. On the basis of information available at the time
of report production, it is considered unlikely that the Sub-area performs an important
supporting role for these sites based upon the type and extent of habitats present within
the Sub-area, the features for which the sites are designated, and the degree of
connectivity between them.
13.52 Overall, the Sub-area is considered to be of district value due to its grassland resource
which includes a mosaic of unimproved mildly acid grassland, marshy grassland and tallruderal/bracken, which are likely to support both widespread species of reptile and a
moderately diverse assemblage of invertebrates.
13.53 Remaining habitats in Sub-area 1 are considered to be of ecological value in the local
context, due to their potential to support a range of legally protected and BAP species.
These include species protected at a National and European level i.e. badger, reptile,
great crested newt, bats and dormice. This interest is strongly associated with areas of
woodland, scattered trees and scrub that are connected to the larger woodland complex
located to the east, north and west. In addition, there are also a good number of mature
pedunculate oak trees present, which are also features of value at the local level.
13.54 The Sub-area also provides an important secondary and supporting role to the network
of ecological receptors surrounding it, primarily by:
Buffering off-site areas of Markly Wood that includes an adjacent area of planted
ancient woodland and the adjacent head of a ghyll woodland; and
Providing wildlife corridors for species moving between the urban areas of
Heathfield and the wider Wealden countryside.
13.55 The following UK BAP habitats/species are present or have potential to be present within
the Sub-area:
Lowland mixed deciduous woodland;
Reptiles, including slow-worm, common lizard, grass snake and adder;
1116
Birds such as house sparrow, cuckoo, starling, dunnock, linnet, song thrush and
bullfinch;
Amphibians such as great crested newt and toads;
Invertebrates such as stag beetle;
Small mammals such as hedgehog and dormice; and
Bats, such as soprano pipistrelle, noctule bat and brown long eared.
13.56 BAP habitats/species are not necessarily rare but under Planning Policy Statement 9
(PPS9) and the NERC Act 2006 are all of principal importance for biodiversity (ODPM,
2005) and are of material consideration in the planning process. None of the BAP habitats
or populations of BAP species currently known to be present on-site are considered as
notable or exceptional examples of their type. Under PPS9 ancient woodland is also a
Habitat of Principal Importance for Biodiversity. Although there are no areas classified as
ancient woodland, the western boundary is adjacent to Markly Wood PAW and an ancient
woodland ground flora appeared to be colonising from adjoining sections of woodland
and hedgerows.
13.57 Much of the Sub-area’s current ecological value can be attributed to its geographic
location within the High Weald and the relatively undisturbed nature of its on-site
habitats. However, opportunities for enhancing the Sub-area for wildlife do exist as it has
remained unmanaged for a number of years (see recommendations below).
Recommended further surveys relevant to Sub-area 1
Overview
13.58 The surveys recommended below assume the loss of or damage to suitable habitat
should the Sub-area be proposed for development. There is potential to avoid and/or limit
impacts through habitat retention and protection (see below). The final approach to
surveys will have to be based on consideration of detailed proposals for Sub-area 1,
though in all cases published best practice should be followed with regard to survey
methodology etc.
13.59 To provide a sufficient baseline of data and to mitigate against any potential impact on
declining, BAP and protected species/habitats at Sub-area 1, further surveys for reptiles,
bats, badger, dormice, great crested newts, invertebrates, lower plants and invasive
plants are recommended.
Reptiles
13.60 The Sub-area includes the habitat mosaic and vegetation structure suitable for a number
of widespread reptile species, including both grass snakes and for adders. There are
1117
open areas for basking, cover against predation as well as numerous potential
hibernation spots. There are foraging opportunities for adders within the unimproved
grassland, a habitat that often has a high density of small mammals. The head/source of
the ghyll to the east may also provide suitable foraging for grass snakes.
13.61 A minimum of a seven visit reptile survey, following current guidelines (Froglife, 1999,
English Nature 2004; Natural England 2011b), should be carried out to establish the
presence/absence and distribution of reptiles. The grassland/scrub mosaic and edge
habitats should be targeted. The optimum time is generally late spring, from April through
June and in the early autumn in September. Where possible, survey effort should be
spread across the recording season i.e. March-October
Bats
13.62 The habitats within the Sub-area are of high value for bats when judged against current
assessment criteria provided by the Bat Conservation Trust (BCT) (2007). This is due to
the strong connectivity with the wider landscape, presence of adjacent areas of ancient
woodland, mature on-site trees suitable for roosting, good quality and diversity of
foraging habitats (woodland and unimproved grassland) and proximity to known roosts.
13.63 Following current guidelines (BCT, 2007) further bat surveys are recommended to assess
the presence or potential presence of any bat roosts, as well as the function the Sub-area
might provide for foraging and commuting. This should include both tree inspections and
activity and emergence surveys. Activity and emergence surveys must be carried out
between May and September.
Badger
13.64 Although no setts were discovered during the Phase 1 survey the landscape of Sub-area
1 provides a highly suitable area for sett building and foraging. The potential for badgers
is substantially increased due to the expanse of adjacent woodland and a good diversity
of habitat types for foraging.
13.65 In order to assess the use of the Sub-area by badger a survey should be carried out in all
areas of suitable on-site sett-building and foraging habitat to look for signs and evidence
of this species. Survey effort should also include suitable off-site areas within a minimum
30m distance of the Sub-area boundary. This is in line with current Natural England
recommendations and the possibility of sett disturbance caused by construction activities
(Highways Agency, 2001; Natural England, 2007).
13.66 Holes attributed to badger should be classified as well used, partially used or disused in
line with the methodology given in the National Badger Survey (Cresswell et al. 1990;
1118
Wilson et al. 1997). Setts should be classified as main, annexe, subsidiary and outlier
(Wilson, Harris & McLaren, 1997). Surveys to identify setts should be carried out in the
winter while surveys to establish the level of foraging and the likely impact of loss of
foraging habitat and mitigation required should be conducted in the summer.
Dormouse
13.67 The woodland and scattered trees and scrub form a continuous habitat layer and one
that is contiguous with the surrounding woodland. Apart from during their hibernation
phase, dormice are almost exclusively arboreal animals and require such interconnected
habitats to forage and commute between sites. This species is particularly susceptible to
impacts from habitat fragmentation and any loss or impact to scrub/trees/woodland
across the Sub-area could have a significant negative impact.
13.68 Therefore, it is recommended that a survey for this species is carried out. This should be
carried out using artificial nesting tubes (standard survey methodology). Surveys should
follow best practice as provided in English Nature’s Research Report 524: Surveying
Dormice Using Nest Tubes (Chanin and Woods, 2003) and their Dormouse Conservation
Handbook (2006). Surveys should be carried out between April and November.
Great crested newts
13.69 Woodland edge, scattered trees, scrub and the grassland mosaic provides suitable
terrestrial habitat for great crested newts. In addition, there are two ponds and a series of
ghylls, springs and wet flushes within a 500m radius of the Sub-area, which is the
guideline distance (English Nature, 2001) that great crested newt may commute between
breeding ponds. It is therefore recommended that a Habitat Suitability Index (HSI) survey,
following Oldham et al (2000), is carried out on all ponds within a 500m radius of the Subarea’s boundaries that do not have significant barriers to dispersal.
13.70 Using the results from the HSI, presence/absence surveys of ponds within 500m of the
Sub-area that do not have any significant barriers to dispersal between them and the
Sub-area may need to be carried out. Four presence/absence surveys should be carried
out following best practice guidelines (English Nature, 2001) between mid-March and
mid-June with at least two of these surveys between mid-April and mid-May.
13.71 The requirement for further survey will depend on the quality of the ponds as breeding
habitat and the number and distance of suitable breeding ponds from the Sub-area. It is
likely that the great majority of suitable on-site habitat around boundaries will be retained.
However, surveys are still likely to be required to determine population size (if presence is
confirmed), and the degree to which great crested newt are a constraint to any proposed
1119
development in terms of planning construction works and whether works will require a
European Protected Species Mitigation (EPSM) licence.
Invertebrates
13.72 Sub-area 1 supports a moderate diversity of habitat types, including those of high value
to invertebrates, i.e. unimproved and marshy grassland, woodland, mature oak trees and
edge/mosaic habitats. If these habitats are to be affected by development a terrestrial
invertebrate survey is recommended. Survey effort should focus on woodland edge and
grassland habitats and include a selection of survey methods to assess the range of
invertebrate fauna likely to be present on-site. Therefore, surveys may be required to
inform impact assessments, establish an acceptable extent of development or to inform
mitigation proposals.
Lower plants
13.73 The head/source of a ghyll is adjacent to the eastern corner of the Sub-area. Ghyll
woodland is a Sussex BAP priority habitat and known to support important disjunct
populations of ‘oceanic’ vascular plant and bryophyte species. Ghylls are very
susceptible to changes in micro-climate, hydrogeology and physical disturbance.
Potential impacts from development that may cause these changes are alterations to the
local surface and ground water flow, removal of woodland cover in proximity to the ghyll
and erosion and compaction from increased recreation. Therefore, surveys may be
required to inform impact assessments, establish an acceptable extent of development or
to inform mitigation proposals.
13.74 Rhododendron and montbretia are present in woodland and scattered trees/scrub
habitats. These are invasive plant species included on Schedule 9 of the Wildlife and
Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) under which it is an offence to plant or otherwise
cause these species to grow in the wild. It is possible that they could be spread during
construction works and, therefore, a survey to accurately determine their extent, and
inform a method statement to avoid spread, will be required.
Outline mitigation relevant to Sub-area 1
Habitat retention and protection
13.75 The area of acid grassland, marshy grassland and tall-ruderal/bracken mosaic is one of
the most ecologically important habitats present within the Sub-area and development
proposals should seek to retain and enhance this area.
13.76 Woodland along the west boundary provides a buffer to Markly Wood PAW and is both a
UK and Sussex BAP priority habitat. Lines of mature pedunculate oaks, marking internal
1120
boundaries are also a notable ecological feature fulfilling both a landscape and ecological
function. Development proposals should seek to retain and enhance both woodland and
mature trees/internal boundaries.
13.77 Where the loss of the woodland, mature tree and/or grassland resources, described
above, is unavoidable, it will be necessary to carry out any required protected species
surveys and mitigation prior to their removal and provide compensation for their loss.
13.78 All construction works taking place in the vicinity of retained woodland, trees and
grassland should conform to British Standard 5837:2005 Trees in Relation to
Construction.
13.79 Markly Wood PAW is adjacent to the western boundary of the Sub-area. Following
Natural England’s Standing Advice on Ancient Woodland (2011a) a minimum buffer of at
least 15m in width should be maintained between ancient woodland and any
development boundary. Subject to the results of any further ecological surveys and
liaison with relevant statutory bodies it may be necessary to increase the width of the
buffer zone.
13.80 Drainage channels in close proximity to springs/flushes, feeding streams and/or ghylls
should be managed to avoid changes to surface and ground water levels, any discharge
of pollution or sediments and the diversion of water away from these habitats. All works
near to water courses and wetland features should adhere to best practice guidance to
avoid adverse effects upon water quality, such as Pollution Prevention Guidance 5:
Works and maintenance in or near water (Environment Agency, 2007). In addition, zones
alongside ghyll woodland should remain undisturbed by creating buffer areas.
Mitigation for protected species
13.81 Nesting bird habitat: Woodland, woodland edge, scattered trees and dense scrub provide
suitable nesting habitat for a variety of bird species. It is recommended that any
vegetation clearance affecting nesting habitat should be undertaken outside of the bird
nesting season which runs from March to August inclusive.
13.82 Bats and lighting: While different species of bat react differently to night time lighting,
research has found that bats are sensitive to artificial lighting and that excessive lighting
can delay bats from emerging, thus shortening the time available for foraging, as well as
causing bats to move away from suitable foraging grounds or roost sites, to alternative
dark areas (Jones, 2000).
1121
13.83 Currently the whole Sub-area remains dark at night and to minimise impacts on bats from
lighting associated with any proposed development it will be necessary to limit light
spillage and glare, particularly along the boundary with Markly Wood. This can be
achieved by following accepted best practice (Institute of Ecology and Environmental
Management 2006, Institute of Lighting Engineers 2007)
Habitat compensation relevant to Sub-area 1
13.84 Any compensation planting should draw on best practice with regard to the use of native
species of local provenance, avoidance of invasive species, and use of non-native
species of known wildlife value provided in Chapter 19. Initial measures to be considered
in development proposals for the Sub-area would be as follows:
Replacement planting to compensate for any loss of woodland, trees, scrub,
grassland etc. should be provided as an integral part of any landscape
masterplanning for the Sub-area. This should aim to retain the Sub-area’s value for
any protected/UK BAP species confirmed present without recourse to off-site
translocation.
If development involves the removal of trees with potential to provide habitat for
birds and bats then artificial bird and bat boxes should be considered in order to
provide replacement nesting/roosting habitat.
Habitat enhancement relevant to Sub-area 1
13.85 The following outline proposals for habitat enhancement should be considered as part of
detailed proposals for development of Sub-area 1 to ensure that features of local
ecological value contribute to the ecology of the District as a whole. Additional generic
management recommendations for these features are provided in Chapter 19.
Woodland
13.86 The Sub-area has remained unmanaged for a number of years and consequently the
coppiced stools within the woodland are becoming over-stood. This, and the
development of dense areas of self-established trees and scrub, has created a dense
canopy, reducing light levels which may inhibit the growth and development of the
woodland ground flora.
13.87 Reinstatement of a coppicing system in neglected areas of woodland is recommended to
maintain habitat and structural diversity. Areas with evidence of historical coppicing
(multi-stemmed trees with large stools) and with a rich ground flora, that is currently being
shaded out, should be targeted for coppicing. Care should be exercised when coppicing
areas bordering ghylls as trees/shrubs form an important part of this habitat, helping to
1122
maintain the particular micro-climate associated with this woodland type. Very old trees
should not be coppiced as they may fail to regenerate successfully.
Grassland
13.88 Pockets of bramble scrub and young self-established trees are encroaching on the
grassland resource and will reduce its species diversity. It is recommended that
saplings/young trees within the grass are removed and the scrub edge is cut back on a
cyclical basis. The spread of bracken should also be monitored and it may be necessary
to manage dense stands by pulling/cutting/chemical treatment etc.
Green infrastructure enhancements relevant to Sub-area 1
13.89 The Sub-area is adjacent to Heathfield Habitat Link BOA and any development proposals
should consider the BOA targets which seeks to sympathetically manage the habitat
mosaic present in the area and increasing the ‘permeability’ of the landscape for wildlife.
13.90 Many of the recommendations for habitat protection, creation and enhancement are likely
to benefit both biodiversity and green infrastructure within the District. In order to ensure
these issues are adequately addressed at the Sub-area level, specific recommendations
referring to issues such as off-site habitat, hydrology, access and landscape are provided
below:
Scrub and woodland around the boundaries should be largely retained to buffer the
adjacent PAW and retain corridors of woodland along the northern edge of
Heathfield. Any additional planting should be positioned so as to enhance green
corridors on-site. Native tree and shrub species should be typical of the local
landscape (High Weald AONB).
From a green infrastructure perspective, the retention of springs and marshy
grassland will ensure that the natural drainage system for the Sub-area continues to
function. Where marshy grassland is to be retained and incorporated within
development proposals, it should form part of the wider Sustainable Urban Drainage
System (SuDS) for the Sub-area/SDA.
Detailed hydrological studies should be carried out to ensure that development
does not adversely affect water supply or water quality within the adjacent ghyll
stream. SuDS and other pollution control measures may be required to ensure that
adverse effects do not occur.
Subject to findings of botanical and invertebrate surveys, and hydrological
investigations, the creation of a pond within the area of marshy grassland or
adjoining scrub could improve conditions for amphibians potentially breeding in the
1123
locality and strengthen links between any breeding populations associated with
nearby ponds e.g. in Sub-area 2.
If any proposed development comprises large areas of buildings and hardstanding
the use of SuDs schemes, green roofs and walls should be considered to enhance
the biodiversity value of the Sub-area, protect water quality and reduce the rate of
runoff.
The use of native tree and shrub planting and species of known wildlife value in
landscape schemes should be considered in detailed landscape proposals as this
will provide opportunities for wildlife at the smallest scale of development, ensuring
that opportunities for common species are not diminished.
13.91 Further detail on measures to enhance biodiversity and green infrastructure are provided
in Chapter 19.
1124
HABITAT SURVEY: SUB-AREA 2 - LAND AT TILSMORE NURSERIES
Overview
size, is part of the former Tilsmore Nurseries site which is currently owned and managed
by local residents. The grassland is cut once per year in July/August with all arising
removed. An adjacent pond had recently been created within the Sub-area. The Sub-area
is accessed via gates off Nursery Way. Habitats present within the Sub-area included:
unimproved acid and marshy grassland, scattered trees, scattered scrub, bracken,
standing and running water.
13.93 Small groups and larger copses of scattered trees were present around the boundary of
the Sub-area and comprised abundant downy birch and locally frequent to occasional
aspen, pedunculate oak, mountain ash, holly, grey willow and hornbeam. The shrub layer
was notably absent across large parts of this habitat, having either been grazed out or
cut. A remnant ancient woodland ground flora was present in the north area bordering the
ghyll woodland (T9). Species here included: wild strawberry, bluebell, wood speedwell,
common dog-violet, wood anemone and yellow pimpernel. The invasive plant species
montbretia, and a tree providing standing deadwood with artificial bird box attached,
were present among trees in the south of the Sub-area (T5 and T8 respectively)
13.94 Alder was locally frequent on the east side of the Sub-area marking the route of a spring.
This locality also contained compact and soft rush, marsh thistle, common fleabane and
water mint.
13.95 The central area of Sub-area 2 comprised unimproved, mildly acid/neutral grassland with
a good diversity of sedges (ten species recorded), an abundance of common spotted
orchids, and a damp hollow draining into a recently created pond located to the northeast of the Sub-area. Crested dog’s-tail and sweet vernal-grass tended to dominate
although the grass flora was diverse. The higher (drier) slopes support a more open sward
with occasional tufts of sheep’s fescue and sheep’s sorrel. Wildflowers included
abundant common knapweed and meadow buttercup with occasional bird’s-foot-trefoil
and common fleabane. Ox-eye daisy was also notably abundant on this part of the Subarea but was generally absent elsewhere.
Pond
13.96 Clumps of yellow flag appeared to have been planted on the margins of the pond (T6)
while an undetermined water-lily was undoubtedly planted. The drier grassland around
the pond supported a colony of slender St. John’s-wort.
1125
Marshy grassland
13.97 The damp hollow was dominated by a stand of jointed rush and marsh pennywort with
frequent lesser spearwort.
Ghyll (off-site)
13.98 Ghyll woodland was adjacent to the northern boundary of Sub-area 2 (T7). Deep cuttings
supported large amounts of bryophytes and ferns including hard fern, hart’s-tongue fern,
broad buckler fern, narrow buckler fern, male fern and lady fern, as well as interesting
stands of sedges dominated by pendulous sedge, smooth-stalked sedge, remote sedge
and
tufted
hair-grass.
Conocephalum conicum, Lophozia bidentata, Fissidens
adiantoides, Fissidens taxifolius, Fissidens dubius and Mnium hornum dominated the
bryophyte community.
Bracken
13.99 A stand of bracken was noted along the eastern field edge, adjacent to the spring.
Fauna
13.100 The following bird species were recorded during the survey; great tit, chiffchaff, blue-tit,
wood pigeon and mallard. Good numbers of several bumblebee species were recorded
during the survey of grassland, including; Bombus lucorum, Bombus pascorum, Bombus
pratorum and Bombus hypnorum. An anecdotal record (from local land owner/resident)
for grass snake was also provided.
Target Notes relevant to Sub-area 2
Target Note 5
13.102
Invasive plant species – montbretia.
Target Note 6
13.103 Marginal vegetation around pond edge, dominated by yellow flag iris.
Target Note 7
13.104 Adjacent ghyll woodland.
Target Note 8
13.105 Tree providing standing deadwood with artificial bird box attached.
1126
Target Note 9
13.106 Relictual ancient woodland ground flora under scattered trees.
1127
PROTECTED SPECIES RISK ASSESSMENT: SUB-AREA 2 - LAND AT TILSMORE
NURSERIES
Breeding birds
Bats
Badgers
Reptiles
Great crested newt
Dormice
1128
Species
Main legislation
(see Chapter 16)
Breeding
birds
Wildlife and Countryside
Act 1981 (as amended) selected species
Schedules 1 and 8.
Bats
Act 1981 (as amended) Schedule 5. The
Conservation of Habitats
and Species Regulations
2010 - Schedule 2.
Badger
1992.
Widespread
reptiles
Act, 1981 (as amended) Schedule 5 (partial
protection)
Scattered trees and scrub provide
suitable breeding habitat for both
common garden species and
woodland
species.
Open
countryside to the east, north and
west and gardens to the south
provide a wider foraging network.
Adjacent
woodland
complex
provides
extensive
off-site
foraging, commuting and roosting
habitat. On-site grassland provides
an extensive area of foraging
habitat. The Sub-area is located on
the
north-western
edge
of
Heathfield
with
excellent
connectivity with open countryside
to the west, north and east.
Widespread
and
wide-ranging
west of the UK. Scattered tree and
scrub habitat is suitable for settbuilding. The grassland provides
foraging habitat.
HIGH. Areas of suitable breeding habitat are present around the
edges of the Sub-area and provide nesting and foraging for a variety
of species. The Sub-area is well connected to off-site foraging
resources in the wider countryside, particularly Markly Wood to the
north. 65 species recorded within a 2km radius of the SDA. Six bird
species were recorded during the survey and abundant bird activity
was noted.
LOW (roosting) HIGH (foraging). Extensive areas of connected
woodland (including PAW and ghyll woodland) stretch to the west,
north and east providing both suitable roosting, and foraging
opportunities. Foraging habitat is of good quality viz. flower-rich
grassland. The foraging value of the pond will increase as the
marginal and bank vegetation establish more fully. No buildings were
present. Semi-mature/mature trees of potential roosting value were
very limited. Seven bat species are recorded within a 2km radius of
the SDA including a Natterer’s hibernation roost approximately 330m
east of Sub-area 2.
MEDIUM. The Sub-area and adjacent habitat included good cover
and connectivity for badger to move across the wider landscape viz.
woodland, scattered trees and scrub. Areas most suitable for sett
construction were located around the edges. The extensive area of
on-site grassland provided optimum foraging habitat. A preliminary
search did not find any signs of badger, but this does not guarantee
their absence as they are a mobile species. Badger records are not
provided as part of the SxBRC data search.
HIGH. Grassland and scrub mosaics provide habitat for widespread
reptile species, but this is generally restricted to the edges. This
Sub-area is located in a rural landscape and is connected to suitable
off-site habitat to the south-east, south and southwest (including
gardens along the southern boundary). There are off-site records for
all four species of widespread reptile from the data search, the
closest being a 1997 grass snake record 670m to the south of Subarea 2. An anecdotal record (from local land owner/resident) for
grass snake was provided.
Boundary vegetation including
scattered trees and scrub provides
potential
hibernating
habitat.
Interface between grassland and
scrub provides basking and
foraging
opportunities
for
widespread species of reptile. The
pond, marshy grassland and spring
provide habitat of potential value to
1129
Species
Main legislation
(see Chapter 16)
Great
crested newt
2010 - Schedule 2.
Dormouse
2010 - Schedule 2.
Invasive
plants
species
(as amended)
grass snakes.
The Sub-area includes a pond.
Suitable terrestrial habitat is also
present around the Sub-area
boundary. Two ponds identified
within a 500m radius, which is the
guideline distance (English Nature,
2001) which great crested newt
may commute between breeding
ponds and terrestrial sites. The
Sub-area is located in a rural
setting on the north-west edge of
has an abundance of shallow
ponds suitable as breeding sites.
Linear boundary features viz.
woodland edge, and trees/scrub
provide suitable nesting habitat.
Food and nesting building plants
were present.
widespread species occur in
habitats, and disturbed sites or
close to settlements. As such there
is potential for invasive plants to be
MEDIUM. A recently recreated pond is located within the Sub-area.
Suitable terrestrial habitat is present, although this is restricted to
boundary edges viz. north and east. The pond has been recently
created, had only small amounts of floating aquatic and emergent
vegetation and therefore suitable egg-laying plants were very limited.
Marshy grassland may occasionally provide temporary standing
water, but for limited periods of the year. A mallard was using the
pond and may predate any young amphibians present. There are no
records within 500m of the Sub-area the closest being a 2006 record
at Waldron Ghyll, 1.4km south of Sub-area 2. A single pond within
500m is visible on OS mapping, at Markly Wood to the north-west.
There are no barriers to dispersal, but the presence of abundant
habitat around these ponds may limit the need for animals to
MEDIUM. Potentially suitable habitat is limited to woodland edge
along the northern boundary and peripheral areas of scattered trees
and scrub. Whilst their structure is sub-optimal with a limited shrub
layer they are contiguous with the large woodland complex to the
north. Foraging and nest building plants such as honeysuckle,
bramble and grey willow are present, but in low quantities. Hazel
was absent. A 1998 data record was returned from Cross in Hand
(Sellyns Farm) 1.6km west of Sub-area 2.
PRESENT. Montbretia was recorded along the southern boundary
with adjacent gardens.
1130
NATURE CONSERVATION EVALUATION: SUB-AREA 2 - LAND AT TILSMORE
NURSERIES
value of the Sub-area using standard criteria developed by IEEM (2006) and selected
criteria from Defra's (2006) 'Local Sites' evaluation guidance is provided in Table 6 below.
13.111 Key aspects of relevant planning policy and legislation regarding conservation, including
11.
Criteria
7
Remarks
Features of
International
Importance
conservation designations.
The closest site of International Importance is Ashdown Forest
designated as both a SAC and SPA, located approximately 11.5km to the
north-west. Ashdown Forest is important for its lowland wet and dry
heath habitats and associated bird assemblage. No heathland habitat or
any supporting habitats that maintain the integrity of this designated area
are present within the SDA.
Features of
National
Importance
designations.
7
Guidelines for selection of biological SSSIs http://jncc.defra.gov.uk/page-2303#download
1131
Features of
Regional (Sussex)
Value
designations.
The northern boundary comprises scattered trees which have a remnant
ancient woodland ground flora and are likely to have been modified from
adjacent woodland which is the head/source of a ghyll flowing north into
Markly Wood PAW. The Weald area of south-east England contains a
concentration of ghyll woodland which is included under the county’s
Woodland BAP and considered significant at this level.
Features of
District (Wealden)
Importance
Unimproved mildly acid/neutral grassland with a damp hollow of marshy
grassland is present. Whilst this grassland resource does not fall within
the category of lowland meadow or dry acid grassland (Sussex and UK
BAP priority habitats) it is nonetheless an uncommon and declining
habitat and is considered to be of ecological value of at least the district
level.
The grassland resource, in conjunction with scattered tree and scrub
edge habitats is likely to support a moderately diverse assemblage of
invertebrates of value at least at the district level.
Features of Local
(Heathfield)
Importance
A number of protected and UK BAP species may occur at the Sub-area, as
follows:
- Reptiles, including slow-worm, common lizard, grass snake and adder;
- Birds such as house sparrow, cuckoo, starling, dunnock, linnet, song
thrush and bullfinch;
- Invertebrates such as stag beetle:
UK BAP priority habitat present on-site includes standing water (pond)
although this has only been recently created, is yet to fully establish, is
not considered to be an outstanding example of its type and is therefore
considered to be of no more than local importance.
Those parts of the SDA that are not heavily managed and/or publicly
accessible such as woodland edge and scattered trees and scrub around
the periphery (in conjunction with adjacent gardens) provide cover and
foraging opportunities for a breeding bird assemblage of value in a local
context.
Features of Value
within the
immediate
vicinity of the
Sub-area
The remaining habitats at the Sub-area comprising scrub, scattered trees
and bracken are likely to be of some value as foraging, cover and
breeding sites for a range of generalist species and therefore of value in
maintaining the ecology of the area. However, they are common and
widespread habitats that do not generally support rare species or diverse
assemblages of species and are therefore of value in the immediate
1132
Features of
Secondary and
Supporting Value
/ Connectivity
within the
landscape
Woodland edge and scattered tree and scrub habitats along the west,
north and eastern boundary, may provide connectivity between off-site
ecological receptors such as small fields, woodland, hedgerows and tree
lines.
Woodland edge and scattered trees and scrub habitats along the
northern boundary may provide a buffer to both PAW in Markly Wood and
ghyll woodland feeding into it.
The Sub-area may extend the foraging and breeding range for off-site
species using the adjacent woodland complex.
Heathfield and provides a wildlife corridor and/or stepping stones for
mobile species moving across the Heathfield urban-rural fringe.
Social Value /
Recorded History
and Cultural
Associations
This Sub-area is privately owned and accessed by a track off Nursery
Way. It is jointly owned and managed by local residents. The primary
value of Sub-area 2 is in its amenity and aesthetic value to residents
whose houses back onto the Sub-area, affording them views over the
countryside and recreation.
No trees receiving TPOs are present on-site, but TPOs are present in
residential properties adjacent to the southern boundary.
Economic value
Grassland is likely to have been historically grazed, but is currently
managed by mechanical cutting. Habitats and species do not currently
provide a resource that could be exploited for their economic value.
The Sub-area measures 1.45ha (total SDA area 9.33ha) with woodland
edge, scattered tree and scrub habitats occupying approximately 25% of
the Sub-area. Grassland occupies the remaining 75%.
Size and extent
Due to the dominance of grassland the Sub-area supports only a
moderate range of habitat types, but these have potential to support a
wide range of protected and BAP species due to their type and
geographic location. Protected species interest is strongly associated
with peripheral habitats that offer both foraging and cover. The grassland
may support notable invertebrates.
Fragility
The woodland edge and mature trees are susceptible to ground
disturbance. The pond is susceptible to disturbance, pollution and
changes in hydrology/drainage. The grassland (acid/neutral and marshy)
is susceptible to both disturbance and changes in hydrology/drainage
which would affect its species composition. It is also susceptible to scrub
encroachment and the spread of coarse/rank grassland. The spring and
pond are susceptible to changes in hydrology/drainage. Remaining
habitats i.e. the bracken, young/semi-mature scattered trees and scrub
and marginal vegetation are relatively recently established, would rapidly
recover from impacts and can be restored.
Typicalness
Scattered tree and scrub habitats are typical of their individual types and
are not outstanding examples. The pond and marginal vegetation are
typical examples of newly created/establishing standing water habitats.
An area of remnant ancient woodland ground flora to the north indicates
that scattered trees in this area may be modified woodland. The
grassland resource is typical of lightly acidic Wealden substrates in both
dry and localised wet areas.
1133
within at least the Wealden District context due to the presence of wet and dry acid
grassland. The Sub-area also appears to form part of the catchment of a ghyll stream
flowing into Markly Wood. Due to the restricted distribution of such features in South East
England, the Sub-area is considered to be of regional importance in terms of maintaining
the hydrology of the stream, and boundary habitat would be important in buffering it from
the effects of any future development.
13.113 Other habitats at the Sub-area, principally scrub, scattered trees and bracken are
considered to be of value in the immediate vicinity of the Sub-area, as they provide
habitat structure for a range of species. The Sub-area as a whole and particularly scrub
and woodland at the boundaries provide buffering and supporting habitat to Markly Wood
PAW. Due to its proximity to woodland and nature of the habitats present the Sub-area
has potential to support a range of declining and BAP species, including those protected
at National and European level i.e. breeding birds, badger, reptiles, great crested newts,
bats and dormice. The legal and policy implications associated with these species are
detailed in Chapter 16 and 17.
1134
GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE APPRAISAL: SUB-AREA 2 - LAND AT TILSMORE
NURSERIES
Water bodies and the local catchment area
13.114 Ghyll woodland runs parallel with the northern boundary of Sub-area 2. Areas of standing
water include the newly created pond in the north-eastern corner. Both the central area of
marshy grassland and the spring/channel along the eastern boundary feed into this pond,
which in turn feeds into the adjacent ghyll woodland.
13.115 Markly Wood encapsulates all but the southern boundary of Sub-area 2 and
consequently it is well connected to the larger woodland complex located to the north
and west of Heathfield, via ghyll woodland, broad-leaved semi-natural woodland and
scattered trees and scrub. These habitats provide a potential wildlife corridor for a range
of mobile species such as bats, birds, invertebrates, badgers and small mammals. These
species are potentially commuting along the woodland edge, within the Sub-area and
moving across the Heathfield urban-rural fringe into the wider Wealden countryside and
Heathfield Habitat Link BOA.
currently no network of cycle routes serving the Sub-area. The Sub-area can currently be
accessed from Nursery Way via the A265.
1135
CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: SUB-AREA 2 - LAND AT TILSMORE
NURSERIES
13.117 The Sub-area falls within the boundaries of the statutory designated High Weald AONB,
but is not subject to any statutory or non-statutory nature conservation designations. The
nearest statutory designated site for nature conservation is Heathfield Park SSSI located
1.7km to the east of Sub-area 2. The nearest non-statutory designated nature
conservation site is Oaken & Furlong Woods SNCI located 2km to the north-east of Subarea 2. On the basis of information available at the time of report production, it is
considered unlikely that the Sub-area performs an important supporting role for these
sites based upon the type and extent of habitats present within the Sub-area, the
features for which the sites are designated and the degree of connectivity between them.
13.118 Overall, Sub-area 2 is considered to be of ecological value within at least a district
context, due to its potential to support a wide range of protected and BAP species. This
potentially includes species protected at a National and European level i.e. badgers,
reptiles, great crested newts, bats and dormice. This interest is strongly associated with
woodland edge and scattered tree/scrub habitats around the periphery of the Sub-area
that are connected to the larger woodland complex positioned to the north-east, north
and north-west.
13.119 It is also considered to be of district value due to its grassland resource which occupies
approximately 75% of the area and comprises mildly acid/neutral grassland with a small
area of marshy grassland. These habitats were botanically diverse and (in conjunction
with standing water and tree/scrub habitat present on-site) are likely to support a
moderately diverse assemblage of invertebrates.
Buffering off-site areas of Markly Wood which includes an adjacent area of planted
ancient woodland and the adjacent source/head of a ghyll woodland; and
13.121 Much of the Sub-area’s current ecological value can be attributed to its geographic (rural)
location, the relatively undisturbed nature of its on-site habitats and active management
from its owners.
13.122 The following UK BAP habitats/species are or have potential to be present within Subarea 2:
1136
bullfinch;
Amphibians such as great crested newt and common toad;
Small mammals such as hedgehog and dormice;
Bats, such as soprano pipistrelle, noctule bat and brown long eared; and
Pond
13.123 BAP habitats/species are not necessarily rare but under PPS9 and the NERC Act 2006
are all of principal importance for biodiversity (ODPM, 2005) and are of material
consideration in the planning process. None of the BAP habitats or populations of BAP
species currently known to be present at the Sub-area are considered as notable or
exceptional examples of their type.
Overview
surveys will have to be based on consideration of detailed proposals for the Subarea/SDA, though in all cases published best practice should be followed with regard to
survey methodology etc.
13.125 To provide a sufficient baseline of data and mitigate against any potential impact on
bats, badger, dormice, great crested newts, invertebrates, ghyll flora and invasive plants
are recommended.
Reptiles
13.126 The Sub-area includes the habitat mosaic and vegetation structure suitable for a number
of widespread reptile species, including both grass snakes and for adders. There are
open areas for basking, cover against predation as well as numerous potential
hibernation spots. There are foraging opportunities for adders within the unimproved
grassland, a habitat that often has a higher density of small mammals. The head/source
of the ghyll to the east may also provide suitable foraging for grass snakes.
1137
13.127 A minimum of a seven visit reptile survey, following current guidelines (Froglife, 1999,
English Nature 2004; Natural England 2011b), should be carried out to establish the
presence/absence and distribution of reptiles. The grassland/scrub mosaic and edge
habitats should be targeted. The optimum time is generally late spring, from April through
June and in the early autumn in September. Where possible, survey effort should be
spread across the recording season i.e. March-October.
Bats
13.128 The habitats within the Sub-area are of high value for bats when judged against current
assessment criteria (BCT, 2007). This is due to the strong connectivity with the wider
landscape, presence of adjacent areas of ancient woodland, mature on-site trees suitable
for roosting, good quality and diversity of foraging habitats (woodland and unimproved
grassland) and proximity to known roosts.
might provide for foraging and commuting. These should include both tree inspections,
and activity and emergence surveys. Emergence and activity surveys must be carried out
Badger
13.130 Although no setts were discovered during the Phase 1 survey the landscape of Sub-area
1 provides a highly suitable area for sett building and foraging. The potential for badgers
is substantially increased due to the expanse of adjacent woodland and a good diversity
of habitat types for foraging.
areas of suitable on-site sett-building and foraging habitat to look for signs and evidence
of this species. Survey effort should also include suitable off-site areas within a minimum
30m distance of the site boundary. This is in line with current Natural England
1138
Dormouse
13.133 The woodland and scattered trees and scrub form a continuous habitat layer and one
that is contiguous with the surrounding woodland. Apart from during their hibernation
phase, dormice are almost exclusively arboreal animals and require such interconnected
habitats to forage and commute between sites. This species is particularly susceptible to
impacts from habitat fragmentation and any loss or impact to scrub/trees/woodland
across the Sub-area could have a significant negative impact.
follow best practice provided in English Nature’s Research Report 524: Surveying
Great crested newts
13.135 Woodland edge, scattered trees, scrub and the grassland mosaic provides suitable
terrestrial habitat for great crested newts. In addition, there is a pond within the sub-area
and an additional pond, a series of ghylls, springs and wet flushes within a 500m radius of
the Sub-area, which is the guideline distance (English Nature, 2001) that great crested
newt may commute between breeding ponds. Therefore, it is recommended that a
Habitat Suitability Index (HSI) survey, following Oldham et al (2000), is carried out on all
ponds within a 500m radius of the Sub-area’s boundaries that do not have significant
barriers to dispersal.
EPSM licence.
1139
Invertebrates
13.138 Sub-area 1 supports a moderate diversity of habitat types, including those of high value
to invertebrates, i.e. unimproved and marshy grassland, woodland, mature oak trees and
edge/mosaic habitats. If these habitats are to be affected by development a terrestrial
invertebrate survey is recommended. Survey effort should focus on woodland edge and
grassland habitats and include a selection of survey methods to assess the range of
invertebrate fauna likely to be present on-site. Therefore, surveys may be required to
inform impact assessments, establish an acceptable extent of development or to inform
Lower plants
13.139 A ghyll is adjacent to the northern boundary of the Sub-area. Ghyll woodland is a Sussex
BAP priority habitat and known to support important disjunct populations of ‘oceanic’
vascular plant and bryophyte species. Ghylls are very susceptible to changes in microclimate, hydrogeology and physical disturbance. Potential impacts from development that
may cause these changes are alterations to the local surface and ground water flow,
removal of woodland cover in proximity to the ghyll and erosion and compaction from
increased recreation. Surveys may therefore be required to inform impact assessments,
establish an acceptable extent of development or to inform masterplanning and
13.140 The survey should be carried out along all sections adjacent to Sub-area 2 and up to
100m downslope. This is to determine the distribution and composition of the ghyll flora,
the potential presence of uncommon, rare and protected pteridophtye (fern) and
bryophytes (mosses and liverworts) species.
13.141 Montbretia was present on site and is an invasive plant species included on Schedule 9
of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) under which it is an offence to
plant or otherwise cause these species to grow in the wild. It is possible that it could be
spread during construction works and, therefore, a survey to accurately determine its
extent, and to inform a method statement to avoid spread, will be required.
13.142 Unimproved mildly acid/neutral grassland with a central area of marshy grassland is the
most ecologically important habitat present within the Sub-area and any development
proposal should seek to retain it.
1140
13.143 Scattered trees and scrub along the northern boundary provide a buffer to the adjacent
ghyll woodland (which is a UK and Sussex BAP priority habitat) and development
proposals should seek to retain these habitats.
13.144 Where the loss of the scattered trees, scrub and/or grassland, described above, is
unavoidable it will be necessary to carry out any required protected species surveys and
mitigation prior to their removal and provide compensation for their loss.
13.145 All construction works taking place in the vicinity of adjacent woodland, retained
scattered trees, scrub and grassland should conform to British Standard 5837:2005 Trees
in Relation to Construction.
13.146 Markly Wood PAW is adjacent to the northern corner of the Sub-area. Following Natural
England’s Standing Advice on Ancient Woodland (2011a) a minimum buffer of at least
15m in width should be maintained between ancient woodland and any development
boundary. Subject to the results of any further ecological surveys and liaison with relevant
statutory bodies it may be necessary to increase the width of the buffer zone.
near water courses and wetland features should adhere to best practice guidance to
13.148 Nesting birds: Woodland edge, scattered trees and dense scrub provide suitable nesting
habitat for a variety of bird species. It is recommended that any vegetation clearance
affecting nesting habitat should be undertaken outside of the bird nesting season which
runs from March to August inclusive.
13.150 Currently the whole Sub-area remains dark at night and to minimise impacts on bats from
lighting associated with any proposed development it will be necessary to limit light
1141
spillage and glare, particularly along woodland edge. This can be achieved by following
accepted best practice (Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management 2006,
Institute of Lighting Engineers 2007):
in development proposals for Sub-area 2 would be as follows:
hedgerows etc. should be provided as an integral part of any landscape
masterplanning for Sub-area 2/SDA 11. It should include only native species.
If development involves the removal of semi-mature trees with potential to provide
habitat for birds and bat in the future then there would be a particular value in using
artificial bird and bat boxes to provide replacement nesting/roosting habitat.
Grassland
13.153 The grassland is currently managed by one annual cut in July/August, with arisings
removed. In the absence of grazing this is an appropriate technique to ensure the
ecological value of the grassland in the long-term. Where resources permit, it would be
beneficial to carry out a second cut either in late autumn (or later if conditions are
suitable). This will remove any secondary/late season re-growth and reduce the build-up
of thatch and nutrients which will reduce the botanical diversity of the grassland. Care
should always be taken when cutting the area of marshy grassland to avoid compaction
and/or erosion. Self-established saplings should be removed and the scrub edge (along
the spring/north-east edge) cut back on a cyclical basis. The spread of bracken in this
location should also be monitored as it may be necessary to manage dense stands by
pulling/cutting/chemical treatment etc.
1142
13.154 The Sub-area is partly within Heathfield Habitat Link BOA and any development
proposals should consider the BOA targets which seek to sympathetically manage the
habitat mosaic present in the area and increasing the ‘permeability’ of the landscape for
wildlife.
below:
Scrub and woodland around the boundaries should be largely retained to buffer the
adjacent PAW and retain corridors of woodland along the northern edge of
Heathfield. Any additional planting should be positioned so as to enhance green
corridors on-site. Native tree and shrub species should be typical of the local
landscape (High Weald AONB).
From a green infrastructure perspective, the retention of springs and marshy
grassland will ensure that the natural drainage system for the Sub-area continues to
function. Where marshy grassland is to be retained and incorporated within
development proposals, it should form part of the wider SuDS for the Subarea/SDA.
runoff.
13.156 Further detail on measures to enhance biodiversity and green infrastructure are
provided in Chapter 19.
1143
HABITAT SURVEY: SUB-AREA 3 - LAND TO THE REAR OF ROTHERSHAW
Overview
size and occupies land to the rear of Rothershaw. The Sub-area borders both Sub-area 2
(west) and Sub-area 4 (east). The southern boundary includes the garden and wider
grounds of the house known as ‘Rothershaw’. The northern part of the Sub-area includes
part of Markly Wood Planted Ancient Woodland. Habitats present within the Sub-area
included; unimproved acid, semi-improved acid and marshy grassland, mixed woodland,
scattered trees and scattered scrub.
Mixed woodland
13.158 An area of Planted Ancient Woodland was noted in the north of the Sub-area with eastern
hemlock and Norway spruce. However, this stock was over-mature and a native acid
woodland flora was re-establishing, dominated by pedunculate oak with birch and a
shrub layer of holly and mountain ash. Bird cherry was noted as a single tree. Bracken
dominated the herb layer, but hybrid bluebell was abundant, alongside enchanter’s
nightshade, honeysuckle and common dog violet. A clearing in the plantation supported
abundant lady fern, remote sedge and hybrid cinquefoil.
13.159 Abundant pedunculate oak, frequent downy birch and occasional holly marked the
eastern boundary with Sub-area 4.
Ghyll (off-site)
13.160 The northern boundary of Sub-area 3 was marked by a ghyll (see also description of ghyll
in Sub-area 2) with a wide marginal zone of deep, damp sediment supporting abundant
sedges (remote sedge, pendulous sedge, pale sedge) and lady fern. The banks appeared
to be of bryological interest.
Semi-improved acid grassland
13.161 Open area of grassland both to the south of the woodland and within the mixed
woodland to the north comprised abundant sweet vernal-grass and frequent smooth
meadow grass, Yorkshire fog, creeping buttercup, oval sedge and silverweed. Tussocks
of soft rush, and associated herbs including common dog violet and hybrid cinquefoil
were also present.
Marshy grassland
13.162 Acid flushes were present within the areas of on-site semi-improved grassland. They
supported jointed rush, pink water speedwell and greater bird’s-foot-trefoil in the south
1144
with more abundant soft rush, lady fern, smooth-stalked sedge and tufted hair-grass to
the north, although this area was beginning to scrub over with grey willow.
Fauna
13.163 The following bird species were recorded during the survey of Sub-area 3; great tit,
chiffchaff, blue-tit and wood pigeon.
Target Notes target notes relevant to Sub-area 3
Target Note 10
13.165 Small areas of marshy grassland following route of surface water flowing downslope
(north) towards ghyll.
1145
PROTECTED SPECIES RISK ASSESSMENT: SUB-AREA 3 - LAND TO THE REAR OF
ROTHERSHAW
Breeding birds
Bats
Badgers
Reptiles
Great crested newt
Dormice
study revealed that they occur in the vicinity of SDA 11 and potentially suitable habitat is
1146
Species
Main legislation
(see Chapter 16)
HIGH. Areas of suitable breeding habitat for a variety of
species viz. mixed woodland (PAW), scattered trees and
scrub are present in the northern half of Sub-area 3 and
along its western and eastern boundary. This provides
suitable nest sites for a variety of bird species. The Sub-area
is well connected to off-site foraging resources in the wider
countryside, particularly Markly Wood to the north. 65
species recorded within a 2km radius of the SDA.
LOW (roosting) HIGH (foraging). Extensive areas of
connected woodland (including PAW and ghyll woodland)
stretch to the west and north providing both suitable
roosting, and foraging opportunities. Semi-improved
grassland provides supplementary foraging habitat, but is
limited in extent. No buildings were present on-site and
mature non-native trees in the mixed woodland provided
limited roosting opportunity. Seven bat species are recorded
within a 2km radius of the SDA including a Natterer’s
hibernation roost approximately 250m east of Sub-area 3.
MEDIUM. The Sub-area and adjacent habitat included good
cover and connectivity for badger to move across the wider
landscape viz. mixed woodland, scattered trees and scrub.
Areas most suitable for sett construction were located to the
north (woodland) and around the western and eastern
boundary. On-site grassland provided good foraging habitat.
A preliminary search of the Sub-area did not find any signs
of badger, but this does not guarantee their absence as they
are a mobile species. Badger records are not provided as
part of the SxBRC data search.
HIGH. Grassland and scrub mosaics provide habitat for
widespread reptile species, but this is generally restricted to
the southern half of the Sub-area and open areas within the
mixed woodland. The Sub-area is located in a rural area and
connected to suitable off-site habitat to the east (Sub-area
4), south (grounds of Rothershaw) and west (Sub-area 2).
Breeding
birds
Act 1981 (as amended) selected species
Schedules 1 and 8.
Mixed woodland, scattered trees and
scrub, provide suitable breeding habitat for
both common garden species and
woodland species. Open countryside to the
east, north and west and gardens to the
south provide a wider foraging network.
Bats
2010 - Schedule 2.
Adjacent woodland complex provides
extensive off-site foraging, commuting and
roosting
habitat.
On-site
grassland
provides foraging habitat. The Sub-area is
located on the north-western edge of
Heathfield with excellent connectivity with
open countryside to the west, north and
east.
Badger
1992.
Widespread and wide-ranging species,
especially in the south and west of the UK.
Mixed woodland, scattered tree and scrub
habitat is suitable for sett-building. On-site
grassland provides foraging habitat.
Widespread
reptiles
Act, 1981 (as amended) Schedule 5 (partial
protection)
Boundary vegetation including scattered
trees and scrub provides potential
hibernating habitat. Interface between
grassland and scrub provides basking and
foraging opportunities for widespread
species of reptile. Marshy grassland, the
1147
Species
Main legislation
(see Chapter 16)
Great
crested newt
2010 - Schedule 2.
Dormouse
2010 - Schedule 2.
Invasive
plants
species
(as amended)
adjacent pond and ghyll woodland
provides habitat of potential value to grass
snakes.
There are off-site records for all four species of widespread
reptile from the data search, the closest being a 1997 grass
snake record approximately 620m to the south of Sub-area
3.
HIGH. The adjacent pond is currently considered suboptimal as it is newly created. Suitable terrestrial habitat is
present viz. mixed woodland and boundary edges. Marshy
grassland may occasionally provide temporary standing
water, but for limited periods of the year.
There are no records within 500m of the Sub-area the
closest being a 2006 record at Waldron Ghyll, 1.5km south
of Sub-area 3. A single pond within 500m is visible on OS
mapping, at Markly Wood to the north-west. There are no
barriers to dispersal, but the presence of abundant habitat
around these ponds may limit the need for animals to
A pond is located adjacent in Sub-area 2.
Suitable terrestrial habitat is present
around the Sub-area boundary and within
mixed woodland. One other pond is
present within a 500m radius, which is the
guideline distance (English Nature, 2001)
which great crested newt may commute
between breeding ponds and terrestrial
sites. The Sub-area is located in a rural
setting on the north-western edge of
Heathfield. The Sussex countryside has an
abundance of shallow ponds suitable as
breeding sites.
Mixed woodland and trees/scrub provide
suitable nesting habitat. Food and nesting
building plants were present.
There is a wide range of invasive plant
species of which a number of widespread
species occur in woodlands, aquatic and
wetland habitats, and disturbed sites or
close to settlements. As such there is
potential for invasive plants to be present
in the Sub-area.
MEDIUM. Potentially suitable on-site habitat is limited to the
northern half of the Sub-area and along the western and
eastern boundary. Suitable food and nest building plants
such as hazel, bramble and honeysuckle were limited. Whilst
the structure and type of on-site woodland is sub-optimal
the Sub-area is connected to extensive areas of off-site
woodland and dormice have been recorded as using PAW. A
1998 data record was returned from Cross in Hand (Sellyns
Farm) 1km west of Sub-area 3.
LOW. No evidence of invasive plant species was recorded
on-site during the Phase 1 habitat survey though this does
not guarantee their absence.
1148
NATURE CONSERVATION EVALUATION: SUB-AREA 3 - LAND TO THE REAR OF
ROTHERSHAW
criteria from Defra's (2006) 'Local Sites' evaluation guidance is provided in Table 8 below.
Table 8: Combined Evaluation of Nature Conservation Value of Sub-area 3 of SDA 11.
Criteria
8
Remarks
Features of
International
Importance
are present.
Features of
National
Importance
designations.
8
Features of
Regional (Sussex)
Value
designations.
The northern half of the Sub-area boundary comprises ghyll and PAW.
The Weald area of South-East England contains a concentration of ghyll
woodland which is included under the county’s Woodland BAP and
JNCC Guidelines for selection of biological SSSIs (see http://jncc.defra.gov.uk/page-2303#download).
1149
Criteria
Remarks
significant at this level.
Sub-area 3 has potential to support the following Sussex BAP priority
species; song thrush, barn owl, common toad, soprano pipistrelle,
common pipistrelle, stag beetle and great crested newt. While
populations of BAP species may be present, it is not considered that any
would be regionally important examples of their type.
Features of
District (Wealden)
Importance
Areas of unimproved and semi-improved mildly acid grassland with
flushes dominated by marshy grassland are present on-site. Whilst this
grassland resource is small in extent and does not fall within the category
of lowland meadow or dry acid grassland (Sussex and UK BAP priority
habitats) it is nonetheless an uncommon and declining habitat and is
considered to be of ecological value at the district level.
Features of Local
(Heathfield)
Importance
A number of protected and UK BAP species may occur at the Sub-area,
as follows:
- Reptiles, including slow-worm, common lizard, grass snake and adder;
- Birds such as house sparrow, starling, dunnock and song thrush;
- Invertebrates such as stag beetle and grizzled skipper (recorded at the
Sub-area);
Woodland and scattered trees and scrub habitats around the periphery of
the Sub-area provide cover and foraging opportunities for a breeding bird
assemblage of value in a local context, due to its potential diversity and
not the presence of BAP species (features of regional/national
importance).
Features of Value
within the Zone
of Influence of
the Project
The remaining habitats at the Sub-area comprising scattered trees and
scrub, marginal vegetation etc. are likely to be of some value as foraging,
cover and breeding sites for a range of generalist species and therefore of
value in maintaining the ecology of the area. However, they are common
and widespread habitats that do not generally support rare species or
diverse assemblages of species and are therefore of value in the
immediate vicinity of the Sub-area.
Features of
Secondary and
Supporting Value
/ Connectivity
within the
landscape
Mixed woodland, and scattered tree and scrub habitats along the western
and eastern boundary may provide connectivity between off-site
ecological receptors such as small fields, woodland units, hedgerows and
tree lines (see above).
Mixed woodland in the north of the Sub-area may provide a buffer to both
PAW and ghyll woodland within Markly Wood.
The Sub-area may extend the foraging and breeding range for off-site
Heathfield and provides a wildlife corridor and/or stepping stones for
Social Value /
Recorded History
and Cultural
Associations
The Sub-area is privately owned and accessed only through the grounds
of Rothershaw or via Sub-area 4. The primary value of Sub-area 3 is in its
amenity and aesthetic value to residents of Rothershaw whose houses
back onto the Sub-area, affording them views over the countryside and
potential (informal) recreation.
1150
Criteria
Remarks
No trees receiving TPOs are present on-site or adjacent to its boundary.
Economic value
Grassland is likely to have been historically grazed, but is currently
managed by mechanical cutting. Whilst it is generally recommended that
mature oaks be retained, they could potentially be harvested for timber,
but due to the small size of the mixed woodland and access restrictions
this may not be an economically viable enterprise. All remaining habitats
and species do not currently provide a resource that could be exploited
for their economic value.
Size and extent
The Sub-area measures 1.15ha (total SDA area 9.33ha) with mixed
woodland, scattered tree and scrub habitats occupying approximately
50% of the Sub-area. Grassland occupies the remaining half of the Subarea. Due to the small size of the Sub-area it supports only a moderate
range of habitat types, but these have potential to support a wide range
of common and protected species due to their type and geographic
location. Protected species interest is strongly associated with the
northern half of the Sub-area and boundary habitats that afford both
foraging and cover for wildlife.
Fragility
The mixed woodland and mature trees are susceptible to ground
disturbance. The unimproved and marshy sections of grassland are
susceptible to disturbance, changes in hydrology/drainage, scrub
encroachment and the spread of coarse/rank grassland which would
affect its species composition. Whilst the areas of semi-improved acid
grassland are susceptible to similar threats this habitat type has
undergone some improvement already and is therefore less fragile. The
ghyll woodland is susceptible to disturbance and changes in
hydrology/drainage. Remaining habitats i.e. young/semi-mature scattered
trees and scrub are relatively recently established, would rapidly recover
from impacts and can be restored.
Typicalness
Mixed woodland is not typical of its type, as it includes an open central
area with acid grassland/flush and the re-establishment of a native acid
woodland flora indicates that it is recovering from habitat modification.
Scattered trees and scrub are typical of their individual types. The
grassland resource is typical of lightly acidic Wealden substrates with
localised wet areas.
within the district context due to the presence of wet and dry acid grassland. The Subarea also appears to form part of the catchment of a ghyll stream flowing into off-site
areas of Markly Wood PAW. Due to the restricted distribution of such features in SouthEast England, the Sub-area is considered to be of regional importance in terms of
maintaining the hydrology of the stream, and boundary habitat (including on-site PAW)
would be important in buffering it from the effects of any future development. Due to the
presence of PAW and the nature of the habitats present the Sub-area has potential to
support a range of declining and BAP species, including those protected at a National
1151
and European level i.e. badger, reptiles, great crested newts, bats and dormice. The legal
and policy implications associated with these species are detailed in Chapter 16 and 17.
1152
GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE APPRAISAL: SUB-AREA 3 - LAND TO THE REAR OF
ROTHERSHAW
Water bodies and local catchment area
13.172 Ghyll woodland (part of Markly Wood PAW) is part of the northern limit of the Sub-area.
An acid flush with marshy grassland runs along the western half of the Sub-area and is
likely to feed into this ghyll. No standing water was present.
13.173 Markly Wood is contiguous with the northern boundary and consequently Sub-area 3 is
well connected to the larger woodland complex located to the north and west of
Heathfield, via on-site woodland and lines of scattered trees and scrub. The Sub-area is
also well connected to Sub-areas 1 and 2 via shared boundaries of scattered trees and
scrub. These habitats provide a potential wildlife corridor for a range of mobile species
such as bats, birds, invertebrates, badgers and small mammals. These species are
potentially commuting along the woodland edge, within the Sub-area and moving across
the Heathfield urban-rural fringe into the wider Wealden countryside and Heathfield
Habitat Link BOA.
currently no network of cycle routes serving the Sub-area. There are three private access
points into the overall SDA from the A265, which serve Sub-areas 1, 2 and 4, but not
Sub-area 3.
1153
CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: SUB-AREA 3 - LAND TO THE REAR OF
ROTHERSHAW
13.175 The Sub-area falls within the boundaries of the statutory designated High Weald AONB,
but is not subject to any statutory or non-statutory nature conservation designations. The
nearest statutory designated site for nature conservation is Heathfield Park SSSI located
1.6km to the east of Sub-area 4. The nearest non-statutory designated nature
conservation site is Oaken & Furlong Woods SNCI located 1.75km to the north-east of
Sub-area 3. On the basis of information available at the time of report production, it is
considered unlikely that the Sub-area performs an important supporting role for these
sites based upon the habitats present, the features for which the sites are designated and
the degree of connectivity between them.
13.176 Overall, Sub-area 3 is considered to be of ecological value within a district context, due
to the presence of PAW and ghyll woodland, and the Sub-area’s potential to support a
range of protected and BAP species. This potentially includes species protected at a
National and European level i.e. badgers, reptiles, great crested newt, bats and dormice.
This interest is strongly associated with mixed woodland in the northern half of the Subarea and scattered tree/scrub habitats along the western and eastern boundary that are
connected to the larger woodland complex positioned to the east, north and west of the
Sub-area.
13.177 Ecological interest is also attributed to the Sub-area’s grassland resource which occupies
approximately 50% of the area and comprises unimproved and semi-improved mildly
acid grassland with flushes of marshy grassland. These habitats had a moderate diversity
of plant species and (in conjunction with mixed woodland and scattered tree and scrub
habitat present on-site) are likely to support a moderately diverse assemblage of
invertebrates.
Buffering Markly Wood PAW and ghyll woodland present in the northern half of the
Sub-area.
13.179 Much of the Sub-area’s current ecological value can be attributed to its geographic (rural)
location, and the relatively undisturbed nature of its on-site habitats. However,
opportunities for enhancing the Sub-area for wildlife do exist, particularly in the northern
half where the woodland is unmanaged.
1154
13.180 The following UK BAP habitats/species are or have potential to be present within the
Sub-area:
Lowland mixed deciduous woodland;
bullfinch;
Invertebrates such as stag beetle
Small mammals such as hedgehog and dormice; and
Bats, such as soprano pipistrelle, noctule bat and brown long eared.
Overview
surveys will have to be based on consideration of detailed proposals for the SDA/Subareas, though in all cases published best practice should be followed with regard to
bats, badger, dormice, great crested newts, invertebrates and ghyll flora are
recommended.
Reptiles
13.184 Open grassland areas in the southern section of Sub-area 3 provide good basking and
cover opportunities for a variety of reptile species. The edge habitats here may also
provide a function for hibernation within tree root systems etc. The grassland within the
woodland clearing to the north may also be utilised, but any population here may be more
1155
restricted in size due to shading from the tree line. The areas of ghyll and marshy
grassland could be used as foraging by grass snakes.
13.185 A minimum of a seven survey visits, following current guidelines (Froglife, 1999, English
Nature 2004; Natural England 2011b), should be carried out to establish the
presence/absence and distribution of reptiles throughout the two areas of grassland and
edge habitats. The grassland/scrub mosaic and edge habitats should be targeted. The
optimum time is generally late spring, from April through to June and in the early autumn
in September. Where possible, survey effort should be spread across the recording
season i.e. March-October.
Bats
13.186 There were only very limited resources available for roosting although the mixed
woodland and the clearing within it could provide an important foraging resource for
woodland specialist bats. The unimproved grassland area may also have a high
invertebrate density and diversity and attract bats from the wider area, potentially from
roosts within the woodland or houses to the south.
might provide for foraging and commuting. This should include both tree inspections and
activity and emergence surveys. Emergence and activity surveys must be carried out
Badger
13.188 Although no evidence of sett building was found during the initial survey the block of
mixed woodland and other edge habitats particularly along the ghyll could provide
suitable cover and topography for such. The potential for badgers is increased due to the
large area of foraging provided by grassland. Badgers are ubiquitous in rural and urban
Sussex and may often be found along urban fringes.
areas of suitable on-site sett-building and foraging habitat to look for evidence of this
species. Survey effort should also include suitable off-site areas within a minimum 30m
distance of the Sub-area boundary. This is in line with current Natural England
1156
Dormouse
13.191 The parts of this Sub-area that are suitable for dormouse are limited to edge habitats to
the east/west and the mixed woodland to the north. However, the value of these habitats
for this species may primarily be from providing habitat connectivity to adjacent areas of
higher value. Any loss or alteration to the main woodland block could have an impact
through habitat fragmentation. It is recommended that the presence or otherwise of this
species within the woodland and edge habitats is established prior to any works.
follow best practice provided in English Nature’s Research Report 524: Surveying
Great crested newt
13.193 The adjacent pond and the local network of water bodies within a 500m radius of the
Sub-area, the guideline distance that great crested newt may commute between breeding
ponds (English Nature, 2001), provide potential breeding habitat. If present in off-site
ponds then this species could certainly exploit the grassland areas for foraging and the
mixed woodland for foraging and hibernation.
13.194 To assess the need or otherwise for more comprehensive pond surveys it is
recommended that a HSI survey, following Oldham et al (2000), is carried out on all ponds
within a 500m radius of the Sub-area’s boundaries that do not have significant barriers to
dispersal. Four presence/absence surveys should be carried out following best practice
guidelines (English Nature, 2001) between mid-March and mid-June with at least two of
these surveys between mid-April and mid-May.
likely that the great majority of suitable on-site habitat located around the Sub-area
boundaries will be retained. However, surveys are still likely to be required to determine
population size (if presence is confirmed), and the degree to which great crested newt are
a constraint to any proposed development in terms of planning construction works and
whether works will require a EPSM licence.
1157
Invertebrates
13.196 Sub-area 3 supports habitat types of high value to invertebrates i.e. unimproved and
marshy grassland, ghyll and mixed woodland (with standing and fallen deadwood
habitat), mature trees and edge/mosaic habitats. If these habitats are to be affected by
development a terrestrial invertebrate survey is recommended. Survey effort should focus
on woodland and grassland habitats and include a selection of survey methods to assess
the range of invertebrate fauna likely to be present on-site.
Lower plant survey
13.197 The northern part of the Sub-area includes ghyll woodland which is a Sussex BAP priority
habitat and known to support important disjunct populations of ‘oceanic’ vascular plant
and bryophyte species. Ghylls are very susceptible to changes in micro-climate,
hydrogeology and physical disturbance. Potential impacts from development that may
cause these changes are alterations to the local surface and ground water flow, removal
of woodland cover in proximity to the ghyll and erosion and compaction from increased
recreation. A survey of ghyll woodland within the Sub-area and 100m sections up and
downslope of the Sub-area should be carried out. This is to determine the distribution
and composition of the ghyll flora, the potential presence of uncommon, rare and
protected pteridophtye (fern) and bryophytes (mosses and liverworts) species and to
inform masterplanning for Sub-area 3/SDA 11.
Habitat retention and green infrastructure
13.198 Acid/marshy grassland and ghyll/PAW are the most ecologically important habitats
present within the Sub-area and any development proposal should seek to retain and
enhance these features. Lines of scattered trees and scrub extend out from mixed
woodland in the north of the Sub-area, along both the eastern and western boundaries
and, where possible, should also be retained and enhanced as part of any development
proposal.
13.199 Where the loss of the woodland, scattered trees and scrub and/or grassland resources,
described above, is unavoidable it will be necessary to carry out any required protected
species surveys and mitigation prior to their removal and provide compensation for their
loss.
scattered trees, scrub and grassland should conform to British Standard 5837:2005 Trees
in Relation to Construction.
1158
13.201 The Sub-area includes part of Markly Wood PAW. Following Natural England’s Standing
Advice on Ancient Woodland (2011a) a minimum buffer of at least 15m in width should be
maintained between ancient woodland and any development boundary. Subject to the
results of any further ecological surveys and liaison with relevant statutory bodies it may
be necessary to increase the width of the buffer zone.
13.205 Currently the whole Sub-area remains dark at night and to impacts on bats from lighting
associated with any proposed development it will be necessary to limit light spillage and
glare, particularly along woodland edge. This can be achieved by following accepted best
practice (Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management 2006, Institute of Lighting
Engineers 2007).
in development proposals for the Sub-area are as follows:
1159
masterplanning for Sub-area 3/SDA 11. This should aim to retain the Sub-area’s
value for any protected/UK BAP species confirmed present without recourse to offsite translocation. It should include only native species.
Mixed Woodland
13.208 The regeneration of planted ancient woodland should be encouraged through the
harvesting of on-site non-native trees and replanting with native broadleaved trees.
Species planted should be typical of the local landscape (High Weald AONB). Some of
the conifers are mature and the retention of scattered individual mature specimens can
help to retain and potentially increase the biodiversity value of the Sub-area e.g. by
providing standing deadwood habitat and bird nesting habitat.
13.209 Reinstatement of a coppicing system in neglected areas of mixed woodland is
recommended to maintain habitat and structural diversity. Areas with evidence of
historical coppicing (multi-stemmed trees with large stools) and with a rich ground flora,
that is currently being shaded out, should be targeted for coppicing. Care should be
exercised when coppicing areas bordering ghylls as trees/shrubs form an important part
of this habitat, helping to maintain the particular micro-climate associated with this
woodland type. Very old trees should not be coppiced as they may fail to regenerate
successfully.
Grassland
13.210 Where grassland to the north of the Sub-area is not grazed, it should be managed by at
least one annual summer cut in July, with all arisings removed. In the absence of grazing
this is an appropriate approach to ensure the ecological value of the grassland in the
long-term. Where resources permit, it would be beneficial to carry out a second cut in late
autumn (or later if ground conditions are suitable). This will remove any secondary/late
season re-growth and reduce the build-up of thatch and nutrients which will reduce the
botanical diversity of the grassland. Care should always be taken when cutting areas of
marshy grassland to avoid compaction and/or erosion. Self-established saplings should
be removed and the scrub edge (along the west boundary edge) cut back on a cyclical
1160
basis. The spread of any bracken in this location should also be monitored as it may be
necessary to manage dense stands by pulling/cutting/chemical treatment etc.
13.211 The Sub-area is within Heathfield Habitat Link BOA and any development proposals
should consider the BOA targets which seeks to sympathetically manage the habitat
mosaic present in the area and increasing the ‘permeability’ of the landscape for wildlife.
below:
Mixed woodland and connected areas of trees/scrub should be largely retained to
buffer the PAW and ghyll woodland and retain corridors of woodland along the
northern edge of Heathfield. Any additional planting should be positioned so as to
enhance green corridors on-site. Native tree and shrub species should be typical of
the local landscape (High Weald AONB).
From a green infrastructure perspective, the retention of marshy grassland will
ensure that the natural drainage system for the Sub-area continues to function.
Where marshy grassland is to be retained and incorporated within development
proposals, it should form part of the wider SuDS for the Sub-area/SDA.
Subject to findings of botanical and invertebrate surveys and hydrological
investigations the creation of a pond within the area of marshy grassland or
adjoining scrub could improve conditions for amphibians potentially breeding in the
locality and strengthen links between any breeding populations associated with
nearby ponds e.g. in Sub-area 2.
runoff.
1161
in Chapter 19.
1162
HABITAT SURVEY: SUB-AREA 4 - LAND ADJACENT TO THE POLICE STATION
INCLUDING REYNARDS AND WOODHATCH
Overview
13.214 All parts of Sub-area 4 were surveyed on the 24th May 2011. Sub-area 4 is the largest
Sub-area within SDA 11 (4.5ha) occupying 48% of the total area. It includes two
properties (Reynards and Woodhatch) and their associated gardens and the larger fields
behind these. Habitats present within the Sub-area included: improved grassland,
scattered trees, scattered scrub hedgerow and dry ditches. The site slopes south to north
towards the adjacent Markly Wood PAW.
Improved grassland
13.215 The grassland in this Sub-area is of much poorer quality than elsewhere within the overall
SDA, being improved and dominated by the rhizomatous form of smooth meadow-grass
over large areas. However, sweet vernal-grass is frequent on the steeper slopes to the
north. Yorkshire fog, common bird’s-foot-trefoil and lesser stitchwort are very occasional
in the sward. A localised wet area supported creeping Jenny and thyme-leaved speedwell
(T12). Very narrow marginal habitats along old ditch banks, lines of trees and the
woodland edge provide the greatest interest with relict acid grassland/woodland edge
species including slender St. John’s-wort, heath bedstraw, foxglove, oval sedge, bugle,
bluebell, wood sorrel and wood sage (T13). Disturbed areas of sward around the remains
of a large bonfire were found to support a few casual species including field mouse-ear,
lesser trefoil, thyme-leaved speedwell and procumbent pearlwort.
13.216 Scattered trees and scrub are mainly represented by lines of mature pedunculate oak
along old field boundaries, with a few silver birch trees and a multi-stemmed tree of
hybrid birch at the northern end of the Sub-area, the latter having bluebells and wood
anemone at its base. It is understood that some of the Sub-area’s mature oaks were
recently felled and burned. A single wild cherry tree was also present on the eastern
boundary of the Sub-area.
13.217 A stand of Japanese knotweed with approximately 100 stems was present in the
northernmost point of the Sub-area, adjacent to Markly Wood (T11).
Hedgerow
13.218 A short section of old, layed hedge was present along the east side of the entrance track
into Sub-area 4 (from the A265). Native species included hornbeam, holly, sweet chestnut
and hazel. Wilson’s honeysuckle had been planted and was locally frequent.
1163
13.219 A mixed species hedgerow was present along the southern boundary of Woodhatch and
comprised locally dominant hawthorn and locally frequent holly and Wilson’s
honeysuckle.
Dry Ditches
13.220 Dry ditches that occasionally may flood were present along the lines of scattered trees
running north to south across the centre of the site. These mark old field boundaries and
supported a remnant flora (mainly in the north) including soft rush, bugle, yellow
pimpernel, marsh bedstraw, marsh thistle, and wood sage on the upper slopes.
Residential gardens of Reynards and Woodhatch
13.221 The grounds of Reynards (Building 1) and Woodhatch (Building 2) were dominated by
improved grassland (see description above). Scattered trees comprised mostly of
pedunculate oak, with occasional Scot’s pine and other conifer species , adjacent to the
southern boundary of Reynards and along the open boundary separating the two
properties. A mixed species hedgerow had been planted along the southern boundary of
Woodhatch (see description above).
Buildings
Building 1
13.222 The main building within the grounds of Reynards. A two storey, brick-built building of
modern design with tiled and pitched cross-gabled roofs. Hanging tiles were present on
all façades of the upper floor.
Building 2
13.223 The main building within the grounds of Woodhatch. A two storey, brick-built building of
modern design with tiled and pitched roofs with a complex design. Two large chimney
stacks were also present. A small brick-built garage with tiled, pitched roof was present
to the south of the main building.
Fauna
13.224 The following bird species were recorded during the survey; great tit, chiffchaff, blue-tit,
wood pigeon and green woodpecker.
Target Notes relevant to Sub area 4
1164
Target Note 11
13.226 Japanese knotweed along the northern boundary with Markly Wood – invasive plant
species.
Target Note 12
13.227 Relict semi-improved wildflower species indicative of wet/heavier soils – creeping Jenny,
lesser stitchwort, thyme-leaved speedwell etc.
Target Note 13
13.228 Very narrow marginal habitats along old ditch banks, lines of trees and the woodland
edge provide the greatest interest with relict acid grassland/woodland edge species
including slender St. John’s-wort, heath bedstraw, foxglove, oval sedge, bugle, bluebell,
wood sorrel and wood sage.
1165
PROTECTED SPECIES RISK ASSESSMENT: SUB-AREA 4 - LAND ADJACENT TO
THE POLICE STATION INCLUDING REYNARDS AND WOODHATCH
Breeding birds
Bats
Badgers
Reptiles
Great crested newt
Dormice
relating to protected species is presented within Chapter 19.
1166
Table 9: Assessment of potential presence of invasive and protected species within Sub-area 4 of SDA 11.
Species
Main legislation
(see Chapter 16)
Breeding
birds
1 and 8.
Bats
Badger
1992.
Widespread
reptiles
protection)
Scattered trees, scrub, introduced
shrubs and buildings provide
suitable breeding habitat for
common garden and potentially
some woodland species. Open
countryside to the east, north and
west and gardens to the south
provide a wider foraging network.
Adjacent
woodland
complex
provides
extensive
off-site
foraging, commuting and roosting
habitat. On-site grassland provides
foraging habitat. The Sub-area is
located on the north-western edge
of
Heathfield
with
excellent
connectivity with open countryside
to the west, north and east.
Widespread
and
wide-ranging
west of the UK. Scattered tree and
scrub habitat is suitable for settbuilding.
On-site
grassland
provides foraging habitat.
HIGH. Areas of suitable breeding habitat included the boundary
with Sub-area 3, the line of scattered trees extending south form
Markly Wood and the gardens and properties of Reynards and
Woodhatch. These provided suitable nest sites for a variety of
bird species. The periphery of the Sub-area is well connected to
off-site foraging resources in the wider countryside, particularly
Markly Wood to the north. 65 species recorded within a 2km
radius of the SDA.
MEDIUM (roosting) MEDIUM (foraging). Extensive areas of
connected woodland stretch to the west and north providing
both suitable roosting, and foraging opportunities. Extensive
areas of improved grassland are of low value as foraging habitat.
Two main buildings (and one garage) were present on-site and
provide some features of value to roosting bats such as complex
roof structures with voids and raised tiles etc. Seven bat species
are recorded within a 2km radius of SDA 11 including a
Natterer’s hibernation roost 40m east of Sub-area 4.
MEDIUM. The periphery of the Sub-area and adjacent wooded
habitat included good cover and connectivity for badger to move
across the wider landscape. Areas most suitable for sett
construction were limited to the northern and eastern boundary.
Pasture fields dominated the Sub-area and provided extensive
foraging habitat. A preliminary search of the Sub-area did not find
any signs of badger, but this does not guarantee their absence as
they are a mobile species. Badger records are not provided as
part of the SxBRC data search.
MEDIUM. The scrub/grassland edge provides habitat for
widespread reptile species, but this is generally restricted to the
north-west, north and east boundaries and the line of trees
extending south from Markly Wood. The Sub-area is located in a
rural area and connected to suitable off-site habitat to the west
(Sub-area 3), south (private gardens) and east (Markly Wood). The
Gardens of Reynards and Woodhatch are of very limited value to
reptiles as they are dominated by regularly mown improved
Boundary vegetation including
scattered trees, scrub, banks and
ditches
provides
potential
hibernating
habitat.
Interface
between grassland and woodland
edge
provides
basking
and
foraging
opportunities
for
widespread species of reptile.
1167
Table 9: Assessment of potential presence of invasive and protected species within Sub-area 4 of SDA 11.
Species
Main legislation
(see Chapter 16)
Great
crested newt
Dormouse
Invasive
plants
species
(as amended)
Suitable terrestrial habitat is
present around the Sub-area
boundary. Two ponds are identified
within a 500m radius, which is the
guideline distance (English Nature,
2001) which great crested newt
may commute between breeding
ponds and terrestrial sites. The
Sub-area is located in a rural
setting on the north-western edge
of
Heathfield.
The
Sussex
countryside has an abundance of
shallow ponds suitable as breeding
sites.
Scattered trees and scrub provide
suitable nesting habitat.
grassland. There are off-site records for all four species of
widespread reptile from the data search, the closest being a 1997
grass snake record 428m to the south of Sub-area 4.
MEDIUM. There is no suitable breeding habitat present on-site.
The nearest pond is 75m to the west in Sub-area 2, although this
is currently considered sub-optimal as it is newly created. There
are no records within 500m of the Sub-area, the closest being a
2006 record at Waldron Ghyll, 1.2km south of Sub-area 4. Three
additional ponds within 500m are visible on OS mapping, all are
in Markly Wood to the north, the closest of which is 350m northeast of Sub-area 4. There are no barriers to dispersal, but the
presence of abundant habitat around these ponds may limit the
need for animals to disperse to the Sub-area. Suitable terrestrial
habitat is restricted to scattered trees and scrub around the
western and north-western boundary. Reynards and Woodhatch
have low potential to support terrestrial great crested newt.
LOW. Potentially suitable on-site habitat is limited to the narrow
band of scattered trees and scrub bordering Sub-area 3 and the
line of scattered trees extending south form Markly Wood. Whilst
these areas are connected to extensive areas of off-site
woodland, suitable food and nest building plants such as hazel,
bramble and honeysuckle were absent/very limited and the
habitat structure sub-optimal. A 1998 data record was returned
from Cross in Hand (Sellyns Farm) 1.65km west of Sub-area 4.
PRESENT. A stand of Japanese knotweed with approximately
100 stems is present on the northernmost point of the Sub-area,
adjacent to Markly Wood.
1168
NATURE CONSERVATION EVALUATION: SUB-AREA 4 - LAND ADJACENT TO THE
POLICE STATION INCLUDING REYNARDS AND WOODHATCH
criteria from Defra's (2006) 'Local Sites' evaluation guidance is provided in Table 10
below.
Table 10: Combined Evaluation of the Nature Conservation Value of Sub-area 4 of
SDA 11.
Criteria
Features of
International
Importance
Features of
National
Importance
9
Remarks
are present.
designations.
9
1169
SDA 11.
Criteria
Remarks
Features of
Regional (Sussex)
Value
designations.
The north-west, north and eastern boundaries are adjacent to Markly
Wood PAW. The Weald area of south-east England contains a
concentration of ghyll woodland which is included under the county’s
Woodland BAP and significant at this level.
Features of
District (Wealden)
Importance
There are no ecological features present on-site of value at the district
level.
Features of Local
(Heathfield)
Importance
as follows:
- Reptiles, including slow-worm, common lizard and grass snake;
- Amphibians such as great crested newt and common toad;
- Invertebrates such as stag beetle;
There is a single UK BAP priority habitat present on-site: hedgerows (see
Habitat Map) although this habitat is limited in extent and not considered
to be an outstanding example of its type and is therefore of no more than
local importance.
The Sub-area is not managed or publically accessible and therefore
woodland, scattered trees and scrub are relatively undisturbed and
provide cover and foraging opportunities for a breeding bird assemblage
of value in a local context.
Features of Value
within the
immediate
vicinity of the
Sub-area
The remaining habitats at the Sub-area are dominated by improved
grassland which is likely to be of some value as foraging, cover and
breeding sites for a range of generalist species and therefore of value in
maintaining the ecology of the area. However, this is a common and
widespread habitat that does not generally support rare species or
diverse assemblages of species and is therefore of value in the immediate
Features of
Secondary and
Supporting Value
/ Connectivity
within the
landscape
Woodland, linear belts of scattered trees/scrub and hedgerows may
provide connectivity between off-site ecological receptors such as small
fields, woodland copses, hedgerows and tree lines.
On-site habitats may extend the foraging and breeding range for off-site
The Sub-area may also function as a buffer to Markly Wood PAW and the
urban edge of Heathfield and provide a wildlife corridor and/or stepping
stones for mobile species moving across the Heathfield urban-rural fringe.
Social Value /
Recorded History
and Cultural
Associations
The Sub-area is privately owned. It is accessed via a track alongside the
Police Station on the A265. The primary value of Sub-area 4 is in its
aesthetic value to those residents whose houses back onto the Sub-area,
affording them views over the countryside.
No recorded ancient trees were present on-site however several mature
1170
SDA 11.
Criteria
Remarks
pedunculate oak and birch trees were present.
Trees receiving TPOs are present in the grounds of Reynards and
Woodhatch and provide visual amenity value (please see Habitat Map for
location). Off-site trees along the eastern boundary of the Sub-area are
also subject to a group TPO (as part of Markly Wood).
Economic value
The fields are likely to have been historically grazed, but are now
mechanically cut. Whilst it is recommended that mature oaks be retained,
they could potentially be harvested for timber. All remaining habitats and
species do not currently provide a resource that could be exploited for
their economic value.
Size and extent
The Sub-area measures 4.5ha (total SDA area 9.33ha) with improved
grassland occupying approximately 95% of the total area. Scattered
trees, scrub and tall-ruderal occupy the remaining area. The Sub-area
therefore comprises a small number of habitat types, with potential to
support a low to moderate range of common and protected species.
Fragility
The woodland and mature trees/scrub and native hedgerows are
susceptible to ground disturbance. Remaining habitats i.e. non-native
hedgerows, improved grassland, young planted and self-established
trees, scrub, tall-ruderal are relatively recently established, species poor,
would rapidly recover from impacts and can be restored/resown.
Typicalness
All on-site habitats are typical of a lowland agricultural landscape and are
not outstanding examples of their types.
within the local context. It is dominated by fields of improved grassland which are
typically a habitat of low ecological value. It has potential to support a range of declining
and BAP species, including those protected at a National and European level i.e. badger,
reptiles, great crested newts and bats, although this is strongly associated with boundary
habitats and linear features, and additionally, in the case of roosting bats, the properties
of Reynards and Woodhatch. The legal and policy implications associated with these
species are detailed in Chapter 16 and 17.
13.235 The Sub area also appears to form part of the catchment of a ghyll stream flowing into
Markly Wood and provides buffering and supporting habitat to Markly Wood PAW along
its eastern boundary. Due to the restricted distribution of ghyll features in South-East
England, in this respect the Sub-area is considered to be of regional importance in terms
of maintaining the hydrology of the stream, and boundary habitat would be important in
buffering it from the effects of any future development.
1171
GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE APPRAISAL: SUB-AREA 4 - LAND ADJACENT TO THE
POLICE STATION INCLUDING REYNARDS AND WOODHATCH
13.236 No standing water was present within Sub-area 4. Ghyll woodland (part of Markly Wood
PAW) is adjacent to the northern half of the eastern boundary. Two ditches, orientated
south to north, dissect the Sub-area and feed into adjacent areas of Markly Wood at the
Sub-area’s northern boundary. The most easterly ditch is likely to feed into the adjacent
ghyll.
13.237 Markly Wood encapsulates the north-west, north and eastern boundaries of Sub-area 4.
Consequently, the Sub-area is reasonably well connected to the larger woodland
complex located to the north and west of Heathfield, via on-site woodland edge,
scattered trees and scrub and two lines of mature trees (likely to be former hedgerows).
These habitats provide a potential wildlife corridor for a range of mobile species such as
bats, birds, invertebrates, badgers and small mammals. These species are potentially
commuting along the woodland edge, within the Sub-area and moving across the
Heathfield urban-rural fringe into the wider Wealden countryside and Heathfield Habitat
Link BOA.
currently no network of cycle routes serving the Sub-area. There may also be an
opportunity to increase the connectivity of any potential development with the Ancient
Woodland located on the eastern boundary (The Heathfield Millennium Green) through
the provision of pathways and cycle ways.
1172
CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: SUB-AREA 4 - LAND ADJACENT TO
THE POLICE STATION INCLUDING REYNARDS AND WOODHATCH
13.239 All parts of the Sub-area (with exception to the entrance track and the northern half of
residential curtilages) fall within the boundaries of the statutory designated High Weald
AONB.
13.240 The Sub-area is not subject to any statutory or non-statutory nature conservation
designations. The nearest statutory designated site for nature conservation is Heathfield
Park SSSI located 1.6km to the east of Sub-area 4. The nearest non-statutory designated
nature conservation site is Oaken & Furlong Woods SNCI located 1.75km to the northeast of Sub-area 4. On the basis of information available at the time of report production,
it is considered unlikely that the Sub-area performs an important supporting role for these
sites based upon the habitats present, the features for which the sites are designated and
the degree of connectivity between them.
13.241 Overall, Sub-area 4 is considered to be of ecological value within a local context.
Approximately 95% of the Sub-area comprised of improved grassland which is typically a
habitat of low ecological value. However, the Sub-area does have potential to support a
range of common, protected and BAP species. This interest is strongly associated with
boundary habitats and linear features and additionally, in the case of roosting bats, the
properties of Reynards and Woodhatch.
13.242 The Sub-area also provides a secondary and supporting role to the network of ecological
receptors surrounding it, primarily by:
Buffering Markly Wood PAW which is present along its eastern boundary.
Sub-area:
Birds such as house sparrow, starling, dunnock and song thrush;
Small mammals such as hedgehog and dormice;
1173
Hedgerows.
Overview
surveys will have to be based on consideration of detailed proposals for Sub-area/SDA,
though in all cases published best practice should be followed with regard to survey
methodology etc.
bats, badger, great crested newts and invasive plants are recommended.
Reptiles
13.247 The open grassland areas within Sub-area 4 appeared to be regularly managed with a
low sward height for much of the year. This management would in all likelihood restrict
any resident reptiles to edge habitats along the eastern, northern and western
boundaries. The domestic back gardens in this area were also clearly regularly
maintained with a short sward of improved grassland. However, given the relative size of
Sub-area 4 it is possible that reptiles of more than one species could exploit edge habitat
particularly in the north-western corner.
13.248 A minimum of a seven survey visits, following current guidelines (Froglife, 1999, English
Nature 2004; Natural England 2011b), should be carried out to establish the
presence/absence and distribution of reptiles. Artificial refugia made from roofing felt and
from corrugated steel sheet should be employed and used to survey the grassland in the
north-west and sample other habitats throughout the area. The optimum time is generally
late spring, from April through to June and in the early autumn in September. Where
possible, survey effort should be spread across the recording season i.e. March-October.
1174
Bats
13.249 Both of the domestic premises present on-site were detached and substantial in size.
The age and design of both buildings was such as to have an increased likelihood of bats
being present if judged against current guidelines (BCT, 2007). The potential for a roost is
increased due to the proximity of high value foraging habitats and other buildings suitable
for roosting. The trees throughout Sub-area 4 were not of a particularly high value for
roosting but this should be more fully determined through a tree assessment.
might provide for foraging and commuting. This should include a detailed building
inspection of both domestic premises, tree inspections of all semi-mature/mature trees
within the boundary including within the gardens of the two houses and activity and
emergence surveys. Emergence and activity surveys must be carried out between May
and September.
Badger
13.251 The open areas of grassland that dominate this Sub-area provide a good foraging
resource for badgers, although there is not likely to be a variety of foraging opportunities
throughout the year. The potential for sett building is primarily limited to the woodland
edge habitats and the remnant ditch and bank with tree cover running through the centre
of the area.
areas of suitable on-site sett-building and foraging habitat to look for evidence of this
species. Survey effort should also include suitable off-site areas within a minimum 30m
distance of the Sub-area boundary. This is in line with current Natural England
Great crested newt
13.254 There was no potential breeding habitat within this Sub-area and the suitable terrestrial
habitat appeared to be relatively limited. As with reptiles, the areas of suitable cover and
1175
foraging are restricted primarily to the edge habitats particularly in the north-western
section. The central tree line could also provide a supporting function for foraging and for
hibernation. It is therefore recommended that a Habitat Suitability Index (HSI) survey,
following Oldham et al (2000), is carried out on all ponds within a 500m radius of the Subarea’s boundaries that do not have significant barriers to dispersal.
EPSM licence.
13.257 Japanese knotweed is present along the northern boundary and is an invasive plant
species included on Schedule 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended)
under which it is an offence to plant or otherwise cause these species to grow in the wild.
It is possible that it could be spread during construction works and therefore a survey is
recommended to accurately determine its extent, and to inform a method statement for
works which should follow current guidelines (Environment Agency, 2006; Netregs, 2011).
13.258 Sub-area 4 is the largest Sub-area within SDA 11 and essentially comprises one large
field of improved grassland, which is typically a habitat of low ecological value together
with two residential properties. Three lines of scattered trees, scrub and ditches extend
south from the northern boundary with Markly Wood. These therefore function as
important corridors for wildlife moving both on-site and across the wider landscape.
Development proposals should seek to retain and enhance these features.
13.259 Where the loss of the scattered trees, scrub and ditches, described above, is unavoidable
it will be necessary to carry out any required protected species surveys and mitigation
prior to their removal and provide compensation for their loss.
1176
scattered trees, scrub and ditches should conform to British Standard 5837:2005 Trees in
Relation to Construction.
13.261 Markly Wood PAW is adjacent to the eastern boundary of the Sub-area. Following
Natural England’s Standing Advice on Ancient Woodland (2011a) a minimum buffer of at
least 15m in width should be maintained between ancient woodland and any
development boundary. Subject to the results of any further ecological surveys and
liaison with relevant statutory bodies it may be necessary to increase the width of the
buffer zone. Consideration should also be given to maintaining a similar buffer along the
northern boundary, which is adjacent to undesignated areas of Markly Wood.
13.265 Currently parts of the Sub-area remain relatively dark at night and to minimise impacts on
bats from lighting associated with any proposed development it will be necessary to limit
light spillage and glare. This can be achieved by following accepted best practice
(Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management 2006, Institute of Lighting Engineers
2007).
1177
masterplanning for Sub-area 4/SDA 11. This should aim to retain the site’s value for
translocation. It should include only native species.
Scattered trees/scrub and ditches
13.268 Trees and scrub species had recently been removed from the line of trees and scrub
extending out from Markly Wood into the centre of the Sub-area. This feature included a
ditch and bank system, remnant woodland and wetland plant species and is highly likely
to represent an old field boundary/hedgerow. Consideration should be given to replanting
this (and similar) linear on-site feature to form a continuous hedgerow with standard trees
and to re-profile/re-instate the ditch and bank system. This should ideally link the
southern boundary of the Sub-area (and Sub-area 5 and 6) with the northern boundary,
providing a valuable wildlife corridor and landscape feature within the overall SDA.
13.269 The Sub-area is partly within Heathfield Habitat Link BOA and any development
proposals should consider the BOA targets which seek to sympathetically manage the
habitat mosaic present in the Area and increase the ‘permeability’ of the landscape for
wildlife.
1178
below:
Lines of scattered trees and scrub along dry ditches and the north-western
boundary should be largely retained to buffer adjacent areas of Markly Wood which
includes both ghyll woodland and PAW. At a landscape scale this will assist help to
retain corridors of woodland along the northern edge of Heathfield. Any additional
planting should be positioned so as to enhance green corridors on-site. Native tree
and shrub species should be typical of the local landscape (High Weald AONB).
From a green infrastructure perspective, the retention (and enhancement) of ditches
will ensure that the natural drainage system for the Sub-area continues to function.
Where ditches are to be retained and incorporated within development proposals,
they should form part of the wider SuDS for the Sub-area/SDA.
Subject to hydrological investigations the creation of ponds and/or the re-profiling of
ditches to create areas of standing water could improve conditions for amphibians
potentially breeding in the locality and strengthen links between any breeding
populations associated with nearby ponds.
runoff.
in Chapter 19.
1179
HABITAT SURVEY: SUB-AREA 5 - HOLMHURST, HIGH STREET
Overview
13.272 Sub-area 5 was surveyed on the 24th May 2011. Sub-area 5 occupies 0.17ha and
comprises the property, and associated buildings and garden, of Holmhurst. As such, it
contains the most modified habitats within the SDA. Habitats present within the Sub-area
included; buildings, hardstanding, improved grassland, scattered trees, introduced
shrubs and hedgerows. Sub-area 5 is located between Sub-area 4 and Sub-area 6 and is
accessed from Heathfield High Street (A265).
Hedgerows
13.273 A species poor native beech hedge was present along the western boundary with
Reynards (Sub-area 4). A mixed hedgerow was present along the southern boundary and
comprised Wilson’s honeysuckle, garden privet and hawthorn.
Improved grassland
13.274 A small area of lawn was present at the front of the house and comprised abundant
perennial rye-grass and white clover with frequent common bent, daisy and selfheal.
Violet was locally frequent.
Scattered trees and introduced shrubs
13.275 Planted trees and shrubs included a moderate range of standard horticultural stock
tolerant of acid substrates, including Scot’s pine, rhododendron, cherry, bamboo,
cypress, mop-head hydrangea etc. A vegetable growing area was present in the rear
garden along with mature apples trees.
Buildings and hardstanding
13.276 The main house of Holmhurst (Building 3) was a large brick, two storey building with
wooden soffits and tiled, pitched roof. It was, generally, in a good state of repair although
gaps between the soffits and building façade were present and some tiles were
missing/raised.
Fauna
13.277 No fauna was observed during the Phase 1 survey.
Target notes relevant to sub-area 5
13.278 No features were present that required target notes.
1180
PROTECTED SPECIES RISK ASSESSMENT: SUB-AREA 5 - HOLMHURST, HIGH
STREET
Breeding birds
Bats
Badgers
Reptiles
Great crested newt
1181
Species
Main legislation
(see Chapter 16)
Breeding
birds
1 and 8.
Bats
Badger
1992.
Widespread
reptiles
protection)
Great
crested newt
shrubs and hedgerows provide
suitable breeding habitat. Surrounding
rural landscape to the north may also
provide
an
important
foraging
resource.
Mature/semi-mature scattered trees
provide suitable roosting habitat.
Boundary features of hedges and tree
lines provide suitable foraging and
commuting habitat. Any building, but
particularly those of early or pre
twentieth century construction can
provide suitable roosting areas for
both void and crevice dwelling
species.
Widespread
and
wide-ranging
species, especially in the Sussex and
the south-east of the UK. Badgers are
known to regularly exploit domestic
gardens on the urban fringe.
Domestic
gardens
can
contain
suitable habitat features such as
compost piles and fire wood stacks
that can be exploited by reptile
species. Slow worms are often
associated with domestic gardens.
Hedgerows and gardens can provide
suitable
cover
and
foraging
opportunities for this species. Two
ponds are identified within a 500m
radius, which is the guideline distance
(English Nature, 2001) which great
crested newt may commute between
HIGH. Scattered trees, dense shrubs and hedgerows are likely
to provide a foraging and nesting resource for common
species of bird, although the extent of suitable habitat was
limited. Parts of the house, such as wooden soffits, may also
provide suitable habitat for urban species such as house
sparrow. 65 species recorded within a 2km radius of the SDA.
HIGH (roosting) MEDIUM (foraging). Despite the relatively
small and discrete size of this Sub-area, the residential
building has some potential for a roost as it provides features
such as complex roof structures with voids and missing/raised
tiles. Back gardens are often used by bats for foraging due to
the higher diversity/density of flying invertebrates that may
utilise well planted (diverse) ornamental schemes (as present
on-site). Seven bat species are recorded within a 2km radius
of SDA 11 including a Natterer’s hibernation roost 120m east
of Sub-area 5.
NEGLIGIBLE. Although domestic gardens are regularly used
by badgers no signs of use were observed during the survey
and there was limited cover that could have obscured a sett.
Badger records are not provided as part of the SxBRC data
search.
LOW. The garden located in Sub-area 5 is managed and the
lawn regularly mown. Opportunities for species such as slow
worms were limited to less intensively managed edge habitats.
There are off-site records for all four species of widespread
reptile from the data search, the closest being a 1997 grass
snake record 420m to the south of Sub-area 5.
LOW. There were no ponds or other water bodies in the
gardens. The well managed garden area provided very limited
cover or foraging opportunities for this species. There are no
great crested newt records within 500m of the Sub-area, the
closest being a 2006 record at Waldron Ghyll, 1.2km south of
Sub-area 5.
1182
Species
Main legislation
(see Chapter 16)
breeding ponds and terrestrial sites.
The Sub-area is located in a rural
setting on the north-western edge of
has an abundance of shallow ponds
Invasive
plants
species
(as amended)
There is a wide range of invasive plant
species of which a number of
widespread
species
occur
in
habitats, and disturbed sites or close
to settlements. As such there is
potential for invasive plants to be
LOW. No evidence of invasive plant species was recorded onsite during the Phase 1 habitat survey though this does not
guarantee their absence.
1183
NATURE CONSERVATION EVALUATION: SUB-AREA 5 - HOLMHURST, HIGH
STREET
below.
SDA 11.
Criteria
10
Remarks
Features of
International
Importance
are present.
Features of
National
Importance
designations.
10
Features of
Regional (Sussex)
designations.
1184
SDA 11.
Criteria
Remarks
Value
Features of
District (Wealden)
Importance
level.
Features of Local
(Heathfield)
Importance
as follows:
- Reptiles, including slow-worm and common lizard;
- Small mammals such as hedgehog; and
There is a single UK BAP priority habitat present on-site: hedgerow (see
local importance.
Features of Value
within the
immediate
vicinity of the
Sub-area
The Sub-area is dominated by improved grassland, scattered trees and
introduced shrubs which are likely to be of some value as foraging, cover
and breeding sites for a range of generalist species and therefore of value
in maintaining the ecology of the area. However, this is a common and
widespread habitat that does not generally support rare species or
Features of
Secondary and
Supporting Value
/ Connectivity
within the
landscape
Linear belts of scattered trees, introduced shrubs and hedgerows may
species using Sub-area 4 and 6.
Heathfield and provide a wildlife corridor and/or stepping stones for
Social Value /
Recorded History
and Cultural
Associations
The Sub-area is privately owned and provides aesthetic and recreational
value to its owners.
No ancient trees were present on-site.
Trees receiving TPOs are present on the southern boundary of the Subarea and provide visual amenity value.
Economic value
No on-site habitats/species currently provide a resource that could be
exploited for their economic value.
Size and extent
The Sub-area measures 0.17ha (total SDA area 9.33ha) with improved
grassland and planted trees/shrubs being the dominant habitat types. It
therefore comprises a small number of habitat types, with potential to
support a low range of common and protected species.
Fragility
All on-site habitats are relatively recently established, species poor,
Typicalness
All on-site habitats are typical of sub-urban properties and are not
outstanding examples of their types.
1185
within the local context due to its potential to support declining and BAP species,
including those protected at a National and European level i.e. reptiles and bats, although
this is strongly associated with boundary habitats and features, and additionally, in the
case of roosting bats, the property of Holmhurst. The legal and policy implications
associated with these species are detailed in Chapter 16 and 17.
13.285 Areas of improved grassland occupy the majority of the Sub-area (95%) and in their
current managed state are typically a habitat of low ecological value and therefore
considered to be of value in the immediate vicinity only.
1186
GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE APPRAISAL: SUB-AREA 5 - HOLMHURST, HIGH
STREET
13.286 Sub-area 5 is located towards the top of the ridge, is relatively flat, no standing water was
present and it did not appear to form part of the wider system that drains northward into
Markly Wood.
13.287 Sub-area 5 has limited connectivity to Sub-areas 1-4, with boundary habitats providing
the only potential wildlife corridors for mobile species such as bats, birds, invertebrates
and mammals. Connectivity could be improved greatly by extending existing lines of
scattered trees and scrub in Sub-area 4 so that they link with the northern boundary of
Sub-area 5 (see enhancement section of Sub-area 4).
currently no network of cycle routes serving the Sub-area.
1187
CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: SUB-AREA 5 - HOLMHURST, HIGH
STREET
13.289 Sub-area 5 is not subject to any statutory or non-statutory nature conservation
designations, but part of the garden is located within the High Weald AONB. The nearest
statutory designated site for nature conservation is Heathfield Park SSSI located 1.52km
to the east of Sub-area 5. The nearest non-statutory designated nature conservation site
is Oaken & Furlong Woods SNCI located 1.9km to the north-east of Sub-area 5. On the
basis of information available at the time of report production, it is considered unlikely
that the Sub-area performs an important supporting role for these sites based upon the
type an extent of habitats present within the Sub-area, the features for which the sites are
designated and the degree of connectivity between them.
13.290 Overall, Sub-area 5 of SDA 11 is considered to be of ecological value at a local level, due
to its potential to support legally protected and BAP species, including those protected at
a National and European level i.e. reptiles and bats.
13.291 A large percentage of the Sub-area is dominated by improved grassland which is
typically a habitat of low ecological value. Areas of highest ecological value at the Subarea are associated with the house and planted trees and shrubs around its boundary.
13.292 The Sub-area may also provide a secondary and supporting role to the local network of
ecological receptors surrounding it, primarily by contributing to wildlife corridors used by
species moving between the urban areas of Heathfield and the wider Wealden
countryside.
Sub-area:
Reptiles, including slow-worm and common lizard;
Small mammals such as hedgehog;
Bats, such as soprano pipistrelle, noctule bat and brown long eared; and,
Hedgerows
13.294 BAP habitats/species are not necessarily rare, but under PPS9 and the NERC Act 2006
1188
Overview
declining, BAP and protected species/habitats at Sub-area 5, further surveys for bats are
recommended.
Bats
13.297 The detached house in Sub-area 5 provides a potentially suitable roosting habitat for a
variety of both crevice and void dwelling bat species. This potential is increased due to
the proximity of other buildings suitable for bats as well as the opportunities for roosting
and foraging found within the wider landscape.
inspection of domestic premises, tree inspections of all semi-mature/mature trees within
the boundary and emergence and activity surveys. Emergence and emergence surveys
must be carried out between May and September. Please note that it would be
advantageous to carry out these surveys in conjunction with Sub-area 6 to obtain a better
understanding of bat activity at SDA 11.
13.299 The boundary features of Sub-area 5 provide the most valuable on-site habitats. Whilst
they comprise a high percentage of planted non-native species they provide some
connectivity with the wider landscape and are of potential value to more mobile species
such as bats, bird, invertebrates and small mammals. Development proposals should
seek to retain and enhance these features, where possible.
13.300 Where the loss of trees, dense shrubs and hedgerows is unavoidable it will be necessary
to carry out any required protected species surveys and mitigation prior to their removal
and provide compensation for their loss.
1189
13.301 All construction works taking place in the vicinity of retained semi-mature/mature trees,
scrub and hedgerows should conform to British Standard 5837:2005 Trees in Relation to
Construction to maintain the integrity of these habitats.
13.302 Nesting birds: Scattered trees and dense scrub provide suitable nesting habitat for a
variety of bird species. It is recommended that any vegetation clearance affecting nesting
habitat should be undertaken outside of the bird nesting season which runs from March
to August inclusive.
13.303 Reptiles: Due to the small area of potentially suitable habitat there is a low risk of reptiles
being present. Where they are present they are likely to be restricted to the boundary
features of the property. Therefore, it is recommended that boundary features are
retained in any development proposals to avoid impacts. Where retention is not possible
a precautionary approach may be feasible by managing edge habitats in order to make
them unsuitable for reptiles. However, this approach should be reviewed prior to any
development in case baseline conditions at the Sub-area have changed since the date of
the survey and so that the full extent of works at the Sub-area / SDA can be considered.
13.305 To minimise impacts on bats from lighting associated with any proposed development it
will be necessary to limit light spillage and glare. This can be achieved by following
Institute of Lighting Engineers 2007).
in development proposals for the Sub-area would be as follows:
masterplanning for the Sub-area/SDA. This should aim to retain the Sub-area’s
1190
value for any protected/UK BAP species confirmed present without recourse to
off-site translocation. It should include only native species.
13.307 If development involves the removal of trees with potential to provide habitat for birds
and bats then artificial bird and bat boxes should be considered in order to provide
replacement nesting/roosting habitat.
13.308 The following outline proposal for habitat enhancement should be considered as part of
Hedgerows
13.309 On-site hedgerows provide habitat for a range of urban species. It is recommended that
the cutting of hedgerows be managed to maximise their value for wildlife (see Chapter
19).
below:
runoff.
in Chapter 19.
1191
HABITAT SURVEY: SUB-AREA 6 - LAVENDER COTTAGE, HIGH STREET
Overview
13.312 Sub-area 6 was surveyed on the 24th May 2011. Sub-area 6 occupies 0.19ha and
comprises the property, and associated buildings and garden, of Lavender Cottage. As
such, it contains the most modified habitats within the SDA. Habitats present within the
Sub-area included; buildings, hardstanding, semi-improved grassland, scattered trees
and introduced shrubs. Sub-area 6 is located between Sub-area 5 and the properties of
Oaksdown and Lowlands. It is accessed from Heathfield High Street (A265).
Hedgerows
13.313 Short sections of beech hedge were present along the western boundary.
Semi-improved grassland
13.314 Grassland at the rear of the property comprised sweet vernal grass, Yorkshire fog,
Timothy, white clover and creeping buttercup. The front lawn was surprisingly diverse and
included
either
relictual
acid
grassland/heath
species
or
had
been
formerly
seeded/planted. The grasses red fescue, Yorkshire fog and common bent were abundant
to frequent. Wildflowers included abundant to locally frequent mouse-ear hawkweed,
selfheal, creeping buttercup, common bird’s-foot-trefoil, yarrow, violet, and cat’s-ear
along with the shrubs heather and bilberry.
Scattered trees and introduced shrubs
13.315 Planted trees and shrubs along the western and eastern boundary included a moderate
range of standard horticultural stock. Species included: cherry laurel, rhododendron,
Portuguese laurel, holly, rowan, eucalyptus and cypress. Mature pedunculate oaks were
present at the very front of the property.
Building 4 and hardstanding
13.316 The main section of Lavender Cottage was a large brick-built, two-storey building with
wooden soffits and tiled, pitched roof. A garage and conservatory had extended the
footprint on the western and eastern side. The building was, generally, in a good state of
repair although gaps between the soffits and building façade were present and some tiles
were missing/raised.
Fauna
13.317 No fauna was observed during the Phase 1 survey.
Target notes relevant to sub-area 5
13.318 No features were present that required target notes.
1192
PROTECTED SPECIES RISK ASSESSMENT: SUB-AREA 6 - LAVENDER COTTAGE,
HIGH STREET
Breeding birds
Bats
Badgers
Reptiles
Great crested newt
1193
Species
Main legislation
(see Chapter 16)
Breeding birds
1981 (as amended) - selected
species Schedules 1 and 8.
Bats
1981 (as amended) - Schedule
5. The Conservation of
Habitats and Species
Regulations 2010 - Schedule
2.
Badger
1992.
Widespread reptiles
1981 (as amended) - Schedule
5 (partial protection)
Great crested newt
1981 (as amended) -Schedule
5. The Conservation of
Habitats and Species
Regulations 2010 - Schedule
shrubs and hedgerows provide
suitable
breeding
habitat.
Surrounding rural landscape to the
north may also provide an
important foraging resource.
Mature/semi-mature
scattered
trees provide suitable roosting
habitat. Boundary features of
hedges and tree lines provide
suitable foraging and commuting
habitat.
Any
building,
but
particularly those of early or pre
twentieth century construction can
provide suitable roosting areas for
both void and crevice dwelling
species.
Widespread
and
wide-ranging
species, especially in the Sussex
and the south-east of the UK.
Badgers are known to regularly
exploit domestic gardens on the
urban fringe.
Domestic gardens can contain
suitable habitat features such as
compost piles and fire wood stacks
that can be exploited by reptile
species. Slow worms are often
associated with domestic gardens.
Hedgerows and gardens cam
provide suitable cover and foraging
opportunities for this species. Two
ponds are identified within a 500m
radius, which is the guideline
HIGH. Scattered trees, dense shrubs and hedgerows are likely to
provide a foraging and nesting resource for common species of
bird, although the extent of suitable habitat was limited. Parts of
the house, such as wooden soffits, may also provide suitable
habitat for urban species such as house sparrow. 65 species
recorded within a 2km radius of the SDA.
HIGH (roosting) MEDIUM (foraging). Despite the relatively small
and discrete size of this Sub-area, the residential building has
some potential for a roost as it provides features such as
complex roof structures with voids and missing/raised tiles. Back
gardens are often used by bats for foraging due to the higher
diversity/density of flying invertebrates that may utilise well
planted (diverse) ornamental schemes (as present on-site). Seven
bat species are recorded within a 2km radius of SDA 11 including
a Natterer’s hibernation roost 100m east of Sub-area 6.
NEGLIGIBLE. Although domestic gardens are regularly used by
badgers no signs of use were observed during the survey and
there was limited cover that could have obscured a sett. Badger
records are not provided as part of the SxBRC data search.
LOW. The garden located in Sub-area 6 is managed and the lawn
regularly mown. Opportunities for species such as slow worms
were limited to less intensively managed edge habitats. There are
off-site records for all four species of widespread reptile from the
data search, the closest being a 1997 grass snake record 420m
to the south of Sub-area 6.
LOW. There were no ponds or other water bodies in the gardens.
The well managed garden area provided very limited cover or
foraging opportunities for this species. There are no records
within 500m of the Sub-area, the closest being a 2006 record at
Waldron Ghyll, 1.2km south of Sub-area 6.
1194
Species
Main legislation
(see Chapter 16)
2.
Invasive plant
species
Schedule 9 of the Wildlife and
Countryside Act 1981 (as
amended)
distance (English Nature, 2001)
which great crested newt may
commute between breeding ponds
and terrestrial sites. The Sub-area
is located in a rural setting on the
north-western edge of Heathfield.
The Sussex countryside has an
abundance of shallow ponds
LOW. No evidence of invasive plant species was recorded on-site
during the Phase 1 habitat survey though this does not guarantee
their absence.
1195
NATURE CONSERVATION EVALUATION: SUB-AREA 6 - LAVENDER COTTAGE,
HIGH STREET
below.
11.
Criteria
Remarks
Features of
International
Importance
are present.
Features of
National
Importance
designations.
The Sub-area has potential to support a number of UK BAP priority
species. While BAP habitats occur and populations of BAP species may
be present, it is not considered that any would be nationally important
examples of their type.
Features of
Regional (Sussex)
Value
designations.
1196
11.
Criteria
Remarks
Features of
District (Wealden)
Importance
level.
Features of Local
(Heathfield)
Importance
as follows:
- Reptiles, including slow-worm and common lizard;
- Small mammals such as hedgehog; and
There is a single UK BAP priority habitat present on-site: hedgerow (see
local importance.
A small area of semi-improved acid grassland was present, but was very
limited in extent, not an outstanding example of its type and may have
been formerly planted. It is therefore considered to be of no more than
local importance.
Features of Value
within the
immediate
vicinity of the
Sub-area
The Sub-area is dominated by semi-improved grassland, scattered trees
and introduced shrubs which are likely to be of some value as foraging,
cover and breeding sites for a range of generalist species and therefore of
value in maintaining the ecology of the area. However this is a common
and widespread habitat that does not generally support rare species or
Features of
Secondary and
Supporting Value
/ Connectivity
within the
landscape
Linear belts of scattered trees, introduced shrubs and hedgerows may
species using Sub-area 4 and 5.
Heathfield and provide a wildlife corridor and/or stepping stones for
Social Value /
Recorded History
and Cultural
Associations
The Sub-area is privately owned and provides aesthetic and recreational
value to its owners.
No ancient trees were present on-site.
No trees receiving TPOs are present on-site or adjacent to its boundary,
although TPOs are present on the southern boundary of Sub-area 5.
Economic value
No on-site habitats/species currently provide a resource that could be
exploited for their economic value.
Size and extent
The Sub-area measures 0.19ha (total SDA area 9.33ha) with semiimproved grassland and planted trees/shrubs occupying approximately
90% of the Sub-area. It therefore comprises a small number of habitat
types, with potential to support a low range of common and protected
species. Buildings and hardstanding occupy the remaining area.
Fragility
All on-site habitats are relatively recently established, species poor,
1197
11.
Criteria
Remarks
Typicalness
All on-site habitats are typical of suburban properties and are not
outstanding examples of their types.
within the local context due to the presence of a small area of semi-improved acid
grassland and the Sub-area’s potential to support declining and BAP species, including
those protected at a National and European level i.e. reptiles and bats. However, this
potential is strongly associated with boundary habitats and features, and additionally, in
the case of roosting bats, the property of Lavender Cottage. The legal and policy
implications associated with these species are detailed in Chapter 16 and 17.
1198
GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE APPRAISAL: SUB-AREA 6 - LAVENDER COTTAGE,
HIGH STREET
13.325 Sub-area 6 is located towards the top of a ridge, is relatively flat, no standing water was
present and it did not appear to form part of the wider system that drains northward into
Markly Wood.
13.326 Markly Wood encapsulates the west, north and eastern boundaries of SDA 11 with Subareas 1 - 4 being well connected to the larger woodland complex located to the north and
west of Heathfield. Sub-area 6 has limited connectivity to Sub-areas 1-4, with boundary
habitats providing the only potential wildlife corridors for mobile species such as bats,
birds, invertebrates and mammals. Connectivity could be improved greatly by extending
existing lines of scattered trees and scrub in Sub-area 4 so that they link with the
northern boundary of Sub-area 6 (see enhancement section of Sub-area 4).
currently no network of cycle routes serving the Sub-area.
1199
CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: SUB-AREA 6 - LAVENDER COTTAGE,
HIGH STREET
13.328 Sub-area 6 is not subject to any statutory or non-statutory nature conservation
designations, but part of the garden is located within the High Weald AONB. The nearest
statutorily designated site for nature conservation is Heathfield Park SSSI located 1.5km
to the east of Sub-area 6. The nearest non-statutory designated nature conservation site
is Oaken & Furlong Woods SNCI located 1.9km to the north-east of Sub-area 6. On the
basis of information available at the time of report production, it is considered unlikely
that the Sub-area performs an important supporting role for these sites based upon the
type and extent of habitats present with the Sub-area, the features for which the sites are
designated and the degree of connectivity between them.
13.329 Overall, Sub-area 6 of SDA 11 is considered to be of ecological value at a local level, due
to the presence of a small area of semi-improved acid grassland and the Sub-area’s
potential to support legally protected and BAP species, including those protected at a
National and European level i.e. reptiles and bats.
13.330 The Sub-area may also provide a secondary and supporting role to the local network of
ecological receptors surrounding it, primarily by contributing to wildlife corridors used by
species moving between the urban areas of Heathfield and the wider Wealden
countryside.
Sub-area:
Reptiles, including slow-worm and common lizard;
Small mammals such as hedgehog;
Hedgerow.
1200
Overview
declining, BAP and protected species/habitats at Sub-area 6, further surveys for bats are
recommended.
Bats
13.335 Lavender Cottage provides a suitable roosting habitat for a variety of both crevice and
void dwelling bat species. The potential for a roost is increased due to the proximity of
other buildings suitable for a roost as well as the opportunities for roosting and foraging
found within the wider landscape.
inspection of domestic premises, tree inspections of all semi-mature/mature trees within
the boundary and emergence and activity surveys. Emergence and activity surveys must
be carried out between May and September. Please note that it would be advantageous
to carry out these surveys in conjunction with Sub-area 5 to obtain a better
understanding of bat activity at SDA 11.
13.337 Sub-area 6 boundary features provide the most valuable on-site habitats. Whilst they
comprise a high percentage of planted non-native species they provide some
connectivity with the wider landscape and are of potential value to more mobile species
such as bats, bird, invertebrates and small mammals. Development proposals should
seek to retain and enhance these features, where possible.
13.338 Where the loss of trees, dense shrubs and hedgerows is unavoidable it will be necessary
to carry out any required protected species surveys and mitigation prior to their removal
and provide compensation for their loss.
1201
13.339 All construction works taking place in the vicinity of retained semi-mature/mature trees,
scrub and hedgerows should conform to British Standard 5837:2005 Trees in Relation to
Construction to maintain the integrity of these habitats.
13.341 Reptiles: Due to the small area of potentially suitable habitat there is a low risk of reptiles
being present. Where they are present they are likely to be restricted to the boundary
features of the property. It is therefore recommended that boundary features are retained
in any development proposals to avoid impacts. Where retention is not possible a
precautionary approach may be feasible by managing edge habitats in order to make
them unsuitable for reptiles. However, this approach should be reviewed prior to any
development in case baseline conditions at the Sub-area have changed since the date of
the survey and so that the full extent of works at the Sub-area/SDA can be considered.
13.343 To minimise indirect impacts from lighting associated with development it will be
necessary to limit night time spillage and glare. This can be achieved by following
Institute of Lighting Engineers 2007).
masterplanning for the Sub-area. This should aim to retain the Sub-area’s value for
1202
translocation. It should include only native species.
If development involves the removal of trees with potential to provide habitat for
birds and bats then artificial bird and bat boxes should be considered in order to
provide replacement nesting/roosting habitat.
Hedgerows
13.346 On-site hedgerows provide habitat for a range of urban species. It is recommended that
the cutting of hedgerows be managed to maximise their value for wildlife (see Chapter
19).
below:
runoff.
in Chapter 19.
1203
PLANNING POLICY SUMMARY FOR SDA 11
13.349 It is considered that a number of regional and local planning policies are relevant to
SDA 11. Table 15 below provides a summary of those policies, and identifies the Subareas which they are applicable to. Please note, however, that this is not an exhaustive
list and other policies may or may not be applicable to the Sub-areas. This may include
existing policies or policies that will form part of the Council's LDF. The full text of
relevant policies is contained in Chapter 18 and this should be referred to. Relevant
regional and local planning policy includes those from the following:
Wealden District Council’s Adopted Local Plan (1998)
Wealden District Council’s Non-statutory Local Plan (2005)
The South East Plan (2009)
Wealden District Council's Submission Core Strategy (2011)
1204
Table 15: Regional and local planning polices relevant to SDA 11 and Sub-areas 1 - 6.
Policy
Sub-area applicable to
Policy summary
1
2
3
4
5
6
Adopted Wealden Local Plan (1998)
EN1 Sustainable Development
Proposals in the SDA must accord with the principles of Sustainable
development.






EN5 Water Resources
Proposals must not present an unacceptable risk to water resources.






Proposals must seek to conserve or enhance the natural beauty of the
High Weald AONB.
Proposals should seek to retain and enhance the contribution of trees,
woodland areas to the landscape character, including protecting trees
and woodland areas of significant amenity value and where they make
a valuable contribution to the character of the landscape.
Ancient Semi Natural Woodlands should be retained and the ecology
protected.
Landscape proposals should complement the scale and character of
the proposal and the locality, and seek to retain existing trees,
significant hedgerows and other valuable site features. Schemes
should have regard to associated nature conservation benefits and
planting should normally comprise primarily native species.
Proposals should provide for safe and convenient pedestrian rotes,
which link to existing footpath network.
Proposals must avoid increase of flooding by increasing surface water
run off to watercourses.




















































EN6 High Weald Landscape Character Area
EN12 Trees, Woodland and Landscaping
EN13 Ancient Woodlands
EN14 Landscaping within developments
TR13 Footpaths and Bridleways
CS2 Drainage
Non-statutory Wealden Local Plan (2005)
NE1 Water Resources
NE4 Pollution
NE5 Landscape Character
Proposals must ensure that development would not cause an
unacceptable risk to quality of surface water or ground water or
potential yield of groundwater or surface water resources.
Proposals that may be liable to cause pollution to water must ensure
that the quality of the natural environment, flora and fauna would not
be damaged or put at risk.
Development within the High Weald AONB must conserve and
enhance the natural beauty and character of the landscape.
1205
Policy
NE14 Protected Species and The Wider
Environment
NE15 Trees and Woodland
NE16 Ancient Woodland
TR8 Walking and Cycling
CS1 General Infrastructure Provision
Policy summary
Where there is an overriding need for development, if a proposal
adversely affects protected species, measures will be imposed to
facilitate the survival of individual members of the species, reduce
disturbance to the minimum, and provide adequate alternative
habitats to sustain the current levels of the population. Appropriate
measures are required to protect, manage and enhance the site's
nature conservation interest, or to provide a replacement habitat,
where the proposal has implications for other wildlife habitats.
Woodland, trees and hedgerows considered worthy of retention,
unless the need for development outweighs nature conservation or
amenity value, should be retained. Any loss should be replaced on or
near the site.
Ancient Woodland should be retained and ecology, landscape and
historic value should not be prejudiced by the proposal.
Existing pedestrian, cycle or bridleway routes are protected, unless
alternative provision is made, which would be equally convenient, safe
and attractive for users.
Proposals should ensure that the necessary infrastructure to meet the
needs of the development is available or provided at an appropriate
time.
1
2
3
4
5
6




























CS2 Water Supply
Proposals must not present an unacceptable risk to water resources.






CS4 Integrity of Flood Defences
Proposals must not be detrimental to the integrity of flood defences or
watercourse channels or impede access to these.






Conserve and enhance the natural environment and prepare for the
impacts of climate change.






South East Plan (2009)
CC1 Sustainable Development
1206
Policy
CC2 Climate Change
CC4 Sustainable Design and Construction
CC6 Sustainable communities and character of the
environment
CC8 Green Infrastructure
NRM1 Sustainable Water Resources and
Groundwater Quality
Policy NRM2 Water Quality
Policy NRM4 Sustainable Flood Risk Management
NRM5 Conservation and Improvement of
Biodiversity
Policy summary
Mitigate and adapt to the effects of climate change by guiding
development to locations which offer protection from flooding impacts,
incorporating SuDs, increasing flood storage capacity and promoting
opportunities for sustainable flood management and the migration of
habitats and species.
Proposals must adopt and incorporate sustainable construction
standards and techniques including considering how a development can
contribute to biodiversity gain.
Proposals should be environmentally sensitive and respect and enhance
the character and distinctiveness of settlements and landscapes.
Proposals should seek to provide and contribute to networks of multifunctional green space to deliver environmental and social benefits
including conserving and enhancing biodiversity, landscape, recreation
and water management.
Set out circumstances where sustainable drainage solutions
should be incorporated.
Ensure that the water quality objectives are met, including
providing for the Water Framework Directive.
Requirement for the incorporation and management of Sustainable
Drainage Systems (SuDs) and other water retention and flood storage
measures to minimise direct surface run-off.
The net loss of biodiversity shall be avoided and net gain will be
pursued. Sites of international nature conservation importance shall
have the highest level of protection in accordance with the Habitats
Directive. Damage to nationally important sites will be avoided and it
is sought that damage to County and locally important wildlife sites is
avoided. Access to areas of wildlife importance will be supported and
opportunities for biodiversity improvement should be pursued. Green
infrastructure is required to be identified, developed and implemented
with new development.
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1207
Policy
NRM7 Woodlands
C3 Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty
C5 Managing The Rural-Urban Fringe
C6 Countryside access and rights of way
management
Policy summary
Ancient Woodland will be protected from damaging development and
land uses. Promoting the effective management, extension and
creation of new woodland areas where this helps restore and enhance
degraded landscapes, screen noise, pollution, provide recreational
opportunities and helps mitigate climate change. Replace woodland
lost through development with new woodland on at least the same
scale.
Proposals should have regard and not conflict with the aim to
conserve and enhance AONBs and their setting.
Positive management should be considered as part of any urban
extension development proposal. Consideration should be given to
landscape, biodiversity enhancement, woodland management,
recreation provision and access routes.
Access to the countryside should be encouraged through maintaining,
enhancing and promoting the Public Rights of Way system, identify
opportunities for routes within and between settlements, creating
multi-functional routes for multiple users and promoting appropriate
access and management measures for Natura 2000 / Ramsar sites.
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Wealden District Council's Submission Core Strategy (2011)
WCS12 Biodiversity
Proposals should seek to contribute to biodiversity targets and
prevent biodiversity loss. Opportunities should be sought to ensure
habitats, biodiversity features and ecological networks are maintained,
restored, enhanced and created. Compensation measures will be
required where development would result in a net loss of biodiversity.
1208
Policy
Policy summary
WCS13 Green Infrastructure
Development proposals should seek to protect, improve and enhance
the district's green infrastructure network which improves biodiversity,
landscape character, provides opportunities for healthy living and
contributes to healthy ecosystems and climate change objectives.
Compensation measures will be required as part of any development
proposal where development would result in the loss of open space or
harm to the green network.
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2
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6
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1209
CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: SDA 11
Overview
13.350 SDA 11 is largely rural in character and includes a mixture of unimproved, semi-improved
and improved habitats. Geographically speaking, these habitats are strongly associated
with individual Sub-areas. Unimproved and semi-improved habitats are concentrated in
the western half of the SDA i.e. Sub-areas 1-3 and improved habitats are concentrated in
Sub-areas 4-6 in the east.
13.351 Overall, on the basis of the results of the Phase 1 habitat survey and protected species
assessment, the SDA is judged to be of ecological value of at least a district level.
Woodland, and mosaics of acid/marshy grassland, represent the most ecologically
important features of the SDA and there should be presumption that these habitats will be
retained and protected except where loss is unavoidable and only after any necessary
protected species surveys and mitigation have taken place. Where housing allocation
allows, it is recommended that development of Sub-areas 1 to 3 be avoided completely.
Green Infrastructure
13.352 The SDA is situated on the north side of a ridge and is approximately 150m O.D. at its
highest point i.e. along its southern limit. It then slopes northwards to approximately
115m O.D.
13.353 Ghyll woodland is present within Sub-area 3, is contiguous with the northern boundary of
Sub-area 2 and the north-eastern boundary of Sub-area 4 and is adjacent to the eastern
corner of Sub-area 1. In addition to ghyll woodland, wet flushes/springs (associated with
marshy grassland) are present in Sub-areas 1, 2 and 3 and ditches are present in Subarea 4. All of these features feed into the main ghyll system. SDA 11 therefore forms part
of the upper catchment area that drains northwards to feed into the River Rother and as
such the off-site hydrogeological impacts of any development proposals should be
considered in sufficient detail to establish likely impacts on these sensitive habitats.
13.354 Markly Wood encapsulates the west, north and eastern boundary of SDA 11 and
consequently Sub-areas 1 to 4 are well connected to the larger woodland complex
located to the north and west of Heathfield, via on-site ghylls, woodland, scattered trees
and scrub and lines of mature trees (likely to be former hedgerows). These provide wildlife
corridors for a range of mobile species such as bats, birds, invertebrates and mammals.
13.355 Consideration should be given to maintaining the existing network of woodland through
the retention (and enhancement) of broad-leaved semi-natural woodland in Sub-area 1,
1210
mixed woodland in Sub-area 3 and linear belts of trees and scrub along old field
boundaries, particularly where they are orientated north to south across SDA 11.
13.356 Following Natural England’s Standing Advice on Ancient Woodland (2011a) a minimum
buffer of at least 15m in width should be maintained between ancient woodland and any
development boundary. It is recommended that this buffer zone also be applied to
sections of adjacent broad-leaved deciduous and ghyll woodland across the SDA
including those not designated as ancient woodland viz. the section contiguous with the
northern boundary of Sub-area 2 and 4.
13.357 Sub-areas 2 to 4 are within and Sub-area 1 is adjacent to Heathfield Habitat Link BOA.
Any development proposals should consider the BOA targets which seeks to
sympathetically manage the habitat mosaic present in the area and increase the
‘permeability’ of the landscape for wildlife.
Further surveys
13.358 A range of further surveys for rare, BAP and protected species are recommended for
Sub-areas 1-6. These should be completed prior to the start of Sub-area preparation
works. If these species are found on the Sub-areas, specific mitigation measures,
possibly including the development of method statements, translocation to off-site
receptor sites and/or the application for EPSM licenses may be required to comply with
planning policy and nature conservation legislation. A summary of planning policy and
legislation is included as Chapter 16 and 17. A summary of recommended surveys is
provided in Table 16 below.
Table 16: Summary of Recommended Further Surveys for Sub-areas 1 – 6
Species
Sub-area 1
Sub-area 2
Sub-area 3
Sub-area 4
Bats
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Badger
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Dormice
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Reptiles
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Great crested
newt
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Invertebrates
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Plants
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Sub-area 5
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Sub-area 6
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1211
Table 16: Summary of Recommended Further Surveys for Sub-areas 1 – 6
Species
Invasive plant
species
Sub-area 1
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Sub-area 2

Sub-area 3
Sub-area 4
Sub-area 5
Sub-area 6

1212
Appendix: SDA 11 Supporting Information
1213
Figure 1: Phase 1 Habitat Map
1214
Figure 2: Green Infrastructure Map
1215
Photograph 1
View north in Sub-area 1.
(foreground) graded into tall ruderal
and marshy grassland before
scattered trees and scrub
(background) marked the unmanaged
and encroaching edge of Markly
Wood.
Photograph 2
Head of ghyll woodland
adjacent/between the eastern corner
of Sub-area 1 and western corner of
Sub-area 2. Ghyll flows north into
Markly Wood PAW, part of which is
within Sub-area 3.
Photograph 3
View north-west across Sub-area 3
with wet flush flowing from left (south)
to right (north) within dip of slope and
down towards pond and ghyll.
Scattered trees in the background
mark the managed edge of Markly
Wood.
1216
Photograph 4
Sub-area 3 with field of semiimproved grassland. Garden and
property in background are outside of
the Sub-area. A wet flush is present
to the right of the picture, bordering
the scattered trees and scrub.
Photograph 5
Sub-area 4, looking down-slope
towards Markly Wood. Dry ditch and
scattered trees on left of picture show
the line of what was probably a more
extensive internal boundary feature.
Fields of improved grassland
dominated the Sub-area.
Photograph 6
Woodhatch (Sub-area 4) on left of
picture with open areas of improved
grassland within the front and rear
garden. Holmhurst (Sub-area 5) on far
right of picture with beech hedge
separating the two properties.
1217
Wealden Strategic Sites DPD: Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey and Green Infrastructure Appraisal
Site Code: SDA 11
Grid reference
Surveyor: BK & AP
Survey Date
TQ
5
7
4
2
4
0
5
2
1
5
2
0
1
1
Habitats & Land-use (M = main, A = additional) N.B. Applicable feature is struck through
Ancient Woodland – semi-natural / planted
Broadleaved Deciduous Woodland – native / non-nat
Plantation – native / non-native / mixed
Wet Woodland – alder carr / ghyll adjacent
Parkland / Wood-pasture / Orchard
Scattered Trees – mature / semi / young
Scrub – scattered / dense
Hedgerows – native / non-native / mixed / scat. trees
A Wet Grassland - rush pasture / grazing marsh
A Marsh / Fen / Reedbed
River / Chalk Stream / Drain / Ditch dry
A Standing Water - reservoir / lake / pond / temp.
A Spring / Flush / Bog
A Aquatic Veg. – marg. / emerg / floating
Heathland – dry / wet / grass-heath mosaic
A Bracken
A Vegetated Structure – wall / roof
Farm / Nursery / Allot. / Equest.
Buildings
A
A
Hedgerows - spp-rich / planted / defunct / gappy
A Tall Herbaceous Vegetation
A Late survey
Arable – conserv. headlands / field margins / fallow
Neutral Grassland – unimp. / semi-imp.
Calcareous Grassland – unimp. / semi-imp.
Acid Grassland – unimp. / semi-imp.
Imp. Grassland – pasture / amenity
Spp. Poor SI Grassland – field / edge / road verge
Brownfield Mosaic / Ruderal Vegetation
Bareground – artificial / soil
Exposure - sandstone outcrop / chalk / other
M Quarry or Pit – active / disused
M Hardstandiing – carpark / road / pavement
Municipal – street tree / introduced shrub / border
Short visit
Weather
Vegetation cut / Herbicide app.
Terrain / Vegetation / Deep Water
A Public use / Dogs
A Livestock / Game
Management
Management Plan
EWGS / WGS
HLS / ELS / OELS
Recently Felled Woodland
Selective felling
Pollard / Coppicing
Deadwood – standing / fallen
Re-planting – nat./ nonnative
Non-intervention Woodland
A
Constraints
Access Gained – all / part / none
A Early survey
Threats / Disturbance
Scrub Encroachment
Scrub Removal Sub-area 2
Grazing – none / cattle / sheep /
cont. horses / rabbits / other
Poaching
A Controlled Burning
A Grass Cut – freq./ infreq./ none
Cuttings Removed / Silage / Hay
A Spraying – pest / herb
Managed Glade / Ride
Site Designation
Statutory – NNR / SSSI / LNR / C-Park / N-Park / AONB
Non Statutory – SNCI
Access & Recreation
Ownership – private / public
Public Access – free / defacto / restrict / disabled / none
Open Access / ROW / Permissive Path
Recreational Use – active / passive Sub-area 2
Facilities – bins / toilet / seat / sports pitch /play area
Enhancement Potential – education / amenity
Grass Cuttings Not Removed
A Short Sward Height
Excessive Drainage
Erosion – natural / off-road vehicle
Compaction – pedestrian / vehicle
Pollution – run-off / spray drift
M Invasive spp – JKW / GHW / other
M Scrub / Tree Encroachment
Shading – open habitat / water
Fertiliser / Pesticide / Herbicide
Vandalism / Fly tipping / Fires
Noise – road / rail
Unsymp. Boundary Treatment
Light - ambient / street / security
A
M
M
A
A
Additional Features
X Veteran / Pollarded trees
Planted Specimen Trees
Sap Runs on / Holes in Trees
Abundant Nectar Sources
X Structural Diversity
X Woodland Ditch & Bank
Naturally Formed Riverbank
X Tussocky Vegetation
Anthills
X Steep Slopes
X South-facing Slopes
Ridge and Furrow
Waterfall
X Bryophyte / Lichen Cover
X Good Fern Cover
X Earthworks / hummocky ground
Areas with frequent / prolonged flooding
X Seasonally wet / damp areas
Dry ditches – shallow / deep
Grassland+Tall-herb+Scrub Mosaic
X
X
X
1218
SPECIES LIST FOR CONTINGENCY SITE
Scientific nomenclature follows Stace (2010) for vascular plant species and Blockeel & Long
(1998) for bryophyte species. Vascular plant common names follow the Botanical Society of
the British Isles 2003 list, published on its web site, www.bsbi.org.uk. Please note that this
plant species list was generated as part of an extended Phase 1 Habitat survey, does not
constitute a full botanical survey and should be read in conjunction with the associated
report for each SDA and component Sub-areas.
Abundance was estimated using the DAFOR scale as follows:
D = dominant, A = abundant, F = frequent, O = occasional, R = rare, L = locally
c=clumped, e=edge only, g=garden origin, p=planted, s=seedling or sucker, t=tree,
h=hedgerow, ? = identification uncertain.
SCIENTIFIC NAME
COMMON NAME
ABUNDANCE
Achillea millefolium
Agrostis capillaris
Agrostis stolonifera
Ajuga reptans
Alliaria petiolata
Alopecurus pratensis
Anemone nemorosa
Angelica sylvestris
Anthoxanthum odoratum
Athyrium filix-femina
Bellis perennis
Betula pendula
Betula pubescens
Betula x aurata
Blechnum spicant
Bromus hordeaceus
Calluna vulgaris
Cardamine pratensis
Carex flacca
Carex hirta
Carex laevigata
Carex nigra
Yarrow
O
Common bent
O
Creeping bent
O
Bugle
O
Garlic mustard
R
Meadow foxtail
R
Wood anemone
F
Wild angelica
LF
Sweet vernal-grass
LD
Lady-fern
LF
Daisy
O
Silver birch
O
Downy birch
P
Hybrid birch
R
Hard-fern
O
Soft-brome
R
Heather
R
Cuckooflower
R
Glaucous sedge
O
Hairy sedge
R
Smooth stalked sedge
LF
Common sedge
R
QUALIFIER
1219
SCIENTIFIC NAME
COMMON NAME
Carex ovalis
Carex pallescens
Carex panicea
Carex pendula
Carex remota
Carex sylvatica
Castanea sativa
Centaurium erythraea
Cerastium fontanum
Circaea lutetiana
Cirsium acaule
Cirsium palustre
Cornus sp.
Corylus avellana
Crataegus laevigata
Crataegus monogyna
Crocosmia x crocosmiiflora
Cupressus macrocarpa
Cynosurus cristatus
Cytisus scoparius
Dactylis glomerata
Dactylorhiza fuchsii
Deschampsia cespitosa
Digitalis purpurea
Dryopteris affinis
Dryopteris carthusiana
Dryopteris dilatata
Dryopteris filix-mas
Elodea canadensis
Epilobium ciliatum
Epilobium hirsutum
Epilobium parviflorum
Equisetum arvense
Eucalyptus gunnii
Fagus sylvatica
Fagus sylvatica var. purpurea
Festuca ovina
Oval sedge
O
Pale sedge
LF
Carnation sedge
O
Pendulous sedge
O
Remote sedge
O
Wood-sedge
R
Sweet chestnut
LF
Common centaury
R
Common mouse-ear
F
Enchanter's-nightshade
O
Dwarf thistle
R
Marsh thistle
O
Dogwood sp.
R
Hazel
F
Midland hawthorn
R
Hawthorn
F
Montbretia
R
Monterey cypress
R
Crested dog's-tail
LF
Broom
R
Cock's-foot
O
Common spotted-orchid
LA
Tufted hair-grass
O
Foxglove
O
Scaly male-fern
O
Narrow buckler-fern
R
Broad buckler-fern
R
Male-fern
O
Canadian waterweed
R
American willowherb
R
Great willowherb
R
Hoary willowherb
R
Field horsetail
R
Cider gum
ABUNDANCE
QUALIFIER
g, e
e
t, p
e
e
w
t, p
Beech
O
s, y, t
Copper beech
R
p, h
Sheep's-fescue
R
1220
SCIENTIFIC NAME
COMMON NAME
Festuca rubra
Fragaria vesca
Galium saxatile
Geranium molle
Geranium robertianum
Geum urbanum
Gunnera manicata
Glechoma hederacea
Glyceria fluitans
Hedera helix
Holcus lanatus
Hyacinthoides non-scripta
Hyacinthoides x massartiana
Hypericum androsaemum
Hypericum pulchrum
Red fescue
LF
Wild strawberry
R
Heath bedstraw
O
Dove's-foot crane's-bill
R
Herb-Robert
R
Wood avens
O
e
Giant rhubarb
R
g, e
Ground-ivy
O
Floating sweet-grass
O
English ivy
O
Yorkshire-fog
O
Bluebell
O
Hybrid bluebell
O
Tutsan
R
Slender St John's-wort
Square-stalked St John'swort
Cat's-ear
LF
Holly
O
Yellow iris
R
Jointed rush
LF
Bulbous rush
R
Compact rush
LF
Soft-rush
LF
Meadow vetchling
O
Oxeye daisy
LA
Common twayblade
LF
Perennial rye-grass
R
Wilson's honeysuckle
R
Honeysuckle
R
Common bird's-foot-trefoil
O
d
Greater bird's-foot-trefoil
O
w
Field wood-rush
R
American skunk-cabbage
R
Yellow pimpernel
O
Creeping-Jenny
R
r, w
Water mint
R
w
Hypericum tetrapterum
Hypochaeris radicata
Ilex aquifolium
Iris pseudacorus
Juncus articulatus
Juncus bulbosus
Juncus conglomeratus
Juncus effusus
Lathyrus pratensis
Leucanthemum vulgare
Listera ovata
Lolium perenne
Lonicera nitida
Lonicera periclymenum
Lotus corniculatus
Lotus pedunculatus
Luzula campestris
Lysichiton americanus
Lysimachia nemorum
Lysimachia nummularia
Mentha aquatica
ABUNDANCE
QUALIFIER
e
e
O
O
e, p
g, e
1221
SCIENTIFIC NAME
COMMON NAME
ABUNDANCE
QUALIFIER
Narcissus sp.
Nymphaea sp.
Oxalis acetosella
Phleum pratense
Phyllitis scolopendrium
Picea abies
Pinus sylvestris
Plantago lanceolata
Poa nemoralis
Poa pratensis
Poa trivialis
Populus tremula
Potentilla anserina
Potentilla reptans
Potentilla x mixta
Prunella vulgaris
Prunus avium
Prunus laurocerasus
Prunus spinosa
Pteridium aquilinum
Pulicaria dysenterica
Quercus robur
Ranunculus acris
Ranunculus flammula
Ranunculus repens
Reseda luteola
Rhododendron ponticum
Rhus typhina
Rosa arvensis
Rosa canina
Rubus fruticosus agg.
Rumex acetosa
Rumex conglomeratus
Rumex crispus
Rumex obtusifolius
Rumex sanguineus
Salix caprea
Daffodil
R
p
Water-lily
R
p, w
Wood-sorrel
LF
c
Timothy
F
Hart's-tongue
R
Norway spruce
R
t, e
Scots pine
R
t, p
Ribwort plantain
O
Wood meadow-grass
R
Smooth meadow-grass
O/LD
p
Rough meadow-grass
O
Aspen
LF
e
Silverweed
LF
w
Creeping cinquefoil
O
Hybrid cinquefoil
LF
Selfheal
O
e
Wild cherry
R
t
Cherry laurel
R
p, e, g
Blackthorn
O
e
Bracken
LA
Common fleabane
R
w, c
Pedunculate oak
LD
t
Meadow buttercup
O
Lesser spearwort
LF
Creeping buttercup
O
Weld
R
e
Rhododendron
O
e, p/g
Stag's-horn sumach
R
Field-rose
R
e
Dog-rose
O
e
Bramble
LF
Common sorrel
O
Clustered dock
O
Curled dock
R
Broad-leaved dock
LF
Wood dock
F
Goat willow
LF
w
t
1222
SCIENTIFIC NAME
COMMON NAME
ABUNDANCE
QUALIFIER
Salix cinerea
Sambucus nigra
Senecio jacobaea
Sonchus oleraceus
Sorbus aucuparia
Stachys sylvatica
Stellaria graminea
Tamus communis
Taxus baccata
Teucrium scorodonia
Thuja plicata
Trifolium pratense
Trifolium repens
Ulex europaeus
Urtica dioica
Veronica catenata
Veronica chamaedrys
Veronica officinalis
Veronica serpyllifolia
Viburnum opulus
Vicia sepium
Viola riviniana
Vulpia myuros
Grey willow
O
t
Elder
O
e
Common ragwort
R
Smooth sow-thistle
R
e
Rowan
O
t, e
Hedge woundwort
O
Lesser stitchwort
F
Black bryony
R
c
Yew
R
e, y
Wood sage
LF
Western red-cedar
R
t, g
Red clover
O
d
White clover
O
Gorse
O
e
Common nettle
LF
e
Pink water-speedwell
R
w
Germander speedwell
LF
d
Heath speedwell
R
Thyme-leaved speedwell
R
Guelder-rose
R
Bush vetch
R
Common dog-violet
O
Rat's-tail fescue
R
e
e
1223

SDA 11 Land at North West Heathfield

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