Habitats (Supersedes Volume 1, Chapter 7, Section 7.7.5)

174.           In 2020 the extended Phase 1 habitat study area comprised the full site and a 250 m buffer, as shown in Volume 4, Appendix 7.1, Appendix Figures 7.1.4-5. In addition, a National Vegetation Classification (NVC) survey was undertaken of all wetland communities recorded. This level of survey effort aimed to inform the design process, to allow for mitigation through design and reduce potential negative impacts on ecological receptors.

175.           The EcIA considers habitats within the potential zone of influence of the Proposed Development, namely the potential works areas (i.e. the development footprint, temporary construction compounds/ laydown areas, access tracks) and a 250 m buffer as shown on Figure A7.4 (herewith referred to as the ‘ecology study area’).

176.           The Phase 1 habitat survey results are shown on Figure A7.4 and summarised in Table 3.1 (this supersedes Table 7.11 in Volume 1, Chapter 7). The Phase 1 analysis was informed by an extended Phase 1 habitat survey in July and October 2020. In addition to summarising the Phase 1 habitats within the site, Table 3.1 also details those specifically present within the ecology study area. Volume 4, Appendix 7.1 should be consulted for full descriptions, including Target Notes, of habitats found within the ecology study area. Note that the original Phase 1 habitat survey documented in Volume 4, Appendix 7.1 was undertaken to inform the location of the Proposed Development and the document therefore includes a larger survey area and describes some habitats that are not present within the ecology study area as defined above. Table 3.1: Phase 1 Habitats within the Study Area. The original Phase 1 habitat survey documented in Volume 4, Appendix 7.1 was undertaken to inform the location of the Proposed Development and the document therefore includes a larger survey area and describes some habitats that are not present within the ecology study area as defined above.

Table 3.1: Phase 1 Habitats within the Study Area

Phase 1 Code

Phase 1 Habitat

Extent in the Site

Extent in Ecology Study Area

% of Ecology Study Area

A1.1.1

Broadleaved, semi-natural woodland

8.07 ha

11.19 ha

2.38

A1.1.2

Broadleaved, plantation woodland

0.55 ha

1.60 ha

0.34

A1.2.1

Coniferous, semi-natural woodland

0.24 ha

0.11 ha

0.02

A1.2.2

Coniferous, plantation woodland

2.52 ha

2.67 ha

0.57

A1.3.1

Mixed, semi-natural woodland

2.79 ha

2.83 ha

0.60

A1.3.2

Mixed, plantation woodland

0.45 ha

0.70 ha

0.15

A2.1

Dense/Continuous Scrub

5.67 ha

13.14 ha

2.79

A2.2

Scattered scrub

1.83 ha

3.24 ha

0.69

A3.1

Broadleaved scattered trees

0.08 ha

-

-

B2.2

Semi-improved neutral grassland

18.49 ha

39.56 ha

8.41

B4

Improved grassland

352.60 ha

208.03 ha

44.24

C1.1

Bracken (continuous)

0.04 ha

0.04 ha

0.01

C3.1

Tall ruderal

0.60 ha

0.24 ha

0.05

G1

Standing water

0.04 ha

0.09 ha

0.02

G2

Running water

9.1 km

10.48 km

-

H1.1

Intertidal mud/sand

2.91 ha

4.16 ha

0.88

H1.3

Intertidal boulders/rocks

27.33 ha

21.06 ha

4.48

H3

Shingle above high tide mark

0.14 ha

0.23 ha

0.05

H8.4

Coastal grassland

2.33 ha

3.29 ha

0.70

J1.1

Arable

134.12 ha

126.23 ha

26.84

J2.1.2

Intact species-poor hedgerow

15.57 km

6.55 km

-

J2.2.2

Defunct species-poor hedgerow

0.81 km

0.81 km

-

J2.5

Wall

15.62 km

7.79 km

-

J3.6

Buildings

0.09 ha

1.87 ha

0.40

J4

Bare ground

0.95 ha

1.88 ha

0.40

J5

Other (incl. roads/railway and grounds of properties)

40.53 ha

28.08 ha

5.97

Total

602.33 ha

470.25 ha

100

Please note approximate lengths of linear features (e.g. walls, hedgerows, watercourses) are provided in km but are excluded from habitat area totals in table.