NORTHAMPTON NORTH-WEST RELIEF ROAD · Project number 70045931 Report number NWRR-WSP-EBD-0000-RP-LE-00003 ... construction of a brand-new dual carriageway from A5199 Welford Road

NWRR-WSP-EBD-0000-RP-LE-00003JANUARY 2019 INTERNAL

Northamptonshire County Council

NORTHAMPTON NORTH-WESTRELIEF ROADBat Crossing Point Survey Report


NORTHAMPTON NORTH-WEST RELIEF ROADBat Crossing Point Survey Report

REPORT (V 1.0) INTERNAL

PROJECT NO. 70045931

OUR REF. NO. NWRR-WSP-EBD-0000-RP-LE-00003

DATE: JANUARY 2019


NORTHAMPTON NORTH-WEST RELIEF ROADBat Crossing Point Survey Report

WSP

The Mailbox100 Wharfside StreetBirminghamB1 1RT

Phone: +44 121 352 4700

WSP.com

Northampton North-West Relief Road WSPProject No.: 70045931 | Our Ref No.: NWRR-WSP-EBD-0000-RP-LE-00003 January 2019Northamptonshire County Council

QUALITY CONTROL

Issue/revision First issue Revision 1 Revision 2 Revision 3

Remarks Final to Issue

Date 31.01.2019

Prepared by Joseph Dyson

Signature

Checked by Paul Hill

Signature

Authorised by Louise Bunn

Signature

Project number 70045931

Report number NWRR-WSP-EBD-0000-RP-LE-00003

File reference \\uk.wspgroup.com\CentralData\Projects\700459xx\70045931- KIERWSPNCCNSEC1819 -Northampton North-West ReliefRoad\02 WIP\EC Ecology


CONTENTS

1. INTRODUCTION 3

1.1. PROJECT BACKGROUND 3

1.2. ECOLOGICAL BACKGROUND 3

1.3. BRIEF AND OBJECTIVES 4

2. METHODS 5

2.1. OVERVIEW 5

2.2. DEFRA LOCAL SCALE ‘CROSSING POINT’ SURVEYS 5

2.3. DATA ANALYSIS 6

2.4. DATES OF SURVEY AND PERSONNEL 6

2.5. NOTES AND LIMITATIONS 7

3. RESULTS 9

3.1. OVERVIEW 9

3.2. CROSSING POINT 1 11






3.8. EVALUATION OF THE SITE FOR BATS 17

4. IMPLICATIONS FOR DEVELOPMENT 18

4.1. OVERVIEW 18

4.2. LEGAL COMPLIANCE 18

4.3. PLANNING POLICY COMPLIANCE 18

WSP Northampton North-West Relief RoadJanuary 2019 Project No.: 70045931 | Our Ref No.: NWRR-WSP-EBD-0000-RP-LE-00003


5. RECOMMENDATIONS 20

5.1. OVERVIEW 20

6. CONCLUSIONS 21

7. REFERENCES 22

7.1. PROJECT REFERENCES 22

7.2. TECHNICAL REFERENCES 22

8. FIGURES 23

TABLESTable 1. Descriptions of Crossing Points. Error! Bookmark not defined.

Table 2. Survey Dates 7

Table 3 – Crossing Point 1 Survey Summary 11






FIGURESFigure 1 - Site Location Plan 23

Figure 2 - Route Options and Area of Impact 25

Figure 3a-f - Crossing Point Survey Results and Surveyor Locations 27

APPENDICES


- RAW DATA

Northampton North-West Relief Road WSPProject No.: 70045931 | Our Ref No.: NWRR-WSP-EBD-0000-RP-LE-00003 January 2019Northamptonshire County Council Page 1 of 34

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

WSP Ltd UK (‘WSP’) was commissioned by Northamptonshire County Council. to undertake aseries of bat surveys regarding the proposed construction of a new relief road. This will involve theconstruction of a brand-new dual carriageway from A5199 Welford Road to A428 Harlestone Roadwhich will cover approximately 10.6ha of currently undeveloped land, hereafter referred to as the‘Proposed Scheme’, on the outskirts of Northampton. The red line route of the Proposed Scheme,hereafter referred to as the ‘Site’, runs from Ordnance Survey (OS) Grid Reference: SP 7330665531 to OS Grid Reference: SP 72901 63895.

A number of bat surveys were commissioned in connection with the Proposed Scheme including: anexternal preliminary roost assessment (PRA) of all buildings and trees within the Site as well aswithin a 50m buffer surrounding the Site, including tree climbing assessments of any trees deemedsuitable for roosting bats; dusk emergence and dawn re-entry surveys of all trees and buildingsdeemed as suitable for roosting bats; and bat activity surveys including manual walked transectsand static detector surveys. The results of these surveys are given in the Bat Survey Report (WSP,2018a).

The Site intersects six linear features identified as potential commuting routes and foraging featuresfor bats, including a mixture of tree lines, hedgerows and vegetated ditches and water courses.These features were all subject to DEFRA Local Scale surveys (Crossing Point surveys) following amethodology adapted from current best practice guidance (Berthinussen and Altringham, 2015), toidentify bats using these features and where present, identify bats flying at ‘unsafe’ heights.

This report details the results of these Crossing Point surveys. An assessment of the impacts of theProposed Scheme on bats which incorporates the results of all the bats surveys including surveysfor roosting bats, bat activity surveys and the bat Crossing Point surveys is given in the BatSummary Report (WSP, 2018a). This summary report details the requirements for licensing,avoidance and mitigation of potential impacts; and gives opportunities to enhance the value of theSite for bats.

Bats were recorded at all six Crossing Points. The highest levels of bat activity were recorded atCrossing Points 4 and 6, whilst the lowest levels of bat activity were recorded at Crossing Points 2and 5. Bat were recorded flying at ‘unsafe’ heights at six of the Crossing Points. The only species ofbat recorded flying at ‘safe’ heights were common pipistrelle Pipistrellus pipistrellus, sopranopipistrelle Pipistrellus pygmaeus and noctule bats Nyctalus noctula.

The definitions of ‘use’, ‘safe’ and ‘unsafe’ are adapted from the DEFRA guidance, which are:

§ ‘Use’ of a Crossing Point is defined as bats passing with 5m of the feature; and§ ‘Safe’ crossing is considered to be passing over the Proposed Scheme at a height of greater than

5m above the proposed road surface.§ ‘Unsafe’ crossing is considered to be passing over the Proposed Scheme at a height of less than

5m above the proposed road surface, presenting a collision risk with the Proposed Scheme.

WSP Northampton North-West Relief RoadJanuary 2019 Project No.: 70045931 | Our Ref No.: NWRR-WSP-EBD-0000-RP-LE-00003Page 2 of 34 Northamptonshire County Council

The Proposed Scheme will result in the severance of several important commuting features acrossthe Site as well as an increase in mortality in bats flying at unsafe heights following the constructionof the Proposed Scheme.

Contact details: (+44) 121 352 4700


1. INTRODUCTION

1.1. PROJECT BACKGROUND1.1.1. WSP UK Ltd (‘WSP’) was commissioned in April 2018 to carry out DEFRA Local Scale surveys

(Crossing Point surveys) regarding the proposed construction of a new relief road to the north-westof the town of Northampton known as the Northampton North-West Relief Road. This will involve theconstruction of a new dual carriageway that will connect the A5199 Welford Road to a proposedjunction adjacent to Dallington Grange Farm. A new bridge and roundabout crossing the River Nenethat will be constructed to connect the A5199, Sandy Lane and Brampton Lane to the new reliefroad. This is hereafter referred to as the ‘Proposed Scheme’.

1.1.2. This report will be used to inform the ecology chapter of the Environmental Impact Assessment(EIA) for the Proposed Scheme that is to be submitted in March 2019.

1.1.3. The original red line route of route ‘Option 1’ extended the full length of the Proposed Scheme fromA5199 Welford Road at its northern end to A428 at its southern end. A preliminary ecologicalappraisal (PEA) of this route was carried out in 2017 (WSP, 2017). Since the time of this survey, theportion of the red line route south of Dallington Grange Farm is no longer within the scope of worksto be covered by WSP. The red line route of Option 1 between A5199 Welford Road and DallingtonGrange Farm, approximately 2.1km in length, was used as the basis for the survey effort of the batsurveys and is hereafter referred to as the ‘Site’. A location plan of the Site is given in Figure 1.

1.1.4. The Site is situated to the north-west of the town of Northampton. It is surrounded by a mixture ofsemi-improved grassland, pasture land and arable farmland. To the east of the Site lies an urbanhousing estate and arable farmland forming the northern outskirts of Northampton, whilst to the westlies a mixture of mixed semi-natural woodland and amenity grassland forming the Brampton HeathGolf Centre and Northamptonshire County Golf Club. The Site runs from A5199 Welford Road at itsmost northern point, south parallel to the River Nene for much of its length, crossing the West CoastMain Line railway (Rugby to Northampton branch) and turning west at its southern extent.

1.1.5. The current preferred route option is route ‘Option 11’ and the Proposed Scheme will alsoencompass the surrounding land to be used for flood mitigation and is hereafter referred to as the‘Impact Footprint’. An overlay showing the Site in comparison to the footprint of route Option 11 andthe extent of the required land for flood mitigation is given in Figure 2.

1.2. ECOLOGICAL BACKGROUND1.2.1. A PEA of the Site, including an extended Phase 1 habitat survey and desktop study, was carried out

in July 2017 (WSP, 2017). The area surveyed as part of this PEA included the redline route of routeOption 1, as well as habitats within a 50m buffer of this option (WSP, 2017). As previously stated, atthe time of the PEA the Site extended South, beyond Dallington Grange Farm through areas ofarable farmland and woodland until meeting the A428 Harlestone Road. Since then, this part of theProposed Scheme is no longer within the scope of works to be carried out by WSP and is part of aseparate application known as the ‘Dallington Grange Kings Heath Residential Development’. Thisrevised route was used as the basis for the survey effort for the bat surveys.

1.2.2. Habitats within the Site including woodland, scattered trees, hedgerows, The River Nene andvegetated ditches and drains were all identified as suitable for foraging and commuting bats. Anumber of trees and buildings surrounding the Site were also identified as suitable for roosting bats.Bat activity surveys and surveys for roosting bats were carried out between April and October in2018 (WSP, 2018a).

1.2.3. A background data search for records of bat species within 5km of the Site was also conducted aspart of the PEA. This returned records for approximately nine species of bats including: barbastelle


bat Barbastella barbastellus, brown long-eared bat Plecotus auritus, common pipistrelle Pipistrelluspipistrellus, Daubenton’s bat Myotis daubentonii, Leisler’s bat Nyctalus leisleri, noctule bat Nyctalusnoctula, an undetermined species of pipistrelle bat Pipistrellus sp, soprano pipistrelle Pipistrelluspygmaeus and whiskered bat Myotis mystacinus.

1.2.4. Eight species of bat were identified on Site during the bat surveys conducted in 2018 including:common pipistrelle; soprano pipistrelle, Nathusius’ pipistrelle Pipistrellus nathusii, noctule, Leisler’s,serotine, brown long-eared and myotis bats.

1.2.5. The Site bisects six linear features that were all identified as providing potentially suitable batcommuting routes and foraging features which were identified following a review of the initial PEAdata (WSP, 2017). These linear features or ‘Crossing Points’ are the subject of this report.

1.3. BRIEF AND OBJECTIVES1.3.1. The commission was to complete bat Crossing Point surveys of the Site in April 2018. The brief was

to:

¡ Complete DEFRA Local Scale Surveys of all features identified as suitable Crossing Points onSite to identify bats using the features; and

¡ Evaluate the value of the area of the Proposed Scheme for bats and make recommendations asto how proposals should account for bats with respect to legislation, planning and biodiversitypolicy.

1.3.2. The results of these surveys are included within this report; recommendations are made in the BatSummary Report (WSP, 2018b).


2. METHODS

2.1. OVERVIEW2.1.1. Bat Crossing Point survey methodology and effort was adapted from that given in relevant best

practice guidance (Berthinussen and Altringham. 2015) and with reference to relevant sections ofthe Design Manual for Roads and Bridges (DMRB) (Highways Agency. 2018).

2.2. DEFRA LOCAL SCALE ‘CROSSING POINT’ SURVEYS2.2.1. The locations for the crossing point surveys needed to comprise potential bat commuting routes

which would be severed by the proposed route option 11.

2.2.2. To identify such commuting routes, the habitats within the footprint of the route option wereappraised using publicly available aerial imagery detailed within the initial PEA (WSP, 2017) to lookfor any significant habitat feature or boundaries (such as hedgerows, treelines, woodland, rivers,streams, ditches and wetlands). Following the identification of suitable Crossing Points, DEFRALocal Scale surveys were undertaken to determine how the features are used by bats.

2.2.3. Relevant guidance states that dusk surveys begin at sunset and continue for 60 minutes followingsunset; whilst dawn surveys begin 60 minutes prior to sunrise and finish at sunrise. Owing to thepresence of late emerging species of bats such as myotis bats and brown long-eared bat in both thebackground data search and in the bat activity surveys and surveys for roosting bats (WSP, 2018a),this was extended to 120 minutes after sunset and 120 prior to sunrise respectively.

2.2.4. Surveyors used full spectrum (BatLoggerM) bat detectors and where possible, were positioned oneither side of the footprint of the Proposed Scheme and on opposite sides of the Crossing Pointsapproximately 5m away. The positions of the surveyors are shown in Figure 3. Surveyors recordedall bat activity including counts of all commuting bats, with data on flight height, direction anddistance from the relevant feature (hedgerow, tree line or vegetated ditch) at all Crossing Points. Astandardised DEFRA form was used to collate the data required.

2.2.5. Two surveys were initially undertaken to assess if bats “used” the Crossing Points. Where morethan ten bats were recorded using the Crossing Point (or between one and five bat passes for rarespecies such as myotis species, barbastelle bats or horseshoe bats Rhinolophus spp. (CIEEM,2010), depending upon abundance) an additional four surveys were undertaken between June andSeptember.

2.2.6. In the field, a ‘bat pass’ was defined as a bat that could be seen or could be heard. Where a passwas only heard but not seen, it was defined in accordance with the bat activity transect survey as asingle Batlogger file (WSP, 2018a). Where a bat was seen and heard or seen but not heard, a batpass constituted a bat recorded to be crossing the Proposed Scheme in a single direction (meaninga single bat commuting back and forth along a Crossing Point would constitute multiple bat passes).

2.2.7. Surveys were undertaken under suitable conditions, during acceptable times of the season betweenJune-September, with the optimal time for surveys being June-August. Details of weather conditionsfor all Crossing Point surveys are given in Appendix A.


2.3. DATA ANALYSIS2.3.1. Bat recordings were analysed using Elekon BatExplorer, a specialist computer software for

analysing bat call recordings.

2.3.2. Data sheets were assessed for each surveyor and each survey, to remove duplicate crossing eventse.g. bats recorded crossing at the same time, height, distance and direction by more than onesurveyor. These events were then assigned a species based on comparing times between the datasheets and the sound recordings for consistency.

2.3.3. Where possible, bat calls were identified to species level. However, species of the genus Myotis aregrouped together in most cases as their calls are similar in structure and have overlapping callparameters, making species identification problematic (Russ, 2013). For Pipistrellus species thefollowing criteria based on measurements of peak frequency are used to classify calls:

§ Common pipistrelle ≥ 42 and <49KHz;§ Soprano pipistrelle ≥ 51KHz;§ Nathusius’ pipistrelle <39KHz;§ Common/soprano pipistrelle ≥49 and <51KHz; and§ Common/Nathusius’ pipistrelle ≥39 and <42KHz.

2.3.4. In addition, the following categories are used for calls which cannot be identified with confidence dueto the overlap in call characteristics between species or species groups:

§ Myotis/Plecotus sp.;§ Nyctalus sp. (either Leisler’s bat or noctule);§ Serotine Eptesicus serotinus /Leisler’s; and§ Serotine/Plecotus sp.

2.3.5. Data was then assessed as to whether the bats were recorded “using” the existing feature and if sowas it “safe”. Both definitions are adapted from the DEFRA guidance, which are:

§ Use of a Crossing Point is defined as bats passing with 5m of the feature; and§ ‘Safe’ crossing is considered passing over the proposed road at a height of greater than 5m

above the proposed road surface; whilst,§ ‘unsafe’ crossing is considered passing over the proposed road at a height of less than 5m above

the proposed road surface, presenting a collision risk with the Proposed Scheme.

2.3.6. This data was then assessed to gain total numbers and percentages of bats utilising the structureand safe/unsafe passage.

2.3.7. Summaries of the survey results contained within this report also contain information on bats notusing features and bats heard but not seen.

2.4. DATES OF SURVEY AND PERSONNEL2.4.1. The bat surveys were led by an experienced surveyor (Natural England survey licence number:

2016-24842-CLS-CLS). The lead surveyor has over four years’ experience of ecological survey,including bat survey experience.

2.4.2. The timings of the survey visits are summarised in Table 1 below.


Table 1. Survey Dates

CrossingPoint No.

Visit 1 Visit 2 Visit 3 Visit 4 Visit 5 Visit 6

1 Dusk:13.06.18

Dawn:15.06.18

Dawn:03.07.18

Dusk:05.07.18

Dawn:03.08.18

Dusk:07.08.18

2 Dusk:12.06.18

Dawn:14.06.18

Dawn:04.07.18

Dusk:25.07.18

Dusk:01.08.18

Dawn:08.08.18

3 Dawn:13.06.18

Dusk:14.06.18

Dusk:04.07.18

Dawn:26.07.18

Dawn:10.08.18

Dusk:15.08.18

4 Dusk:19.06.18

Dawn:27.06.18

Dawn:18.07.18

Dusk:02.08.18

Dusk:04.09.18

Dawn:12.09.18

5 Dusk:27.06.18

Dawn:29.06.18

Dusk:18.07.18

Dusk:14.08.18

Dawn:17.08.18

Dawn:30.08.18

6 Dawn:24.07.18

Dusk:31.07.18

Dawn:14.08.18

Dusk:29.08.18

Dusk:05.09.18

Dawn:26.09.18

2.5. NOTES AND LIMITATIONS2.5.1. The Crossing Point surveys were conducted at the same time as bat emergence/ return surveys and

bat activity surveys. Relevant guidance recommends that such surveys are conducted prior toCrossing Point surveys to assist with the scoping exercise when identifying bat Crossing Points(Berthinussen and Altringham, 2015). As this was not possible, Crossing Points surveys wereconducted on all linear features bisected by the Site from based upon a visual assessment of thefeatures and adjacent habitat, which appeared suitable for bats and review of aerial imagerygathered in the initial PEA (WSP, 2017).

2.5.2. Due to access constraints and the presence of livestock in the field to the South of Crossing Point 5,surveyors were both positioned on the same side of this feature, in the northern field for all of thesurveys. The nature of the vegetation on both sides of Crossing Point 5 was similar, consisting ofbramble scrub and tall ruderals, which also meant that visibility over the southern side of CrossingPoint 5 was possible from the northern side. The feature also connected to similar habitats on both


sides and as a result it was not anticipated that bats would have a preference for using either side ofthe feature. In addition, recordings of bats heard but not seen were counted when determining theneed for further surveys beyond the initial two surveys. It is therefore not considered that surveyorpositions at Crossing Point 5 are a limitation on survey effort but may have resulted in a higherproportion of bats that were heard but not seen.

2.5.3. Access was not possible to the portion of the Site around Dallington Grange Farm until July 2018due to constraints posed by the landowner. As a result, the surveys of Crossing Point 6 were notstarted until July, resulting in two surveys being conducted in September. In addition, the final twosurveys of Crossing Point 4 were conducted in September owing to poor weather conditions inAugust. Although September is an acceptable time to carry out Crossing Point surveys, it is outsideof the optimal period stated in guidance (Berthinussen and Altringham 2015), considered to be Juneto August. As a result, any reduction in activity observed during the final two surveys of CrossingPoint 6 may not be reflective of bat activity during peak periods.

2.5.4. There were no points at which to cross Crossing Point 3, the Brampton Brook; as a result, surveyorscould only survey this Crossing Point from the southern side. As the large gaps in the trees and thelimited height of the vegetation allowed a view of both the northern and southern sides of theCrossing Point, this is not considered a constraint on survey effort.

2.5.5. Owing to the presence of late emerging species such as Myotis bats, barbastelle bats and brownlong-eared bats in both the background data search and in other surveys on Site, the surveyduration was extended from 60 minutes to 120 minutes total. This meant that a large portion of eachsurvey was conducted in poor light conditions and as thermal imaging and infra-red cameras werenot used to aid surveyors in observing bats there is the possibility that bats using the features weremissed or heard but not seen. Due to this limitation, recordings of bats heard but not seen wereused to inform the need for further surveys of Crossing Points following the initial two surveys. As aresult, the effect of poor light conditions is not considered a limitation on survey effort.

2.5.6. Long-eared bats Plecotus spp. echolocate more quietly than other bat species and are often moredifficult to detect, therefore this species could have been missed during the survey. This is notconsidered to be a significant constraint to the interpretation of the results as surveys were extendedto two hours after sunset and two hours before sunrise to pick up any bats emerging/returning toroosts during these time periods and brown long-eared bats were recorded during the surveys.

2.5.7. During the September Dusk and Dawn Surveys of Crossing Point 4, one of the BatLoggerMs failedand data was recorded using an EM Touch. Although the use of multiple types of detectors deviatesfrom relevant guidance (Berthinussen and Altringham 2015), the EM touch detectors worked anddata on bat activity during these surveys was still recorded and the species were accuratelyidentified and as a result, it is not considered to be a constraint on survey effort.

2.5.8. The heights of the Proposed Scheme at each of the Crossing Points is considered accurate as of26/11/2018 based upon designs of the vertical height of the route1. If at any point following theproduction of this report the elevations of the Proposed Scheme are to change, then the datagathered from these surveys should be re-evaluated against the new elevations.

1 Latest vertical heights for Dual Carriageway 100kph Scheme design dated 22.10.2018


3. RESULTS

3.1. OVERVIEW3.1.1. A total of six Crossing Points were identified on Site. These are described in Table 2 and their

locations are illustrated in Figure 3.

3.1.2. All Crossing Points were utilised by bats to commute and forage across the Site. The majority ofactivity at all Crossing Points was heard but not seen due to the majority of bat activity occurring inthe later halves of surveys where low light levels impaired the vision of surveyors.

3.1.3. Tables 3-8 provide summaries of the data and the full results are given in Appendix B. Observationsof bat passes recorded during the surveys are illustrated in Figure 3.

3.1.4. The highest levels of activity were observed at Crossing Points 4 and 6. Crossing Point 4 was asmall wet ditch bordered by mature hawthorn Crataegus monogyna trees. The Crossing Point isconnected to a large area of woodland west of the Site and bats likely utilise both the woodland andCrossing Point to forage. Crossing Point 6 connects the Dallington Grange Farm buildings, known tocontain a number of bat roosts (WSP, 2018a) to the rest of the Site and is likely utilised by theseroosting bats to commute around the Site. The lowest levels of activity were recorded at CrossingPoint 5, which comprised the rail corridor and bordering scrub.

3.1.5. Six species and undetermined members of the Myotis genus of bat were recorded during theCrossing Point surveys:

§ Common pipistrelle;§ Soprano pipistrelle;§ Noctule bat;§ Leisler’s bat;§ Serotine bat;§ Brown long-eared bat; and§ Myotis.

3.1.6. In addition, an undetermined Nyctalus species of bat, either a noctule or leisler’s bat; and anundetermined Pipistrellus species of bat calling at 50 kHz (either a common or soprano pipistrelle)were also recorded during at Crossing Points 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6.

3.1.7. The majority of bat activity was dominated by common pipistrelle bats.


Table 2. Descriptions of Crossing Points.

Crossing Point No. Description of Feature Height of Feature, ifapplicable (m)

Length (m) Image Reference Approximate Height of ProposedScheme at Crossing Point (m aboveground level)

1

OS Grid Reference: SP 7332464871

Small agricultural ditch flowing from the golf course, east into the River Nene.The ditch is surrounded on both sides by tall ruderals approximately 1m highconsisting of common nettle Utrica dioica, thistles Cirsium spp. and willowherbEpilobium sp. There are scattered hawthorn trees/bushes along the bankapproximately 1.5-2m high.

1.5-2 70 1 1.12

2


A mature tree line consisting mostly of English oaks Quercus robur that formsa field boundary between and area of grassland and tall ruderals and anarable field. The tree line has a running water ditch along its eastern side andthe line runs south-west to north-east, connecting to the River Nene. Theroute crosses the line between the given co-ordinates.

6 140 2 2.56

3


A fast-flowing tributary to the River Nene. Running from the southern tip ofthe golf course, west into the river. The tributary is surrounded on both sidesby thick expanses of dense common nettle, approximately 1m high andextended over 2m from the top of the bank. There are also a number ofscattered mature willow Salix spp. trees along the banks of the tributary.

2 260 3 8.75

4


Field ditch/drain with hawthorn and English oak Quercus robur tree line(approximately 3-4m high) running along the northern bank. This ditchinfiltrates into a series of other ditches forming a tributary of the River Nene.

3-4 195 4 11.28

5


Railway line surrounded on both sides by dense bramble Rubus fructicosusagg. and buddleia scrub as well as tall ruderals.

1.5 227 5 4.89

6


An intact hawthorn hedgerow on the northern side of a farm track. Thehedgerow is approximately 3-4 m high and the understorey consists primarilyof ivy Hedera helix

3-4 447 6 4.83


3.2. CROSSING POINT 1

Table 3 – Crossing Point 1 Survey Summary

Species Total Heard notSeen

Seen Usingthe Feature

Seen Flyingat an UnsafeHeight < 5m

Seen Flyingat a SafeHeight > 5m

All 140 102 22 27 2

Commonpipistrelle

73 58 12 12 0

Sopranopipistrelle

28 18 7 9 0

Noctule 22 17 3 2 2

Leisler’s 3 3 0 0 0

Nyctalusspecies

1 1 0 0 0

Serotine 1 1 0 0 0

Pipistrellespecies.

5 4 0 1 0

3.2.1. A total of 140 bat passes were recorded during the surveys of Crossing Point 1. Of the bat passesobserved (seen and heard), 22 were recorded using the Crossing Point. Of all bat passes observed,27 were recorded from bats flying at an unsafe height.

3.2.2. The only bats observed flying at safe heights were noctule bats and common pipistrelles.

3.2.3. Crossing Point 1 is a small, well vegetated agricultural ditch that is connected to ditches on theBrampton Heath Golf Centre. This Crossing Point was utilised by bats both foraging for insectsassociated with the vegetation; and for commuting between habitats such as woodland and pondson the golf course and the River Nene.

3.2.4. A number of the bat passes heard but not seen by surveyors were believed to be bats foragingalong the tree lines bordering the golf course and the River Nene, both of which border the CrossingPoint.





Seen Flying at anUnsafe Height <5m

Seen Flying at aSafe Height > 5m

All 80 37 7 7 3


Commonpipistrelle

46 21 6 6 1

Sopranopipistrelle

12 2 1 1 1

Noctule 12 9 0 0 1


Myotisspecies

2 1 0 0 0

Pipistrellespecies.

2 1 0 0 0

Nyctalusspecies

2 2 0 0 0

3.3.1. A total of 80 bat passes were recorded during the surveys of Crossing Point 2, only seven of whichwere observed using the feature. However, due to the height and density of vegetation at CrossingPoint 2, observation of bats was difficult and bats using the feature may have been missed.

3.3.2. A total of seven bat passes, including those both using and not using the feature were recordedflying at an unsafe height all of which were either common or soprano pipistrelles. The lowestnumber of bat passes observed flying at an unsafe height was recorded at Crossing Point 2. Onlythree bat passes were recorded from bats flying at safe heights, these were a common pipistrelle, asoprano pipistrelle and a noctule bat.

3.3.3. The second lowest levels of bat activity were recorded at Crossing Point 2. Crossing Point 2 is along line of mature oak trees bordering a shallow ditch connecting the tree line bordering theBrampton Heath Golf Centre to the River Nene. Low levels of bat activity at this Crossing Pointcould be attributed to bats utilising other, shorter linear features to commute around the Site.







All 146 118 15 13 14

Commonpipistrelle

73 63 8 9 1

Sopranopipistrelle

14 11 1 2 1


Noctule 40 26 5 2 12


Myotisspecies

3 3 0 0 0

Nyctalusspecies

8 0 7 1 0

Serotine 2 0 2 0 0

3.4.1. A total of 146 bat passes were recorded during the surveys of Crossing Point 3. 15 bat passes wereobserved where bats were using the Crossing Point, including common and soprano pipistrelles,noctule bats, unidentified species of Nyctalus and serotine bats. The greatest diversity of bats wasobserved using Crossing Point 3 and the largest numbers of noctule bat passes were also recordedhere.

3.4.2. A total of 13 bat passes recorded during the surveys were recorded from bats observed flying atunsafe heights including common and soprano pipistrelles, noctule bats and the undeterminedspecies of Nyctalus.

3.4.3. Crossing Point 3 consisted of scattered mature willow trees bordering Brampton Brook and a widemargin of tall ruderal vegetation. At its eastern end, the Brook is connected to the River Nene and atits western end it is connected to areas of woodland on the Northamptonshire County Golf Club.Bats likely utilise this Crossing Point to forage within the margins of vegetation and commutebetween the river and the woodland.







All 264 180 79 50 34

Commonpipistrelle

161 99 60 42 21

Sopranopipistrelle

30 19 10 4 6

Noctule 36 28 6 1 7

Nyctalusspecies

7 7 0 0



Brown long-eared

17 15 2 2 0

Myotis 3 3 0 0 0

Pipistrellespecies.

0 3 1 1 0

3.5.1. A total of 264 bat passes were recorded at Crossing Point 4, the highest levels of activity recordedat any of the Crossing Points. With the exception of soprano pipistrelles, serotine and noctule bats,the highest number of passes for all bat species were recorded at Crossing Point 4.

3.5.2. A total of 79 bat passes were recorded from bats observed to be using the feature includingcommon, soprano and an unidentified species of pipistrelle bat, noctule bats, Leisler’s bats, aNyctalus species of bat and brown long eared bats. All of these species were recorded flying atunsafe heights. The highest number of bat passes observed with bats flying at unsafe heights wasrecorded at Crossing Point 4. The only bats observed flying at safe heights were common andsoprano pipistrelles and noctule bats.

3.5.3. Crossing Point 4 was a long, shallow ditch, bordered by a line of mature hawthorn trees. It ispossible that this feature was once a hedgerow forming an agricultural field boundary. The CrossingPoint connects broad-leaved woodland on the Northamptonshire County Golf Club to theKingsthorpe Ditch Local Wildlife Site (LWS). Bat activity recorded was dominated by bats foragingwithin the canopy of the tree line.







All 66 57 9 7 2

Commonpipistrelle

38 30 7 6 1

Noctule 20 19 1 0 1

Brown long-eared

1 1 0 0 0


Serotine 1 1 0 0 0

Pipistrellespecies.

3 3 0 0 0


3.6.1. Only 66 bats passes were recorded at Crossing Point 5, the lowest levels of activity recorded at allof the Crossing Points. Nine bat passes were observed, all of which were recorded from bats usingthe feature including common pipistrelles, noctule bats and Leisler’s bats. Of these, only a singlecommon pipistrelle and noctule bat were recorded flying at a safe height.

3.6.2. In comparison to other Crossing Points, the height of vegetation at Crossing Point 5 was very low,combined with the fact that the Crossing Point is surrounded by large, open fields with few featuressuitable for commuting or foraging along, could account for the low levels of bat activity recordedhere.







All 213 133 76 46 33

Commonpipistrelle

145 89 54 30 25

Sopranopipistrelle

48 29 19 13 6

Noctule 12 9 3 1 2

Brown long-eared

2 0 0 2 0


Myotis 1 1 0 0 0

Nyctalusspecies

1 1 0 0 0

Serotine 2 2 0 0 0

3.7.1. The second highest levels of bat activity were recorded at Crossing Point 6. Of the 213 bat passesrecorded here, 76 were from bats observed to be using the Crossing Point including common andsoprano pipistrelles and noctule bats.

3.7.2. A total of 46 bat passes, including bats using and not using the feature, were observed flying atunsafe heights including common and soprano pipistrelles, noctule bats and brown long-eared bats.This was the second highest level of bats recorded flying at unsafe heights behind Crossing Point 4.

3.7.3. A total of 33 bat passes were observed where bats were flying at safe heights. This was again, thesecond highest number of bat passes recorded flying at safe heights behind Crossing Point 4.


3.7.4. Crossing Point 6 is a mature hawthorn hedgerow between Dallington Grange Farm and otherhabitats to the east, eventually connecting to the River Nene which bats can use to commute alongto Site as well as forage along. Bats roosts were recorded in several of the buildings at DallingtonGrange Farm including common and soprano pipistrelle and brown long-eared bat summer roosts;and a common pipistrelle and brown long-eared bat maternity roost (WSP, 2018a).


3.8. EVALUATION OF BAT CROSSING POINTS3.8.1. Bats were recorded using all of the Crossing Points and bats were observed flying at unsafe heights

at all of the Crossing Points.

3.8.2. The highest levels of bat activity were recorded at Crossing Points 4 and 6. The highest levels ofbats recorded flying at unsafe heights were also recorded at these Crossing Points which includingcommon and soprano pipistrelles, noctule, Leisler’s, brown long-eared, Myotis and serotine bats.These Crossing Point are the most important Crossing Points surveyed on Site.

3.8.3. The lowest levels of bat activity were recorded at Crossing Points 2 and 5. It is possible that theseCrossing Points are only opportunistically used by bats and that bats favour other commuting routesround the Site.

3.8.4. The bats observed flying at safe heights were common pipistrelle, soprano pipistrelle, and noctulebats. Noctule bats are specialists of open habitat and often commute across open landscapes atheight. Common and soprano pipistrelles are ‘generalist’ species, able to utilise both cluttered andopen habitats. These species are therefore more able to commute at greater heights and furtherfrom linear features than species associated with cluttered environments such as myotis and brownlong-eared bats

3.8.5. A full evaluation of bat activity for all Crossing Points is made in the Bat Summary Report (WSP,2018b) which includes an evaluation of the Site for all bats, incorporating the results of bat activitysurveys and surveys for roosting bats (WSP, 2018a).


4. IMPLICATIONS FOR DEVELOPMENT

4.1. OVERVIEW4.1.1. A full discussion of the implication for the Proposed Scheme for bats is given the Bat Summary

Report (WSP, 2018b), which will incorporate the results of surveys discussed in this report as wellthe results of the bat activity surveys and surveys for roosting bats (WSP, 2018a). The belowlegislation and planning policy relevant to bats and their roosts is therefore given for reference only.Recommendations on avoidance and mitigation measures regarding bats as well as opportunities toenhance the value of the Site for bats will also be given in the Bat Summary Report (WSP, 2018b).

4.2. LEGAL COMPLIANCE4.2.1. Bats and their roosts are afforded a high level of protection under the Conservation of Habitats and

Species Regulations 2017 (the ‘Habitat Regulations’), the legislation means that it is an offence to:

§ Deliberately capture, injure or kill a wild bat;§ Deliberately disturb wild bats; ‘disturbance of animals includes in particular any disturbance which

is likely:§ (a) to impair their ability —§ (i) to survive, to breed or reproduce, or to rear or nurture their young; or§ (ii) in the case of animals of a hibernating or migratory species, to hibernate or migrate; or§ (b) to affect significantly the local distribution or abundance of the species to which they belong.’

and§ Damage or destroy a breeding site or resting place used by this species.

4.2.2. Protection is also afforded under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) with respectto disturbance of animals when using places of shelter, and obstruction of access to places ofshelter.

4.2.3. Due to the high level of protection afforded to bats and their habitat, mitigation for this species isgoverned by a strict licensing procedure administered by Natural England (normally, planningpermission must be obtained before a licence can be sought).

4.2.4. Certain species of bats including the noctule bat, brown long-eared bat and soprano pipistrelle batare also listed as a Species of Principal Importance (SPI) for the Conservation of Biodiversity inEngland under Section 41 of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities (NERC) Act 2006.Under Section 40 of the NERC Act (2006) public bodies (including local planning authorities) have aduty to have regard for the conservation of SPI when carrying out their functions, includingdetermining planning applications.

4.3. PLANNING POLICY COMPLIANCE4.3.1. At the national level the National Planning Policy Framework (2018) forms the basis for planning

system decisions with respect to conserving and enhancing the natural environment, including bats;the ODPM circular 06/2005 also provides supplementary guidance, including confirmation that ‘thepresence of a protected species is a material consideration when a planning authority is consideringa development proposal’.


4.3.2. At the national level the National Planning Policy Framework (2018) forms the basis for planningsystem decisions with respect to conserving and enhancing the natural environment, including bats;the ODPM circular 06/2005 also provides supplementary guidance, including confirmation that ‘thepresence of a protected species is a material consideration when a planning authority is consideringa development proposal’.

4.3.3. The NPPF sets out, amongst other points, how at an overview level the ‘planning system shouldcontribute to and enhance the national and local environment by:

§ …recognising the wider benefits of ecosystem services; and§ minimising impacts on biodiversity and providing net gains in biodiversity where possible, contributing to

the Government’s commitment to halt the overall decline in biodiversity, including by establishing coherentecological networks that are more resilient to current and future pressures…’

4.3.4. A list of principles which local planning authorities should follow when determining planningapplications is included in the NPPF, and includes the following:

§ ‘- if significant harm resulting from a development cannot be avoided…adequately mitigated, or, as a lastresort, compensated for, then planning permission should be refused;

§ - …opportunities to incorporate biodiversity in and around developments should be encouraged;§ - planning permission should be refused for development resulting in the loss or deterioration of

irreplaceable habitats, including ancient woodland…unless the need for, and benefits of, the developmentin that location clearly outweigh the loss;

4.3.5. At a local level the North Northamptonshire Joint Core Strategy (2016) aims for ‘a net gain inbiodiversity… through protecting existing biodiversity assets by…’

§ ‘refusing development proposals where significant harm to an asset cannot be avoided, mitigated or, as alast resort, compensated;

§ protecting key assets for wildlife;§ protect natural environments from adverse effects from noise, air and light pollution;§ where appropriate requiring developments to provide or contribute towards alternative green infrastructure.’

4.3.6. Mitigation, compensation and enhancement measures concerning bats are recommended in the BatSummary Report (WSP, 2018b) to enable the Proposed Scheme to be compliant with the abovelegislation and planning policy.


5. RECOMMENDATIONS

5.1. OVERVIEW5.1.1. Recommendations for avoiding and mitigating impacts of the Proposed Scheme on bats as well as

potential opportunities to enhance the value of the Site for bats are given in the Bat SummaryReport (WSP, 2018b).


6. CONCLUSIONS

6.1.1. Bats were recorded using all of the Crossing Points. Crossing Points 4 and 6 were deemed to be ofthe highest importance whilst the lowest levels of activity were recorded at Crossing Points 2 and 5,including common and soprano pipistrelles, noctule, Leisler’s, brown long-eared and Myotis bats;and it is possible that bats are only using these features opportunistically.

6.1.2. Bats were observed flying at unsafe heights at all of the Crossing Points. The Proposed Scheme islikely to impact directly upon bats through the severance of multiple commuting features across theSite. The Proposed Scheme will also lead to an increase in mortality of bats attempting to cross theProposed Scheme after construction, particularly those that were only recorded flying at unsafeheights such as myotis and brown long-eared bats. A discussion of the results of all bat surveys;evaluation of the Site in regards to bats; recommendations on avoidance of impacts and therequirement for licensing; and opportunities to enhance the value of the Site for bats are alldiscussed in the Bat Summary Report (WSP, 2018b).


7. REFERENCES

7.1. PROJECT REFERENCESWSP (2017). 70032086 Northampton North West Relief Road Preliminary Ecological Appraisal.

WSP (2018a). NWRR-WSP-EBD-0000-RP-LE-00002. Northampton North-West Relief Road BatSurvey Report.

WSP (2018b). NWRR-WSP-EBD-0000-RP-LE-00012. Northampton North-West Relief Road BatSummary Report.

7.2. TECHNICAL REFERENCESBat Conservation Trust (2012a). Encouraging Bat – A Guide for Bat-friendly Gardening and Living.

Bat Conservation Trust (2018). Bats and Artificial Lighting in the UK: Bats and the Built EnvironmentSeries.

Bat Conservation Trust, (2014a). The National Bat Monitoring Programme. Annual Report 2013. BatConservation Trust, London

Berthinussen, A. and Altringham, J. (2015). WC1060 Development of a Cost-Effective Method forMonitoring the Effectiveness of Mitigation for Bats Crossing Linear Transport Infrastructure.Univeristry of Leeds, Leeds

Collins, J. (2016). Bat Surveys: Good Practice Guidelines, 3nd edition, Bat Conservation Trust,London.

Department for Communities and Local Government (2018). National Planning Policy Framework.Department for Communities and Local Government, London.

Dietz et al. (2009). Bats of Britain Europe and Northern Africa. A and C Black.

Harris, S. and Yalden, D. (2008). Mammals of the British Isles: Handbook, 4th edition. The MammalSociety. 328-331

Her Majesty’s Stationary Office (HMSO) (1981). Wildlife and Countryside Act (as amended by theCountryside and Rights of Way Act 2000)

HMSO (2005). Biodiversity and Geological Conservation – Statutory Obligations and Their ImpactWithin the Planning System. Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM) Circular 06/2005 HMSO,Norwich.

HMSO (2006). Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act.

HMSO (2010). The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 (the HabitatRegulations)

Mitchell- Jones, A.J (2004). Bat Mitigation Guidelines. English Nature.

Russ, J (1999). The Bats of Britain and Ireland: Echolocation Calls, Sound Analysis and SpeciesIdentification. Alana Ecology Ltd.

Russ, J (2013). British Bat Calls a Guide to Species Identification. Pelagic Publishing.


8. FIGURES

Figure 1 - Site Location Plan


Figure 2 - Route Options and Area of Impact


Figure 3a-f - Crossing Point Survey Results and Surveyor Locations

WEATHER CONDITIONS DURINGTHE CROSSING POINT SURVEYS



Weather Conditions during the Crossing Point surveys.

Crossing Pointnumber

Date Visit Number Survey type(dusk/dawn)

Sunset/sunrise time Start time End time Temperature Cloud Wind Precipitation

start end start end start end start end

1 15/06/18 1 Dawn 04.42 02.40 04.42 13 7 0 0 0 0 0 0

1 13/06/18 2 Dusk 21.262 21.26 23.26 18 16 8 8 3 1 0 1

1 03/07/18 3 Dawn 04.48 02.48 04.48 13 11 0 0 0 2 0 0

1 05/07/18 4 Dusk 21.26 21.23 23.26 28 19 6 3 1 1 0 0

1 03/08/18 5 Dawn 05.28 03.28 05.28 18 16 0 0 0 0 0 0

1 07/08/18 6 Dusk 20.44 20.44 22.44 25 19 7 5 1 2 0 0

2 14/06/18 1 Dawn 4.40 2.40 4.40 15 16 8 8 2 3 0 0

2 12/06/18 2 Dusk 21.25 21.25 23.25 11 19 1 1 1 1 0 0

2 04/07/18 3 Dawn 04.49 02.49 04.49 14 10 2 1 0 0 0 0

2 25/07/18 4 Dusk 21.05 21.05 23.05 28 20 1 1 0 2 0 0

2 08/08/18 5 Dawn 05.35 03.35 05.35 18 13 5 5 1 1 0 0

2 09/08/18 6 Dusk 20.54 20.54 22.54 22 19 1 1 0 0 0 0

3 13/06/18 1 Dawn 04.42 02.42 04.42 8 10 0 4 0 0 0 0

3 14/06/18 2 Dusk 21.25 21.25 23.25 15 9 3 3 2 1 0 0

3 26/07/18 3 Dawn 05.15 03.15 05.15 16 16 0 0 0 0 0 0

3 04/07/18 4 Dusk 21.26 21.26 23.26 21 17 1 6 1 2 0 0

3 10/08/18 5 Dawn 05.39 03.39 05.39 11 9 2 0 0 0 0 0


3 15/08/18 6 Dusk 20.28 20.28 22.28 22 20 8 0 2 0 0 0

4 27/06/18 1 Dawn 04.44 02.44 04.44 9 7 0 3 0 1 0 0

4 19/06/18 2 Dusk 21.27 21.27 23.27 15.5 14.3 0 0 0 0 0 0

4 18/07/18 3 Dawn 05.05 03.10 05.05 15 15 4 3 0 0 0 0

4 02/08/18 4 Dusk 20.53 20.53 22.53 25 22 0 0 0 0 0 0

4 14/09/18 5 Dawn 06.36 04.36 06.30 12.8 10.4 7 4 1 1 0 0

4 13/09/18 6 Dusk 19.23 19.23 21.23 9.5 11 5 7 1 1 0 0

5 29/06/18 1 Dawn 04.45 02.45 04.45 14 12 3 6 2 1 0 0

5 22/06/18 2 Dusk 21.27 21.27 11.27 18 12 0 0 1 1 0 0

5 14/08018 3 Dawn 05.49 03.49 05.20 11 6 2 2 0 0 0 0

5 18/07/18 4 Dusk 21.15 21.15 23.15 24 16 7 7 1 0 0 0

5 30/08/18 5 Dawn 06.11 04.11 06.11 10 8 7 2 1 1 0 0

5 14/08/18 6 Dusk 20.28 20.29 22.29 22 18 6 1 1 2 0 0

6 24/07/18 1 Dawn 05.10 03.10 05.10 19 15 0 6 0 0 0 0

6 31/07/18 2 Dusk 20.57 20.57 22.57 19 18 3 3 2 2 0 0

6 14/08/18 3 Dawn 05.45 03.42 5.42 13 14 2 6 3 1 0 0

6 29/08/18 4 Dusk 19.56 20.02 22.00 16 15 8 5 4 2 0 0

6 26/09/18 5 Dawn 06.54 04.54 06.54 8 8 0 1 1 1 0 0

6 05/09/18 6 Dusk 19.43 19.43 21.43 13.8 14.8 8 8 1 1 0 0

RAW DATA



Crossing Point 1. June Dusk

Date Start time End time Sunrise/Sunsettime

SurveyType

CrossingPointNumber

13/06/18 21:26 23:26 21:26 Dusk 1

Time Species HorizontalDistance fromfeature (m)

Activity Typeand Notes

Height atLowestPoint (m)

Directionof Flight

21:52 Common pipistrelle Heard not seen

22:01 Common pipistrelle 8 Commuting 4 E-W

22:03 Noctule Heard not seen


22:08 Common pipistrelle 8 Commuting 3 W-E

22:09 Soprano pipistrelle 5 Commuting 3 E-W


22:17 Pipistrelle species 10 Commuting 4 W-E

22:21 Soprano pipistrelle 12 Commuting 4

22:24 Common pipistrelle Commuting

22:24 Common pipistrelle 6 Commuting andForaging

5 E-W

22:26 Soprano pipistrelle Heard not seen



22:36 Serotine Heard not seen




SurveyType

CrossingPointNumber

13/06/18 21:26 23:26 21:26 Dusk 1




Directionof Flight


22:40 Common pipistrelle Commuting andForaging






22:56 Myotis Heard not seen






Crossing Point 1. June Dawn


SurveyType

CrossingPointNumber

15/06/18 02:04 04:42 04:42 Dawn 1




Directionof Flight





Crossing Point 1. July Dusk


SurveyType

CrossingPointNumber

05/07/18 21:23 23:36 21:26 Dusk 1




Directionof Flight


21:46 Noctule 0 Commuting 15 E - W



22:12 Noctule 0 Commuting 3 W - E





SurveyType

CrossingPointNumber

05/07/18 21:23 23:36 21:26 Dusk 1




Directionof Flight


22:18 Pipistrelle species Heard not seen




22:28 Leisler Heard not seen


22:35 Common pipistrelle 0 Foraging 5 E - W - S

22:35 Soprano pipistrelle andCommon pipistrelle

Heard not seen

22:50 Nyctalus Heard not seen











SurveyType

CrossingPointNumber

05/07/18 21:23 23:36 21:26 Dusk 1




Directionof Flight




23:02 Common pipistrelleand Soprano pipistrelle

Heard not seen






Crossing Point 1. July Dawn


SurveyType

CrossingPointNumber

03/07/18 02:48 04:08 02:48 Dawn 1




Directionof Flight





SurveyType

CrossingPointNumber

03/07/18 02:48 04:08 02:48 Dawn 1




Directionof Flight





03:34 Common pipistrelle 3 Commuting 4 W - E


03:38 Noctule Commuting

03:43 Common pipistrelle Heard not seen W - SE





04:14 Noctule 10 Commuting 20 N-S





Crossing Point 1. August Dusk


SurveyType

CrossingPointNumber

07/08/18 20:44 22:44 20:44 Dusk 1




Directionof Flight

21:11 Soprano Pipistrelle 2 Foraging 3 E-W

21:14 Common pipistrelle 2 Foraging 3 E-W

21:16 Noctule 1 Foraging 3 E-W





21:21 Common pipistrelle 0 Commuting 4 N-E

21:22 Common pipistrelleand Noctule

Heard not seen

21:22 Soprano Pipistrelle 2 Commuting 3 N-E

21:23 Soprano Pipistrelle Heard not seen

21:23 Soprano Pipistrelle 2 Foraging 3 W-E




21:31 Common pipistrelle 0 Commuting 3 S-N




SurveyType

CrossingPointNumber

07/08/18 20:44 22:44 20:44 Dusk 1




Directionof Flight




21:37 Common pipistrelleand Soprano Pipistrelle

Heard not seen

















SurveyType

CrossingPointNumber

07/08/18 20:44 22:44 20:44 Dusk 1




Directionof Flight








22:09 Common pipistrelle 2 Foraging 2 E-W-S






Crossing Point 1. August Dawn


SurveyType

CrossingPointNumber

03/08/18 03:28 05:28 05:28 Dawn 1




Directionof Flight









04:37 Common pipistrelle 0 Commuting 3 W-E


Date Start time End time Sunrise/Sunset time SurveyType

CrossingPointNumber

12/06/18 21:25 23:25 21:25 Dusk 2


Activity Type andNotes


Directionof Flight


21:59 Common pipistrelle 1 Commuting 2 N-S




CrossingPointNumber

12/06/18 21:25 23:25 21:25 Dusk 2




Directionof Flight


22:04 Common pipistrelle 1 Commuting 5 NE-W


22:10 Common pipistrelle 1 Commuting and Foraging 6 NE-SW


22:17 Soprano pipistrelle 5 Commuting and Foraging 2 NE-SW

22:20 Common pipistrelle 2 Commuting and Foraging 5 S-N






CrossingPointNumber

14/06/18 02:40 04:40 21:25 Dawn 2




Directionof Flight





CrossingPointNumber

14/06/18 02:40 04:40 21:25 Dawn 2




Directionof Flight







04:01 Common pipistrelle 10 Commuting 3 S-NE



CrossingPointNumber

25/07/18 21:05 23:05 21:05 Dusk 2




Directionof Flight


21:45 Pipistrelle species Commuting


21:58 Common pipistrelle Commuting andForaging

N - W




CrossingPointNumber

25/07/18 21:05 23:05 21:05 Dusk 2




Directionof Flight




22:35 Common pipistrelleand Sopranopipistrelle

Heard not seen









CrossingPointNumber

04/07/18 02:49 04:49 21:25 Dawn 2




Direction ofFlight




CrossingPointNumber

04/07/18 02:49 04:49 21:25 Dawn 2




Direction ofFlight





03:43 Common pipistrelle 2 Commuting 5 NW - NNW



03:57 Common pipistrelle 3 Commuting 3 W - NW









CrossingPointNumber

01/08/18 20:54 22:54 20:54 Dusk 2




Directionof Flight


21:35 Noctule andSoprano pipistrelle

6 Commuting 10


















CrossingPointNumber

01/08/18 20:54 22:54 20:54 Dusk 2




Directionof Flight




Survey Type CrossingPointNumber

08/08/18 03:35 05:35 05:35 Dawn 2



Height atLowest Point(m)

Directionof Flight













04:43 Leisler's Heard not seen


Date Start time End time Sunrise/Sunset time Survey Type CrossingPointNumber

14/06/18 21:25 23:25 21:25 Dusk 3




Directionof Flight



21:43 Noctule 1 Commuting and Foraging 5 W-E

21:44 Noctule Commuting 20 N -SE

21:45 Noctule Commuting 20 N-SE

21:45 Noctule Commuting 18 N-SE

21:46 Noctule Commuting 15 N-E

21:50 Noctule 5-15 Foraging 20-25 N-SE




22:17 Noctule 10 Commuting 12 NW-SE






14/06/18 21:25 23:25 21:25 Dusk 3




Directionof Flight










13/06/18 02:42 04:42 04:42 Dawn 3




Directionof Flight






04/07/18 21:26 23:26 21:26 Dusk 3




Directionof Flight






22:21 Noctule 12 Commuting 3 E - SW

22:25 Common pipistrelle 5 Commuting 2.5 E - W




22:29 Soprano pipistrelle 2 Commuting 5 E - W



3 E - W

22:35 Common pipistrelle 0 - 15 Foraging 3

22:44 Common pipistrelle 20 - 25 Foraging 4





04/07/18 21:26 23:26 21:26 Dusk 3




Directionof Flight














26/07/18 03:05 05:15 05:15 Dawn 3




Directionof Flight





26/07/18 03:05 05:15 05:15 Dawn 3




Directionof Flight

03:09 Brown Long-eared Heard not seen













03:29 Commonpipistrelle/Serotine

Heard not seen






26/07/18 03:05 05:15 05:15 Dawn 3




Directionof Flight







03:45 Nyctalus/Serotine Heard not seen

03:45 Leisler’s Heard not seen

03:45 Common pipistrelle 0 Commuting 5 N - S













26/07/18 03:05 05:15 05:15 Dawn 3




Directionof Flight


03:59 Soprano pipistrelleand Commonpipistrelle

Heard not seen










04:06 Myotis Sopranopipistrelle

Heard not seen


04:08 Common pipistrelle 8 Flew overhead 3 E - W


04:10 Soprano pipistrelle 0 Seen and heard 6 E - W



26/07/18 03:05 05:15 05:15 Dawn 3




Directionof Flight


04:20 Noctule Seen and heard



04:27 Common pipistrelle Seen and heard






15/08/18 20:28 22:28 20:28 Dusk 3




Directionof Flight



20:52 Noctule 5 Foraging 20 SW-NE





15/08/18 20:28 22:28 20:28 Dusk 3




Directionof Flight




21:19 Noctule 10 Foraging 15 SW-NE

21:20 Brown long-eared Heard not seen





21:25 Common pipistrelle 5 Foraging 6 W-E




21:31 Leisler's andCommon pipistrelle

Heard not seen






15/08/18 20:28 22:28 20:28 Dusk 3




Directionof Flight








10/08/18 03:39 05:39 05:39 Dawn 3




Directionof Flight









19/06/18 21:27 23:27 21:27 Dusk 4




Directionof Flight

21:42 Noctule 3 Commuting - multiplepasses

20 N - S - N


21:58 Noctule 10 - 15 Commuting 10 N - NW





22:03 Noctule 0 Foraging 12 W - E


22:03 Noctule 3 Commuting Seen notheard

20 N - S

22:04 Noctule 10 Commuting Seen notheard

10 S - N

22:05 Soprano pipistrelle 2 Foraging 3 W - E - W

22:06 Noctule andSoprano pipistrelle

8 Commuting 6 W - E

22:07 Soprano pipistrelle 2 Foraging 3 W - E - W




19/06/18 21:27 23:27 21:27 Dusk 4




Directionof Flight

22:07 Noctule 5 - 10 Commuting andForaging

10

22:08 Noctule 5 Commuting andForaging

10 E - W - N

22:09 Noctule 2 Heard not seen


6 - 10


22:13 Nyctalus 5 Commuting 4 S - E - W

22:15 Noctule 8 - 10 Commuting 7 E - W



22:17 Noctule 8 - 15 Commuting andForaging

8 W - E - N





8 W - E - N

22:27 Myotis 5 Commuting 8 E - W





19/06/18 21:27 23:27 21:27 Dusk 4




Directionof Flight



22:32 Myotis, Pip Heard not seen



22:34 Common pipistrelle 2 Commuting 2 E - W


2 W - E - W









22:39 Soprano pipistrelle 2 Commuting 2 W - E




19/06/18 21:27 23:27 21:27 Dusk 4




Directionof Flight







5 E - W


2 E - W - E





4 W - E









19/06/18 21:27 23:27 21:27 Dusk 4




Directionof Flight







27/06/18 02:44 04:44 04:44 Dawn 4




Directionof Flight



02:57 Leisler, Commonpipistrelle, andMyotis

Heard not seen






27/06/18 02:44 04:44 04:44 Dawn 4




Directionof Flight

03:14 -03:18

Common pipistrelle,Myotis

Heard not seen





03:34 Common pipistrelle 15 Commuting 2 S - N - E

03:38 Common pipistrelle,Soprano pipistrelle

Heard not seen

03:40 Common pipistrelle 0 Commuting 2 N - E



03:47 Common pipistrelle 2 Commuting 2 S - NE


03:49 Common pipistrelle 0 Commuting 2 S - N








27/06/18 02:44 04:44 04:44 Dawn 4




Directionof Flight









18/07/18 03:05 05:05 05:05 Dawn 4




Directionof Flight









18/07/18 03:05 05:05 05:05 Dawn 4




Directionof Flight









03:33 Common pipistrelle 3 Foraging 5 W - E - W













18/07/18 03:05 05:05 05:05 Dawn 4




Directionof Flight









04:00 Common pipistrelle 3 Commuting 4 W - E - W


04:01 Common pipistrelle 3 Commuting 3 E - W - E










18/07/18 03:05 05:05 05:05 Dawn 4




Directionof Flight



04:12 Common pipistrelle 0 Foraging 5 W - E



















18/07/18 03:05 05:05 05:05 Dawn 4




Directionof Flight




02/08/18 20:54 20:54 Dusk 4




Directionof Flight



21:08 Noctule 0 Commuting 25 W-E

21:10 Noctule 5 Commuting 20 W-E-N

21:13 Noctule 30 Commuting 30 NE-SW

21:15 Noctule 0 Foraging 15 W-E

21:17 Noctule 12 Commuting 15 E-N-W







02/08/18 20:54 20:54 Dusk 4




Directionof Flight



21:34 Common pipistrelle 2 Commuting 4 NE-NW

21:35 Soprano pipistrelle 1 Commuting E-W


21:39 Common pipistrelle 2 Commuting 4 NE-NW

21:41 Noctule 0 Foraging 10 S-N

21:41 Noctule andCommon pipistrelle

3 Commuting 3 E-W




21:45 Soprano pipistrelleand commonpipistrelle

0 Commuting 3 E-W

21:47 Common pipistrelle 0 Foraging 4 E-W-E







02/08/18 20:54 20:54 Dusk 4




Directionof Flight






21:54 Brown long-eared 0 Foraging 5 E-W



21:57 Pipistrelle species 0 Commuting 3 E-W


1 Foraging 3 E-W-E

21:59 Common pipistrelle 0 Commuting 5 E-W-E









02/08/18 20:54 20:54 Dusk 4




Directionof Flight








Heard not seen









22:19 Brown long-earedand commonpipistrelle

Heard not seen




02/08/18 20:54 20:54 Dusk 4




Directionof Flight

22:20 Common pipistrelle 2 Commuting 5 W-E-W














Heard not seen

22:51 Noctule andCommon pipistrelle

Heard not seen




02/08/18 20:54 20:54 Dusk 4




Directionof Flight




Crossing Point 4. September Dawn


10/09/18 04:36 06:36 06:36 Dawn 4




Directionof Flight















1 Foraging, 2 bats 12 W-E



Crossing Point 4. September Dusk


03/09/18 19:23 21:23 19:23 Dusk 4




Directionof Flight

19:47 Common pipistrelle 0 Foraging 1 E-W-N








19:59 Common pipistrelle 0 Foraging 5 S-N




03/09/18 19:23 21:23 19:23 Dusk 4




Directionof Flight

20:02 Common pipistrelle 5 Foraging 6 E-W-N

20:03 Common pipistrelle 5 Foraging 6 W-E-N

20:03Soprano pipistrelleand Noctule 6 Foraging 8 W-E-N










20:15 Brown long-eared 0 Seen not heard 3 S-N








03/09/18 19:23 21:23 19:23 Dusk 4




Directionof Flight





















03/09/18 19:23 21:23 19:23 Dusk 4




Directionof Flight






















03/09/18 19:23 21:23 19:23 Dusk 4




Directionof Flight





29.06.18 02:45 04:45 04:45 Dawn 5




Direction ofFlight













29.06.18 02:45 04:45 04:45 Dawn 5




Direction ofFlight











04:13 Noctule 0 Commuting 10 E-W-S




27.06.18 21:27 23:27 21:37 Dusk 5




Direction ofFlight

21:47 common pipistrelle 7 Commuting 5 NW-SE





27.06.18 21:27 23:27 21:37 Dusk 5




Direction ofFlight








22:56 Common pipistrelle 6 Commuting 4 W-E-W











17.08.18 03:50 05:50 05:50 Dawn 5




Direction ofFlight

N/A N/A N/A No activity N/A N/A



18.07.18 21:14 23:14 21:14 Dusk 5




Directionof Flight







22:25 Common pipistrelle 0 Foraging 3 E-W -E







18.07.18 21:14 23:14 21:14 Dusk 5




Directionof Flight



22:39 Common pipistrelle Heard not seen W- E


22:45 Common pipistrelle 1 Commuting 2 - 3 E-W










23:06 common pipistrelle Heard not seen





30.08.18 04:11 06:11 06:11 Dawn 5




Direction ofFlight




18.07.18 21:14 23:14 21:14 Dusk 5




Directionof Flight



20:59 Noctule 10 Commuting 10 W-E








21:34Common pipistrelleand Leisler's 0 Commuting 3 N-S


21:36Common pipistrelleand Leisler's Heard not seen






31/07/18 20:57 22:57 20:57 Dusk 6




Directionof Flight






21:51 Soprano pipistrelle 2 Foraging 5 E - W

21:54 Common pipistrelle 2 Foraging 7 E - W





31/07/18 20:57 22:57 20:57 Dusk 6




Directionof Flight


21:58 Common pipistrelle 0 Foraging 3 E - W - E





22:03 Soprano pipistrelle 0 Foraging 4 N - S


2 Foraging 10 - 12 E - W


Heard not seen



0 Foraging 6 E - W - E



22:09 Common pipistrelle 0 Foraging 4





31/07/18 20:57 22:57 20:57 Dusk 6




Directionof Flight



Heard not seen










Heard not seen





Heard not seen



31/07/18 20:57 22:57 20:57 Dusk 6




Directionof Flight


Heard not seen





Heard not seen






Heard not seen



22:44 Myotis andCommon pipistrelle

Heard not seen







31/07/18 20:57 22:57 20:57 Dusk 6




Directionof Flight


Heard not seen




24/07/18 03:10 05:10 05:10 Dawn 6




Directionof Flight



03:14 Brown Long-eared 7 Commuting 2 E - NW


03:17 Brown Long-eared 7 Commuting 2 NW - E







24/07/18 03:10 05:10 05:10 Dawn 6




Directionof Flight




1 Foraging 7 Circling


03:28 Soprano pipistrelleand Noctule

1 Foraging 7 E - W









03:35 Soprano pipistrelleand Serotine

Heard not seen






24/07/18 03:10 05:10 05:10 Dawn 6




Directionof Flight

03:38 Common pipistrelle 8 Commuting 12 NW - E



Heard not seen



1 Foraging 7 N - S


03:45 Noctule Commonpipistrelle

Heard not seen


03:48 Common pipistrelle 5 Foraging 7 E - W/W - E



0 Commuting 3 E - W







24/07/18 03:10 05:10 05:10 Dawn 6




Directionof Flight


03:59 Common pipistrelle 0 Commuting 2 E - W - E




04:06 Noctule 1 Foraging 7 W - E






04:12 Common pipistrelle 1 Foraging 7 Circling










24/07/18 03:10 05:10 05:10 Dawn 6




Directionof Flight


04:20 Soprano pipistrelle 0 Commuting 2 W - E - W







CrossingPointNumber

10/08/18 20:00 22:00 20:00 Dusk 6




Directionof Flight







20:58 Common pipistrelle 2 Commuting



21:00 Common pipistrelle 3 Commuting and Foraging 3 E - W



21:05 Common pipistrelle 4 Commuting and Foraging 1 E - W





CrossingPointNumber

14/08/18 03:46 05:30 05:45 Dawn 6




Directionof Flight











CrossingPointNumber

14/08/18 03:46 05:30 05:45 Dawn 6




Directionof Flight




















CrossingPointNumber

14/08/18 03:46 05:30 05:45 Dawn 6




Directionof Flight


Heard not seen


1 Commuting 5 W - E








1 Commuting 2 W - E










CrossingPointNumber

14/08/18 03:46 05:30 05:45 Dawn 6




Directionof Flight


Crossing Point 6. September Dusk


CrossingPointNumber

05/09/18 19:43 21:43 19:43 Dusk 6




Directionof Flight

20:08 Noctule 5 commuting 30 W-E




20:18 Soprano pipistrelle 0 Foraging 6 W-E-W

20:23 Pipistrelle species 0 Foraging 3 E-W







CrossingPointNumber

05/09/18 19:43 21:43 19:43 Dusk 6




Directionof Flight



20:32 Soprano pipistrelle 6 Foraging 3 W-E





20:37 Common pipistrelle 0 Foraging 1 W-E-W














CrossingPointNumber

05/09/18 19:43 21:43 19:43 Dusk 6




Directionof Flight





















CrossingPointNumber

05/09/18 19:43 21:43 19:43 Dusk 6




Directionof Flight





















Crossing Point 6. September Dawn


26/09/18 04:54 06:54 06:54 Dawn 6




Directionof Flight












05:54 Soprano pipistrelle 4 Commuting 6 S-N

05:55 Soprano pipistrelle 0 Foraging 4 SE-NW

05:56 Soprano pipistrelle 0 Commuting 4 SE-NW



26/09/18 04:54 06:54 06:54 Dawn 6




Directionof Flight

06:06 Soprano pipistrelle 0 Commuting 5 W-E

07:06 Soprano pipistrelle 4 Commuting 5 N-S

Internal

IMAGES


Plate 01.A view ofCrossingPoint 1from theedge oftheBramptonHeath GolfCentre.This viewlooks outonto boththeCrossingPoint andthe RiverNene.

Plate 02.A distantviewshowingthe lengthofCrossingPoint 2.Thisimage wastaken inApril 2018.

Plate 03.A view ofCrossingPoint 3.This photowas takenin April,prior to thetall ruderalvegetationeither sideof theBramptonBrookmaturingandforming asuitablecorridor forcommuting andforaging.

Plate 04.A phototaken fromwithinCrossingPoint 4. Amaturetree lineborderinga smallditch.


Plate 05.A view ofCrossingPoint 5showingthemixture oftall ruderalvegetationand scrubborderingtherailway. Itisconnectedto a smallarea ofwoodlandat itswesternend andthe RiverNene at itseasternend.

Plate 06.CrossingPoint 6, amaturehedgerowlinking thebat roostsidentifiedatDallingtonGrangeFarm tothe rest ofthe Site.

NORTHAMPTON NORTH-WEST RELIEF ROAD · Project number 70045931 Report number NWRR-WSP-EBD-0000-RP-LE-00003 ... construction of a brand-new dual carriageway from A5199 Welford Road

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