A10.6 Evaluation of Terrestrial and Freshwater Ecological Receptors
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This Appendix provides information pertinent to the evaluation of habitats and species, as identified and reported in Appendix A10.4 (Detailed Terrestrial and Freshwater Ecological Baseline Data). The evaluation has been undertaken in accordance with IEEM (2006) guidance, taking cognisance of criteria set out in Chapter 10, Section 10.2 (Approach and Methods), whereby an ecological value category ranging from ‘less than local’ to ‘international’ is assigned to ecological receptors.
1 Terrestrial Habitats
1.1 Introduction
1.1.1 Terrestrial habitats within the study area have been evaluated based on the criteria set out in Chapter 10, Table 10.1. The evaluation involves consideration of:
- conservation status or designation of the habitat (if any);
- Local Biodiversity Action Plan (LBAP) or Local Habitat Action Plan (LHAP) status; and
- presence of rare or LBAP species.
1.2 Evaluation of Conservation Sites and Habitats Types
St. Margaret’s Marsh Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)
1.2.1 This Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) is designated for its biological interest and contains a mosaic of different habitats including an extensive area of reedbed, saltmarsh, maritime grassland and neutral grassland and is therefore assessed as being of national level ecological value.
Ferry Hills SSSI
1.2.2 This SSSI is designated for its geological and biological interests. It contains scarce and declining habitats of unimproved calcareous and improved grassland, and is therefore assessed as being of national level ecological value.
Category 1 - Ancient Woodland (of semi-natural origin)
1.2.3 East Shore Wood and Lindsay’s Craigs are the only woodlands identified in the study area which include an area classified as Category 1 on the Ancient Woodland Inventory (AWI) (SNH, 2008). Due to the woodlands being greater than 0.25ha and having relatively good connectivity with other woodlands and semi-natural habitats to the west and south-west of the study area respectively, the woodlands are assessed as being of authority area level ecological value.
Semi-natural and Plantation Woodland
1.2.4 St Margaret’s Hope, Castlandhill Wood and North Cliff Wood are the only woodlands within the northern study area to be included in the AWI and are classified as being Long-established Woodlands of Plantation Origin (Category 2b) (SNH, 2008). Bluebell (Hyacinthoides non-scripta) a Local Species Action Plan (LSAP) species for Fife (Fife Council, 2008), is found in these woodlands. Due to their size being greater than 0.25ha and all having relatively good connectivity with other semi-natural habitats, the woodlands are assessed as being of authority area level ecological value.
1.2.5 There are 58 areas that have been recorded (Figure 10.1) as plantation woodland, and eight of these in the southern study area are included in the AWI as set out in Appendix A10.4 (Paragraph 1.2.5 to 1.2.7 Ancient Woodland Inventory) including Ross’s Plantation and areas of Dundas Wood, which is also designated as a Site of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC). These woodland habitats are assessed as being of authority area level ecological value.
Agricultural Land
1.2.6 The majority of the study area is arable land, comprising areas of farmland containing fields of poor semi-improved and improved grassland. Due to their low species diversity with swards often dominated by grasses, these habitats are assessed as being of less than local level ecological value, however there are some notable exceptions:
- The field adjacent to Castlandhill Wood is an area of LHAP semi-natural, calcareous wet grassland (Appendix A10.4, paragraph 1.2.76, Table 1.2, Target Note 8). Due to its high diversity of grass and wildflower species, and good connectivity with other habitats including plantation woodland and dense scrub, this area is assessed as being of authority area level ecological value.
- A small area of grassland located at the western end of the cemetery at Inverkeithing (Appendix A10.4, Table 1.2, Target Note 6) is known to contain maiden pink (Dianthus deltoides), a LBAP species for Fife (Fife Council, 2008) and is therefore assessed as being of authority area level ecological value.
- The small area of coastal grassland below St Margaret’s Hope wood has many local or uncommon species including the locally rare dropwort (Filipendula vulgaris). Though not a designated site, this area is assessed as being of authority area level ecological value.
Open Water
1.2.7 There are several areas of open water located within the study area including Back Braes Weir, Humbie Reservoir and a number of ponds and other small waterbodies. All watercourses within the study area: Linn Mill Burn, Swine Burn (and associated ditches), Niddry Burn and River Almond, are LHAP rivers and streams. These watercourses and associated riparian habitats provide physical structures that support wildlife. In particular, the River Almond is designated as a SINC and has an Integrated Catchment Management Plan, which aids in the management of land and water in the catchment area. As such, these areas of open water are assessed as being of local level ecological value.
2 Badger
2.1.1 Detailed baseline information in respect to badgers is presented in Appendix A10.5 (Confidential Badger Information).
2.1.2 Habitat quality found in each social group’s territory and the level of activity with each territory was evaluated. In order to contextualise the evaluation, consideration was also given to habitats 500m either side of the proposed scheme which are of known to be of value to badger (Meles meles) social groups.
2.1.3 To form a social group, badgers require habitat where they can excavate their main sett and successfully forage. The quality of foraging habitat will determine the number of badgers within a social group. The density of social groups is governed by a combination of suitable sett-making habitat and suitable foraging habitat within the landscape as a whole. Good sett-making and good foraging habitat results in densely distributed social groups (consequently with small territories) and a high overall badger population.
2.1.4 Suitable sett-making habitat requires areas of well drained, diggable soil, relatively free of human disturbance and with cover for badgers emerging from their sett.
2.1.5 The quality of foraging habitat is likely to be governed by the density of short grassland for foraging, the richness of grassland in terms of its population of earth worms and the availability of alternative food resources when ‘worming’ conditions are unsuitable.
2.1.6 Factors that can affect the mortality rates of badgers, such as deliberate persecution, the presence of roads with high night time traffic flows or other physical barriers to movement, can adversely affect the quality of the landscape for badgers and consequently the distribution of social groups and overall badger population.
2.1.7 Table 2.1. provides an overall evaluation of the territories used by each of the six social groups and badger population at Dundas Estate. The evaluation is based upon habitat quality found in each section in relation to badgers, the numbers of badger social groups/population present and the value of the area to badgers. The evaluations have been derived from the criteria set out in Chapter 10, Table 10.1.
Table 2.1: Evaluation of Badger Territories
|
Social Group |
Justification for Evaluation |
Evaluation |
|---|---|---|
|
Social Group A |
The territory size is approximately 45ha. Foraging habitat is generally sub-optimal, comprising arable grassland, areas of improved grassland and poor semi-improved grassland and gardens. Only one main sett has been identified along with a disused outlier. The outlier exists within an area of high disturbance. |
Local |
|
Social Group B |
The territory size is approximately 78ha. Only a very small amount of suitable setting habitat (<1ha) is present on the embankment of a burn, providing few sett expansion opportunities within the current territory. Foraging habitat is generally sub-optimal, comprising arable grassland, small areas of improved grassland and a garden. Although there are numerous signs of badger activity throughout the territory the social group appears to be relatively small comprising one main, one subsidiary and one outlier sett. |
Local |
|
Badger Population C |
The territory size is approximately 300ha, and holds the largest population of badgers in the study area comprising a number of badger social groups. The territory contains numerous areas of woodland, situated on undulating landscapes with sandy soils and providing optimal setting habitat. The combination of large areas of amenity, poor semi-improved, improved and arable grassland offer a good range of foraging opportunities and the undisturbed nature of the estate has enabled the badger population to flourish. Eight main setts were recorded in this area and, although individual territories could not be defined, it is likely that this population comprises seven different social groups. In addition, to the main setts, five subsidiary, nine annex and thirty-three outlier setts were recorded. There is evidence of abundant badger activity in the area. |
Regional |
|
Social Group D |
The territory size is approximately 113ha. A single woodland occurs within this territory. Badgers have also exploited setting opportunities in thin shelter belts and along the railway line which forms the southern territorial boundary. The shelter belts facilitate badger commuting between foraging grounds in the territory. The foraging grounds are largely comprised of arable land which is sub-optimal but some areas of improved grassland may support a higher density of earthworms, providing better foraging opportunities. The population appears to be relatively large, comprising one main, four subsidiary, two annex and four outlier setts. This is supported by evidence of abundant badger activity in the area. |
Authority area |
|
Social Group E |
The territory size is approximately 111ha. Four woodlands, located to the south-west of the study area are included within this territory. These contain numerous wetter areas and, are generally considered to provide sub-optimal setting opportunities. By contrast, the dismantled railway line offers a drier substrate for sett excavation. Foraging habitats within the territory largely comprise arable and improved grassland and are considered to be sub-optimal. The population appears to be smaller than other social groups in the study area with one main, one subsidiary and three outlier setts. This is supported by low levels of badger activity in this area. |
Authority area |
|
Social Group F |
The territory size for this group is approximately 59ha, which is the smallest social group territory within the study area. The territory contains approximately 8.5ha of optimal woodland setting habitat and some sub-optimal setting habitat which is wet and flat. The foraging habitats lie adjacent to the woodland areas and are considered to be sub-optimal due to their arable nature. A major road acts as a barrier feature to this territory, limiting potential for expansion. One main, one subsidiary, one annex and two outlier setts were recorded within this territory. In addition, high levels of badger activity were recorded throughout the area. |
Authority area |
3 Bats
3.1.1 Bats were confirmed as present in all suitable habitat areas identified in the study area (Figure 10.4), as outlined in the baseline section (Chapter 10, Section 10.3) and detailed in Appendix A10.4, Section 3. These habitat areas have been evaluated according to the conservation status of the bat species utilising the area, the level of use of these habitats for roosting (R), foraging (F) and commuting (C) and the relative abundance and suitability of similar areas of habitat in the locality. The habitat’s suitability to support bat populations has been assessed using potential activity: bat activity that the habitat is considered to be able to support. This is used in conjunction with actual activity: bat activity that was recorded during the baseline surveys.
3.1.2 Each area of bat habitat has been evaluated separately. However, bats are highly mobile and may travel many kilometres each night between roosts and foraging areas, and even greater distances to suitable hibernation or summer roosts. Different species and different groups of bats within species groups are likely to overlap geographically and the value of individual areas of habitat was evaluated as lower than the value of all the habitats in the section combined.
3.1.3 The presence of Daubenton’s bat (Myotis daubentonii), which is a species of authority area value, along with the presence of features which are considered to support bats at vulnerable stages of their life cycles e.g. hibernation, have resulted in eleven areas of bat habitat being assessed as being of authority area value within the study area (Table 3.1).
3.1.4 St Margaret’s Hope was not subject to field survey (Appendix A10.3, Section 3.4, Limitations to Assessment) and the presence of less common species including Daubenton’s, Natterer’s (Myotis nattereri) and brown long-eared bats (Plecotus auritus) cannot therefore be discounted. In addition, the presence of scarce mature broad-leaved woodland at St Margaret’s Hope, the Forth Road and Rail Bridges (which act as a link between the Lothians and Fife) and the presence of potential bat hibernacula at Fairy Kirk also provide additional resources for bats within the study area.
3.1.5 Within the City of Edinburgh and West Lothian Council areas, woodland and water form a network of suitable bat habitat which is scarce and considered vital for maintaining species of authority area level ecological value. Three habitat areas are assessed as being of local level ecological value as they provide roosts and features which enrich the bat habitat.
3.1.6 Eleven habitat areas (Fairy Kirk, St Margaret’s Hope Wood, North Queensferry, Port Edgar and West of South Queensferry, Dundas (North), Dundas (Central), Dundas (South), Swineburn, Humbie, Kirkliston and Ross’s Plantation including Lindsay’s Craig) are assessed as being of authority area level ecological value as they provide high quality roosting, foraging and commuting habitats for bats. The remaining nine habitat areas (Rosyth, Inverkeithing, Castlandhill Woods, North Cliff Wood, South Queensferry, Dalmeny and North of Dundas, Milton and Dolphington, Carmelhill and Muiriehall) are assessed as being of local level ecological value as they provide habitats which are not scarce in the locality, but which provide roosting, foraging and commuting habitat for bat species.
Table 3.1: Evaluation of Bat Habitats
|
Habitat Area |
Actual Activity |
Potential Activity |
Comments |
Evaluation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Table Note: =Roost, C= Commuting, F=Foraging |
||||
|
Rosyth |
F, C |
R, F,C |
Rosyth and its associated urban amenity habitats provide some roosting, foraging and commuting habitat for locally important pipistrelle bats. Trees and streetlamps border roads and paths within the town while amenity grassland areas provide linear features for commuting bats to travel to and from the area with good connectivity to the wilderness in the north of the town, or Castlandhill Woods and St Margaret’s Hope to the south. |
Local |
|
Inverkeithing |
F, C |
R, F, C |
Inverkeithing and associated urban/amenity habitats provide good roosting habitat and some foraging and commuting habitat suitable for locally important populations of pipistrelle bats. These habitats provide connectivity with other local habitat areas including Fairy Kirk and woodland within proximity of the Dales. The habitats present are not scarce in the locality. |
Local |
|
Fairy Kirk |
F, C |
F, C |
An old open cast stone quarry situated to the north of the Forth may serve as a hibernaculum for regularly occurring, locally significant populations of county important species during a critical phase of their life cycle (i.e. hibernation). The woodland areas are considered to provide excellent foraging and commuting habitat between Inverkeithing, Rosyth and other adjoining habitat areas. |
Authority area |
|
Castlandhill Woods |
F, C |
R, F, C |
Castlandhill Woods provides high quality commuting, foraging and roosting habitat for bat species including common and soprano pipistrelles. The woodland connects other woodland found within North Queensferry and St Margaret’s Hope with Rosyth and Inverkeithing and enriches the available bat habitat resource. |
Local |
|
St Margaret’s Hope Wood |
1R, F, C |
R, F, C |
St Margaret’s Hope Wood provides high quality commuting, foraging and roosting habitat for bat species including common and soprano pipistrelles, which are present in high numbers. A small pipistrelle tree roost was located on an activity survey. The woodland is considered to enrich the bat habitat resource allowing for further connectivity throughout the study area between areas such as North Queensferry and Castlandhill Woods. In the absence of direct survey information brown long-eared and Myotis species could be present. |
Authority area |
|
North Cliff Wood |
F, C |
R, F,C. |
Commuting and foraging habitat supports pipistrelle bats which are common and not threatened locally, and forms a vital link between habitat areas at St Margaret’s Wood and North Queensferry. The woodland is considered to enrich the available bat habitat resource allowing for further connectivity throughout the study area. |
Local |
|
North Queensferry |
F, C |
R, F,C. |
North Queensferry and associated urban/amenity habitats provide excellent potential for roosting, foraging and commuting. The Forth Road Bridge provides a link between habitats in Fife and the Lothians which is scarce in the locality. Although no bats of more than local importance were identified using this structure, the presence of other species cannot be ruled out and, as such, this feature is likely to assist gene flow between bat populations north and south of the Forth. |
Authority area |
|
South Queensferry |
R, F,C |
R, F, C |
South Queensferry and associated urban/amenity habitats including Jock’s Hole Wood are considered to enrich the available bat habitat resource by acting as a link between high quality bat habitats at Dalmeny and Hopetoun. Urban habitats associated with Dalmeny, Kirkliston, Winchburgh, and Newton Village support populations of pipistrelle bats, a locally important species. |
Local |
|
Port Edgar and West of South Queensferry |
1R, F,C |
R, F,C |
The area supports important commuting routes (CRs) for locally important pipistrelle species between South Queensferry, Hopetoun and East Shore Wood. However, the presence of an underground bunker at Port Edgar (roost in the old barracks building), allows for a hibernaculum site in the area, all of which support breeding colonies of bats at a vulnerable stage in their annual cycle. |
Authority area |
|
Dalmeny |
F, C |
R, F, C |
Dalmeny and associated urban/amenity habitats to the east of South Queensferry including Cock’s Hill Wood are considered to enrich the available bat habitat resource by acting as a link between high quality bat habitats at Dalmeny Estate and Hopetoun. Urban habitats associated with Dalmeny and South Queensferry support populations of pipistrelle bats (locally important species). |
Local |
|
North of Dundas |
F, C |
F, C |
Area of arable fields, improved grassland and small woodland areas. Hedgerows and stone walls provide connectivity with other local habitat areas including Swineburn and South Queensferry. The habitats present are not scarce in the locality. |
Local |
|
Dundas (North) |
4R, F, C |
R, F,C. |
This area forms part of a wider area of high quality to bats which includes the rest of Dundas Estate, South Queensferry and Duddingston. Commuting and foraging habitat supports locally important numbers of pipistrelle bat. The presence of mature broadleaf woodlands forms a vital link between habitat areas, as well as providing high quality foraging and roosting habitat. Several other buildings and trees have roosting potential, including a dovecot with hibernaculum potential, all of which support bats at a vulnerable stage in their annual cycle. |
Authority area |
|
Dundas (Central) |
2R, F,C |
R, F,C. |
This area forms part of a wider area of high quality to bats which includes the rest of Dundas Estate, Duddingston, Milton and Dolphington. It forms a vital link between habitat areas, as well as providing high quality foraging and roosting habitat for the full range of bat species found in the area. The area includes one confirmed roost for pipistrelle bats at Chapel Acre and one anecdotal roost at Greenacre, both of which are likely to maintain maternity colonies. Several other buildings and trees have roosting potential, including an icehouse as a hibernaculum. Taken together these features are considered to support regularly occurring, locally important numbers of bats. |
Authority area |
|
Milton and Dolphington |
R, F, C |
1R, F, C |
Within this area small pipistrelle roosts support populations of a locally important species. Excellent foraging habitat and CRs between Dalmeny and Dundas are considered to enrich the available bat habitat resource. Habitat within this area extends that found within Dundas Estate. |
Local |
|
Dundas (South) |
5R, F,C |
R, F,C. |
Dundas (South) forms part of a wider area of high quality to bats including the rest of the Dundas Estate, Swineburn, Humbie and Kirkliston. It forms a vital link between habitat areas, as well as providing high quality foraging and roosting habitat due to the presence of mature broadleaf woodlands and large open waterbodies used by Daubenton’s bats, which are of authority area importance. The area includes four confirmed roosts, each of which supports populations of locally important species, and one anecdotal tree roost. There is also a quarry with hibernaculum potential. |
Authority area |
|
Swineburn |
2 R, F, C |
R, F, C |
Swineburn Wood and the surrounding area provide foraging habitat for pipistrelle and Daubenton’s bat and is an important area in terms of its connectivity with other habitats via woodland and the canal. |
Authority area |
|
Carmelhill and Muriehall |
1R, F,C |
R, C, F |
Small pipistrelle roosts support populations of a locally important species. The woodland areas provide excellent foraging and commuting habitat for local bat populations. These areas enrich the available bat habitat resource as they are contiguous with the Swineburn Wood area providing further connectivity within the study area. |
Local |
|
Humbie |
1R, F, C |
R, F, C |
Within this area small pipistrelle roosts support populations of locally important species. Humbie Farm and the surrounding area includes an ice house, a shaft, a disused quarry and culverts considered suitable to support regularly occurring, locally important populations of an authority area important species during a critical phase of their life cycle (i.e. hibernation). The woodland areas are considered to provide excellent foraging and commuting habitat contiguous with the Swine Burn. |
Authority area |
|
Kirkliston |
F, C |
R, F, C |
Kirkliston and associated habitats provide potential bat roosting, foraging, and commuting habitats. Suburban area with trees, hedgerows and streetlamps bordering roads and paths and amenity grassland areas within the town, and local waterbodies provide suitable foraging habitat for bats and connectivity to Dundas Estate and Swineburn Wood. The area supports pipistrelle bats which are of local importance and the River Almond provides foraging and commuting habitat for Daubenton’s bats which are of authority area importance. |
Authority area |
|
Ross’s Plantation and Lindsay’s Craigs |
F, C |
R, F, C |
Lindsay’s Craigs includes an ice house considered suitable to support regularly occurring, locally important populations of species of authority area importance during a critical phase of their life cycle (i.e. hibernation). The woodland areas are considered to provide foraging and commuting habitat contiguous with the River Almond. |
Authority area |
4.1.1 This section presents an evaluation of terrestrial breeding birds. An evaluation of estuarine/marine bird species is presented in Chapter 11 (Estuarine Ecology).
4.1.2 The biodiversity value of terrestrial breeding birds was determined through reference to their conservation/legislative status and ecology, taking cognisance of the distribution, population trend and the rarity of each species (Table 4.1).
Table 4.1: Evaluation of Terrestrial Breeding Birds
|
Species |
Estimated Population * |
Conservation Status |
Local/Regional/National Context |
Evaluation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Barn owl (Tyto alba) |
- |
WCA1i, JNCC Amber List, LBAP |
Common throughout Scotland and England where a historical decline in population was recorded until stabilisation in the 1990’s. |
National |
|
Blackbird (Turdus merula) |
138 |
- |
Abundant throughout UK. |
Local |
|
Blackcap (Sylvia atricapilla) |
23 |
- |
Abundant throughout UK. |
Local |
|
Black-headed gull (Larus ridibundus) |
52 |
JNCC Amber List |
Commonest UK inland gull, particularly in north England, Scotland and Wales. Relatively small numbers exist within study area. |
Local |
|
Blue tit (Parus caeruleus) |
185 |
- |
Abundant throughout UK. |
Local |
|
Bullfinch (Pyrrhula pyrrhula) |
10 |
JNCC Red List, UKBAP, LBAP |
Recent national decline, present throughout Scotland except far north and west. |
Authority area |
|
Buzzard (Buteo buteo) |
27 |
- |
Commonest UK bird of prey. |
Local |
|
Carrion crow (Corvus corone) |
54 |
- |
Abundant throughout UK. |
Local |
|
Chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs) |
239 |
- |
Abundant throughout UK. |
Local |
|
Chiffchaff (Phylloscopus collybita) |
47 |
- |
Less common in far north, west and east Scotland but widespread in central belt. Summer visitor. |
Local |
|
Coal tit (Parus ater) |
9 |
- |
Common throughout UK. |
Local |
|
Collared dove (Streptopelia decaocto) |
8 |
- |
Abundant throughout UK. |
Local |
|
Common tern (Sterna hirundo) |
6 |
LBAP |
Seabird species (Chapter 11: Estuarine Ecology). |
- |
|
Coot (Fulica atra) |
13 |
- |
Abundant throughout UK. |
Local |
|
Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo) |
7 |
JNCC Amber List |
Occurs in very large numbers at breeding and wintering sites in the UK. Predominantly marine in this area. |
Local |
|
Curlew (Numenius arquata) |
1 |
JNCC Amber List |
UK numbers of breeding and wintering birds internationally important, however unlikely to be important in context of the terrestrial areas of this study area and more associated with marine habitats. Is a qualifying species of the Firth of Forth Special Protection Area (SPA). |
International |
|
Dipper (Cinclus cinclus) |
1 |
- |
National population considered stable however localised declines have occurred. |
Local |
|
Dunnock (Prunella modularis) |
42 |
JNCC Amber List |
Widespread throughout UK but overall in decline. |
Local |
|
Eider (Somateria mollissima) |
54 |
JNCC Amber List |
Seabird species (Chapter 11: Estuarine Ecology). |
- |
|
Feral pigeon (Columba livia (domest.)) |
15 |
- |
Abundant throughout UK. |
Local |
|
Fulmar (Fulmarus glacialis) |
1 |
JNCC Amber List |
Seabird species (Chapter 11: Estuarine Ecology). |
- |
|
Gadwall (Anas strepera) |
10 |
JNCC Amber List |
Localised population in eastern central Scotland. |
Authority area |
|
Goldcrest (Regulus regulus) |
4 |
JNCC Amber List |
Widespread throughout UK although recently in decline. |
Authority area |
|
Goldfinch (Carduelis carduelis) |
70 |
- |
Abundant throughout UK. |
Local |
|
Grasshopper warbler (Locustella naevia) |
1 |
JNCC Red List, UKBAP |
Less common in Scotland, recently in dramatic national decline. |
Regional |
|
Great black-backed gull (Larus marinus) |
4 |
- |
Seabird species (Chapter 11: Estuarine Ecology). |
- |
|
Great-spotted woodpecker (Dendrocopos major) |
5 |
LBAP |
Most common in England and Wales but still widespread throughout Scotland except in the far north. Target species within Edinburgh LBAP. |
Authority area |
|
Great tit (Parus major) |
148 |
- |
Abundant throughout UK. |
Local |
|
Green woodpecker (Picus viridis) |
8 |
JNCC Amber List |
Most common in England and Wales, less widespread in Scotland and generally in decline. |
Authority area |
|
Greenfinch (Carduelis chloris) |
41 |
- |
Abundant throughout UK. |
Local |
|
Grey heron (Ardea cinerea) |
5 |
- |
Abundant throughout UK. |
Local |
|
Grey partridge (Perdix perdix) |
- |
JNCC Red List, UKBAP, LBAP |
Abundant and widespread species although has suffered a rapid decline in the last 25 years. |
Authority area |
|
Greylag goose (Anser anser) |
7 |
Annex 1, WCA1i, JNCC Amber List |
Abundant throughout UK. |
Local |
|
Herring gull (Larus argentatus) |
58 |
JNCC Amber List, UKBAP |
Seabird species (Chapter 11: Estuarine Ecology). |
- |
|
House martin (Delichon urbica) |
34 |
JNCC Amber List |
Widespread throughout UK but recent moderate population declines. |
Authority area |
|
House sparrow (Passer domesticus) |
145 |
JNCC Red List, UKBAP |
Generally still common throughout the UK but recently in serious decline. |
Authority area |
|
Jackdaw (Corvus monedula) |
28 |
- |
Abundant throughout UK. |
Local |
|
Jay (Garrulus glandarius) |
3 |
- |
Abundant throughout UK. |
Local |
|
Kestrel (Faclo tinnunculus) |
7 |
JNCC Amber List |
Common throughout the UK although recently in decline. |
Authority area |
|
Lapwing (Vanellus vanellus) |
7 |
JNCC Amber List, UKBAP, LBAP |
Common throughout the UK although recently in decline. |
Authority area |
|
Lesser black-backed gull (Larus fuscus) |
32 |
JNCC Amber List |
Seabird species (Chapter 11: Estuarine Ecology). |
- |
|
Lesser whitethroat (Sylvia curruca) |
1 |
- |
Only present in southern Scotland as a summer visitor and not in decline across its typical range within the UK. |
Local |
|
Linnet (Carduelis cannabina) |
41 |
JNCC Red List, UKBAP, LBAP |
Widespread but increasingly scarce due to population decline. Absent from north and west Scotland. |
Regional |
|
Little grebe (Tachybaptus ruficollis) |
8 |
- |
Widespread UK species. |
Local |
|
Long-tailed tit (Aegithalos caudatus) |
24 |
- |
Common UK species except in far north and west Scotland. |
Local |
|
Magpie (Pica pica) |
35 |
- |
Abundant throughout UK. |
Local |
|
Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) |
32 |
- |
Abundant throughout UK. |
Local |
|
Meadow pipit (Anthus pratensis) |
1 |
JNCC Amber List |
Common UK species especially the breeding population within Scotland in upland areas. |
Local |
|
Moorhen (Gallinula chloropus) |
13 |
- |
Abundant throughout UK. |
Local |
|
Mute swan (Cygnus olor) |
12 |
JNCC Amber List |
Widespread throughout UK although absent from upland areas of Scotland. Recent population increases. |
Local |
|
Oystercatcher (Haematopus ostralegus) |
25 |
JNCC Amber List |
Seabird species (Chapter 11: Estuarine Ecology). |
- |
|
Pied wagtail (Motacilla alba) |
6 |
- |
Abundant throughout UK. |
Local |
|
Raven (Corvus corax) |
4 |
- |
Common within Scotland. |
Local |
|
Red-breasted merganser (Mergus serrator) |
17 |
- |
Seabird species (Chapter 11: Estuarine Ecology). |
- |
|
Reed bunting (Emberiza schoeniclus |
5 |
JNCC Red List, UKBAP, LBAP |
Widespread throughout most of UK but has suffered serious population decline. |
Regional |
|
Robin (Erithacus rubecula) |
108 |
- |
Abundant throughout UK. |
Local |
|
Rook (Corvus frugilegus) |
2 |
- |
Abundant throughout UK. |
Local |
|
Sand martin (Riparia riparia) |
69 |
JNCC Amber List, LBAP |
Common summer visitor throughout UK. Population crashes linked to droughts in Africa have resulted in its addition to the JNCC Amber List. |
Authority area |
|
Sedge warbler (Acrocephalus schoenobaenus) |
2 |
- |
Abundant throughout UK. |
Local |
|
Shelduck (Tadorna tadorna) |
37 |
JNCC Amber List |
Seabird species (Chapter 11: Estuarine Ecology). |
- |
|
Skylark (Alauda arvensis) |
77 |
JNCC Red List, UKBAP, LBAP |
Widespread throughout UK but suffered serious recent declines. |
Regional |
|
Song thrush (Turdus philomelos) |
35 |
JNCC Red List, UKBAP, LBAP |
Widespread throughout UK but suffered serious recent declines. |
Regional |
|
Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) |
45 |
JNCC Red List, UKBAP |
Widespread throughout UK but suffered serious recent declines. |
Regional |
|
Stock dove (Columba oenas) |
12 |
JNCC Amber List |
Widespread UK population represents about half of total European population. |
Local |
|
Swallow (Hirundo rustica) |
48 |
JNCC Amber List |
Common summer visitor throughout UK. Population decline linked to reduced habitat quality in both wintering and breeding areas. |
Authority area |
|
Swift (Apus apus) |
10 |
LBAP |
Abundant throughout UK. Population in Edinburgh area has declined due to loss of nest sites on buildings. |
Authority area |
|
Treecreeper (Certhia familiaris) |
4 |
- |
Widespread throughout the UK. |
Local |
|
Tufted duck (Aythya fuligula) |
5 |
- |
Widespread throughout the UK. |
Local |
|
Whitethroat (Sylvia communis) |
27 |
- |
Widespread summer visitor throughout the UK. |
Local |
|
Willow warbler (Phylloscopus trochilus) |
42 |
JNCC Amber List |
Common summer visitor throughout the UK but has suffered decline in recent years. |
Authority area |
|
Wood pigeon (Columba palumbus) |
182 |
- |
Abundant throughout UK. |
Local |
|
Wren (Troglodytes troglodytes) |
194 |
- |
Abundant throughout UK. |
Local |
|
Yellowhammer (Emberiza citronella) |
30 |
JNCC Red List, UKBAP, LBAP |
Widespread throughout UK except for some upland areas in north and west Scotland. Has suffered recent serious decline in population numbers. |
Regional |
* Estimated population is in quadrats <500m from the alignment.
4.1.3 Based on the context and evaluation provided in Table 4.1, 21 species were selected for the impact assessment (bullfinch, curlew, gadwall, goldcrest, grasshopper warbler, great spotted woodpecker, green woodpecker, house martin, house sparrow, kestrel, lapwing, linnet, reed bunting, sand martin, skylark, song thrush, starling, swallow, swift, willow warbler and yellowhammer). The selection of species was based on an evaluation of authority area level ecological value or higher. For example, dunnock is cited as a JNCC Amber List species owing to a recorded decline and therefore would be of authority area level ecological value. However, the population status of the species remains common and widespread throughout the UK and the study area and on this basis is assessed as being of local level ecological value.
5 Terrestrial Wintering Birds
5.1.1 The terrestrial wintering bird evaluation follows the approach detailed in Appendix A10.4, Section 5.1. Table 5.1 provides an evaluation of each bird species recorded during the field surveys as described in Appendix A10.4, Section 5.1.
Table 5.1: Evaluation of Terrestrial Wintering Birds
|
Species |
Conservation Status |
Local/Regional/National Context |
Evaluation |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Blackbird |
- |
Abundant throughout UK. |
Local |
|
Black-headed gull |
JNCC Amber List |
Commonest UK inland gull, particularly in north England, Scotland and Wales. Relatively small numbers exist within study area. |
Local |
|
Blue tit |
- |
Abundant throughout UK. |
Local |
|
Bullfinch |
JNCC Red List, UKBAP, LBAP |
Recent rapid national decline, present throughout Scotland except far north and west. |
Authority area |
|
Buzzard |
- |
Commonest UK bird of prey. |
Local |
|
Carrion crow |
- |
Abundant throughout UK. |
Local |
|
Chaffinch |
- |
Abundant throughout UK. |
Local |
|
Coal tit |
- |
Common throughout UK. |
Local |
|
Collared dove |
- |
Abundant throughout UK. |
Local |
|
Common snipe (Gallinago gallinago) |
JNCC Amber List, LBAP |
An abundant winter visitor and passage migrant, although has suffered a moderate decline in the last 25 years. |
Authority area |
|
Coot |
- |
Abundant throughout UK. |
Local |
|
Cormorant |
Amber List |
Occurs in very large numbers at breeding and wintering sites in the UK. Predominantly estuarine in this area. A qualifying species of the Firth of Forth SPA. |
International |
|
Curlew |
JNCC Amber List, UKBAP, LBAP |
UK numbers of breeding and wintering birds are of international value. A qualifying species of the Firth of Forth SPA. |
International |
|
Dunnock |
JNCC Amber List, UKBAP |
Widespread throughout UK but overall in decline. |
Local |
|
Feral pigeon |
- |
Abundant throughout UK. |
Local |
|
Fieldfare (Turdus pilaris) |
Schedule 1 LBAP |
Common winter visitor. |
Authority area |
|
Goldcrest |
JNCC Amber List |
Widespread throughout UK although recently in decline. |
Authority area |
|
Goldfinch |
- |
Abundant throughout UK. |
Local |
|
Great-spotted woodpecker |
LBAP |
Most common in England and Wales but still widespread throughout Scotland except in the far north. Target species within Edinburgh LBAP. |
Authority area |
|
Great tit |
- |
Abundant throughout UK. |
Local |
|
Greenfinch |
- |
Abundant throughout UK. |
Local |
|
Grey partridge |
JNCC Red List, UKBAP, LBAP |
Abundant and widespread species although has suffered a rapid decline in the last 25 years. |
Authority area |
|
Greylag goose |
Annex 1, WCA1i, JNCC Amber List |
50% of the UK wintering population are in 10 or less sites in Britain. |
National |
|
Grey Heron |
- |
Abundant throughout UK. |
Local |
|
Grey wagtail (Motacilla cinerea) |
- |
Common widespread species in the UK and passage migrant. |
Local |
|
Herring gull |
JNCC Amber List, UKBAP |
Seabird species (Chapter 11: Estuarine Ecology). |
- |
|
House sparrow |
UKBA, JNCC Red List |
Generally still common throughout the UK but recently in serious decline. |
Authority area |
|
Jackdaw |
- |
Abundant throughout UK. |
Local |
|
Jay |
- |
Abundant throughout UK. |
Local |
|
Kestrel |
JNCC Amber List |
Common throughout the UK although recently in decline. |
Authority area |
|
Lapwing |
JNCC Amber List, UKBAP, LBAP |
Important wintering populations of this species reside in the UK. A qualifying species of the Firth of Forth SPA. |
International |
|
Lesser black-backed gull |
JNCC Amber List |
An abundant wintering species. Relatively small numbers exist within study area. |
Local |
|
Little grebe |
- |
Widespread UK species. |
Local |
|
Linnet |
JNCC Red List, LBAP |
Widespread but increasingly scarce due to population decline. Absent from north and west Scotland. |
Regional |
|
Long-tailed tit |
- |
Common UK species except in far north and west Scotland. |
Local |
|
Magpie |
- |
Abundant throughout UK. |
Local |
|
Mallard |
- |
A qualifying species of the Firth of Forth SPA. Although still abundant throughout UK. |
International |
|
Meadow pipit |
JNCC Amber List |
Common UK species. |
Local |
|
Mistle thrush (Turdus viscivorus) |
JNCC Amber List |
An abundant winter visitor although has suffered a moderate decline in last 25 years. |
Local |
|
Moorhen |
- |
Abundant throughout the UK. |
Local |
|
Mute swan |
JNCC Amber List |
Widespread throughout UK although absent from upland areas of Scotland. Recent population increases. |
Local |
|
Oystercatcher |
JNCC Amber List, LBAP |
Seabird species (Chapter 11: Estuarine Ecology). |
- |
|
Pied Wagtail |
- |
Abundant throughout the UK. |
Local |
|
Pink-footed goose (Anser brachyrhynchus) |
JNCC Amber List |
An abundant winter visitor. |
Local |
|
Redshank (Tringa tetanus) |
JNCC Amber List, LBAP |
Seabird species (Chapter 11: Estuarine Ecology). |
- |
|
Redwing (Turdus iliacus) |
WCA1i, JNCC Amber List |
A common winter visitor. |
Authority area |
|
Reed bunting |
JNCC Red List, UKBAP, LBAP |
Widespread throughout most of UK but has suffered serious population decline. |
Regional |
|
Robin |
- |
Abundant throughout the UK. |
Local |
|
Rook |
- |
Abundant throughout the UK. |
Local |
|
Siskin (Carduelis spinus) |
- |
An abundant winter visitor and passage migrant. |
Local |
|
Skylark |
JNCC Red List, UKBAP, LBAP |
Widespread throughout UK but suffered serious recent declines. |
Regional |
|
Song thrush |
JNCC Red List, UKBAP, LBAP |
Widespread throughout UK but suffered serious recent declines. |
Regional |
|
Sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus) |
- |
A common and widespread species. |
Local |
|
Starling |
JNCC Red List, UKBAP |
Widespread throughout UK but suffered serious recent declines. |
Regional |
|
Stock dove |
JNCC Amber List |
Widespread UK population represents about half of the total European population. |
Local |
|
Teal (Anas crecca) |
JNCC Amber List |
An abundant winter visitor and 20% of non breeding European population found in the UK. |
Local |
|
Tree creeper |
- |
Widespread throughout the UK. |
Local |
|
Tufted duck |
- |
Widespread throughout the UK. |
Local |
|
Water rail (Rallus aquaticus) |
JNCC Amber List |
Common and widespread species. |
Local |
|
Waxwing (Bombycilla garrulous) |
- |
An uncommon winter visitor. |
Local |
|
Wood pigeon |
- |
Abundant throughout UK. |
Local |
|
Wren |
- |
Abundant throughout UK. |
Local |
|
Yellowhammer |
JNCC Red List UKBAP |
Widespread throughout UK except for some upland areas in north and west Scotland. Has suffered recent serious decline in population numbers. |
Regional |
5.1.2 Based on the context and evaluation provided in Table 5.1, 20 species were selected for the impact assessment (bullfinch, common snipe, cormorant, curlew, fieldfare, goldcrest, great spotted woodpecker, grey partridge, greylag goose, house sparrow, kestrel, lapwing, linnet, mallard, redwing, reed bunting, skylark, song thrush, starling and yellowhammer). The selection of species was based on an evaluation of authority area level ecological value or higher as described under breeding birds (Section 4).
6 Otter
6.1.1 Otters are European Protected Species (EPS) through their inclusion in Annex IV of the Habitats Directive (92/43/EC) (Appendix A10.2, Section 2.7.9). However, given that otters are likely to be at low densities even in the most favourable habitats (Kruuk, 2006) and that it is not possible to evaluate the size of the otter population based on the number of signs, the evaluation is based on the size and quality of the habitat and geographical context as detailed in the methods (Appendix A10.3, Section 6.3, Table 6.1).
6.1.2 The following criteria were used to evaluate the sites within the study area for otters:
- Sites (i.e. water courses and waterbodies) are assessed to be of less than local level ecological value to otters if they were not shown to be used by otters; they were considered to be too small to support suitable prey items or serve any other function such as fresh water fur-washing in coastal areas; and water quality is poor. Based on this evaluation, Ferry Loch and Jamestown are assessed to be of less than local level ecological value to otters.
- Sites are considered to be of local level ecological value to otters if no or low otter activity was recorded and they provide features which are not scarce in the locality, but which offered some potential to otters, including movement corridors or seasonal prey resources. These also included areas of habitat considered to appreciably enrich the habitat resource. Brankholm Burn is assessed to be of local level ecological value to otters.
- Sites are assessed to be of authority area level ecological value to otters if they were shown to support otter populations (i.e. regularly occurring, locally significant populations of a species that is listed in the City of Edinburgh (City of Edinburgh Council, 2009), West Lothian (West Lothian Council, 2009) and Fife (Fife Council, 2008) BAP on account of its regional localisation) and provide suitable prey items and opportunities for lying up, and form good connections with other habitat features. These also included sites which are scarce within the county or which appreciably enrich the authority area habitat resource. The coast (north and south) of the Firth of Forth, Linn Mill Burn, Dolphington Burn, Swineburn, Niddry Burn and the River Almond are assessed to be of authority area level ecological value to otters.
- Sites are assessed to be of regional level ecological value to otters if they were large enough to support a number of otters, included a good fish prey resource, movement corridors and several lying up sites. These included sites which exceed the authority area level designations but fall short of national or international designation criteria. No watercourses were considered to be of regional level ecological value.
6.1.3 The evaluation of otter habitats within the study area is shown in Table 6.1.
Table 6.1: Evaluation of Otter Habitats
|
Water Feature |
Habitat Quality |
Use by Otters |
Reason for Valuation |
Evaluation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Brankholm Burn, Rosyth |
Low - medium |
Foraging and commuting. |
Otter spraint was recorded indicating low otter activity along the burn. |
Local |
|
Jamestown Pond |
Medium |
Foraging. |
No signs of otter recorded. |
Less than local |
|
Ferry Loch |
Medium |
Foraging. |
No signs of otter recorded. |
Less than local |
|
Coast - Rosyth Europarc - North Queensferry |
High |
Foraging, commuting, lying up. |
Prints indicate use by otter. |
Authority area |
|
Coast - Abercorn Point - Long Craig Pier |
High |
Foraging, commuting and lying up. |
Spraints indicate use by otter. |
Authority area |
|
Linn Mill Burn |
Medium |
Foraging. |
Spraints and prints indicate use by otter. |
Authority area |
|
Dolphington Burn |
Medium |
Foraging, commuting and lying up. |
Spraints and potential lying up habitat in woodland areas indicate use by otter. |
Authority area |
|
Swine Burn |
High - Medium |
Foraging, commuting and lying up. |
Otter spraint, print and runs indicate presence of otter. |
Authority area |
|
Niddry Burn |
High - Medium |
Foraging, commuting and lying up. Potential breeding. |
Otter spraint, print and runs indicate presence of otter. |
Authority area |
|
River Almond |
High |
Foraging, commuting and lying up. |
Spraints, runs and prints indicate presence of otter. |
Authority area |
6.1.4 There are no designated sites within the study area for which otters are the designated or notified species of interest. For this reason no sites within the study area were assessed as being of international or national level ecological value to otters.
7 Water Vole
7.1.1 Water vole (Arvicola terrestris) habitat is protected by law and water voles are listed as priority species in the Edinburgh City (City of Edinburgh Council, 2009) and Fife (Fife Council, 2008) Local BAPs. Furthermore, water voles are being considered for inclusion in the West Lothian LBAP (West Lothian Council, 2009) (Appendix A10.2, Section 2.8). Species fulfilling the criteria (as detailed in Chapter 10 (Table 10.1)) would be considered to be of authority area level ecological value. Anecdotal and historical evidence indicates their former presence within the study area (Appendix A10.4, Section 7, Strachan & Jefferies, 1993). However, as no field signs were recorded water vole are considered likely to be absent from the range of sites targeted for survey. It can therefore be reasonably concluded that water vole are likely to be absent from similar habitats affected by the selected route option comprising the study area. Accordingly, the value of water vole is assessed as being of less than local level ecological value and they are not considered further in this assessment.
8 Red Squirrel
8.1.1 No evidence of red squirrels was recorded within the survey area and as such an evaluation of baseline conditions for this species is not provided. This receptor is not considered further is this assessment.
9 Amphibians
9.1.1 Amphibians are protected under Section 9(5) of the Wildlife Countryside Act 1981 (as amended). In addition, great crested newts (Lissotriton cristatus) are protected under Regulation 39 of the Conservation (Natural Habitats & c.) Regulations 1994 (as amended) and Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004.
9.1.2 Table 9.1 provides a summary of the ecology and nature conservation value of ponds surveyed for amphibians. The location of ponds is shown on Figure 10.9.
9.1.3 Ponds located within 300m of each other are considered to be a single ‘meta-population’ (Gent & Gibson, 1998).
Table 9.1: Evaluation of Amphibian Ponds
|
Pond Name/Number |
Terrestrial Habitat Quality |
Aquatic Habitat Quality |
Species Assemblages |
Evaluation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
N3 - Ferry Loch |
Moderate |
Moderate |
Great crested newt, palmate newt (Lissotriton helveticus), smooth newt (Lissotriton vulgaris), common toad (Bufo bufo). |
National |
|
S1 - Balfour Beattie Factory pond |
Low |
Moderate |
None |
Less than Local |
|
S10 - Railway Pond |
Moderate |
Moderate |
Smooth newt, common frog (Rana Temporaria). |
Local |
|
S11 - Railway Pond (East) |
Moderate |
Moderate |
Smooth newt, common frog, common toad. |
Local |
|
S12 - Railway pond (East) |
Moderate |
Moderate |
Common frog. |
Local |
|
S18 - Cherrytree Cottage Dundas Estate. |
High |
High |
Common frog, eft species (either palmate or smooth newt) |
Local |
|
S19 - Flight Pond, Dundas Estate |
Low |
High |
None |
Local |
10 Reptiles
10.1.1 No evidence of reptiles was recorded within the survey area and as such an evaluation of baseline conditions for this species is not provided. This receptor is not considered further in this assessment.
11 Terrestrial Invertebrates
11.1.1 Eight sites were chosen for survey based on their likelihood of supporting diverse terrestrial invertebrate fauna. The evaluation of each site was based upon the potential of each habitat to provide suitable conditions for terrestrial invertebrates. The potential of each site was based upon the records of species received from consultees, and an assessment of habitats at each site by an experienced ecologist.
11.1.2 Table 11.1 provides a summary evaluation with Table 11.2 providing a detailed evaluation. Table 11.2 presents the ecological value of the terrestrial habitats and populations of local species found in the study area and an evaluation of baseline conditions for each of the nine study sites.
Table 11.1: Summary Evaluation of Terrestrial Invertebrate Sites
|
Site Number |
Site Name/Designation |
Habitat Quality |
Species Population (from records) |
Evaluation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
St Margaret’s Marsh SSSI and Hope |
Medium |
Local |
Local |
|
2 |
Ferry Hills SSSI |
Medium |
Local |
Local |
|
3 |
Dundas North and Echline Strip |
Low |
Local |
Local |
|
4 |
Dolphington Burn Wood |
Medium |
Local |
Local |
|
5 |
Ross’s Plantation |
Medium |
Local |
Local |
|
6 |
Parkland, West Kirkliston |
Low |
Local |
Local |
|
7 |
Lindsay’s Craigs |
Medium |
Local |
Local |
|
8 |
River Almond |
Low |
Local |
Local |
11.1.3 Records from consultees and site evaluations indicated that the habitat requirements of significant terrestrial invertebrate species can be met on all eight sites (Table 11.2) and hence the sites could have been of national level ecological value for terrestrial invertebrates. However, for a site to be evaluated as a site of national level ecological value, conditions need to maintain a regularly occurring regional or authority area significant population/number of an internationally/nationally important species. As there are no records of nationally significant species found within the sites identified, or within the study area of the proposed scheme, the terrestrial invertebrate population in the study area is assessed as being of local level ecological value.
Table 11.2: Evaluation of Terrestrial Invertebrate Sites
|
Site |
Habitats Likely to be of Value for Terrestrial Invertebrates |
Habitat Quality |
General Invertebrate Potential |
Potential National and Locally Important Terrestrial Invertebrates with Conservation Status (see table footnote) |
Justification for Evaluation |
Evaluation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Site 1 |
St Margaret’s Hope Wood provides an ancient semi-natural habitat interspersed with open areas of south facing calcareous grassland and rock habitats. |
Medium |
Coleoptera, |
Judolia sexmaculata Na |
The mosaic of habitats at this site provides potential suitable habitats for 19 species of national importance and seven species of local importance with an associated potential national level ecological value for the site. |
Local |
|
Site 2 |
The site is bisected by the A90 and comprises lowland calcareous grassland, secondary woodland, scrub, open water, pond, mire, marsh and disused railway cutting. |
Medium |
Coleoptera, |
Luperus flavipes Nb, |
The mosaic of habitats at this site provides potential suitable habitats for 19 species of national importance and seven species of local importance with an associated potential national level ecological value for the site. |
Local |
|
Site 3 |
Mixed plantation shelter belts and woodland dominate the area. Standing and fallen timber are present in significant quantities. Scrub is present throughout in small patches with a small pond located in the south of the site. |
Low |
Coleoptera, |
Judolia sexmaculata Na |
The mosaic of habitats at this site provides potential suitable habitats for 14 species of national importance and seven species of local importance with an associated potential national level ecological value for the site. |
Local |
|
Site 4 Dolphington Burn Wood |
To the north of the site a small old plantation of broadleaved mature trees provide standing and dead timber habitats. Open tree canopy allows large areas of tall ruderal and short ephemeral vegetation. |
Medium |
Coleoptera, |
Judolia sexmaculata Na |
The mosaic of habitats at this site provides potential suitable habitats for 17 species of national significance and eight species of local significance with an associated potential national value for the site. |
Local |
|
Site 5 |
Mixed plantation woodland with a mainly young structure with sections of scrub including gorse, hawthorn and honeysuckle. |
Medium |
Coleoptera, |
Luperus flavipes Nb, |
The mosaic of habitats at this site provides potential suitable habitats for 15 species of national importance and seven species of local importance with an associated potential national level ecological value for the site. |
Local |
|
Site 6 Parkland, West Kirkliston |
Parkland provides sections of amenity woodland of varying age, with some sections containing mature trees with standing dead timber habitats. |
Low |
Coleoptera, |
Judolia sexmaculata Na |
The mosaic of habitats at this site provides potential suitable habitats for 16 species of national importance and eight species of local importance with an associated potential national level ecological value for the site. |
Local |
|
Site 7 Lindsay’s Craigs |
Poor semi-improved grassland with small sections of rocky outcrops (north facing), with patches of tall ruderals on field margins. Central section of field contains scrub including gorse. |
Medium |
Coleoptera, |
Judolia sexmaculata Na |
The mosaic of habitats at this site provides potential suitable habitats for 17 species of national importance and eight species of local importance with an associated potential national level ecological value for the site. |
Local |
|
Site 8 |
The River Almond provides south facing riparian habitats which are dominated by tall herbs, with small sections of scrub, sandy banks and fragmented marginal vegetation. |
Low |
Coleoptera, |
Luperus flavipes Nb, |
The mosaic of riparian habitats at this site provides potential suitable habitats for ten species of national importance and six species of local importance with an associated potential national value for the site. |
Local |
Note: Habitats likely to be of importance for terrestrial invertebrates: see Appendix A10.3 (Section 10.3.11, Table A10.3.16) for Habitat Assessment Criteria.
* Table A10.6.8: Key to Conservation Status (for further information refer to Appendix A10.2 (Section A10.2.12)
N: Notable taxa (Nationally Scarce)
Na: Notable taxa (Nationally Scarce Category A)
Nb: Notable taxa (Nationally Scarce Category B)
SBL S4: Scottish Biodiversity List Section 4 species (Scottish Biodiversity List, 2009)
12 River Habitat
12.1.1 Table 12.1 presents an evaluation of watercourse stretches recorded within the survey area in terms of their ecological quality together with a summary description of habitats. The evaluation of habitats for each river habitat site was derived from an assessment of ‘habitat modification score’ (HMS), with reference to designations, SEPA water quality classification and overall status within the Water Framework Directive (WFD) (2000/60/EC).
Table 12.1: Evaluation of River Habitat Survey Sites
|
Site No. |
Site Name |
Habitat Quality |
Habitat Modification |
Summary River Habitat Description |
Evaluation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
JA08 |
Swine Burn (downstream of Humbie Reservoir) |
Low |
Significantly Modified System |
Whilst flow regulation and culverting exist, the reach displayed varied flow types, channel deposition creating a low flow sinuous channel and a range of submerged and marginal vegetation. There was a simple habitat structure along the burn and otter spraints were evident. |
Authority area |
|
JA09 |
Swine Burn (adjacent to M9 Jct. 1A) |
Low |
Severely Modified System |
The straightened and partly over-deepened watercourse shows limited geomorphological diversity although the flow is varied and there are occasional unvegetated side bars. The bed substrate is consolidated and there is no in-channel vegetation evident except for mosses and filamentous algae. |
Local |
|
JA12 |
Niddry Burn (south of Lindsay’s Craigs |
Medium |
Obviously Modified System |
Adjacent land use is managed intensively and there is limited riparian vegetation. Shading, overhanging boughs, exposed bankside roots and fallen trees are present and otter signs are evident. |
Authority area |
|
JA14 |
River Almond |
Low |
Significantly Modified System |
A range of habitats occur along the morphologically diverse River Almond. Stretches with vegetated mid channel bars and large exposed boulders are present. The substrate was consolidated however and the banks, although renaturalising, were resectioned and result in a trapezoidal channel. The vegetation was predominantly of a complex structure but alien species are present. Otter spraints were present suggesting that the River Almond is a valuable wildlife corridor. |
Authority area |
Swine Burn (JA08)
12.1.2 The habitat within the surveyed reach of Swine Burn downstream of the Humbie Reservoir has been assessed, based purely on river habitat survey findings, to be of low ecological quality. This evaluation is based on the habitat assessment criteria set out in the baseline methods (Appendix A10.3). However, overall, Swine Burn is assessed as being of authority area level ecological value, based on the addition of a good (A2) (SEPA, 2006) water quality classification (Appendix A10.4, Section 11.3, Table 11.9) and a HMS indicative of a significantly modified river reach.
12.1.3 Swine Burn has been provisionally designated a ‘heavily modified waterbody’ by SEPA which suggests that achieving good ecological status (GES) is not possible with the existing level of modifications as listed in Appendix A10.4 (Section 11.3, Table 11.10) and that good ecological potential (GEP) will be the likely objective.
Swine Burn (JA09)
12.1.4 The reach of Swine Burn realigned alongside the M9 motorway is assessed as offering low quality habitat and is of local level ecological value. This assessment is based on a water quality classification of good (A2) (SEPA, 2006) and a HMS indicative of a severely modified site.
12.1.5 The provisional designation of Swine Burn as a ‘heavily modified waterbody’ by SEPA sets an objective for the watercourse of GEP by 2015.
Niddry Burn (JA12)
12.1.6 The surveyed reach of Niddry Burn offers habitat of medium quality as the watercourse is relatively unmodified in terms of in-channel structures and bank protection works. The HMS score is indicative of an obviously modified system.
12.1.7 Niddry Burn is assessed to be of authority area level ecological value, as the surveyed reach exhibited a varied morphology and good connectivity. The most up to date information suggests the Niddry burn was not classified for water quality in 2006, but information from the Forth Area Advisory Group (FAAG) suggests the Niddry Burn was classified as likely to achieve a poor surface water status in 2015 (FAAG, 2008).
River Almond (JA14)
12.1.8 The River Almond is assessed as having low quality habitat based on an HMS score suggesting it is ‘significantly modified’.
12.1.9 River Almond is therefore assessed to be of authority area level ecological value based on its HMS score and moderate (B) water quality classification (rated C in 2005) (SEPA, 2006).
13 Aquatic Macroinvertebrates
13.1.1 All surveyed watercourses within the study area have been assigned a level of ecological value within this assessment (Table 13.1) using information on habitat and freshwater macroinvertebrate communities and criteria described in Appendix A10.3. This information was developed from survey results, consultation and following guidelines established in Chapter 10 (Table 10.1) and Appendix A10.3. Macroinvertebrate community composition and the quality of their habitat has been assessed using the presence of species of conservation concern, river health class (from Biological Monitoring Working Party (BMWP) and Average Score Per Taxon (ASPT) scores) and the classification from the Community Conservation Index (CCI) (Chadd & Extence, 2004).
Table 13.1: Evaluation of Aquatic Macroinvertebrates Sites
|
Waterbody |
Species of Conservation Concern |
River Health Class |
Site |
CCI |
Evaluation |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Spring |
Autumn |
|||||
|
Brankholm Burn |
None |
Fair |
JA01 |
7.0 |
5.0 |
Local |
|
Unnamed tributary (NT 12258 81337) |
None |
n/a |
JA02 |
8.0 |
16.3 |
Authority area |
|
Unnamed pond (NT 12259 81314) |
None |
n/a |
JA03 |
n/a |
23.3 |
Authority area |
|
Linn Mill Burn |
None |
Fair |
JA04 |
8.2 |
4.5 |
Local |
|
Dolphington Burn |
None |
Poor to fair |
JA05 |
1.1 |
3.8 |
Local |
|
JA06 |
4.0 |
10.8 |
||||
|
Swine Burn |
None |
Poor to fair |
JA08 |
4.4 |
12.4 |
Authority area |
|
JA09 |
13.3 |
11.7 |
||||
|
Niddry Burn |
Nationally scarce Dipteran (Dixa maculata) |
Fair to good |
JA10 |
3.8 |
1.3 |
Regional |
|
JA11 |
8.8 |
4.2 |
||||
|
JA13 |
12.0 |
13.3 |
||||
|
River Almond |
None |
Fair |
JA14 |
9.2 |
3.3 |
Authority area |
Brankholm Burn
13.1.2 Brankholm Burn is of fair biological water quality (SEPA, 2006) and although 19 taxa were identified, none were of conservation concern. The sampled point on the burn was of moderate conservation value using CCI assessment (Chadd & Extence, 2004). Habitat diversity and flow features are limited resulting in an assessment of local level ecological value for aquatic invertebrates.
Unnamed Waterbodies
13.1.3 Both water bodies were located on the northern shore of the Firth of Forth, on the inland edge of St Margaret’s Marsh within the SSSI boundary. The unnamed tributary (Site JA02), running into an unnamed pond (JA03) which is exposed to saline intrusion, exhibits a species assemblage expected of such brackish conditions. Site JA02 supports a seasonally variable taxon richness of up to 10 taxa including Corophium volutator and Hediste diversicolor (species known to be valuable to feeding waders and wildfowl). Using CCI (Chadd & Extence, 2004), the sampled invertebrate community within the tributary ranged from moderate conservation value in the spring to high conservation value in the autumn and the tributary is therefore assessed as being of ecological value at the authority area level for aquatic invertebrates.
13.1.4 The unnamed pond (Site JA03) supports a limited macroinvertebrate fauna, indicative of a brackish environment. No invertebrate samples were collected in spring from this pond but the autumn sample identified a community of very high conservation value through the assessment of CCI scores as the majority of these few species present are of conservation value (including Corophium volutator, Corophium arenarium and Gammarus duebeni). This waterbody may therefore contribute to the feeding habitat for coastal waterfowl and waders and is therefore assessed to be of ecological value at the authority area level for aquatic invertebrates.
Linn Mill Burn
13.1.5 Linn Mill Burn is of fair biological water quality (SEPA, 2006) and although 19 taxa were identified, none were of conservation concern. The CCI scores for the burn ranged from moderate conservation value in spring to low conservation value in autumn. It is therefore assessed as being of local level ecological value for aquatic invertebrates.
Dolphington Burn
13.1.6 Dolphington Burn is of poor to fair biological water quality (SEPA, 2006) and although 16 taxa were identified, none were of conservation concern. The CCI scores for the lower burn (Site JA05 just upstream of the oil storage depot) showed it to be of low conservation value, whereas the CCI scores for the upper burn (Site JA06 by the existing A8000) ranged from low conservation value in spring to moderate - fairly high conservation value in autumn. Habitat diversity and flow features are limited and resulting in an assessment of local level ecological value for aquatic invertebrates.
Swine Burn
13.1.7 Swine Burn is of poor to fair biological water quality based on the calculation of river health categories from surveyed results (SEPA, 2006). Although it supports up to 20 taxa, no species of conservation concern were collected from the burn. CCI scores indicates the upper burn ranged from low to fairly high conservation value between spring and autumn respectively (Site JA08) and Site JA09 (where the proposed scheme is located) had a fairly high conservation value. It is therefore assessed as being of authority area level ecological value for aquatic invertebrates.
Niddry Burn
13.1.8 Niddry Burn was found to support the only notable species from all the sampled sites within the buffer zone, the nationally scarce true fly (Dixa maculata), also known as a meniscus midge. This species is usually found at the surface water film of slow-flowing, shallow stony streams, often against emergent plants or rocks where they filter-feed. The watercourse offers a range of habitat features suitable to maintain taxon rich communities and monitoring suggests water of fair to good biological quality. The upper burn (Site JA10) is of low conservation value (according to CCI scores), the mid-region (Site JA11) ranged from moderate conservation value in spring to low conservation value in autumn, but the downstream region (Site JA13) before the confluence with the River Almond consistently supported a community of fairly high conservation value. Although Niddry Burn supports species of national value, the water quality along the reach does not fall within national evaluation conditions (Chapter 10: Table 10. and Appendix A10.4: Table 12.3) and therefore Niddry Burn is assessed of regional level ecological value for aquatic invertebrates.
River Almond
13.1.9 River Almond is of fair to good biological water quality (SEPA, 2006) and although 16 taxa were identified at the site surveyed, none were of conservation concern. The CCI scores from the community at the sample point (Site JA14) ranged from moderate conservation value in spring to low conservation value in autumn. River Almond is therefore assessed as being of authority area level ecological value for aquatic invertebrates.
13.2 Freshwater Macrophytes
13.2.1 A combination of a literature review, habitat assessment and species survey was used to evaluate the habitat and communities of freshwater macrophytes with reference to the geographical framework detailed in Chapter 10 (Table 10.1). The evaluation of macrophyte sites is summarised in Table 13.2. Of the 44 species identified, 32 species are classified as being lower risk - least concern on the JNCC Taxon Designation List (based on IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, (1997) and other international guidelines) and are not considered to be under threat. The remaining 12 species are not included in the Red List due to limited data being available about them, and hence their conservation status has not been evaluated.
13.2.2 Each site was evaluated in terms of macrophytes present and assessed through a combination of MTR values, general habitat quality and consultation information.
13.2.3 Based on these considerations, the freshwater macrophyte population in the study area is assessed as being of local level ecological value.
Table 13.2: Evaluation of Freshwater Macrophytes Sites
|
Site |
General Habitat |
Habitat Quality |
Potential National and Locally Important Freshwater Macrophytes with Conservation Status* |
Justification for Evaluation |
Evaluation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
JA01 Brankholm Burn |
A reach of watercourse, with the predominant flow type characterised as a run. |
Medium |
Lower risk - least concern (Red List based on 2001 IUCN guidelines): |
None of the species recorded are of conservation significance. |
Local |
|
JA04 |
A reach of watercourse, with the predominant flow type characterised as a run. |
Low |
Lower risk - least concern (Red List based on 2001 IUCN guidelines): |
None of the species recorded are of conservation significance. |
Local |
|
JA06 |
A reach of watercourse, with the predominant flow type characterised as a run. |
Medium |
Species that were recorded at this site are not listed on the JNCC website and as such their conservation value is unknown. |
None of the species recorded are of conservation significance. |
Local |
|
JA07 |
A large, still waterbody. |
Medium |
Lower risk - least concern (Red List based on 2001 IUCN guidelines): |
None of the species recorded are of conservation significance. |
Local |
|
JA08 |
A reach of watercourse, with the Swine Burn, upstream of any proposed works |
Medium |
Species that were recorded at this site are not listed on the JNCC website and as such their conservation value is unknown. |
None of the species recorded are of conservation significance. |
Local |
|
JA09 |
A reach of watercourse, with the predominant flow type characterised as a run. |
Medium |
As above. |
None of the species recorded are of conservation significance. |
Local |
|
JA10 |
A reach of watercourse, with the predominant flow type characterised as a run. |
Medium |
As above. |
None of the species recorded are of conservation significance. |
Local |
|
JA12 |
A reach of watercourse, with the predominant flow type characterised as a run. It is bounded by patches of marginal vegetation. |
Low |
Lower risk - least concern species (Red List based on 2001 IUCN guidelines): |
None of the species recorded are of conservation significance. |
Local |
|
JA13 |
A reach of watercourse, with the predominant flow type characterised as a run. It is bounded by patches of marginal vegetation. |
Medium |
Species that were recorded at this site are not listed on the JNCC website and as such their conservation value is unknown. |
None of the species recorded are of conservation significance. |
Local |
|
JA14 |
A reach of watercourse, with the predominant flow type characterised as a run. It is bounded by patches of marginal vegetation. |
Medium |
Lower risk - least concern (Red List based on 2001 IUCN guidelines): |
Nine of the species recorded are of some conservation significance, cited as of lower risk (least concern) within the Red List following the 2001 IUCN guidelines. |
Local |
* IUCN (2001), JNCC (2008)
13.3 Freshwater Fish
Swine Burn (Site JA08)
13.3.1 Bullhead (Cottus gobio) and minnow (Phoxinus phoxinus) were recorded at this site which is situated downstream of Humbie Reservoir. Both of these species have historically been recorded in the Forth catchment (Davies et al., 2004), the former are non-indigenous to Scotland. The presence of obstacles to fish migration further downstream on Swine Burn (e.g. where water is culverted underground, an existing culvert at M9 Junction 1A (~150m in length) and a waterfall (NT 11900 74400)), may reduce the potential salmonid population through the study area. In-stream obstructions are potentially a limiting barrier to fish migration (specific to certain species).
13.3.2 The habitat present within Swine Burn (Site JA08) is considered to be of moderate ecological value (Appendix A10.4, Section 14.2, Table 14.4) based on the criteria listed in Appendix A10.3 (Section 15.4, Table 15.1). The fish species recorded, suggest that this site is of local level ecological value for freshwater fish as the species present enrich the biodiversity resource within the local context. However, a SEPA water quality classification of A2 (SEPA, 2006) influences the habitat and therefore the combined ecological receptor is assessed as being of authority area level ecological value (Table 13.3).
Swine Burn (Site JA09)
13.3.3 Brown trout (Salmo trutta), bullhead (in abundance), minnow, and three-spined stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus) were recorded at this site which is adjacent to M9 Junction 1A. All of these species have historically been recorded in the Forth catchment (Davies et al., 2004). The low numbers of brown trout recorded and the absence of migratory salmonids may be a result of obstacles to fish migration downstream on Swine Burn such as a number of underground culverts, an existing culvert at M9 Junction 1A (~150m in length), and a waterfall at NT 11900 74400.
13.3.4 The habitat present at Swine Burn (Site JA09) is considered to be of good ecological value (Appendix A10.4, Table 14.4) and based on the criteria listed in Appendix A10.3. The diverse habitat and more notably, diversity in flow features, appears to support an increased fish species community relative to Swine Burn (downstream of Humbie Reservoir). This site is evaluated as being of regional level ecological value for freshwater fish as the burn supports a population of nationally important species (brown trout) that are not rare in the region (Table 13.3).
Niddry Burn (Site JA12)
13.3.5 Brown trout, bullhead, stone loach (Barbatula barbatula), minnow, and three-spined stickleback were recorded at this site which is south of Lindsay’s Craigs. All of these species have historically been recorded in the Forth catchment (Davies et al., 2004). Bullhead, stone loach and minnow are considered to be non-indigenous to Scotland. Due to the Niddry Burn’s connectivity with the River Almond, it is likely that bullhead have colonised via this route. The low numbers of brown trout and three-spined stickleback present can potentially be attributed to unsuitable habitat e.g. lack of available cover. The most recent information for the Niddry Burn provides an overall status of moderate (SEPA, 2008) (Appendix A10.4, Table 11.9).
13.3.6 The habitat present within the Niddry Burn (Site JA12) is classified as good quality (Appendix A10.4, Table 14.4). The habitat exhibited high substrate diversity (predominantly cobble) and bankside cover (predominantly vegetation rooted in the stream bed). Habitat conditions within this burn are assessed as being of regional level ecological value for freshwater fish (Table 13.3), as the site supports a population of nationally important species (brown trout) that are not rare in the region.
River Almond (Site JA14)
13.3.7 Brown trout, bullhead, stone loach, minnow, three-spined stickleback and European eel (Anguilla anguilla) were recorded at the River Almond survey site. All of these species have historically been recorded in the Forth catchment (Davies et al., 2004). The River Almond supported the highest number of species of all the sites surveyed (6 species), which is typical of large river systems and the qualitative data collected for this site. Catch return information (2007 and 2008) for Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar), sea trout, finnock and brown trout has been provided by the Cramond Angling Club (Appendix A10.4, Table 14.7). Catch returns have been consistent during this period however the data for 2008 shows a slight increase in species size over the preceding year.
13.3.8 The habitat present within the River Almond is classified as good quality (Appendix A10.4, Table 14.4) and based on the criteria listed in Appendix A10.3. The habitat exhibited high substrate diversity (predominantly cobble) and a significant range of depths incorporating a number of flow features throughout. This site is evaluated as being of regional level ecological value for freshwater fish, due to the River Almond maintaining populations of nationally important species that are not threatened in the region. The most recent assessment by SEPA under the WFD monitoring and classification programme for the River Almond provides an overalls status of poor (SEPA, 2008), (Appendix A10.4, Table 11.9).
Table 13.3: Evaluation of Freshwater Fish Sites
|
Watercourse |
Habitat Quality |
Evaluation of Ecological Receptor |
|---|---|---|
|
Swine Burn (Site JA08) |
Moderate |
Authority area |
|
Swine Burn (Site JA09) |
Good |
Regional |
|
Niddry Burn |
Good |
Regional |
|
River Almond |
Good |
Regional |
13.3.9 The four study sites surveyed supported a number of fish species and diverse habitats. The species recorded are among those that would be expected from the watercourses of the character of those surveyed within the study area, although a further four species have historically been recorded across the River Almond catchment (Appendix A10.4). Suitable lamprey habitat (marginal silt beds) was not identified at any of the study sites and no lamprey species were recorded during the 2008 surveys, but brook (Lampetra planeri), river (Lampetra fluviatilis) and sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) are present within the Forth catchment and are designated species within the River Teith Special Area of Conservation (SAC). No current distribution data exist for lamprey within the River Almond.
13.3.10 As such, Swine Burn (adjacent to M9 Junction 1A), Niddry Burn and River Almond are each considered to be of regional level ecological value whereas Swine Burn (downstream of Humbie Reservoir) is of authority area level ecological value for fish.
13.4 References
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Conservation (Natural Habitats, & c.) Regulations (1994) (as amended) [online]. Accessed June 2008 - March 2009. Available at http://opsi.gov.uk/si/si1994/uksi_19942716_en_1
Davies, C.E., Shelley, J., Harding, P.T., McLean, I.F.G., Gardiner, R. and Peirson,G., eds. (2004) Freshwater fishes in Britain - the species and their distribution. Harley Books, Colchester. England.
City of Edinburgh Council (2009). Edinburgh Biodiversity Action Plan 2004 — 2009 [online]. Accessed June 2008 - March 2009. Available at: http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/internet/Environment/Land_and_premises/Natural_heritage/CEC_biodiversity_action_plan_2004_-_2009
European Commission (1992) Council Directive (92/43/EEC) on the Conservation of natural habitats and wild flora and fauna (Habitats Directive) [online]. Accessed June 2008 - March 2009. Available at: http://www.eurlex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CELEX:31992L0043:EN:HTML [
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Gent, A.H and Gibson, S.D. (eds.) (1998) Herpetofauna Workers’ Manual [online]. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough.
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IUCN (2001). Red Data 2001.
Joint Nature Conservancy Council (2008). Species of Conservation Concern, Hierarchy of Lists. Accessed on 8 November 2008.
Kruuk, H. (2006). Otters Ecology and Conservation. Oxford University
Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act (2004) HMSO, London.
Scottish Biodiversity List [online[.Accessed June 2008 - March 2009. Available at: http://www.biodiversityscotland.gov.uk/pageType2.php?id=35&type=2&navID=92
Scottish Natural Heritage (2008). Ancient Woodland Inventory.
SEPA (2006). National Water Quality Classification. SEPA. Stirling [online]. Accessed June 2008 - March 2009. Available at: http://www.sepa.org.uk/water/monitoring_and_classification/previous_schemes.aspx
SEPA (2008). Forth Draft Area Management Plan 2009 — 2015 [online]. Accessed June 2008 - March 2009. Available at: http://www.sepa.org.uk/water/river_basin_planning.aspx
Strachan, R. and Jefferies, D.J. (1993) The Water Vole Arvicola terrestris in Britain 1989 - 1990. Vincent Wildlife Trust.
UK Biodiversity Action Plan (2009). [online]. Accessed June 2008 - March 2009. Available at: http://www.ukbap.org
West Lothian Council (2009). West Lothian Biodiversity Action Plan [online]. Accessed June 2008 - March 2009. Available at: http://www.ukbap.org.uk/lbap.aspx?ID=489
Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981) (as amended). HMSO, London [online]. Accessed June 2008 - March 2009 Available at: www.redlist.org/search/search-basic.hmtl