environmental statement - Rotherham's Online Application for ...

assessment were the target areas of the evening activity surveys. The
surveys began 30 minutes after sunset and lasted approximately two
hours. The surveys utilised recognised bat detector equipment and
followed recognised survey techniques.
Roost surveys were undertaken on two trees and the buildings at Ulley
Beeches. A dawn survey was undertaken on each of the trees during
June 2008 respectively. The roost surveys undertaken on the buildings
at Ulley Beeches, involved both a dusk and dawn survey, and were
undertaken during August 2008. The conditions for all roost surveys
were ideal, being mild, fine, with no or little breeze.
Badger Survey: The badger survey was undertaken in June 2008 and
involved a search of the field boundaries and woodland within the
Ecological Survey Area. The purpose of the survey was to assess the
suitability of the habitat for badgers and to determine
presence/absence of the species. The survey was based on a search
for the following recognised field signs for badger: setts, paths,
excavations, hair, footprints, dung pits, feeding evidence and bedding
trails. As the survey was undertaken in June, the vegetation present
was at its most vigorous and it was therefore difficult to identify field
signs indicative of activity. However, it is considered that setts would
still be evident.
Otter Survey: Watercourses considered suitable for otter were
surveyed. The otter surveys were undertaken in May 2008 on two
watercourses within the study area. These watercourses are branches
of Ulley Brook, one which borders the northern extent of the study area
(outside of the application site boundary) and one which borders the
south west of the study area flowing south from Carr Lane. The
purpose of the surveys was to assess the suitability of the
watercourses for otter and ultimately to determine presence/absence of
otter within the site. The survey was based on a search for the
following recognised field signs for otter: spraints, anal jelly, footprints,
paths, flattened vegetation, holts & „couches‟ and feeding remains.
Water Vole Survey: Watercourses considered suitable for water vole
were surveyed. The water vole surveys were undertaken in May 2008
on two watercourses within the study area (the northern and southern
branches of the Ulley Brook). The purpose of the surveys was to
assess the suitability of the watercourses for water vole, and ultimately
to determine presence/absence of water vole within the study area.
The survey was based on a search for the following recognised field
signs for water vole: faeces, latrines, feeding stations, burrows, lawns,
nests, footprints, runways, and the distinctive sound of water voles
hitting the water.
White Clawed Crayfish Survey: Watercourses considered suitable for
white-clawed crayfish were surveyed. The survey was undertaken in
May 2008 on two watercourses within the study area by suitably
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Penny Hill Wind Farm
Environmental Statement