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

7.30 Two transects were surveyed which give an overview of activity across the
habitats within the study area. A total of 15 bat passes were recorded
over both surveys and comprised of 3 species. These were common
pipistrelle (Pipistrellus pipistrellus), soprano pipistrelle and brown longeared.
Bat activity occurred throughout the study area with no
concentrations of activity associated with particular features. The linear
features that were followed did not show evidence during these surveys of
being flightlines for large numbers of commuting bats.
7.31 The trees identified during the Phase 1 Habitat survey are semi-mature
oak, with mature ivy growing on the trunks and branches, with possible
cracks in the upper branches. No bat roosts were detected within these
trees. The buildings at Ulley Beeches consist of a house, stables, old
stable block, hay/cow sheds and a small brick built out-building. The
house consists of painted brickwork with no visible gaps, an intact tiled
roof, and double glazed windows, and is considered to have low potential.
The stables are brick built with a corrugated roof and are considered to
have low potential. The old stable block is also brick built with a
corrugated roof, but there are visible gaps in the brickwork and this
building is much higher roofed. It is considered to have medium potential,
but there is a bright security light on the northern side of this building which
might discourage roosting bats. The hay/cow sheds are of metal
construction and considered to have low potential. The small brick built
out-building has a slate roof and has visible gaps in the brickwork, and is
considered to have medium potential. Bats were recorded foraging along
the hedgerow to the east of the buildings and around the buildings during
the dusk survey. A smaller amount of commuting activity was recorded
during the dawn survey. No bats roosts were detected in these buildings.
Badger Survey
7.32 The foraging and commuting habitat available within the study area is
considered to be of average to good quality. Foraging habitat exists within
the arable fields, along the field margins, in the small areas of grassland,
and woodland. Few signs of territorial activity (latrines) and commuting
were found throughout the study area, however detection was inhibited by
the dense vegetation at the time survey. Two setts were found within the
study area. These included a main sett and a outlier/subsidiary sett.
Details of the location of the badger setts are confidential under the
Protection of Badgers Act 1992 and are therefore not given in the main
body of this report. Full details and the badger survey results map are
given as a confidential annex, which should not be passed to third parties
or be in the public domain.
Otter Survey
7.33 A number of drainage ditches were identified that were considered
unsuitable for otter due to factors such as lack of water, pollution,
stagnation, and being completely overgrown with vegetation or algal
growth. Two watercourses were considered suitable for otter within the
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Penny Hill Wind Farm
Environmental Statement