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

study area and were surveyed, these were the northern and southern
branches of Ulley Brook. No otter signs were found during these surveys,
however suitable features such as exposed roots and dead wood for holt
locations were recorded. It is probable that otter would use these
watercourses for commuting if they were present in the area.
Water Vole Survey
7.34 A number of drainage ditches were identified that were considered
unsuitable for water vole due to factors such as lack of water, unsuitable
banks, pollution, stagnation, and being completely overgrown with
vegetation or algal growth. Two watercourses were considered suitable
for water vole within the study area and were surveyed. No signs of water
vole were found during these surveys. A small number of holes were
noted at the bottom of the bank on southern branch of Ulley Brook,
however due to an absence of other signs such as latrines and feeding
stations, it was concluded that these were rat holes. This watercourse
does, however provide suitable habitat along some of its length, and due
to the presence of water vole in the wider area, the future colonisation of
this watercourse cannot be ruled out.
7.35 The second watercourse surveyed was the northern branch of the Ulley
Brook (north of the site boundary). The upstream section where it flows
west from the M1 culvert was considered sub-optimal for water vole as the
banks were scrubby or supported semi-mature trees with no grassy
vegetation. The downstream section was considered more suitable for
water vole as the banks become shallower and less wooded, however
they are continuously lined with hawthorn and elder which overhang and
shade the watercourse.
White Clawed Crayfish Survey
7.36 A number of drainage ditches on the site were considered unsuitable for
white-clawed crayfish due to factors such as lack of water, pollution and
complete algal cover, stagnation, lack of suitable refuges, and being
completely overgrown with vegetation. The northern and southern
branches of the Ulley Brook were considered suitable for white-clawed
crayfish and were surveyed. No white-clawed crayfish or signs of whiteclawed
crayfish were found during these surveys. Suitable features such
as heterogenous flow pattern, debris dams and tree roots were recorded.
However, the substrate was silty and in-channel refuges were limited,
which is unfavourable habitat for white-clawed crayfish. No burrows were
identified and it is considered that white-clawed crayfish are not present in
these watercourses.
Great Crested Newt Survey
7.37 At the time of survey the pond was completely overgrown with vegetation
including soft rush, great willowherb, watercress and grasses, which have
grown vigorously due to the influx of nutrients from agricultural drainage.
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Penny Hill Wind Farm
Environmental Statement