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

7.89 If any trees are to be removed which may provide potential roost
opportunities for bats, then these must be felled before March to avoid the
summer roosting season. This must always be done under extreme care
in case hibernating bats are present and signs of bats must always be
looked for by an ecologist immediately prior to removal. This is particularly
the case for standing deadwood.
7.90 Lighting can have a detrimental effect on bats (A.J Mitchell-Jones, 2004).
It is recommended that where night lights or security lights are needed
these should be pointed towards the ground and away from bat habitat
such as flightlines.
7.91 Site construction staff will be briefed regarding bats prior to any site
clearance. It will be explained that bats could be present and particular
attention should be paid to areas such as trees which could be inhabited
by bats. In the event of bats being discovered in any part of the site,
Natural England‟s Regional Team (Humber to Pennines) should be
contacted on 01924 334500. Work must cease immediately if bats are
found and Natural England will offer advice about how to proceed with
work.
Habitat Improvement - Bats
7.92 Habitat connectivity is a valuable ecological asset and can be used to
encourage bat flightlines away from turbine locations. In addition to the
use of buffer zones around important bat habitat, it is proposed that the
continuity of existing field boundaries is improved by gapping up
hedgerows where required. This will increase the number of potential
flight lines throughout the site that bats can use, and gapped up
hedgerows will provide additional habitat for invertebrates, thereby
enhancing the prey resource for bats.
BADGERS
Legal Obligations - Badgers
7.93 The provisions of the Protection of Badgers Act 1992 require developers to
take care when carrying out any work near setts as offences could result
from intentionally or recklessly interfering with a sett. Therefore, if any
works are necessary close to a known sett, it will be necessary to apply to
Natural England for a development licence, dependant on the level of
disturbance likely. As a general guide, the following distances can be
used, and a licence would be needed if:
there are plans to use very heavy machinery (generally tracked
vehicles) within 30 metres of any entrance to an active sett;
there are plans to use lighter machinery (generally wheeled vehicles),
particularly for any digging operation, within 20 metres;
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Penny Hill Wind Farm
Environmental Statement