Forthbank Wind Energy Development - Partnerships for Renewables

Forthbank Wind Energy Development
• Botanical Society of the British Isles (BSBI);
• Clackmannanshire Local Biodiversity Action Plan Officer;
• Clackmannanshire Countryside Ranger Service; and
• Falkirk Local Biodiversity Action Plan Officer.
11.2.18 Details of the information provided by these consultees is presented in the Baseline Conditions
(Section 11.3).
Desktop Study
11.2.19 A desktop study was undertaken to identify statutory designated sites within 10km of the
application area (Figure 11.1) and search for records of, and suitable habitat for, protected
species within 2km.
11.2.20 Designated sites were identified using MAGIC Map 6 and SNH’s designated site datasets 7 while
information on these sites was gathered from SNH’s Sitelink website 8 . Meanwhile, historical
records of protected species were searched for on the National Biodiversity Network (NBN)
gateway database 9 . In addition, aerial photography and base maps were used to identify any
habitat features of note within the site and surrounding environs and assess their suitability for
various relevant protected species. Other sources of existing information were also collated
from consultee records.
11.2.21 In addition, the UK Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) 10 , Scottish Biodiversity List 11 and
Clackmannanshire Local BAP 12 were checked to identify priority species which were likely to
be present within the study area. At the request of Clackmannanshire Council (see Table 11.1.
Scoping Responses) the LBAPs of Falkirk 13 , Stirlingshire 14 and Fife 15 were also checked for
priority species which may be present within the study area.
Field Surveys
Extended Phase 1 Surveys
11.2.22 An extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey was conducted in July 2009 16 . The survey followed the
methodology described in JNCC (2003) 17 and included the application area and immediately
adjacent areas. The purpose of the 2009 study was to:
• identify the dominant habitat types within the survey area; and
• record sightings, field evidence and suitable habitat for protected or notable species
of flora and fauna.
11.2.23 The Phase 1 Habitat Survey did not identify any important semi-natural habitats on-site.
Therefore, the requirement for a more detailed NVC survey, as suggested by SNH in their
Scoping Response (see Table 11.1), was not considered to be necessary.
November 2010 Chapter 11 Page 6
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