Forthbank Wind Energy Development - Partnerships for Renewables

Forthbank Wind Energy Development
Habitats Within the Application Area
11.3.30 The application area consists of two open areas of relatively species-poor, semi-improved
neutral grassland dominated by tufted hair grass (Deschampsia cespitosa) and other
frequently occurring grasses including false oat-grass (Arrhenatherum elatius), Yorkshire-fog
(Holcus lanatus) and common bent (Agrostis capillaris). The two grassland areas are
connected by a rough access track (see Figure 11.4), which enters the site via a recycling
facility at the north-western end. The track runs parallel to the Forth Estuary behind a sea
defence embankment which is also dominated by semi-improved neutral grassland, before
circumnavigating the larger of the two grassland areas; the site of the former landfill site.
11.3.31 In addition to these areas of open grassland is an area to the far east of the site which also
consists of semi-improved neutral grassland with scattered broom (Cytisus scoparius) and
hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) scrub, occasional mature poplar (Populus sp.) trees and
temporary wet areas.
11.3.32 The most notable plant species located at the site was the locally rare and nationally scarce
Cornflower (Centaurea cyanus) of which three specimens were found (see Target Note 1,
Figure 11.4).
11.3.33 No nationally rare plant species with a high level of legal protection were identified within the
application area.
11.3.34 During subsequent ecological survey visits to the site in 2010, several stands of Japanese
knotweed and giant hogweed were identified on site. Further details relating to these invasive
species which are subject to legal control are provided below (Other Legally Protected or
Invasive Species).
Habitats Within 500m of the Application Area
The Coastal Fringe of the Forth Estuary
11.3.35 The land along the majority of the site’s coastal boundary (i.e. to the south and west of the site)
is protected from the sea by a steep to moderate sloping embankment which is reinforced by
sections of fitted boulders and gabion baskets topped with earth. However, around the central
section of the site’s coastal boundary the estuarine fringe is dominated by a narrow strip of
saltmarsh habitat approximately 5m-10m wide.
11.3.36 The tidal range along this stretch of the coast is limited to a narrow strip of soft intertidal mud
generally no more than 20m wide.
The River Black Devon
11.3.37 The eastern boundary of the application area runs roughly parallel with the Black Devon. At its
confluence with the Forth Estuary the river is highly tidal and is characterised by a relatively
wide (10m-15m), deep (>2m) channel consisting of soft intertidal mud which is surrounded by
November 2010 Chapter 11 Page 21
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