Forthbank Wind Energy Development - Partnerships for Renewables

Forthbank Wind Energy Development
the semi-improved grassland and scrub in the eastern part of the site represented the most
suitable habitat for badgers, no evidence was found.
11.3.62 Elsewhere, the survey also focussed on a small area of gorse scrub located to the south of the
recycling facility, the grassland along the seawall embankment and western flood embankment
of the Black Devon, the grassland habitat within 100m of the application area’s northern
boundary and the small area of Pond Wood located approximately 450m to the north of the
application area. However, no evidence of badgers was detected in any of these areas.
11.3.63 Based on these findings and the thoroughness of this badger survey it is confidently concluded
that badgers are not present within the application area or the surrounding habitats within
500m of the application area. Therefore, badgers will not be considered further in this
assessment.
Other Legally Protected or Invasive Species
11.3.64 Two stands of Japanese knotweed are located in the area of semi-improved grassland and
scrub in the eastern part of the site (see Figure 11.4). The first stand (Target Note 2, Figure
11.4) is approximately 8m x 5m in area, while the second, smaller stand (Target Note 3, Figure
11.4) covers an area approximately 3m x 3m.
11.3.65 A narrow stand of giant hogweed, approximately 5m x 15m in area is located along the seawall
embankment near to the site entrance, to the south of the recycling facility (Target Note 4,
Figure 11.4). In addition to this several individual plants of giant hogweed are located in the
area of semi-improved grassland to the southeast of the recycling facility (Target Note 5,
Figure 11.4).
Data Coverage
11.3.66 Data on important wildlife within the study area was obtained through a combination of
scoping/consultation, desktop studies to collate existing information, and newly commissioned
field surveys. The resulting information provides ecological context to the site and is
considered comprehensive, with no notable shortfalls or information gaps.
11.4 Evaluation of VERs and Assessment of Effects
11.4.1 This section provides an assessment of the likely significant effects of the proposed wind
energy development on the Valued Ecological Receptors (VERs) identified within the search
area. For each VER, the potential effect is assessed against impacts which are predicted to
occur during the construction, operation and de-commissioning phases of the proposed wind
energy development.
11.4.2 The investigation of the baseline data and current condition of the site was used to inform the
selection of appropriate VERs. Assessments were made for those species or habitats which
were considered potentially vulnerable to significant effects as identified in Table 11.7.
November 2010 Chapter 11 Page 25
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