Forthbank Wind Energy Development - Partnerships for Renewables

Forthbank Wind Energy Development
Assessment of VER Conservation Value Identified from Baseline Studies
11.4.3 A summary of the habitats and species identified as Valued Ecological Receptors within and
adjacent to the application area is given in Table 11.7, together with the legislation and
guidance defining their value.
Table 11.7 Summary of Conservation Value of VERs Identified Within the Study Area
Valued Ecological
Receptor
Designated Sites
Firth of Forth SPA
& Ramsar Site
Firth of Forth SSSI
Black Devon
Wetlands Wildlife
Site
Alloa Inches SWT
Reserve
Habitats
Semi-improved
Neutral Grassland
Saltmarsh
Intertidal Mudflat
River Forth and
River Black Devon
Species
Bats
Otter
Covering Legislation and Guidance
Located approximately 720m from the application area (at its closest point),
the intertidal habitats of the Forth Estuary are Internationally designated for
supporting important populations of waterfowl, wading birds and seabirds.
Note: the ornithological interests associated with the Firth of Forth SPA and
Ramsar site complex is conducted in Chapter 12: Ornithology.
The underlying National designation for the Firth of Forth SPA, this site is
designated for its coastal and estuarine habitats as well as associated
populations of wetland birds.
Note: the ornithological interests associated with this site are assessed in
Chapter 12: Ornithology.
Located within 100m of the application area, Black Devon Wetlands
comprises a series of freshwater/mildly saline lagoons and surrounding
grasslands and is primarily of ornithological interest.
Note: the ornithological interests associated with this site are assessed in
Chapter 12: Ornithology.
Located within the channel of the River Forth approximately 1.1km upstream
of the application area, Alloa Inches comprises a variety of characteristic
estuarine habitats and is also important for wetland birds.
Note: the ornithological interests associated with this site are assessed in
Chapter 12: Ornithology.
This habitat which dominates the application area is common and widespread
and is not included in any biodiversity lists.
Saltmarsh is a UK priority and local BAP habitat and is also included in the
Scottish Biodiversity List. However, the extent of this habitat in relation to the
site is limited to narrow strips along the Forth Estuary foreshore and along the
lower reaches of the Black Devon and does not represent a prime example of
this habitat type in the context of the wider Forth Estuary.
Mudflat is a UK priority and local BAP habitat and is also included in the
Scottish Biodiversity List. However, the extent of this habitat type which exists
adjacent to the application area is limited to a very narrow strip which runs
adjacent to the site. This stretch of mudflat does not represent a prime
example of this habitat type in the context of the wider Forth and is not part of
the Firth of Forth SPA.
These watercourses, and in particular the River Forth, are connected to the
Firth of Forth SPA, Ramsar site and SSSI. Rivers are also a UKBAP priority
habitat.
All Scottish bat species are listed on Annexe II of the Habitats Directive.
Noctule, soprano pipistrelle and brown long-eared bats are UK BAP priority
species, but all Scottish bat species are listed as Scottish priority species on
the SBL. Bats are also targeted with Action Plans with the Clackmannanshire,
Fife, Stirlingshire and Falkirk LBAPs.
Although the application area is used by foraging bats, there are no roosts on
site and no significant commuting activity was observed to cross the
application area. Furthermore the majority of the bats recorded on site were
soprano pipistrelle, which is the most common species in this part of UK. It is
considered that the site is of value to bat populations at a local level.
Otter is listed on Annexe II and IV of the Habitats Directive. A Species Action
Plan is included in the UKBAP and it is listed in the Clackmannanshire, Fife,
Stirlingshire and Falkirk LBAPs. Otter is protected under Schedule 2 of the
Conservation (Natural Habitats etc.) Regulations, 1994 (as amended).
Evidence of otter was recorded adjacent to the application area along the
River Black Devon and along the Forth estuary foreshore. However, this
species is known to be relatively common around the Forth Estuary and
associated watercourses. Therefore, otter is considered to be of local value.
Conservation
Value 32
International
National
Local
Local
Negligible
Local
Local
National
Local
Local
November 2010 Chapter 11 Page 26
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