Camilty Wind Farm - Partnerships for Renewables

Camilty Wind Farm
11.3.59 In all, given the limited suitability of ponds and terrestrial habitats on site, the distance to
known (historical) records (up to ten times the likely upper dispersal range of 500 m) and the
isolated position of the development site in the wider landscape context it is considered
unlikely that any of the assessed water bodies currently supports great crested newts.
However, despite the low likelihood of the species presence, it cannot be conclusively ruled
out that the species is present within, or within the zone of influence of, the proposed Camilty
development.
11.3.60 It was agreed in consultation with SNH (Table 11.1) for a design alteration to be
implemented by using a 300 m buffer zone around all seven ponds, which will be a no-go
zone for turbines, infrastructure and any associated kind of built up structures (inset in Figure
11.7 shows the extent of this buffer, with the turbine locations shown). A distance of 300 m is
used given that the species dispersal range lies predominantly within 250 m from a breeding
pond (English Nature, 2004).
11.3.61 In doing so, it is considered that if the ponds supported a great crested newt population, the
development would be sufficiently far away to avoid any direct impact on the ponds (i.e.
habitat loss, pollution). In addition, any impact on terrestrial habitat beyond 300 m would be
negligible given that it consists entirely of Sitka spruce plantation – itself of marginal
suitability for newts. As such, this species is not considered further within this chapter.
UK Protected Species
Water Vole
Legal Protection
11.3.62 Water voles are protected through Schedule 5 of the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 (as
amended), in respect of Section 9(4) only. This species is identified as a priority species
within the UKBAP, the Scottish Biodiversity List and the West Lothian LBAP (2002).
Desk Study
11.3.63 The NBN database held historical records (from 1969) for this species within 10 km of the
ecology data search area. The consultation process did not return any records of water vole
within the ecology data search area.
Field Survey Results
11.3.64 All watercourses and waterbodies were assessed for their potential to support water vole as
well as for the presence of this species.
11.3.65 During the Phase 1 habitat survey possible water vole signs (runs and clippings) were found
along the Shear Burn (TN18). They were not recent and no burrows or latrines were found.
In isolation these observations are not considered diagnostic – i.e. they do not prove the
presence of water voles. No diagnostic signs of the species were found during the dedicated
water vole surveys. The majority of drainage ditches and watercourses within the survey
area are considered to be unsuitable habitat for water voles. The drainage ditches along the
edges of the forest tracks are exposed and devoid of suitable shelter and forage vegetation,
whilst those running through forestry plantation areas do not provide banks into which water
voles could establish adequate burrows.
11.3.66 Consequently, the likelihood of water voles being present on site is considered to be
negligible. As such this species is not considered further within this chapter.
March 2013 11-24 ES Chapter 11
Terrestrial Ecology
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