Dove Holes Quarry, Derbyshire
Revision of working scheme
Breeding Bird Survey
Prepared for Shaun Denny, CEMEX
Frank Daly MSc MIEEM
19th August 2011
Version 3.0, revised 12nd January 2012
Contents
Page
1
Introduction
2
2
Methodology
2
3
Results
5
4
Conservation status of bird species recorded in the survey
8
area
5
Impacts and mitigation
9
6
Conclusion
10
7
References
11
Appendix 1
Bird species lists: number recorded and other information
12
Appendix 2
Legislation and conservation status
21
Appendix 3
Bird species recorded: conservation status
24
Figures 6(a-c)
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1
Introduction
This document forms part of the ecological survey and assessment works to support
the current planning application for a revised phasing of operations at Dove Holes
Quarry, Derbyshire. Dove Holes Quarry is centred on SK 089 783, and is
approximately 5.5km north of Buxton.
It sets out the results of a breeding bird survey undertaken at Bee Low Quarry, the
settlement lagoons and the permitted extension between Bee Low Quarry and the
main (Dove Holes) Quarry.
2
Methodology
2.1
Rationale
The rationale for the breeding bird surveys involved:
(a) Quantifying the impacts of the permitted quarry development, by territory
mapping areas affected by the planned extension;
(b) Comparing this with the bird population in the wider area owned or controlled
by CEMEX around the northern and western margins of the quarry; and
(c) Identifying bird species of high conservation concern (not necessarily widely
distributed Section 41 or ‘Red List’ species, but including ‘Green List’ species such as
raven (Corvus corax) which have a restricted distribution and more specialist
breeding requirements), with particular emphasis on peregrine (Falco peregrinus)
and twite (Carduelis flavirostris), wherever they occur in the quarry.
2.2
Bird census technique
The survey methodology comprised early morning surveys to identify breeding
territories (using Common Bird Census methodology) (see Figure 1), followed by
vantage point surveys at locations around Bee Low Quarry and Dove Holes Quarry
to identify peregrine and raven breeding sites on the quarry faces (see Figure 2).
Birds utilising the large waterbody in the main Dove Holes Quarry were also
recorded by this method.
Breeding Bird Survey
An abbreviated Common Bird Census methodology (Bibby et al., 2000; Gilbert et al.,
1998; Marchant, 1983) was used to carry out the breeding bird survey. This bird
census technique is based on a British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) survey method
known as ‘territory mapping’, which identifies the number and distribution of
breeding territories (for individual bird species) in a specified census area. That is,
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adult males singing (proclaiming a territory), adult males fighting (defending a
territory), adult birds carrying food or nesting material, juveniles calling for food or
being fed, or adult birds displaying alarm calls. Additional activities of territorial
significance, such as displaying and mating were noted, when appropriate. With
regard to twite, consultations were carried out with RSPB with respect to monitoring
work which has been recently undertaken.
Vantage Point Survey
Appropriate vantage points were selected to enable observations of roosting birds
to be made without disturbance, and of birds flying in or out of the quarries.
Vantage Point 1 - This was located on the access track, adjacent to the southern
edge of Bee Low Quarry and gave unrestricted views across the western, northern
and eastern cliff faces of the quarry.
Vantage Point 2 - This was located on a bund adjoining the north eastern edge of
Dove Holes Quarry and gave unobstructed views across the western and eastern
cliff faces of the quarry.
Vantage points above the north-eastern face of the main Dove Holes Quarry were
also used to check for peregrine falcon nest locations, and record waterfowl on the
main quarry lagoon.
2.3
Timing and route of breeding bird survey
The earliest surveys were particularly designed to record pre-breeding wader
assemblies on pasture land around the quarries; and to locate the early-breeding
raven’s nest(s) - this species breeds between February and May. Further surveys in
May and June were conducted to locate late-breeding twite (breeding, May to
August) on cliff edge habitats, and to monitor a probable peregrine nest location,
again through using a vantage point approach.
The site was surveyed on six separate occasions: 25/03/11, 20/04/11, 06/05/11,
20/05/11, 16/06/11 & 07/07/11. The 20th May visit was limited to VP watches. In
addition, birds were noted where appropriate during the course of other ecological
survey work around the quarry.
The bird survey transect route commenced at the artificial badger sett (adjacent to
the south eastern corner of Bee Low Quarry) and moved, northwards, along the
north eastern edge of Bee Low Quarry. It then continued in a northerly direction
across pastureland to a dew pond (SK 095 795) adjacent to a farm access track,
whereupon it turned, south westwards, past the northern edge of Bee Low Quarry.
It then moved in a southerly direction, adjacent to the haul road adjoining the
western edge of Bee Low Quarry, at which point it continued, westwards, along
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Beelow Lane. It then turned in a southerly direction for 500m along a public right of
way that is adjacent to the north western edge of Dove Holes Quarry. The route
was then retraced along the public right of way, where it moved, eastwards, along
Beelow Lane and ended at the artificial badger sett starting point.
2.4
Assessment of conservation status
An assessment of bird species conservation status can then be made in relation to
its inclusion in UK and European legislation and on RSPB/BTO conservation lists, as
set out in Appendix 2. Appendix 3 lists the conservation status of species recorded
on site.
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3
Results
In total, twenty-five species of bird were observed in the survey area (see
Appendices 1 & 2). For specific locations of bird species across the survey area, see
Figures 1-3.
3.1
Breeding Bird Survey
The pastureland, arable fields and hillsides surrounding Bee Low Quarry and the
north western and north eastern edges of Dove Holes Quarry support approximately
15 pairs of breeding meadow pipit (Anthus pratensis), plus around 10 pairs of
skylark (Alauda arvensis). A minimum of 3 pairs of chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs), plus
one pair of chiffchaff (Phylloscopus collybita) are present in areas of plantation
woodland located to the north of Bee Low Quarry. Possible breeding species include
willow warbler (Phylloscopus trochilus) and blackbird (Turdus merula), which were
recorded in an area of plantation woodland situated 200m north west of the north
western edge of Dove Holes Quarry; plus goldfinch (Carduelis carduelis) which was
present in scrub, adjacent to the artificial badger sett at the south eastern edge of
Bee Low Quarry.
Bird species recorded on passage included 14 golden plover (Pluvialis apricaria) to
the east of the dew pond on improved pasture (280m north of the north eastern
edge of Bee Low Quarry); this species was observed on a single occasion
(24/03/11) during a great crested newt survey of the pond. In addition, up to 6
wheatear (Oenanthe oenanthe) were present on the quarry bunds and in adjacent
pastureland during the first three survey visits. During the first two surveys, several
individual curlew (Numenius arquata) were noted, calling, while over flying
pastureland that bordered Bee Low Quarry; while a single lapwing (Vanellus
vanellus) was seen over flying (north-south) the access road between Bee Low
Quarry and Dove Holes Quarry. Wader activity declined during the main part of the
breeding season, with occasional individual curlew outside the proposed northern
extents of the quarry.
Other bird species noted include 200+ rook (Corvus frugilegus) and 25+ jackdaw
(Corvus monedula) foraging in a newly cut pasture (400m west of the western edge
of Bee Low Quarry); and 16 lesser black-backed gull (Larus fuscus) foraging in a
pasture (150m north of the northern edge of Bee Low Quarry). Also, the occasional
grey partridge (Perdix perdix), linnet (Carduelis cannabina), kestrel (Falco
tinnunculus), sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus), pied wagtail (Motacilla alba),
woodpigeon (Columba palumbus), carrion crow (Corvus corone) and swallow
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(Hirundo rustica). Furthermore, up to 5 black-headed gull (Larus ridibundus) were
recorded over flying the site.
3.2
Vantage Point Survey
Raven
During the first survey visit, a raven’s nest was noted on the northern edge of Bee
Low Quarry (Figure 1), with a pair of birds present, including one incubating. On the
third visit, 2 adults & 4 juveniles were observed close to the nest site. During
subsequent visits, the juvenile birds had fledged, and a single bird was occasionally
seen over flying Bee Low Quarry.
Jackdaw
Large numbers of birds (around 60) birds were observed on cliff ledges at the
northern edge of Bee Low Quarry, and foraging on grassland to the north and east
of the quarry. 1 bird was seen carrying food to the cliff face at the north western
edge of Dove Holes Quarry (a probable nesting site); while 30+ birds were noted
roosting in this area. Further aggregations of jackdaws were noted on the south
western faces of Dove Holes Quarry, and were probably breeding in crevices in this
area. Jackdaws from this area foraged on fields to the east of the quarry.
Peregrine falcon
During the first and third survey visits, a single bird was noted over flying Bee Low
Quarry and the northern edge of Dove Holes Quarry. Prior to the on the fifth visit, 1
bird was seen, roosting (temporarily), on a cliff ledge at the north eastern edge of
Bee Low Quarry. Later that survey, an individual bird was observed (through a field
cope, from distance) roosting on a cliff ledge at the western edge of Dove Holes
Quarry (Figure 3) - the site location was shown by the presence of fresh (white)
faecal droppings on the cliff face. This location was later confirmed by CEMEX
quarry staff to be the site of an active peregrine falcon nest. In addition,
immediately prior to the final survey visit, 2 birds were seen circling over Bee Low
Quarry during a bat dawn swarming survey.
Twite
A survey of the cliff face at north eastern edge of Bee Low Quarry (the site of
previous RSPB breeding records for this species) and other cliff faces within the
survey area revealed no sightings of this species. Following completion of an earlier
report of survey, a twite was reported by a local birdwatcher 300m east of the
survey area, on Beelow Lane. This is either indicative of a late-breeding (second
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brood) pair in the vicinity, or represents post-breeding dispersal from another nest
sites.
Waterfowl
Only very small numbers of mallard and lesser black-backed gulls, with larger
numbers of black-headed gull were using the lagoon in the main quarry.
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4
Conservation status of bird species recorded in the survey area
Appendix 1 summarises the conservation status of bird species recorded within the
boundary of proposed extension area.
In order of relative importance, this includes:
1 species with special legal protection under or Annex I of the EU Birds Directive:
- Golden plover.
1 species with special legal protection under Schedule 1 of the Wildlife &
Countryside Act (1981):
- Peregrine falcon.
5 species listed under Section 41 of the Natural Environment and Rural
Communities Act 2006:
- Grey partridge, lapwing, curlew, skylark and linnet.
4 species on the RSPB/BTO ‘Red List’ of birds of high conservation concern:
- Grey partridge, lapwing, skylark and linnet.
9 species on the RSPB/BTO ‘Amber List’ of birds of medium conservation concern:
- Kestrel, golden plover, curlew, black-headed gull, lesser black-backed gull,
swallow, meadow pipit, wheatear and willow warbler.
5 UK BAP priority species:
- Grey partridge, lapwing, curlew, skylark and linnet.
1 Peak District BAP species:
- Curlew.
4 Lowland Derbyshire BAP priority species:
- Lapwing, curlew, skylark and linnet.
Note that there is some overlap between categories.
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5
Impacts and mitigation
The planned development will primarily impact upon rough calcareous grassland
around the margins of the quarry, and improved pasture outside the current quarry
boundary.
In terms of bird habitat, the main breeding species utilising these
habitats are ground-nesting skylark and meadow pipit. There is evidence that the
rough, ungrazed land around the quarry margins support higher breeding densities
of both of these species compared to the shorter grazed swards in the wider vicinity
of the site. Other species, such as wheatear, were not confirmed as breeding on
site.
Development of the quarry in a northerly and westerly direction will result in an
initial loss of rough grassland, with proportionately higher impacts on meadow pipit
and skylark, which will be offset by the relaxation of grazing pressure on land within
the new quarry boundary.
The total potential magnitude of impact is loss of
territories for 15 pairs of meadow pipit and 10 pairs of skylark. However, this will
be offset by the continued creation of higher quality habitat for ground nesting birds
around the quarry margins.
The previous survey of the quarry found comparable densities of skylark and
meadow pipit in the extension area and restored land within the quarry.
The
further restoration of the southern part of Dove Holes Quarry will provide
comparable compensatory habitat for meadow pipit and skylark.
Impacts on other species are very limited in extent. There are no breeding waders
on the grassland to the north of the site, although small numbers of curlew are
present in the wider vicinity and occasionally overfly. The only evidence of prebreeding assembly of upland waders was a flock of 14 golden plover alighting close
to a dew pond on one occasion to the north of Bee Low.
The quarrying of the cliff faces at Bee Low Quarry will remove viable nesting sites
that are currently utilised by raven and jackdaw, and potential nest sites for
peregrine falcon. Restoration operations will eventually impact on the same quarry
face as the 2011 peregrine falcon nest site, although the Tip 4 restoration within
the currently permitted working scheme ends well west of the present nest site.
However, the quarry will continue to provide large areas of unworked faces with
suitable ledge and crevice habitats to support peregrine falcon, raven and other
cliff-breeding species. The large area available and small numbers of pairs present
do not indicate that lack of nest site availability is likely to become an issue for
these species in the future.
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Conclusion
The proposed development will alter habitat availability for one bird species of high
conservation concern (i.e. ‘Red List’ species) - skylark, plus one bird species of
medium conservation concern (i.e. ‘Amber List’ species) - meadow pipit. Likewise,
there will be a change in the location of suitable breeding habitat available to ‘Green
List’ cliff-nesting species such as raven, which have a restricted distribution and
more specialist breeding requirements.
There is expected to be no harmful effect on peregrine falcon as existing
operational practices in Dove Holes Quarry takes account of this species breeding
requirements.
Based on 2011 data, there will be no anticipated effect on twite, as this species was
not recorded during the survey and was not believed to be breeding on site.
However, given the possibility of breeding in future years, the ecological impact
assessment of the currently permitted working scheme has addressed potential
impacts and mitigation measures for this species.
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7
References
Beaman, M. (1994). Palearctic Birds. Harrier Publications, Stonehurst.
Bibby, C.J.; Burgess, N.D.; Hill, D.A. & Mustoe, S. H. (2000). Bird Census Techniques.
2nd. Ed. Academic Press, London.
Eaton, M.A.; Brown, A.F.; Musgrove, A.J.; Hearn, R.; Aebischer, N.J.; Gibbons, D.W.;
Evans, A. and Gregory, R.D. (2009). Birds of Conservation Concern 3: the population
status of birds in the United Kingdom, Channel Islands and the Isle of Man. British
Birds 102, pp 296-341 (http://www.bto.org/sites/default/files/u12/bocc3.pdf).
Gilbert. G.; Gibbons, D.W. & Evans, J. (1998). Bird Monitoring Methods: A Manual of
Techniques for Key UK Species. RSPB, Sandy.
Hardey, J., Crick, H.Q.P., Wernham, C.V., Riley, H.T., Etheridge, B. and Thompson,
D.B.A. (2006). Raptors: a field guide to survey and monitoring. Scottish Natural
Heritage. The Stationery Office Ltd., Edinburgh.
Joint Nature Conservation Committee - Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981: Schedule 1
species (www.jncc.gov.uk/PDF/waca1981_schedule1.pdf).
Lowland Derbyshire Biodiversity Action Plan.
(http://www.derbyshirebiodiversity.org.uk/lbaps/lowland-derbyshire.php).
Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 - Section 41 Species and
Habitats.
(www.naturalengland.org.uk/ourwork/conservation/biodiversity/protectandmanage/h
absandspeciesimportance.aspx).
Peak District Biodiversity Action Plan
(http://www.derbyshirebiodiversity.org.uk/lbaps/peak-district.php).
UK Biodiversity Action Plan (2007). UK List of Priority Species and Habitats
(www.ukbap.org.uk/newprioritylist.aspx).
Voous, K. H. (1977). List of Recent Holarctic Bird Species. British Ornithologists’
Union, London.
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APPENDICES
APPENDIX 1
N.B. The nomenclature below follows Beaman (1994), Voous (1977).
DOVE HOLES QUARRY - DAILY BIRD SPECIES LISTS
Visit ‘A’
Survey date: 25/03/11
Times: 06.50 - 08.50
Weather: 50C, calm, 50% cloud
09.20-12.00 (VP survey)
Common name
Number recorded and other information
Peregrine falcon
1 (over flying, Bee Low Quarry and northern edge of Dove Holes
Quarry).
Mallard
1 male on lagoon
Lesser black-backed gull
7 on lagoon
Black-headed gull
17 on lagoon
Grey partridge
1 (calling, grassland, 80m west of western edge of Bee Low
Quarry).
Golden plover
14 (dew pond by pastureland, 280m north of north eastern edge
of Bee Low Quarry) - recorded on previous day (24/03/11)
during great crested newt survey of pond.
Curlew
1 (calling, while over flying pastureland, 400m east of eastern
edge of Bee Low Quarry), 1 (calling, while over flying
pastureland, 200m north of northern edge of Bee Low Quarry),
1 (calling, while over flying pastureland, 250m north west of
northern edge of Bee Low Quarry), 1 (calling, pastureland, 300m
west of western edge of Bee Low Quarry).
Skylark
1 (singing, grassland south of access track, adjacent south
eastern corner of Bee Low Quarry), 2 (singing, arable field
adjacent to dew pond, 280m north west of northern edge of Bee
Low Quarry), 1 (singing, pastureland, 50m north west of north
western edge of Bee Low Quarry), 1 (singing, grassland, 180m
west of western edge of Bee Low Quarry), 3 (grassland by dew
pond, adjacent southern edge of Bee Low Quarry).
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Meadow pipit
1 (singing, scrub by access track, adjacent southern edge of Bee
Low Quarry), 1 (singing, grassy bank side, adjacent to eastern
edge of Bee Low Quarry), 2 (grassland, adjacent to northern
edge of Bee Low Quarry), 1 (calling, pastureland, 160m north of
northern edge of Bee Low Quarry), 1 (singing, bund, adjacent to
western edge of Bee Low Quarry), 1 (singing, grassland, 180m
west of western edge of Bee Low Quarry), 3 (singing, fence line,
adjacent south western edge of Bee Low Quarry), 1 (singing,
grassland, adjacent western edge of north-south haul road
adjoining Bee Low Quarry), 2 (calling, 130m west of western
edge of Bee Low Quarry), 1 (perched, roof of old explosives
store, 120m west of western edge of Bee Low Quarry), 3 (1
singing & 2 calling, grassland by dew pond, adjacent southern
edge of Bee Low Quarry).
Pied wagtail
1 (calling, while over flying pastureland, 200m north of northern
edge of Bee Low Quarry).
Wheatear
1 (male, pastureland, 100m west of western edge of Bee Low
Quarry).
Jackdaw
60 (roosting, cliff face, northern edge of Bee Low Quarry - later,
30 birds foraging on grassland above northern edge of Bee Low
Quarry), 1 (over flying, west-east, pastureland, 150m north west
of northern edge of Bee Low Quarry).
Carrion crow
1 (over flying pastureland, 50m north of northern edge of Bee
Low Quarry), 2 (over flying, east-west, pastureland, 350m north
of northern edge of Bee Low Quarry), 1 (foraging, grassland
south of access track, adjacent north eastern corner of Dove
Holes Quarry).
Raven
On NW face of Bee Low Quarry
Chaffinch
1 (singing, tree plantation, 100m north of northern edge of Bee
Low Quarry).
* 1 brown hare present on an access track, 200m north of northern edge of Bee Low Quarry.
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Visit ‘B’
Survey date: 20/04/11
Times: 06.30 - 08.50
Weather: Moderate-fresh SW breeze
clear, cloudless, 80C
Common name
Number recorded and other information
Sparrowhawk
1 (hunting, while over flying, access road between Bee Low
Quarry and Dove Holes Quarry).
Lapwing
1 (over flying, north-south, access road between Bee Low
Quarry and Dove Holes Quarry).
Curlew
1 (calling, pastureland, 450m north east of north eastern edge
of Bee Low Quarry).
Woodpigeon
6 (over flying, west-east, access road between Bee Low Quarry
and Dove Holes Quarry), 1 (over flying, east-west, access road
between Bee Low Quarry and Dove Holes Quarry).
Skylark
2 (grassland, adjacent north eastern edge of Bee Low Quarry), 1
(singing, pastureland, 120m north of northern edge of Bee Low
Quarry), 1 (singing, arable field, 350m north of northern edge of
Bee Low Quarry), 1 (singing, grassland, adjacent western edge
of Bee Low Quarry), 1 (singing, grassland, 200m west of
western edge of Bee Low Quarry), 1 (singing, grassland, 350m
west of western edge of Bee Low Quarry), 1 (singing, grassland,
adjacent north western edge of Dove Holes Quarry).
Swallow
1 (over flying, south-north, grassland north of northern edge of
Bee Low Quarry).
Meadow pipit
1 (calling, bund, adjacent north eastern edge of Dove Holes
Quarry), 1 (grassland by artificial badger sett, adjacent south
eastern edge of Bee Low Quarry), 1 (calling, bund, adjacent
eastern edge of Bee Low Quarry), 1 (calling, grassy bank side,
adjacent to eastern edge of Bee Low Quarry), 1 (calling,
grassland, 50m north east of north eastern edge of Bee Low
Quarry), 1 (fence line, 100m north of northern edge of Bee Low
Quarry), 2 (calling, tree plantation, 400m north of northern edge
of Bee Low Quarry), 2 (grassland, adjacent western edge of Bee
Low Quarry), 1 (fence line, adjacent north western edge of Dove
Holes Quarry), 2 (bund, adjacent north western edge of Dove
Holes Quarry).
Pied wagtail
1 (over flying, south-north, arable field, 100m north west of
north western edge of Bee Low Quarry).
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Wheatear
3 (2 males & 1 female, calling, while engaged in courtship
behaviour, grassland, 50m north east of north eastern edge of
Bee Low Quarry), 1 (male, fence line, adjacent north western
edge of Dove Holes Quarry), 1 (female, bund, adjacent north
western edge of Dove Holes Quarry), 1 (male, bund, adjacent to
north western edge of Dove Holes Quarry).
Blackbird
1 (singing, plantation woodland, 200m north west of north
western edge of Dove Holes Quarry).
Willow warbler
1 (singing, plantation woodland, 200m north west of north
western edge of Dove Holes Quarry).
Chiffchaff
1 (mature hedge line, 50m west of north western edge of Dove
Holes Quarry).
Jackdaw
2 (foraging, pastureland, adjacent tree plantation, 300m north
of northern edge of Bee Low Quarry), 4 (foraging, access track,
160m north of northern edge of Bee Low Quarry), 2 (over flying,
pastureland, 300m north north west of northern edge of Bee
Low Quarry), 1 (foraging, arable field, 250m north west of north
western edge of Bee Low Quarry), 1 (roosting, cliff face,
northern edge of Bee Low Quarry), 1 (bund, north western edge
of Dove Holes Quarry), 14 (foraging, pastureland, adjacent north
western edge of Dove Holes Quarry), 2 (1 carrying food, cliff
face, north western edge of Dove Holes Quarry).
Rook
2 (over flying, west-east, pastureland, 120m north of northern
edge of Bee Low Quarry), 2 (over flying, east-west, pastureland,
120m north of northern edge of Bee Low Quarry), 1 (over flying,
south-north, arable field, 350m north of northern edge of Bee
Low Quarry). 34 (foraging, arable field, 250m north west of
north western edge of Bee Low Quarry),
Raven
1 (over flying, west-east, eastern edge of Bee Low Quarry), 2
(overflying, west-east, northern edge of Bee Low Quarry), 1
(over flying, south-north, north western edge of Dove Holes
Quarry).
Chaffinch
1 (calling, tree plantation, 200m north of northern edge of Bee
Low Quarry), 1 (singing, tree plantation, 300m north of northern
edge of Bee Low Quarry), 1 (calling, tree plantation, 350m north
of northern edge of Bee Low Quarry), 1 (singing, tree plantation,
100m north north west of northern edge of Bee Low Quarry).
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Linnet
2 (over flying, access road between Bee Low Quarry and Dove
Holes Quarry).
Goldfinch
2 (over flying, west-east, access road by artificial badger sett,
between Bee Low Quarry and Dove Holes Quarry), 1 (bund,
north western edge of Dove Holes Quarry), 2 (over flying, westeast, north western edge of Dove Holes Quarry).
* No twite present at cliff face at north eastern edge of Bee Low Quarry or at any other
location during remainder of bird survey.
* 1 brown hare present by bund, adjacent eastern edge of Bee Low Quarry.
* 1 brown hare present in arable field, 450m north east of north eastern edge of Bee Low
Quarry.
* 1 brown hare present in arable field, 350m north of northern edge of Bee Low Quarry.
* 3 brown hares present in arable field, 170m north west of northern edge of Bee Low
Quarry.
* 1 brown hare present on pastureland, adjacent north western edge of Bee Low Quarry.
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Visit ‘C’
Survey date: 06/05/11
Times: 06.17- 07.45
Weather: Overcast, 90C, light-mod.
SW breeze, light drizzle later
Common name
Number recorded and other information
Peregrine falcon
1 (over flying, Bee Low Quarry and northern edge of Dove Holes
Quarry).
Grey partridge
1 (calling, grassland, adjacent to north eastern edge of Bee Low
Quarry).
Black-headed gull
1 (over flying, north-south, western edge of Dove Holes Quarry),
5 (over flying, west-east, northern edge of Dove Holes Quarry).
Skylark
1 (singing, grassland, adjacent north eastern edge of Bee Low
Quarry), 2 (fence line, 100m west of western edge of Bee Low
Quarry), 1 (singing, grassland, 180m west of south western
edge of Bee Low Quarry), 1 (fence line, adjacent western edge
of north-south haul road adjoining Bee Low Quarry), 2
(grassland, adjacent north western edge of Dove Holes Quarry).
Swallow
1 (over flying, west-east, northern edge of Dove Holes Quarry).
Meadow pipit
2 (singing, grassy bank side, adjacent to eastern edge of Bee
Low Quarry), 1 (singing, 130m north east of north eastern edge
of Bee Low Quarry), 2 (grassland, adjacent north eastern edge
of Bee Low Quarry), 2 (calling, grassland, 100m west of western
edge of Bee Low Quarry), 2 (territorial dispute, old explosives
store, 120m west of western edge of Bee Low Quarry), 2 (fence
line, adjacent south western edge of Bee Low Quarry), 1
(calling, grassland by dew pond, adjacent southern edge of Bee
Low Quarry), 6 (grassy bank sides, adjacent southern edge of
Bee Low Quarry).
Wheatear
1 (calling, bund, adjacent eastern edge of Bee Low Quarry), 1
grassy bank side, adjacent southern edge of Bee Low Quarry).
Jackdaw
10+ (pastureland, 200m north west of north western edge of
Bee Low Quarry), 5 (foraging, grassland, adjacent north western
edge of Dove Holes Quarry), 1 (bund, adjacent northern edge of
Bee Low Quarry).
Rook
1 (over flying, west-east, pasture, 100m north of northern edge
of Bee Low Quarry), 15+ (pastureland, 200m north west of
north western edge of Bee Low Quarry).
Carrion crow
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1 (foraging, pastureland, adjacent eastern edge of Bee Low
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Quarry).
Raven
2 adults & 4 juveniles (at nest site on cliff face, northern edge of
Bee Low Quarry) - birds noted on previous day (05/05/11)
during reptile refugia survey.
Chaffinch
1 (singing, tree plantation, 200m north of northern edge of Bee
Low Quarry), 1 (calling, tree plantation, 350m north of northern
edge of Bee Low Quarry), 1 (tree plantation, 100m north north
west of northern edge of Bee Low Quarry).
Goldfinch
2 (calling and carrying nesting material, isolated tree, adjacent
artificial badger sett, south eastern edge of Bee Low Quarry).
* No twite present at cliff face at north eastern edge of Bee Low Quarry or at any other
location during remainder of bird survey.
Visit ‘D’
Survey date: 20/05/11 Times: 09.05 – 10.30
Weather: Fresh – strong S breeze
100% high cloud, dry, 110C
Vantage point survey
Peregrine falcon nest located on southern face of Dove Holes Quarry
5 Ravens noted north of Bee Low Quarry, have left nest site
No twite present on or around cliff face.
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Visit ‘E’
Survey date: 16/06/11 Times: 04.58 - 06.32
Weather: Dry and overcast - sunny
later on
Common name
Number recorded and other information
Kestrel
1 (hunting over Bee Low Quarry).
Peregrine falcon
1 (roosting, cliff face, north eastern edge of Bee Low Quarry), 1
(roosting, cliff face, western edge of Dove Holes Quarry).
Black-headed gull
1 (over flying, north-south, north western edge of Bee Low
Quarry).
Skylark
2 (singing, grassland, adjacent western edge of Bee Low
Quarry), 2 (singing, grassland by old explosives store, 120m
west of western edge of Bee Low Quarry), 1 (singing, dry stone
wall by access track, adjacent western edge of north-south haul
road between Bee Low Quarry and Dove Holes Quarry), 1
(grassland, adjacent north western edge of Dove Holes Quarry),
3 (bund, adjacent southern edge of Bee Low Quarry), 1 (singing,
grassland by dew pond, adjacent southern edge of Bee Low
Quarry).
Meadow pipit
1 (singing, scrub, artificial badger sett, adjacent south eastern
corner of Bee Low Quarry), 1 (calling, bund, eastern edge of Bee
Low Quarry), 3 (1 singing & 2 calling, grassy bank side, adjacent
to eastern bank side of Bee Low Quarry), 1 (calling, grassland,
adjacent to northern edge of Bee Low Quarry), 2 (grassland by
old explosives store, 120m west of western edge of Bee Low
Quarry), 4 (calling, access track by grassland, adjacent north
western edge of Dove Holes Quarry), 1 (calling, fence line,
adjacent north western edge of Dove Holes Quarry), 1 (singing,
scrub, adjacent southern edge of Bee Low Quarry).
Pied wagtail
1 (perched, roof of old explosives store, 120m west of western
edge of Bee Low Quarry).
Jackdaw
12 (roosting, cliff face, northern edge of Bee Low Quarry), 25+
(foraging, newly cut pasture, 400m west of western edge of Bee
Low Quarry), 30+ (roosting, cliff face, adjacent north western
edge of Dove Holes Quarry).
Rook
5 (foraging, newly cut pasture, 100m north of northern edge of
Bee Low Quarry), 200+ (foraging, newly cut pasture, 400m west
of western edge of Bee Low Quarry).
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* No twite present at cliff face at north eastern edge of Bee Low Quarry or at any other
location during remainder of bird survey.
Visit ‘F’
Survey date: 07/07/11
Times: 05.13 - 06.25
Weather: Dry and overcast (SW: 2-3)
Common name
Number recorded and other information
Peregrine falcon
2 (circling over Bee Low Quarry during earlier bat dawn
swarming survey).
Lesser black-backed gull
16 (grazing in pasture, 150m north of northern edge of Bee Low
Quarry).
Skylark
1 (singing, fence line by haul road, adjacent to south western
corner of Bee Low Quarry), 1 (grassland, adjacent to north
western corner of Bee Low Quarry).
Meadow pipit
1 (calling, fence line by haul road, adjacent to south western
corner of Bee low Quarry), 2 (calling, fence line by haul road,
adjacent to western edge of Bee Low Quarry), 2 (calling,
grassland, adjacent to northern edge of Bee Low Quarry), 4
(grassy bank side, adjacent to eastern bank side of bee Low
Quarry), 1 (fence line, adjacent to dew pond at southern edge
of Bee Low Quarry).
Carrion crow
2 (foraging in pasture, 150m north of northern edge of Bee low
Quarry).
Raven
1 (over flying Bee Low Quarry).
Goldfinch
1 (hawthorn scrub, adjacent to north eastern corner of Bee Low
Quarry).
* No twite present at cliff face at north eastern edge of Bee Low Quarry or at any other
location during remainder of bird survey.
* 1 brown hare was noted in grassland, adjacent to the north western corner of Bee Low
Quarry.
* 2 brown hares were seen by the bund, adjacent to the south eastern corner of Bee Low
Quarry.
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APPENDIX 2: LEGISLATION AND CONSERVATION STATUS
•
EC ‘Birds Directive’ (79/409/EEC)
Special Protection Areas (SPAs) are strictly protected sites classified in
accordance with Article 4 of the EC Directive on the conservation of wild birds
(79/409/EEC), also known as the ‘Birds Directive’, which came into force in April
1979. A major provision of the Directive includes the identification and
classification of SPAs for rare or vulnerable species listed in Annex I of the
Directive, as well as for all regularly occurring migratory species, paying
particular attention to the protection of wetlands of international importance.
Also, to regulate the hunting of certain species of birds listed in Annex II, while
Annex III regulates the sale, transport, keeping and offering for sale of certain
live or dead game birds. In the UK, the provisions of the ‘Birds Directive’ are
implemented through the Wildlife & Countryside Act (1981) (as amended).
•
Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981)
Section 1: makes it an offence to intentionally kill, injure or take any wild bird,
nest or egg. The possession of any of these is an offence of strict liability. It
covers special protection and increased fines of Schedule 1 species. Schedule 1,
Part I - lists 80 rare, endangered, declining or vulnerable bird species which are
protected by special penalties at all times, while Part II lists 3 birds that are
protected by special penalties during the close season (February - August).
•
Natural Environment and Rural Communities (NERC) Act (2006)
Section 41 (S41) of this Act (the ‘England Biodiversity List’) requires the Secretary
of State to publish a list of habitats and species that are of principal importance
for the conservation of biodiversity in England. The S41 list is used to guide
decision-makers such as public bodies, including local and regional authorities, in
implementing their duty under section 40 of the Natural Environment and Rural
Communities Act 2006, to have regard to the conservation of biodiversity in
England, when carrying out their normal functions.
The S41 list replaces the list published under Section 74 of the Countryside and
Rights of Way (CRoW) Act 2000.
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•
BTO/RSPB ‘Red List’
The criteria used in ‘Red List’ and ‘Amber List’ Birds of Conservation Concern
(BoCC) listings reflect each bird species global and European status as well as
that within the UK, and additionally measure the importance of the UK population
in international terms. A total of 126 species have been assessed against a set of
objective criteria to place each on one of two lists - amber and red - indicating an
increasing level of conservation concern.
Species that meet any of the following criteria are red listed:
- IUCN Global Conservation Status. Species listed by BirdLife International as
being Globally Threatened using IUCN criteria.
- HD Historical Decline. A severe decline in the UK between 1800 and 1995,
without substantial recent recovery.
- BDp Breeding Population Decline. Severe decline in the UK breeding population
size, of more than 50%, over 25 years (BDp1) or the entire period used for
assessments since the first BoCC review, starting in 1969 (“longer-term”) (BDp2).
- WDp Non-breeding Population Decline. Severe decline in the UK non-breeding
population size, of more than 50%, over 25 years (WDp1) or the longer-term
(WDp2).
- BDr Breeding Range Decline. Severe decline in the UK range, of more than
50%, as measured by number of 10 km squares occupied by breeding birds, over
25 years (BDr1) or the longer-term (BDr2).
•
BTO/RSPB ‘Amber List’
Species that meet any of the following criteria, but none of the red list criteria,
are amber listed:
SPEC European Conservation status. Categorised as a Species of European
Conservation Concern (SPEC 1, 2 or 3).
HDrec Historical Decline - Recovery. Red listed for Historical Decline in a
previous review but with substantial recent recovery (more than doubled in the
last 25 years).
BDMp Breeding Population Decline. As for red list criteria BDp1 and BDp2, but
with moderate decline (by more than 25% but less than 50%).
WDMp Non-breeding Population Decline. As for red list criteria WDp1and WDp2,
but with moderate decline (by more than 25% but less than 50%).
BDMr Breeding Range Decline. As for red list criteria BDr1 and BDr2, but with
moderate decline (by more than 25% but less than 50%).
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BR and WR Rarity. UK breeding population of less than 300 pairs (BR), or nonbreeding population of less than 900 individuals (WR).
BL and WL Localisation. At least 50% of the UK breeding (BL) or non-breeding
(WL) population found in 10 or fewer sites.
BI and WI International Importance. At least 20% of the European breeding
(BI) or non-breeding (WI) population found in the UK.
An updated list of ‘Red’ and ‘Amber List’ species was published in May 2009
(Eaton et al., 2009).
•
BTO/RSPB ‘Green List’
All regularly occurring species that do not qualify under any of the ‘red’ or ‘amber’
criteria are ‘green listed’. The ‘Green List’ also includes those species listed as
recovering from Historical Decline in the last review that have continued to
recover (by showing at least a 20% increase since the previous review) and do
not qualify under any of the other criteria.
•
UK Biodiversity Action Plan (UK BAP)
The UK BAP, which was published in 1994, sets priorities for nationally and locally
important species and habitats. Each plan has costed actions and targets and
reporting on the targets occurs on a 3-5 year cycle. An updated list of UK priority
species and habitats was published in June 2007.
•
Peak District Biodiversity Action Plan (Peak District BAP)
This contains action plans for species and habitats that are agreed to be of
conservation importance in the Peak District Biodiversity Action Plan area.
The area covered by this biodiversity action plan includes that outside of the
working quarry boundary.
•
Lowland Derbyshire Biodiversity Action Plan 2011-2020 (Draft Consultation Plan)
This contains action plans for species and habitats that are agreed to be of
conservation importance in the Lowland Derbyshire Biodiversity Action Plan area.
The area covered by this biodiversity action plan includes that inside of the
working quarry boundary.
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APPENDIX 3
DOVE HOLES QUARRY - BIRD SPECIES RECORDED AND THEIR CONSERVATION STATUS
(see footnote for relevant legislation/conservation lists)
Scientific Name
Common
BTO
EC ‘Birds
WCA
NERC -
BTO/RSPB
BTO/RSPB
UK
Peak
Lowland
Name
Code*
Directive’
(1981)
Sect. 41
‘Red List’
‘Amber
BAP
District
Derby
BAP
BAP
(79/409/EEC)
List’
Accipiter nisus
Sparrowhawk
SH
Falco tinnunculus
Kestrel
K.
Falco peregrinus
Peregrine falcon
PE
Perdix perdix
Grey partridge
P.
Pluvialis apricaria
Golden plover
GP
Vanellus vanellus
Lapwing
L.
√
Numenius arquata
Curlew
CU
√
Larus ridibundus
BH
√
LB
√
Columba palumbus
Black-headed
gull
Lesser blackbacked gull
Woodpigeon
Alauda arvensis
Skylark
S.
Hirundo rustica
Swallow
SL
√
Anthus pratensis
Meadow pipit
MP
√
Motacilla alba
Pied wagtail
PW
Oenanthe oenanthe
Wheatear
W.
Larus fuscus
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√
Annex I
√
√
√
Annex I
√
√
√
√
√
√
√
√
√
WP
√
√
√
√
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√
Scientific Name
Common
BTO
EC ‘Birds
WCA
NERC -
BTO/RSPB
BTO/RSPB
UK
Peak
Lowland
Name
Code*
Directive’
(1981)
Sect. 41
‘Red List’
‘Amber
BAP
District
Derby
BAP
BAP
(79/409/EEC)
Turdus merula
Blackbird
B.
Phylloscopus
trochilus
Phylloscopus
collybita
Corvus monedula
Willow warbler
WW
Chiffchaff
CC
Jackdaw
JD
Corvus frugilegus
Rook
RO
Corvus corone
Carrion crow
C.
Corvus corax
Raven
RN
Fringilla coelebs
Chaffinch
CH
Carduelis cannabina
Linnet
LI
Carduelis carduelis
Goldfinch
GO
List’
√
√
√
√
* BTO standard species recording codes
Footnote:
EC ‘Birds Directive’
EC Directive (79/409/EEC) on The Conservation Of Wild Birds (the 'Birds Directive')
WCA (1981)
Schedule 1 species - Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981).
NERC - Sect. 41
Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 - Section 41 species.
BTO/RSPB ‘Red List’
Royal Society for the Protection of Birds - ‘Red List’ of Bird Species of High Conservation Concern
BTO/RSPB ‘Amber List’
Royal Society for the Protection of Birds - ‘Amber List’ of Bird Species of Medium Conservation Concern
UK BAP
UK Biodiversity Action Plan - List of Priority Species for which a Costed Action Plan has been written.
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√
Peak District BAP
Peak District Biodiversity Action Plan - Species of Local Importance for which an Action Plan has been prepared.
Lowland Derby BAP
Lowland Derbyshire Biodiversity Action Plan - Species of Local Importance for which an Action Plan has been
prepared.
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