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Ecological Assessment of Symonds Yat Rapids. Eric Palmer Cresswell Associates. Desk Study. Field Survey. Assessment of Results. Recommendations. Herefordshire Biological Records Centre Environment Agency Natural England NBN Gateway MAGIC web site
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Ecological Assessment of Symonds Yat Rapids Eric Palmer Cresswell Associates
Desk Study Field Survey Assessment of Results Recommendations
Herefordshire Biological Records Centre Environment Agency Natural England NBN Gateway MAGIC web site Symonds Yat Rapids Preservation Group web site Desk Study
Phase I botany Habitats of conservation value, and Protected species of plants and animals: White-clawed crayfish Water voles Otters Bats Badgers Birds Ecological Survey
Special Area for Conservation (SAC) Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) Lower Wye SSSI designated as a salmonid fishery EA highlighted rapids, adjacent and downstream habitats as suitable spawning areas for SAC fish species – although no specific records Area supports a diverse assemblage of aquatic invertebrates Other protected species records: great crested newt, several bat species, and hazel dormouse Desk Study Results
Survey Results: protected species Otters: spraint and resting sites
Survey Results: protected species • Bats: • Potential roost sites
Survey Results: protected species Dormice: Woodland on river banks suitable Reptiles: unlikely to be present in large numbers, grass snakes may use island to feed
Fish: Habitat suitable for a variety of species at different life stages. Scoured areas Clean gravels Silt berms Pools Survey Results: protected species
Survey Results: protected species • White-clawed crayfish: • Not found during 2005 survey • Habitat is suitable • Remains found in otter spraint on island
Survey Results: protected species Badgers: no signs Water voles: Habitat of limited suitability – unlikely to be present Amphibians: No breeding areas noted, but terrestrial habitat
Most valuable features and habitats: Substrate of the river bed for fish and invertebrates Otter resting sites Trees with potential to support roosting bats Potential impacts: Fish and invertebrates (including crayfish) Otters Bats Dormice Assessment
Fish: Timing of works; protect and enhance habitat Invertebrates: enhance habitat Crayfish: rescue if present; enhance habitat Otters: protect known resting site; temporary disruption Bats: avoid impacts on occupied trees Dormice: avoid impacts on occupied nests Mitigation