UPDATE ON FLORA AND FAUNA SURVEYS OF REDMOSS FARM

Dear Friend of the Greenbelt, In my update on 21 June 2015 I told you that the designation of Redmoss North as a preferred development site in the proposed Local Development Plan 3 (LDP3) was based on the finding in the Land Use Consultants (LUC) Preliminary Ecological Appraisal for East Dunbartonshire Council (EDC) that there is a significant difference in ecological value between the southern and northern parts of Redmoss Grasslands. The LUC Survey specifically states that “Habitats and vegetation as described within the Redmoss South Site are of a comparatively higher ecological value than those of the northern site”; whereas “Habitats and vegetation as described within the Redmoss North Site are of low ecological value, and the removal of these habitats in order to support a new development should pose no great affect to the nature conservation of the surrounding areas.” This distinction between the northern and southern parts of the site was predicated on the classification of the northern site as ‘semi-improved grassland’ on the basis of it having been shallow ploughed at some point in the past; while the southern site was classified as ‘unimproved grassland’ with potentially greater ecological value. However, the Survey carried out for us by a member of the Scottish Wildlife Trust (SWT) also identifies the northern area of Redmoss as ‘unimproved grassland’ “that is remarkable in local context with value as a habitat for native plant species including several types of orchid.” Therefore this new evidence directly contradicts the Council's external "expert" report. When I submitted this Survey and Commentary to EDC on 13 July 2015 I concluded with our expert’s opinion that that the report demonstrates that the proposed development of housing on this area of greenbelt land ignores the complementarity of the two sites and the integrity of the whole area which is an integral part of an existing Green Network. EDC have confirmed that our Survey will be included in the analysis of the Redmoss site that is presented to the “working party” and that it will be submitted in its entirety to the Directorate for Planning and Environmental Appeals (DPEA) in due course. The LUC Survey stated further that “No direct evidence of any bats was identified during the survey, but the surveys were undertaken at a time of year (November 2014) when bat activity is reducing dramatically as prey becomes scarce and the winter hibernation season approaches. Presence of bats and breeding birds can only be determined during active seasons for these species so this should be considered if timings are crucial to the implementation of any proposed development. Bat surveys should take place between April and September, inclusive, through preferably spread between the months of May and August, and the breeding bird season is generally from 1 March until 31 August, dependent on species likely to be present. Further survey work will be required should any developments be proposed within the Study Area. Surveys should be carried out for otters, bats, badgers, and nesting birds; reptiles may also need further consideration despite sub-optimal habitat. If such species are found to be using the site, especially for sheltering, any development must include a detailed mitigation plan and include compensation if necessary, and if necessary a licence from SNH.” Therefore it is clear that a comprehensive habitat survey must consider both flora and fauna and indeed the SWT Survey identified the ecological value of the northern site and noted the need for a specific fauna survey. I have been able to agree a further extension with the Council to 21 August to submit a fauna survey and after much searching have been able to find a firm, Direct Ecology, who are prepared to do the work in time. The survey will be undertaken by Beccy Osborn, BA Hons (Oxon), MSc, MCIEEM Principal Ecologist and Company Director. The survey will comprise a day visit walk over, looking at trees in particular for bat roost potential and any signs of protected species on the site (badgers/otters etc). We have been guaranteed the report by 19th August at the latest. The total cost of the reports on the general species and the separate report on the bats will be £810 including VAT. The cost includes a day to prepare the main report and a half a day for collecting in and analysing data on the bats. In the opinion of your Steering Committee and our local expert this report is essential to support our case, particularly when it goes to the Reporter in due course. Therefore we are now launching an Appeal to fund the cost of the surveys. Alan Harris Secretary MOC Greenbelt Preservation