Ecological Assessment of Symonds Yat Rapids Eric Palmer Cresswell Associates
Assessment of Results Recommendations Desk Study Field Survey
Desk Study Herefordshire Biological Records Centre Environment Agency Natural England NBN Gateway MAGIC web site Symonds Yat Rapids Preservation Group web site
Ecological Survey Phase I botany Habitats of conservation value, and Protected species of plants and animals: White-clawed crayfish Water voles Otters Bats Badgers Birds
Desk Study Results 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
Survey Results: Plants and Habitats
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
Survey Results: protected species Fish: Habitat suitable for a variety of species at different life stages. Scoured areas Clean gravels Silt berms Pools
Survey Results: protected species White-clawed crayfish: Not found during 2005 survey Habitat is suitable Remains found in otter spraint on island
Badgers: no signs Water voles: Habitat of limited suitability – unlikely to be present Amphibians: No breeding areas noted, but terrestrial habitat Survey Results: protected species
Assessment 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
Mitigation 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