MOD Sustainability and Environmental Appraisal Tools Handbook
Habitats Regulations Assessment
Section 5
MOD Form 2223 (Revised 01/12)
Habitats Regulations Assessments (HRA)1
:
Consideration of Plan/Project (P/P) Judgement of Likely Significant Effect (JLSE)
Appropriate Assessment (AA)
Consideration of Alternatives, Imperative Reasons of Overriding Public Interest
(IROPI) and Compensation
Copies of all completed and authorised Habitats Regulations Assessment forms should be submitted to:
Post: Natural Environment Team
Defence Infrastructure Organisation Environmental Advisory Services
Email:
This Decision Form should be completed in conjunction with guidance provided in Section 5 of the
Sustainability and Environmental Appraisal Tools (SEAT) Handbook for the MOD Estate and the DIO
Practitioner Guidance – Designated Sites.
Title of Proposal: Ash
Ranges Permissive Access Path
Name of Natura 2000 and Ramsar2 Site(s):
• Thames Basin Heaths Special Protection Area (SPA)
• Thursley Ash Pirbright and Chobham Special Area of Conservation (SAC)
This Decision Form is a record of the assessment, undertaken by the Defence Infrastructure Organisation on
behalf of the Ministry of Defence in respect of the above plan / project, in accordance with the EC Habitats
Directive (92/43/EEC) and transposing Regulations.
The Habitats Regulations (Reg. 61 in England and Wales; Reg 48 in Scotland & NI) require that a Competent
Authority carries out an Appropriate Assessment (AA) before deciding to undertake, or give any consent,
permission or other authorisation for a plan or project which is likely to have a significant effect on a European
site.
This Decision Form can cover the four key stages of a Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA):
1. Considering whether the proposed activity is a Plan or Project under the Habitats Regulations
2. Judgment of Likely Significant Effects (JLSE): taking account of proposed avoidance and mitigation
measures, is the Plan or Project likely to have a significant effect on the achievement of Conservation
Objectives for a SPA, SAC or Ramsar site feature?
3. Appropriate Assessment (AA): can the Plan or Project be modified, or additional Avoidance and Mitigation
Measures be secured to avoid any adverse impact on the integrity of a Site
4. If adverse impacts cannot be avoided or mitigated, whether the Plan or Project must go ahead for
imperative reasons of overriding public interest, whether there are any satisfactory alternatives, and
whether compensatory measures have been secured to ensure that the overall coherence of the Natura
2000 network will be maintained.
1 The ‘Habitats Regulations’ differ between UK nations:
England and Wales - The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010 SI 2010/490
Scotland - The Conservation (Natural Habitats, etc.) Regulations 1995 (as amended in Scotland);
Northern Ireland - The Conservation (Natural Habitats, etc.). Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1995 SI 95/380
2 Wetlands of International Importance identified under the 1979 Ramsar Convention: it is Government policy to also apply the Habitats
Regulations Assessment processes to the special features of Ramsar Sites
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Section 5
Summary of the Project
Full details of the plan/project should be referenced or Annexed.
References:
A. Sustainability Appraisal
B. Draft Final IRMP Aldershot – Ash Ranges Natural Environment Component 2020
C. Favourable Condition Table Final Version by NE dated 31 March 2014
D. National Vegetation Surveys for Integrated Land Management Plans: Thursley, Ash, Pirbright
and Chobham cSAC and Ash to Brookwood Heaths SSSI Phase 2 Habitat Survey 2000 and
NVC /ILMP Vegetation Survey Ash Training Area 2004.
E. Favourable Condition for Designated Features of Ash to Brookwood Heaths SSSI. Final version
Natural England March 2014.
F. Citations for the Designated Sites.
Annexes:
A. Map 1 – Ash Ranges “Technical Area 137 ha”
Map 2 – Route of surfaced path showing SSSI boundaries
B. Vegetation description of the path line within the 3m working strip with comments on any potential
impacts on SAC / SPA / SSSI features.
C. Path surfacing methodology
D. Technical Consideration Summary Table
E. Summary of Avoidance and Mitigation Measures
1. What are the Plan/ Project proposals?
1.1 It has been decided recently to exclude the public at all times from what is referred to as the
“Range Technical Area” (
see Annex A Map 1) at Ash Ranges for a number of reasons, these
include:
• Public Safety – e.g. open firing pits / target galleries / lead contaminated sand in stop
butts
• Vandalism of range infrastructure
• Dog fouling on the range floor
1.2 This has meant that the public is no longer able to use the tarmac range access roads during
non-firing periods and has led to complaints and protests to the local parish council and MPs.
1.3 In order to mitigate some of the effect of these restrictions it has been decided to look at
improving the surface of the currently unmade paths through the woodland situated between
the Range Danger Area (RDA) fence and the MOD boundary. (
see Annex A Map 2)
1.4 The existing path is unmade and follows an established desire line (and possibly an electrical
wayleave) that has been formalised at some point in the past by the erection of a number of
wooden sleeper bridges over drainage ditches. The path becomes wet and muddy during the
winter months, while the sleeper bridges are ad-hoc in nature and made from old “creosoted”
sleepers. (
See Photo 1 -10 in Annex B)
1.5 The proposal is to formalise this path with the addition of a 1.5m wide, all-weather surfaced
path held in place with wooden edging boards. The surfacing material would be a sandstone
aggregate as sub-base finished with a self-binding gravel wearing course. The wooden edging
would be pressure treated softwood from an FSC certified source.
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1.6 The path is 1395m in length split into 3 sections:
Section 1 – 375m long (outside but adjacent to SSSI / SPA / SAC)
Section 2 – 222m long (inside Unit 20 Ash to Brookwood Heaths SSSI / SPA / SAC)
Section 3 – 798m long (inside Unit 10 Basingstoke Canal SSSI and adjacent to SPA & SAC)
1.7 The construction methodology follows best practice in ensuring relevant SAC & SPA
European Features are not significantly impacted. The path surface will be formed from
sandstone base and a gravel surface, which will be of a similar pH to the surrounding area. The
path will follow the existing worn path except for a short section at the southern end of
Greatbottom Flash where it will be moved closer to the range buildings away from the edge /
margins of the flash. The sleeper bridges will be replaced with untreated oak sleepers.
1.8 Wherever possible the path will be partially sunk into the ground with any spoil spread either
side and allowed to vegetate over, where major tree roots are found close to the surface the
path will be raised up over them to avoid damage.
1.9 Vegetation will be cleared back in order to allow a mixture of users to use the path safely,
ensuring sight lines are clear and users are not forced towards the RDA fence when passing
each other.
1.10
In summary, the key features are:
• The line of the path will, apart from minor adjustments (approx. 60m), mirror the existing
walked path in length and width, resulting in little change from the current extent of the path.
• The approximate maximum working strip during the construction phase will comprise of 2
main parts:
A) Maximum 2m width under and immediately adjacent to the path for excavation /
replacement / minor realignment. Most works will be undertaken within 1-2m and in some
sections where there will be little levelling or other ground disturbance this may be less than
2m wide.
B) Use of vehicles / labour in a maximum 5m working strip. For much of the length, most
vehicle use can be undertaken on or from the existing path, accessed from the existing
surfaced range roads. Some work will be undertaken by hand ie installing wooden edging,
while surfacing material will need to be brought to site and spread by suitable machinery.
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2
Authorisations required from other Competent Authorities under the Habitats
Regulations
2.1 The MOD will undertake appropriate planning consultation with Surrey County Council and
decide whether to undertake the project.
2.2 If the project requires planning permission the MOD and Local Planning Authority will both be
‘Competent Authorities’ with decision-making roles regarding the project. However, the MOD
proposes to act as ‘lead Competent Authority’ and has prepared this HRA in consultation with
Natural England.
3
What other designated sites or protected species may be affected?
3.1 Parts of the path lie within Unit 20 of Ash to Brookwood Heaths SSSI and Unit 10
Basingstoke Canal SSSI.
3.2 Ash to Brookwood Heaths SSSI is designated for forming the largest area of dry heathland
remaining in the London Basin together with extensive wet heath, bog and associated habitats.
3.3 Basingstoke Canal SSSI together with associated flashes, such as Great Bottom Flash
adjacent to Ash Ranges, is nationally important for aquatic plants and invertebrates due to
the diversity arising from the calcareous to slightly acidic habitat conditions. The Flashes are
an integral part of the hydrological system.
3.4 The possible impacts on the SSSI designations and protected species are addressed in
Section 7 below.
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Section 5
Consideration of Plans and Projects under the Habitats Regulations
4.
Is the proposal a Plan or Project?
4.1 This is a record of the consideration undertaken by Defence Infrastructure Organisation, on
behalf of the Ministry of Defence to determine whether the above proposal is a ‘plan or project’
in terms of the EC Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC) and transposing regulations, and to
determine whether the PP is directly connected with or necessary to the [conservation]
management of the site.
4.2 Natural England was consulted on the 17 September 2020.
4.3 The MOD considers that:
a) The proposal is a ‘plan or project’ in terms of the EC Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC) and
transposing regulations.
b) The proposed project is not directly connected with or necessary to the conservation
management of the sites concerned.
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Section 5
Judgement of Likely Significant Effects (JLSE)
This section should consider the implications of the P/P on the conservation objectives of the sites
concerned. It should outline any avoidance or mitigation measures that have already been integrated
into the P/P, and any remaining residual effects, both alone and in combination with any other
relevant plans and projects that are likely to have residual effects on the site. A technical
consideration may be presented in an accompanying report or Environmental Statement, but should
be summarised in the table in Annex 1. The technical consideration should refer to favourable
condition tables for each feature, and for European Marine sites to relevant “Regulation 33 advice”.
Impacts may include for example, physical habitat loss, physical habitat damage, non-toxic
contamination, toxic contamination, noise disturbance, visual disturbance (not exhaustive).
5.
What SPAs / SACs or Ramsar Sites may be affected by this Plan or Project; what are
the qualifying interest features and their conservation objectives?
A
Thursley, Ash, Pirbright and Chobham SAC
The qualifying interest features are:
a) Annex 1 Habitats Primary Reason for Site Selection :
4010 Northern Atlantic wet heaths with
Erica tetralix
This site represents lowland
Northern Atlantic wet heaths in south-east England. The wet heath
at Thursley is NVC type M16
Erica tetralix –
Sphagnum compactum and contains several rare plants,
including great sundew
Drosera anglica, bog hair-grass
Deschampsia setacea, bog orchid
Hammarbya paludosa and brown beak-sedge
Rhynchospora fusca. There are transitions to valley
bog and dry heath. Thursley Common is an important site for invertebrates, including the nationally
rare white-faced darter
Leuccorhinia dubia.
4030 European dry heaths
This south-east England site contains a series of large fragments of once-continuous heathland. It
is selected as a key representative of NVC type H2
Calluna vulgaris –
Ulex minor dry heathland.
This heath type has a marked south-eastern and southern distribution. There are transitions to wet
heath and valley mire, scrub, woodland and acid grassland, including types rich in annual plants.
The
European dry heaths support an important assemblage of animal species, including numerous
rare and local invertebrate species, European nightjar
Caprimulgus europaeus, Dartford warbler
Sylvia undata, sand lizard
Lacerta agilis and smooth snake
Coronella austriaca.
7150 Depressions on peat substrates of the Rhynchosporion
This site contains examples of
Depressions on peat substrates of the Rhynchosporion in south-
east England, where it occurs as part of a mosaic associated with valley bog and wet heath. The
vegetation is found in natural bog pools of patterned valley mire and in disturbed peat of trackways
and former peat-cuttings
The Conservation Objectives for each of these 3 features are to maintain them in favourable
condition, with the caveat that maintenance implies restoration if the feature is not currently in
favourable condition:
B
Thames Basin Heaths SPA
This site qualifies under Article 4.1 of the Directive (79/409/EEC) by supporting populations of
European importance of the following species listed on Annex I of the Directive.
• Dartford Warbler
Sylvia undata, SPA supports at least 27.8% of the GB breeding population
(Count as at1999)
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• Nightjar
Caprimulgus europaeus, SPA supports at least 7.8% of the GB breeding population
(Count mean 1998-99)
• Woodlark
Lullula arbore, SPA supports at least 9.9% of GB breeding population (Count as at
1997)
The Conservation Objectives for each of these 3 features are to maintain them in favourable
condition, with the caveat that maintenance implies restoration if the feature is not currently in
favourable condition:
6.
What is the current and potential condition of the qualifying interest features?
6.1 It should be noted that the SSSI condition surveys are not directly related to SPA, SAC or
Ramsar Site qualifying features and that condition survey data therefore only provides an
indication of the status of the designated site in respect of the features for which it was
designated as a SSSI (which may or may not include those for which the SPA and SAC
designation has been made).
6.2 The area of the proposed works comprising part of Thursley, Ash, Pirbright and Chobham
SAC and Thames Basin Heaths SPA is covered by Ash to Brookwood Heaths SSSI Unit 20.
As at 19 October 2015, the condition of this Unit was Unfavourable Recovering following
extensive conifer removal and management works being undertaken to control regenerating
scrub, bracken and development of improved heath sward diversity including bare ground. It
was noted that the open heath between the ranges and grazing fence to the east had some
habitat of potential value to SPA birds.
6.3 The Basingstoke Canal SSSI Unit 10 at the last assessment at 4/ Dec 2015 was assessed as
Unfavourable Recovering due to higher than desirable levels of scrub encroachment (mainly
willow) in the reed bed and risk of succession to carr woodland and on areas of mire
vegetation leading to excessive shading.
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7.
What are the possible impacts of the Plan/Project?
7.1 The possible impacts of the PP on the conservation objectives are summarised in
Annex D Technical Consideration. In summary, these relate to potential disturbance and injury to SPA ground
nesting birds plus potential loss and damage to SAC habitat of European dry heaths.
SAC Features
7.2 Most of the permissive path length is outside the SAC boundary. The southern path section 2,
lies within the SAC and the northern section 3 runs approximately along the SAC boundary; but in
both cases
is within woodland plantation and / or residential development with the heathland core
further east.
7.3 The regularly walked, bare ground path along the proposed route has little surface vegetation.
The sections of path within the SAC have been calculated as having a length in total of 222m which,
with a maximum finished width of 1.5m, gives a total area footprint of 0.03ha. This is a maximum
permanent potential area of impact within the SAC.
7.4 However, the works will have negligible functional impact on the SAC features due to existing
track and ground being already bare, works being undertaken by hand where possible; no
requirement to level out the ground and avoidance by vehicles.
7.5 Overall there are no likely significant impacts on the SAC feature habitats.
SPA Features
7.6 The SPA breeding bird species are:
Woodlark – typically found in mosaics of bare ground, short vegetation and taller vegetation
tussocks. Migrate in winter or move away from breeding grounds to low arable land in UK.
Dartford Warbler - typically found in bushy gorse and dense tall heather. Resident in Britain with
many adults remaining in their territories all year. Sedentary and dependant on dense gorse for
winter survival.
Nightjar – typically found in open heaths and clear felled / young conifer plantations. Migrates in
winter
7.7 It is considered by the MOD that the permissive footpath works are not likely to affect any
feature or supporting habitat, nor likely to cause any significant disturbance to the SPA feature
species, either during construction or operation, and that there may be beneficial impacts by helping
to control the public access into the Range Technical Area. This may help reduce incidental incursion
of dogs and contribute to reduced disturbance to ground nesting birds.
Non European Features
7.8 Other potential impacts such as to SSSI features or other protected species, notably
invertebrates associated with bare sandy and wetland habitats, reptiles and rare / vulnerable plants
such as ferns have been considered in the working methodology.
7.9 On advice from Natural England as to the known and likely distribution of the highly protected
smooth snake
Coronella austriaca on Ash Ranges where the known populations are approximately
2km to the east, it is considered very unlikely they are present within the vicinity of the permissive
path. This is based on most of the path route being unsuitable in terms of habitat (well-worn dirt
track, high levels of public use and dog walking running through mixed woodland).
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7.10 Survey data as at October 2020 from Surrey Amphibian and Reptile Group (SARG) show
adder and probably from habitat type, grass snake and other non EPS herptile species, present in
the locality. However, it is very unlikely these species will be impacted by the construction of the path
following the good practice methodology in Annex C or additional or different disturbance aspects to
that from the existing public access use of the path. Good quality herptile habitats remain in the
vicinity with appropriate positive habitat management across the wider MOD Site.
7.11. The marginal vegetation of Great Bottom Flash contains known or possible relic rare ferns
that are particularly vulnerable to mechanical damage such as trampling as well as any herbicides
(Ref F). The vegetation potentially impacted by any of the proposed path works in this locality does
not comprise of any ferns and herbicides or other chemicals are not being used.
7.12 The working methodology at
Annex C includes good practice measures for awareness and
protection of wildlife, soil and water resources during construction.
8.
What mitigation measures have been identified to avoid any likely significant effects
of the P/P on the SPA/SAC Sites?
8.1 The proposed best practice / intrinsic avoidance and mitigation measures are described in the
Technical Consideration (
Annex D) noting that these are not considered necessary to avoid likely
significant effects on SPA / SAC features.
9.
After mitigation, what are the likely residual effects of the proposal on the international
nature conservation interests for which the site(s) is designated?
a) no likely loss or damage to SAC feature habitats or SPA supporting habitats and likely positive
effects of decreased public access to fenced areas
b) no likely disturbance to SPA breeding bird species from construction or operation, potential low
positive effects of decreased public access to core habitat areas
10.
Is further Appropriate Assessment Required?
The MOD’s decision is that because significant effects will be avoided and/or mitigated, Appropriate
Assessment is
not required for this project.
MOD Decision
If the judgement is that the effects will not be significant or that the PP has integrated measures that
will effectively avoid or mitigate against any adverse impacts on the integrity of the site, the formal
record of decision should be completed and signed off by the Authorising Officer.
If additional information is required to make a fuller assessment to enable the competent authority
to decide whether the proposed P/P would adversely affect the integrity of the site, further
Appropriate Assessment will be required
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Appropriate Assessment
This section may be used to record detailed assessments into whether significant residual effects
identified in the JLSE will have an adverse impact on the integrity of the site, and/or may consider
whether any further avoidance or mitigation measures could be implemented beyond those already
integrated into the plan or project proposal, and assess whether there are any remaining residual
adverse impacts on the integrity of the site.
11.
What additional avoidance and/or mitigation measures might be imposed to avoid the
P/P having an adverse impact on the integrity of the SPA/SAC/Ramsar Sites?
N/A
12.
After mitigation, what are the likely residual effects of the proposal on the international
nature conservation interests of the SPA/SAC/Ramsar Sites?
N/A
13.
Will the P/P have an adverse impact on the integrity of the SPA/SAC/Ramsar Sites?
N/A
MOD Decision
The Formal Record of HRA Decision should be completed and signed off by the Authorising Officer.
If there are remaining residual adverse impacts on the integrity of the site that cannot be avoided or
mitigated, the plan or project sponsor will need to consider alternatives. If there are no alternatives
the MOD will need to consider if the plan or project must proceed for imperative reasons of overriding
public interest, and if so will need to liaise with Defra or devolved administrations to identify whether
sufficient compensation can be secured to enable the project to proceed. Stage C will need to be
completed.
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Section 5
MOD Formal Record of HRA Decisions
This HRA Decision Form may be prepared by estates or environmental advisers or consultants, but
must be authorised by an MOD competent individual (refer to List of Competent Individuals in the
SEAT Handbook for details of those authorised to approve JLSE and AA).
Consultation
Have Relevant Statutory Bodies (NE, CCW, SNH, NIEA), and any other bodies, been consulted?
Briefly explain why and describe any comments received, etc.
consulted:
Natural England Officer,
on 19 September 2020
DIO Ecologist during the site visit 17 June 2020 and 30 October 2020
15 October 2020
MOD Decision: Judgement of Likely Significant Effects (JLSE)
The MOD’s decision is that the PP, as proposed,
is not likely to have a significant effect on the
conservation objectives.
MOD Decision: Appropriate Assessment (AA)
NOT APPLICABLE
MOD Decision: Alternatives, Imperative Reasons of Overriding Public Interest (IROPI) and
Compensation [Only to be used in exceptional circumstances, Ministerial approval may be required]
NOT APPLICABLE
MOD ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISER AUTHORISATION:
Prepared by:
Authorised by:
MRICS MCIEEM CEnv
Contact no:
Contact no:
Signature:
Signature:
Date:
Date: 30 October 2020
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Annex A: Map 1 Ash Range “Technical Area”
Section 3
Section 1
Section 2
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Annex A: Map 2 Ash Range Permissive Path and context with Ash to Brookwood Heaths and
Basingstoke Canal SSSIs.
Basingstoke Canal2
Basingstoke Canal10
Section 3
Ash to Brookwood Heaths20
Section 1
Section 2
Basingstoke Canal2
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Annex B
Vegetation description of the path line within the 3m working strip with
comments on any potential impacts on SAC / SPA / SSSI features.
Section
Characteristics
Photos
Section 1 From Enfield Road (SU 89606 52428) looking
north. Path to follow right hand spur through woods
away from boundary fence. The road is ~10m
outside the SSSI / SPA / SAC boundary and the
footprint of the works does not comprise SPA
feature supporting habitat due to location, nature
and existing disturbance.
Surface of worn path shows brick and gravel debris
further into woods surface becomes bare earth.
Vegetation is Oak with an understorey of Hazel,
Holly and Bramble.
Section 1 Path through woodland at approximately SU 89588
52187 showing mature oaks, with holly, hazel and
bramble understorey. Land is ~20m outside SSSI
/ SPA / SAC boundary and is not SPA feature
supporting habitat.
Note tree roots close to surface.
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Section 2 Path from Chandlers Road (SU 89676 51962)
looking south towards bridge. The existing path is
just within the SSSI / SPA / SAC but is not feature
or supporting habitat. Boundary appears to be the
edge of the adjacent properties gardens, the
fences of which can seen on the right of the photo.
Worn surface showing shallow roots, vegetation on
right of picture mown during winter as “firebreak”.
Section 2 Bridge at SU 89693 51870, just within the SSSI /
SPA / SAC but is existing site fabric & not feature
habitat
Section 2 Path looking south towards boundary fence and
Flag 30 at SU 89800 51800 (southern end of
permissive path), up to ~115m with SSSI / SPA /
SAC but existing path and not feature or supporting
habitat.
Path through trees towards RDA fence, spp
present Oak, Holly & Scots Pine, little understorey
due to heavy trampling.
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Section 3 Pole barrier at southern end of Section 3 (SU
89488 52772) looking north. Approx. ~115m
outside SSSI / SPA/ SAC and not SPA feature
supporting habitat.
Track surface is concrete leading to old (disused)
access to ranges.
Section 3 Path through woods at SU 89503 52845 looking
north. Approx 80m outside SSSI / SPA / SAC and
not SPA feature supporting habitat.
Track heavily used throughout summer, woodland
Oak & Scots pine with under storey of Hazel and
Holly. Nettles growing along path verges. Track
also forms main access for maintenance into
woodland block.
Section 3 Path and existing fence at SU 89578 53106 (within
Basingstoke Canal SSSI unit 10 but ~30m outside
SPA / SAC boundary) looking north east, fence to
be moved back to approximately 1m behind the
container in the picture so path will be further away
from edge of flash and still ~25m outside SPA /
SAC. Area is possibly SPA supporting habitat
although it is most likely disturbance from existing
and continued public and military users severely
limits use by SPA bird species.
Dense bracken growing along fence line with
remnant heather around range maintenance
buildings. Trees along the edge of the “flash”
mainly Oak and Willow with some birch (poor
health) and rhododendron regrowth after clearance
in 2017.
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Section 3 Path and sleeper bridge at SU 89689 53202
looking north along RDA fence. Path inside
Basingstoke Canal SSSI Unit 10, boundary with
Ash to Brookwood Heaths SSSI Unit 20 (SPA &
SAC) is fenceline (approx.).
Vegetation mainly grass spp. along fence line with
willow scrub under pine, birch and oak along left
hand side of path.
Section 3 Path and sleeper bridge at SU 89675 53343
looking north along path. Path inside Basingstoke
Canal SSSI Unit 10 and ~30m outside SPA / SAC
boundary at this point.
Scots Pine and Birch woodland either side of path,
not SPA supporting habitat.
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Annex C:
Path surfacing methodology
Excavate ground to expose sub soil; grade out irregularities to form level surface to the width
required for 1.5m wide path base.
Strip vegetation and excavated topsoil to be stacked neatly either side of formation tray.
If soft spots are present, excavate below formation level until the sub grade is stable; back fill with
graded compacted granular sub base material until required formation level is achieved.
Lay Geotextile matting throughout to all excavated sections.
All tree roots are to be bridged and protected where present during the works.
Lay and compact sub base layer in Type 2 Sandstone, utilising a heavy vibrating roller until fully
compacted.
Lay and compact self-binding gravel surface finish using a heavy vibrating roller to ensure even,
consistent surface finish.
Form and build up verges to the path finish surface level.
Verges to be constructed using available topsoil and turfs which shall be installed to both cover the
path base edges and to support path surface edges.
The verges are to be laid with a gradient to promote surface water run off away from the path.
Example of similar path construction – self-binding gravel & wooden edging
Supervision including ecological protection
• LSS Project Manager will ensure path construction is undertaken in accordance with
methodology above, to protect existing areas of vegetation and encourage vegetation
regeneration where appropriate.
• LSS Project Manager will ensure damage to any potential reptile hibernation places is
minimised by hand cutting any denser scrub patches and careful use of machine such as
around any tree stumps/root crevices.
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• LSS Project Manager will provide to all staff involved in the path works, prior to works
starting and at appropriate times during the work programme, briefings on:
o Habitat sensitivities
▪ eg SSSI pollution hazards and the need as part of standard good practice to
protect ground water, soil and other environmental receptors, particularly
around or linking into Basingstoke Canal and associated wetland margins
▪ measures to avoid / minimise other possible detrimental impacts, such as
working from the track and minimising / avoiding vehicle passage on
vegetated areas.
o Possible presence of animals such as reptiles; roosting / foraging birds and larger
animals such as badger and deer. If animals are seen or heard in the immediate
vicinity of the works and / or where they could be adversely affected, the works
should stop to allow them to move quietly away; seek advice from LSS manager /
DIO staff if at all unsure. Keep a record of any such interactions.
• LSS Project Manager will ensure all vehicles carry spill kits and personnel have access to
spill kits stored at Ash Ranges.
• Any fuels, liquids or other potentially polluting substances will be stored overnight in
locked facilities and not near any watercourses.
20201007-Ash Permissive Footpath HRA
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Habitats Regulations Assessment
Annex D – Technical Consideration
Conservation
Probability, Magnitude,
In
SPA / SAC / Objective /
Avoidance and Mitigating Factors
Potential Hazards
Likely Duration and
Combination
Ramsar Site Favourable
or Measures
Conclusion
of the plan or project
Reversibility
Effects
Feature
Condition
(if appropriate)
of residual impacts
(if appropriate)
Attribute
SPA
Subject to natural
Possible disturbance;
Population of
change, to maintain injury to breeding birds
nightjar
or restore:
from, construction of the
Caprimulgus
• The extent and
new path and on-going
europaeus
distribution of the
public access use
SPA
habitats of the
As above. Disturbance to
Population of
qualifying features any wintering birds is
Woodlark
• The structure and unlikely but possible
Lullula arborea function of the
presence on site.
habitats of the
Disturbance is highly unlikely because
qualifying features;
works are not in feature or supporting
• The supporting
habitat.
Very unlikely to have any
processes on which
impact on the breeding
the habitats of the
As a standard ecological impact
population due to the
Likely low
qualifying features
avoidance measure, the path surfacing
location and timing of the
positive impact
rely;
works will be completed outside of
construction works and on- Nil
•
The populations
breeding bird season i.e. undertaken 1st going use as public access
No LSE
of the qualifying
November -28 February.
where any birds are
features;
habituated to activity types
SPA
The distribution of
Access restrictions to Range Technical
and levels.
Population of
As above. Disturbance to
the qualifying
Area likely to reduce some incidental
Dartford
any wintering birds if
features within the
dog incursion and result in small net gain
Warbler
present on Site
site.
to reduced disturbance to nesting birds
Sylvia undata
As above
within wider Site.
As above
20201007-Ash Permissive Footpath HRA
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Habitats Regulations Assessment
Conservation
Probability, Magnitude,
In
SPA / SAC / Objective /
Avoidance and Mitigating Factors
Potential Hazards
Likely Duration and
Combination
Ramsar Site Favourable
or Measures
Conclusion
of the plan or project
Reversibility
Effects
Feature
Condition
(if appropriate)
of residual impacts
(if appropriate)
Attribute
NB The following measures are
No negative
SAC
proposed to protect non-SAC habitat
impact –likely
European dry
As above
Nil
features and are not considered
small positive
heaths
necessary to avoid a likely significant
impact
SAC
effect:
Northern
Atlantic wet
As above
Surfaced path line will follow current
Nil
No LSE
heaths with
fence line or pass through woodland
Erica tetralix
following existing worn track.
As much as possible path surfacing will
be undertaken on or from the existing
paths and tracks, associated track verge No loss or damage to SAC
No hazard as SAC
and external fence line ‘footpath’
feature habitats
features are not present
comprising of disturbed and managed
within the zone of impact vegetation. See
Annex C for general
of the construction works
SAC
methodology.
Depressions on
peat substrates As above
Any other vehicle use will avoid, or be
Nil
No LSE
of the
minimised, on small areas adjacent to,
Rhycosporion
or near, the fence line.
Any ‘spare soil from the path
construction will be used to level verges.
Temporary portacabin / welfare unit will
be located on existing hard standings by
similar buildings thereby minimising any
impacts on designated features
20201007-Ash Permissive Footpath HRA
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Annex E – Summary of Avoidance and/or Mitigation Measures - not required if no LSE
Avoidance or Mitigation Measures
How will the measure avoid or
How, by whom and when will
Degree of
If/how the measures will be
reduce adverse impacts on the
the measure be secured and confidence in likely
monitored, and, should
site
implemented
success
mitigation failure be identified,
how that failure will be rectified
20201007-Ash Permissive Footpath HRA
Page 22