Highways Agency

• 1. Introduction
• 2. Existing Conditions
• 3. Scheme Proposals
• 4. Engineering Assessment
• 5. Environmental Assessment - 1
• 5. Environmental Assessment - 2
• 5. Environmental Assessment - 3
• 5. Environmental Assessment -4
• 5. Environmental Assessment - 5
• 5. Environmental Assessment - 6
• 5. Environmental Assessment -7
• 5. Environmental Assessment -8
• 5. Environmental Assessment -9
• 5. Environmental Assessment -10
• 5. Environmental Assessment -11
• 5. Environmental Assessment -12
• 5. Environmental Assessment -13
• 5. Environmental Assessment -14
• 5. Environmental Assessment -15
• 5. Environmental Assessment -16
• 5. Environmental Assessment -17
• 5. Environmental Assessment -18
• 5. Environmental Assessment -19
• 6. Traffic and Economic Assessment

5. Environmental Assessment -12

5. Environmental Assessment (continued)

5.12 Ecology and Nature Conservation

5.12.1 Introduction

This chapter describes the key ecological features as they are understood at themoment, identifies key issues associated with the options for the upgrading of theA14 and describes the potential requirement for mitigation measures that should beincluded within the design proposals. Mitigation is taken into account in theassessment of the overall (residual) impact of each of the main options.

All of the options comprise of a similar route at the eastern end of the schemebetween Bar Hill and Fen Ditton, with the differences between options relating tothe proposed junction arrangements. West of the Trinity Foot junction, the optionsmainly relate to offline proposals.

The assessment has been undertaken according to Stage 2 DMRB, using the TAGappraisal methodology, with the terminology of the overall assessment scoremodified following the 'Bridging Document' Applying the Multi-modal New Approachto Appraisal to Highway Schemes (April 2001). TAG provides specific advice onevaluating features of nature conservation interest, assessing the magnitude andsignificance of impacts and assigning an overall assessment score for an option.

This section provides a description of the method of assessment. The followingsections provide:

• A description of the existing conditions;
• An evaluation of the known ecological features within the study area in terms of their nature conservation value;
• An identification of key ecological issues;
• Proposed mitigation measures in respect of adverse impacts;
• An assessment of the potential ecological impacts of each of the options for the proposed A14 upgrade, including habitat loss and fragmentation, disturbance and potential off-site impacts; and
• Identification of residual impacts taking account of proposed mitigation measures.

In the first instance, an information gathering exercise was undertaken with thefollowing organisations:

• Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Northamptonshire & Peterborough Wildlife Trust;
• Cambridgeshire Badger & Otter Group;
• Cambridgeshire Bat Group;
• Cambridge Bird Club;
• Cambridgeshire Mammal Group;
• Centre for Ecology & Hydrology;
• English Nature (Bedfordshire & Cambridgeshire Team);
• English Nature Headquarters (Tony-Mitchell Jones, Mammals);
• Environment Agency;
• Grafham Water Wildlife Trust Reserve;
• Hawk & Owl Trust;
• Invertebrate Recorders for Cambridgeshire, where known (recorders for the following groups were contacted: Coleoptera, Hemiptera, Odonata, Lepidoptera, Diptera and Arachnida); and
• Local Farmers provided some information on badgers.

These consultees provided information on statutory and non-statutory designatedsites and records of legally protected species within a corridor of 1 km either side ofthe proposed A14 route options.

The UK Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) and was consulted in respect of species ofnational biodiversity concern. The Cambridgeshire Biodiversity Action Plan wasconsulted in respect of locally notable species and habitats.

A walk-over survey of the area was undertaken (August-October 2003), as far aspermissions allowed, to allow the major land uses to be identified and to identifywhere further survey would be required.

The surveys broadly followed the 'Extended Phase 1' methodology as set out inGuidelines for Baseline Ecological Assessment (Institute of EnvironmentalAssessment 1995). The extended Phase 1 habitat survey provides information onthe habitats in the survey area and assesses the potential for notable fauna tooccur in or adjacent to the site. Plant names follow New Flora of the British Isles(2nd edition, Stace 1997). The survey corridor extended to 500m either side of theroute options, except in the case of breeding birds, where survey effort wasfocussed within a 500m corridor of the offline section of the proposed route options.Following the Phase 1 Habitat Survey, more detailed ecological surveys targetingspecific species were conducted between March-July 2004, to assist in theelaboration of route options.

5.12.2 Legally Protected Species

Legal protection is afforded to a number of species through legislation including theBadgers Act 1992 (as amended), the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (asamended), the Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations 1994 and theCountryside and Rights of Way Act (CROW) 2000. The species include badgers,bats, common otter, hazel dormouse, amphibians and reptiles, water vole, wildbirds and white-clawed crayfish.

With respect to legally protected species, the following characteristics wererecorded:

• Signs of potential roosting sites for bats, particularly in mature trees and the outbuildings;
• Signs of badger activity including setts, tracks, snuffle holes and latrines;
• Signs of otter activity including spraints, prints, holts and resting-up places;
• Suitable habitat for reptiles;
• Evidence of water vole activity such as the presence of burrows, feeding stations, faeces and latrines along the banks of ponds and watercourses;
• Suitable habitat for great crested newts, such as suitable breeding ponds in association with appropriate terrestrial habitat;
• Suitable habitat in watercourses for white-clawed crayfish; and
• Suitable habitat for breeding birds.

In some areas, surveys for legally protected species were limited by accessconstraints. The information available and described in this section should nottherefore be viewed as complete or definitive.

The ecological surveys have not tried to produce a comprehensive list of plants andanimals for the site, as any ecological survey will be limited by factors which affectthe presence of plants and animals such as the time of year, migration patterns andbehaviour. The survey was limited in some areas by being restricted to public roadsand rights of way. The overall assessment scores reflect the impacts on designatedsites of ecological value. Specifically, although the presence of legally protectedspecies is noted where it is known, they are not taken into account in theassessment of impacts, due to an inadequate level of detail. With this caveat inmind, the results allow an appropriate level of assessment for Stage 2 DMRB.

IMPACT TERMINOLOGY

The specialist reports on species have been included in the EAR and use an inhouseimpact methodology for assessing the significance of impacts. Thesignificance of the predicted impacts in the main report, the TAG Worksheets andASTs has been standardised using the TAG methodology with the terminology ofthe overall assessment score modified following the 'Bridging Document' Applyingthe Multi-modal New Approach to Appraisal to Highway Schemes (April 2001).

5.12.3 Existing Conditions

GENERAL BACKGROUND, DESIGNATED SITES AND HABITATS

The A14 Improvement options chiefly fall within English Nature's 'West AnglianPlain Natural Area'. Some of the key characteristics of the area are:

Flat or gently rolling land with managed hawthorn hedges and occasionalancient woods, separated by extensive tracts of intensively managed arableland;

• The plain is drained by the large, slow-flowing River Ouse and River Nene (and a small stretch of the River Welland) and a multitude of smaller watercourses including small drains. In many of the valleys of these major watercourses lowland meadows occur on the seasonally flooded (winter and spring) alluvium, and
• The West Anglian Plain also has an extensive series of old flooded gravel pits, clay pits and reservoirs, many of which have swamp vegetation or reedbeds along their margins. Restored gravel working lakes occur adjacent to the River Ouse.

At its western end the route corridor passes through gently undulating arable landwith largely arable fields bounded by ditches and/or hedgerows. The proposedroute passes within 0.5km of the Brampton Wood Site of Special Scientific Interest(SSSI), an ancient woodland of the wet ash-maple woodland type. Theconfiguration of the Ellington Junction option passes adjacent to the BramptonMeadow SSSI, a neutral grassland site, part of which was translocated to theexisting site as a result of the previous A14 link road works. To the south ofHuntingdon the corridor is dominated by the Great Ouse Valley with its associatedfloodplain, and the presence of pastoral farmed areas along/adjacent to the rivercorridor. One SSSI is present here - Portholme Meadow cSAC (CandidateSpecial Area of Conservation)/SSSI, a flood meadow relict from the old drainagesystem. Buckden Pits a County Wildlife Site, a series of flooded gravel pitsadjacent to the Ouse is also in this vicinity. To the east of the Ouse Valley thelandscape is again undulating, and predominantly turned over to arable use. ThePurple route option comes back 'online' to the west south of Hemingford Greyvillage, passing in close proximity to Hemingford Grey Meadow SSSI, a speciesrichmeadow of the calcareous clay pasture type, a type restricted nationally to thesouth of the country and declining due to changes in traditional managementpractices.

KEY SURVEY RESULTS

Habitats

The following key habitats were identified along the route corridor:

Trees and Woodland

The most important woodland in the area is Brampton Wood SSSI. At 132 ha,Brampton Wood is one of the largest remaining blocks of ancient woodland inCambridgeshire. It is of the wet ash-maple woodland type which is nationallyrestricted to heavy soils in lowland England. The rides support a rich neutralgrassland flora, representing additional plant communities which are nowuncommon in the county. Parts of the woodland have been modified by forestryactivities but a large area remains as mixed coppice of ash, field maple and hazel.Birch and aspen are also frequent throughout the wood, together with occasionaloak standards.

The woodland provides a rich ground flora of the dog's mercury-bluebell type. Avariety of plants characteristic of ancient woodland sites are present including woodanemone, wood sedge, remote sedge, yellow archangel, primrose and violets.

Elsewhere along the route corridor, there are occasional small copses, and maturetrees e.g. oak and ash trees, as standards within hedgerow field boundaries.

Hedges are predominantly of hawthorn.

Hedgerows and Scrub

Hedgerows are a common field boundary feature in this area, with hedgerowsranging from over-managed, gappy hedgerows to over-mature, species-richhedgerows. Hawthorn is the predominant species with some elder, blackthorn andoccasionally ash.

Other scrub formations are rare, limited to elder on the edges of farm holdings, theelder and hawthorn shrub layer of the shelter belts.

Grassland and Meadows

Grassland habitats comprise fields of pasture, particularly along the Ouse Valley,and the unmanaged grasslands of ditch banks, roadside verges and the remainingsections of railway embankment.

The unmanaged grasslands do not appear particularly rich in herb species.Common herbs such as cow parsley, dead nettle, dandelion, chickweed, thistle andcreeping buttercup are found throughout. Locally, common mallow and hemlockoccur, and glaucous sedge is found in some places along the railway embankment.

Three statutorily designated species-rich meadows occur in close proximity to theroute corridor. Brampton Meadow SSSI (0.97 ha) exhibits plant communities of thecalcareous clay pasture type. Grasslands of this type are restricted to the south ofthe country and are generally declining due to changes from traditionalmanagement practices. The plant community was originally characterised by theoccurrence of species such as quaking-grass, adder's-tongue, and cowslip. Alsopresent were green-winged orchid and meadow saxifrage. However, the SSSI iscurrently in unfavourable conservation' status (www.english-nature.org.uk).

Hemingford Grey Meadow SSSI (0.56 ha) is a species-rich meadow is of thecalcareous clay pasture type, a type restricted nationally to the south of the countryand declining due to changes in traditional management practices. It is owned andmanaged as a nature reserve by the Bedfordshire and Huntingdonshire Naturalists'Trust. The reserve is known as Arthur's Meadow. Lying on the south side of theA14 at Hemingford Grey, it will be in close proximity to the on-line section of thePurple Option.

Portholme Meadow cSAC/SSSI (104 ha) holds grassland communities of thealluvial flood meadow type. Portholme represents one of the largest areas of thisgrassland type in the country which continues to be managed on traditional lines asa lammas' meadow.

The grassland communities are characterised by the presence of such grasses asYorkshire fog, yellow oat-grass, meadow foxtail, and meadow fescue. The range ofherbs present, typical of such meadows, includes lady's bedstraw, peppersaxifrageand great burnet. A number of locally rare and one nationally rare plantare also present. The meadow is surrounded by channels of the River Great Ouse,and the Alconbury Brook is close by. In winter and early spring Portholme isinundated by floodwaters. This provides natural fertilising of the soil and it is thisseasonal flooding coupled with the traditional management that maintains thediversity of the natural plant communities. The site is currently in unfavourableconservation status (www.english-nature.org.uk).

Brampton Flood Meadows County Wildlife Site. This is a group of seven floodmeadows on the west bank of the River Great Ouse which support a mixture ofpoorly grazed areas and areas of more closely grazed grassland. This site supportsat least 0.05 ha of meadow foxtail - greater burnet grassland, and greaterspearwort, which is rare in the county.

Arable Land

Crops include cereals and root vegetables. Some other plant species of openhabitats occur along the field edges, e.g. common field-speedwell, groundsel,thistles and sow thistles.

Water Bodies

The major watercourse which will be impacted by all of the route options is theRiver Great Ouse. This waterway flows across the proposed route corridor before itenters the Wash at King's Lynn, Norfolk. The rich floodplain and abundance ofmarshland encourages a wealth of botanical interest, including marsh woundwortand purple loosestrife. Parts of the River Great Ouse are also a County WildlifeSite. Rare plant species such as cowslip and snake's head fritillary are found atPortholme SSSI/cSAC.

There are six other main river watercourses along the course of the proposed route- (from west to east) Ellington Brook, Alconbury Brook, Brampton Brook, WestBrook/Hall Green Brook, Swavesey Drain and the River Cam. Part of the RiverCam is a CWS, including the stretch that flows beneath the current route of theA14. The Cam forms a major river with generally moderate to good water qualityand a relatively unmodified channel. It supports a wide range of submerged,floating, marginal and wetbank vegetation. Pollard willows occur along moststretches of the river with high concentrations are to be found in many areas.

Gravel pits are an important feature of the area. A number of these gravel pits areCounty Wildlife Sites (e.g. Buckden Gravel Pits, Fenstanton Pits and MadingleyBrickpits). Many of these gravel pits comprise important habitat mosaics forbiodiversity, including semi-improved grassland, swamp vegetation, open water(standing and flowing) and hedgerows.

In addition, drainage ditches intersect the farmland along the length of the routecorridor, although in some places the smaller ditches have been infilled andploughed over with subsurface pipes providing the drainage into the main drains.

Common reed dominates many of the drains along with other emergents such asreed canary-grass. Other aquatic species noted during the survey included fool'swater-cress, water starwort, milfoil, water crowfoot, jointed rush, and soft rush.

A winter waterbird count along the stretch of the River Great Ouse (20/01/2004)between the Blue-Purple and the Orange crossing options recorded the followingspecies:

Species

Key results were as follows:

• No amphibians were recorded but they undoubtedly occur within the survey corridor, particularly in/adjacent to waterbodies.
• Evidence of a low level of badger activity was recorded within the survey area; this included setts, pathways, bedding, foraging signs and latrines. A total of 27 setts or outliers were recorded within the survey corridor, and in addition to this, a data search identified a further 4 setts or outliers. In addition, two dead badgers were recorded on the existing A14 during the period July 2003 - July 2004: Badger Survey and Desk Study Data).
• Roosts and sightings of pipistrelle bat, whiskered bat, noctule, serotine and Daubenton's bat were recorded from the desk-top study. Almost all of the roost records are for residential dwellings in urban areas (probably due to the prevalence of local bat workers efforts in these areas). No bat hibernacula were identified from the desk-top study. Although no bats were recorded during the Phase 1 habitat survey, approximately 40 locations were regarded as having 'good potential' for bats. These included semi-derelict buildings, railway bridges and mature trees. A bat survey carried out on the A14 bridge (July 2002) over the River Cam identified two common pipistrelle bats confirming this bridge as a bat roost. Daubenton's bat was also identified foraging along the River Cam at this location.
• A total of 87 bird species were recorded within the route corridor. Of these, 9 species were confirmed as breeding within this corridor, an additional 57 species are considered probable breeders, 15 species as possible breeders, and the remaining 6 species being passage and/or wintering species (see Bird Appendix). A number of red list bird species (Gregory et al. 2002) are considered likely to breed within the proposed route corridor. These include grey partridge, turtle dove, skylark, song thrush, marsh tit, spotted flycatcher, starling, house sparrow, tree sparrow, linnet, bullfinch, yellowhammer, reed bunting and corn bunting.
• Three bird species legally protected under Schedule 1 (Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, as amended) were recorded along the route corridor - kingfisher, barn owl and fieldfare. Kingfisher and barn owl are likely to breed within the proposed route corridor. Fieldfare are winter visitors to the East Anglian region.
• From information from local bird recorders, it is apparent that barn owls are present within the proposed route corridor. The population of barn owls along the A14 between Kettering and Huntingdon is considered to be very low, with some monitoring in place (Shawyer pers. corn.). The population of barn owls along the A14 between Huntingdon and Cambridge is considered to be low and is a monitored population (Shawyer pers. corn.). A pair of barn owls was present along the route corridor in early spring 2004, but these birds were not
• present in May 2004 (Atkins observation 2004). A dead barn owl was located on the A14 at Conington in late 2003 (Atkins observation 2003).
• Wintering waterbirds occur along the Ouse Valley, particularly utilising the network of gravel pits/workings within the area. Arable fields in some areas are important wintering sites for flocks of lapwing and golden plover.
• Common otters were identified as present in the survey corridor and otter spraints were identified along the River Great Ouse.

• Ponds and water bodies within 500m of the proposed route options were identified using OS plans and aerial photography. A distance of 500m was selected as this is the recognised zone for dispersal of great crested newts away from a breeding pond. Waterbodies were visited and assessed for their potential as breeding sites for great crested newts but presence/absence surveys for great crested newts were not undertaken. In total, 93 ponds and waterbodies were assessed during the period July 2003 - July 2004. Of the ponds assessed, 23 were considered to be of low potential for great crested newts and do not require a presence/absence survey for great crested newt. Five ponds were no longer present, with a sixth being filled with rubbish and not considered as having potential for great crested newts. Access was denied to seven ponds, and in a further case, the landowner was uncontactable. A dead great crested newt was located at pond 67 in mid-April 2004.
• Hazel dormouse was introduced into Brampton Wood (1993/94) by English Nature and the local Wildlife Trust as part of an English Nature Species Recovery Programme. This population has subsequently expanded throughout the wood. As a dispersal mechanism, juvenile dormice migrate out along adjacent suitable hedgerows from woodland blocks during the autumn, and could therefore potentially be impacted by the scheme proposals. Surveys to identify suitable hedgerows are ongoing, although currently no dormice have been recorded from adjacent hedgerows.
• A total of 14 sites were considered to be significant for invertebrate species according to the County Invertebrate Recorders. Brampton Wood SSSI is of particular importance for invertebrates and was highlighted in many of the consultation responses.
• No notable vascular plant species were identified during the surveys. However, a number of the SSSIs and County Wildlife Sites along the survey corridor are recognised for their botanical importance.
• No reptiles were recorded during the surveys. Similarly, the datasearch for information (requested for a 2km corridor, 1km either side of the proposed scheme) yielded no records. This lack of records could indicate a relative scarcity of suitable reptile habitat in this part of Cambridgeshire (the land use being predominantly agriculture).
• No water voles, nor any signs of their presence, were recorded during the initial Phase I habitat survey, although there are historical records from a number of watercourses, and the surveys were severely restricted by the dense bankside vegetation. It is considered highly likely that they are present along a number of the major watercourses.
• White-clawed crayfish is considered unlikely to be present within the survey corridor, although some potentially suitable habitat exists. The only known Cambridgeshire population of white-clawed crayfish is located some 20km from the survey corridor.

5.12.4 Assessment of Proposed Scheme

The following section describes the route options and the existing ecologicalconditions as currently known.

ELLINGTON TO GODMANCHESTER

Sub-section A - Ellington to A1 Brampton Interchange: Common Section

The common section alignment curves south from the existing A14 at Ellington,crossing mainly arable land, and rises on approximately 3m embankment to theproposed Ellington junction at which point it enters a deep cutting(-15m) passing c.300m from Brampton Wood SSSI, then at grade from the proposed bridlewayoverbridge to the Brampton to Grafham Road overbridge. There would be loss ofarable land, and the loss of avenue trees and hedges along the bridleway accessto Brampton Wood.

Some widening of the existing A1 would be required to overcome weaving and thiswould result in the loss of existing roadside vegetation.

Designated Sites and Notable Habitats

There are two nationally designated sites within 1 km of this section of theproposed route - Brampton Meadow SSSI and Brampton Wood SSSI.

There are no County Wildlife Sites (CWS) within 1 km of the boundary of thissection of the proposed route.

The route corridor passes through gently undulating arable land with largely arablefields bounded by ditches and/or hedgerows.

Brampton Wood SSSI is an ancient woodland of the wet ash-maple woodland type.The configuration of the Ellington Junction option passes adjacent to the BramptonMeadow SSSI, a neutral grassland site, part of which was translocated to theexisting site as a result of the previous A14 link road works.

Legally Protected and Notable Species

Within this section of the route there is the following legally protected and notablespecies interest:

Amphibians and Great Crested Newts

Common frog and common toad potentially present anywhere in suitable habitat. Of the 13 water bodies present, none will be directly impacted by this route option. Great crested newts have been recorded from two of these waterbodies. Seven of these waterbodies are recommended for great crested newt presence/absence surveys.

Badgers

Four active badger setts are located within this section of the route corridor. No direct impact upon any setts. The closest sett is within c.200m of proposed route.

Bats

The bridleway at NGR 189,707 offers good commuting and foraging habitat. Two pipistrelle roosts are known from the western end of Brampton village.

Birds

A total of 87 bird species were recorded within the route. Five red list species are considered probable breeders - skylark, linnet, house sparrow, reed bunting and yellowhammer. No Schedule I species recorded from this.

Common Otter

No otter records from this section and no major watercourses affected. Ellington Brook offers potential for otter, and otter has been recorded further downstream from the Alconbury Brook.

Hazel Dormouse

Re-introduced population occurs within Brampton Wood. Population may utilise adjacent hedgerows for dispersal.

Invertebrates

The proposed route passes within c. 300m of Brampton Wood SSSI. Large populations of the BAP butterfly species, black hairstreak, occur in Brampton Wood, as do several red data book species. Brampton Wood is also of considerable importance for its beetle fauna. However, it is considered highly unlikely that there will be any indirect impacts on this site for invertebrates. The Regionally Very Notable water beetle Anacaena bipustulata has been recorded from Ellington Brook at TL.

Reptiles

No reptiles were recorded, neither was there any desk study data.

Water Voles

No records of water voles or any predicted impacts upon water vole habitat in this section of the route.

White-clawed Crayfish

The only known existing population of White-clawed Crayfish in Cambridgeshire is present in the Wendy area (Mungovan, in press) c. 20 km away from the route corridor.

Sub-Section A - Ellington to A1 Brampton Interchange: Blue/Purple Option A1 Alternatives 3 and 4

This option leaves the existing A14 closer to the Brampton Hut services than theBlue/Purple/Orange common route and follows the A1 corridor before joining themain Blue/Purple alignment south of Brampton. Alignment 3 crosses over the A1and alignment 4 passes under the A1. This option passes close to the south ofBrampton Meadow SSSI. This SSSI is in unfavourable conservation status, andthere is some doubt as to whether or not the grassland community of natureconservation interest can be restored (www.english-nature.org.uk). This option liesfurther from Brampton Wood SSSI, at approximately 1km at the closest point.

Designated Sites and Notable Habitats

There are two nationally designated sites within 1 km of this section of theproposed route - Brampton Meadow SSSI and Brampton Wood SSSI.

There are no County Wildlife Sites (CWS) within 1 km of the boundary of thissection of the proposed route.

The majority of the land take is of arable land, but this option does involve directimpact upon Lenton Fishing Lakes at TL 198 703. Whilst not having any statutorynature conservation status, this gravel pit complex has nature conservation value interms of mature trees and scrub, and aquatic interest.

Legally Protected and Notable Species

Information on legally protected species for this section of the route is as for theBlue/Purple/Orange option described previously. The exception being thedescription for otters - No otter records from this section and no majorwatercourses affected, it is unlikely there would be an impact on otters.

Sub-section A - Ellington to A1 Brampton Interchange: Orange Option A1 Alternative

This alignment leaves the existing A14 and follows the Blue/Purple alternativeclose to the Brampton Hut services but follows the A1 corridor south of the existingroad, the A1 Brampton Interchange being very similar to the Orange option.

Designated Sites and Notable Habitats

There are two nationally designated sites within 1 km of this section of theproposed route - Brampton Meadow SSSI and Brampton Wood SSSI.

There are no County Wildlife Sites (CWS) within 1 km of the boundary of thissection of the proposed route.

This alignment has the advantage of utilising the existing A1 corridor and beinglocated further away from Brampton Wood SSSI (c. 1km distance), than thecommon route. The key difference between the Orange Option Al Alternative 6route and the Blue/Purple alternative route is that the Orange option largelyinvolves arable land take and does not directly impact upon Lenton Fishing Lakesand their associated vegetation. The Orange Option A1 Alternative 6 route crossesarable farmland and hedgerow along the entirety of it's length within this section.

Legally Protected and Notable Species

Within this section of the route there is the following legally protected speciesinterest:

Amphibians and Great Crested Newts

Common frog and common toad potentially present anywhere in suitable habitat. Of the 13 water bodies present, none of these waterbodies will be directly impacted by this route option. Great Crested Newts have been recorded from two of these waterbodies. Seven of these waterbodies are recommended for Great Crested Newt presence/absence surveys.

Badgers

Four active badger setts are located along this section of the route corridor. No direct impact upon any setts. The closest sett is within c.200m of proposed route.

Bats

The bridleway at NGR 189,707 offers good commuting and foraging habitat. Two pipistrelle roosts are known from the western end of Brampton village.

Birds

A total of 87 bird species were recorded within the route corridor. Five red list species are considered probable breeders - skylark, linnet, house sparrow, reed bunting and yellowhammer. No Schedule 1 species recorded from this section.

Common Otter

No otter records from this section and no major watercourses affected, it is unlikely there would be an impact on.

Hazel Dormouse

Re-introduced population occurs within Brampton Wood. Population may utilise adjacent hedgerows for.

Invertebrates

the proposed route passes within c. 1km of Brampton Wood SSSI. Large populations of the BAP butterfly species, black hairstreak occur in Brampton Wood, as do several red data book species. Brampton Wood is also of considerable importance for its beetle fauna. However, it is considered highly unlikely that there will be any indirect impacts on this site for invertebrates. The Regionally Very Notable water beetle Anacaena bipustulata has been recorded from Ellington Brook at TL 194721.

Reptiles

No reptiles were recorded, neither was there any desk study data.

Water Voles

No records of water voles or any predicted impacts upon water vole habitat in this section of the route.

White-clawed Crayfish

The only known existing population of White-clawed Crayfish in Cambridgeshire present in a farm reservoir in the Wendy area ( in press) c. 20 km away from the potential A14 route.

Sub-Section B - A1 Brampton Interchange to Godmanchester: Blue/Purple Option

The Blue/Purple alignment passes over the A1 at the proposed Bramptoninterchange on approximately 9m height embankments, and then over theBrampton to Buckden Road, continuing to the north of the Buckden North landfill,through the southern part of the Brampton Golf Course.

From the eastern edge of the landfill, the alignment crosses the Great Ousefloodplain and the River Great Ouse on a continuous viaduct at about 13m at itshighest point, above the river. Within the floodplain on the west bank is theBrampton Meadows County Wildlife Site which would be spanned by the viaductstructure.

On reaching the eastern bank of the floodplain the alignment crosses the EastCoast Mainline Railway before continuing eastwards to the proposedGodmanchester junction close to Wood Green Animal Shelter on the A1 198.

Some existing vegetation would be lost to the scheme, particularly adjacent to theRiver Great Ouse and hedgerows south west of Godmanchester.

Designated Sites and Notable Habitats

There is one internationally/nationally designated site within 1 km of this section ofthe proposed route - Portholme Meadow cSAC/SSSI.

There are 4 County Wildlife Sites (CWS) within 1 km of the boundary of this sectionof the proposed route - Brampton Flood Meadows, Buckden Gravel Pits, RiverGreat Ouse and West Meadow.

This alignment involves the take of arable land and hedgerows, and crosses theGreat Ouse Valley, with is major watercourse, and the associated flood meadowsat Brampton Meadows.

Legally Protected and Notable Species

Within this section of the route there is the following legally protected species interest:

Amphibians and Great Crested Newts

Common frog and common toad potentially present anywhere in suitable habitat. Of the 20 water bodies present, none of these waterbodies will be directly impacted by this route option. There are three desk study records of Great Crested Newt from between the northern edge of the route corridor and Godmanchester, but no records from the waterbodies themselves. Fifteen of these waterbodies are recommended for Great Crested Newt presence/absence surveys

Badgers

Five active badger setts are located along this section of the route corridor. One of these setts has been present since the 1950s. The closest setts to the proposed route is c.200m distant.

Bats

Potential commuting and foraging habitats present:

• along River Great Ouse (excellent commuting/foraging corridor) - row of mature willow trees and hedgerows along Buckden Road (NGR 217 695) (commuting/foraging potential)
• railway line on eastern side of River Great Ouse is bordered by mature trees (willows, ash and oaks) with medium bat roosting potential; and
• small, isolated broad-leaved woodland copse present near Corpus Christi Farm (NGR 238 692)

Two pipistrelle roosts are known from the eastern end of Brampton village and a noctule roost close to existing A14 at Godmanchester.

Birds

A total of 87 bird species were recorded within the route corridor. Seven red list species are considered probable breeders - skylark, linnet, starling, house sparrow, song thrush, turtle dove, reed bunting and yellowhammer. One Schedule 1 species (kingfisher) recorded from this section.

Common Otter

Otter spraints were recorded from two points along the banks of the River Great Ouse, between the points at which the Blue and Orange route options cross the river. There is an desk study otter record from a tributary of the Great Ouse to the north of Brampton village.

Hazel Dormouse

No records from this area and no suitable habitat likely to be impacted.

Invertebrates

This proposed route option crosses the River Great Ouse and Brampton Flood Meadows County Wildlife Site, important for, respectively, the nationally scarce dragonfly Libellula fulva, and as a Grade C JNCC Invertebrate Site Register (ISR) site.

Reptiles

No reptiles were recorded, neither was there any desk study data. This route cuts across the Great Ouse valley and spans Brampton Meadows County Wildlife Site. The presence of more varied habitat along the Ouse Valley (e.g. floodplain meadows, mature hedges and ditches) offers better scope for reptiles.

Water Voles

There are two desk study water vole records to the north of he route corridor envelope, at the southern edge of Brampton village.

White-clawed Crayfish

The only known existing population of White-clawed Crayfish in Cambridgeshire is present in the Wendy area (Mungovan, in press) c. 20 km away from route corridor.

Sub-Section B - A1 Brampton Interchange to Godmanchester: Orange Option

This option crosses the A1 slightly further south and on marginally lowerembankment at 8m than the Blue/Purple option and then passes south of theBuckden South landfill site at approximately the same height as the adjacentlandfill.

The alignment then crosses the floodplain. River Great Ouse and the East CoastMainline Railway on a continuous viaduct structure about 1.2 km long. In commonwith the Blue/Purple option, the viaduct crosses over the Brampton MeadowsCounty Wildlife Site on the west bank of the river and would have similar adverseimpacts.

The alignment then continues eastwards to join the A1198 south of theBeaconsfield Equestrian Centre at the proposed Godmanchester junction.

Some existing vegetation would be lost to the scheme, including vegetation legallyprotected by a Tree Preservation Order on Brampton Road riverside trees andmature tree belts and hedgerows on the A1198.

Designated Sites and Notable Habitats

There are no internationally/nationally designated site within 1 km of this section ofthe proposed route.

There are 4 County Wildlife Sites (CWS) within 1 km of the boundary of this sectionof the proposed mute - Brampton Flood Meadows. Buckden Gravel Pits, RiverGreat Ouse and the Settling Bed east of Silver Street.

This alignment involves the take of arable land and hedgerows and crosses theGreat Ouse Valley, with is major watercourse, and the associated flood meadowsat Brampton Meadows.

Legally Protected and Notable Species

Within this section of the route legally protected species interest is similar to theBlue/ Purple/Orange option for Amphibians arid Great Crested Newts CommonOtter, Hazel Dormouse and White-clawed Crayfish. Interest of other legallyprotected species is described below:

Badgers

Five active badger setts are located along his section of the route Corridor. One of these sells has been present since the 1950s. One sett will potentially be directly impacted by this route option, lying 5m from the route.

Bats

Potential commuting, foraging and roosting habitats present:

• lagoons along Van Diemen's Lane adjacent to the Ouse Valley Way and the River Great Ouse offer good foraging habitat;
• along River Great Ouse (excellent commuting/foraging corridor);
• hedgerow adjacent to river has occasional mature willows with medium potential for roosting bats;
• railway line on east side of the river is bordered by mature trees (willows, ash and oaks) with medium bat roosting potential; and
• mature vegetation along with the cattle grazed pasture (flood meadows) the edge of the railway line (good commuting/foraging habitat)

Two pipistrelle roasts are known from the eastern end of Brampton village and a noctule roost close to existing A14 at Godmanchester.

Birds

Buckden Gravel Pits, a County Wildlife Site was formerly of considerable ornithological importance, but collation of current data is required to determine the current level of interest. A total of 87 bird species were recorded within the route corridor. Eight red list species were considered probable breeders - skylark, linnet, starling, house sparrow, song thrush, turtle dove, corn bunting, reed bunting and yellowhammer. Two Schedule 1 species (barn owl and kingfisher) recorded from this section.

Invertebrates

This proposed route option crosses the River Great Ouse and important for the nationally scarce dragonfly Libellula.

Reptiles

No reptiles were recorded, neither was there any desk study data. This route cuts across the Great Ouse valley and the northern edge of Buckden Gravel Pits County Wildlife Site. The presence of more varied habitat along the Ouse Valley (e.g. floodplain meadows, mature hedges and ditches) offers better scope for reptiles.

Water Voles

There are two desk study water vole records to the north of the route corridor envelope, from a ditch at the southern edge of Brampton village.

Sub-section B - A1 Brampton Interchange to Godmanchester: Orange/Purple Option and Orange/Blue Options

This alignment runs through Offord Hill ridge to allow the possibility of connectingthe Orange option to the south of Buckden South landfill with the Blue/Purpleoption at the A1198. It passes through an open arable landscape. Hare (aBiodiversity Action Plan species) is present within the arable fields here.

Designated Sites and Notable Habitats

There are no internationally/nationally designated site within 1 km of this section ofthe proposed route.

There are 4 County Wildlife Sites (CWS) within 1 km of the boundary of this sectionof the proposed route - Brampton Flood Meadows, Buckden Gravel Pits, RiverGreat Ouse and the Settling Bed east of Silver Street.

The key habitats affected by this section of the route option will be arable fields andassociated hedgerows.

Legally Protected and Notable Species

Legally protected species interest for this option is the same for the main Orange option described previously. The only minor difference being in the description of Badger interest:

Badgers

Five active badger setts are located along this section of the route corridor. One of these setts has been present since the 1950s. One sett will be directly impacted by this route, lying 5m from the route. The remaining setts are at least 200m from the proposed route.

SECTION 2 GODMANCHESTER TO BAR HILL

Blue Route Option

The Blue section of the route in this section crosses mainly arable land, but crossesthe edge of a broad strip of mature woodland, which is undergrazed by sheep, andwould involve the removal of sections of hedgerow. The adjacent pastures to thenorth and west of this woodland are old ridge-and-furrow pastureland. The wooditself comprises mature and senescent trees and includes ash, oak, elm, beech,hornbeam and sycamore, some with impressive ivy growths up the trunks. Someof these trees may have potential for bats, as a number of trees have notablecavities in their trunks. Good quality, mature hedges separate the fields to thesouth.

Designated Sites and Notable Habitats

There is nationally designated site within 1 km of this section of the proposed route- Hemingford Grey Meadow SSSI.

There is 1 County Wildlife Sites (CWS) within 1 km of the boundary of this sectionof the proposed route - Fenstanton Pits (West End Pits).

The key habitats affected by this section of the route option will be arable fields andassociated hedgerows.

Legally Protected and Notable Species

Within this section of the route there is the following legally protected speciesinterest:

Amphibians and Great Crested Newts

Common frog and common toad potentially present anywhere in suitable habitat. There are 36 water bodies present within 500m of the route within this section. There are desk study records of Great Crested Newt from south of Fenstanton at TL 311 679 and from Conington village at TL 321 662. The reconfiguration of the Bar Hill junction may potentially impact upon the two balancing ponds (numbers 76 and 77) along the existing A14. These ponds are largely dry, with low terrestrial and aquatic habitat potential for Great Crested Newts, and it is not considered necessary to undertake surveys. No other waterbodies will be directly impacted by this route option. Twenty-six of these water bodies are recommended for survey as part of the Stage 3 assessment. Three of these water bodies are not recommended for survey as part of the Stage 3 assessment. Seven of these water bodies were not accessed.

Badgers

Seven active badger setts are located along this section of the route corridor, along with six outlier setts. Desk study setts were recorded from four locations. Two badger road casualties (from the northern edge of the existing A14) were recorded during the period July 2003-July 2004. The closest sett to this route is an outlier, lying at 50m distant from the current A14.

Bats

Commuting corridors/foraging habitat and potential roosting sites at:

• bridleway/footpath, forming a green lane between Gore Tree Farm and Topfield Farm (the Mere Way), and passing a small woodland copse at approximately NGR 288 687;
• line of mature trees in hedgerow (TL 310 675) may offer potential roost sites; and
• eastern edge of road between New Barns Road and existing A14 is ditch with semi-mature willows, ash and oak. The trees have low potential for roosting bats. There are a number of known bat roost sites within the villages/towns to the north of the A14 (e.g. Godmanchester and Hemingford Grey), but no known roosts adjacent to this proposed route option.

Birds

A total of 87 bird species were recorded within the route corridor. Eight red list species were considered probable breeders - skylark, linnet, house sparrow, song thrush, turtle dove, bullfinch, reed bunting and yellowhammer. There was one Schedule 1 species (kingfisher) recorded from this.

Common Otter

No desk study or survey records of otter from this section of the proposed route, although the West Brook, Swavesey Brook and Fenstanton Gravel Pits have potential for otters.

Hazel Dormouse

No records from this area and no suitable habitat likely to be impacted.

Invertebrates

This section of the Blue route does not impact upon any noteworthy sites of invertebrate interest.

Reptiles

No reptiles were recorded, neither was there any desk study data. As landscape is predominantly arable, there is limited scope for reptiles, although the presence of hedgerows, scrub and ditches, including the West Brook does offer habitat corridors.

Water Voles

There are three desk study records of water vole from Bar Hill village and one from the north of Bar Hill village. No water voles were recorded during the surveys, but West Brook, the large ditch running from New Barns Farm, Conington to the existing A14 and Fenstanton Gravel Pits were identified as having good potential for water voles.

White-clawed Crayfish

The only known existing population of White-clawed Crayfish in Cambridgeshire is present in the Wendy area (Mungovan, in press) c. 20 km away from the route corridor.

GODMANCHESTER TO BAR HILL

Purple Route Option

This alignment follows the Blue route for 2km in cutting, before moving northeastcontinuing in cutting across farmland, skirting the Golf Course to join the existingA14 to the west of Gore Tree Farm. It would involve the removal of sections ofhedgerow.

From the Galley Hill junction the A14 is then widened to the north to avoidimpacting Hemingford Grey Meadow SSSI (0.56 ha), also known as Arthur'sMeadow, a neutral species-rich meadow, before continuing to Fenstanton and BarHill by widening on the south. From the Trinity Foot junction the route is commonwith the Blue and Orange options.

Hemingford Grey Meadow SSSI is of the calcareous clay pasture type, a typerestricted nationally to the south of the country and declining due to changes intraditional management practices. The grassland type is characterised by thepresence of sweet vernal-grass, red fescue and downy oat-grass, together withadder's-tongue fern, cowslip and green-winged orchid. Other grasses includemeadow foxtail, yellow oat-grass and quaking-grass. The variety of herbs presentincludes common knapweed, oxeye daisy and yellow rattle. The presence of theorchids common twayblade and common spotted-orchid in what is a typicallygreen-winged orchid meadow is unusual for this part of England and probablyreflects special conditions of soil and drainage.

The boundary hedgerows enhance the value of the site for invertebrates andprovide an important buffer to this small meadow in an arable setting.

Designated Sites and Notable Habitats

There is 1 nationally designated site within 1 km of this section of the proposedroute - Hemingford Grey Meadow SSSI.

There are 3 County Wildlife Sites (CWS) within 1 km of the boundary of this sectionof the proposed route - Fenstanton Pits (West End Pits), Marsh Lane Gravel Pitsand Lower Road Meadows (west).

The key habitats affected by this section of the route option will be arable fields andassociated hedgerows. The online A14 passes adjacent to Hemingford GreyMeadow (see 1.94)

Legally Protected and Notable Species

Legally protected species interest is largely the same as for the Blue option alongthis section, see previous description. The only species where information differs isfor Bats:

Bats

Commuting corridors/foraging habitat and potential roosting sites present at:

• semi-mature hedgerow, which is heavily managed with occasional trees (TL 273 689);
• occasional mature trees present along field boundaries near Hemingford Grey (TL 281 693); and
• woodland copse and waterbodies between Grove Cottage and West End Farm may provide good foraging and potential roosting opportunities (TL 296 691 and TL 686 309)

Orange Route Option

From the A1198 Godmanchester junction the alignment crosses open arablefarmland in deep cutting to Mere Way where it converts to low 2m embankmentjoining the Blue route at Hilton Road to continue eastwards to the A14 at TrinityFoot.

This section of this route would mainly cut across arable land, but would involve theremoval of sections of hedgerow along the route.

Designated Sites and Notable Habitats

There is no internationally/nationally designated site within 1 km of this section ofthe proposed route.

There is 1 County Wildlife Sites (CWS) within 1 km of the boundary of this sectionof the proposed route - Fenstanton Pits (West End Pits).

The key habitats affected by this section of the route option will be arable fields andassociated hedgerows, and minor watercourses.

Legally Protected and Notable Species

Legally protected species interest is largely the same as for the Blue and Purpleoptions along this section, see previous description. The only species whereinformation differs is for Bats:

Bats

Commuting corridors/foraging habitat and potential roosting sites present at:

• some of the semi-mature trees adjacent to Wood Green Animal Shelter have medium potential for roosting bats (TL 264 680);
• culverted brook under Mere Way has mature ash and oak with some dead limbs and medium potential for roosting bats; also potential commuting corridors here (TL 284 677);
• the old buildings at Linton Farm are the only buildings scheduled to be demolished on any of the route options (TL 290 677). These buildings are all large storage 'sheds' constructed mainly of corrugated metal with wooden support beams. The roofs are open in some sections creating a draught through the buildings. No evidence of bats was observed and the buildings are considered to be unsuitable for roosting bats. No further surveys are considered necessary; and
• line of ash trees with ivy along the B1040 close to where the route crosses, which have low-medium potential for bat roosting (TL 295 675).

BAR HILL TO FEN DITTON: (COMMON SECTION)

This Common Section connects the offline Bar Hill junction and the M11 junction14, with the local access road (LAR) aligned to the south of the proposed mainlineutilising the existing westbound carriageway. The existing junction at Dry Draytonwould be redesigned to take account of the Northstowe development with a newlayout and over bridge.

The route joins the Cambridge Northern Bypass (CNB) at the M11 junction 14which would be reconfigured and then follows the CNB around the northern edge ofCambridge through two interchanges at Histon and Milton to the end of theproposed A14 Improvements at Fen Ditton.

From the M11 junction 14 to Fen Ditton there would be a need for new retainingstructures, for example, at Girton, which would necessitate the removal of existingtrees and shrubs on the lower embankment slopes, as well as appreciableembankment widening - again with the loss of the existing screen planting Theedge of Milton Country Park would suffer such a loss of vegetation. The river Camcrossing would require modification and this may adversely impact upon the RiverCam County Wildlife Site.

Where the CNB passes alongside the satellite villages of Girton, Histon/Impington,Milton and Fen Ditton, there would be a loss of existing road side screening.

The River Cam corridor provides an open rural setting to the river and is adesignated County Wildlife Site at this point. The river bridge is a known pipstrellebat roost. This route is within the existing highways boundary, the main impact ofany new works being on the M11/A14 interchange. The majority of any additionalland take would be on arable land and highways boundary land. However, theGirton area has desk study water vole populations, e.g. along Beck Brook andWashpit Brook, so any works impacting on suitable water vole streams may requiremitigation measures.

There are a number of ponds in the Girton area close to the proposed interchangeworks (e.g. numbers 56, 60, 61, 62, 63 and 64). Great Crested Newt presence/absence surveys will be required for a number of these.

Designated Sites and Notable Habitats

There is no internationally/nationally designated site within 1 km of this section ofthe proposed route.

There are 2 County Wildlife Sites within 1 km of the boundary of this section of theproposed route - Madingley Brickpits and the River Cam.

There are 2 City Wildlife Sites within 1 km of the boundary of this section of theproposed route - Milton Road Hedge and Kings Hedges Triangle/scrub.

This route follows the existing online option, which is largely bounded by arablefields and hedgerows.

Legally Protected and Notable Species

Within this section of the route there is the following legally protected speciesinterest:

Amphibians and Great Crested Newts

Common frog and common toad potentially present anywhere in suitable habitat. There are 20 water bodies present within 500m of the route within this section. There are desk study records of Great Crested Newt from a drain south-west of Oakington village at TL 400 639, from north of Girton village 427 627, and from the northern fringe of Cambridge at Kings Hedges at TL 462 610. The reconfiguration of the Dry Drayton interchange may potentially impact upon the two balancing ponds (numbers 54 and 55) along the existing A14. These ponds are largely dry, with low terrestrial and aquatic habitat potential for Great Crested Newts, and it is not considered necessary to undertake surveys. No other waterbodies will be directly impacted by this route option. Nine of these water bodies are recommended for survey and nine not recommended for survey. Two of these water bodies were not accessed.

Badgers

Two active badger setts are located along this section of the route corridor, although sections adjacent to the route could not be accessed due to landowner restrictions, and the incidence of setts may well be higher than this. One of these setts is dug into the structure of the bridge which crosses the A14, so lies within 30m of the existing road. This work may require a DEFRA licence. Desk study setts were recorded from five locations. The closest sett to this route lies at 50m distant from the current A14.

Bats

A number of known roost sites are known from the surrounding villages and suburban areas on the Cambridge fringe. Commuting corridors/foraging habitat and potential roosting sites present at:

• ivy-covered mature beech tree along a small hardstanding farm track with low-medium potential for roosting bats in the trunk (TL 393 637);
• poplar and old willow both with medium bat roost potential due to, respectively, ivy-covered trunk and broken mid-trunk; also the drain may be serve as a commuting/foraging corridor (TL 393 633);
• roost potential in concrete bridge with expansion joints over disused railway line (TL 454 619). Vegetation on either side of the disused tracks, including semi-mature trees and scrub, offer good commuting habitat; and
• existing common pipistrelle bat roost in existing A14 bridge over the River Cam (two bats emerging from roost in July 2004 at TL 484 620). Daubenton's bats were recorded commuting along the River Cam during the same survey. Mature pollarded willows are present adjacent to the River Cam, but are unlikely to be directly affected by the works as they are at least 20m from the southern edge of the existing A14 bridge.

Birds

As the route is within the highways boundary, no systematic survey was conducted along this section of the route. However, some species of bird will utilise areas within existing highways boundaries for breeding.

Common Otter

No desk study or survey records of otter from this section of the proposed route, although Beck Brook, Washpit Brook and the River Cam have potential for otters.

Hazel Dormouse

No records from this area and no suitable habitat likely to be impacted.

nvertebrates

This section of the route does not impact upon any noteworthy sites of invertebrate interest.

Reptiles

No reptiles were recorded, neither was there any desk study data. The landscape is predominantly arable in the western section but suburban to the north of Cambridge. There is some scope for reptiles here, e.g. along hedgerows, in scrub and gardens and along the River Cam. There are also water bodies adjacent to the A14 and a southern-facing embanked slopeline along the existing A14 which may provide suitable opportunities.

Water Voles

A number of desk study records from the Beck and Washpit Brooks, including one from the Beck Brook under the existing A14 at TL 407 623); however water levels were too low for water voles at this point in this brook in August 2004. Voles have also been recorded from ditches associated with the River Cam. A water vole survey was conducted 100m either side of the A14 along the River Cam in July 2004 but was hampered by dense vegetation.

White-clawed Crayfish

The only known existing population of White-clawed Crayfish in Cambridgeshire is present in the Wendy area (Mungovan, in press) c. 20 km away from the potential A14 route corridor.

5.12.5 Biodiversity

There are a number of habitats and species that are either of UK and/or localbiodiversity value, which may be impacted by the proposed scheme. See theCambridgeshire Biodiversity Action Plan for details.

Other habitats and species which are present or are potentially present are of localvalue: tree sparrow, farmland seed-eating birds and native black poplar.

5.12.6 Nature Conservation Evaluation

The evaluation of the nature conservation sites outlined above was undertakenaccording to TAG, with the scores recorded in TAG biodiversity worksheets, theseare included in the EAR. These scores relate to the value of a habitat in terms ofits importance in an international, national, regional/county, local (parish) or sublocal(ie negligible) context.

The presence of species can also be evaluated using TAG, although due to thelevel of information available at this stage of the assessment, it is not appropriate toevaluate populations to this degree. However, the presence of legally protectedspecies is likely to be evaluated as being of somewhere between county andinternational importance, depending on the regularity of its occurrence and thepopulation size.

5.12.7 Key Issues

There are a number of key potential ecological impacts associated with roadbuilding and widening schemes, namely:

• Direct loss of sites and/or habitats of national or county value;
• Disturbance to sites and/or habitats of national or county value, resulting in a reduction in quality or an increase in the vulnerability of that habitat;
• Adverse impacts on legally protected species and notable species;
• Reduction in water quality of watercourses crossed by the scheme;
• Severance and fragmentation of habitats

5.12.8 Mitigation

There are a range of mitigation measures that can be used that are appropriate toboth the ecological value of the features present and the extent and magnitude ofany impacts associated with the proposals.

DIRECT LOSS OF SITES AND/OR HABITATS OF NATIONAL OR COUNTY VALUE

Direct loss of habitat of national value should be avoided by design. Loss of habitatof county value can be mitigated by:

• Refinements to the design to avoid and minimise loss;
• Enhancement and management works to the remaining parts of the affected designated site to increase and maintain its value;
• Screening, such as environmental barriers and tree planting, to reduce visual and noise disturbance to any remaining areas of the site;
• Off-site habitat creation to an ecological design, such as tree, scrub and hedgerow planting using native species of local provenance, pond creation and species-rich grassland creation;
• On-site habitat creation to an ecological design will also offset habitat losses to some extent.

DISTURBANCE TO SITES AND/OR HABITATS OF NATIONAL OR COUNTY VALUE

Disturbance to designated sites of national and county value can be minimised byappropriate mitigation, although the precise design and effectiveness of themitigation will be dependent on the type of habitat and species for which a site isdesignated. Examples include:

• Screening, such as environmental barriers and tree planting, to reduce visual and noise disturbance;
• Enhancement and management works to other areas of the site to off-set the potential reduction in value close to the highway;
• Avoiding changes in hydrological conditions as a result of constructing new highway within existing floodplains;
• Protection during construction to prevent accidental damage.

IMPACTS ON LEGALLY PROTECTED SPECIES AND NOTABLE SPECIES

Measures to mitigate both temporary disturbance and potentially permanentimpacts on legally protected species, such as habitat loss and disturbance, arespecies specific. The following measures, which should not be regarded asexclusive or complete are in addition to best practice and/ or legislativerequirements:

Breeding Birds

• Sympathetic habitat management and enhancement measures should be put in place to provide suitable breeding and feeding conditions for BAP breeding species which may be impacted by the route proposals; and
• Tree, shrub and hedge planting using native species of local provenance. Specially Legally Protected (Schedule 1) Birds
• Barn owl nest boxes should be provided in suitable buildings, however it should be noted that these should be at least 2km from the road;
• Tree planting in areas where barn owl is known to hunt should be designed with barn owl in mind, for example setting back the planting from the road edge;
• Provision of barn owl feeding areas (e.g. the creation of rough grassland strips, parallel, but at a specified distance to, the new route to provide appropriate foraging areas); and

Bats

• Bridges and mature trees that may provide suitable roost habitat should be identified and carefully inspected for bat roosts prior to works;
• Bat boxes should be included in trees off-site to provide some replacement habitat for any roost sites lost;
• The existing pipistrelle bat roost, in the road bridge over the River Cam, may need a Defra Development Licence in order to proceed with works.

Badger

• Badgers can travel 600m or more to the edge of their territory and setts recorded within a distance of 350m of the proposed road options have been recommended for further survey work. Territory mapping will be required to assess the area being used by different social groups.
• Habitat creation works, both on- and off-site, could include planting of tree species of food value for badger, for example elder and crab apple;
• Retro-fitting of badger tunnels and fencing may also be recommended. Great Crested Newt
• If a breeding pond would be lost as a result of the works, a suite of measures would be required, under a DEFRA licence, including new ponds, an exclusion and trapping exercise, amphibian proof fencing and, potentially, retro-fitting of suitable amphibian crossings;
• The loss of terrestrial habitat would be mitigated by the provision of new habitat of suitable value, or the enhancement of existing habitat.

Hazel Dormouse

Mitigation measures could include:

• Increasing nest site availability outside the works area by putting up additional nest boxes or tubes in areas not to be affected by the works. This would need to be done in agreement with landowners and in areas of suitable habitat;
• Vegetation clearance and ground disturbance should be carried out at suitable times of year which would cause the minimum amount of disturbance to dormice, if dormice remain in the area while clearance is taking place. Careful above ground clearance work (without disturbing the ground) could potentially take place between December and February. Work disturbing the ground in an area that has already been cleared above ground, could take place between May and September;
• Additional planting of suitable area, connectivity and species mix to replace any hedgerows or woodland areas to be lost;
• Habitat management of hedgerows unaffected by the works, to improve their suitability for dormice. These could include trimming of hedgerows a three yearly intervals; maintenance of hedgerows at a height at least 3-4m; avoidance of flailing; cutting a reduced proportion of hedgerows in any one year; use of coppicing or laying gappy hedgerows; increasing species diversity;
• Mitigation measures should be monitored to assess their effectiveness; and
• Trapping and translocation of dormice should only be considered as a last resort.

Invertebrates

• During the Stage 3 Assessment, more detailed records and specialist field surveys of the sites to be directly or indirectly affected by the proposed upgrade of the A14 will be required to establish the species composition, importance of habitats required for these species and the likely impacts of the proposed work. This will then inform appropriate mitigation, particularly for sites where there will be unavoidable impacts (e.g. River Great Ouse).

Otters and Water Voles

• Strimming bankside vegetation followed by a trapping and exclusion exercise may be required to remove water voles from the development site;
• On-stream engineering works should incorporate features of value for otter and water vole;
• Artificial holt sites could be provided in key locations;
• Retro-fitting of ledges in culverts or additional tunnels above the high water level to ensure unrestricted access to the catchment at all times;
• Incorporating bankside habitat at all watercourses crossed by bridge.

Reptiles

• The mitigation proposed at this stage is very broad but can be refined once presence/absence surveys have been undertaken. Mitigation could involve the following which are listed in order of decreasing desirability:
  • Translocate reptiles that are affected by clearance for construction to suitable receptor sites which ideally can be enhanced and managed for reptiles.
  • Immediately prior to construction, undertake pre-site clearance checks for the presence of previously undiscovered reptiles.
  • Reptile mitigation can require careful forward planning. Finding receptor sites may require considerable survey effort while agreement from landowners and local interest groups may be required to select and secure a suitable site.
  • Trapping and translocation of reptiles should only be undertaken as a last resort).

White-clawed Crayfish

• If any populations are located prior to construction, consultation should be undertaken with English Nature and the Environment Agency to determine appropriate mitigation.

Reduction in Water Quality of Watercourses

A reduction in water quality of watercourses receiving surface water run-off can be avoided by:

• The use of pollution control measures, such as oil interceptors, silt traps and balancing ponds, on all outfalls where emission is directly to the watercourse
• Construction works should follow Environment Agency pollution prevention guidelines (PPG 1 General guide to the prevention of pollution of controlled water and PPG 5 Works in, near or liable to affect watercourses);
• Direct impacts on watercourses (for example, from temporary access routes) will need to be discussed with the Environment Agency.

Severance and Fragmentation of Habitats

Isolation and severance of habitats is often of major ecological significance in roadbuilding schemes. The offline section of the route, although predominantlycrossing arable land, involves crossing both major and minor watercourses, andthe severance of hedgerows.

It is a specific target in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan to, wherever possible,reverse the impacts of past fragmentation. Therefore, in order to reduce theimpacts of habitat severance and isolation that currently exist due to the presenceof the A14, consideration should be given to the design of overbridges andunderbridges, as these can provide suitable crossing points.

In the final design, English Nature will be consulted on all mitigation relating tonationally designated sites and both English Nature and lead agencies will beconsulted on mitigation for legally protected species.

5.12.9 Overall Assessment of Scheme Options

The magnitude and significance of impacts of the proposed scheme on the knownecological features were assessed in accordance with TAG and recorded in theTAG biodiversity worksheets. Ease of mitigation is taken into account in themagnitude of impact score

The result of the assessment is an overall assessment score for each option. Thissection summarises, and attempts to provide a rationale for, the results of theassessment for each option.

The following points should be noted in relation to the ecological assessment:

• No account has been taken of lighting as there is no indication of the extent of lighting, or whether there would be any differences between the options;
• Account is taken of the ease of mitigation, but detailed mitigation measures are not known at this stage;
• Good construction practice is assumed, for example as described above in terms of generic ecological mitigation;
• The assessment score may change to a higher adverse impact when fuller information is available on the activity and distribution of legally protected species;
• The assessment score may change either way when precise information is available on the quality of habitats and species that would be affected at designated sites.

In relation to determining the overall assessment score, TAG guidance states that,usually, the option should be scored in the most negative category of the sitesscored. The guidance note then goes on to say, however, that some judgementmay be required to derive an overall score that fairly represents the effects of thescheme as a whole.

For this scheme, the overall assessment score has been arrived at by taking intoaccount the most negative category, the number of sites that would be affected tothat extent and the total number of sites that would experience adverse impacts.

The mainline alignment options including Junction Strategy A (Enhanced/ OptimumJunction Strategy) (eg Blue, Purple, Orange and Orange/Purple) are assessedseparately below. The limited junction option (LJOs) and the A1 Alternatives(Alternatives 3 and 4 for the Blue options; and the Orange A1 Alternative 6) areconsidered in less detail. However, Appraisal Summary Tables (ASTs) areprovided for all combination of options.

BLUE OPTION

It is predicted that there would be moderate adverse impact on one feature(Brampton Flood Meadows CWS, which would be spanned by the viaductstructure), slight adverse impacts on four features and eight neutral impacts (seeTAG worksheets). Although Portholme Meadow SSSI/cSAC lies within 1km of thisroute option, it is not considered that there would be any adverse impacts on thisdesignated site. Between Godmanchester and Bar Hill, the Blue route crossesmainly arable land, and also the edge of a broad strip of mature woodland. Someof these trees may have potential for bats, and there would be hedgerow lossassociated with this option.

There is a nationally designated site within 1 km of this section of the proposedroute - Hemingford Grey Meadow SSSI, and a County Wildlife Sites (CWS) within1 km of the proposed route - Fenstanton Pits (West End Pits).

Towards the eastern end of the proposed works, the river Cam crossing wouldrequire modification and this may adversely impact upon the River Cam CountyWildlife Site.

There would be loss of arable land, and the loss of avenue trees and hedges alongthe bridleway access to Brampton Wood. Some widening of the existing A1 wouldbe required to overcome weaving and this would result in the loss of existingroadside vegetation.

The Blue/Purple and Orange routes both bisect potentially suitable hedgerows fordormice within 300m to the east of Brampton Wood and within 700m to the north ofBrampton Wood.

ORANGE OPTION

It is predicted that there would be moderate adverse impact on one feature(Buckden Gravel Pits CWS), slight adverse impacts on four features and 10 neutralimpacts (see TAG worksheets). The section of this route between Godmanchesterand Bar Hill would mainly cut across arable land, but would involve the removal ofsections of hedgerow along the route, and there is a County Wildlife Sites (CWS)within 1 km of this section of the route - Fenstanton Pits (West End Pits).

Towards the eastern end of the proposed works, the river Cam crossing wouldrequire modification and this may adversely impact upon the River Cam CountyWildlife Site.

The Orange route bisects potentially suitable hedgerows for dormice within 300mto the east of Brampton Wood, and within 700m to the north of the wood. The routeoption having the least impact on invertebrates, based on the results of the studyundertaken, would be the Orange route option. With respect to otters, this routeoption is currently regarded as most favourable in terms of minimising adverseimpacts, and it is also slightly preferable in terms of reducing potential impacts onwater voles, as it avoids the Brampton Brook which has previously supported awater vole population.

PURPLE OPTION

It is predicted that there would be moderate adverse impact on one feature(Brampton Flood Meadows CWS, which would be spanned by the viaductstructure), slight adverse impacts on four features and 10 neutral impacts (see TAGworksheets). Although Portholme Meadow SSSI/cSAC lies within 1km of this routeoption, it is not considered that there would be any adverse impacts on thisdesignated site. Between Godmanchester and Bar Hill, there are 3 County WildlifeSites (CWS) within 1 km of this section of the route - Fenstanton Pits (West EndPits), Marsh Lane Gravel Pits and Lower Road Meadows (west). The key habitatsaffected by this section of the route option will be arable fields and associatedhedgerows, with the online A14 passing adjacent to Hemingford Grey MeadowSSSI.

Towards the eastern end of the proposed works, the river Cam crossing wouldrequire modification and this may adversely impact upon the River Cam CountyWildlife Site.

The Blue/Purple route bisects potentially suitable hedgerows for dormice within300m to the east of Brampton Wood, and within 700m to the north of the wood.The Purple route option will require surveying the largest number of waterbodies(5) for the presence/absence of great crested newt.

ORANGE/PURPLE OPTION

It is predicted that there would be moderate adverse impact on one feature(Buckden Gravel Pits CWS), slight adverse impacts on nine features and 15 neutralimpacts (see TAG worksheets).

There are 4 County Wildlife Sites (CWS) within 1 km of the boundary of this sectionof the proposed route - Brampton Flood Meadows, Buckden Gravel Pits, RiverGreat Ouse and the Settling Bed east of Silver Street.

The key habitats affected by this section of the route option will be arable fields andassociated hedgerows.

Towards the eastern end of the proposed works, the river Cam crossing wouldrequire modification and this may adversely impact upon the River Cam CountyWildlife Site.

The Orange route options bisect potentially suitable hedgerows for dormice within300m to the east of Brampton Wood, and within 700m to the north of the wood.

A1 ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS

There are three alternative junction options for the A1, namely Alternatives 3 and 4which relate to the Blue Route - Alignment 3 crosses over the A1 and alignment 4passes under the A1. With respect to the Blue A1 Alternatives, it is predicted thatthere will be a moderate adverse impact on one feature (Brampton FloodMeadows), slight adverse impacts on nine features and 18 neutral impacts (seeTAG worksheets). Although Portholme Meadow SSSI/cSAC lies within 1km of thisroute option, it is not considered that there would be any adverse impacts on thisdesignated site. Towards the eastern end of the proposed works, the river Camcrossing would require modification and this may adversely impact upon the RiverCam County Wildlife Site.

The Orange Alternative 6 leaves the existing A14 and follows the Blue/Purplealternative close to the Brampton Hut services but follows the A1 corridor south ofthe existing road, the A1 Brampton Interchange being very similar to the Orangeoption. With respect to the Orange A1 Alternative, it is predicted that there will be amoderate adverse impact on one feature (Buckden Gravel Pits CWS), slightadverse impacts on nine features and 16 neutral impacts (see TAG worksheets).Towards the eastern end of the proposed works, the river Cam crossing wouldrequire modification and this may adversely impact upon the River Cam CountyWildlife Site. The favoured route option in relation to dormice would be either of theA1 Alternative routes (Blue/Purple or Orange).

LIMITED JUNCTION OPTIONS (LJS)

This limited junction strategy relates to the Blue and Orange options only and themain differences relates to:

• Changes to the local access road configuration e.g. from single carriageway to dual carriageway between Dry Drayton and Junction 14 on both east and west of A14 and additional local access road west of Trinity Foot on south side - would result in the loss of additional existing vegetation; the land adjacent to the road is predominantly arable land, so no increased adverse impact on biodiversity is anticipated; and
• M11 junction 14 reconstructed to separate local and strategic traffic - minimal changes in impact, the impacts will be upon improved grassland; the additional pockets of land may provide opportunities for biodiversity enhancement, particularly with regards to wild flower species.

5.12.10 Conclusions

The overall assessment of the predicted adverse impacts on biodiversity indicatesthat all of the proposed A14 upgrade options will have Moderate Adverse impactson biodiversity. The impacts include the direct loss of habitat, habitat severanceand fragmentation, changes in water quality in watercourses, and disturbance fromtraffic noise and enhanced lighting to animal species.

The overall assessment score indicates that the adverse impacts on biodiversityare in the same category of significance for all the options (Moderate Adverse),with the chief difference being the number of slight adverse and neutral impactsassociated with the respective options (see WEBTAG tables). All route optionsdirectly affect a County Wildlife Site, with the Orange suite of route options directlyimpacting Buckden Gravel Pits CWS and the common Blue/Purple suite of routeoptions directly impacting Brampton Flood Meadows CWS. In this context,Brampton Flood Meadows CWS, a flood meadow ecosystem with species-richgrassland, represents both a scarcer habitat type and one that is much moredifficult to recreate than the gravel pit ecosystem at Buckden Gravel Pits.

Mitigation of adverse impacts on biodiversity during construction and operation ispossible by careful planning and design and by the imposition of stringentenvironmental conditions during construction.

Compensation of the residual impacts that cannot be mitigated (such as loss ofhabitat, severance and habitat fragmentation) must be taken into account for anyoption. Off-site habitat creation and habitat translocation is strongly recommendedin conjunction with long-term habitat management and enhancement either as partof the Highways Agency soft estate or through financial agreements withlandowners and occupiers.

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FURTHER WORK

The Stage 3 assessment should include a revised data gathering exercise, andfurther survey work including an extended Phase 1 survey of the preferred routeoption, any CWs's directly or indirectly affected and of all legally protected species,in accordance with current guidelines.