Hedgerows 6.4 Protected and priority species 6.4.1 The presence of protected species is a material consideration in the planning process. Species that have been identified as qualifying features for the designation of and SACs require particular consideration. For example, the otter is one of the qualifying features of the River Wye SAC. Many protected species are also included in the Section 7 list under the Environment (Wales) Act; that is, they have been identified as species of principal importance for conserving biodiversity in Wales. Habitat enhancement measures for these species should be incorporated into development proposals. 4.4.2 The following is a selection of the protected and/or priority species have been recorded in the Hay-on-Wye area: European protected species: Otter Bats (including common and soprano pipistrelle, long-eared, lesser horseshoe, greater horseshoe and noctule) Dormouse (records to the south of Hay-on-Wye) Nationally protected species: Kingfisher Slow worm White-clawed crayfish Bluebell Priority species: West European hedgehog Common Toad Dunnock 6.5 Habitat protection and enhancement The following are suggested actions for the protection and enhancement and creation of habitats that are appropriate to the Hay-on-Wye area; the list is not exhaustive. The maps in Appendix 2 show the habitats in and around Hay-on-Wye. Priority species recorded in the area that will benefit from the implementation of these actions are also included; other species not previously recorded may also benefit. Priority habitats & biodiversity features Actions Species 1 Rivers and streams Retention of ‘buffer zones’ to protect water quality by reducing siltation Sensitive management of trees and river banks e.g. pollarding of trees Otter White-clawed crayfish Fish species associated with the R. Wye SAC 2 Grasslands Retention and protection of existing and unimproved grasslands Slow worm Insects 3 Hedgerows Retention and enhancement of existing hedgerows (see maps in Appendix 2) Nesting birds Bats
Environment (Wales) Act; that is, they have been identified as species of principal importance for conserving biodiversity in Wales. Habitat enhancement measures for these species should be incorporated into development proposals. 7.4.2 The following is a selection of the protected and/or priority species have been recorded in the Talgarth area: European protected species: Otter Bats (including common and soprano pipistrelle, Brown long-eared, lesser horseshoe, whiskered, Natterer’s and noctule) Dormouse Great crested newt Nationally protected species: Kingfisher White-clawed crayfish Slow worm Goshawk Priority species: West European hedgehog Tree sparrow Dunnock Song thrush Bullfinch Polecat 7.5 Habitat protection and enhancement The following are suggested actions for the protection and enhancement and creation of habitats that are appropriate to the Talgarth area; the list is not exhaustive. The maps in Appendix 2 show the habitats in and around Talgarth. Priority species recorded in the area that will benefit from the implementation of these actions are also included; other species not previously recorded may also benefit. Priority habitats & biodiversity features Actions Species 1 Rivers and streams Retention of ‘buffer to protect water quality by reducing siltation Sensitive management of trees and river banks e.g. pollarding of trees Otter White-clawed crayfish Kingfisher 2 Grasslands Retention and protection of existing “pockets” of unimproved grassland Slow worm 3 Hedgerows Retention and enhancement of existing hedgerows (see maps in Appendix 2) Planting of new native, hedgerows, particularly to buffer and provide links between habitats Nesting birds Bats Dormouse 4 Street trees Retain street & protect during development Installation of bat and bird on existing trees (where appropriate) Bats Nesting birds
5 Orchards Protect and enhance existing orchards Nesting birds Insects 7.6 Opportunities for habitat creation Priority habitats & biodiversity features Actions Species 1 Rivers and streams Construction of holts in undisturbed areas Otter 2 Hedgerows Planting of mixed, native-species hedgerows with hedgerow trees Bats Birds Insects 3 Grasslands Creation of new wildflower meadows, preferably locally-sourced seed Use of wildflower seed mixes in Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) Insects Bats and birds feeding on insects 4 Trees Planting of native-species trees in and around developments Bats 5 Orchards Planting of new orchards, particularly on of former orchards Nesting birds Insects 6 Ponds Create new Great crested newt Other amphibians 7.7 Green Infrastructure map of Talgarth Please see following page.