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Appendix12.F Baseline Ornithology Report – Breeding Season 2014

November 2015 © Amec Foster Wheeler Environment & Infrastructure UK Limited

E.ON Climate & Renewables UK Developments Ltd

Lorg Wind Farm

Baseline Ornithology Report - Breeding Season 2014

AMEC Environment & Infrastructure UK Limited

September 2014

© AMEC Environment & Infrastructure UK Limited September 2014 Doc Reg No. 32964CGos113R

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Document Revisions

No. Details Date

01 Draft Report for Client Review 05/09/2014

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Executive Summary

This report documents the methods and results of a suite of bird surveys undertaken between April and August 2014 at an extension to the proposed Lorg Wind Farm. Breeding bird surveys were also undertaken in respect of the proposed access route;

The Site is located approximately 12.5 kilometres North-West of the town of Moniaive, Dumfries and Galloway. It is bisected by the Water of Ken with steep hills dominated by white moor managed for upland sheep grazing. The Site is surrounded on three sides by commercial forestry plantations;

The scope of surveys followed that recommended in SNH 2013 guidance, consisting of vantage point (VP) observation (42 hours from one VP), Black Grouse lek surveys (two visits), breeding raptor surveys (four visits) and breeding wader surveys (four visits);

The Muirkirk and North Lowther Uplands Special Protection Area (SPA) is the only SPA or ornithological Ramsar site located within 20km of the Site, approximately 13km north. The SPA is notified for breeding Short-eared Owl, Hen Harrier, Merlin, Peregrine and Golden Plover and wintering Hen Harrier;

A single target species flight was recorded during VP observation, a Peregrine at collision risk height;

No Annex I or Schedule 1 raptors were recorded breeding on Site or within 2km of it (although access was not available to the entire buffer zone). A single pair of Peregrines bred within a 500m buffer around the proposed access route. The habitats within the wind farm and access route survey areas are of poor quality for ground nesting raptors and owls due to the dominance of white moor habitats;

A single Black Grouse was recorded during lek surveys, located within the survey area for the proposed access track. There were no records of displaying birds;

A single pair each of Curlew and Snipe were recorded breeding within the survey area for the proposed access track with a pair of Common Sandpiper recorded within the buffer around the extension. There were no breeding waders recorded within the extension boundary.

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Contents

1. Introduction 1

1.1 About this Document 1

1.2 Site Description 1

1.3 Background and Scope 1

2. Desk Study 3

2.1 Literature Review and Consultation 3

2.1.1 Scope 3

2.1.2 Results 3

2.2 Target Species 4

3. Methodology 7

3.1 Breeding Bird Surveys 7

3.1.1 Surveyors 7

3.1.2 Vantage Point Surveys 7

3.1.3 Distribution and Abundance Surveys 8

3.1.4 Black Grouse Surveys 9

3.1.5 ‘Incidental’ Records 9

3.1.6 Limitations 9

4. Results 11

4.1 Breeding Bird Surveys 11

4.1.1 Vantage Point Surveys 11

4.1.2 Distribution and Abundance Surveys 11

4.1.3 Species Specific Surveys 12

4.1.4 Incidental Records 12

5. Key Species Summary 13

5.1.1 Black Grouse 13

5.1.2 Red Kite 13

5.1.3 Barn Owl 13

5.1.4 Peregrine 13

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6. References 15

Table 2.1 Statutory Ornithological Sites within the Search Area 4 Table 4.1 Summary of Target Species’ Flight Activity 11 Table 4.2 Distribution and Abundance of Breeding Wader Territories 12 Table A1 BOU Species List and Scientific Names 1 Table B1 Dates, Times and Weather Conditions During Vantage Point Surveys 1 Table B2 Dates, Times and Weather Conditions During Wader Surveys 2 Table B3 Dates, Times and Weather Conditions During Raptor Surveys 4 Table B4 Dates, Times and Weather Conditions During Black Grouse Surveys 6 Table C1 Target Species Flight Data 1 Table C2 Black Grouse Survey Records 1 Table C3 Incidental Records 2

Figure 1.1 Map of Site, Extension and Access Track After Page 2 Figure 2.1 Statutory Ornithological Sites within 20km After Page 6 Figure 3.1 Vantage Point Location and Viewshed After Figure 3.2 Survey Areas After Page 10 Figure 4.1 Peregrine Flight Activity Map After Page 12 Figure 4.2 Wader Territory Map After Page 12 Figure 4.3 Black Grouse Activity Map After Page 12 Figure 4.4 Incidental Records After Page 12

Appendix A Species List Appendix B Survey Programme Appendix C Survey Results

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1. Introduction

1.1 About this Document

AMEC Environment & Infrastructure UK Limited (AMEC) was commissioned by E.ON Climate & Renewables UK Developments Ltd to undertake bird surveys during the breeding season of 2014 (April to August 2014 inclusive) at an extension to the proposed wind farm development at Lorg in Dumfries and Galloway. This additional area of land is located between the hills of Alwhat and Alhang to the west of the original Site. The proposed access track runs to the north of the Site to Glen Afton and this route was also covered by breeding bird surveys. This report describes the methods and results of the surveys, which were designed to be suitable to inform the preparation of an Environmental Statement for the development. Baseline ornithological survey work at the original Site was undertaken by AMEC in the 2010/11 and 2012/13 winter seasons and the 2013 breeding season. Natural Power conducted surveys at the Site during the 2012 breeding season. Surveys at the extension area were completed by AMEC in winter 2013/14.

1.2 Site Description

The Site is located around Lorg House within the region of Dumfries and Galloway. The proposed Site, extension and access track are illustrated in Figure 1.1.

The Site is bisected by the Water of Ken with steep grass-dominated hillsides on either side of the river. Lorg House and associated outbuildings is located in the centre of the Site in the valley bottom. The area around this unoccupied dwelling is surrounded by dry stone walls and a small area of deciduous scrub. The Site is surrounded on three sides by commercial forestry plantations. Open grassland areas similar to those on Site are present to the west. Afton Reservoir is located approximately 1.5km to the north-west.

1.3 Background and Scope

The key issues relating to birds and wind farms are as follows:

The effects of direct habitat loss due to land take by wind turbine bases, tracks and ancillary structures;

The effects of disturbance and displacement of birds from the proximity of the wind turbines. Such disturbance may occur as a consequence of construction work, or due to the presence of the wind farm close to nest or feeding sites or on habitual flight routes; and

The effects of collision with rotating turbine blades (i.e. killing or injury of birds), which is of particular relevance for sites located in areas with high raptor activity or which support large concentrations of waterfowl.

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With regards to the first issue, total land take by wind farm infrastructure generally represents a small proportion of a site. Therefore the permanent loss of nesting and foraging habitat for birds tends to be small and will generally have little effect on bird populations. At most wind farm sites it is the latter two issues, collision risk and displacement, which may potentially be more significant.

Ornithological work carried out at Lorg was based on Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) guidance. A range of guidance documents have been produced relating to the assessment of bird/wind farm interactions and the following publications and guidelines in particular have been influential in determining the scope of the works at Lorg:

Scottish Natural Heritage, 2013. Recommended bird survey methods to inform impact assessment of onshore wind farms. http://www.snh.gov.uk/docs/C278917.pdf;

Scottish Natural Heritage, 2005, revised 2010. Survey methods for use in assessment of the impacts of proposed onshore windfarms on bird communities. SNH Advisory Services and National Strategy; and

Scottish Natural Heritage, 2006. Assessing significance of impacts from onshore windfarms on birds outwith designated areas. SNH, Battleby.

SNH guidance recommends that field surveys should be focussed on those species of high nature conservation value for which there is potential for an impact which might be judged significant and adverse. In most circumstances these “target species” tend to be limited to those protected species and other species of conservation concern which may be subject to impact from wind farms.

SNH 2013 guidance states that there are three overarching species lists which describe protected species and species of conservation concern from which target species may be drawn:

Special Protection Areas (SPA) designate species and those listed under Annex 1 within the Directive 2009/147/EC on the conservation of wild birds, commonly referred to as the Birds Directive;

Species listed under Schedule 1 of the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 (as amended); and

Species listed under the red list of Birds of Conservation Concern (BoCC).

In addition, consideration should also be given to species identified within Local Biodiversity Action Plans. Target species should be limited to those likely to be affected by wind farms. Research indicates that passerine species are not significantly affected by wind farms. Many species included on the BoCC red list are passerines and therefore care should be exercised when considering red list species for inclusion as targets.

It may be appropriate to collect information regarding non-target species, particularly those of regional conservation concern, termed ‘secondary species. Recording of such species is subsidiary to the recording of target species.

Target and secondary species at Lorg were selected following a data and literature review as detailed in Section 2.

For the purposes of this report, nomenclature follows that of the British Ornithologist Union (BOU 2013). Scientific names for all species mentioned in the text and tables are included in Appendix A.

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Figure 1.1 Map of Site, Extension and Proposed Access Track

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2. Desk Study

2.1 Literature Review and Consultation

2.1.1 Scope

The presence of Special Protection Areas (SPAs), ornithological Ramsar sites and ornithological Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) within 20km was determined by accessing the Multi-Agency Geographical Information for the Countryside (MAGIC) website. Details of cited features of designated sites were obtained from the SNH SiteLink website.

A desk study has been undertaken previously, and is fully documented in the 2012-13 Lorg Winter Bird Report (AMEC Document 32964GOS065r). This is summarised and updated in Section 2.1.2.

Bird surveys at the Site were undertaken by AMEC in winter 2010/11 (AMEC Doc Reg: 28772cb019r), 2012/2013 (AMEC Doc Red: 32964CGOS065r) and 2013/14 (AMEC Doc Reg: 32964CGos107R) and in the 2013 breeding season (AMEC Doc Reg: 32964CGOS066r). Additional ornithology surveys were carried out by Natural Power in the 2012 breeding season (Report Ref LP842_1018982_A2).

Additional primary sources of contextual information were:

Scottish Raptor Monitoring Scheme (Etheridge et al. 2013);

Birds of Scotland (Forrester et al. 2007); and

Literature review to assess bird species connectivity to Special Protection Areas (Pendlebury et al. 2011).

2.1.2 Results

The Muirkirk and North Lowther Uplands is the only SPA located within 20km of the Site. The SPA is notified for breeding Short-eared Owl, Hen Harrier, Merlin, Peregrine and Golden Plover; and wintering Hen Harrier.

Three SSSIs which list ornithological interest as a reason for notification lie within 20km of the Site, including: Merrick Kells, Bogton Loch and the North Lowther Uplands (most of the latter is designated as an SPA as part of the Muirkirk and North Lowther Uplands).

Table 2.1 provides details of statutory ornithological sites within the search area. Figure 2.1 illustrates the locations of designated ornithological sites within the search area and in relation to the Site.

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Table 2.1 Statutory Ornithological Sites within the Search Area

Site Name Approximate distance and direction from site

Reasons for designation/notification

(JNCC Website)

Potential connectivity with the Site

Muirkirk and North Lowther Uplands SPA

13km/NE Short-eared Owl (26 breeding pairs)

Hen Harrier (29 breeding pairs and 12 overwintering individuals)

Merlin (six breeding pairs)

Peregrine (nine breeding pairs)

Golden Plover (154 breeding pairs)

Short-eared Owl (most foraging flights are recorded within 2km of nest sites, suggesting that the core range is 2kms, but foraging up to 4-5kms away from the nest site has been recorded – nomadic in winter)

Hen Harrier (regularly forages between 2-4kms but up to 10km during the breeding season and forages within 6-16kms of communal winter roosts)

Merlin (regularly forages between 4-5kms from the nest during the breeding season, with a maximum recorded distance of 8kms – nomadic in winter, moving to lower elevations)

Peregrine (70% of foraging flights are recorded within 2km of nest sites, suggesting that the core range is 2kms – nomadic in winter)

Golden Plover (forages a maximum of 10.7km away from breeding sites, mainly at coastal sites in winter, staging in moorland fringe habitats in autumn and early spring)

North Lowther Uplands SSSI

13km/NE Nationally important breeding bird assemblage. Includes all species cited within the Muirkirk and North Lowther Uplands SPA; and also Dunlin.

See above for species also cited within the SPA.

Dunlin (regularly forages up to 2km from a nest site with 3km foraging flights the furthest distance recorded, mainly at coastal sites in winter)

Merrick Kells SSSI 18km/SW Breeding bird assemblage of national importance.

n/a

Bogton Loch SSSI 17km/W Breeding bird assemblage and wintering wildfowl.

n/a

Connectivity distances reported from Pendlebury et al. 2011.

Previous surveys indicate that flight activity at the Site is low. There has been no recorded breeding of Schedule 1 or Annex I raptors in previous breeding season surveys. No Annex I, Schedule 1 or other notable bird species were identified in a data search with the Local Records Centre.

2.2 Target Species The following key species of conservation concern (target species) are considered appropriate based on the desk based study and results of previous ornithological survey work undertaken in 2011-2013:

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Protected raptors and owls: including but not limited to those species either recorded previously on Site or known to be present in the surrounding area (Hen Harrier, Goshawk, Osprey, Merlin, Peregrine, Short-eared Owl and Barn Owl);

Waterfowl and waders: including Annex I breeding waders potentially occurring on spring and autumn passage (Golden Plover), wildfowl on passage (all geese, swans and ducks excluding non-native and common species); and

Other species: Black Grouse and Dunlin.

The following secondary species were identified:

Sparrowhawk, Buzzard, Kestrel;

Oystercatcher, Lapwing, Curlew, Snipe, Woodcock; and

Raven.

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Merrick Kells SSSI

North Lowther Uplands SSSI

Bogton Loch SSSI

Muirkirk and North Lowther Uplands SPA

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Figure 2.1 Statutory Ornithological Sites within 20km

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3. Methodology

3.1 Breeding Bird Surveys

3.1.1 Surveyors

All surveys were undertaken by experienced AMEC ornithologists, all of whom have extensive field experience and detailed understanding of the key methodologies recommended within SNH guidance and employed to monitor bird activity and distribution at proposed wind farm sites.

3.1.2 Vantage Point Surveys

Vantage-point (VP) watches were conducted in accordance with SNH 2013 guidance and undertaken throughout the survey period. This method focuses on identifying flight-paths of target species and allows any regularly used flight lines to be identified, allowing turbine locations to be altered where necessary to reduce collision risk to birds. The data generated can also be used to estimate the theoretical risk of collision with turbines by incorporation into a suitable model.

The SNH guidance advises that vantage-points should be chosen parsimoniously to achieve maximum visibility from the minimum number of locations such that all parts of the survey area are within two kilometres of a VP. One vantage point was identified (VP location and view-shed is shown in Figure 3.1) as being sufficient to survey the turbine layout, the location of which was:

VP5 – NS 65535 00999 – view bearing 300°.

Flights were classified using the following three height bands:

Band 1: 0 - 30m;

Band 2: 30 – 150m; and

Band 3: >150m.

A total of 42 hours of vantage point observation was undertaken between April and August 2014. Each watch lasted three hours maximum with a 30 minute break between watches. The general method to minimise observer disturbance was to allow ten minutes before starting each watch and to remain as inconspicuous as possible (temporary hides and camouflaged clothing was used). A 180° arc was scanned with eyes and with binoculars, recording flight times with a stopwatch with an audible timer. Only flights within the 2km viewshed were recorded, with all other target species flights recorded as incidentals. SNH (2013) guidance advises that VP surveys should be undertaken in good weather (light to moderate showers, acceptable) and should be aimed to target heightened activity periods of likely target species present. Vantage point surveys were spread across the full suite of daylight hours targeting diurnal raptors like Hen Harrier, Merlin, Peregrine and Goshawk as well as crepuscular species such as

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Golden Plover, Short-eared Owl and Barn Owl. Dates and times of the VP watches are provided in Appendix Table B1.

3.1.3 Distribution and Abundance Surveys

Wader Survey

The breeding bird assemblage at the extension was surveyed using an adapted version of the Brown & Shepherd (1993) methodology. This method is designed specifically for censusing upland breeding waders. SNH 2013 recommend four visits at least seven days apart, covering the whole breeding season between mid-April and early July, each completed between 08:30 and 18:00 hours.

The extension, access track and surrounding land out to 500m (where access was available) was surveyed, as shown in Figure 3.2.

Survey periods were undertaken in wind speeds of Beaufort force 4 or less and dry weather. The method involved a constant search effort of 20-25 minutes within each 500 x 500m quadrat of open land and 0.8-1 minute per hectare for enclosed fields. Habitats within the survey area were assessed for their suitability to host breeding waders and areas with unsuitable land use such as plantations or with extreme gradients were scoped out. All parts of each quadrat were approached to within 100m. Survey routes were varied between visits. Stops were made at regular intervals to scan and listen for birds and the identities and activities of birds were recorded using standard BTO notation. Dates, times and weather conditions are provided in Appendix Table B2.

Raptor Survey

On the basis of the habitats present within the survey area and previous survey data attributed to the site it was considered that there was potential for four species of Schedule 1/Annex I moorland breeding raptors/owls to breed within the survey area: Hen Harrier, Merlin, Peregrine and Short-eared Owl. It was also noted that the bordering plantation habitats could support both Schedule 1/Annex I listed Goshawk and Merlin, and surveys were therefore tailored to these species and were focussed on potentially suitable habitat within the survey area. Evidence relating to any Annex I or Schedule 1 listed raptor species was recorded. Species-specific guidance in Hardey et al. (2013) was considered when determining appropriate survey methods.

The extension and surrounding land out to 2km (where access was available) was surveyed along with the access track and surrounding land to 500m, as shown in Figure 3.2.

A single raptor survey visit was undertaken in each of the months of April, May, June and July. The initial survey comprised of a walkover of the site and appraisal of habitats present within the search area. Habitats were assessed for their potential to host breeding target raptor species. This initial visit involved looking for Schedule 1/Annex I raptors within the survey areas by passing within 250m of all points on the extension, proposed access track and buffer areas. Temporary observation points were then set up in places appropriate to monitor breeding behaviour such as display, food passes, territorial behaviour and fledged young. Stops were made at suitable observation points

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and the surrounding area was scanned, looking for target species. Field signs, such as remains of kills, nests and faecal droppings, were also searched for at this stage.

Subsequent visits were used to search for target species and associated breeding activities such as nest building, territoriality, and food passes. These activities were used to identify actual nest locations from the temporary observation points. Where potential breeding activity was detected then the nest was systematically searched for by Schedule 1 licence holders or by accredited agents. Once nests were located their progress was monitored and productivity was recorded following the species-specific guidance in Hardey et al. (2013). Watches were suspended if the continued presence of adults and young birds was established in order to reduce disturbance.

Previous raptor surveys data from the site in 2012 and 2013, our knowledge of the habitats present and data provided by the local raptor study group was analysed to define those areas most likely to support breeding raptors.

Dates, times and weather conditions during targeted raptor surveys are provided in Appendix Table B3.

3.1.4 Black Grouse Surveys

Targeted surveys for Black Grouse following the survey method detailed in Gilbert et al. (1998) were undertaken. The aim of these was to detect all lekking males within the extension (and buffer to 1.5km) and within 500m of the proposed access track (where access was available). The surveys were conducted on calm mornings by walking set routes to pass within 500m of all points in order to detect the calls of lekking males. Each visit began an hour before sunrise and finished two hours afterwards. When birds were discovered, the number present, sex and their behaviour (foraging, lekking, resting etc.) was noted. The first visit was a cold search of the extension, access track and buffers. The second visit was informed by the first visit and previous season’s surveys to target areas where Black Grouse may be present. A single morning’s survey was deemed appropriate for the second visit in order to target where birds and potential lek sites had been identified during the first visit and from the previous season’s data. Where leks were identified a count was undertaken from a suitable observation point within one hour before or after sunrise. As per SNH guidelines, two visits were undertaken between early April and mid May. Dates and times of the Black Grouse surveys are provided in Appendix Table B4.

3.1.5 ‘Incidental’ Records

Birds seen outside formalised timed surveys were also recorded (i.e. those observed during walks on and off Site, on walks between vantage-points and during other breaks in survey work). Detailed notes of activity of target species were made and flights mapped.

3.1.6 Limitations

There were no limitations on the survey regime and surveys were undertaken in accordance with the guidance.

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Figure 3.1 Vantage Point Locations and Viewsheds

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4. Results

4.1 Breeding Bird Surveys

4.1.1 Vantage Point Surveys

Target Species

The following target species was recorded during VP surveys: Peregrine. Details of all target species flights are provided in Appendix Table C1. The flight lines are illustrated in the following figures:

Figure 4.1: Peregrine.

Table 4.1 presents a summary of target species’ flight activity.

Table 4.1 Summary of Target Species’ Flight Activity

Species Number of bird recorded per month Total No. of Individuals Recorded

No. Of Observations

Bird Seconds at CRH*

Apr May Jun Jul Aug

Peregrine 1 0 0 0 0 1 1 166

*CRH = Collision-risk Height, defined as the turbine rotor sweep height, estimated to be 30-150m.

Secondary Species

Secondary species recorded were: Buzzard, Kestrel, Curlew and Raven.

Kestrel was recorded on two VP watches in July. Buzzard was recorded in all months, April to July inclusive, with birds active around Alhang, Alwhat and Meikledodd Hill. A peak count of five individuals was observed in May. Raven was recorded in all months between May and August inclusive with activity centring over Alwhat and Alhang. Both Snipe and Curlew were recorded in July with the former near Alwhat burn and the latter over Alwhat.

4.1.2 Distribution and Abundance Surveys

Wader Survey

Two wader species were recorded as holding territory within the proposed access track area (inclusive of 600m buffer zone), comprising (number of territories in parentheses): Snipe (one); and Curlew (one). Within the 600m buffer, one further species was recorded as holding territory (number of territories in parentheses): Common Sandpiper (1). There were no waders holding territory within the extension however a pair of Curlew was seen in flight on the fourth

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visit mobbing a Red Kite. Details of the numbers of territories of each species are provided in Table 4.2. Indicative territory locations are illustrated in Figure 4.2.

Table 4.2 Distribution and Abundance of Breeding Wader Territories

Species Number of territories within the extension (including 600m buffer)

Number of territories within the access track area (including 600m buffer)

Curlew 0 1

Common Sandpiper 1 0

Snipe 0 1

Raptor Survey:

The breeding raptor surveys recorded a single breeding attempt of a Schedule 1 raptor species within the survey area: Peregrine. The birds fledged two young.

See Confidential Appendix and Figure CA1 for full details of the breeding raptor survey data that documents protected species records.

Other raptors encountered during the raptor surveys comprised of Buzzard, Sparrowhawk and Kestrel. Raven was also recorded and two pairs were found nesting in the 2km buffer. Information concerning non-target species such as Buzzard is presented in Appendix Table C2.

4.1.3 Species Specific Surveys

Black Grouse Surveys

The Black Grouse surveys recorded an individual Black Grouse within the access track and buffer with no displaying birds or lek sites. A male was recorded foraging on Wedder Hill during the first visit on 10th April.

Black Grouse records are illustrated in Figure 4.3.

4.1.4 Incidental Records

Those target and notable species recorded incidentally are detailed in Appendix Table C3 and are illustrated in Figure 4.4. Target species observed were: Red Kite and Peregrine.

Peregrine was recorded on one occasion in April whilst accessing VP5 flying between Glede Craig and Clough Burn. Red Kite was also recorded on a single occasion when a bird was seen flying from Brown Hill to Alhang during a wader survey in July.


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5. Key Species Summary

5.1.1 Black Grouse

Black Grouse is BoCC red listed based on severe breeding population decline (Eaton et al. 2009). The current UK population is estimated at 5,100 lekking males, 3,344 of which were in Scotland and 800 in south-west Scotland (Musgrove et al. 2013). Black Grouse is a scarce resident species in Dumfries and Galloway (Irving 2012) with 94 birds at 39 lek sites in 2010. In East Ayrshire a 2007 survey found 38 lekking males at 17 sites within the Muirkirk Uplands, Glen Afton and Dunstan Hill (Zisman et al. 2009).

Black Grouse were recorded on one occasion during the 2014 breeding season. The only sighting, of a single foraging male, was noted on Wedder Hill during a Black Grouse survey on the 10th April 2014.

5.1.2 Red Kite

Red Kite is an Annex I and Schedule 1 listed species, and is also a BoCC amber list species, based on its categorisation as a Species of European Conservation Concern (Eaton et al., 2009). The species is also listed on the Scottish Biodiversity List. The current UK population is estimated at a minimum of 1,087 pairs (Holling et al., 2014). In 2012, 73 home ranges were checked by the Scottish Raptor Monitoring Scheme in Dumfries and Galloway, holding 70 pairs (SRMS, 2013). Of these 70 pairs, 69 were monitored, fledging 92 young. Around 65 breeding pairs can be found in the Western Southern Uplands and Inner Solway Natural Heritage Zone (NHZ) (SNH, 2012).

A single Red Kite was noted as an incidental record during a wader survey flying between Brown Hill and Alhang on the 11th July 2014.

5.1.3 Barn Owl

Barn Owl is a Schedule 1 listed species, and is also a BoCC amber list species, based on its categorisation as a species of European Conservation Concern (Eaton et al., 2009). The species is also listed on the Scottish Biodiversity List. The current UK population is estimated at 4,000 pairs (Musgrove et al., 2013). The Dumfries and Galloway population is estimated at 144 pairs (Etheridge et al., 2013).

For further information on Barn Owls see the Confidential Appendix.

5.1.4 Peregrine

Peregrine is listed upon the Muirkirk and North Lowther Uplands SPA citation, with nine breeding pairs at the site. Peregrine is listed as both an Annex I and Schedule 1 species. Peregrine is also listed on the Scottish Biodiversity List. There was an estimated 1,530 breeding pairs in the UK in 2011 (Banks et al., 2010; in Holling and RBBP, 2014). The Dumfries and Galloway population is estimated at 57 pairs (Etheridge et al., 2013). The population of

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Peregrine continues to increase, probably as a result of reduced persecution, abundant prey and increased tolerance of humans (Balmer et al., 2013).

Peregrine was only recorded once during vantage point surveys. Peregrine was also recorded over the core survey area as an incidental record on a single occasion. For further information see the Confidential Appendix.

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6. References

AMEC Document Reg: 28772cb019r. January 2012. Lorg Wind Farm – Winter Bird Survey Report (2010-11). Report for E.ON Climate and Renewables UK Developments Ltd.

AMEC Document Reg. AMEC Document 32964GOS065r. September 2013. Lorg Wind Farm – Baseline Ornithology Report - Winter Season 2012-13. Report for E.ON Climate and Renewables UK Developments Ltd.

AMEC Document Reg. 32964CGOS066r. February 2014. Lorg Wind Farm – Baseline Ornithology Report - Breeding Season 2013. Report for E.ON Climate and Renewables UK Developments Ltd.

Balmer, D. E., Gillings S., Caffrey B. J., Swann, R. L., Downie, I. S. & Fuller, R. J. 2013. Bird Atlas 2007-11: the breeding and wintering birds of Britain and Ireland. BTO Books, Thetford.

British Ornithologists’ Union (BOU). 2013. The British List: a checklist of birds of Britain. 8th ed. Ibis 155: 635–676.

Brown, A.F. & Shepherd, K.B. 1993. A method for censusing upland breeding waders. Bird Study, 40(3), 189-195.

Eaton, M.A., Brown, A.F., Noble, D.G., Musgrove, A.J., Hearn, R., Aebischer, N.J., Gibbons, D.W., Evans, A. and Gregory R,D. 2009. ‘Birds of Conservation Concern 3: the population status of birds in the United Kingdom, Channel Islands and the Isle of Man.’ In: British Birds 102, pp296-341.

Etheridge, B., Riley, H., Wernham, C., Holling, M. & Stevenson, A. 2013. Scottish Raptor Monitoring Scheme Annual Report 2011. http://www.scottishraptorstudygroup.org/SRMS_Report11.pdf - accessed on 01/09/2014.

Forrester, R.W., Andrews, I.J., McInerny, C.J., Murray, R.D., McGowan, R.Y., Zonfrillo, B., Betts, M.W., Jardine, D.C. & Grundy D.S. (eds). 2007. The Birds of Scotland. The Scottish Ornithologists’ Club, Aberlady.

Gilbert, G., Gibbons, D.W., Evans, J. 1998. Bird Monitoring Methods: a manual of techniques for key UK species. RSPB, Sandy.

Hardey, J., Crick, H., Wernham, C., Riley, H., Etheridge, B. & Thompson, D. 2013. Raptors: A field guide to survey and monitoring. SNH.

Holling, M. And the Rare Breeding Birds Panel. 2014. Rare breeding birds in the United Kingdom in 2012. British Birds, 107:504-560.

Irving, D. (ed.) 2012. Birds in Dumfries and Galloway 2010: Dumfries and Galloway Bird Report No.21. SOC Dumfries and Galloway Branches, Dumfries.

16


JNCC. 2006. Natura 2000 Standard Data Form – Muirkirk and North Lowther Uplands SPA. http://jncc.defra.gov.uk/pdf/SPA/UK9003261.pdf Accessed on 01/09/2014.

Multi Agency geographic Information for the Countryside website: http://www.natureonthemap.naturalengland.org.uk/

Musgrove, A., Aebischer, N., Eaton, M., Hearn, R., Newson, S., Noble, D., Parsons, M., Risely, K. and Stroud, S. 2013. ‘Population estimates of birds in Great Britain and the United Kingdom.’ In: British Birds, 106, pp 64-100.

Natural Power Document Reg. LP842_1018982_A2. December 2012. Lorg Wind Farm – Ornithology Baseline Report (Breeding Season 2013). Report for E.On Climate and Renewables UK Developments Ltd.

Pendlebury, C., Zisman, S., Walls, R., Sweeney, J., McLoughlin, E., Robinson, C., Turner. & Loughrey, J. 2011. Literature review to assess bird species connectivity to Special Protection Areas. Scottish Natural Heritage Commissioned Report No. 390.

Scottish Natural Heritage. 2006, revised 2010. Assessing significance of impacts from onshore windfarms on birds outwith designated areas. SNH, Battleby.

Scottish Natural Heritage. 2010. Survey methods for use in assessment of the impacts of proposed onshore windfarms on bird communities. SNH Advisory Services and National Strategy.

Scottish Natural Heritage. 2012. Regional Population Estimates of Selected Scottish Breeding Birds. http://www.snh.gov.uk/docs/A709758.pdf Accessed on 01/09/2014.

Scottish Natural Heritage. 2013. Recommended bird survey methods to inform impact assessment of onshore wind farms. SNH, Battleby.

Scottish Natural Heritage Sitelink website: http://gateway.snh.gov.uk/sitelink/

Zisman, S., Pendlebury, C., Turner, L. & Austin, M. 2009. East Ayrshire Black Grouse Lek Distribution 2007: An Analysis of Current Status and Trends. Scottish Natural Heritage Commissioned Report No. 289.

A1


Appendix A Species List

Table A1 BOU Species List and Scientific Names

BOU Species Name (2013) Scientific Name BOU Species Name (2013) Scientific Name

Black Grouse Tetrao tetrix Curlew Numenius arquata

Red Kite Milvus Dunlin Calidris alpina

Goshawk Accipiter gentilis Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos

Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus Woodcock Scolopax rusticola

Hen Harrier Circus cyaneus Snipe Gallinago gallinago

Buzzard Buteo buteo Barn Owl Tyto alba

Osprey Pandion haliaetus Short-eared Owl Asio flammeus

Oystercatcher Haematopus ostalegus Kestrel Falco tinnunculus

Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria Peregrine Falco peregrinus

Lapwing Vanellus vanellus Raven Corvus corax

A2


B1


Appendix B Survey Programme

Vantage Point Survey Dates

Table B1 Dates, Times and Weather Conditions During Vantage Point Surveys

Date Observer VP Start Finish Length of VP Watch (hrs)

Weather

VP5

10/04/2014 Mark Middleton 5 14:05 17:05 3 Light showers, Wind W F3, Cloud Cover 7-6, Visibility >2km

11/04/2014 Mark Middleton 5 08:30 11:30 3 Light showers, Wind W F2-3, Cloud Cover 8-5, Visibility >2km

11/04/2014 Mark Middleton 5 12:30 15:30 3 Light showers / Dry, Wind W F3-4, Cloud Cover 5-8, Visibility >2km

14/05/2014 Mark Middleton 5 15:25 18:25 3 Light showers, Wind W F1-3, Cloud Cover 8, Visibility >2km

15/05/2014 Mark Middleton 5 12:30 15:30 3 Dry, Wind W F2-3, Cloud Cover 4-5, Visibility >2km

16/05/2014 Mark Middleton 5 11:00 14:00 3 Dry, Wind W-SW F3-4, Cloud Cover 8-5, Visibility 500m->2km

11/06/2014 Mark Middleton 5 11:15 14:15 3 Dry, Wind SW F2-3, Cloud Cover 4, Visibility >2km



13/06/2014 Mark Middleton 5 10:30 11:30 1 Dry, Wind S F0-1, Cloud Cover 8, Visibility 500m-2km

11/07/2014 Mark Middleton 5 04:55 07:55 3 Dry, Still, Cloud Cover 0-1, Visibility >2km

B2


Date Observer VP Start Finish Length of VP Watch (hrs)

Weather

11/07/2014 Mark Middleton 5 18:55 21:55 3 Dry, Wind W F0-2, Cloud Cover 2-5, Visibility >2km

11/07/2014 Mark Middleton 5 06:20 09:20 3 Light showers, Wind NW F3-5, Cloud Cover 4-8, Visibility >2km then 500m-2km

21/08/2014 James Spencer 5 17:30 20:30 3 Occ. Light Drizzle, Wind NW 4, Cloud Cover 4-6, Visibility >2km

22/08/2014 James Spencer 5 06:10 09:10 3 Dry, Wind N2, Cloud Cover 2-3, Visibility >2km

Total 42

Distribution and Abundance Survey Dates

Brown and Shepherd Wader Survey

Table B2 Dates, Times and Weather Conditions During Wader Surveys

Date Observer Start & Finish Time Survey Area (Grid Squares) Weather

Visit 1

07/04/2014 Mark Middleton 14:45-15:45 Access track start to filter station. Dry then heavy rain, Wind NW F2-3, Cloud Cover 8, Visibility >2km

08/04/2014 Mark Middleton 08:45-16:45 Access track to Alwhat. Occasional showers, Wind SW-W F1-4, Cloud Cover 8-4, Visibility

>2km

09/04/2014 Mark Middleton 16:00-17:00 Brown Hill and east of Extension. Dry, Wind W F2, Cloud Cover 5, Visibility <2km

10/04/2014 Mark Middleton 08:45-13:45 Alhang, Alwhat and Ewe Hill. Dry, Wind W F3, Cloud Cover 7, Visibility >2km

Visit 2

B3


Date Observer Start & Finish Time Survey Area (Grid Squares) Weather

15/05/2014 Mark Middleton 10:25-12:30 15:45-18:30

Lorg farmhouse to VP5 and Extension. Dry, Wind W F2-3, Cloud Cover 4-5, Visibility >2km

16/05/2014 Mark Middleton 09:00-11:00 Lorg Farmhouse, past Rough Cleugh to VP5. Dry, Wind SW F2-3, Cloud Cover 8, Visibility >500m

16/05/2014 Mark Middleton 09:00-11:00 14:00-18:30

Lorg Farmhouse, past Rough Cleugh to VP5. South edge of Site. Dry, Wind SW F2-3, Cloud Cover 8, Visibility >500m

17/05/2014 Mark Middleton 10:00-16:45 Access track. Occasional showers, Wind W F3, Cloud Cover 8-6, Visibility >2km

Visit 3

10/06/2014 Mark Middleton 09:30-15:20 Access track. Occasional showers, Wind SW F2-3, Cloud Cover 7, Visibility >2km

11/06/2014 Mark Middleton 09:45-11:05 14:20-16:35 Lorg House to extension (plus extension area). Dry, Wind SW F2-3, Cloud Cover 4-5, Visibility >2km

12/06/2014 Mark Middleton 09:45-14:05 17:15-18:30 Lorg House to extension (return). Dry, Wind SW F2-3, Cloud Cover 7, Visibility >2km

13/06/2014 Mark Middleton 09:30-10:20 11:50-14:40 Extension plus 600m buffer. Dry, Wind S F0-1, Cloud Cover 7, Visibility >2km

Visit 4

11/07/2014 Mark Middleton 08:30-16:30 Extension plus 600m buffer. Dry, Wind W F2-3, Cloud Cover 2-4, Visibility >2km

12/07/2014 Mark Middleton 10:15-18:30 Access track. Dry, Wind SW F1-3, Cloud Cover 8, Visibility >2km then 500m-2km

B4


Raptor Survey

Table B3 Dates, Times and Weather Conditions During Raptor Surveys

Date Observer Start & Finish Time

Sunrise Time Survey Area Weather

Visit 1

07/04/2014 Mark Middleton 14:45-15:45 16:40-17:45 06:25/20:06

Access track start to Filter Station. Corbie Craig Crags Rough Cleugh and crags below Ewe Hill - Viewed from road to Lorg farmhouse.

Dry then heavy rain, Wind NW-W F1-3, Cloud Cover 3-8, Visibility >2km

09/04/2014 Mark Middleton 10:40-17:35 06:28/20:09

Rough Cleugh and crags below Ewe Hill. Crags along Alwhat Burn, Bitch Hole, Hawks Craig, plantation in valley of Holme Burn and plantation edge SW of Ewe Hill. Surveyed ridge/end of access track for ground-nesting raptors

Dry, Wind W F2-3, Cloud Cover 5, Visibility >2km

11/04/2014 Mark Middleton 15:40-16:30 06:28/20:09 VP5 to Lorg Bridge. Dry, Wind W F3-4, Cloud Cover 7, Visibility >2km

Visit 2

14/05/2014 Mark Middleton 14:30-15:25 18:30-19:15 05:08/21:17 Holm of Dalquhairn Bridge along forest edge to VP5.

Dry, Wind W F2-3, Cloud Cover 8, Visibility >2km

15/05/2014 Mark Middleton 15:45-18:30 18:30-19:30 05:07/21:19

Extension, Alhang to Alwhat ridge, eastern buffer and Alwhat Burn valley. Alwhat Burn valley and Rough Cleugh.

Dry, Wind W F2-3, Cloud Cover 4-5, Visibility >2km

16/05/2014 Mark Middleton 09:00-11:00 14:00-18:30 05:05/21:21

Lorg Farmhouse, past Rough Cleugh to VP5. South edge of Site, plantation edge to South, Holm Burn Valley, top of access track and northern/eastern buffer, Lorg Burn to Lorg farmhouse.

Dry, Wind SW F2-3, Cloud Cover 8, Visibility >500m

17/05/2014 Mark Middleton 14:00-14:45 05:03/21:23 Watch of Craigbraneoch Hill crags. Occasional showers, Wind W F3, Cloud Cover 8-6, Visibility >2km

B5


Date Observer Start & Finish Time


18/05/2014 Mark Middleton 08:15-09:45 05:01/21:25 Watch of Craigbraneoch Hill crags. Dry, Wind SW F3-4, Cloud Cover 8, Visibility >2km

Visit 3

09/06/2014 Mark Middleton 14:30-16:30 04:36/21:56 Watch of Craigbraneoch Hill crags and access track. Showers, Wind S F1-2, Cloud Cover 8, Visibility >2km

10/06/2014 Mark Middleton 15:25-17:25 04:35/21:57 Access track. Dry, Wind SW F2-3, Cloud Cover 7-4, Visibility >2km

11/06/2014 Mark Middleton

09:45-11:05 14:20-16:35 18:50-20:00 04:35/21:57 Lorg House to extension (return).

Dry, Wind SW F2-3, Cloud Cover 4-5, Visibility >2km

12/06/2014 Mark Middleton 09:45-14:05 17:15-18:45 04:35/21:57 Lorg House to extension (return).

Dry, Wind SW F2-3, Cloud Cover 7, Visibility >2km

13/06/2014 Mark Middleton 09:30-10:20 11:50-14:40 04:36/21:58 Extension plus buffer. Dry, Wind S F0-1, Cloud Cover 7, Visibility >2km

Visit 4

11/07/2014 Mark Middleton 15:00-16:30 04:50/21:53 Watch of Craigbraneoch Hill crags. Showers, Wind SW F2-3, Cloud Cover 8, Visibility >2km

12/07/2014 Mark Middleton 04:15 & 09:30 04:53/21:51 Lorg House Barn Owl check. Dry, Still, Cloud Cover 0, Visibility 1-2km

B6


Species Specific Surveys Survey Dates


Table B4 Dates, Times and Weather Conditions During Black Grouse Surveys

Date Observer

Start & Finish Time


Visit 1

08/04/2014 Mark Middleton 05:00-08:30 06:26

Access track start to Alhang. Drizzle then dry, Wind SW-W F1-3, Cloud Cover 8-5, Visibility 500m-2km

10/04/2014 Mark Middleton 05:10-08:30 06:24

Holm of Dalquhairn Bridge up Ewe Hill along forest edge on to Alwhat summit and Source of the Afton. Dry, Wind W F2-3, Cloud Cover 8, Visibility 50-500m

11/04/2014 Mark Middleton 05:00-08:30 06:28

Lorg farmhouse up Lorg Burn (over watershed), in to valley above Afton Reservoir, checking valleys and woodland edge around reservoir, Lagower Hill, Alwhat and Ewe Hill.

Occasional light showers, Wind W F3, Cloud Cover 8, Visibility 50-500m

Visit 2

18/05/2014 Mark Middleton 04:45-08:15 05:01

Access track, slopes of Lamb/Wedder Hill, up Lagower Hill to Alwhat and extension, back in to Afton Valley to start of access track.

Dry, Wind SW F3-4, Cloud Cover 8, Visibility 500m-2km

C1


Appendix C Survey Results

Vantage Point Survey Results

Table C1 Target Species Flight Data

Flight Reference Number Species Date VP

No. of Birds Flight Behaviour/Age of Bird

Time at risk height (30-150m) for flight in secs

Total time at risk height (multiplied where more than one bird involved in the flight)

LG_022 Peregrine 11/04/14 5 1 Soaring over Alwhat, before flying North. 166 166

Species Specific Survey Results


Table C2 Black Grouse Survey Records

Unique ID Date Location Notes

LGBK_001 08/04/2014 NS 63286 02711 Lone bird, not calling (07:40). In field corner near summit of Wedder Hill. Foraging when seen. Though summit of Wedder Hill looks a suitable lekking site as open, short vegetation. Flew off into woodland edge around Afton reservoir to NE.

C2


Incidental Records

Table C3 Incidental Records

Unique ID

Species Date Location Notes

Black Grouse Survey Records

None

VP Survey Records

LGID_001 Peregrine 10/04/2014 Glede Craig to Cleugh Burn Pre-VP survey record of Peregrine in-flight.

Wader Survey Results

LGID_002 Red Kite 11/07/2014 Brown Hill to Alhang Mobbed by Curlew at top of Lorg Burn at 14:30. Lost from sight in Holm Burn Valley.

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