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Hydro Resource Evaluation Tool
environmental implications
Does the watercourse have any Red Data Book species?
- Are they resident?
- Are they migratory?
- What part of the habitat do they use?
Protected species are often referred to as ‘Red Data Book’ listed. Since the 1970s, these lists have been published describing groups of organisms that are rare, scarce or threatened. JNCC is responsible for collating some of these lists and provides collated information describing the conservation status of a large number of species; see their web-site.
On top of this there are species identified in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan (UK BAP) and EC Habitats Directive includes species in Annex II, those found in Britain are listed on the JNCC web-site.
The species can be categorised as:
Invertebrates – there are a number of insects, spiders, crustaceans, molluscs and other species that are listed (unfortunately named as terrestrial invertebrates). The presence and importance of the water course for these species requires expert assessment.
Fish – there are 15 species on the UK BAP list, but not all are river species (e.g. Artic char). The use of the water course for migration to spawning sites must be considered; the presence of fish passes and the timing of development and activities in the water may be constrained. Water wheels used to traditionally attract eels, so a development need not always be detrimental.
Amphibian & reptiles – these generally are not associated with running water, but need to be considered if they are found in surrounding habitats.
Birds – none of the birds listed by the UK BAP is totally dependent on flowing water, but their presence may constrain development time and location.
Mammals – water vole and otter are the two British aquatic mammals whose presence must be examined. The impact of development on other listed species must be assessed.
Plants – both vascular and non-vascular plants are recognised as being at risk and must be assessed.
The expertise of a trained ecologist is needed for all the ecological and species assessments.
Action:
Check JNCC and UK BAP websites then consult with expert surveyors.
