Objections 2023: Natural England
The proposals may result in significant permanent changes to the functional hydrology of wetland habitats for which will impact Dorset Heaths SAC, Dorset Heathlands Ramsar site and Ebblake Bog SSSI
The proposals are likely to significantly affect SPA birds via loss of breeding and foraging habitat on functionally linked land
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Hydrology and hydrogeology
Natural England still requires further information to assess whether the proposals at the Purple Haze site willhave adverse effects on Dorset Heaths SAC and Dorset Heathlands Ramsar site, and/or adverse impacts onEbblake Bog Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) in relation to hydrology.
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Functional linkages to European designated sites
As highlighted in our previous response in 2021. we consider the Purple Haze application site has various functionallinkages with the nearby Dorset Heathlands SPA in relation to SPA birds, and the Dorset Heaths SAC concerning great crested newt and typical species of SAC habitat features including rare reptiles and invertebrates.
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Rare reptiles
Ringwood Forest is locally designated as a Site of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC), based on an extensive 1,081 ha composed of plantation, mire and heathland habitat. The supporting reptile report (Ecology by Design, 2023) outlines that the site is considered to support nationally important populations of rare reptiles. The report details that the Purple Haze site supports a good population of smooth snakes and sand lizardswhich are the UK’s rarest and most secretive reptile, as well as grass snake, adder and common lizard. The heathland habitats recorded across the Purple Haze site form part of a wider ecological network of heathland, conifer woodland plantations and rough grassland which provides connecting corridors to the Dorset Heaths SAC. Rare reptiles are classed as typical species of the SAC and therefore impacts on resident populations should be considered within the HRA.
We would reiterate our previous advice that a European Protected Species license (EPSL) from Natural Englandwould be required in order to prevent the contravention of statutory protections of these reptiles and their habitats under both the Wildlife and Countryside Act and the Habitat Regulations. In order to grant the requisite licenses, Natural England would need to be satisfied, amongst other criteria, that favourable conservation status for each species was maintained.
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Other Protected and Notable Species Plants
The National Vegetation Classification (NVC) surveys carried out across the 2019 and 2022 recorded heathland, woodland and other associated habitats across the Purple Haze site. A significant population of the IUCN Endangered, Rare and GB Red listed coral necklace Illecebrum verticillatum
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Recreational Impact
Natural England still requires further information to assess the impacts of the recreational displacement as a result of the Purple Haze proposals on local European designated sites particularly with regard to DorsetHeathlands SPA, Dorset Heaths SAC and New Forest SAC, SPA and Ramsar site as a result of the displacement of people by the proposed works.
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