Abstract
This report presents the findings of a preliminary ecological appraisal (PEA) of land at Flowers Brook and Castle Cove, Ventnor, Isle of Wight, carried out on 7 April 2021 and a Phase 2 Vegetation Assessment carried out on 7 May 2021.
The purpose of the report is to provide an overview of the ecological make-up of site. It replaces a 2014 PEA and Environmental statement (ES) prepared by Royal HaskoningDHV for Perpetuus Tidal Energy Centre. Development plans include the construction of a substation, control room and onshore infrastructure for a tidal energy platform.
This report covers habitats, rare plants and badgers. Other species, including invertebrates, red squirrels, bats, reptiles and dormice which could potentially be present, were the subject of separate surveys and will be covered in a further report.
No suitable habitat was recorded for the following protected species: otter, white-clawed crayfish, water vole or great crested newt. Further surveys are not required for these species.
A background data search (BDS) identified 8 statutory designated sites within 2 km of the site boundary.
The walkover survey identified 2 UK BAP priority habitats present on the coastal fringe of the survey area: intertidal under boulder communities and maritime cliffs and slopes.
Other habitats present include modified grassland and scrub. An area of grassland to the west of Castle Cove was identified as having potential for the protected species Early Gentian. This area is outside the given red line boundary but within a 30 m buffer.
Five invasive non-native plant species on Schedule 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981) were identified during the survey. Of these, 2 were in the western grassland outside of the red line boundary, 1 was apparently planted in a hedge on private land, and 2 were present within the Southern Water compound.