Wildlife

A Habitats Report has identified that the surrounding moorland could potentially be affected by development in Tameside.

The moors are part of the South Pennine Moors, which are strictly protected sites for rare and vulnerable birds, and for bird migration. The moors also support a rich invertebrate fauna, especially moths. An extract of a Habitats Report from TMBC Ecology Unit regarding Mottram M67 Preferred Plan can be found here:

Extract of Habitats Report from TMBC Ecology Unit regarding Mottram M67 Preferred Plan

Habitats Regulation Assessment (HRA) have identified that the South Pennine Moors could potentially be affected by development in Tameside.

4.2.2 Description of the South Pennine Moors SPAs

Special Protection Areas (SPAs) are strictly protected sites classified in accordance with Article 4 of the EC Directive on the conservation of wild birds, also known as the Birds Directive, which came into force in April 1979. They are classified for rare and vulnerable birds, listed in Annex I to the Birds Directive, and for regularly occurring migratory species. The South Pennine Moors SPA includes the major moorland blocks of the South Pennines from Ilkley in the north to Leek and Matlock in the south. It covers extensive tracts of semi-natural moorland habitats including upland heath and blanket mire. The site is of European importance for several upland breeding bird species including birds of prey and waders.

4.2.3 ……The moors support a rich invertebrate fauna, especially moths, and important bird assemblages.
…The uncommon cloudberry Rubus chamaemorus is locally abundant in bog vegetation. Bog pools provide diversity and are often characterised by common cottongrass E. angustifolium.

4.2.4 Primary reason for the designation of the South Pennine Moors SPAs

The site qualifies for the designation by supporting populations of European importance of the following species listed on Annex I of the Directive:

For Phase 1 during the breeding season:

  • Golden plover (Pluvialis apricaria), at least 3.3% of the breeding population in Great Britain
  • Merlin (Falco columbarius), at least 5.9% of the breeding population in Great Britain
  • Peregrine (Falco peregrinus), at least 1.4% of the breeding population in Great Britain
  • Short-eared owl (Asio flammeus), at least 2.5% of the breeding population in Great Britain

The SPA supports an internationally important assemblage of birds. During the breeding season the area regularly supports:
Common sandpiper (Actitis hypoleucos),
Dunlin (Calidris alpina schinzii),
Twite (Carduelis flavirostris),
Snipe (Gallinago gallinago),
Curlew (Numenius arquata),
Wheatear (Oenanthe oenanthe),
Redshank (Tringa totanus),
Ring ouzel (Turdus torquatus),
Lapwing (Vanellus vanellus).

European site: South Pennine Moors

Damaging Impact Likely significant effects of development at Mottram M67
Pollution including atmospheric pollutants and NOxs Possible – could have a potentially negative effect on SAC/SPAs due to increased air pollution from road traffic and from any industrial development dependent on its type.
Recreational activities Possible – could have a potentially negative effect on SAC/SPA due to potential loss of recreation area.

Abbreviations: Special Protection Areas (SPAs), Special Areas of Conservation (SACs)