River Calder Otter Survey 2008
R. Masheder, B. Lavelle, P. Hillier and T. Gray
West Yorkshire Ecology Registry of Deeds Newstead Road Wakefield WF1 2DE Tel: 01924 306 793 E-mail: [email protected] Web site: www.wyjs.org.uk
River Calder Otter Survey 2008, West Yorkshire Ecology
Table of Contents 1 Summary 1 2 Introduction 2 3 Survey Methodology 2 4 Results 3 5 Discussion 4 List of Appendices Appendix 1 Survey Effort Details and Map 5 Appendix 2 Positive Survey Results 11 Appendix 3 Other records collected during the survey 13 Appendix 4 Legal status of the otter (Lutra lutra) 17 List of Tables Table 1 Survey effort 5 Table 2 Survey results 11 List of Figures Figure 1 Survey effort 10 Figure 2 Positive survey results and records previously held by WYE 12
River Calder Otter Survey 2008, West Yorkshire Ecology 1
1 Summary A presence or absence otter survey was undertaken by West Yorkshire Ecology using the expert assistance of a Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, River Calder Project Officer between 31 March and 19 May 2008. The results revealed a strong otter presence on the River Calder and Calder and Hebble Navigation between Brighouse and Luddenden. This population was also using the Black Brook, River Ryburn and lower Clifton Beck tributaries. Evidence for a weaker population was also found on the Rochdale Canal and River Calder at Walsden and Hebden Bridge. No evidence of otters was found on the northern tributary streams or reservoirs. Further work is needed to identify and strengthen otter habitat in the urban environment to maintain and enhance the wildlife corridors along rivers and canals.
River Calder Otter Survey 2008, West Yorkshire Ecology 2
2 Introduction This survey has been commissioned by Calderdale Council in order to provide an indication of the spatial distribution of the otter (Lutra lutra) on rivers, canals and other water bodies within the River Calder catchment in Calderdale. The data has been collected to inform the development control and forward planning processes, but will also be useful for biodiversity action planning. The extent of the coverage of the survey and the results are shown on the map in Appendix 1. As well as the main River Calder, sites were selected from canals and becks within the Upper Calder catchment. The project was managed by Robert Masheder, Senior Ecologist, West Yorkshire Ecology, with detailed site selection and survey work being undertaken by Brian Lavelle, River Calder Project Officer, Yorkshire Wildlife Trust. Brian has both a detailed knowledge of the Calder catchment and extensive experience of otter surveying. Paul Hillier and Tracy Gray of West Yorkshire Ecology also undertook some of the survey work and processed the results.
3 Survey Methodology A presence or absence survey method was employed, with sites selected which would give good coverage of the River Calder and its tributaries within Calderdale District. Survey locations were linked to features which were considered likely to be used as territorial marking sites by otters and, where possible, which were publicly accessible. Survey sites were selected from the following water courses:
• River Calder; • Clifton Beck; • Hoyle House Beck; • Bottom Hall Beck; • Royds Hall Beck; • Coley Beck; • Red Beck; • Calder and Hebble
Navigation;
• Black Brook; • River Ryburn; • Hebble Brook, • Cragg Brook; • Luddenden Brook; • Rochdale Canal; • Hebden Water; and • Colden Water.
The survey effort is set out in detail within the map and table in Appendix 1. The surveying was undertaken between 31 March 2008 and 19 May 2008 over 19 man days by three surveyors. Each site was searched for signs of otter activity. These include spraint (droppings), footprints and slides/hauling out locations. Particular emphasis was placed on roots and trunks of riverside trees, prominent rocks, under
River Calder Otter Survey 2008, West Yorkshire Ecology 3
bridges, revetment walls, lock structures and weirs as these are typical places used for territorial marking. River banks with muddy or sandy margins were searched for footprints. The survey was looking to establish presence or absence, on a particular stretch of river between two features which were readily identifiable on the map and on the ground. A standard length was therefore not used for survey sites. Where good quality evidence of presence could be quickly established the surveyor moved on to a new site. Sample bags and cameras were carried by surveyors to aid verification of records. Records of other species noted on the site were also collected and are included within Appendix 3 of this report. Where possible, positive records were located using a hand held GPS system. If a signal was not available reference was made to a detailed map and aerial photograph. Accuracy for the locations is therefore considered to be between 1 and 10m.
4 Results The survey results are set out in detail within the map and table in Appendix 2. They indicate that there is a high level of otter activity along the River Calder and the Calder and Hebble Navigation from Brighouse through to Luddendenfoot. More sporadic records were found further up the River Calder and Rochdale Canal at Hebden Bridge and Walsden. The River Ryburn and Black Brook in the southern part of the catchment showed positive signs along much of their lower reaches. The time available for the survey did not allow for an assessment of the reservoirs in the headwaters of these two streams. Of the northern becks in the catchment, only the lower end of the Clifton Beck in Brighouse was positive for otters. In this case the northern reservoirs were surveyed but were all negative for otters. The distribution of positive records is indicative of a strong otter population on the River Calder, Calder and Hebble Navigation from Brighouse through to Luddendenfoot and on the River Ryburn and Black Brook. The results higher up the River Calder may relate to a weaker otter population, or perhaps a single animal. Breeding female otters are more secretive and less inclined to leave spraints and their breeding cycle is not seasonal. Otters may therefore be under-recorded in a survey such as this, when carried out within a limited time period.
River Calder Otter Survey 2008, West Yorkshire Ecology 4
The conditions for surveying, weather and river flows were good on all but one of the site visits (C3) and in this case a second visit gave a positive result.
5 Discussion The results of this survey fill some significant gaps in the distribution of this European protected species along the Calder catchment. In the last decade occasional records for otter have been compiled by West Yorkshire Ecology from Cromwell Bottoms (SE 147 226), Brighouse (SE 147 241), Luddenden (SE 041 259) and Mytholmroyd (SE 020 260). These are illustrated on the map in Appendix 2. These casual records do not provide a good enough baseline for us to assess whether or not the otter has recovered on the Calder. Previous records may be more a reflection of survey effort than true species distribution. They do however indicate that the species is present in a significant area of the District along the larger rivers and canals. The distribution of otters through the Calder valley shows that the population uses both the rivers and canals. It is therefore important to ensure that links between these features are maintained. Of particular importance are areas where an undeveloped, narrow corridor exists between river and canal, as well as over grown post industrial sites. Further work would be useful to examine key refuge habitat within the urban areas, in order to maintain the wildlife corridors for otters. Additional opportunities should be sought through riverside regeneration projects within these corridors to enhance the available habitat. Positive measures might include maintaining or creating lying up and breeding sites in woodland, riverside trees with complex root structures, fens and reedbeds or undisturbed long grass. De-culverting becks and re-naturalising the riverside environment significantly enhances the habitat for otters. Areas which are inaccessible to the public and their dogs are thought to be important and may link well to riverside business premises. Negative factors to be avoided include public access to both river banks set tight to the water’s edge, development close to both riverbanks, revetment of banks without areas for otters to get out of the river, lighting of the river and features which may impede the passage or abundance of fish. Additional survey work would be useful along the River Ryburn and Black Brook headwaters and associated reservoirs, which could not be covered in the time available to this survey.
River Calder Otter Survey 2008, West Yorkshire Ecology 5
Appendix 1 - Survey Effort Details and Map
Table 1 – Survey effort Site ID Site Name Water
course Date Start Grid Reference
End Grid Reference Bank Comments Recorder
BB1
Confluence of the River Calder & Black Brook, Elland
Black Brook 03/04/2008 SE 09850 21443
SE 10022 21385 Both
No cover during day but some cover on main river opposite.
B Lavelle YWT
BB2 Stubbing Wood, Upper Greetland
Black Brook 08/04/2008 SE 08397 20682
SE 08296 20631
Both
Some suitable cover on right bank among rock outcrop but only as night lay ups.
B Lavelle YWT
BB3 Stubbing Wood, Stainland
Black Brook 08/04/2008 SE 07325 20502
SE 07276 20431
Both
Some good habitat at the upstream end of the pond with wet woodland developing but some disturbance, probably mainly at weekend.
B Lavelle YWT
BB4 Beestones Wood, Bark Island
Black Brook 08/04/2008 SE 066 198 N/A Both
Abandoned because the mill is now private flats and pond has seats, etc and a lot of disturbance.
B Lavelle YWT
BH
Confluence of the Wyke Beck & Bottom Hall Beck, Bailiff Bridge
Bottom Hall Beck
16/05/2008 SE14626 25581
SE 14659 25756
Both Some good cover but has disturbance and isolated from main river.
B Lavelle YWT
C1 Clifton Lagoon Weir, Brighouse
River Calder
09/04/2008 SE 16920 21970
SE 16753 22085
Right
Weir area had been under water recently, lots of good cover on the other bank.
B Lavelle YWT
C2 Atlas Mills, Brighouse
River Calder
31/03/2008 SE 14021 22776
SE 14095 22664
Right
Very good site except for angling disturbance. Best lay up is the log pile on adjoining land.
B Lavelle YWT
C3 Cromwell Bottom Weir, Brighouse
River Calder 31/03/2008 SE 12428
21990 SE 12369 22231 Both
Very high flows. Unable to reach other side of weir.
B Lavelle YWT
C3 Cromwell Bottom Weir, Brighouse
River Calder
07/05/2008 SE 12428 21990
SE 12369 22231
Both Lower flows checked other side of weir as well.
B Lavelle YWT
C4 Park Nook Locks
Calder & Hebble Navigation
31/03/2008 SE 11388 22224
SE 11084 21877
Right
Lot of disturbance from dogs some good cover opposite towpath, downstream of locks.
B Lavelle YWT
C5 Elland Bridge, Elland
Calder & Hebble Navigation
09/04/2008 SE 10614 21383
SE 10743 21506
Right Very built up with no suitable cover.
B Lavelle YWT
C5a Woodside Mill Lock, Elland
Calder & Hebble Navigation
09/04/2008 SE 10113 21345
SE 10164 21271
Both
Some excellent cover in old mill site. Right bank has some cover. Field immediately downstream, between river and canal would make good scrub area if taken out of production, but there was some felling and de-limbing occurring on the bankside around the field.
B Lavelle YWT
River Calder Otter Survey 2008, West Yorkshire Ecology 6
Site ID Site Name Water course Date Start Grid
Reference End Grid
Reference Bank Comments Recorder
C5a Woodside Mill Lock, Elland
Calder & Hebble Navigation
06/05/2008 SE 10113 21345
SE 10164 21271
Right
Some excellent cover in old mill site. Right bank has some cover. Field immediately downstream, between river and canal would make good scrub area if taken out of production, but there was some felling and de-limbing occurring on the bankside around the field.
B Lavelle YWT
C6 Long Lees Lock, Elland
River Calder
09/04/2008 SE 09941 21867
SE 09977 21749
Both Some good cover but right beside towpath. The rest is quite poor.
B Lavelle YWT
C7
Railway Bridge, Skircoat Green
River Calder
03/04/2008 SE 09550 22224
SE 09382 22224
Right
Some ok lay ups on left bank, though a lot of development work ongoing.
B Lavelle YWT
C7
Railway Bridge, Skircoat Green
River Calder
11/04/2008 SE 09550 22224
SE 09382 22224
Right
Some ok lay ups on left bank, though a lot of development work ongoing.
B Lavelle YWT
C8 Marina, Skircoat Green
Calder & Hebble Navigation
03/04/2008 SE 09541 22463
SE 09494 22400
Both
No cover during day but suitable to pass through at night. Linked to river by stream.
B Lavelle YWT
C9 Copley Bridge, Copley
River Calder 11/04/2008 SE 08467
22359 SE 08627 22316 Left
Surprisingly poor cover due to disturbance and damage in North Dean Wood on the left bank & amenity land use on the right bank.
B Lavelle YWT
C10 Hollas Bridge, Sowerby Bridge
River Calder
11/04/2008 SE 078 232 SE 077 233 Both
Some good cover, but lots of Knotweed. A factory is now demolished and is up for redevelopment, suggesting isolation between river and mill race.
B Lavelle YWT
C11
Confluence of the River Ryburn & the River Calder, Sowerby Bridge
River Calder
11/04/2008 SE 05905 23423
SE 06060 23523
Left
Poor cover and used as canoe slalem, much of it goes under water in high flows.
B Lavelle YWT
C12 Hollins Mill Weir, Sowerby Bridge
River Calder 11/04/2008 SE 05282
23938 SE 054 238 Both
Some good layups in summer but flooded in winter and bankside cover generally poor.
B Lavelle YWT
C13
Luddenden Foot, Luddenden Foot
River Calder
08/05/2008 SE 03945 24484
SE 03795 24760
Right Some good habitat & layups.
B Lavelle YWT
C14
Confluence of Cragg Brook & the River Calder, Mytholmroyd
River Calder
14/04/2008 SE 0127 2600
SE 0116 2605
Left Locally abundant Himalayan balsalm and Japenesse knotweed.
WYE
C15 Station Road, Hebden Bridge
River Calder 08/05/2008 SD 99494
26933 SD 99167 27029 Right Some good habitat &
layups. B Lavelle YWT
C16 Stubbing Brink, Mytholmroyd
Rochdale Canal 08/05/2008 SD 98395
27176 SD 98668 27168 Both
Very poor cover as built up, but some woodland on right bank.
B Lavelle YWT
C17 Burnt Acres Wood, Eastwood
Rochdale Canal
19/05/2008 SD 96857 25965
SD 96505 25325
Right Some good cover but limited with little understory.
B Lavelle YWT
River Calder Otter Survey 2008, West Yorkshire Ecology 7
Site ID Site Name Water
course Date Start Grid Reference
End Grid Reference Bank Comments Recorder
C18 Shaw Wood Lane, Todmorden
River Calder 19/05/2008 SD 95944
24716 SD 96058 24810 Both
Some good habitat but difficult to get out except where steep wall has collapsed.
B Lavelle YWT
C19 Lobb Mill, Todmorden
River Calder 19/05/2008 SD 95440
24620 SD 95386 24662 Both
Some very good cover just downstream at SD 96077 24770, opposite Pickwell and Arnold moorings.
B Lavelle YWT
CB1 Wellholme Park, Brighouse
Clifton Beck 09/05/2008 SE 14863 23178
SE 14749 23624
Right
No cover heavy disturbance and neighbouring wood has little cover.
B Lavelle YWT
CB2 Elm Terrace, Brighouse
Clifton Beck 03/04/2008 SE 14770 23900
SE 14790 24180
Right Woodland had good ground flora. Left bank is rugby pitch.
B Lavelle YWT
CLB North Wood, Stone Chair
Coley Beck 29/04/2008 SE 1302 2803
SE 1353 2687
Both
Potentially a good site, not too much disturbance, despite heavy use, due to steep slopes throughout the woodland. Flows low. Locally abundant Japanese knotweeed.
P Hillier WYE
CrB0 Cragg Brook, Mytholmroyd
Cragg Brook
14/04/2008 SE 011 258 SE 008 252 Both
Locally abundant Himalayan balsalm and Japenesse knotweed. Saw dipper. Local residents reported brown trout, kingfisher and mink.
WYE
CrB1 Dauber Bridge, Mytholmroyd
Cragg Brook
14/04/2008 SE 008 251 SE 007 250 Both
Locally abundant Himalayan balsalm and Japenesse knotweed. Potentially a good site. Not much disturbance.
WYE
CrB2 Clough Foot Bridge, Mytholmroyd
Cragg Brook 14/04/2008 SE 007 247 SE 007 244 Both Potentially a good site.
Not much disturbance. WYE
CrB3 New Bridge, Mytholmroyd
Cragg Brook
14/04/2008 SE 0054 2357
SE 0025 2351
Both Potentially a good site. Not much disturbance.
WYE
CW Milking Bridge & Weir, Mytholmroyd
Colden Water
19/04/2008 SD 983 276 SD 981 281 Both
Access in and out of water in some places only, potentially lots of disturbance from local community (well used site in places), natural holt in large beech roots adjacent to water. Fresh and old mink scat found.
T Gray WYE
HB1
Seed Hill Terrace, Upper Brockholes
Hebble Brook
26/04/2008 SE 0645 2899
SE 0649 2876
Both
Heavy disturbance by dogs and fly tipping. Steep banks. Locally abundant Japenesse knotweed.
P Hillier WYE
HB2 Union lane, Ogden
Hebble Brook
26/04/2008 SE0660 3060
SE0647 3014
Both
Mainly cleared banks. Locally abundant Japenesse knotweed. Low flow. Some disturbance due to adjacent walking trail.
P Hillier WYE
HB3 Ogden Reservoir, Ogden
Hebble Brook
26/04/2008 SE 065 308 SE 065 308 Both
Heavy disturbance by dogs and heavy use by people in general. Limited lying up sites on reservoir. Fairly minor in-flows.
P Hillier WYE
HH Smith House, Brighouse
Hoyle House Beck
16/05/2008 SE 14700 24500
SE 14200 24600
Both Little water or cover on adjoining land.
B Lavelle YWT
River Calder Otter Survey 2008, West Yorkshire Ecology 8
Site ID Site Name Water course Date Start Grid
Reference End Grid
Reference Bank Comments Recorder
HW1
Slater Avenue, Hebden Bridge
Hebden Water
19/04/2008 SD 993 277 SD 994 280 Left
Abundant Himalayan Balsalm, natural banks, good access out of water in some places only, adjacent woodland for shelter, fast flow, lots of native vegetation. Access on one side of bank, very well used, so potentially too much disturbance.
T Gray WYE
HW2 Horse Bridge, Hebden Bridge
Hebden Water
19/04/2008 SD 988 290 SD 985 291 Both
Potentially good site, good public access so possibly too much disturbance, although woodland very extensive. Good access in and out of water for mammals.
T Gray WYE
HW3
Gorple Lower Reservoir, Hebden Bridge
Hebden Water
26/04/2008 SD 948 317 SD 934 314 In & out flows
Very steep sided, high banks in places. Little adjacent tree cover or trees in many areas, but some dense vegetation and natural rock formations for cover. Little disturbance and good access in and out of waterways away from the reservoirs. Close to reservoirs is very steep, with artificial banks.
T Gray WYE
HW4 Reaps Water, Hebden Bridge
Hebden Water
25/04/2008 SD 9347 3139
SD 9337 3138
Left High grassy banks alongside conifer forest. Very steep right bank.
P Hillier WYE
HW5
Gorple Upper Reservoir, Hebden Bridge
Hebden Water
25/04/2008 SD 918 313 SD 923 311 In & out flows
Thick ground cover surrounding water's edge. Bare areas and rocks are heavily used by birds. All in flows are very small streams. No Otters found on site - pers.com with Game Keeper. Ongoing mink control in place, though not much mink activity at the time.
P Hillier WYE
HW6
Widdop Reservoir, Hebden Bridge
Hebden Water
26/04/2008 SD 937 328 SD 924 333 In & out flows
Not much cover overall, but one area with scattered trees and an area of woodland. Little disturbance.
T Gray WYE
LB1 Spa Wood, Mytholmroyd
Luddenden Brook 26/04/2008 SE 026 289 SE 029 285 Both
Potentially a good site, not too much disturbance, good native vegetation and lots of trees. Potential natural holt in rock formation. Good access out of water for mammals.
T Gray WYE
LB2 Dean Head Reservoir, Mytholmroyd
Luddenden Brook
25/04/2008 SE 0226 2914
SE 023 300 Both
Potentially a good site, not too much disturbance, good native vegetation, lots of trees. Lots of evidence of game shooting and rearing. Stretches within SE 022 298 difficult to survey due to thick vegetation.
P Hillier WYE
RB1 Brookfoot lane, Brookfoot
Red Beck 09/05/2008 SE 13627 23404
SE 13445 23479
Both Some very good cover but quite shallow water.
B Lavelle YWT
River Calder Otter Survey 2008, West Yorkshire Ecology 9
Site ID Site Name Water course Date Start Grid
Reference End Grid
Reference Bank Comments Recorder
RB2 Upper Lake, Hipperholme
Red Beck 09/05/2008 SE 12200 24750
N/A Both
Abandoned because nowhere to park in valley bottom and the valley is sheer and deep and very difficult to gain access.
B Lavelle YWT
RC1 Passing Place locks, Gauxholme
Rochdale Canal 22/04/2008 SD 930 233 SD 930 228 Locks &
bridges T Gray WYE
RC2 Walsden Lock, Walsden
Rochdale Canal 22/04/2008 SD 930 228 SD 932 224 Locks &
bridges T Gray WYE
RC3 Hollingworth Lane, Walsden
Rochdale Canal
22/04/2008 SD 936 220 SD 936 217 Locks & bridges
Good site on left, with adjacent grassland habitat and no public access.
T Gray WYE
RC4 Rochdale Canal, Walsden
Rochdale Canal 22/04/2008 SD 936 215 SD 940 210 Locks &
bridges T Gray WYE
RHB1 Station Road, Green Royd House
Royds Hall Beck
16/05/2008 SE 14626 26788
SE 14419 27012
Both
Poor cover due to mainly Beech & Sycamore. Lots of disturbance.
B Lavelle YWT
RHB2 Jagger Park Wood, Green Royd House
Royds Hall Beck 29/04/2008 SE 1417
2733 SE 1464 2678 Both Low flows. Lots of
disturbance from dogs. P Hillier WYE
RHB3 Low Wood, Green Royd House
Royds Hall Beck 29/04/2008 SE 1363
2856 SE 1417 2733 Both
Low flows. Lots of disturbance from dogs. No records known for otters or prey species (fish or crayfish) - pers. comm. Mary Twentyman (Friends of Judy Wood)
P Hillier WYE
RR1
Watson Mill Lane, Sowerby Bridge
River Ryburn 12/05/2008 SE 059 234 SE 053 228 Both
Very good cover in remnant woodland on right bank.
B Lavelle YWT
RR2 Kebroyd Ford, Kebroyd
River Ryburn
12/05/2008 SE 04523 20616
SE 04563 20776
Both
Some good cover on left bank. Disturbance on right. Weir is major obstacle to fish.
B Lavelle YWT
RR3 Elland Road, Ripponden
River Ryburn
12/05/2008 SE 04111 19829
SE 03996 19741
Both No good cover due to high stone walls on both sides.
B Lavelle YWT
C13
C5a
C6
BB1
C7
C8C9
RR1
C10C11
C12
C5
C16
CrB3
C19C18
C17
C15
HB3
HH
RB1
LB2
HW2
HW3
HW5 HW4
HW6
BB2BB3
BH
C1
C14
C2
C3
CB1
CB2
CrB1CrB0
CrB2
CW
HB2
HB1
HW1
LB1
RC2
RHB2
RHB3
RR2
RR3
RC1
RC3
RC4
CLB
Registry of Deeds, Newstead Road, Wakefield, WF1 2DE Ph/Fax: 01924 306 793 Email: [email protected] Licence No LA 076406, © WYE
SURVEY EFFORT
RIVER CALDER OTTER SURVEY 2008
Legend
Surveyed Areas
0 2.5
kilometres
5
Unauthorised reproduction infringes Crown copyright. No further copiesmay be made. Reproduced from the Ordnance Survey digital mapping with the permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of Her Majesty'sStationery Office. (c) Crown copyright.
Figure 1
Page 10
River Calder Otter Survey 2008, West Yorkshire Ecology 11
Appendix 2 – Positive Survey Results for otter
Table 2 – Survey results Site ID Site Name Water
course Date Sign Grid Reference Field Signs Sign Location Surveyor
BB1
Confluence of the River Calder & Black Brook, Elland
Black Brook 03/04/2008 SE 09990 21405
Old spraint On tree stump in water. B Lavelle YWT
BB3 Stubbing Wood, Stainland
Black Brook 08/04/2008 SE 07260 20440 Old spraint On rocks in beck near pond. B Lavelle
YWT
C13
Luddenden Foot, Luddenden Foot
River Calder 08/05/2008 SE 03848
24726 Old spraint On back of tree. B Lavelle YWT
C16 Stubbing Brink, Mytholmroyd
Rochdale Canal 08/05/2008 SD 98668
27168 Old spraint Under lock paddles. B Lavelle YWT
C2 Atlas Mills, Brighouse
River Calder 31/03/2008 SE 14095
22664 2 old spraint Hollow under fallen tree. B Lavelle
YWT
C3 Cromwell Bottom Weir, Brighouse
River Calder
07/05/2008 SE 12439 21961
Recent spraint
On ledge under fence left bank of weir.
B Lavelle YWT
C5a Woodside Mill Lock, Elland
Calder & Hebble Navigation
09/04/2008 SE 10105 21344
Old spraint Beside drained overflow for lock. B Lavelle YWT
C5a Woodside Mill Lock, Elland
Calder & Hebble Navigation
06/05/2008 SE 10085 21264
4 spraint 2 old 2 recent
In rocks and on tree beside collapsed weir on river.
B Lavelle YWT
C7
Railway Bridge, Skircoat Green
River Calder 03/04/2008 SE 09550
22224 2 old spraint
Confluence of Calder and canal overflow.
B Lavelle YWT
C7
Railway Bridge, Skircoat Green
River Calder
11/04/2008 SE 09550 22224
Fresh Spraint
Confluence of Calder and canal overflow.
B Lavelle YWT
C8 Marina, Skircoat Green
Calder & Hebble Navigation
03/04/2008 SE 09494 22400
Old spraint Under lock paddles. B Lavelle YWT
C8 Marina, Skircoat Green
Calder & Hebble Navigation
03/04/2008 SE 09522 22444
2 old spraint
Under lock paddles. B Lavelle YWT
C11
Confluence of the River Ryburn & the River Calder, Sowerby Bridge
River Calder 11/04/2008 SE 06031
23480 Fresh Spraint
In hole in wall on left bank along with 3 mink scats.
B Lavelle YWT
CB2 Elm Terrace, Brighouse Clifton Beck 03/04/2008 SE 1476
2398 Recent spraint On saddleback tree on left bank. B Lavelle
YWT
RC3 Hollingworth Lane, Walsden
Rochdale Canal
22/04/2008 SD 936 217 Old spraint
Lock 30, Winterbutlee. Left hand side of lock, end of lock, across small inlet, before animal track leading into grassland (see photo with spot marked).
T Gray WYE
RR1
Watson Mill Lane, Sowerby Bridge
River Ryburn 12/05/2008 SE 05350
22840 Old spraint On back of tree. B Lavelle YWT
RR2 Kebroyd Ford, Kebroyd
River Ryburn
12/05/2008 SE 04518 20640
Old spraint On ledge under bridge by sewage works.
B Lavelle YWT
RR3 Elland Road, Ripponden
River Ryburn
12/05/2008 SE 03996 19741
Old spraint On pipeline by the river. B Lavelle YWT
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C5a
BB1
C7
C8
RC3
C16
C13
RR3
RR2
RR1
C11
BB3
C3
C2
CB2
Registry of Deeds, Newstead Road, Wakefield, WF1 2DE Ph/Fax: 01924 306 793 Email: [email protected] Licence No LA 076406, © WYE
POSITIVE SURVEY RESULTS & RECORDS PREVIOUSLY HELD BY WYE
RIVER CALDER OTTER SURVEY 2008
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Legend
Positive record(previously held)
Positive record(current survey)
0 2.5
kilometres
5
Unauthorised reproduction infringes Crown copyright. No further copiesmay be made. Reproduced from the Ordnance Survey digital mapping with the permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of Her Majesty'sStationery Office. (c) Crown copyright. Page 12
Figure 2
River Calder Otter Survey 2008, West Yorkshire Ecology 13
Appendix 3 Other records collected during the surve y
Plants
Species Latin Site ID Site Name Sign Grid Ref Date Cuckooflower Cardamine pratensis BH Confluence of the Wyke Beck &
Bottom Hall Beck, Bailiff Bridge SE 14659 25756 16/05/2008
Pink Purslane Claytonia sibirica RR1 Watson Mill Lane, Sowerby Bridge
SE 05350 22840 12/05/2008
SE 14541 25581 16/05/2008
Japanese Knotweed Fallopia japonica BB1 Confluence of the River Calder & Black Brook, Elland
SE 09990 21405 03/04/2008
BH Confluence of the Wyke Beck & Bottom Hall Beck, Bailiff Bridge
SE 14630 25584 16/05/2008
C3 Cromwell Bottom Weir, Brighouse
SE 12411 22086 31/03/2008
C7 Railway Bridge, Skircoat Green SE 09498 22280 03/04/2008
C9 Copley Bridge, Copley SE 08467 22359 11/04/2008
C9 Copley Bridge, Copley SE 08494 22353 11/04/2008
C10 Hollas Bridge, Sowerby Bridge SE 07745 23227 11/04/2008
SE 07701 23253 11/04/2008
SE 07732 23180 11/04/2008
C11 Confluence of the River Ryburn & the River Calder, Sowerby Bridge
SE 05976 23466 11/04/2008
C12 Hollins Mill Weir, Sowerby Bridge
SE 05282 23938 11/04/2008
C13 Luddenden Foot, Luddenden Foot
SE 03848 24726 08/05/2008
C14 Confluence of Cragg Brook & the River Calder, Mytholmroyd
N/A 14/04/2008
C15 Station Road, Hebden Bridge SD 99083 27078 08/05/2008
C18 Shaw Wood Lane, Todmorden SD 95944 24716 19/05/2008
C19 Lobb Mill, Todmorden SD 9530 2451 19/05/2008
CrB1 Dauber Bridge, Mytholmroyd 14/04/2008
RR1 Watson Mill Lane, Sowerby Bridge
SE 05350 22840 12/05/2008
RR2 Kebroyd Ford, Kebroyd SE 04563 20776 12/05/2008
RR3 Elland Road, Ripponden SE 03996 19741 12/05/2008
Bluebells Hyacinthoides non-scripta BB2 Stubbing Wood, Upper Greetland
SE 08359 20651 08/04/2008
BB3 Stubbing Wood, Stainland SE 07409 20476 08/04/2008
BH Confluence of the Wyke Beck & Bottom Hall Beck, Bailiff Bridge
SE 14587 25672 16/05/2008
C9 Copley Bridge, Copley SE 08627 22316 11/04/2008
C13 Luddenden Foot, Luddenden Foot
SE 03795 24760 08/05/2008
C17 Burnt Acres Wood, Eastwood SD 96857 25965 19/05/2008
C19 Lobb Mill, Todmorden SD 9530 2451 19/05/2008
CB2 Elm Terrace, Brighouse SE 14755 23665 03/04/2008
RHB1 Station Road, Green Royd House
SE 14626 26788 16/05/2008
RR1 Watson Mill Lane, Sowerby Bridge
SE 05350 22840 12/05/2008
RR2 Kebroyd Ford, Kebroyd SE 04563 20776 12/05/2008
BB1 Confluence of the River Calder & Black Brook, Elland
SE 09990 21405 03/04/2008
BB2 Stubbing Wood, Upper Greetland
SE 08359 20651 08/04/2008
BB3 Stubbing Wood, Stainland SE 07409 20476 08/04/2008
BH Confluence of the Wyke Beck & Bottom Hall Beck, Bailiff Bridge
SE 14630 25584 16/05/2008
River Calder Otter Survey 2008, West Yorkshire Ecology 14
Species Latin Site ID Site Name Sign Grid Ref Date Bluebells Hyacinthoides non-scripta BH Confluence of the Wyke Beck &
Bottom Hall Beck, Bailiff Bridge SE 14541 25581 16/05/2008
Himalayan balsam Impatiens glandulifera C1 Clifton Lagoon Weir, Brighouse SE 16920 21970 09/04/2008
C2 Atlas Mills, Brighouse SE 14021 22776 31/03/2008
C3 Cromwell Bottm Weir, Brighouse
SE 12411 22086 31/03/2008
C4 Park Nook Locks SE 11351 22196 31/03/2008
C5 Elland Bridge, Elland SE 10614 21383 09/04/2008
C6 Long Lees Lock, Elland SE 09941 21867 09/04/2008
C7 Railway Bridge, Skircoat Green SE 09498 22280 03/04/2008
C10 Hollas Bridge, Sowerby Bridge SE 07745 23227 11/04/2008
C9 Copley Bridge, Copley SE 08627 22316 11/04/2008
C11 Confluence of the River Ryburn & the River Calder, Sowerby Bridge
SE 05976 23466 11/04/2008
C12 Hollins Mill Weir, Sowerby Bridge
SE 05282 23938 11/04/2008
C13 Luddenden Foot, Luddenden Foot
SE 03848 24726 08/05/2008
C14 Confluence of Cragg Brook & the River Calder, Mytholmroyd
N/A 14/04/2008
C15 Station Road, Hebden Bridge SD 99494 26933 08/05/2008
C16 Stubbing Brink, Mytholmroyd SD 98665 27153 08/05/2008
C17 Burnt Acres Wood, Eastwood SD 96857 25965 19/05/2008
C18 Shaw Wood Lane, Todmorden SD 95944 24716 19/05/2008
C19 Lobb Mill, Todmorden SD 9530 2451 19/05/2008
CB1 Wellholme Park, Brighouse SE 14840 23350 09/05/2008
CB2 Elm Terrace, Brighouse SE 14755 23665 03/04/2008
CrB1 Dauber Bridge, Mytholmroyd 14/04/2008
HW1 Slater Avenue, Hebden Bridge N/A 19/04/2008
RB1 Brookfoot Lane, Brookfoot SE 13485 23450 09/05/2008
RHB1 Station Road, Green Royd House
SE 14530 26892 16/05/2008
RR1 Watson Mill Lane, Sowerby Bridge
SE 05350 22840 12/05/2008
RR2 Kebroyd Ford, Kebroyd SE 04563 20776 12/05/2008
RR3 Elland Road, Ripponden SE 04111 19829 12/05/2008
Birds
Species Latin Site ID Site Name Sign Grid Ref Date Kingfisher Alcedo atthis C9 Copley Bridge, Copley SE 08467 22359 11/04/2008
C18 Shaw Wood Lane, Todmorden SD 95941 24732 19/05/2008
CB2 Elm Terrace, Brighouse SE 14755 23665 03/04/2008
Dipper Cinclus cinclus BB1 Confluence of the River Calder & Black Brook, Elland
SE 09990 21405 03/04/2008
BB2 Stubbing Wood, Upper Greetland
SE 08464 20728 08/04/2008
C9 Copley Bridge, Copley SE 08467 22359 11/04/2008
C10 Hollas Bridge, Sowerby Bridge SE 07732 23180 11/04/2008
C15 Station Road, Hebden Bridge SD 99118 27072 08/05/2008
C19 Lobb Mill, Todmorden SD 95386 24662 19/05/2008
CrB0 Cragg Brook, Mytholmroyd SE 0123 1590 14/04/2008
SE 0089 2565 14/04/2008
RR2 Kebroyd Ford, Kebroyd SE 04563 20776 12/05/2008
RR3 Elland Road, Ripponden SE 04111 19829 12/05/2008
Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs BH Confluence of the Wyke Beck & Bottom Hall Beck, Bailiff Bridge
SE 14587 25672 16/05/2008
River Calder Otter Survey 2008, West Yorkshire Ecology 15
Species Latin Site ID Site Name Sign Grid Ref Date Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea C9 Copley Bridge, Copley SE 08627 22316 11/04/2008
C13 Luddenden Foot, Luddenden Foot
SE 03860 24677 08/05/2008
C18 Shaw Wood Lane, Todmorden SD 95974 24793 19/05/2008
C19 Lobb Mill, Todmorden SD 95386 24662 19/05/2008
RHB1 Station Road, Green Royd House
SE 14530 26892 16/05/2008
RR1 Watson Mill Lane, Sowerby Bridge
SE 05350 22840 12/05/2008
Bullfinch Pyrrhula pyrrhula C13 Luddenden Foot, Luddenden Foot
SE 03795 24760 08/05/2008
Tawny owl Strix aluco RHB1 Station Road, Green Royd House
SE 14530 26892 16/05/2008
Mammals
Species Latin Site ID Site Name Sign Grid Ref Date Stoat Mustela erminea CB2 Elm Terrace, Brighouse SE 14755 23665 03/04/2008
Mink Mustela vison BB1 Confluence of the River Calder & Black Brook, Elland
SE 09990 21405 03/04/2008
BB2 Stubbing Wood, Upper Greetland
SE 08397 20682 08/04/2008
BB3 Stubbing Wood, Stainland SE 07409 20476 08/04/2008
BH Confluence of the Wyke Beck & Bottom Hall Beck, Bailiff Bridge
SE 14558 25578 16/05/2008
C2 Atlas Mills, Brighouse SE 14021 22776 31/03/2008
C3 Cromwell Bottm Weir, Brighouse
SE 12369 22231 31/03/2008
C4 Park Nook Locks SE 11326 22157 31/03/2008
C5a Woodside Mill Lock, Elland SE 10105 21344 09/04/2008
C6 Long Lees Lock, Elland SE09953 21843 09/04/2008
C7 Railway Bridge, Skircoat Green SE 09551 22233 03/04/2008
C8 Marina, Skircoat Green SE 09494 22444 03/04/2008
SE 09541 22463 03/04/2008
SE 07701 23253 11/04/2008
C11 Confluence of the River Ryburn & the River Calder, Sowerby Bridge
SE 06031 23480 11/04/2008
C13 Luddenden Foot, Luddenden Foot
SE 03795 24760 08/05/2008
C15 Station Road, Hebden Bridge SD 99494 26933 08/05/2008
SD 99167 27029 08/05/2008
C16 Stubbing Brink, Mytholmroyd SD 98531 27163 08/05/2008
SD 98668 27168 08/05/2008
C17 Burnt Acres Wood, Eastwood SD 96771 25890 19/05/2008
SD 96505 25325 19/05/2008
C19 Lobb Mill, Todmorden SD 95440 24620 19/05/2008
SD 95386 24662 19/05/2008
CrB0 Cragg Brook, Mytholmroyd SE 009 257 14/04/2008
CW Milking Bridge & Weir, Mytholmroyd
N/A 19/04/2008
HW5 Gorple Upper Reservoir, Hebden Bridge
SE 918 314 25/04/2008
N/A 25/04/2008
RB1 Brookfoot Lane, Brookfoot SE 13617 23460 09/05/2008
SE 13485 23450 09/05/2008
RR1 Watson Mill Lane, Sowerby Bridge
SE 05350 22840 12/05/2008
RR2 Kebroyd Ford, Kebroyd SE 04523 20616 12/05/2008
RR3 Elland Road, Ripponden SE 03996 19741 12/05/2008
Fox Vulpes vulpes BB1 Confluence of the River Calder & Black Brook, Elland
SE 09990 21405 03/04/2008
River Calder Otter Survey 2008, West Yorkshire Ecology 16
Species Latin Site ID Site Name Sign Grid Ref Date Fox Vulpes vulpes C3 Cromwell Bottm Weir,
Brighouse SE 12418 22024 31/03/2008
C4 Park Nook Locks SE 11351 22196 31/03/2008
SE 11122 21932 31/03/2008
C7 Railway Bridge, Skircoat Green SE 09551 22233 03/04/2008
C10 Hollas Bridge, Sowerby Bridge SE 07701 23253 11/04/2008
C13 Luddenden Foot, Luddenden Foot
SE 03848 24726 08/05/2008
CB1 Wellholme Park, Brighouse SE 14840 23350 09/05/2008
HB2 Union lane, Ogden SE 0666 3036 26/04/2008
LB2 Dean Head Reservoir, Mytholmroyd
SE 0226 2954 25/04/2008
Amphibians
Species Latin Site ID Site Name Sign Grid Ref Date Toad Bufo bufo C11 Confluence of the River Ryburn
& the River Calder, Sowerby Bridge
SE 06031 23480 11/04/2008
Invertebrates
Species Latin Site ID Site Name Sign Grid Ref Date Mining Bee Andreninae BB3 Stubbing Wood, Stainland SE 07409 20476 08/04/2008
Caddisfly Trichoptera BB2 Stubbing Wood, Upper Greetland
SE 08359 20651 08/04/2008
Caddisfly Trichoptera BB3 Stubbing Wood, Stainland SE 07409 20476 08/04/2008
Fish
Species Latin Site ID Site Name Sign Grid Ref Date Brown Trout Salmo trutta CrB0 Cragg Brook, Mytholmroyd SE 0093 2570 14/04/2008
Brown Trout Salmo trutta RR1 Watson Mill Lane, Sowerby Bridge
SE 05350 22840 12/05/2008
River Calder Otter Survey 2008, West Yorkshire Ecology 17
Appendix 4 Legal status of the otter ( Lutra lutra) The otter and its habitat is protected by both European and UK legislation. In the UK this includes: The Conservation (Natural Habitats, & c.) Regulations 1994 (as amended) The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (As amended) Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 This makes it an offence to intentionally kill, injure or take (capture) an otter. It is also an offence to intentionally or recklessly damage, destroy or obstruct access to any structure or place which an otter uses for shelter or protection, or to disturb an animal in such a structure or place. The otter is a Species of Principal Importance under S41 of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006. They are therefore covered by the duty of all Governmental body’s to have regard to biodiversity in all aspects of their work.