Policy paper

Biodiversity action plan for the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency, 2025 to 2030

Published 30 April 2026

Executive summary

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) is committed to maintaining and enhancing biodiversity across our estate. Biodiversity is recognised as a key environmental performance indicator in our corporate environmental policy. Our ongoing commitment reflects the importance we place on environmental stewardship on our estate.

Since 2013, DVLA has published a biodiversity action plan (BAP) for the estate. These plans provide a robust framework that guides our efforts to deliver meaningful improvements in biodiversity within the boundaries of our estate located in the City and County of Swansea. The framework enables us to systematically assess, plan, and implement actions that directly benefit local habitats and species.

The latest edition of our BAP is designed to further the achievements of previous years. It sets out clear, specific targets to enhance habitats and support particular species found at one of our sites. By building on our ongoing successes, we remain focused on realising additional biodiversity gains and ensuring our estate continues to provide valuable ecological benefits.

The aims of our BAP are to:

• ensure that habitat and species targets from section 7 of the Environment (Wales) Act 2016, Greening Government Commitments, and Swansea local biodiversity action plan are translated into effective action on the estate
• commit to creating and improving habitats across the estate
• develop effective partnerships with staff and the local community to ensure that programmes for biodiversity conservation are maintained in the long term
• raise awareness internally and locally of the need for biodiversity conservation, and provide guidance on biodiversity
• ensure that opportunities for conservation and enhancement of biodiversity are fully considered throughout DVLA operations
• monitor and report on progress in biodiversity conservation

This biodiversity action plan is a public statement by DVLA of its biodiversity objectives and the methods by which it intends to achieve them.

We would welcome appropriate involvement in the delivery of the plan from interested organisations, companies, and individuals.

Tim Moss, CBE

Chief Executive, DVLA

27 March 2026

1. DVLA biodiversity – an introduction

1.1. Introduction

DVLA remains committed to protecting and enhancing biodiversity across our estate. This is highlighted as a key performance indicator within our corporate environmental policy. We have prepared and published our biodiversity action plan (BAP) since 2013. This is the fifth edition and covers April 2025 to March 2030.

We have conducted biological surveys of the estate and identified habitats and species that would benefit from specific management or actions by the agency. The BAP identifies objectives for the conservation and enhancement of biodiversity and details targets and actions that aim to deliver these objectives. The intention is to integrate, as appropriate, biodiversity into our activities, such as annual maintenance programmes and capital works projects.

The action plan will help to safeguard biodiversity for current and future generations. It is hoped that the implementation of this plan will contribute to the achievement of local and national targets for UK BAP priority species and habitats as appropriate.

The biodiversity action plan is constantly evolving and is to be reviewed and updated on a regular basis.

1.2. Defining biodiversity

In 1992, at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, the Convention on Biodiversity defined biodiversity as:

The variability among living organisms from all sources, including terrestrial, marine and other aquatic ecosystems and the ecological complexes of which they are part; this includes diversity within species, between species and of ecosystems.

Biodiversity can be defined simply as ‘the variety of life’ and encompasses the whole spectrum of living organisms, including plants, birds, mammals, and insects. It includes both common and rare species, as well as the genetic diversity within species. Biodiversity also refers to habitats and ecosystems supporting these species.

1.3. The importance of conserving biodiversity

Biodiversity is a vital resource, and it is essential to acknowledge its importance to our lives along with the range of benefits that it produces, which include:

• the regulation of the natural environment – climate regulation, flood management, carbon sequestration, water purification, and pollination
• the provision of resources – food, water, medicine, and raw materials
• supporting the fundamental ecological processes – nutrient cycling, photosynthesis, and habitat provision
• improved health and wellbeing
• educational, recreational, and amenity resources

1.4. The biodiversity action planning framework

This biodiversity action plan is part of a much larger biodiversity framework that encompasses international, national and local levels of biodiversity action planning and conservation.

The BAP has been compiled with reference to the UK Biodiversity Framework from which the protection of sites, habitats and species is derived in Wales, and the following relevant nature conservation legislation:

• The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 (as amended) (Habitats Regulations)

• The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) (WCA)

• Countryside Rights of Way Act 2000

• The Natural Environment and Rural Communities (NERC) Act 2006 (England)

• The Protection of Badgers Act 1992

• Environment (Wales) Act 2016

• The UK Post-2010 Biodiversity Framework (2011-2020) (JNCC and Defra, 2012)

• Biodiversity 2020: A strategy for England’s wildlife and ecosystem services (Defra, 2011)

• UK Biodiversity Action Plan (UKBAP)

• The Wellbeing of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015

• Swansea Local Biodiversity Action Plan 2005

• Swansea Local Development Plan 2010-2025

The context and applicability of each item is explained as appropriate in the relevant sections of the report.

1.5. DVLA and biodiversity

The Environment (Wales) Act 2016 places a duty on DVLA to conserve biodiversity. As a public body we must have regard in delivering our core business to the purpose of conserving biodiversity. The act states that conserving biodiversity includes restoring or enhancing a population or habitat. In so doing, we should have regard to the list published by the Welsh Government of living organisms and types of habitat that are of principal importance for the purpose of conserving biodiversity. In effect, this list is the BAP priority species and habitats for the estate.

The Greening Government Commitments (GGCs) set out the actions UK government departments and their partner organisations will take to reduce their impacts on the environment. DVLA is an executive agency of the Department for Transport (DfT) and is subject to the objectives set out in the GGCs.

DVLA’s BAP has been produced to help fulfil these requirements and seeks to set out aims and objectives that complement the UK BAP and local biodiversity action plans.

1.6. The aims of the DVLA biodiversity action plan

The aims of the DVLA BAP are to:

• ensure that habitat and species targets from section 7 of the Environment (Wales) Act 2016, Greening Government Commitments, and Swansea local biodiversity action plan are translated into effective action on the estate
• commit to creating and improving habitats across the estate
• develop effective partnerships with staff and the local community to ensure that programs for biodiversity conservation are maintained in the long term
• raise awareness internally and locally of the need for biodiversity conservation, and provide guidance on biodiversity
• ensure that opportunities for conservation and enhancement of biodiversity are fully considered throughout DVLA operations
• monitor and report on progress in biodiversity conservation

2. DVLA BAP process

2.1. Biodiversity benchmarking

To produce the BAP, information on the habitats and species present on the estate was initially obtained from the Preliminary Ecology Appraisal, conducted in August 2024. Furthermore, a desk study and additional habitat and species surveys were conducted.

2.2. Setting aims, objectives, and indicators

To achieve the relative targets set out in the GGCs, the UK BAP, and the local BAP, 6 overarching aims have been established in the DVLA BAP. These aims have been set to focus programmes of action and to identify outcomes that can be monitored to measure achievement. For each aim an indicator has been set – a measurable feature of the aim that, when monitored over time, allows delivery to be assessed.

To maximise effectiveness, all aims, objectives, and actions have been devised to be SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-limited). The aims are ambitious but also proportionate and practicable given the resources available.

2.3. Implementation

The overarching aims of the BAP have been systematically broken down into various objectives, and specific action plans have been developed to support the conservation and enhancement of key habitats and species. The implementation of these aims, objectives, and actions are essential for the effective delivery of the biodiversity action plan.

2.4. Monitoring and reporting

Achievement of the plan’s aims will be measured by a programme of monitoring. The methods to be used are described in the plan.

It is important to review the implementation of the BAP, assess changes in the status of habitats and species and the overall feasibility of the aims and objectives.

The plan sets out the methods to review delivery of aims and communicate progress to staff and local community.

3. Baseline conditions

3.1. Overview

This appraisal has been prepared with reference to current good practice guidance published by the Chartered Institute for Ecology and Environmental Management, and Joint Nature Conservation Committee.

This BAP is based on the following data sources:

• previous DVLA BAP
• ecological desk study
• habitat survey
• tree management survey
• reptile survey

3.2. Previous DVLA biodiversity action plans

DVLA has published 4 BAPs, the first of which was in 2013, with the aim to enhance the biodiversity on the DVLA estate. Each one seeks to benchmark and improve the ecological value of our estate and promote benefits to our staff.

3.3. Desk study

The primary desk study was undertaken by principal ecologist, Grace Dooley, as part of the Preliminary Ecological Appraisals conducted by Just Mammals Ltd in August 2024. The purpose of the desk study was to review ecological baseline information available in the public domain. 

Records were requested from south-east Wales Biodiversity Records Centre at 1km radius and returned a total of 1,018 records across DVLA’s Morriston and industrial sites.

Sites that hold statutory designations within 1km were searched for. These included:

• National Nature Reserves (NNR)
• Special Areas of Conservation (SAC)
• Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)
• Special Protection Areas (SPA)

Sites that hold non-statutory designations within 1km were also searched for. These included the following:

• Areas of Ancient Semi Natural Woodland (ASNW)
• Plantations on Ancient Woodland Sites (PAWS)
• Local Wildlife Sites (LWS)
• Local Nature Reserves (LNR)
• Sites of Interest to Nature Conservation (SINC)

An additional desk study on herpetofauna records was completed by graduate trainee sustainability and environment manager, Katherine Stephens. The study provided information relating to herpetofauna activity in the county of Swansea. Approximately 42 records of herpetofauna sightings were documented between 1 January 2024 and 30 May 2025^{[footnote 1]}.

The findings of the desk studies have been incorporated within section 3 of this report.

3.4. Habitat survey

A phase 1 habitat survey of both sites was conducted on 5 August 2024, in moderate to good weather conditions. All areas within the site were inspected and assessed for indicators of ecological value, including the presence or field signs of any protected or rare habitats and species. The phase 1 habitat survey was carried out by principal ecologist, Grace Dooley, on behalf of Just Mammals Ltd.

A list of plant species for each site was compiled (Appendix A).

Habitats and notes were drawn onto a map of the survey site, and a coloured phase 1 habitat map was produced (see Appendix B).

3.5. Tree management survey

A full inspection of all trees on the Morriston site was carried out during February 2025 by a suitably trained, experienced, and qualified arboricultural professional from Treecare Consulting.

The inspection was completed at Morriston main site as part of an ongoing inspection schedule to identify trees or tree features which pose a threat or significant nuisance at the time of the on-site survey. There were no significant findings during this survey, however there is a priority 1 work recommendation to remove some ivy from affected trees in the north-east corner of the Morriston estate.

Our industrial unit site was not included in the tree survey at this time as the trees present are young to semi-mature and none are in declining health.

3.6. Protected and notable species surveys

In the previous iteration of the BAP, both a bat survey and a herpetofauna survey were conducted to provide baselines. However, due to constraints, no bat surveys have been completed prior to the publication of this iteration of the BAP. Nevertheless, a bat survey will be undertaken during the next 5 years, and the BAP will be updated accordingly. 

A full herpetofauna survey was completed by trained team members, Katherine Stephens and Hilary Elliott, between May and August 2025. The survey report provided recommendations to promote herpetofauna populations across the DVLA estate and has been utilised to identify actions for the next 5 years.

4. DVLA biodiversity action plan

4.1. Aims

The aims of the DVLA BAP are to:

• ensure that habitat and species targets from section 7 of the Environment (Wales) Act 2016, Greening Government Commitments, and Swansea local biodiversity action plan are translated into effective action on the estate
• commit to creating and improving habitats across the estate
• develop effective partnerships with staff and the local community to ensure that programs for biodiversity conservation are maintained in the long term
• raise awareness internally and locally of the need for biodiversity conservation, and provide guidance on biodiversity
• ensure that opportunities for conservation and enhancement of biodiversity are fully considered throughout DVLA operations
• monitor and report on progress in biodiversity conservation

To ensure these aims are met, specific habitat and species action plans have been developed to maintain and enhance their condition on our estate. In addition, the BAP can contribute towards local, regional and national biodiversity objectives of priority habitats and species.

Our estate includes 3 sites in the Swansea area, and one site in Birmingham. These sites provide a different mosaic of habitats. A brief description of these sites is provided below.

Our main site, where the majority of our staff are deployed, is situated within an urban setting in the Morriston area. The site is surrounded by residential properties to the north, east, and south and Morriston crematorium and cemetery to the west. This site forms part of the Crown Estate.

Our secondary non-office unit situated in an urban setting within an industrial estate is on the north-west side of Swansea. The site is surrounded by other industrial units on all sides and a corridor of existing vegetation is present between the units to the north and west which leads to an area of grassland with woodland present to the south. Whilst we do not own this site, we have general autonomy in the management of the building and external environment.

We have a third site, comprising of our contact centre and learning facilities, which is situated in an urban setting with private housing and an industrial estate surrounding. The site is predominantly office buildings with car parking and has minimal green space. Moreover, we do not own this site and have little scope to incorporate biodiversity objectives which would make a material difference to the site. Additionally, our fourth site, Baskerville House, is also situated in an urban setting within the heart of Birmingham. The site is a grade II listed building that does not have any green space. As a result, these sites have not been included within the action plan for habitats and species. Nevertheless, it is important that we ensure that all staff across the estate are included and engaged in the plan.

Given the small scale of our sites and the limited habitat diversity supported within its boundaries, the BAP focuses on 5 species and 6 habitats. Any invasive species are also included. The selection of the species and habitats has been influenced by the results of the PEAs, desk studies, herpetofauna surveys, and the site records previously collated by DVLA. Based on this information, a shortlist of species and habitats was produced.

We selected target species and habitats where:

• a legal obligation exists to protect the species or habitat
• the habitat or species is already present on the site but its status or distribution could be improved with targeted management
• a species has not previously been recorded on the site but there is potential for onsite habitat enhancements to contribute towards the local abundance and conservation status of the species concerned
• invasive species as listed in Schedule 9 the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 present on the estate

4.2. DVLA habitats

Ecological surveys were conducted at both our Morriston and industrial sites. The results from these surveys indicate that 7 phase 1 habitat types were identified at our Morriston site and 9 phase 1 habitat types were identified at our industrial site. The order of the habitat descriptions below reflects their ordering in the phase 1 habitat survey manual and does not reflect habitat importance.

Based on the criteria discussed above, the following habitats have been selected for inclusion in the BAP.

Habitat type	Environment (Wales) Act S.7 priority habitat	Morriston - main site	Industrial site
Dense scrub	Lowland heathland	✓	✓
Parkland and scattered trees mixed	Wood pasture and parkland	✓	✓
Neutral semi-improved grassland	Lowland meadows	✓	✓
Amenity grassland	No	✓	✓
Introduced shrub	No	✓	✓
Species poor intact hedgerow	Hedgerows	✓	✓
Species poor hedgerow with trees	Hedgerows	✓
Tall ruderal	Lowland heathland		✓
Mesotrophic standing water	Ponds		✓
Dry ditch	No		✓

Habitat Action Plan 1 - HAP 1

Lowland heath habitats: dense scrub and tall ruderals.

Ref. nos.	Action	Site
HAP 1.1	Introduce selective cutting and mowing schedule to maintain habitat (interrupt succession).	Main and industrial site
HAP 1.2	Prevent loss of open habitats to scrub invasion.	Main and industrial site
HAP 1.3	Eradicate invasive scrub from important habitats.	Main and industrial site
HAP 1.4	To maintain an agreed balance between scrub and open habitats.	Main and industrial site

Habitat Action Plan 2 - HAP 2

Woodland pasture and parkland habitat: parkland and scattered trees mixed.

Ref. nos.	Action	Site
HAP 2.1	Wherever possible, retain important existing dead and decaying trees and fallen and standing dead wood.	Main and industrial site
HAP 2.2	Consider appropriate tree hazard and risk assessments where public safety is an issue to prevent unnecessary felling or removal of dead wood.	Main and industrial site
HAP 2.3	Increase trees population with managed planting regime to include planting shrubs for nectar.	Main and industrial site
HAP 2.4	Create a root protection area around mature trees to avoid applying fertilisers or pesticides or allowing soil compaction or excavation to damage roots.	Main and industrial site

Habitat Action Plan 3 - HAP 3

Lowland meadows: natural semi-improved grassland. Increase species diversity.

Ref. nos.	Action	Site
HAP 3.1	Encourage natural regeneration by maintaining a mowing schedule in appropriate areas.	Main and industrial site
HAP 3.2	Increase sward diversity with appropriate planting schedule.	Main and industrial site

Habitat Action Plan 4 - HAP 4

Hedgerows.

Ref. nos.	Action	Site
HAP 4.1	Map and measure all hedgerows to establish a baseline measurement. Ensure the total length of on-site hedgerow does not fall below this length.	Main and industrial site
HAP 4.2	Plan and design all future site operations and development activity to avoid loss or shortening of hedgerows.	Main and industrial site
HAP 4.3	Create new native species-rich hedgerow.	Main and industrial site
HAP 4.4	Allow leaf litter to accumulate at the base of hedgerows and in areas of scrub to benefit insects, birds and hibernating hedgehogs.	Main and industrial site
HAP 4.5	Avoid hedge cutting during the bird nesting season between March and August. To encourage biodiversity schedule hedge cutting for January to February and September to October.	Main and industrial site

Habitat Action Plan 5 - HAP 5

Amenity grassland and introduced shrub. We aim to enhance biodiversity value of ornamental planting and grassland habitat.

Ref. nos.	Action	Site
HAP 5.1	Continue to manage areas of grassland as wildlife areas.	Main and industrial site
HAP 5.2	Maintain mowing schedules to benefit biodiversity in areas and introduce native wildflower seed mix.	Main and industrial site
HAP 5.3	Identify areas of ornamental planting of low biodiversity interest and replace with species or habitats of greater value.	Main and industrial site

Habitat Action Plan 6 - HAP 6

Pond and dry ditch.

Ref. nos.	Action	Site
HAP 6.1	Partially clear vegetation from pond to provide open aspect.	Industrial site
HAP 6.2	Maintain vegetation to 30cm by strimming in September and March.	Industrial site
HAP 6.3	Control algal growth.	Industrial site

4.3. DVLA species

Specific actions have been assigned to individual species only when their needs are beyond the means of the actions outlined in the habitat action plans (for example, a species action plan for common frogs and common toads has not been developed as the objectives of a species action plan for these species are already being addressed by the overarching habitat action plan for ponds).

Previous site walkovers highlighted the presence of the following Schedule 9 plant species on site:

• Japanese Knotweed (Reynoutria japonica)
• Montbretia (Crocosmia x crocosmiiflora)
• Rhododendron (Rhododendron ponticum)
• Cotoneaster species (Cotoneaster sp.) - this was not identified to species level and could be one of the species on Schedule 9

These are invasive non-native species (INNS) and must not be spread in the wild. A successful Japanese Knotweed management plan is in place to eradicate small stands of Japanese Knotweed limited to the north-eastern boundary at our main site.

Based on the criteria discussed above, the following species have been selected for inclusion in the BAP.

Species	S.7 species	Morriston – main site	Industrial site
Bats - Noctule (Nyctalus noctula)	✓	✓	✓
Bats - Leisler’s (Nyctalus leisleri)	✓	✓	✓
Bats* - Common pipistrelle (Pipistrellus pipistrellus)	✓	✓	✓
Bats* - Nathusius’ pipistrelle (Pipistrellus nathusii)	✓	✓	✓
Bats* - Soprano Pipistrelle (Pipistrellus pygmaeus)	✓	✓
Bats - Brown long-eared bat (Plecotus auritus)	✓	✓
Honeybees			✓
Common lizards (Zootoca vivipara)	✓		✓
Grass Snake (Natrix Natrix Helvetica)	✓		✓
Wood vetch (Vicia sylvatica)		✓
Betony (Stachys officinalis)		✓
Japanese Knotweed (Reynoutria japonica)		✓
Montbretia (Crocosmia x crocosmiiflora)		✓
Rhododendron (Rhododendron ponticum)			✓
Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster sp.)			✓

*All 3 Pipistrelle subspecies were found during the last bat survey conducted in 2019.

Species Action Plan 1 - SAP1

We aim to encourage the use of our sites and provide additional roosting features for bats.

Ref. nos.	Action	Site
SAP 1.1	Minimise light spill from external lighting, specifically in proximity to dark corridors, boundary hedgerows, and trees.	Main and industrial site
SAP 1.2	Identify potential locations for roost creation opportunities including trees, buildings and other structures.	Main and industrial site
SAP 1.3	Install appropriate bat boxes or roost features across identified features - built and natural environment.	Main and industrial site
SAP 1.4	Install corridors of deep red cycle lighting to provide connectivity where needed.	Main and industrial site

Species Action Plan 2 - SAP 2

Bees.

Ref. nos.	Action	Site
SAP 2.1	Maintain bee hives on site.	Industrial site
SAP 2.2	Provide extra pollinator habitat with revised maintenance schedule to specific areas.	Industrial site

Species Action Plan 3 - SAP 3

Common lizards and grass snakes. We aim to maintain population density and ensure that habitat suitability is maintained.

Ref. nos.	Action	Site
SAP 3.1	Maintain habitat conditions with targeted annual maintenance schedule.	Industrial site
SAP 3.2	Create hibernacula where appropriate.	Industrial site

Species Action Plan 4 - SAP 4

Ancient woodland indicators: wood vetch and betony.

Ref. nos.	Action	Site
SAP 4.1	Manage habitat to ensure plants are not disturbed.	Main site
SAP 4.2	Introduce signage for awareness.	Main site

Species Action Plan 5 - SAP 5

Invasive species.

Invasive species on site are:

• Japanese Knotweed (Reynoutria japonica)
• Montbretia (Crocosmia x crocosmiiflora)
• Rhododendron (Rhododendron ponticum)
• Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster sp.)

Ref. nos.	Action	Site
SAP 5.1	Ensure Japanese Knotweed management plan is maintained and monitored for accuracy.	Main and industrial site
SAP 5.2	Ensure all works carried out in areas where Schedule 9 spp. are present does not disturb and spread the plant.	Main and industrial site

4.4. Raising awareness and community engagement

Staff and community engagement is essential to the successful implementation of the BAP and will ensure that all key stakeholders are informed and aligned with the action plan.

Our commitment to raising awareness of the BAP will help to create a positive environment and foster a sense of investment and involvement in local biodiversity and the natural environment.

We also hope that DVLA’s success can transpire beyond our estates and into the wider community by encouraging positive engagement through communications with external partners and through hosting and attending events.

To promote staff and community engagement with biodiversity the following actions are selected for inclusion in the BAP.

Awareness and Community Engagement Action Plan 1 - ACEAP 1

Promote biodiversity with staff and visitors.

Ref. nos.	Action
ACEAP 1.1	Raise awareness of wildlife gardening to staff and visitors.
ACEAP 1.2	Include local schools in biodiversity day on site.
ACEAP 1.3	Create a trail with signage to raise awareness of biodiversity on site.
ACEAP 1.4	Create a biodiversity committee to oversee and communicate progress.

5. Putting the plan into practice

5.1. Roles and responsibilities

DVLA’s sustainability team will ensure the objectives of our BAP are implemented. Main responsibility for coordination will lie with our lead biodiversity officer. Responsibilities will include implementing the BAP, monitoring, measuring and recording progress.

To coordinate implementation of the BAP there is a biodiversity steering group who meet monthly. This group ensures that we maintain momentum and remain on track to achieve the BAP objectives.

5.2. Monitoring and review

Monitoring and review of the DVLA BAP will be the responsibility of our lead biodiversity officer. The aims will be reviewed every 12 months so progress can be monitored and recorded, with adequate preparation made prior to implementation of the next set of aims. 

Our BAP will be seen as a living document which can be amended with additional objectives. Likewise, the timeframe to achieve objectives are also flexible so projects should be shifted to coincide with resource or opportunity. Where objectives have not been met or are not achievable, the BAP will be amended accordingly by revising the target date or replacing the objective with another action that would benefit a priority or target species on the BAP, LBAP or UKBAP.

5.3. Reporting

We have a number of reporting requirements which are published externally making it freely accessible to all who wish to become acquainted with our progress during the following 5 years.

We publish our annual report and accounts which monitors our achievements against targets and objectives. Additionally, it is a requirement of the Environment (Wales) Act 2016 to publish a Schedule 6 summary report externally.

Appendix A

Plant species recorded

Main site

Dense scrub A2.1.
Bramble Rubus fruticosus agg.
False oat grass Arrhenatherum elatius
Meadow vetchling Lathyrus pratensis
Ivy Hedera helix
Privet Ligustrum vulgare
Greater willowherb Epilobium hirsutum
Rosebay willowherb Chamerion angustifolium
Broadleaved dock Rumex obtusifolius
Wood vetch Vicia sylvatica (TN8 AWI)
Common horsetail Equisetum arvense
Cotoneaster sp. (potentially Schedule 9 species)
Enchanters nightshade Circaea lutetiana
Cleavers Galium aparine
Common hogweed Heracleum sphondylium
Hedge bindweed Calystegia sepium

Parkland and scattered trees mixed A3.3.
Rowan Sorbus aucuparia
Scots pine Pinus sylvestris
Sycamore Acer pseudoplatanus
Ash Fraxinus excelsior
Leylandii (sp.) Cupressus x leylandii
Hornbeam ‎Carpinus betulus
English oak Quercus robur
Paper birch Betula papyrifera
Hawthorn Crataegus monogyna
Goat willow Salix caprea
London plane Platanus × acerifolia
Large-leaved lime Tilia platyphyllos
Sweet chestnut Castanea sativa
Beech Fagus sylvatica
Swedish whitebeam Sorbus intermedia
White willow Salix alba
Sweetgum Liquidambar styraciflua
European Larch ‎Larix decidua
Tree of heaven Ailanthus altissima
Maple (sp.) Acer sp.
Apple Malus sp.
Holly Ilex aquifolium
Hazel Corylus avellana
Alder Alnus glutinosa
Italian alder Alnus cordata

Neutral semi-improved grassland B2.2. (around car park adjacent to Clasemont Road)
False oat grass Arrhenatherum elatius
Yorkshire fog Holcus lanatus
Birdsfoot trefoil Lotus corniculatus
Cocksfoot Dactylis glomerata
Common hogweed Heracleum sphondylium
Bramble Rubus fruticosus agg.
Herb Robert Geranium robertianum
Musk mallow Malva moschata
Meadow vetchling Lathyrus pratensis
Lesser trefoil Trifolium dubium
Creeping cinquefoil Potentilla reptans
Long stalked cranesbill Geranium columbinum
Tufted vetch Vicia cracca
Common mouse ear Cerastium fontanum
Selfheal Prunella vulgaris
Ivy Hedera helix

Neutral semi-improved grassland B2.2. (around B block)
Selfheal Prunella vulgaris
Ox eye daisy Leucanthemum vulgare
Yorkshire fog Holcus lanatus
Common bent Agrostis capillaris
Perennial rye grass Lolium perenne
Birdsfoot trefoil Lotus corniculatus
Common cinquefoil Potentilla simplex
Germander speedwell Veronica chamaedrys
Field wood rush Luzula campestris
Marsh thistle Cirsium palustre
Creeping buttercup Ranunculus repens
Spear thistle Cirsium vulgare
Primrose Primula vulgaris
Red clover Trifolium pratense
Wood speedwell Veronica montana (awi)
Common mouse ear Cerastium fontanum
Broadleaved dock Rumex obtusifolius
Cowslip Primula veris
Ribwort plantain Plantago lanceolata
Dandelion (sp.) Taraxacum sp.
Cocksfoot Dactylis glomerata
Common knapweed Centaurea nigra
Ragwort Jacobaea vulgaris
Catsear Hypochaeris radicata

Neutral semi-improved grassland B2.2. (small section around TN14)
False oat grass Arrhenatherum elatius
Couch grass Elymus repens
Bramble Rubus fruticosus agg.
Broadleaved dock Rumex obtusifolius
Greater willowherb Epilobium hirsutum
Bracken Pteridium aquilinum
Birdsfoot trefoil Lotus corniculatus
Cinquefoil sp. Potentilla sp.
Betony Stachys officinalis (awi) TN14

Amenity grassland J1.2.
Perennial rye grass Lolium perenne
Common bent Agrostis capillaris
Yorkshire fog Holcus lanatus
White clover Trifolium repens
Ox eye daisy Leucanthemum vulgare
Birdsfoot trefoil Lotus corniculatus
Prickly sow thistle Sonchus asper
Selfheal Prunella vulgaris
Ribwort plantain Plantago lanceolata
Creeping buttercup Ranunculus repens
False oat grass Arrhenatherum elatius
Daisy Bellis perennis
Cocksfoot Dactylis glomerata
Wood avens Geum urbanum
Red fescue Festuca rubra
Moss (sp.)
Curly leaved dock Rumex crispus
Lesser trefoil Trifolium dubium
Catsear Hypochaeris radicata
Common mouse ear Cerastium fontanum

Intact species poor hedge J2.1.2. (around substation)
Leylandii (sp.) Cupressus x leylandii

Intact species poor hedge J2.1.2. (around nursery and adjacent car park)
Holly Ilex aquifolium
Ivy Hedera helix
Hedge bindweed Calystegia sepium
Cleavers Galium aparine
Nipplewort Lapsana communis
Herb Robert Geranium robertianum
False oat grass Arrhenatherum elatius
Yorkshire fog Holcus lanatus
Bittersweet Solanum dulcamara
Bramble Rubus fruticosus agg.
Elder Sambucus nigra
Ash Fraxinus excelsior

Species poor hedgerow with trees J.2.3.2
Hawthorn Crataegus monogyna
Sycamore Acer pseudoplatanus
Ash Fraxinus excelsior
Privet Ligustrum vulgare
Ivy Hedera helix
Dense scrub species present as undergrowth

Introduced shrub J1.4.
Butterfly bush Buddleja davidii
Rose spp. Rosa spp.
Gorse Ulex europaeus
Rose of Sharon Hypericum calycinum
Carex sp.
Dogwood Cornus sanguinea
Phorrmium sp
Spirea sp.
Rhododendron sp.
Wild strawberry Fragaria vesca
Southern marsh orchid Dactylorhiza praetermissa
Mahonia sp.
Box Buxus sempervirens
Jasmine sp. Jasminum sp.
Laurel sp. Laurus sp.

Industrial unit site

Dense scrub A2.1. (situated in north-western side of the site)
Gorse Ulex europaeus
Bramble Rubus fruticosus agg.
Creeping thistle Cirsium arvense
Greater willowherb Epilobium hirsutum
Broadleaved dock Rumex obtusifolius
Marsh dock Rumex palustris
Dogwood Cornus sanguinea
Dog rose Rosa canina
Blackthorn Prunus spinosa
Giant fescue Festuca gigantea
False oat grass Arrhenatherum elatius
Yorkshire fog Holcus lanatus
Common bulrush Typha latifolia
Goat willow Salix caprea
Field wood rush Luzula campestris
Common knapweed Centaurea nigra
Cocksfoot Dactylis glomerata
Meadow vetchling Lathyrus pratensis

Dense scrub A2.1. (situated in eastern side of the site)
Bramble Rubus fruticosus agg.
Goat willow Salix caprea
Gorse Ulex europaeus
Blackthorn Prunus spinosa
Hawthorn Crataegus monogyna
Hazel Corylus avellana
Broadleaved dock Rumex obtusifolius
Osier Salix viminalis
Hazel Corylus avellana
Ragwort Jacobaea vulgaris

Parkland and scattered trees mixed A3.3.
Ash Fraxinus excelsior
Goat willow Salix caprea
Osier Salix viminalis

Neutral semi-improved grassland B2.2.
False oat grass Arrhenatherum elatius
Tufted hair grass Deschampsia cespitosa
Yorkshire fog Holcus lanatus
St. John’s wort Hypericum perforatum
Selfheal Prunella vulgaris
Creeping cinquefoil Potentilla reptans
Silverweed Potentilla anserina
Creeping thistle Cirsium arvense
Cocksfoot Dactylis glomerata
Meadow vetchling Lathyrus pratensis
Common horsetail Equisetum arvense
Ribwort plantain Plantago lanceolata
Common knapweed Centaurea nigra
Soft rush Juncus effusus
Prickly sow thistle Sonchus asper
Greater willowherb Epilobium hirsutum
Broadleaved dock Rumex obtusifolius
Creeping bent Agrostis stolonifera
Broadleaved willow herb Epilobium montanum
Ragwort Jacobaea vulgaris
Marsh thistle Cirsium palustre
Spear thistle Cirsium vulgare
Herb Robert Geranium robertianum
Timothy Phleum pratense
Hard rush Juncus inflexus
Dead nettle (sp). Lamium sp.
Lady fern Athyrium filix-femina
Hemp agrimony Eupatorium cannabinum
Purple loosestrife Lythrum salicaria
Gorse Ulex europaeus
Bramble Rubus fruticosus agg.

Tall ruderal C3.1.
Marsh thistle Cirsium palustre
Common knapweed Centaurea nigra
Tufted hair grass
Broadleaved dock Rumex obtusifolius
Wild parsnip Pastinaca sativa
Hard rush Juncus inflexus
Soft rush Juncus effusus
Tufted vetch Vicia cracca
Cleavers Galium aparine
Creeping cinquefoil Potentilla reptans
Greater fox sedge Carex vulpinoidea
Cocksfoot Dactylis glomerata
Giant fescue Festuca gigantea
Compact rush Juncus conglomeratus
Couch grass Elymus repens
Ragwort Jacobaea vulgaris

Mesotrophic standing water G1.2. (wet ditch)
Common bulrush Typha latifolia
Greater willowherb Epilobium hirsutum

Mesotrophic standing water G1.2. (pond)
Common bulrush Typha latifolia
Marsh dock Rumex palustris
Moss sp.

Amenity grassland J1.2.
Moss sp.
White clover Trifolium repens
Birdsfoot trefoil Lotus corniculatus
Selfheal Prunella vulgaris
Field wood rush Luzula campestris
Giant fescue Festuca gigantea
Broadleaved dock Rumex obtusifolius
Creeping buttercup Ranunculus repens
Daisy Bellis perennis
Ribwort plantain Plantago lanceolata
False oat grass Arrhenatherum elatius
Yorkshire fog Holcus lanatus
Common mouse ear Cerastium fontanum
Silverweed Potentilla anserina
Couch grass Elymus repens
Red clover Trifolium pratense
Lesser trefoil Trifolium dubium
Common knapweed Centaurea nigra

Introduced shrub J1.4.
Box Buxus sempervirens
Berberis sp.
Cotoneaster sp. (potentially Schedule 9 species)
Hazel Corylus avellana
Rhododendron Rhododendron ponticum (Schedule 9)
Gorse Ulex europaeus
Apple Malus sp.
Goat willow Salix caprea
Guelder rose Viburnum opulus
Spindle Euonymus europaeus
Laurel sp. Laurus sp.
Whitebeam spp. Sorbus spp.
Dog rose Rosa canina

Intact species poor hedge J2.1.2.
Hazel Corylus avellana
Osier Salix viminalis
Gorse Ulex europaeus
Dogwood Cornus sanguinea

Dry ditch J2.6.
Dry ditch is colonised by the neutral semi-improved grassland and dense scrub – species composition described at the afore mentioned habitat types.

Appendix B

Habitat maps

Habitat target notes

Main site

Target note	Description
TN1	Two pine trees in declining condition.
TN2	Area of amenity grassland with scattered trees outside DVLA property holding but managed by DVLA. Same species are present as on connecting habitats within. Also includes a small stand of dense scrub dominated by ivy and bramble.
TN3	Ash displaying signs of ash dieback disease.
TN4	English elm (Ulmus procera) with ivy cover in declining condition under Tree Preservation Order (TPO).
TN5	Compact rubble pile within vegetation, presents potential for reptiles.
TN6	Area within dense scrub and tree with locally frequent wood vetch (Vicia sylvatica) an ancient woodland indicator species.
TN7	Stand of montbretia (Crocosmia x crocosmiiflora) a Schedule 9 invasive non-native species.
TN8	Single tree within car park (Black pine) with TPO.
TN9	Line of mature trees included in a group TPO.
TN10	Cotoneaster species (Cotoneaster sp.) which was not identified to species level and could be one of the species on Schedule 9.
TN11	Pile of logs with reptile and invertebrate potential.
TN12	Betony (Stachys officinalis) an ancient woodland indicator species.
TN13	Southern marsh orchids (Dactylorhiza praetermissa) opening in between ornamental phormium plants.
TN14	Bird box in declining condition on pine tree.
TN15	Bird box on Norway maple (Acer platanoides).

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1. Record Pool - Amphibian and Reptile Conservation (ARC) and Amphibian and Reptile Groups of the UK (ARG UK)

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