Preliminary Environmental Information Report

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Wey Weirs Refurbishment

- Project Appraisal

Preliminary Environmental Information Report

Version: Final October 2014

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We are the Environment Agency. We protect and improve the environment and make it a better place for people and wildlife.

We operate at the place where environmental change has its greatest impact on people’s lives. We reduce the risks to people and properties from flooding; make sure there is enough water for people and wildlife; protect and improve air, land and water quality and apply the environmental standards within which industry can operate.

Acting to reduce climate change and helping people and wildlife adapt to its consequences are at the heart of all that we do.

We cannot do this alone. We work closely with a wide range of partners including government, business, local authorities, other agencies, civil society groups and the communities we serve.

Published by:

Environment Agency

Horizon house, Deanery Road Bristol BS1 5AH

Email: enquiries@environment- agency.gov.uk

www.environment-agency.gov.uk

Further copies of this report are available from our publications catalogue:

http://publications.environment-

agency.gov.uk or our National Customer Contact Centre: T: 03708 506506 Email: enquiries@environment- agency.gov.uk.

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Quality Assurance

Approvals

Name Signature Title Date Version

Nigel Widgery Jacobs Project Director

Paul Warrington EA NEAS Project

Manager

Tony Kirstein EA ncpms Project

Manager Project name Wey Weirs Refurbishment Project 1B1S reference IMTH001658

Date October 2014 Version number FINAL 7.10.14

Author Stuart Tweedy (Jacobs)

EIA Quality Mark

This Environmental Report, and the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) carried out to identify the significant environmental effects of the proposed development, was undertaken in line with the EIA Quality Mark Commitments.

The EIA Quality Mark is a voluntary scheme, operated by the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA), through which EIA activity is independently reviewed, on an annual basis, to ensure it delivers excellence in the following areas:

EIA Management EIA Team Capabilities EIA Regulatory Compliance EIA Context & Influence EIA Content

EIA Presentation Improving EIA practice

To find out more about the EIA Quality Mark please visit:

www.iema.net/qmark

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1 Background

1.1 Introduction

The River Wey passes through the urban centres of Farnham, Godalming, Guildford, Old Woking, Byfleet and Weybridge where flood risk is concentrated. The river is navigable from Godalming to the Thames at Weybridge on both Natural River and man-made sections. The navigations are owned and operated by the National Trust.

The River Wey Improvement Scheme (RWIS) was undertaken between 1931 and 1935 by Surrey County Council (SCC) in partnership with riparian and navigation owners as a Government-funded work creation scheme, to resolve flooding issues along the River Wey. A number of standard pattern weirs were installed at key locations along both the navigable and non-navigable reaches of the river, to improve conveyance of flood water. In some locations this involved the replacement or extension of an existing weir;

in others the construction of an entirely new weir and flood relief cut. The weirs installed by Surrey County Council, were ultimately transferred into the ownership of the Environment Agency as successor to the Thames Conservancy.

This report provides information on the possible environmental issues surrounding six priority weir sites based on inspection records and observations during site visits undertaken in 2013.

The purpose of this Preliminary Environmental Report (PEI) is to:

 Consult with statutory bodies and interested parties for their views and to obtain any additional baseline data about the study area;

 Identify the issues that have been ‘scoped in’ and ‘scoped out’ of the future environmental assessment;

 Outline the methodology for undertaking the assessment stage;

 Identify opportunities for partnership working; and

 Provide a record of the scoping stage and the options appraisal.

More detailed environmental studies undertaken by Jacobs environmental specialists have been appended to this report. The appendices include a Scoping Consultation Letter for the six priority sites (Appendix A) and associated Scoping Technical Note (Appendix B); Environmental Site Appraisal Plans (ESAPs) (Appendix C); Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey Report (Appendix D); a Natural England File Note on Natura 2000 sites (Appendix E); and a Cultural Heritage Study for the six priority sites (Appendix F).

1.2 The Problem

The Wey catchment and weir locations as set out in the Wey Flood Risk Management Strategy are illustrated in Figure 1. The Strategy identified a programme of works over the next 100 years for 18 weirs located across 15 sites. 12 of these weirs were considered to require more urgent investigation into refurbishment, replacement or preparation for potential transfer of ownership. The Strategy also recommended project initiation as a package project.

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Figure 1: Wey Catchment and Weir Locations

We have maintained regular monitoring of the condition of the weirs and associated structures, including diver surveys and craft preventive maintenance reporting. In recent years the fabric of the weirs, bridges and riverbank walls has shown evidence of decay in a number of locations, supported by annual Fitters and Divers surveys. A review of data and Visual Condition surveys during previous project planning phases (see the Scoping Technical Note in Appendix B) identified six priority sites, and investigated another eight, where maintenance and refurbishment work is required.

The highest priority sites are:

 Hamm Oil Mills (NGR:TQ 0724 6547);

 Walsham (TQ 0502 5778);

 Newark & Abbey (TQ 0395 5751);

 Broadmead (TQ 0155 5620);

 Bowers Mill (TQ 0118 5291); and

 Millmead (SU 9970 4890) The other locations are:

 High Mill (SU 8570 4722);

 Elstead Mill Bypass (SU 9029 4385);

 Elstead Mill (SU 9036 4383);

 Stoke Mill (SU 9988 5104);

 Ockham (TQ 0392 5739); and

 Bluegates Hole (TQ 0713 6088)

Outline option design has been carried out on these weirs. The preferred options for these weirs are to confirm riparian ownership or transfer High Mill, Elstead Mill Weirs and Ockham to riparian owners as their condition is less critical. Piling repairs are

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proposed at Stoke Mill as there is currently corrosion of the sheet piling downstream of the existing weir. Fish pass options have also been reviewed for the High Mill, Elstead, and Bluegates Hole sites that can be progressed outside of the project in future years under other Environment Agency projects or partnerships discussed later in the report.

The current project considered management options, and this PEI Report presents these along with preferred options for the six priority weirs, and a programme of intervention to maximise asset life, reduce liability and life-cycle costs whilst considering flood risk and environmental constraints.

1.3 Project Objectives

We commissioned Jacobs to carry out feasibility investigations on the six priority weirs and eight others identified as in need of repair in the Wey Flood Risk Management Strategy and an Investment Plan. The Strategy did not gain approval, but initiation of the project was recommended by the Large Projects Review Group. The main objectives of the project are outlined in Table 1.

Specific project objectives relating to this PEI report focus on the environmental considerations for the six priority sites as the works for the other weirs are more minor and transfer is an option. For example, there is potential to transfer responsibility for both Elstead weirs, and High Mill to riparian owners as key beneficiaries if agreements can be reached.

Overall Objective

Objective 1

To identify and implement a long-term sustainable strategic management approach for the Wey Weirs identified as needing refurbishment whilst delivering a business case for works to meet the minimum need to fulfil legal obligations.

Specific Objectives

Objective 2

To carry out an options appraisal to investigate strategic repair and replacement and fish/eel pass options for weir structures identified in the Wey Strategy and confirmed by current investigation as requiring urgent works.

Objective 3

Produce a Project Appraisal Report to initiate works for a “Sustain” or

“Change” project. Investigate and initiate partnership negotiations and obtain funding where available.

Objective 4 To investigate operational efficiencies including the Weir Operating Agreement with the National Trust including statutory dredging operations.

Objective 5 To investigate transfer of High Mill, Elstead Bypass & Mill and Ockham weirs to riparian owners.

Table 1: Project Objectives

1.4 Legislative and Regulatory Requirements

The proposed works fall within the administrative areas of Guildford Borough Council (GBC), Woking Borough Council (WBC), Runnymede Borough Council and Elmbridge Borough Council (EBC), all within Surrey.

The preferred options are minor refurbishment works and are likely to be undertaken under the Environment Agency permitted powers and will fall under the Environmental

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Impact Assessment (Land Drainage and Improvement) Regulations SI 99/1783.

However the works are unlikely to give rise to significant environmental effects and will therefore not require a Statutory Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), and therefore an Environmental Statement (ES) would not be required. An Environmental Report (ER) will be produced in the next stage to document the non-statutory EIA.

These works will be subject to the requirements of legislation set out by the Water Framework Directive (WFD), the Eel Regulations and the Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries Act.

1.5 Scoping Methodology

This PEI report identifies the existing baseline environment for the six priority weirs with recommendations for further assessment where necessary.

The following sections elaborate on the scope for each receptor and outline the further work that will be undertaken to fill any gaps within the baseline data. Professional judgements as to whether an issue should be ‘scoped in’ or ‘scoped out’ of the assessment were made accordingly.

In the next stage of the project, an environmental report will be produced which will include a detailed assessment of the likely impacts. The environmental assessment identifies, describes and assesses the likely significant effects which may arise, either directly or indirectly by the project.

In the context of this PEI report, the baseline assessment was based on a desk study and site visits in 2013. Each receptor (a component of the environment) was broadly assessed for the sensitivity to the project based on the following criteria:

Importance: Is it a feature of national, regional or local importance? Is it well preserved / in good condition?

Sensitivity to change: Is there a direct or indirect pathway from the source of the impact? Would it recover with time?

These features have been taken into account during the development of the options and have helped inform the scope of the assessment that will be undertaken at the next stage. The terminology is defined in Table 2.

Terminology: Sensitivity of the baseline environment

High Highly sensitive sites can include sites that are designated of national or international importance or large numbers of people. Generally highly sensitive sites are those of high quality / in good condition or highly regarded by people.

Moderate Sites of moderate sensitivity can include sites of regional or local interest or importance, or a small number of people. Generally

moderate sensitive sites are in moderate condition or locally regarded in value or quality.

Low Sites of low sensitivity are unlikely to be designated. They are unlikely to be considered of value by either the local population or stakeholders.

Table 2: Definition of terms

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2 Project development

Development of Options

The 6 priority sites where maintenance and refurbishment work are immediately required are as follows:

 Hamm Oil Mills;

 Walsham;

 Newark & Abbey;

 Broadmead;

 Bowers Mill; and

 Millmead

Separate options Appraisal Summary Tables (ASTs) for each of the six priority sites were developed at the start of the project and the eight others (Appendix B). These involved a combination of weir, fish pass and piling options depending on the condition of each weir structure.

The provisions of the WFD¹ and European Eel Regulations² have led to consideration of fish/eel passage in the River Wey for these and around six other sites which are a lower works priority. Our current policy for FDGiA funded projects is to provide fish passes for major replacement works (considered to be nominally >50% weir replacement), with Eel Regulations a stronger driver for eel passes for implementation now. With the stronger eel legislation in force at this time, eel passes have been incorporated in the proposed works at each of the 6 weir sites. With the provision of two priority fish passes and provision of designs for progression by the associate Wey Forward Project, this is considered to balance the requirements and timescales of the Legislation at this time since the proposed works are weir refurbishments. Maintaining the navigation and protecting water levels at each of the priority weir sites is also a requirement under the legal agreements we have inherited with the weirs.

In development of the options at each site, fish passes would be highly beneficial in environmental terms and necessary to get the River Wey (Shalford to the River Thames confluence at Weybridge) and Thames (Egham to Teddington) to Good Ecological Potential (GEP) by 2027 (see Section 5.1).

The Wey Valley Fisheries Action Plan states that there are also wide ranging social and economic benefits from the presence of high quality fisheries³. The current FDGiA funded project does not incorporate fish passes at all of the six priority sites due to the relative costs compared to the small scale refurbishment works being proposed.

Therefore after a workshop (see Minutes of the Options Workshop held on 19^th

1 European union – The EU Water Framework Directive – integrated river basin management for Europe, http://ec.europa.eu/

2 Pisces Conservation Ltd – The Eel Regulations 2009, http://www.eelregulations.co.uk/

3 Environment Agency – The Wey Valley Fisheries Action Plan: Working Together for the Future of our Fisheries, http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/

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September 2013⁴) and subsequent investigation of costs and options for fish passes and priority, the most important weirs for fish pass installation have been identified as Hamm Oil Mills and Walsham. Of the weirs within the project, other key sites that have the potential for fish pass installation would occur outside of the project only with Levy, European or partnership funding or works as part of development proposals in the future, since the timescale for partnership funding does not match the project timescale.

Our Fisheries and Biodiversity team has also submitted a funding application for an Integrated Environmental Planning project entitled ‘The Wey Forward’. This may receive funding as a non flood alleviation scheme FCRM MTP Grant-in Aid project.

This includes fish passes as well as tackling other WFD and BAP targets including for a fish pass near Bowers Weir. The sites that are not within this project are at Abbey/Newark, and Millmead. Broadmead is not within the project due to funding constraints. A pass here would be in addition to a new technical fish pass already installed on a parallel side channel and would benefit a relatively short length (2.5km), but key, flow channel downstream. A fish pass could also be developed and installed as part of an access and environmental improvement scheme planned for the area by Woking Borough Council. Other non-key site outline designs have been provided to the Wey Forward project for Bluegates, Abbey, High Mill, Elstead Mill and Bypass, Ockham.

In development of the options, another important consideration is the incorporation of sustainable opportunities that focus on habitat creation, in line with the Surrey Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP)⁵ and the England Biodiversity Strategy⁶. These potential opportunities are explained in Section 4.5.

Consultation to date

Early in planning phase of the project, an initial screening opinion was sought from Natural England (NE) and an e-mail response is contained in Appendix E. NE identified that water level affects were a key concern at that time, and that they would need to see detailed proposals. The internal Scoping Consultation Letter (Appendix A), the Scoping Technical Note and the accompanying options ASTs (Appendix B) produced by Jacobs were circulated to Environment Agency consultees between 26^th May 2013 and 12^th June 2013. A response table is included in Appendix A. This enabled stakeholders to gain an understanding of the project and gave them an opportunity for any initial comments so that further environmental information could be incorporated if necessary. Biodiversity comments have been incorporated into the ESAPs (Appendix C), the Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey Report (Appendix D), and this PEI Report following this consultation process. The fish pass advice was used to inform the design team of the most effective solutions at each of the priority weirs.

Partnership Meetings have also been held with the National Trust as a landowner and Navigation Authority and owner of associated weirs.

4 Information taken from Jacobs meeting notes for the Wey Weirs Refurbishment Options Workshop held on 19^th September 2013.

5 Surrey County Council – Surrey Biodiversity Action Plan, http://new.surreycc.gov.uk/

6 Natural England – England Biodiversity Strategy, http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/

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The Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey, the ESAPs and a heritage data search (Appendix F) conducted by various Jacobs environmental specialists supported the optioneering process.

The options were developed further at an options workshop held in September 2013 to determine the preferred option for each of the six priority sites. The preferred options are explained in Section 3.

A draft of this Preliminary Environmental Information Report was circulated to internal consultees and a further table of responses is included in Appendix A.

Future consultation

Further consultation will be undertaken at the environmental assessment stage. This will include further meetings with relevant organisations. Landowners and local residents will also be consulted about the details of the project and to discuss mitigation proposals.

Potential partnership working

As discussed previously, there are opportunities for partnership working through the development of other projects within the vicinity of the priority weirs and through other partners such as the National Trust who own and manage the Wey Navigation. The NT have indicated in meetings that they are willing to assist in non-financial partnership working, for instance allowing use of land, weir assets (including for the fish pass designs not currently being progressed), access and wharves.

Surrey Wildlife Trust is the Water Framework Directive catchment ‘host’ and as such is able to assist in access to other partners.

There is a long term proposal for Guildford Borough Council (GBC) to redevelop Debenhams close to the Millmead site in Guildford, although this is someway downstream. The weir is located alongside public land owned by GBC so further consultation with GBC on potential partnership working at this location would be

necessary going forward with a fish-pass only included within the construction phase of the project if this can be developed in time to make use of construction synergies.

Some small scale funding is available, but is time constrained and limited to construction activities.

For Bowers, GBC is also developing plans for the Slyfield site regeneration which includes looking at the area for a Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace (SANG) opportunities to increase floodplain capacity just upstream of the Bowers Mill site. GBC countryside contact GBC has also indicated that they would be keen to work in

partnership for a fish bypass channel here and at the site at Millmead.

For Broadmead, WBC is developing a project for environmental enhancements and landscaping at Millmoor Common on the left bank in the vicinity of Broadmead weir as a longer term aim. This gives the opportunity to approach Woking Borough Council (WBC) for potential partnership funding, outside of the project. WBC own the land on the left bank of the weir only and this is proposed to be part of a Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace (SANG) which comes with its own funding. This funding is primarily for access so may not be accessible, but WBC is keen to promote access, biodiversity and flood risk benefits.

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3 The preferred options

A long-list of options and outline designs were developed culminating in Options Workshop had the aim of confirming the preferred weir construction option and fish/eel pass scope and solutions at each priority site (see Appendix H). The preferred fish pass designs and options were discussed prior to the Options Workshop with input from Jacobs and Environment Agency Fisheries technical specialists.

The extent to which fish passes will be developed beyond those included in the project scope or the Wey Forward Project depends on any partnership funding becoming available and the WFD commitments. Although the significant funding required is unlikely to be available, the fish pass options will be developed at Hamm Oil Mills and at Walsham within the project, funded as an appropriate percentage of construction cost from FDGiA. As stated three of the other priority sites (Abbey/Newark, Bowers and Millmead) also have opportunities to develop fish passes as described below, however these will not be taken forward by the project (primarily due to budget constraints), but may be progressed within the Wey Forward Project or partnership projects in the future. Eel passes as a higher statutory priority will be incorporated on all priority weirs being refurbished under the project where there is a fixed crest section (i.e.

Broadmead, Newark and Hamm Oil Mills and potentially Bowers - on the National Trust Weir and Millmead – possibly on the GBC weir) as well as being integrated into the fish passes on Coleson’s Channel (Hamm Oil Mills) and Walsham.

A cost effectiveness procedure for flood risk management was developed prior to the workshop and presented for each of the proposed options to help identify the preferred options taking into account the site constraints and risks at each of the priority sites. A full description of the options is documented in the options ASTs (Appendix B). The preferred options for the priority sites that were agreed at the options workshop are described below:

a) Hamm Oil Mills

The preferred weir option for Hamm Oil Mills is Hamm_W01 Do Minimum:

Refurbishment. This is the least cost option.

The preferred fish pass option for Hamm Oil Mills is Hamm_F01 Convert Coleson’s Channel, which is owned by the National Trust and runs alongside the River Wey Navigation. This would include a pre-barrage (creation of additional staged pools downstream) on the stepped and sloping apron at the confluence with the River Wey Navigation, and at the downstream stepped weir at the confluence with the River Thames. The preferred fish passes are proposed to meet WFD objectives.

b) Walsham

The preferred weir option for Walsham is Walsh_W02 Do Minimum: Refurbishment and Maintain.

The preferred fish pass option for the Walsham site is Walsh_F03 to create a natural channel.

c) Abbey / Newark

The preferred weir option for Abbey/Newark is also the refurbishment option (Abb_W03 and New_W02 respectively). These are the least cost options. However, work on Abbey Weir is unlikely to be included in the project as the structure is not owned by the Environment Agency, but the details will be passed to the WFD Project team.

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There is an existing fish pass adjacent to Abbey weir. The fish pass option (subject to available funding) is Abb_F02 Fish Pass – Upgrade Existing. A fish pass option for Newark weir was not considered for this project due to the fact that Abbey and Newark weirs are situated adjacent to each other and due to limited funding. The existing fish pass at Abbey could be upgraded in partnership outside of the project using the outline designs developed by the project.

d) Broadmead

The preferred weir option for Broadmead is Broad_W02 Do Minimum, retain and maintain as at present. This is the least cost option.

A fish pass option for Broadmead weir was not considered for this project as there is an existing fish pass on a weir connecting to a side stream to the north-west of Broadmead weir and due limited funding. A fishpass at Broadmead would benefit approximately 2.5km of the flood relief channel downstream and this could be progressed in partnership with WBC outside of the project.

e) Bowers Mill

The preferred weir option for Bowers Mill is Bow_W05 Do Minimum: Refurbish.

The preferred fish pass option for Bowers Mill is Bow_F03 Naturalised bypass channel around the National Trust weir, as this would be the most effective and sustainable solution. This would not reduce the National Trust weir discharge capacity. This will not be funded as part of the Bowers refurbishment, however, due to restricted funds, but could be progressed in partnership outside of the project

f) Millmead

The preferred weir option for Millmead is Mill_W01 which involves refurbishment.

The preferred fish pass option for Millmead is Mill_F01, a Larinier pass, which is the least cost option. This could be progressed in partnership outside of the project (see section 2 Potential Partnership Working.

Working methods

The outline working methods at the six priority sites have been confirmed as part of cost effectiveness appraisal. These will be formalised in the next stage of the project after PAR approval. This would include finalisation of the currently proposed construction details such as preferred access routes, compound areas and methods.

Construction, operation and decommissioning preferred contractor methods are to be further detailed in the next stage of the project. Working methods would require agreement with statutory organisations following consultation and engagement in the next stages of the project.

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4 Key issues

Environmental baseline information has been sourced from Ordnance Survey (OS) mapping, the Multi-Agency Geographic Information for the Countryside (MAGIC) website, Environment Agency website, local authority websites and other sources as referenced in the footnotes within the following sections. In addition, site visits were conducted by Jacobs’s environmental specialists in May and June 2013.

Methods used to predict the magnitude of impacts are based on professional judgement from the baseline information and first hand information gained at the site visits. The scoping methodology has been explained in Section 1.5.

A file note has been prepared for Natural England which explores the Natura 2000 sites within 5km of the six priority sites (Appendix E). This document follows up on previous screening correspondence and satisfies any legal requirements associated with the Habitats Regulations and non-statutory EiA, and will be sent to Natural England along with this report. In discussion with Environment Agency specialists, it has been agreed that WFD issues will not be detrimental at the six priority sites. This is further described in Section 5.1.

The issues that have been scoped into the assessment are as follows:

 Access;

 Traffic and Transport;

 Noise;

 Recreation;

 Flora and Fauna;

 Landscape and Visual Amenity;

 Heritage and Archaeology;

 Water Quality; and

 Flood Risk Issues scoped out include:

 Air Quality;

 Geology and Soils; and

 Groundwater and Hydrogeology

For the description of the environmental issues, each priority weir has been referred to separately. For each issue, the potential effects, methods of assessment, justification for inclusion, and proposed management approach have been explored for each priority site.

4.1 Issue 1: Access

Potential effects

For all six priority sites, access is expected to be a key issue. Some of the sites are likely to face a greater challenge in gaining access to the weirs than others; however it is important that this issue is scoped in for all sites.

Public footpaths and other access routes are generally of local importance to the nearest residents. The importance of the local roads is discussed in Section 4.2.

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The sensitivity of the baseline environment for people close to the six priority sites has been assessed as Moderate.

Methods of assessment

Site visits were carried out for all 14 weir sites in September and October 2012 and a Scoping Technical Note produced (see Appendix B). This report formed the basis of a subsequent walkover site visit undertaken by Jacobs in May 2013 for the six priority weirs and possible access routes were appraised. This was also informed by a desk- based study, input from the Cost Consultant and ECI Contractor as well as discussions at the Options Workshop in September 2013.

Justification for inclusion

a) Hamm Oil Mills

Private access to the site is via Jessamy Road which is a narrow route. There is a public footpath running alongside Jessamy Road which runs northwards towards a footbridge. Machinery access at this location would be difficult and floating plant/working pontoon is likely to be required. The weir structure itself has an integrated walkway (both are in poor condition due to concrete spalling and corrosion) and these are owned by the Environment Agency. An access road bridge is forms part of this structure and that section is owned by Latchmere Homes. The channel and two weirs for the proposed fish passes at Coleson’s Channel are on land shown on Land Registry plans as being largely in National Trust ownership. Access to Coleson’s channel is very restricted and lands negotiation will be required.

b) Walsham

Access is via Warren Lane through a National Trust gate along an unmade access track that is 500m in length. The weir is located on a National Trust lock complex 1km east of the B367 Newark Lane and the site is surrounded by third party land. Parking is available at the end of the long track on Warren Lane. River access may be possible at mooring docks located at the end of the track. Some vegetated areas may need to be removed to gain access to the weir vicinity. Public footpaths run from Warren Lane to the weir. A narrow pedestrian bridge with heritage value provides only limited access across the Navigation to the Lock Island and towpath from the north.

The public footbridge associated with the weir is very small and is subject to corrosion of the side beams; therefore there are access issues here. Access by foot is available via a public footpath to the south of the weir, however this route is highly vegetated and may require tree and scrub removal. Access to Walsham weir for construction would be via the river utilising floating plant.

c) Abbey / Newark

There is currently debate as to the ownership of Abbey weir which is unregistered and is to be confirmed in due course. Enquiries are being made with the weir-keeper.

Accesses to Newark and Abbey weirs (including the Abbey fish pass on the left bank) are constrained. Access to the weirs is via Newark Lane off of the B367 or through third-party land accessed via a National Trust car park. Parking is available in a lay by approximately 200m south of Newark Bridge. Access for the weirs themselves would be difficult and would need to be via the river using the floating plant mentioned previously.

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Surrey County Council Highways are understood to be planning the replacement of the road bridge on the B367 in the vicinity of these structures, possibly within 2 years, which may provide some opportunity for partnership working.

d) Broadmead

The weir is located 300m to the west of the A247 Broadmead Road and 700m south of the A247 High Street. Access to the weir is via Fishers Farm Lane from A247 across third party land.

The road bridge on Fishers Farm Lane from the west is in very poor condition and not safe for pedestrian access or for moving heavy plant machinery. The likely land access route is via an access through the recently completed Gresham Mill development who also own land on the left bank. Access utilising the floating plant is likely to be required.

There is parking available at Gresham Mill and also a public footpath runs from this point southwards towards the weir channel.

e) Bowers Mill

At Bowers Mill, the weir and parts of the channel are owned by the Environment Agency. The area occupied by a wide towpath bridge is registered to the National Trust.

Access to the weir is along the towpath from Bowers Lane and via Burpham Bridge.

Parking is also available on Bowers Lane. There is a residential property overlooking the weir so there are potential access issues which will need to be discussed with the landowner. The area is rural and walkers use the towpath along the riverside.

Access for construction at Bowers is potentially the most problematic at any of the other sites. Access for medium sized plant via the Mill (but restricted by the towpath bridge weight limit) may be possible, however not with large machinery and conversations with the land owner are necessary. Access for large machinery in the construction period is likely to be required by the floating plant as the access route along the towpath is also too narrow and constrained by an ancient hollow oak tree which requires protection.

For the proposed fish pass at the National Trust weir, access could potentially be via the Slyfield site to avoid crossing the River Wey or the navigation. Consultation with GBC would be required for this. There is an opportunity to carry out channel maintenance or enhancement on the river channel downstream to enhance habitat whilst also improving flow. This could be carried forward with the riparian owners.

f) Millmead

At Millmead, the Environment Agency owns the weir footprint and most of the channel downstream, and part of the left bank downstream. GBC owns the land on the right bank which may include parts of the channel bank.

The weir can be accessed by pedestrians along the towpath or via the public footpath.

There is also a public car park at the start of this access route. An additional public footpath runs from Quarry Street across the River Wey towards the weir.

In the construction phase, access with small machinery could be across weir from the field on the left bank of the River Wey owned by the National Trust. Floating plant and transfer of piling plant to the Millmead public park is likely to be necessary at this site.

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Proposed management approach

For each of the six priority sites, the most effective access routes in terms of minimising disruption for local receptors (local residents) will have to be agreed prior to construction on site.

4.2 Issue 2: Traffic and Transport

Depending on the preferred options at each individual priority site and the nature of the existing environment, construction traffic is likely to affect areas to different extents.

Generally speaking, the Wey Navigation is a busy waterway particularly in the summer months with potentially twenty boat movements a day.

Traffic information from Surrey Highways would have to be obtained in the next stage for a more detailed baseline assessment. There is potential for traffic issues at some of the priority sites, e.g. the already busy A247 and B382 roads close to the Broadmead site and on Newark Lane B367 at Newark. The Wey Navigation is a recreational boating route of national importance.

The sensitivity of the baseline environment has been assessed as Low for people close to Hamm Oil Mills, Walsham, Abbey/Newark and Bowers Mill. The baseline environment has been assessed as Moderate for people close to Broadmead and Millmead as transport routes are of higher value to local residents.

The traffic and transport baseline was assessed by a Jacobs’s environmental specialist on the site visit in May 2013 and desk-based studies helped to inform this.

a) Hamm Oil Mills

Access for personnel, moderately sized equipment and plant to the weir itself is via Jessamy Road which runs through a quiet private residential area. The access area here is limited in size and would need to be negotiated with Latchmere Homes and residents. Alternatively a compound could be set up on the Bull-Dogs Island. There is therefore likely to be minor disruption in terms of construction traffic at this location at times when vehicles enter and leave site. The preferred fish passes at Coleson’s Channel would require work barges and floating plant to transport materials, equipment and machinery across the River Wey Navigation which could cause minor impacts to recreational boat users which also occasionally use the lock approach for mooring.

Access to the channel could also be arranged via Hamm Court Estate access road to the North-West and residential landowners. An area of open land alongside could be used should a compound be required.

b) Walsham

Walsham weir is located in a rural setting so is not likely to affect any existing terrestrial traffic flows. If barges are required to access the weir, there could potentially be minor impacts to recreational boat users along the River Wey Navigation.

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c) Abbey / Newark

Newark Lane (B367) runs adjacent to Newark and Abbey weirs. Just south of the weirs, there is single lane traffic flow over Newark Bridge. There could therefore be minor traffic impacts at this location when construction vehicles access the site.

d) Broadmead

Construction traffic and machinery could enter the site via Fishers Farm Lane and land access would be via the recently completed Gresham Mill development who also own land on the left bank. There could be temporary minor impacts in the construction period for residents of the new housing complex at this location.

e) Bowers Mill

Construction traffic could enter through a residential property at Bowers Mill subject to land owner agreement. In this case, this property would experience significant disturbance over the construction period.

f) Millmead

Millmead weir is located in the centre of Guildford. Construction traffic and machinery is likely to have a minor impact, e.g. for users of the A281 (Quarry Street) which is of regional importance.

Although traffic generation as a result of the works is likely to produce minor impacts, a Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) – (previously the Environmental Action Plan) would lessen the effects associated with the construction phase. Typical measures to be covered in the plan could include the following:

 Agree the number of construction movements during peak traffic periods, through agreement with SCC;

 Direct construction vehicles to the strategic road network to minimise travel on less suitable roads and avoid delays occurring at pinch points where two large vehicles experience difficulty in passing;

 Optimise vehicle utilisation so as to avoid unnecessary journeys; and

 Maximise the re-use of materials on site to reduce transportation off site.

In order to ensure the construction works do not have an adverse impact on the boat users, a boom could be placed across the watercourse where necessary which would allow boat access through the various locks, and also ensure boats cannot access the construction area.

4.3 Issue 3: Noise

The site visit to the six priority sites in May 2013 confirmed that noise levels are relatively low, although some sites experience more noise than others depending on whether their location is within an urban or rural setting.

The works at this stage are anticipated to include for piling for coffer dams, with breaking out of concrete, steel cutting and surface preparation of steel and concrete.

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Local generators are likely to be needed. The sensitivity of the baseline environment has been assessed as Low for local residents at Millmead and Abbey/Newark as they already experience high noise levels from local roads. The sensitivity of the baseline environment for local residents at all other sites has been assessed as Moderate as existing background noise levels are relatively low and they are therefore likely to be temporarily affected by construction noise.

The noise baseline was assessed on the site visit in May 2013 and desk-based studies helped to inform this. A more detailed assessment of noise and vibration will be undertaken in the next stage of the project.

A number of the priority sites are located adjacent or near to residential homes or residential areas. Others are more remote in open land accessed past residential or urban areas. Therefore local residents are likely to experience higher than normal noise levels due to the influence of construction machinery and construction vehicles.

The possible impact for residents is expected to be minor at each priority site during the construction period as described below.

a) Hamm Oil Mills

The weir at Hamm Oil Mills is adjacent to a development of flats on the island and a cluster of private properties on Jessamy Road and further residential properties on Radnor Road and Glencore Road. The Lockkeepers Cottage is opposite the Coleson’s Channel. Residents in the Hamm Hall Estate may be affected. Boats using the towpath moorings alongside Coleson’s channel may be impacted.

b) Walsham

Walsham Lockkeeper’s cottage is expected to experience higher than normal noise levels as it is directly adjacent to the Walsham weir complex. Boats in the mooring docks may also be affected.

c) Abbey / Newark

Abbey and Newark weirs are located close to Newark Lane (B367), a reasonably busy road, so background noise levels are relatively high due to the vehicles crossing the bridge over the weirs. It is therefore expected that construction traffic and machinery will have a negligible impact on the Mill houses which are approximately 100m due south of Abbey and Newark weirs.

d) Broadmead

Broadmead weir is located in an area of open countryside. The nearest residential receptors include the new housing development at Gresham Mill to the north of Broadmead weir.

e) Bowers Mill

Bowers Mill weir is located immediately adjacent to Bowers Mill and upstream piling supports the building; therefore construction noise and vibration would affect residents significantly at this location. Repairs of piling will need to consider impacts to the Mill

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building and mitigate for this. Use of the navigation, towpath land and construction management around the lock would need to be finalised with the National Trust to reduce impacts.

f) Millmead

Millmead weir is located on open public space in an urban setting within the town of Guildford. The background noise level would be greater at this location than the other priority sites due to traffic within the town, so residential properties would not be significantly impacted. The weir is however close to recreational sites including local footpaths, Guildford rowing club, Guildford boathouse and users of the public open space and an area of picnic benches.

It is anticipated that the following measures would also be contained in any CEMP to ensure that noise and vibration levels are attenuated as far as possible:

 The use of ‘best practicable means’ during all construction activities;

 Consideration of vibration levels and mitigation close to buildings;

 Switching off plant and equipment when it is not in use for longer periods of time;

 Establish agreement with the local authority on appropriate controls for undertaking significantly noisy works or vibration-causing operations close to receptors;

 All construction work would be undertaken in accordance with the appropriate codes of practice for construction work.

 Programming works so that the requirement for working outside normal working hours is minimised;

 Use of low noise emission plant where possible; and

 Regular plant maintenance.

4.4 Aspect 4: Recreation

All priority sites have recreational activities associated with them to some degree.

There is potential that some of these will be affected during the construction period, therefore it is important to gain knowledge of the recreational activities that currently take place at each site.

The recreational assets (e.g. local footpaths) at the six priority sites are of local importance. The Wey Navigation is of national importance for recreational boat users.

The sensitivity of the baseline environment has been assessed as Moderate for the nearest people at the six priority sites.

Assessment of recreation issues was carried out on the site visit in May 2013 and informed by desk-based studies.

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a) Hamm Oil Mills

A footpath runs on a raised embankment between the River Wey Navigation and Coleson’s Channel. Walkers were observed to use this route in the site visit in May 2013, so these receptors could experience minor impacts in the construction period.

Weybridge rowing club which is situated on the River Thames further downstream is not expected to be affected. Likewise, recreational boating activities using the River Wey Navigation are not expected to be affected by the project. Boats using the towpath mooring upstream of the lock would need to be managed. The National Trust Lock and visitor centre downstream is not expected to be heavily affected.

b) Walsham

According to SCC⁷, footpaths 80, 81, 123 and 34 run towards Walsham weir. A public footpath also crosses the weir so this route will need to be supplemented. There is also a route which runs along the south bank of the River Wey which is used by local walkers. People using these routes could have minor impacts in the construction phase. Boating activities on the River Wey Navigation are not expected to be affected by the refurbishment works.

c) Abbey / Newark

Barges moor on private land on the River Wey immediately upstream and just downstream of Abbey and Newark weirs, however recreational boating activities are not likely to be affected by the construction works. Visitors to the National Trust car park and people using the towpath would need to be considered in the construction phase. Third party land on the right bank at Newark is used for river access and occasionally mooring. These users would also need to be considered in the construction phase.

d) Broadmead

According to SCC, footpath 45a runs southwards and crosses the River Wey over a footbridge just downstream of Broadmead weir. Recreational walking activities could potentially be affected depending on the location of vehicle access to the weir. These impacts are expected to be minor in the construction period.

e) Bowers Mill

Cyclists, dog walkers and navigation/lock users use the towpath running along the south bank of the River Wey. These activities could be affected during the construction period depending on the access route for construction vehicles. Again, minor impacts are anticipated.

7 Surrey County Council – Surrey Interactive Map, http://surreymaps.surreycc.gov.uk

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f) Millmead

There are several recreational activities that take place close to Millmead weir.

According to SCC, footpath 49 runs in between the River Wey and the Wey Navigation.

This route is used by cyclists and walkers. Guildford rowing club is located on the opposite side of the River Wey from Millmead weir and Guildford boathouse is slightly further downstream. Canoeists use the downstream weir at SU 99631 49054. Picnic tables are located on the grassed public area in between the navigation route and the River Wey. There is potential for these activities to be impacted by the construction works due to the potential disruption caused by access for construction vehicles and machinery. These impacts are expected to be minor in the construction period.

Appropriate management approaches are required to ensure the safety of cyclists and walkers who are using the various footpaths close to the six priority sites. Navigation and towpath users should also be considered. Suggested measures include:

 Signage on site to warn workers of the potential presence of cyclists and walkers;

 Increased signage outside the site to warn cyclists and walkers of new temporary site entrances; and

 If footpaths have to be closed during construction, signage should be placed at either end of the closure to notify local residents of the duration of works and any alternative routes.

 Permission will need to be sought from the National Trust for towpath and operations affecting Navigation.

4.5 Issue 5: Flora and Fauna

Various floral and faunal species exist within and around the six priority weirs which will need to be protected during construction where possible. For more information on the ecology of each site (including non-priority sites), including ecological plans, refer to the Phase 1 habitat survey report in Appendix D. The ESAPs in Appendix C also document the main ecological constraints.

The Chinese Mitten Crab species is already present in the River Wey, so is not a substantive concern for any of the sites⁸.

Further assessments would be required to gain evidence for presence of protected species at the six priority sites.

As the refurbishment works are small scale works to existing structures with temporary works at each of the priority sites, it is expected that there would only be minor impacts on the potential ecological issues mentioned. Key constraints include ancient trees at

8 Natural History Museum – The Wey Navigation System, a fish and wildlife channel across Bulldogs Island and large burrowing invasive decapod species, http://www.nhm.ac.uk/

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the Hamm Oil Mills and Bowers Mill weirs which are required to be protected during the construction works. The preferred options will not result in any change to the upstream or downstream water levels at any of the 6 sites which was an area of concern for Natural England, particularly on protected habitats. Some disturbance to fish is envisaged as a result of the creating of coffer dams, and on some sites piling to create these. Allowances for fish-rescue have been included in the construction estimates.

Ecological constraints identified in the ESAP’s will need to be mitigated according to the ecological calendar in the next phase of the project before construction can commence.

Opportunities for biodiversity enhancements at the priority sites are outlined in the following section. These are in line with Surrey BAP⁹ as they seek to enact conservation and enhancement as well as develop opportunities for partnership working with local stakeholders.

Papercourt SSSI and Wey Valley Meadows SSSI are of national importance and the habitats that they contain are sensitive to changes in water level. These designations are located close to Abbey/Newark and Millmead respectively so the baseline environment has been assessed as High. These receptors are far enough from the weir sites and would not be affected by the refurbishment works.

There are two ancient trees at Hamm Oil Mills and Bowers Mill so the baseline environment for these receptors has been assessed as Moderate.

The baseline environment for ecological receptors at Broadmead and Walsham has been assessed as Low.

The assessment of the local flora and fauna was carried out on the ecology site visit in June 2013 and desk-based studies helped to inform this. Inputs from the Environment Agency specialists provided information on potential ecological enhancements at each priority site.

a) Hamm Oil Mills Designations

The River Wey Navigation and Whittet’s Ait are all part of the local wildlife site known as ‘River Wey – Elmbridge.’

Hamm Oil Mills is approximately 4km due south of South-west London Waterbodies Special Protection Area (SPA) and Ramsar sites¹⁰. These comprise a series of embanked water supply reservoirs and former gravel pits that support a range of man- made and semi-natural open water habitats. The reservoirs and gravel pits function as important feeding and roosting sites for wintering wildfowl, in particular Gadwall and

9 Surrey County Council – Surrey Biodiversity Action Plan, http://www.surreycc.gov.uk/

10 Natural England – Nature on the map, http://www.natureonthemap.co.uk/map.aspx?map=sssi

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Shoveler, both of which occur in numbers of European importance.¹¹ The South-west London Waterbodies SPA and Ramsar sites are not expected to be impacted.

Phase 1 habitat survey summary

The site supports a variety of habitat types including amenity grassland, broadleaved woodland, scattered trees, tall ruderals and semi-improved neutral grassland.

The existing area is highly vegetated. There are several mature broad-leaved trees located between Coleson’s Channel and the Wey Navigation as well as along the banks of Bulldog Island. Of the species present, alder, ash, sycamore, and pedunculate oak are widespread. There is an ancient tree situated on the confluence of Coleson’s Channel and the River Thames which is adjacent to a potential fish pass location. This is a veteran London plane, and there is also a mature sweet chestnut on the left bank of the Wey Navigation close to Thames Lock.

Grassland habitats are restricted to small areas of amenity grassland. Cracks in the concrete at the weir and several of the surrounding trees (e.g. the mature London plane and sweet chestnut) could support roosting bats. All areas of grassland and associated tall ruderals have the potential to support common species of reptile, notably grass snake, slow-worm and common lizard. All trees and areas of woodland are suitable for nesting birds. The entire river corridor and adjacent areas of broadleaf woodland are suitable for otters.

In terms of invasive species, a small stand of Himalayan balsam is located on Bulldog Island and the watercourse and riparian habitat have potential to support American mink and signal crayfish. Floating pennywort, a non-native, invasive species, occurs in this location, so any works must not cause the spread of this aquatic plant.

Ecological Opportunities

There is potential for wet woodland, reed bed and floodplain grazing marsh creation.

There is also potential for bat boxes and song bird nest boxes on nearby trees and the nearby National Trust building. In addition, a wagtail nest box could be installed beneath the weir structure itself. Reptile refugia in the form of log piles are possible at various locations close to the weir structure. Installation of otter holts within woodland and dense scrub away from the towpath would be possible. Finally, as part of the fish pass option at Coleson’s Channel, marginal planting and inclusion of gravels could be provided.

b) Walsham Designations

Papercourt Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) is located approximately 1.1km upstream of the site which is composed of a series of wetland habitats, with unimproved meadows, marshes, streams and gravel pits supporting a number of

11 Defra – Joint Nature Conservation Committee, http://jncc.defra.gov.uk/

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habitats and diverse species.¹² The River Wey is designated as a local wildlife site known as ‘River Wey – Woking’. The area is highly vegetated and deciduous woodland is present on the west bank and further downstream.

There are two parts of Thames Basin Heaths SPA that are situated within 5km of Walsham. These are approximately 1km to the north-east and 4km to the north-west of the site. Thames Basin Heaths SPA comprises open heathland habitats that overlie sand and gravel sediments which give rise to sandy or peaty acidic soils; supporting dry heathy vegetation on well-drained slopes; and wet heath on low-lying shallow slopes and bogs in valleys. The site supports important breeding populations of a number of birds including nightjar and woodlark, both of which nest on the ground, often at the woodland/heathland edge¹³. Thames Basin Heaths SPA is not expected to be impacted on as the proposed options involve only small scale localised works

The habitats within and adjacent to the weir include scattered scrub and scattered broadleaved trees, tall ruderal vegetation, semi-natural broadleaved woodland, amenity grassland and marginal vegetation. The dominant habitats adjacent to the Wey Navigation and River Wey comprise semi-natural broadleaved woodland with abundant pedunculate oak and alder. Scattered mature specimens of pedunculate oak, alder and crack willow are also present at various locations throughout the site.

A ditch is located to the south of woodland situated on the right bank of the River Wey, upstream of the sluices. The northern bank of the ditch supports broadleaved woodland and a line of mature pedunculate oaks. The southern bank of the ditch supports grassland.

The on-site habitats are suitable to support water voles, otters, reptiles, and roosting bats, nesting birds, great crested newts and dormice. A mature oak adjacent to the lock on the left bank provides several potential bat roost sites. Cracks in the concrete retaining wall of the sluice are also suitable for supporting bats. The ditch to the south of woodland on the right bank of the River Wey provides suitable aquatic habitat for great crested newts. This ditch was considered for modification to a fish pass.

In terms of invasive species, an area of Himalayan balsam is located on the right bank of the River Wey upstream of the sluices. Scarce Himalayan balsam growth is evident on the concrete pillow bank protection on the left bank of the River Wey immediately downstream of the sluice. The watercourse and riparian habitat also have potential to support American mink and signal crayfish.

The fish bypass will provide significant habitat creation opportunities, and also provide a route for otters around the weir. There is also potential at this location for wet woodland, reed bed, floodplain grazing marsh, purple moor grass and rush pasture creation to enhance the existing habitat. Ecological opportunities may include a wagtail nest box beneath the weir structure itself and bat boxes on nearby mature trees. Barn

12 Andrews Ward Associates: Consultant Ecologists – Water Level Management Plan for Papercourt SSSI, June 1997.

13 Defra – Joint Nature Conservation Committee, http://jncc.defra.gov.uk/

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owl boxes could be incorporated onto mature trees adjacent to open grassland, and song bird nest boxes on trees close to the weir structure. Installation of otter holts within woodland and dense scrub, away from the towpath and public access would be possible. Creation of reptile refugia in the form of log piles would also have potential at this site, particularly as tree removal will be required.

c) Abbey / Newark Designations

Land to the south-west of the weirs, before the channels split from the combined River Wey and Wey Navigation, forms the Papercourt SSSI. This is located to the south (right bank) of the combined River Wey and Wey Navigation. The main habitat present at unit 4 of Papercourt SSSI, which is closest to Abbey and Newark weirs is neutral grassland (lowland) which was last assessed in 2006 and had a condition of

‘unfavourable recovering.’¹⁴

The Wey Navigation is designated as a local wildlife site known as ‘River Wey – Woking’ and on the left bank is the local wildlife site Roundbridge Farm Site of Nature Conservation Importance (SNCI). Abbey and Newark weirs are also situated relatively close to two parts of Thames Basin Heaths SPA. These are located approximately 2.5km to the north-east and 3.5km to the north-west of the site. Thames Basin Heaths SPA is not expected to be impacted.

The terrestrial habitats recorded within the immediate vicinity of the weirs are dominated by scrub and mature trees. Of the trees, mature alder, pedunculate oak and willow are abundant on the right bank. Localised elm scrub is also present. On the left bank, alder trees and mature hawthorn scrub are located immediately adjacent to Abbey weir. The habitat on the left bank is dominated by open flood plain grassland that falls within the area designated as Papercourt SSSI.

The banks within the vicinity of the Abbey weir have potential to support water vole.

The entire riparian corridor within this area is also suitable for otter. Several of the mature trees within the vicinity of the weirs have potential to support roosting bats.

Newark weir also provides bat roosting potential. All areas of scrub and trees provide suitable nesting habitat for birds. The bankside habitats, including a log pile, are suitable for supporting common species of reptile, notably grass snake, slow-worm and common lizard.

In terms of invasive species, Himalayan balsam is likely to be present in nearby riparian habitats. The watercourse and riparian habitat also have potential to support American mink and signal crayfish.

At Abbey/Newark, bat boxes or wagtail nest boxes are possible underneath the roofs of the Newark weir structures. There is also potential for bat boxes to be installed on

14 Natural England – Papercourt SSSI http://www.sssi.naturalengland.org.uk/

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nearby mature oak trees. It would be possible for installation of barn owl boxes on mature oak trees adjacent to open grassland. In addition, there could be potential for excavation of wader scrapes and/or ponds within Roundbridge Farm SNCI on the left bank. Finally, creation of reptile refugia in the form of log piles would also have potential at this site.

d) Broadmead Designations

An island situated close to the right bank downstream of Broadmead weir contains Priority BAP wet woodland habitat which should remain protected. Papercourt SSSI is located 1.5 km downstream of the weir, between the Wey Navigation and the river channels. The river itself is designated as a local wildlife site known as ‘River Wey – Woking’.

Thames Basin Heaths SPA is situated approximately 3km to the south-west of Broadmead weir. Thames Basin Heaths SPA is not expected to be impacted.

The terrestrial habitats at Broadmead weir are dominated by semi-improved neutral grassland meadow. The banks of the flood relief channel downstream of Broadmead weir support scattered trees comprising of sycamore, goat willow, crack willow and alder.

The left bank of the River Wey within the vicinity of the bypass channel is dominated by semi-natural broadleaved woodland with abundant ash and willow. Downstream of the bypass channel, areas of tall ruderal and dense bramble scrub are present. The bankside areas supporting reed sweet grass, sedge and herb vegetation are suitable for water vole. The River Wey and flood relief channel are also suitable for otter. All areas of grassland and associated tall ruderals have the potential to support common species of reptile, notably grass snake, slow-worm and common lizard.

All of the habitats recorded on site are suitable for nesting birds. A mature crack willow supporting dense ivy growth is located on the left bank of the River Wey close to the bypass channel which could provide potential bat roost habitat. Cracks within the weir structure itself could also support roosting bats.

In terms of invasive species, a small stand of Japanese knotweed is present downstream of the bypass channel on the left bank of the River Wey. The watercourse and riparian habitat have potential to support American mink and signal crayfish.

There is potential for reed bed, floodplain marsh and eutrophic fen creation at this site.

There is an area of land between the River Wey and Broadmead Cut where ecological enhancements could be carried out in partnership with WBC as part of the Sustainable Alternative Natural Green space (SANG). WBC has already produced draft plans that include reed bed creation and seasonal ponds in this area. Other potential ecological enhancements at Broadmead include excavation of wader scrapes; extending existing sedge bed on the right bank of the River Wey; creation of reptile refugia; and installation of wagtail nest boxes beneath the weir structure. An existing fish pass at Broadmead has been upgraded as part of the Gresham Mill site development.

Excavation of a fish bypass channel would create additional habitat for other aquatic and riparian species.

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e) Bowers Mill Designations

A flood meadow part of the Riverside Park Local Nature Reserve (LNR) is located immediately adjacent to the National Trust weir on the left bank of the Wey Navigation.

Other parts of the LNR further upstream on the right bank are maintained as open water with large reed beds. The site is managed for breeding birds, terns, sedge warbler, reed bunting, water rail, redshank, snipe and lapwing.

The river is designated as a local wildlife site known as ‘River Wey – Woking’. Thames Basin Heaths SPA is situated approximately 1km to the north-west of Bowers Mill weir.

Thames Basin Heaths SPA is not expected to be impacted.

The banks of the Wey Navigation located between the National Trust weir and Bowers Lock supports areas of scattered trees, marginal vegetation, broadleaved woodland, tall ruderals and scattered scrub. Large areas of grassland are also present on the left bank of the Wey Navigation at the National Trust weir, as well as on the left bank downstream of Bowers Lock.

The bankside areas on both banks of the Wey Navigation support a large number of mature trees, including alder, sycamore, horse chestnut, willow and pedunculate oak.

Notable trees within the survey area include a group of mature lime and London plane on the right bank downstream of Bowers Lock, and a veteran oak on the right bank footpath upstream of Bowers Lock. The veteran oak tree on the towpath, being hollow, supports excellent habitat for roosting bats, hole-nesting birds, fungi and specialist deadwood invertebrates and should be protected.

Downstream of the National Trust weir on the left bank of the River Wey Navigation, areas of emergent marginal vegetation provide suitable habitat for water vole. The entire riparian corridor, including adjacent woodland, is also suitable for otter. All mature trees have the potential to support bats. All areas of trees, scrub and marginal vegetation provide nesting opportunities for breeding birds. The woodland habitats adjacent to the left bank of the Wey Navigation provide suitable habitat for badgers and dormice. In addition, the areas of floodplain grassland provide suitable habitat for common species of reptile, such as slow-worm, grass snake and common lizard.

In terms of invasive species, Himalayan balsam is present on the left bank of the Wey Navigation close to the National Trust weir. The watercourse and riparian habitat also have potential to support American mink and signal crayfish.

There is potential for wet woodland, reed bed, floodplain grazing marsh and eutrophic fen creation. Ecological opportunities include creation of reptile refugia in the form of log piles. Installation of otter holts within woodland and dense scrub, away from the towpath and public access would be possible. Barn owl boxes are possible on mature trees adjacent to open grassland, and there is also potential to incorporate bat boxes onto mature trees.

For future partnership projects likely to be carried out outside of the project, there is potential for wetland habitat creation in Guildford Borough Council (GBC) owned fields on the left bank of the National Trust weir including Slyfield Meadow and Burpham

Preliminary Environmental Information Report

Wey Weirs Refurbishment

- Project Appraisal