The council admit the site may have significant ecological value, and needs further ecological survey. But this hasn’t been undertaken. The Horse field may contain flora and fauna protected under Section 41 of the NERC Act 2006 and includes hedgerows protected by the Hedgerows Regulations 1997.

“The site may have significant ecological value.” — Sheffield Local Plan: Site Assessment for Site 1052

“If significant harm to biodiversity resulting from a development cannot be avoided, adequately mitigated, or compensated for, then planning permission should be refused.” — NPPF Paragraph 180

Here’s the current list of species known to use the field. It’ll be added to as more species are observed and reported. In addition to biodiversity, the field is important for bioabundance.

One of the “Golden Rules” that SCC has said must be followed for any development to take place, is an INCREASE in the ecological value and biodiveristy of a site. These is going to be impossible, when you take a look at the current bioabundance value of the Horse Field.

Plants

  • Plants
  • Creeping thistle
  • Bramble
  • Creeping buttercup
  • Meadow buttercup
  • Broad-leaved dock
  • Dandelion
  • Common sorrel
  • Stinging nettl
  • Greater knapweed
  • Ribwort plantain
  • Lesser stitchwort
  • Great willowherb
  • Cow parsley
  • Cleaver
  • Bush vetch
  • Meadow vetchling
  • Herb Robert
  • Daisy
  • Greater bird’s foot trefoil
  • Wood speedwell
  • Ragwort
  • Rosebay willowherb
  • Wood avens
  • Common knapweed
  • Germander speedwell
  • Lady fern
  • Creeping Jenny
  • Lady’s smock
  • Wild garlic
  • Common hogweed
  • Enchanter’s nightshade
  • Common ivy
  • Lady’s mantle
  • Garlic mustard
  • White clover
  • Red clover
  • Ground ivy
  • Bluebell
  • Grasses
  • Meadow foxtail
  • Yorkshire fog
  • Cocksfoot
  • Timothy
  • Res fescue
  • Pendulous sedge
  • Trees
  • Hawthorn
  • Blackthorn
  • Ash
  • Sycamore
  • Holly
  • Oak
  • Aspen
  • Rowan
  • Hazel
  • Crab apple
  • Silver birch
  • Downy birch
  • Wych elm
  • Dogrose
  • Elder
  • Wild cherry
  • Birds
  • Song thrush
  • Mistle thrush
  • Blackbird
  • Dunnock
  • House sparrow
  • Robin
  • Wren
  • Chiffchaff
  • Blackcap
  • Garden warbler
  • Whitethroat
  • Jackdaw
  • Magpie
  • Jay
  • Carrion crow
  • Rook
  • Goldfinch
  • Chaffinch
  • Greenfinch
  • Bullfinch
  • Linnet
  • Woodpigeon
  • Blue tit
  • Great tit
  • Coal tit
  • Long-tailed tit
  • Nuthatch
  • Starling
  • Dipper
  • Grey wagtail
  • Barn owl
  • Tawny owl
  • Sparrowhawk
  • Mammals and insects
  • Hedgehog
  • Bats…
  • Butterflies
  • Peacock
  • Red admiral
  • Speckled wood
  • Orange tip
  • Small white
  • Odonata (dragonflies and damselflies)
  • Broad-bodied chaser
  • Large red damselfly

Grasses left uncut are essential for many butterflies and moths to compete their lifecycle. Stems and seed heads left uncut are important for many overwintering insects, and provide food for birds and small mammals. Thatch from uncut grass is important for voles and nesting bumblebees