Mexborough Power Station, Phase 1 Habitat Survey
The increased recognition of the value of natural habitats has been a main theme of our work over the past 20 years. We are involved at both ends of the spectrum, initially as scientists carrying out surveys to record species present on a very wide range of sites. Then as expert advisors, recommending which species can be protected during development, and which can be translocated to new habitats. Finally as designers of the new habitat types.
We have developed method statements for transferring delicate soils from moorland heath, coastal SSSIs, lifting woodland soils along with all the soil flora and fauna and replacing within newly created woodlands, and stripping aquatic vegetation from ponds and ditches to kick-start new ponds into life.
In the course of this work we have moved colonies of natterjack toads and greater crested newts, protected badgers and bats, created new habitat for lizards, conserved nesting sites for woodpeckers and owls, and helped our clients to attract and retain interesting wildlife in gardens, commercial and industrial sites, and nature reserves.
We understand the practicalities of major projects, and can advise at an early stage on the feasibility of habitat protection and transfer. Nature conservation is potentially very cost effective as a landscape solution.
Our Services
Ecological Phase 1 Habitat Survey to NJCC Guidelines. Baseline Ecological Assessment to IEA Guidelines Ecological Impact Assessment Landscape and Wildlife Mitigation Schemes Invasive Species Survey Ecological Management Plan
Selected Projects
Habitat creation for Natterjack toads, with NCC and British Herpetological Society in West Cumbria. This required an assessment of the existing habitat, transfer of vegetation and soils and creating new breeding ponds. Coastal dune stabilisation, West Cumbria. Wildlife habitat creation, nature study centre and interpretation trail, Drax, North Yorkshire. Steel Valley Walk, Stocksbridge, schools involvement, Community Woodlands Officer appointment. Wildflower meadows were created with the help of local children. Woodland planting for screening and nature conservation. Phase 1 habitat surveys and ecological improvement schemes. Preparation of a 25 year Environmental Audit of all habitats on Heriot-Watt University’s Riccarton campus. This incorporated studies of birds and aquatic fauna by others, and was published as a Wildlife Report by the University in 1998. New ponds and meadows for the West Student Village at Heriot Watt University. Invasive species survey for Giant Hogweed, Japanese Knotweed, Himalayan Balsam and Method Statement for remediation River Thames Japanese Knotweed eradication, retired flood defence scheme, habitat creation of Willow Carr Ecological Surveys and Mitigation Proposals for River Sheaf development sites in Sheffield National Vegetation Classification for recreational grassland on urban fringe Rotherham