ESL - Ecological ServicesTo design and build a mitigation area for a great crested newt population by providing two ponds to replace one being lost and associated terrestrial habitat, so that trapping and translocation under licence could be started within a restricted timescale.
A small colony of great crested newts in two separate ponds, neither of them ideal, was known to be present on the site of a small scale residential development. In order for the development to proceed, one pond and some terrestrial habitat would be lost, necessitating the need to create a completely new habitat in which to move the animals. With Natural England requiring ‘two for one’ replacement for the pond lost and a tight development schedule, a rapid response to the design, translocation and follow on management was vital.
The solution was to create new ponds and hibernacula in an area of over-grazed improved grassland and to enhance the remaining pond to ensure an optimal habitat for the animals. To help minimise cost the ponds were constructed using puddled clay extracted from another site owned by the building company and turfs removed from the construction site were re-laid over topsoil around them and elsewhere within the compensation area.
In order to establish vegetation in and around the pond as quickly as possible locally abundant native species found on the site were used to supplement plants sourced with a local provenance. In addition, the fertility of the grassland needed to be lowered following a period of sustained agricultural improvement and this was achieved by cutting and baling the arisings, which were then sent to a local composting site.
3000 sq m of new habitat was created taking only six months for the planting scheme to produce a successful substitute for the area being lost. Two hibernacula were constructed to provide hibernation opportunities for amphibians. With grazing pressure removed and the vegetation cut in late summer, the grassland is developing a tussocky sward with crevices for amphibians to shelter and improved foraging opportunities. In addition, a new hedge planted along the northern boundary provides a connecting corridor across the site.
The great crested newts were translocated under licence and monitoring of the project continues to ensure that the population is viable at the new habitat.
Think we can help you? Contact us to find out,
on 01522 539325 or (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
