Crestwood
Autumn 2013 Newsletter
environmental
Winter Ecology Works
With Winter now upon us, the main ecological
survey season for numerous species has passed.
However, it is still possible to undertake several
different types of survey during the Winter
months in order to prevent any delays to projects.
Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey
Extended Phase 1 Habitat Surveys can still be
carried out during the Winter period as the
potential presence of many protected species can
still be determined at this time of year.
An Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey will assess
the site for the potential presence of protected
species and habitats. By carrying out an Extended
Phase 1 Habitat Survey prior to submitting a
planning application, delays as a result of
insufficient ecological evidence can usually be
avoided by identifying ecological constraints at
the earliest opportunity.
Habitat Suitability Assessments for Bats
Although the season for bat activity surveys is
now over, it is still possible to assess any trees,
buildings or other structures for their potential to
support roosting bats. By carrying out an
assessment of any trees/buildings/structures at
the earliest possible stage, constraints to
development which may be caused by bats can
be planned for in advance, potentially avoiding
planning issues later on in the planning process.
Great Crested Newt Habitat Suitability Index
(HSI)
Great Crested Newts are currently in hibernation,
however it is still possible to assess aquatic and
terrestrial habitats for their suitability to support
Great Crested Newt populations. Assessments
such as the Habitat Suitability Index (HSI) can still
be carried out on ponds in order to give an
indication of the suitability of the pond for Great
Crested Newts. The HSI is more accurate during
the Spring/Summer, as with any assessment
which uses vegetation; however it will still be
able to give an indication as to whether or not a
pond will require further survey for this species.
Terrestrial habitats can also be assessed for
suitability to support Great Crested Newts. Our
ecologists will be able to provide you with an
assessment of terrestrial habitat, indicating its
suitability on a ‘Low-High’ basis.
Wintering Birds
Wintering bird surveys assess which bird species
use a site over Winter and makes observations on
the species density, distribution and status of the
birds present. Some sites may be of particular
importance to wintering birds by supporting
populations or individuals of rare species.
At CEL, our ecologists are able to assess sites for
their wintering bird populations, and provide a
report which details the survey results, and also
highlights any recommendations in light of the
findings.
Ecology Assessments for BREEAM and Code for
Sustainable Homes (CSH)
We are able to provide ecological reports for
BREEAM and Code for Sustainable Homes
assessments. The ecological aspects of these
assessments determines the ecological value of
the area before and after the development, and
takes into consideration aspects such as current
ecological value of the site, protection of
ecological features and opportunities for
ecological enhancement.
At CEL, we also have a team of landscape
architects. By combining the expertise of both
our ecologists and landscape architects, we are
able to maximise the points available to a
developer by combining ecological knowledge
with landscape inputs such as planting schemes.
Other Ecological Surveys:
?
Arboricultural Surveys
?
Badger Surveys
?
Dormouse Nut Searches
?
Otter Surveys
For more information about any of our ecological surveys, or to request a quote for our ecological services, please contact
Lucy Cash or Karl Jones.
T: +44 (0)1902 824037 F: +44 (0)1902 824036 E: [email protected] W: crestwoodenvironmental.co.uk