Botanical Survey, Great Bricett Business Park
After an initial site visit during winter 2016/2017 to carry out a Preliminary Ecological Appraisal, Castle Hill Ecology was further commissioned to conduct a detailed botanical survey after the discovery of several rosettes of bee orchid Ophrys apifera. During the botanical survey, which took place in the peak flowering period for this species, several hundred flower spikes were counted in a few specific areas within the site.
In light of the presence of such high numbers of bee orchid, a management plan was designed to ensure that the orchids and their habitat were left undisturbed, and incorporated within the scheme design as areas of semi-improved grassland road verges and a wildflower meadow around an existing pond, to be a focal point of wildlife interest within the proposed small residential development.
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Preliminary Ecological Appraisal, Willingham
A Preliminary Ecological Appraisal was carried out in spring 2017 to support a planning application for the construction of two new residential properties. Further to recommendations made within the report, Castle Hill Ecology undertook a reptile survey and bat emergence/re-entry surveys at the site to provide additional supporting information and to inform a working method statement.
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Residential development, Shopwyke Lakes, Chichester – Hanbury Properties Ltd
After carrying out a nesting bird site walk-over in July 2015 for soil stabilisation company Geofirma, Castle Hill Ecology was commissioned by Hanbury Properties Ltd to write a plan for the management of invasive aquatic plant species found within a waterbody within the site’s dedicated nature area. To support recommendations within the management plan, an aquatic and riparian vegetation survey was undertaken to better understand any potential impacts as a result of any future management works.
Further to a site visit and the progression of site works late summer 2015, we were also commissioned to complete a small-scale reptile relocation programme, to supervise destructive habitat searches in relation to reptiles, and to act as an Ecological Clerk of Works.
During 2016 and 2017 additional site visits were made to advise on mitigation measures prior to the re-profiling of the nature area, carry out ground level tree assessments and breeding bird checks, and to update habitat management plans for the post-construction phase after alterations to the landscape design.
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GCN Habitat Assessment, Little Downham
Castle Hill Ecology was commissioned in late summer 2016 to carry out a terrestrial habitat assessment for great crested newt, to support an application for a new residential property. Survey data collected went on to inform a working method statement and habitat enhancement measures, including managing the existing grasslands to improve wildflower diversity.
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Bat Activity Surveys, Rutland
To provide supporting ecological information for a proposed extension at a private residential property, Castle Hill Ecology undertook a detailed building inspection and subsequent emergence surveys in summer 2016 to determine the presence of roosting bats. The survey work then informed a working method statement to be implemented for the construction phase of the project.
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Property extension, Ely
Castle Hill Ecology was commissioned in spring 2016 to undertake surveys for great crested newt at a private residential property and to produce a mitigation strategy and a working method statement for the construction phase of the project. In addition to the mitigation strategy, habitat enhancement measures were implemented to improve on-site and surrounding habitats for this species.