In 2014 Udall-Martin Associates were commissioned to carry out a range of ecological surveys comprising Extended Phase-1 habitat survey and bat surveys (bat scoping survey and bat dusk emergence surveys) of a former public sector organisation building in Herefordshire. An ecological assessment report was produced detailing the results of the ecology surveys and ecological mitigation measures, which will be used to support the planning application for a proposed residential development. The Extended Phase-1 habitat survey involved surveying the grounds and former garden area for notable habitats and any potential habitat for protected species such as badger, great crested newt, reptiles and Schedule 9 plant species such as Japanese knotweed and Himalayan balsam. The survey found bluebell on the site, which is a protected species. Limited potential habitat for badger was found.
The bat surveys comprised a bat scoping survey and two bat dusk emergence surveys of the buildings on the site. Evidence of pipistrelle bats was recorded during the bat scoping survey with common pipistrelle bats recorded emerging from the building during the bat emergence surveys. Further bat surveys in 2015 are recommended to ascertain whether a European Protected Species mitigation licence for bats will be required for the proposed development. Habitat creation and faunal species enhancements comprising bat roosting boxes and bird nesting boxes were recommended to provide biodiversity benefits for the project.
Udall-Martin Associates work throughout the UK and extensively in the West Midlands (Birmingham, Herefordshire, Shropshire, Staffordshire, Warwickshire and Worcestershire), East Midlands (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire, Leicestershire and Rutland), South West (Gloucestershire, Somerset, Dorset and Devon), South East (Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire) and throughout Wales
If you require an ecology surveys please contact Udall-Martin Associates Ltd for advice and quotations.