Udall-Martin Associates were commissioned to carry out a range of ecology surveys comprising Extended Phase-1 habitat survey, bat surveys (bat scoping survey, bat dusk emergence surveys and bat activity surveys), reptile surveys and a water vole survey of a former public sector organisation site in Dudley, West Midlands. An ecological assessment report, reptile survey report, bat survey report and water vole report were produced detailing the results of the ecological surveys and ecological mitigation measures, which will be used to support the planning application for a proposed residential development. Badger surveys and breeding bird surveys are to be carried out in 2015.
The Extended Phase-1 habitat survey involved surveying the grounds 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. Part of a statutory nature conservation site and two non-statutory nature conservation sites occur within the survey site. Notable habitats recorded on the site were acid grassland, semi-natural broadleaved woodland, including wet woodland and possibly ancient woodland, stream and ponds. No roosting bats were recorded in the buildings on the site. A European Protected Species mitigation licence for bats will not be required for the proposed residential development at this stage. Habitat creation (including species-rich hedgerows, wildlife grassland and wildlife ponds) 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 advice on ecological surveys please contact Udall-Martin Associates Ltd for advice and quotations.