Download - Www.adas.co.uk So You Think You Care About The Environment? Peter Hancocks Senior Ecologist
www.adas.co.uk
So You Think You Care About The
Environment?Peter Hancocks
Senior Ecologist
www.adas.co.uk
So You Think You Care About The
Environment?Of course you do!
So You Think You Care About The Environment?
I specialise in wildlife surveys and mitigation strategies and manage all the ecology work ADAS carries out for SSE. I also work for other DNO’s, including WPD and UKPN
A brief look at some of the key environmental issues (with an emphasis on protected species) that affect vegetation management and an exploration of a range of potential solutions.
So You Think You Care About The Environment?
Vegetation Management and Ecology
Legislation Specific protected species incl. survey
timings and methods Solutions Shelf-life of reports
Why Do We Need to Consider Ecological Issues?
Legislation Personal and Company Accountability Customer Expectations Profile/Reputation Future Business
Legislation The potential presence
of protected sites or protected species on a site, should be considered
Prosecutions can result Not everyone
understands the law!
Legislation / Duties
Pests Act 1954 Forestry Act 1967 (Felling Licence) Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) Town & Country Planning Act 1990 (TPOs) Planning (Listed Building & Conservation Areas) Act 1990 Protection of Badgers Act 1992 Hedgerows Regulations 1997 CROW Act 2000 Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006
(sites) Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010 Biodiversity Action Plan Habitats and Species
‘The Birds and the Bees’….and the Trees….
Generally, with the exception of hedges, no habitats are protected per-se
Many are BAP habitats
Some sites are protected
Protected Sites
Protected Sites
Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI’s) – for habitats and species
Special Areas of Conservation (SAC’s) – for habitats and species
Special Protection Areas (SPA’s) – for birds
SINC’s/LWS’s
Protected Sites
Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI’s) – for habitats and species
- NB linear SSSI’s in the New Forest – they’re under transmission lines!
Protected Sites
MAGIC http://magic.defra.gov.uk/ Nature on the Map
http://www.natureonthemap.naturalengland.org.uk/
CCW http://www.ccw.gov.uk/interactive-maps/protected-sites-map.aspx
SNH http://www.snh.gov.uk/protecting-scotlands-nature/protected-areas/
NIEA http://maps.ehsni.gov.uk/naturalheritage/default.aspx
Protected Sites
Prepare Method Statement and seek assent or agreement from the relevant statutory authority
‘The Birds and the Bees’!
Most wildlife species are protected
‘The Birds and the Bees’!
Most wildlife species are protected
Some are rare or uncommon
‘The Birds and the Bees’!
Most wildlife species are protected
Some are rare or uncommon
Others are common or even abundant in at least some places
Finding them…..
Landowner Information – unreliable Contractor Surveys/Walkovers/Look-sees EcoCheckTM Surveys – overview of the site and
issues Protected Species Surveys – specialist surveys for
identified species. (Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey and Protected
Species Assessment – for submission with a Planning Application)
Species and Solutions
Species and Solutions
Will consider in order of frequency of issues
Birds
Birds
Birds nest in scrub, hedges, trees, ruderal vegetation, short crops, bare ground – anywhere…
Birds
All bird nests are protected whilst they are occupied or being built
Birds
All bird nests are protected whilst they are occupied or being built – even ‘pest species’
BirdsAll bird nests are protected whilst they are occupied or being built – even ‘pest species’.
Some birds, such as Barn Owl, Peregrine, Kingfisher & Cetti’s Warbler, are specially protected whilst they are nesting (Schedule 1).
Nesting Birds – what to do Schedule 1 species –
get out of there!
Nesting Birds – what to do Schedule 1 species –
get out of there!
Others:- Prevent nesting Inspect, keep working
but don’t destroy the nest, however best to avoid the immediate area, seek advice, wait until young have fledgedPrevent birds from nesting by
netting area before the main bird nesting season begins
Very common in many parts of the UK
Badgers
It is an offence to disturb Badgers
whilst occupying a sett, or damage or block a Badger sett
Badgers
Disturbance licenses used to be required
Badgers
…but Badgers are very tolerant of
disturbance
Badgers
…but Badgers are very tolerant of
disturbance
Badgers
In England, disturbance licenses now rarely required
due to recent NE guidelines
Badgers
Identify and document
Badgers – what to do
Cart away from sett
Badgers – what to do
Cart away from settChip away from sett
Badgers
Cart away from settChip away from sett
(both avoid disturbance and
blocking)
Badgers
Leave tidy
Badgers
Seek advice if in
any doubt
Badgers
Badgers – summary
Survey and document Modify works to avoid sett damage or Badger
disturbance If sett damage likely - undertake works under licence
(1 July – 30 Nov)
Hazel Dormouse
Generally rare
Hazel Dormouse
Widespread
Hazel Dormouse
Rare, but highly protected
…but thin on the ground
Hazel Dormouse Dormice and their
nests are specially protected (European Protected Species)
Dormouse Surveying
Only two affective methods:• Searching for Hazel nut shells
Dormouse Surveying
Only two affective methods:• Searching for Hazel nut shells• Nest Tubes – preferred method
Dormice – what to do Assessment/Survey
Dormice – what to do Assessment/Survey Work under Method
Statement – timing critical – winter best – not Jun to mid-Aug
Dormice – what to do Assessment/Survey Undertake works under
licence Justification for works
(Reasoned Statement of Application)
Onerous conditions (maintenance of habitat)
Work under supervision
Bats 17-18 UK species of
bat Widespread and
generally increasing in numbers
Where do you find bats?
Trees (Buildings, other structures
such as bridges, culverts and wells, and caves)
Bats
Bats and their roost sits are specially protected (European Protected Species)
Bats – what to do Survey (licensed worker)
Bats – what to do Survey (licensed worker) Work under Method Statement
– timing critical – avoid late-spring to late-summer
STOP WORK if found
Bats – what to do Survey (licensed worker) Work under Method Statement
– timing critical – avoid late-spring to late-summer
Undertake works under licence Justification for works –
must be no reasonable alternative (Reasoned Statement of Application)
Strict terms, timing, provision of alternative roost(s).
Work under supervision
Reptiles
All snakes and lizards are protected from ‘intentional’ harm or destruction
Be aware
Allow to escape
Survey & remove – only if necessary
Reptiles – what to do
Great Crested Newts
GCNs and their breeding and sheltering habitats are specially protected (European Protected Species)
• Assess the situation
• Avoid impact
• Work under Method Statement
• Work under licence
Great Crested Newts – what to do
Otters Otters and their
holts are specially protected (European Protected Species)
Otters - what to do
Be aware Survey Work under Method
Statement Undertake works under
licence
Water Voles
Water Voles are fully protected. It is illegal to: intentionally or recklessly, injure
or take a Water Vole damage or destroy or obstruct
access to any structure or place which Water Voles use for shelter or protection
Disturb Water Voles while they are using such a place
Water Voles - what to do Be aware Survey Modify works to avoid risk of breach of legislation Work under Method Statement There is no clear ground for a licence to be granted
for commercial operations (it is likely that works can proceed with agreement from NE/EA) -
Justification for works Availability of suitable alternative habitat Work under supervision
Reliance on the legal defence ‘the incidental result of a lawful operation that could not be reasonably avoided’ should not be relied upon.
Survey Periods
Breeding birds – nesting season usually March to August inc.
Badgers – November to May is best Bats – April to September for activity Dormice – March to October Reptiles – April, May and September are best Great Crested Newts – adults in ponds from mid-
March to mid-June, peak mid April to mid-May Otters – November to May is best Water Voles – April and May are best
Protected Species Summary
Should conduct site inspection – cannot rely on word-of-mouth, record office data, internet or published info., or site designations
Protected Species Summary
Should conduct site inspection – cannot rely on word-of-mouth, record office data, internet or published info., or site designations
If required, survey as soon as possible
Protected Species Summary
Should conduct site inspection – cannot rely on word-of-mouth, record office data, internet or published info., or site designations
If required, survey as soon as possible Read reports fully, understand the
implications and act on the recommendations
Protected Species Summary
Should conduct site inspection – cannot rely on word-of-mouth, record office data, internet or published info., or site designations
If required, survey as soon as possible Read reports fully, understand the
implications and act on the recommendations Seek environmental training
Shelf-life of Ecology Reports
Valid on day surveyed c.f. an MOT certificate
Shelf-life or Reports
Valid on day surveyed c.f. an MOT certificate
Shelf-life depends on species and findings
No Badgers – could easily move in No Dormice – unlikely to move in Water Voles present – could disappear
In conclusion
Plan ahead – examine site as early as possible – if required request surveys as soon as possible
Read reports and recommendations and act on them
Avoid/minimise the impact Avoid having to translocate Timing is everything! Seek training
QUESTIONS