During the preparation of an area of urban wasteland for development, water voles were found to inhabit the site. This case is slightly unusual as the water voles currently inhabit an area of flat marsh that is unconnected to a water course and lacking suitable banks for burrowing. As mitigation for the development, part of the site was set aside for habitat enhancement. The objective was to raise the water level slightly, construct some open water pools and some banks for the voles to burrow into. The raised water level would ensure the site stayed wet throughout the summer with the new burrows remaining dry year-round even in the winter floods. In order to manage any potential contamination from water run-off from the future building and associated hard-standings and car parks, a separate small wetland filter-bed was created.
Services provided
Design of mitigation plans. Careful preparation of the site and supervision of landscape contractors. Installation of two concrete dams. Wetland plant supply and planting of new pools. Building a dam to create a the water vole habitat
Ecological Contracting
Ground works and landscaping for wildlife and mitigation.
Wildlife Fencing
Habitat isolation for amphibians and reptiles.
River Engineering
Flood prevention and management, level and flow control, bank reprofiling and channel realignment.
Erosion Control
Bank strengthening and revetment to combat erosion.
Wetland Design & Build
Design, construction and management of wetlands.
Reeds & Reedbed Construction
Design, construction and planting reedbeds. Suppliers of reeds.
