Major Infrastructure

The Ecology Consultancy has been engaged in great crested newt mitigation for four years on the motorway widening scheme for sections of the M25, working alongside contractor Skanska Balfour Beatty JV. Some of the widening required attenuation ponds to be dug to alleviate flooding on the road. These ponds have proved valuable for great crested newt mitigation work and have developed a healthy ecology in their own right.

The infrastructure work was divided into sections. At Section 4b (a three mile stretch between Junctions 28 and 29) common darter dragonflies have been recorded, as well as meadow pipits feeding in the surrounding meadow. Many species of invertebrates were also found to be abundant in an additional, small naturally created pond.

One of the attenuation ponds has already established a mature ecosystem, with great reed-mace starting to form a dense stand surrounding the permanent water. Grey heron, common snipe and pied wagtail have been seen feeding in the shallow water. These ponds and surrounding areas are now providing superb wildlife habitat of much higher value than the grazed, improved grassland that was previously there. Great crested newts are able to thrive in these created wet areas and have been recorded in high numbers.

A further section, Section 4a (a 5.3 mile stretch between Junctions 27 and 28), attained a CEEQUAL Award. The Ecology Consultancy contributed to the ecology and biodiversity chapter of the Assessment. This is a very positive outcome for biodiversity and the widening works.