Conservation Projects Case Studies | Westminster Ecology Surveys

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Conservation projects

Black Sand Point (1,000 lizards)

Client: Pfizer

Date: 2008

This comprised the translocation of a large reptile population from a 16 hectare landfill site in Sandwich, Kent that needed to be recapped. The site was comprised of mostly grassland, with some scattered trees and scrub, and was bordered by the River Stour on three sides.

Translocation

Surveys revealed that the site contained a wide range of wildlife much of which was protected and therefore translocation of these important species was required before construction works could take place. A suitable site for relocating reptiles and other wildlife was found at a nearby nature reserve which had capacity for extra flora and fauna. Divided sedge, a priority species in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan, was also translocated along with a selection of orchids which, although not threatened, would enhance the receptor site.

Reptile capture

Common lizards were identified across the site and these were captured using reptile heat traps. The receptor site already had a small population of reptiles, and log piles were created to provide additional places for them to live and bask in. The animals were then carefully transferred from the original site. In total over 1,000 lizards were captured and successfully translocated, the receptor site will be monitored for the next 5 years to ensure they settle in properly.

Skylarks

Finally the site was also identified as being important for skylarks, linnets and dunnocks - all birds whose habitat is threatened in the UK. To ensure there were no impacts on them the clearance work took place outside of their breeding season. In the longer term the replanting plan will be designed to provide a species-rich grassland that they can thrive in.

River Lee

Client: Lee Valley Regional Park Authority

Date: 2007

The Ecology Consultancy was commissioned by the Lee Valley Regional Park Authority to provide a means of highlighting the optimum locations for biodiversity enhancements in the river corridor. Using GIS mapping we provided a complete overview of the river's characteristics in a manageable format which allowed the Park Authority to easily interpret the data.

Habitat features, including several categories of vegetation type, location of invasive species and information on protected species, were captured in separate GIS tables to enable the greatest flexibility in displaying and interpreting the data.

Expertise/Services

Mapping vegetation types and dominant species
Bank and channel morphology
Invasive species
Surveys for presence of and potential for protected or Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) species

Westminster Ecology Surveys

Client: City of Westminster

Date: 2007

The Ecology Consultancy was commissioned by London Conservation Services on behalf of the City of Westminster to undertake reptile, bat and bird surveys at 3 sites in north London: Mill Hill Cemetery, East Finchley Cemetery and Westbourne Green.

Surveys included an inspection of all trees to assess their potential to support roosting bats, a breeding bird survey and surveys for common lizards, slow worms, grass snakes and adders.

The surveys will be used as basis for enhancing habitat in the future.

The information from this conservation project contributes to the data which is collected for the London Biodiversity Action Plan with the aim of wider enhancements to London parks.

Expertise/Services

Extended Phase 1 habitat survey
Bat surveys
Breeding bird surveys
Reptile surveys
Recommendations for management and enhancement, including the opportunity to create new BAP habitats