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So You Think You Care About The Environment?. Peter Hancocks Senior Ecologist. So You Think You Care About The Environment? Of course you do!. So You Think You Care About The Environment?.
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So You Think You Care About The Environment? Peter Hancocks Senior Ecologist
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
So You Think You Care About The Environment? • 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.
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 • 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 Will consider in order of frequency of issues
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’
Birds All 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 fledged Prevent birds from nesting by netting area before the main bird nesting season begins
It is an offence to disturb Badgers whilst occupying a sett, or damage or block a Badger sett 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 (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 …but thin on the ground Rare, but highly protected
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