Winslow, Buckinghamshire

Extended Phase I, Preliminary Bat and Bat Emergence Surveys: A joint Extended Phase I survey and Preliminary Bat was carried out for this site with a large Edwardian House that was proposed to be extended. The survey identified a bat roost, with a subsequent dusk and dawn bat survey determining a Common Pipistrelle and a Whiskered/Brandts/Alcathoe bat roost in the roof. A mitigation package was developed and agreed with the Local Authority Ecologist to allow the extension to be built without an EPSL, as the roosts were not being destroyed.

Wotton-under-Edge, Gloucestershire

Extended Phase I, Reptile, Preliminary Bat, Bat Emergence Surveys and a European Protected Species Licence: A disused factory site was subject to a Phase I survey, which identified reptiles and bats as likely to be present. The reptile survey showed a good population of Slow Worms and a low population of Grass Snakes, allowing a mitigation package to be developed to preserve them on the site. The bat surveys located three minor Lesser Horseshoe bat roosts and two minor common Pipistrelle roosts on the site, leading to a full mitigation package with two replacement roosts as part of a European Protected Species Licence.

Yate, Gloucestershire

Extended Phase I, Reptile and Bat Activity Survey: The Extended Phase I Survey Identified Reptiles and Bats as possible constraints to the site. A full Reptile Survey across the summer and autumn proved likely absence of reptiles. The Bat Activity Surveys identified the adjacent lake as an important foraging area for Daubenton's, Natterer's and Pipistrelle bats, as was the southern hedge and tree-line, also used by commuting bats. A full mitigation package was developed and agreed with the Local Planning Authority.

Heyford, Oxfordshire

Extended Phase I Survey and Great Crested Newt Habitat Suitability Index Assessment and method statement: An Extended Phase I survey was carried out, including HSI assessments of adjacent ponds. This concluded that GCNs were present in the area, but the small scale of the development on an area not identified as GCN habitat did not require a licence and could proceed under a method statement agreed with the Local Planning Authority.

Rowney Green, Worcestershire

Extended Phase I Survey and Great Crested Newt Method Statement: An Extended Phase I Survey of this greenfield site identified a number of semi-improved grassland fields and a local population of Great Crested Newts. A method statement was developed to allow the low impact development of some gallops to proceed, with mitigation designed to enhance the ponds for Great Crested Newts.

Studley, Warwickshire

Extended Phase I Survey and Hedgerow Assessment: The site was subject to a change of use from agricultural to industrial storage, which required an Extended Phase I Survey to identify any ecologically important features on the site to inform the planning decision. A new entrance way was also required, which would breach a hedge, therefore the Local Authority required a hedgerow assessment and provide a mitigation plan.

Brierly Hill, West Midlands

Extended Phase I Survey, Badger Survey, Reptile Survey and Bat Activity Survey: This site is a former factory next to a Site of Nature Conservation Interest that is proposed to be developed for housing. Badgers were identified on the site with a large main sett and annex setts identified and mapped out. An Extended Phase I Survey identified the need for a reptile and bat activity survey of the site to gauge likely use. These confirmed limited use by bats and no reptiles present, while a full mitigation plan was developed for Badgers and agreed with the Local Planning Authority and Natural England to allow the development to proceed and the Badgers to continue using the site.

Wroughton, Wiltshire

Extended Phase I Survey and Preliminary Bat Survey: A burnt out bungalow and its associated field was subject to an Extended Phase I and Preliminary Bat Survey that determined that bats were unlikely to roost in the building. Habitat enhancements were put forward to allow part of the site to be used as a camp site, whilst the rest was managed to restore and extend the chalk grassland in the local area.

Swindon, Wiltshire

Extended Phase I Survey and Preliminary Bat Survey: This site in the suburbs of Swindon was a pair of Victorian semi-detached houses in their own gardens. This was to be developed as affordable housing, so an Extended Phase I Survey and Preliminary Bat Survey was required to inform the mitigation required and the planning decision of the Local Authority.

Silverstone, Northamptonshire

Extended Phase I Habitat Survey: This site on the border of Northamptonshire and Bedfordshire was situated in a rural setting with large areas of woodland connected by hedgerows. The survey was in support of a planning application for a 2.4 ha development on a greenfield site that required a change of land use.

Swindon, Wiltshire

Phase I Habitat Survey: A brownfield site in Swindon was to be redeveloped for affordable housing. The study was commissioned to support the planning application and to form the basis for the ecological section of a Code for Sustainable Homes Assessment.

Crudwell, Wiltshire

Phase I Survey and Bat Activity Survey: This farm was surveyed for its wildlife potential for a Higher Level Stewardship Scheme. Subsequently a bat activity survey was undertaken to identify the bat species using the site.

If you have any questions or would like more information on the above, please call Principal Ecologist Mark Satinet on 01993 864 958 or email info@4acreecology.co.uk.