Mitigation and Enhancement Measures

Habitat Creation

EMEC Ecology are able to offer advice on all aspects of habitat creation. Habitat creation may be required as part of mitigation for protected species, such as reptiles or great crested newts, or it may be required in order to gain additional credits as part of a BREEAM or Code for Sustainable Homes assessment.

Habitat for Protected Species

If an initial protected species survey finds evidence of protected species, EMEC Ecology can assist in the design and creation of features suitable for this species. EMEC Ecology has been involved in the design and creation of an artificial badger sett in Nottingham city centre. EMEC Ecology have also been involved in the design and creation of numerous bat roosting sites, including heated bat lofts in Nottinghamshire and the creation of bat lofts suitable for brown long-eared bats in Leicestershire and Derbyshire. EMEC Ecology have also designed and constructed an artificial otter holt at a site in Newark-on-Trent in Nottinghamshire as part of a European Protected Species (EPS) licence.

BREEAM / Code for Sustainable Homes (CSH)

As part of the BREEAM and CSH assessments, credits are awarded to developments that result in no net loss of biodiversity across the site. This is measured as the average number of floral species per metre squared. Additional credits can be gained by demonstrating an increase in the number of floral species per metre squared across the site. Frequently, this will require the planting of additional species, in compensation for the area lost to development. It may require the creation of an entirely new habitat. EMEC Ecology can provide advice on achievable ways of gaining these credits through a BREEAM or CSH assessment and can offer suggestions as to appropriate seed mixes. EMEC Ecology can also give guidance as to the future management of the habitat in order to ensure it is maintained within the site. This may also result in additional credits as part of the BREEAM or CSH surveys.

Pond Creation

EMEC Ecology have been involved in the design of several ponds, either as part of a mitigation strategy for great crested newts or as part of habitat enhancements. Our staff have also constructed ponds specifically for great crested newt populations. We can also provide costings for pond construction, enhancements and planting. We can recommend appropriate planting strategies for the pond, designed on a site specific basis, and may offer advice on features to enhance the pond for protected / notable species.

Recent Mitigation and Enhancement Projects Undertaken by EMEC Ecology

Pond Enhancements - Nottinghamshire / Leicestershire border

EMEC Ecology recently undertook enhancement works to a shaded pond. The works involved clearing trees and scrub surrounding the pond to allow more light to reach the pond and promote aquatic flora. Further works are proposed at the site to deepen the pond and undertake planting of the margins.

Bat Boxes - Kimberley Cutting, Nottinghamshire

EMEC Ecology undertook a bat survey of the bridge across the Kimberley railway cutting in Nottinghamshire. A small bat roost was recorded and works timed to be carried out when the roost was not in use. Mitigation involved retaining features and constructing new roosting sites within the brickwork of the bridge. In addition, bat boxes were fixed to trees in the vicinity of the bridge.