Project: Vegetation Management along the Banks of Two Sections of Brook in Derby

Client: Derby City Council

November 2008

Background

Derby City Council were planning vegetation management along the banks of two sections of a brook in Derby. EMEC Ecology were contacted to carry out habitat surveys and water vole surveys at both sites. From a desk study it was shown that historical records of water vole occured for the brook.

Ecological Surveys Undertaken

EMEC Ecology carried out a desk study, an ecological walk-over survey and a water vole survey at each site. Although no evidence of water vole was found, the habitat was considered suitable. Habitat suitable for roosting bats, white-clawed crayfish and nesting birds was also found. Additionally, the highly invasive Japanese knotweed and Himalayan balsam were also recorded.

Mitigation

Although no evidence of water vole was found, EMEC Ecology recommended methods to enhance the habitats for faunal species, including water vole. It was also recommended that a maintenance plan was drawn up in order to ensure the habitats remained suitable for potential colonisation by water vole. It was also recommended that a further water vole survey was carried out immediately prior to the works in order to ensure there had been no colonisation by this species.

A clearance programme for Himalayan balsam was detailed and advice was provided for the removal of Japanese knotweed and the long-term strategies to reduce the chances of dominance by these species.

A further bat survey of a tree was recommended as features suitable for roosting bats were noted. It was also recommended that vegetation clearance was timed to avoid the bird nesting season or that a nesting bird survey was carried out.

Although the habitats within the areas to be affected were not considered suitable for white-clawed crayfish, the habitats downstream were considered suitable. Therefore, a precautionary approach to works was recommended. This included the temporary placement of hay bails and wood baffle boards to stop heavy silt loading downstream.

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