HEL are currently looking to recruit ornithological and reptile surveyors to work on a large-scale project. Please see the about us page for details of the posts.
CSCS Qualified
All HEL staff now hold a CSCS (Construction Skills Certification Scheme) white card. This demonstrates our knowledge of safe working practices on construction sites and provides clients with the assurance that we work to the highest health and safety standards.
HEL undertakes a range of vegetation and flora surveys, as detailed below. These are undertaken for a number of reasons, including as part of the ecological impact assessment process for proposed developments, to provide information for site owners, to inform on site condition and as part of environmental management plans.
Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey HEL uses an extended version of the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) Phase 1 Habitat Survey to identify and classify habitat types. Habitats are mapped and detailed target notes made of any features of interest.
These target notes can be tailored to the client’s requirements, with particular species/features highlighted as required. Digital maps are produced to illustrate the extent and location of different habitat types.
Case Study: Borrow Pit Planning Applications
HEL undertook extended Phase 1 Habitat Surveys at the request of Scottish & Southern Energy in relation to a series of proposed borrow pit sites across Scotland. The study sites included the proposed borrow pit locations and appropriate disturbance zones around each location. A variety of habitat types were recorded and the results of these surveys have been vital in evaluating the vegetation resource of each site and informing on appropriate mitigation measures.
National Vegetation Classification (NVC) Survey
A National Vegetation Classification (NVC) survey provides greater detail than a Phase 1 Habitat Survey and is usually undertaken when more information about important habitats/vegetation is required. Vegetation communities are classified according to British Plant Communities: Volumes 1-5 (Rodwell, et seq.). HEL’s team of vegetation specialists undertake NVC surveys in any natural or semi-natural habitat within the UK. Digital maps and extensive target notes are produced to illustrate the extent and location of vegetation communities.
Case Study: Isle of Rům NVC Survey
Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) commissioned HEL to undertake a NVC survey of the Isle of Rům Special Area for Conservation (SPA). Fieldwork was undertaken during the 1997 and 1998 field seasons and resulted in the entire Isle of Rům (~10,800ha) being surveyed. The survey recorded 35 separate vegetation communities ranging from Nardus stricta – Galium saxatile grasslands (U5) to Stellaria media – Rumex acetosa seabird cliff communities (MC7). This survey has provided important information on the vegetation communities found on the Isle of Rům and helped inform subsequent management decisions.
Habitat Condition Assessment HEL is able to undertake habitat condition assessments of any site within the UK. Please contact us to discuss your requirements.
Case Study: Isle of Rům Habitat Condition Assessment
HEL was commissioned to undertake a habitat condition assessment of the Isle of Rům concurrently with the NVC survey detailed above. Using a methodology based upon guidance from SNH, HEL described the ‘current state’ of each NVC community and provided a measure of the intensity of land-use impact.
We offer both general protected mammal surveys and species specific surveys relevant to your project. HEL can provide advice and surveys for the following protected mammals; badger, otter, pine marten, red squirrel, water vole and wildcat. Information on bat surveys can be found on the bat survey page. Surveys for Biodiversity Action Plan species (e.g. brown hare and West European hedgehog) can also be undertaken.
HEL’s initial protected mammal surveys consist of an experienced mammal surveyor systematically surveying the development site. All evidence of protected species is recorded and mapped.
In the past, further protected species work for the client has included: appropriate mitigation measures, including badger and/or European Protected Species licence applications; monitoring via remote a cameras; exclusion and destruction of setts and places of shelter; construction of artificial setts and places of shelter; setting up exclusion zones and the provision of an ecological clerk of works to design and oversee appropriate mitigation measures.
Case Study – Annan to Gretna Railway Line Re-doubling
In 2007 HEL was commissioned by Carillion Plc to undertake an update protected mammal survey for the re-doubling of the Annan to Gretna railway line. This project focussed on surveying for badger activity, noted in the previous survey, along the railway line and surrounding area. Extensive evidence of badger was recorded along the railway line in the form of a series of setts, paths and latrines.
A licence was secured from SNH to exclude and destroy 5 holes (within annexe setts) to allow construction works to proceed (it had been demonstrated in the licence application process that this would have no significant residual effects on the badger clan using these holes). Badger fencing was erected in certain areas to exclude badger from returning to annexe setts that were to be destroyed. Barrier fencing was also erected between the works and the main sett to minimise disturbance to badgers and to ensure no work took place beyond the barrier fence screen.
The Annan to Gretna line re-doubling has been a success and disturbance to badger was minimal due to the careful design and mitigation of this project. Monitoring of badger during and following works showed no significant residual effects arising from the development.
British bats and their roosts are protected under UK and European law, and any planned activity in Scotland, which may affect them, requires prior consultation with Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH). HEL have extensive experience in the survey and assessment of bats as well as undertaking applications to the licensing body, the Rural Directorate at the Scottish Government (RDSG).
Roost Emergence/Return Surveys Bat roost emergence/return surveys are carried out on trees, buildings and structures that have the potential to support bat roosts. Surveyors record points of emergence/return and use bat detectors and Anabat recorders to confirm bat species present.
Internal and External Building Surveys All buildings within a development site are assessed for their potential to provide bat roosts, both internally and externally. All buildings with suitability for bat roosts will be subject to roost emergence/return surveys.
Tree Roost Inspection All Scottish bats will roost in trees to some degree. Therefore a survey of trees that are to be affected by a development is essential. Where considered necessary, trees will be climbed (by qualified tree climbers) and inspected with the use of an endoscope.
Activity Surveys Bat activity surveys are undertaken to determine the use of a site by foraging and commuting bats.
Wind Farm Surveys Using up-to-date guidelines HEL has devised a wind farm bat activity survey method. This involves experienced bat surveyors following a transect route through the proposed site using bat detectors and Anabat recorders to identify bats utilising the site. Bat activity surveys are also carried out at height using an Anabat recorder attached to a balloon, to determine whether any high flying bat species are present and to inform on any appropriate mitigation (e.g siting of turbines)
Remote Surveys HEL has undertaken remote surveys to detect the presence of bats. This is particularly useful for potential winter sites where an Anabat recorder can be left for long periods of time and recorded data can be analysed later.
Case Study: Bertram House
HEL was requested to undertake a bat survey of Bertram House, a large country house that was to be converted into residential flats. Five bat roosts were identified within the roof space and a Bat Protection Plan was produced to advise on mitigation requirements.
A licence was gained from the RDSG to temporarily exclude bats from the roost that was being utilised and to destroy the remaining four inactive roosts during renovation (it was demonstrated in the licence application process that this would result in no significant residual effects on the bats’ conservation status).
The exclusion was successful and the roof was carefully demolished in the presence of a licensed SNH Bat Worker. Mitigation measures included additional roosts included within the new roof design and the provision of twelve bat boxes on trees within the development site.
HEL undertakes a range of surveys on breeding, wintering or migratory birds, as detailed below.
Breeding Bird Surveys Breeding Bird Surveys are undertaken using standard fieldwork and analytical methodologies in order to provide information on the breeding density of bird species within a given survey area. Data generated from breeding bird surveys is used to provide an evaluation of the survey area’s bird resource.
Vantage Point Flight Activity Surveys HEL has considerable experience of planning and carrying out vantage point surveys on a variety of wind farm and infrastructure projects. Using specialist GIS software and professional experience, HEL is able to locate the optimum
vantage points for any site, giving the maximum coverage of any development site. Vantage point flight activity surveys record bird species, flight paths, flight heights and flight durations. This information can then be used to inform flight collision models. HEL have undertaken collision modelling, using a standard framework, for a number of windfarm projects. We have also helped to develop a modelling framework for the prediction of bird collisions with overhead power transmission lines.
Species Specific Surveys Species specific surveys are undertaken to reliably record presence/absence, or provide an estimation of breeding densities, within a given survey area. Utilising the latest guidance and standard methodologies, HEL is able to survey any species of British bird.
Nesting Bird Checks The Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 makes it is an offence to damage or destroy the nest (whilst in use or under construction) or eggs of a wild bird. With an ever changing climate, many bird species are now nesting earlier in the season, or even into autumn and winter. HEL can carry out checks for nesting birds immediately prior to a development, which enables the client to stay within the boundaries of the law.
Bird species occurring on Schedule 1 of the Wildlife & Countryside Act (i.e. barn owl) are afforded enhanced statutory protection which makes it an offence to disturb the bird at its nest. HEL’s team of ornithologists are fully licensed by Scottish Natural Heritage to undertake surveys for these species.
Case Study – Goose Collision Risk Assessment (Aultmore Wind Farm, Moray)
Monitoring of wintering Icelandic greylag goose and pink-footed goose flight lines was undertaken over two consecutive winters at the proposed Aultmore wind farm site. The purpose of the monitoring was to predict the likely level of collision by geese with wind turbines. Collision modelling was undertaken and the outputs used to inform on mitigation measures, including appropriate siting of turbines.
HEL has the in-house expertise to provide professional amphibian and freshwater pearl mussel surveys and assessments. HEL also has extensive experience in designing and undertaking mitigation for amphibians, including habitat creation and translocation.
Freshwater Pearl Mussel Freshwater pearl mussel are afforded full protection under UK law and a licence from Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) is required for freshwater pearl mussel surveys in Scotland. HEL has held licences for surveying for freshwater pearl mussel for a diverse range of development projects, including hydro schemes and wind farm projects. We have also undertaken freshwater pearl mussel surveys in many of Scotland’s major rivers including the Rivers Glass, Spey, Moriston, Tay, Tummel, Earn and Forth. HEL currently holds a Scotland-wide licence for freshwater pearl mussel survey. This means that any prospective commisions are not time constrained by the licence application process.
HEL provides a range of services with regard to freshwater pearl mussel including scoping surveys, intensive in-stream surveys for impact assessments and monitoring projects, standard analyses and provision of advice on appropriate mitigation measures relative to developments.
Amphibians All amphibians have a degree of protection under UK law. Additionally, both great crested newt and natterjack toad are afforded enhanced statutory protection under UK and European law, and any planned activity in Scotland which may affect them requires prior consultation with SNH. HEL currently holds a Scotland-wide licence for the survey of great crested newt. We have provided survey and assessment of great crested newt, and other amphibians, at sites throughout Scotland. This includes two of the most nationally important sites for great crested newt, Burrow Head Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and Gartcosh Nature Reserve, North Lanarkshire. Amphibian surveys and assessments undertaken by HEL have been used in impact assessments, to inform on licensed translocations, for site condition monitoring and to provide information for the expansion of Scottish Natural Heritage’s national database.
Case Study – Gartcosh Industrial Park
Prior to its development, HEL undertook a survey and assessment of amphibians at Gartcosh, the site of a former steelworks in North Lanarkshire. Populations of great crested newt, palmate newt, smooth newt, common frog and common toad were identified within the development footprint. HEL designed a mitigation package for the amphibians in consultation with the statutory nature conservation body, Scottish Natural Heritage with the aim of maintaining the favourable conservation status of great crested newt. This involved providing detailed design specifications for a new on site nature reserve which included 24 new ponds, artificial amphibian hibernacula, terrestrial habitat creation and the provision of a newt-proof wall to prevent amphibians entering the development site. HEL oversaw the creation of the nature reserve. Following its successful completion, great crested newt and other amphibians were then translocated from the development site to the nature reserve under the conditions of a derogation licence issued by the (then) Scottish Executive. HEL now undertakes annual monitoring of great crested newt and other amphibian populations within the nature reserve.
HEL provides advice on, and surveys for, reptiles and terrestrial invertebrates relevant to specific projects. Where required HEL can also implement mitigation and translocation measures.
Reptiles Reptiles in Scotland (common lizard, adder, slow-worm and grass snake) are protected from intentional or reckless killing and injuring (which includes developments which fail to fulfil reptile survey and mitigation measure requirements) by the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981. HEL undertakes reptile surveys, using standard methodologies, throughout Scotland.
We are able to design and implement appropriate mitigation measures where reptiles are to be affected by development. This includes habitat creation, exclusions and translocations.
Invertebrates HEL can provide survey and assessment of a number of invertebrate groups including dragonflies, damselflies and butterflies. Survey of both adult and larval stages can be provided. In addition, HEL undertakes macroinverebrate biomonitoring in relation to water quality.
Case Study – Ravenscraig Grayling Translocation and Habitat Creation
In 2006 HEL was commissioned by Ravenscraig Ltd. to design and implement mitigation package for grayling butterfly (a regionally rare and UK Biodiversity Action Plan Priority) at the Ravenscraig regeneration site..In Colonies of the butterfly had been recorded by HEL within the site which were breeding areas of sparsely vegetated steel slag. Since these areas were to be developed, suitable habitat for grayling was created within an on-site conservation area. This included the translocation of an extensive amount steel slag to the area which was then planted with turves of fine-leaved grasses (for egg laying and larval development). Ponds (for drinking and mineral uptake) were also provided, as were nectar rich food plants. The conservation area was created in close proximity to woodland/scrub for adult feeding and shelter opportunities. Following habitat creation, adult butterflies and caterpillars were translocated to the conservation area from the development footprint over the period of a number of years. HEL now undertakes annual monitoring of the translocated colony.
Heritage Environmental Ltd 50 High Street, Auchterarder Perthshire, PH3 1DB
