Great Crested Newt Mitigation for Quarry Extension

Cemex

Keystone Habitats were appointed by Cemex to deliver a European Protected Species licensed mitigation strategy for Great Crested Newts at a proposed extension to Wickwar Quarry, South Gloucestershire.

What Did We Do?

• Installed temporary newt fencing, pitfall traps and carpet tiles
• Installed stock fencing
• Cleared trees and scrub from the proposed quarry extension area
• Restored an existing pond
• Created 2 new Great Crested Newt breeding ponds including aquatic planting
• Seeded around the new pond to create a wildflower meadow
• Created new tree and shrub habitat

How Did We Do It?

• We used GPS to map out the fence alignment to match the precise area of the quarry extension
• Tree and scrub clearance coincided with the nesting bird season so  we arranged for nesting bird inspections to take place ahead of clearance works to avoid programme delays
• A Habitats Contracts Manager licensed to handle Great Crested Newts managed the project
• Pond restoration was timed for winter to avoid the Great Crested Newt breeding season
• Existing clay was used to line the pond to avoid the need for an artificial liner

What Were The Outcomes?

• The mitigation strategy was delivered specifically in accordance with the licensed method statement
• Great Crested Newt translocation commenced on schedule
• We overcame the additional constraint of nesting birds with no adverse impact on the programme