Keystone Habitats was commissioned to deliver a phased hedgerow removal programme for the Hammer Warren Quarry expansion in Hampshire, operating under a European Protected Species (EPS) licence for dormice.
Challenge
- Approximately 1,020m of hedgerow needed to be cleared.
Approach
- A Habitats Contract Manager with dormouse handling experience was assigned the project and listed as an accredited agent under the dormouse EPS licence.
- A pre-commencement meeting was held between Keystone Habitats and Keystone Ecology (the named ecologist on the licence) to agree working methods and programme the timing of the works.
- The hedgerows were cut down to a height of 150mm over the winter months with inspections taking place by the Habitats Contracts Manager prior to works to ensure there were no resident dormice in the vegetation.
- To minimise the risk of killing or injuring dormice, hedgerow clearance was carried out using hand operated chainsaws, with all arisings being chipped into adjacent fields.
- Removal of remaining vegetation, including the root balls was undertaken in May, outside the dormouse hibernation period. Inspections for dormouse were again undertaken by the Habitats Contract Manager.
Outcomes
- Avoided the need for additional ecological supervision and associated costs that would likely have arisen if a non-specialist contractor had been used.
- Compliance with the EPS licence was achieved thereby eliminating the client’s legal risk.
- The work was completed on time and budget.
