ecology habitats marine

Dormouse Mitigation for Quarry Expansion

Cemex UK

Keystone Habitats was instructed to conduct a phased hedgerow removal programme under a European Protected Species (EPS) licence for Dormice obtained for the expansion of Hammer Warren Quarry, Hampshire.

What did we do?

  • Cleared approximately 1,020m of hedgerow.

How did we do it?

  • 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 discuss the required working methods and timing of 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 accredited under the EPS licence.
  • Nesting bird checks were also carried out.

What were the outcomes?

  • Additional ecological supervision and associated costs, which would have been required if a non-ecological specialist contractor had been employed, were avoided.
  • Compliance with the EPS licence was achieved thereby eliminating the client’s legal risk.
  • The work was completed on time and budget.
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