Vegetation Maintenance on a Geological Site of Special Scientific Interest

Taylor Wimpey

Keystone Habitats was asked by Taylor Wimpey Homes to devise a strategy to clear vegetation from the chalk terraces of Chinnor Chalk Pit Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), Oxfordshire to satisfy a request made by Natural England.

What did we do?

• Cleared light scrub and grass vegetation from 5,500m2 of quarry face terraces.
• Removed all arisings and chippings to a designated area.
• Conducted a follow up visit to apply herbicide to re-growth.

How did we do it?

• Negotiated an acceptable strategy with Natural England and the client involving delivery of the work by rope access and the removal of arisings from the terraces by winching.
• Produced a thorough method statement and risk assessment.
• Contacted adjacent landowners to acquire land access consent.
• Our ecologically trained Habitats Contract Manager co-ordinated works to avoid impacts on sensitive habitats and protected species including a Great Crested Newt population.
• Researched an appropriate herbicide which would be acceptable for use adjacent to Great Crested Newt breeding ponds.
• Timed the work to avoid adverse impact to nesting birds and Great Crested Newts.

What were the outcomes?

• Approval of the work carried out was given by the regulator, Natural England.
• The project was delivered safely and in a legally compliant manner in respect of protected species.
• The work was completed on budget and within the required timescale.