Specialist Service
Boardwalk Design & Build
We bring green spaces to life with expertly crafted infrastructure, including boardwalks, pathways, bridges, outdoor classrooms, and wildlife observation hides, allowing safe access to even the most fragile environments like wetlands and marshes.
Our commitment to sustainable design ensures we balance accessibility with environmental sensitivity, protecting delicate ecosystems while encouraging visitors to connect with and learn from nature.
COMPLETE CONSULTING & CONTRACTING SOLUTIONS
Working alongside our ecological consultancy team, the Habitats department enable Keystone to provide the complete package for clients across all sectors.
With proven experience of working under European Protected Species Licences and delivering works for Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects, we provide a one-stop solution for habitat creation, restoration & management.
Fencing
Specialist fencing can provide a solution for exclusion, trapping, protection and demarcation on site.
Fencing
- Amphibian & reptile fencing incl. installation of associated translocation refugia
- Mammal fencing incl. deer, badger & rabbit
- Stock, post & rail, Heras & tree protection fencing
- Bat & barn owl screening
Whilst often forming an important part of protected species mitigation, specialist fencing can provide a solution for exclusion, trapping, protection and demarcation on site.
At Keystone, we apply our considerable expertise as fencing contractors to ensure the right fence for the application is specified from the outset, providing bespoke solutions where required.
Our continued investment in specialist equipment enables us to meet clients’ large-scale specific fencing requirements, efficiently and alongside other services.
Great Crested Newt Fencing
Badger Fencing
Stock & Rail Fencing
Bat & Barn Owl Screening
Green Infrastructure
We expertly craft boardwalks, pathways, bridges, outdoor classrooms, and wildlife observation hides, to allow access to even the most fragile environments like wetlands and marshes.
Green Infrastructure
- Boardwalks, pathways & bridges – providing protection to natural spaces by providing an elevated route through sensitive habitats, lessening the impacts of footfall.
- Outdoor classrooms & dipping platforms
- Wildlife observation hides – enabling easy access and comfortable views of wildlife for visitors.
The benefits of green spaces are well known, from boosting mental well-being and physical health to fostering environmental awareness. At Keystone, we bring these spaces to life with expertly crafted infrastructure, allowing safe access to even the most fragile environments like wetlands and marshes.
Each structure is designed to balance accessibility with environmental sensitivity, protecting delicate ecosystems while encouraging visitors to connect with and learn from nature.
Our commitment to sustainable design ensures every project meets the highest standards of durability and environmental responsibility, incorporating recycled and eco-friendly materials wherever possible. By blending functionality with aesthetic appeal, we create infrastructure that enriches visitor experiences and promotes long-term ecological stewardship.
Learn more about our award-winning boardwalk by reading Thursley National Nature Reserve Boardwalk Case Study
Habitat Creation, Restoration & Management
Habitat creation, restoration and management (including BNG) involves the regeneration or establishment of new areas for biodiversity.
Habitat Creation, Restoration & Management
- Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) & Natural Capital solutions
- Environmental and Ecological Planning Conditions
- Habitat Management Plan (HMMP) Implementation
- Suitable Alternative Natural Green Spaces (SANGs)
Habitat creation and enhancement is the construction of habitats at localities where systems of that type did not exist previously or the improvement of a habitat through targeted interventions.
Habitat restoration is the process of repairing degraded or destroyed ecosystems, so that biological communities are able to function optimally.
Habitat management in the correct way ensures that habitats continue to thrive, enhancing rather than deteriorating their biodiversity.
With few exceptions Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) is now a requirement for developments in the UK. The aim is to make sure that habitats are left in a measurably better state than they were before the development.
We design and implement bespoke solutions, restoring, rehabilitating, and creating thriving habitats for wildlife. From landscape-scale habitat restoration and creation to the enhancement of existing environments, our ecologically trained team work with specialist equipment, and in close collaboration with our ecology team, to provide the best outcomes.
Habitat Translocation
Whether the movement of individual species such as coppice stools, or functioning habitat such as grassland, habitat translocation can be used for conservation, enhancement or compensation against loss elsewhere.
Habitat Translocation
- Grassland turf translocation
- Specimen tree translocation incl. orchard habitats
- Protected flora translocation incl. orchid translocation
Whilst not an appropriate replacement for in situ conservation; translocation, if done correctly, can aid the overall conservation of habitats on a scheme.
Keystone works closely with clients to achieve the best outcomes in the translocation of habitats, ensuring that preparation, handling and maintenance are carried out correctly.
Protected Species Mitigation
As legislation evolves, measures are needed to prevent harm to protected species on sites where impacts of development are unavoidable.
Protected Species Mitigation
- Design & creation of artificial habitats incl. bat roosts/barns, badger setts, otter holts, hibernacula, basking banks, barn owl roosts, tree veteranisation & water hole habitat
- Licensed badger sett closure, roost exclusion/felling, pond draining & water vole displacement
- Planning conditions implementation
Trusted Expertise, Tailored Solutions
At Keystone, our extensive experience and professional approach ensure the best outcomes for every project. Our team of specialist contractors, supported by custom-designed equipment, delivers cost-effective and efficient services without compromise.
Collaborating closely with our Ecology department, we guarantee compliance with relevant legislation, providing solutions that are right the first time. Our commitment goes beyond standard practices. By combining our expertise with client collaboration, we pioneer innovative designs and solutions tailored to each project, ensuring the best results for both the client and nature.
Vegetation Management
When preparing sites for development, areas will often need to be cleared of vegetation to permit planned works to be undertaken safely.
Vegetation Management
When preparing sites for development, areas will often need to be cleared of vegetation to permit planned works to be undertaken safely.
- The procedure followed will depend upon the outcomes desired. Prior to commencing vegetation clearance it is important to consider site constraints such as ground conditions, terrain, on and off-site hazards and ecology.
- Keystone work closely with clients, applying our long standing experience, specialist equipment and an efficient approach to the management of vegetation on sites for both site clearance and re-establishment of access.
- Often working with our Ecology Department, we apply the best methods to ensure efficient clearance whilst providing peace of mind through high compliance and the application of industry best practice.
- Methods of work vary based upon the task and range; from hand clearance with brushcutters and chainsaws to large scale mechanised clearance, and from access to dangerous areas with our robotic tool carriers to careful chemical control of invasives.
- With Keystone you are assured of an efficient, safe and accurate approach.
Wetland Creation
Wetland environments provide important connectivity between terrestrial and aquatic habitats and are amongst the most ecologically abundant areas on earth.
Wetland Creation
Wetland environments provide important connectivity between terrestrial and aquatic habitats and are amongst the most ecologically abundant areas on earth.
- Wetlands can contribute to flood attenuation, water cleansing and carbon storage.
- Whether they be artificial or natural, wetlands provide significant benefits for biodiversity. Careful planning and implementation is key to ensuring that restoration and enhancement.
- Keystone has a wealth of experience in building successful, high functioning wetland habitats.
Habitats Case Studies
Thursley National Nature Reserve
Designed and constructed by Keystone,Thursley’s boardwalk is winner of The Rambler’s ‘Britain’s Favourite Footpath 2024’.
