FLAGSHIP PROJECT

Hodder & Lcus Aqueduct Project

One of our Flagship projects that we have undertaken was comissioned in 2006 for United Utilities Plc to undertake an extended phase 1 habitat survey and other ecological surveys for two pipelines the Hodder and Lcus Aqueduct, located in the Ribble Valley, Lancashire. The survey area encompasses two linear stretches of countryside and spanned approximately 100km from Kirkham to Stocks Reservoir and from Franklaw Waste Water Treatment Works (WwTw) Garstang to Houghton Service Reservoir.

The extended phase 1 habitat surveys were completed within a single season with several expert Ecologists working on the project.

Mapinfo was used as the mapping tool to record habitats and signs of protected species along the pipelines.  The report evaluated habitats and species and assessments were made of ecological significant habitats/species and recommendations were made.

Walkover surveys were also undertaken in early spring 2006 to located all waterbodies within 250m of the pipelines. A total of 550 ponds were found which required newt surveys. All hands on deck and all of the 550 ponds were surveyed in spring 2006, by expert licensed amphibian ecologists. These surveys located where great crested newts were present and in what areas European Protected Species development licenses were required. We are currently undertaking mitigation works for the protection of this species under Natural England licenses.

Other works undertaken for this project include detailed surveys of the River Hodder including otter and water vole, badger survey and assessments of trees containing the potential for roosting bats. We have designed detailed habitat restoration schemes for Biological Heritage Sites and sites of ecologival interest and are currently supervising works in sensitive areas.

Surveys were completed in advance of the project commencing to advise the design proposals to advise United Utilities Plc and inform their decisions, methods and mitigation in relation to the ecological value of the area. Ecology Services if a Framework consultant until 2010 and undertaked a wide range of services including NVC, protected species surveys and mitigations (bats, newts, water voles, otter, birds) and environmental assessments including method statements for habitat restoration within protected sites.