Thomson Habitats
undertakes ecological contracting projects to turn the
recommendations of ecology consultants into reality
on the ground. We create ponds and manage wetland areas,
plant hedgerows and seed wildflower meadows. We treat
and control invasive weeds such as Japanese knotweed
and Himalayan balsam. We also help ecologists in trapping
and translocation programmes by installing exclusion
fencing for newts, reptiles and mammals and we enhance
areas for wildlife by building hibernacula, managing
woodlands, building and installing bat roosts, bird
nesting boxes and artificial badger sets.
Recent projects:
Slow worm habitat
On a decommissioned sewage treatment works in Berkshire, we were contracted to design and construct habitat for slow worms. The slow worms were due to be moved from their current location that was about to be redeveloped.
The work involved creating a long bank of stone, logs and earth, partly planted with wildflower seeds, and partly left bare to regenerate naturally. We also built log pile hibernacula and created a buffer area approximately 5m by 200m using membrane and aggregate to deter the slow worms from crossing into other areas of the site. Shrub planting will follow later in the year.
Slow worms are legally protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 as updated by the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000.
Scarce Plant translocation
During Autumn 2008 we worked with ecologists on translocating divided sedge (Carex divisa) and dittander (Lepidium latifolium).
Seeds were harvested and planted in a 16m2 nursery, and monitored closely until well established.
Additionally the shoots of existing plants above ground were strimmed to reduce water stress, following which the entire root ball and sub stratum were extracted using an excavator bucket. Both these plants and the plants from the nursery were replanted in suitable habitats.
Habitat Creation for Water Voles
Water voles are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. During 2008 we built water vole latrines to support a population survey, and supplied traps.
In 2009 we enhanced the receptor site for water voles by re-profiling an existing ditch. With as little disturbance to the bank side vegetation as possible, the meandering ditch was excavated to deepen the centre and create pond areas in the meanders. An underground drainage channel was also installed to connect the ditch to an existing waterway to guarantee water all year round.
Hogweed
hazard at demolition site in NE London
Thomson Habitats were called in to remove and advise
on giant hogweed that posed a risk to demolition workers,
who are preparing a large site for the construction
of an extensive sports stadium.
Giant hogweed is common along roads, rivers and waste
ground. It looks similar to hogweed but the leaves are
larger and the plant is taller, up to 3m high. It is
spread by its seeds which can remain dormant in the
soil for several years and are spread by wind and water.
The hairs and sap of the plant can make the skin sensitive
to ultraviolet light; in sunlight the affected area
discolours and feels as if it is burnt. This effect
can last for years.
Habitat Creation for newts and reptiles
Whilst translocating newts and reptiles from an area of land which was being developed, we created a receptor site on a large open area of approximately 30 hectares.
After a survey was conducted to determine the likelihood and severity of risk from unexploded ordnance on the site, we constructed 24 ponds of varying designs with an average surface area of 250m2. We used a bentonite clay liner with a top soil cover. After the ponds had been filled, 7 species of native aquatic plants were added. They were soon populated with a variety of invertebrates.
Over 12,500 trees of varying species were hand planted, log piles and hibernacula were created and existing vegetation is now re-colonising the disturbed soil.
Protected species fencing
On a 49ha site in Essex which will become part of a large container port, Thomson Habitats have been aiding in the translocation of protected species by erecting over 3000m of water vole fencing, over 10,000m of GCN fencing and installing approximately 5000 pitfall traps and 5000 refugia.
Water vole mitigation
On a university site in Oxfordshire, due to be developed for wildlife and amenity use,Thomson Habitats were contracted to
undertake an ongoing programme of vegetation clearance near water, using hand tools and herbicide to discourage water voles from occupying the area prior to pedestrian bridges being built.
Badger sett closures
Due to an area of land being taken over by developers, a number of badger setts had to be closed to encourage the badgers to move away.
In accordance with the Natural England Badgers and Development licence, we installed badger gates at the openings of the burrows and secured them firmly in place with resilient fencing. Once the badgers had left the setts, the gates and fencing were removed, the tunnels and chambers were dug out, and the area was filled in.
The developers were then able to begin working on the site without risk of breaking the law by disturbing or harming the badgers.
Badgers are protected under the Badgers Act 1992.
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