Bournemouth Traincare Depot
A scoping survey to assess the potential for protected species that may otherwise have been harmed during the works.
Synopsis
A scoping survey was carried out ahead of plans to replace the track lighting of this 17-track-wide train depot. The survey aimed to assess the potential for protected species that may otherwise have been harmed during the works.
Reptile exclusion fence
- Sand Lizards had been recorded immediately adjacent to the site
- Common reptile species had been recorded in the local area; habitat on and off site (across a chain link fence) was suitable for these species
NWC took the following action:
- A reptile presence/absence survey was carried out onsite and offsite in suitable areas over seven days; artificial refugia (tiles of roof felt) was used, these were checked for reptiles sheltering beneath them
The surveys had the following results:
- Sand Lizards were identified offsite in habitat immediately adjacent to site
- Slow Worms and Common Lizards were identified onsite
Due to the heavy legal protection of Sand Lizards, and the strong possibility that this species could be present on both sides of the site’s perimeter chain link fence, a DEFRA licence was required before the works could proceed. NWC’s licence application was successful. To safeguard against unlawfully harming reptiles, the following actions were taken:
- NWC’s Tritex© Reptile Exclusion Fence was erected along the boundary to the Sand Lizard area to prevent further reptiles from entering the site
- All construction and utility works requiring excavations and/or vegetation clearance were supervised by an NWC senior ecologist during a destructive search, whereby the spoil and stripped earth was watched closely throughout the operation to check for reptiles; common reptiles were found and moved to a ‘safe’ area of habitat
- Monitoring surveys of the artificial refugia continued throughout the programme of works
- On completion of the construction phase, six habitat mounds were created around the depot boundaries to enhance the habitat for reptiles
- The Tritex© Exclusion Fence was decommissioned after project completion
- NWC will continue to monitor reptiles at the site over the next five years
Timeframe
The reptile presence/absence survey commenced in July 2007. Following this, the construction phase ran its course and was completed in March 2008, its scheduled finish.
Costs
This project has taken a total of 42 ecologist ‘man days’. This, along with surveys, reports, DEFRA licence application, reptile habitat enhancements and Tritex© Fencing were delivered within budget.
