enims Case Studies
CASE STUDY 1
The area West of Woodhouse Lane in Botley is undergoing transformational works to include an upgrade to surrounding infrastructure to support a large housing development which will be developed in the future. VolkerFitzpatrick appointed enims as their designated ecological consultant to deliver ecological support throughout the whole life of the project. VolkerFitzpatrick needed a site local, reactive ecological company to assist them in the delivery of their project with a mindful but proactive approach to a range of ecological challenges, which included a variety of species surveys such as invasive species, badgers, amphibians and nesting birds in the works area.
VolkerFitzpatrick were keen to approach the project with the environment at the top of their priorities and employed enims to work alongside them because enims approached the project with the aim of working collaboratively with VolkerFitzpatrick whilst giving them and their contractors the support and knowledge which enabled a relationship to grow and a culture within all the teams onsite to value, recognise and protect the ecology on site.
Throughout the life of the project a broad variety of ecological constraints were identified and action taken. Fish breeding season and nesting bird season were particularly important on this site. Trout were found during earlier badger surveys in the brook connecting to the stream.
There were several ecological constraints that were found during the works that were not foreseen such as the discovery of Field voles (Microtus agrestis) and Hemlock water dropwort (Oenanthe crocata) however, these were all dealt with quickly and effectively to make sure the work could continue without negatively effecting the environment or the progress of the works.
Himalayan Balsam was found on the site and the surrounding areas, it was anticipated that this could be an area where enims and VolkerFitzpatrick could effectively work together and bring added benefit to the area being developed. A weekly walkover survey which also monitored badger activity and site wide ecological constraints soon became encompassed with checking for new Himalayan Balsam growth. As Himalayan balsam is extremely vigorous and out competes natural native plants which in turn effects the bees pollination of native plants and overall bio diversity of the area this was identified by enims to be of high priority in leaving the site in a better condition than before the works. A process was soon enabled by effective communication between enims and VolkerFitzpatrick whereby ecologists would begin the effective removal at the appropriate times. . Once the vegetation within and around the swale has grown, which will be a mixture of grass and wildflowers, it will trap organic and mineral particles which are then integrated into the soil, with the vegetation absorbing the nutrients. The quality of the water in the new river has improved and become very clear, which means that it is suitable for fish. As species of fish move through the river, they will be able to use the backwaters as resting places.
During the works, different amphibians were found around the previously existing stream, since species like common frogs tend to be found in areas of meadow or woodland around water sources, once the vegetation has started to grow this will become a valuable habitat for them. The ecologist went back around two weeks after this phase was completed and found a large number of tadpoles within the backwaters, meaning that the new river is already supporting the ecosystem, especially due to the algae that has begun to grow within the water, which provides a food source for the young tadpoles.