Mitigation and habitat creation works have been ongoing over the past few months on a large site in the Thames Gateway.
These works have included the removal of over 50km of temporary amphibian fencing which we had previously installed as part of trapping and translocation works. The plastic sheeting has been recycled, and the posts have been stored for re-use. The refugia and pitfall traps have also been collected, and again these have been stored for re-use on future projects.
Over 30 ponds have been destructively searched for water voles and then drawn down to aid in the search for GCN’s.
Stock fencing has been installed, as has water vole fencing, and approximately 700m of permanent perimeter fencing has been installed to prevent water voles from re-entering the area where the development works are now taking place.
Over 50 ponds have been built and have subsequently been stock fenced. This area has been created as a receptor site for the newts, reptiles and other amphibians that have been found on other parts of the site. Hibernacula and logpiles have also been built around the ponds to act as shelter, and many trees and shrubs have been planted to further enhance the habitat.
