Protected Species Surveys – East Yorkshire

Client – A-One+

Key Services – Species Surveys

Duration – Autumn 2017 to Autumn 2021

Project Overview – Protected species surveys along various stretches of various trunk roads and motorways, East Yorkshire

Ecological Input – Haycock and Jay Associates were commissioned to undertake numerous ecological surveys to support ditch clearance works along various sections of the M18 motorway for A-One+.

Although major roads act as barriers to wildlife, some species take advantage of the extensive lengths of motorway verge habitat. Badgers find the sloping motorway embankments ideal for sett building; reptiles use south facing slopes and coarse grassland for basking and foraging and motorway debris as refugia; water voles find sanctuary along the extensive networks of motorway ditches; and many species of bird nest within the dense vegetation.

Preliminary Ecological Assessments (PEAs) of the stretches of motorway were undertaken to identify key optimal habitat for various species along with ditch surveys and the deployment of camera traps.

Health and Safety was also a top priority with surveyors working close to fast traffic. We ensured our surveyors undertake a medical assessment, attend highways induction courses and adhere to the safety control measures at all times.

Outcomes – Surveys identified optimal habitat for water voles along many of the motorway ditches, and we were able to advise the client accordingly to ensure works were undertaken in a manner that prevented damage or disturbance to areas where the species could be present. Our Ecologists supervised vegetation clearance activities along the motorway to ensure that ecologically sensitive areas were not impacted by the works.

We are also working with the client to produce a European Protected Species Mitigation Licence for badger to ensure that works do not impact upon the local population of this protected species.