Project Overview
EMEC Ecology was commissioned by Laing O’Rourke to undertake a biodiversity assessment of their subsidiary site, Explore Manufacturing, a reclaimed limestone quarry. A biodiversity action plan was produced to enhance habitats on site to benefit ecology and staff wellbeing.
The Challenge
The Explore Manufacturing site was historically used as a brickworks, and has since been reclaimed and partly used by Explore as a manufacturing facility. Much of the site has been left to naturally recolonise, and part of the site forms a Local Wildlife Site (LWS). Laing O’Rourke were interested in celebrating and conserving the diverse and valuable habitats on site.
EMEC Ecology were commissioned to undertake an ecological walkover of the site, to assess the current value and condition of habitats, to inform recommendations for biodiversity management and enhancements. The site visit was conducted over two days in August 2022 by Senior EMEC Ecologists.
The site was found to support a range of habitats, including calcareous grassland, semi-natural broadleaved woodland, and lakes and ponds. The desk study revealed records of protected species, such as great crested newt and reptiles, notable bird species including turtle dove and little ringed plover, and butterflies such as grizzled skipper and dingy skipper.
The Solution
The Biodiversity Action Plan aimed to provide management recommendations and enhancement opportunities, to retain existing valuable habitats and enhance habitats to support protected and notable species. For example, the poorer quality grasslands will be enhanced using an appropriate mowing regime and management of scrub and ruderal species, and hedgerows will be enhanced and created to improve habitat connectivity across the site.
The Biodiversity Action Plan recommended creation of suitable habitat for turtle dove and willow tit, both severely declining bird species in the UK. This involves creating areas of stubble and shallow scrapes nearby to existing scrub habitat for turtle dove, and management of the wet woodland to improve deadwood nesting habitat for willow tit. Suitable locations for barn owl nest boxes, bat boxes, and hibernacula for amphibians and reptile have also been identified. In addition, the management of grassland to create a mosaic of bare ground, varied sward, and scattered scrub will enhance the habitat for the butterfly species such as dingy skipper, grizzled skipper, and small heath.
As well as benefiting ecology, biodiversity enhancements will have a positive impact on staff wellbeing. Staff have taken an interest in the wildlife seen on site, and interpretation boards will be installed at various locations to inform staff about the various interesting habitats and species present on site. In addition, creation of wildflower break areas, green-roofed shelters, and bird feeders with a bird hide have been recommended to further connect staff to the Site’s biodiversity.
EMEC Ecology will conduct an annual review of the Site’s biodiversity value to assess the effectiveness of the recommended habitat management and enhancements.
