Ecology

Contractual and client documentation must be reviewed to identify all sensitive areas containing wildlife.

All relevant ecological risks must be included in the construction environmental management plan, along with their mitigation measures.

Licenses must be obtained from Natural England or the relevant conservation body before moving protected species or disrupting their habitats, such as bats, badgers, and lizards.

Specific biosecurity plans must be developed and implemented if native species are identified on the site
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Areas containing wildlife must be suitably protected from the impact of construction work.

Trees must be suitably protected to avoid damage during construction activities including keeping materials off the root area.

Vegetation removal works must be scheduled to avoid breeding and nesting periods.

Permission from the Local Authority must be obtained before removing hedges or trees that are subject to a tree preservation order.

Approval must be obtained from the relevant environment agency to manage or remove invasive plants, such as Japanese knotweed and giant hogweed.

Approval from the relevant environment agency is required for the treatment or management of plants adjacent to a watercourse.

Treatment operatives must hold the appropriate qualifications and certificates of competency for the use of pesticides.