Large multi-million Greenfield Development at Keyford, Frome, Somerset
Introduction
This case study focuses on the ecological assessment and considerations undertaken during the development of a greenfield site into a residential housing project. The project aimed to strike a balance between meeting the demand for housing while minimizing the impact on the surrounding environment and biodiversity.
Project Background
The greenfield site, located on the edge of Frome, Somerset encompassed approximately 12 hectares of previously undeveloped land. The project involved the construction of a residential community consisting of 100’s of new homes, along with associated infrastructure and amenities.
Ecological Assessment
An initial ecological survey was conducted to assess the biodiversity value of the site and identify any sensitive habitats or species. This involved mapping the existing vegetation, water bodies, and important ecological features.
Habitat and Species Assessment
A comprehensive habitat and species assessment was carried out to identify and document the flora and fauna present on the site. This assessment involved surveys conducted by ecologists, including great crested newt surveys, reptile surveys, and dormouse surveys, among others.
An important consideration for this site was proximity to an internationally important Special Area of Conservation for rare bats. Crossman Ecology undertook specialise assessments for the bats and undertook quantitative analysis to ensure that habitat quality would not be lost within the development.
Biodiversity net calculations were undertaken to assess the habitat value of the site before the development, so that the new development could be designed to be more valuable for biodiversity in the long term.
Ecological Constraints and Opportunities
Based on the assessment, key ecological constraints and opportunities were identified. These included the presence of protected or endangered species, valuable habitats, and potential ecological corridors that needed to be preserved or enhanced.
Mitigation and Conservation Measures
To mitigate the impact on valuable habitats, a strategy was devised to preserve and enhance existing ecological features within the development area. This involved creating green spaces, retaining hedgerows wildlife-friendly landscaping, and incorporating native plant species into the residential areas.
Species Protection
Measures were implemented to protect species found on the site. This included the establishment of exclusion zones during construction and the translocation of certain species to suitable alternative habitats nearby.
Ecological Corridor Creation
To maintain ecological connectivity, the project incorporated the creation of green corridors and wildlife-friendly pathways throughout the development. This facilitated the movement of species, minimized habitat fragmentation, and promoted biodiversity within the housing community.
Monitoring and Adaptive Management
To ensure the effectiveness of the ecological mitigation measures, a long-term monitoring program was established. Regular monitoring of habitats, species, and ecological corridors allowed for adaptive management, enabling adjustments to be made to conservation strategies as needed.
Conclusion
The development of the greenfield site into a residential housing project successfully integrated ecological considerations and conservation measures. By implementing habitat preservation, species protection, and sustainable design, the project demonstrated that housing developments can coexist with nature and contribute to the overall enhancement of biodiversity within the surrounding environment.
This case study highlights the importance of ecological consulting in housing development projects, showcasing how the expertise of ecological consultants can inform and guide sustainable and environmentally responsible decision-making.