CSA Environmental have been provided landscape and ecology support to our client Taylor Wimpey South-East for the development of Shorncliffe Barracks since 2014. Our ongoing involvement through all planning and implementation phases has ensure project continuity and efficiencies; with our teams being committed to delivering positive outcomes for people and nature. This has included the delivery of a detailed site-wide Bat Mitigation Strategy, which is being implemented under a series of European Protected Species (EPS) Licence from Natural England.
The latest in a string of Reserved Matters consents was received in late 2024, for the redevelopment of Phase 2C Burgoyne Barracks South. Our ecology team provided update bat surveys, and secured appropriate mitigation under EPS licence to facilitate the demolition of existing buildings and bunkers. The EPS licence for this phase was implemented earlier this year, under close supervision by our experienced and licenced bat ecologists, who worked closely with the project team and demolition contractors to ensure licensable works were completed swiftly.
A small number of minor common pipistrelle and brown long-eared bat roosts were located in this phase, but this is just the latest stage in a long-term mitigation and enhancement strategy for bats at the site. There are more ‘Bats in the Barracks’ and further bat licenses will be required to complete the final phases of the project. The Site wide Bat Mitigation Strategy has seen the provision of a dedicated bat loft and over a hundred bat boxes and roosting units on trees within new public open spaces and incorporated into new buildings, providing new homes for people and wildlife.
For further details on our bat services and access to our free bat survey guide visit here.
