CSA Environmental have been heavily involved with complex ecological implementation works at Cribbs Causeway, Bristol, where a large development of 1000 new homes, hotel, GP surgery and care home has been approved.
CSA were brought in to resolve problems with the great crested newt mitigation approach, which Natural England had refused to licence. Our ecologists carried out a review of existing survey data and site proposals and developed a new approach, liaising closely with Natural England to gain their support. Final mitigation and enhancement measures included the up-front delivery of a considerable amount on-site green space, including new grassland, woodland and two new on-site ponds. In addition, the development contributed towards significant off-site aquatic and terrestrial habitat enhancement for great crested newt. CSA completed a successful great crested newt translocation exercise in 2019 and 2020, clearing the way for infrastructure works to commence.
Other protected species work at the Site included the translocation of a population of slow worms and obtaining a badger mitigation licence to permit the closure of an on-site subsidiary badger sett. And finally, to avoid construction phase impacts to breeding barns owls, CSA’s ecologists monitored and temporarily closed a barn owl nest within a veteran tree. To mitigate for this, two new barn owl boxes were provided nearby to offer alternative nesting opportunities away from disturbance.
Throughout the project, CSA maintained a close relationship with the client and stakeholders, such as Natural England and South Gloucestershire Council, to ensure that all issues were fully addressed and appropriate mitigation was designed and delivered.