Acer Ecology has recently undertaken a preliminary ecological appraisal of the Christmas Lights Trail at Bute Park, Cardiff. Our expert ecologists worked alongside the event organizers in order to ensure the project could provide the biggest festive lights trail in Wales, whilst maintaining the ecological integrity of the site. Local authorities often call this type of survey various names, including an Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey, a Baseline ecological survey, a Phase 1 Survey, an Ecological Constraints Survey or an Ecological Walkover.
From the preliminary ecological appraisal, we were able to identify areas on the site which may provide habitat for protected species. There were several bat boxes which had been installed onto trees. Surveys revealed that these were in use by common pipistrelle and noctule bats. Advice was given to avoid lighting these trees and other trees within the site which had potential roost features for bats. In addition, clear breaks between the various lighting ‘scenes’ were provided to limit any overall affect that the installation could have on commuting and foraging bats.
We also mapped out the specific habitats found on site, some of which were more ecologically valuable than others, and assessed the likely impacts on these habitats and species. The scheme was modified to remove lighting installation within the Docks feeder channel to limit any potential impact on this important wildlife features.
Following the preliminary appraisal, we produced a professional-standard report outlining a mitigation design with ecological enhancement strategies. As a result of our high-quality service the light trail was able to bring the festive spirit to Cardiff, whilst protecting our local biodiversity.
We have also carried out surveys in other areas including Monmouth, Swansea, Neath Port-Talbot, Carmarthenshire, Bristol and Abergavenny.
If your planning development needs an ecological survey, or for more information about any of the ecological services that we provide, please call us on 02920 650331, or email us at enquiries@acerecology.co.uk.
