Following a previous Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA) undertaken in 2022, further surveys and studies have been completed to inform the ongoing development design. These studies confirm that no ancient woodland, statutory, or non-statutory nature conservation designation cover any part of the site.
The site is predominantly comprised of arable land which is of low biodiversity value, with some improved grassland. There are smaller areas of woodland and scrub, which along with the hedgerows and mature trees that define the field boundaries, provide higher value habitat. These will be retained as much as possible as part of the development proposals, and be enhanced with significant additional new planting.
Targeted surveys undertaken to date include a badger survey, which identified six large mammal holes within the woodland parcel which is being retained as part of the masterplan. Additionally, ground level preliminary roost assessments of trees have been completed to determine their suitability for roosting bats. Pond scoping and Habitat Suitability Index (HSI) assessments, on ponds where access has been granted, have also been carried out to evaluate the potential for great crested newts and to identify whether further survey work is required.
Further species-specific surveys, including bat activity, breeding bird and reptile surveys, are ongoing throughout this year.
The retention of valuable ecological features, such as woodland, hedgerows and mature trees, and delivery of new valuable ecological habitats in place of arable land, will help contribute towards achieving a net gain in biodiversity across the site.
At this stage, no overriding ecological constraints to the principle of development have been identified, subject to appropriate mitigation and the continued focus on integrating ecological enhancement into the proposals.
Existing high value habitats will be retained, which alongside the provision of extensive areas of the site as landscaped public open space, will deliver biodiversity net gain.
Building with Nature
Taylor Wimpey is proud to be a member of the Homes for Nature programme. This will see the installation of nesting bricks/boxes in every new home and hedgehog highways between gardens.
Nature interventions in a typical Taylor Wimpey home - click to enlarge