North Gloucestershire Joint Core Strategy

As part of the Joint Core Strategy (JCS) for Gloucestershire, WWC undertook an extensive Phase 1 survey and protected species survey assessment of targeted sites covering approximately 3000ha within the political boundary of Gloucester, Cheltenham and Tewkesbury Councils. The detailed ecological information, mapped using our in-house Geographical Information System (GIS), will be used to inform the Local Development Framework and form part of the Joint Core Strategy (JCS) work on development allocations as well as assisting in the Green Infrastructure deliberations.

Worcester University – BREEAM EcoHomes and Protected Species Licensing

WWC have been appointed as the longterm ecological consultants for the £120 million re-development of the St. James Campus and the old Worcester Infirmary site which is to become the new city campus . A baseline Phase 1 habitat survey, dedicated bat and badger surveys and protected species development licenses have all been undertaken or are ongoing as well as a BREEAM assessment and continuing 'Ecological Clerk of Works' at both sites.

West Mercia Constabulary – GCN mitigation and monitoring

WWC were engaged to monitor the known populations of great crested newts (GCN) on the Hindlip Estate in order to measure the effects of the mitigation, which formed part of the European protected species license granted by Natural England for the prestigious gatehouse development.

Shropshire County Council – A comprehensive NVC survey, protected and notable species survey of Quarries in South Shropshire

This survey was undertaken to provide detailed ecological information at former and operational hard and soft rock quarries throughout south Shropshire. A full NVC survey as well as protected and BAP species surveys were undertaken, followed up with management recommendations that fed into a larger project to inform the future restoration and management of these sites. For this project all the information was digitised using our in-house GIS system.

David Wilson Homes/Kingsoak – Housing Development, Gloucestershire

WWC were commissioned to undertake a Phase1 habitat survey and protected species survey assessment, which led onto a more detailed reptile surveys which resulted in identifying a large reptile population. After negotiation with the Local Planning Authority a site enhancement and translocation strategy was agreed and successfully executed.

British Waterways - Worcester–Birmingham Canal Water Vole and Otter Survey

An extensive survey along approximately 25 miles of the Worcester and Birmingham Canal was undertaken which provided evidence of water voles and otters and also identified new and potential habitats for these rare mammals .

Photo Credits: Elliot Smith

Natural England – Sustainable Grazing Project for Herefordshire and Worcestershire

This applied conservation project, involved a review of SSSI grassland management in Worcestershire (Wyre Forest SSSI) and following a detailed desk study, including liaisons with site owners. Various factors were identified as to the condition of these habitats. From these findings, a series of recommendation were made to counter habitat deterioration. The completed report will aim assist all parties involved in maintaining and enhancing these important habitats.

Worcestershire Wildlife Trust – Surveys and Reserve Management Plans

Over the years we have worked closely with the Wildlife Trust undertaking numerous species and habitat surveys, writing management plans for reserves and carrying out practical works throughout the county. A recent project included up-dating over 20 reserve management plans on to the Trust's Countryside Management System (CMS) database.

Hartlebury Common SSSI – Management Plan

This project involved producing an implementation plan identifying the management prescriptions and a fully costed schedule of works to be used to consider an application for a Higher Level Stewardship (HLS) Agreement. The aim of this plan was to secure the ongoing, long-term favourable management of Hartlebury Common Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

Blackstone Fields – Habitat Creation

WWC undertook the feasibility study at Blackstone Fields to recreate heathland from arable fields and created a management plan for the site on behalf of Worcestershire Wildlife Trust. To summarise, this included; the application of elemental sulphur; topsoil removal; soil inversion; removal of nutrients via cropping and natural regeneration. Of these, soil inversion was chosen alongside natural regeneration and nutrient removal via cropping, which will help to enhance the biological interest that already occurs on site. An important part of the project involved surveying and then monitoring the invertebrate species, vegetation communities and soils on the site.

Worcestershire County Council – Roadside Nature Reserve Project (RVNR)

Throughout the summer months WWC manage, survey and monitor a network of botanically important road verges across Worcestershire to maintain a variety of uncommon habitats, as well as rare and scarce species including glow-worm and the critically endangered plant tower mustard.

Fort Royal School Sensory Garden

Worcestershire Wildlife Consultancy was commissioned by The Prime Foundation to design and implement a wildlife friendly sensory garden at Fort Royal Community Primary School in Worcester. Fort Royal School is a special needs school with students who have a range of physical and learning disabilities. The garden was designed following a consultation period with the school so that the ideas and contributions of the teachers and children could be incorporated into the final design. The result was an area which aims to meet the physical, educational and emotional needs of the children by providing them with a fully accessible wildlife friendly garden which gives them ready access to nature in a safe environment. Both The Prime Foundation and Fort Royal School felt the garden was a great success and the school looks forward to using it in the future.

 University Park Ecological Impact Assessment

The consultancy has recently completed an Ecological Impact Assessment of the University Park project for University of Worcester and Wrenbridge Land Limited. The project aims to provide long-term expansion potential for the University of Worcester and to establish an enterprise, learning, wellbeing and research park which will enhance links between the University, local business and the scientific community. The project also involves the creation of a ‘green’ framework which integrates and links all the landscape, ecological, drainage and topographical assets.

The vision for the site is to provide long-term expansion potential for the University and to establish an enterprise, learning, wellbeing and research park which will enhance links between the University, the local business and scientific community.

The vision for the site is to provide long-term expansion potential for the University and to establish an enterprise, learning, wellbeing and research park which will enhance links between the University, the local business and scientific community.