UPDATES
October 2008
TRIALS FOR THE RESTORATION OF NATURALISTIC WOODLAND AND SPECIES-RICH MEADOW GRASSLAND AT BROUGHTON CRAGGS FORMER LANDFILL SITE
A WASTE AND RESOURCES ACTION PROGRAMME - TRAILBLAZER PROJECT
Ecological
Restoration Consultants has been commissioned by Cumbria County Council to
undertake the design, management and monitoring of a field trial located at
Broughton Craggs former landfill situated in an old limestone quarry near to
Cockermouth. The site supports a population of native red squirrel which is a
protected species under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) and a
UK BAP Priority Species. The primary aim of habitat restoration will be to
create woodland vegetation which will enhance the habitat for red squirrel. The
WRAP supported Trailblazer project will utilise existing in situ subsoils
blended with imported PAS 100 compost created from green waste or from food
waste to enhance soil quality so that excellent tree growth will be achieved,
together with species-rich meadow grassland. It is intended that the trial will
provide Cumbria County Council with the confidence to utilise PAS 100 compost in
the restoration of other former landfill and derelict brownfield sites.
Ecological Restoration Consultants will monitor the development of the grassland
species assemblage and growth of trees for a period of two years following the
establishment of the trial.
August
2008
SAFEGUARDING THE AQUATIC FERN - PILLWORT - FROM INVASION BY CRASSULA HELMSII (AUSTRALIAN SWAMP STONECROP)
Ecological
Restoration Consultants has been commissioned to undertake a survey of
Llyn Helyg, located in the Clwydian limestone area of Flintshire, North
Wales. Llyn Helyg is a man-made (18th
century) lake which is approximately one kilometre in length and is
home to the rare aquatic fern Pillwort (Pilularia globulifera).
Pillwort is found in scattered locations throughout the British Isles
and is often locally common, as this species is at Llyn
Helyg. Pillwort has declined in the UK and across the whole
of its European range. Thus Pillwort is a Priority Species
under the UK Biodiversity Action Plan.
A growing problem at Llyn Helyg is invasion and spread of Crassula
helmsii (Australian Swamp Stonecrop, also known as New
Zealand Pygmyweed). The smothering habitat of Crassula helmsii
is a significant threat to the Pillwort population at Llyn
Helyg. Our objective is to determine accurately the relative
distribution of the two species around the entire lake margin and to
devise a strategy incorporating practical measures for the long-term
safeguarding of Pillwort at Llyn Helyg.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW CURRENT PROGRESS OF THIS PROJECT
October 2007
ECOLOGICAL RESTORATION CONSULTANTS APPOINT A NEW PROJECT OFFICER UNDERTAKING A PROFESSIONAL TRAINING PLACEMENT
Nadia
Karami - Project Officer
Nadia has joined ERC to undertake a professional training placement for a
period of 12 months. She is on secondment from Liverpool John
Moores University in the third year of a BSc degree in Applied
Biology. Her main focus is ecology, plant science,
environmental pollution and soil science. Nadia is currently
involved in several projects including Lowland Heathland Restoration at
Prees Heath Common, Shropshire and the Establishment of SRC Willow and
Miscanthus at brownfield sites in Cheshire and Greater Manchester.
March 2007
Ecological Restoration Consultants is
pleased to announce the award of a contract by Waste Resources Action
Programme to identify and review scientific literature to
determine the benefits and possible dis-benefits conferred by the
utilisation of organic materials in the treatment of brownfield land.
The study will focus on the use of sewage sludge, paper mill crumb and
compost made from source segregated wastes. A technical report will
evaluate for each of these materials the circumstances (in relation to
final land use objectives) in which benefits for soil physical,
chemical and biological properties are optimised. An economic analysis
will also be undertaken to determine whether PAS100 compost confers
sufficient advantages for regeneration of brownfield soils in
competition with other organic materials which may attract a gate fee
for a recipient developer. The technical report is likely to be placed
in the public domain on the WRAP website in the latter part of 2007.
November 2006
SAFEGUARDING THE
SILVER-STUDDED BLUE BUTTERFLY
CREATION OF NEW LOWLAND HEATH HABITAT AT PREES HEATH COMMON, NORTH
SHROPSHIRE
Commencing in 2007 Butterfly Conservation intend to create a large area
of lowland heathland on arable land at Prees Heath Common, Whitchurch,
Shropshire. The existing small area of heathland at this site supports
the only remaining colony of the silver-studded blue (Plebeius argus)
in the English midlands. A much larger area of heathland covered the
site one hundred years ago and thus the heathland heritage provides a
historical precedent for heathland creation.
Ecological Restoration Consultants was commissioned by Butterfly
Conservation to provide guidance on how the site could be successfully
restored to the target heathland vegetation which is a priority BAP
habitat for Shropshire. A series of trial soil pits were dug at
different locations and soil samples were analysed for chemical and
physical properties. The results demonstrate that successful
restoration to heathland is feasible due to the presence of underlying
nutrient deficient sands and gravels.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW CURRENT PROGRESS OF THIS PROJECT
October 2006
ONE STEP BEYOND - 12th - 13th October 2006
There was a very successful meeting which explored Ecological
Restoration and Creative Conservation in the United Kingdom at the Eden
Project, Cornwall, at the new Education Centre, "The Core".
The purpose of the meeting was to explore the importance of people in
ecological restoration and highlight "the practical and inspirational
ways in which individuals may become involved in making positive
contributions to ecological restoration and incorporate the cultural
elements" - a serious challenge for ecologists!
A group of 50 enthusiastic participants rose to this challenge with a
stimulating discussion initiated by a set of interesting lectures. Dr
Putwain, of Ecological Restoration Consultants, gave a presentation
about "The Bridge Between Research and the Real World".
Click here to view the presentation.
August 2006
DEVELOPMENT OF A BIRD STRIKE MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR A LARGE
INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
Ecological Restoration Consultants has been commissioned by a leading
international airport to undertake a strategic assessment of actions
designed to reduce the probability of collisions between birds and
aircraft. Threats are posed by large single birds (e.g. Canada goose)
or flocks (e.g. racing pigeon). A single large bird will cause
catastrophic damage to engine fan blades and such strikes will cause
take-offs to be abandoned, aircraft returning and engine shutdowns.
Catastrophic air accidents have occurred with three large aircraft
destroyed worldwide since 1995.
We are reviewing existing sources of bird population data and bird
species behaviour within a 13 kilometre radius from the airport. Local
ornithologists have assisted us with provision of data and expert local
knowledge. A risk assessment of all significant bird habitats within
the 13km target area is being undertaken including all potential
hazardous locations where birds occur feeding, breeding or roosting. A
longer term objective is to establish patterns of flight between sites
which cross airport runways and seasonal variation in species abundance
and movements. In due course a Bird Management Plan will be developed
to promote the safety of air traffic based on a thorough understanding
of bird behaviour and bird movement in the vicinity of the airport.