Action Plans

This Plan lists the principal habitats and species that were found on the sites surveyed. Using the recommendations of the ecological survey, it then draws up the following Action Plans:-

Habitat Action Plans covering Hedgerows, Trees and Woodland, Grassland and Streams and Ponds.

Hedgerows - encouraging thickening and redevelopment, together with new planting of native species appropriate to the site location. Where possible considering the use of hedge-laying techniques.

Trees and Woodland - maintaining and encouraging planting of native stock which supports wildlife diversity. Restricting grass-cutting and excavations to safe distances from the track as well as retaining deadwood where possible.

Grassland - minimising grass-cutting to specific time periods to encourage diversity of wildflower stock, and rotating uncut areas to maximise overall species diversity.

Streams and Ponds - developing individual management schemes for ponds and streams to support invertebrates where present.

Species Action Plans covering Bats, Badgers, Dormice, Reptiles, Great Crested Newts and Birds.

Bats - as well as encouraging their presence by erecting further breeding and resting places, ensuring that such locations are properly protected.

Badgers - ensuring that badgers are protected from the Company's actions in accordance with the relevant legislation.

Dormice - ensuring that dormice are protected from the Company's actions in accordance with the relevant legislation.

Reptiles - where works are likely to affect the habitats of reptiles, developing a migration strategy prior to works commencing.

Great Crested Newts - ensuring protection to newts, eggs, tadpoles and juveniles.

Birds - ensuring that wild birds are protected from the Company's actions and operations as well as enhancing habitats where possible.

Location Action Plans are also listed on a site-by-site basis for ease of management by Company staff.

Each action has, where appropriate, a target date for implementation. Some actions are required on a continuous basis.