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Energy, Env vironment & Design L Marston Estate, Long Marston M , Warwiickshire e The Long n and Enhancement Sttrategy Wate er Vole Mitigatio M April 200 09 Energy, Env vironment & Design L Marston Estate, Long Marston M , Warwiickshire e The Long Waterr Vole Mittigation and a Enha ancemen nt Strateg gy Client Name: N Referen nce: Issue: St Modwen M Deve elopments Limited E301 16-C-12-3-1 Third d Issue Q Quality Assuran nce – Approva al Status Th his document has bee en Prepared and che ecked in accordance with Wa aterman EED’s IMS (BS EN ISO 9001: 2000 and BS EN ISO 14001: 2004) Prrepared by: Ce eri Griffiths Po osition: Ecology Consultan nt Checked by: Ra achel White osition: PA A Po Ap pproved by: Julian Arthur Po osition: Technical Directorr Akeman Barns, B Coln St S Aldwyns, Cirrencester, Glo oucestershire GL7 5AW t. 01285 750555 7 f. 012 285 750636 e. e [email protected] w. www.wattermangroup.c com Energy, Env vironment & Design Energy, Environment & Design CONTENTS 1. Introduction........................................................................................................ 1 2. Water Vole Survey Findings .............................................................................. 3 3. Potential Impacts ............................................................................................... 5 4. Mitigation Strategy............................................................................................. 6 5. Summary of Impacts Resulting from, and Mitigating for the Proposed Development of the Site.....................................................................................10 6. References ........................................................................................................ 11 Appendix Appendix 1: Block Layout Plans Habitat Features (3016/05c April 2009 JA/TB) Water vole mitigation strategy (3016/15a April 2009 JA/TB) Energy, Environment & Design Energy, Environment & Design 1. INTRODUCTION 1.1 This report has been prepared by Waterman Energy, Environment and Design (Waterman EED) on behalf of St. Modwen Developments Ltd. It sets out the principles of a mitigation and enhancement strategy for water voles at the Former Central Engineer’s Depot, Long Marston, Warwickshire (hereafter referred to as the ‘Site’) to prevent or minimise adverse impacts on water voles (including loss of habitats on which they depend), which could arise from proposed redevelopment of the Site. This report will form an appendix to an Environmental Statement to be submitted in support of an application. Relevant Legislation and Policy 1.2 Water vole Arvicola terrestris receives full protection under the Wildlife and Countryside Act (WCA) 1981 (as amended). The protection makes it an offence inter alia to: • Damage, destroy, or obstruct access to a structure or place which is used by water voles for shelter or protection; • Disturb a water vole whilst it is occupying such a structure or place which it is using for that purpose; • Intentionally kill, injure or take a water vole; or • Have in one's possession or control any live or dead water vole or derivatives. 1.3 Water voles are a UK Biodiversity Action Plan (UK BAP) and Warwickshire BAP species. Water voles are also a Species of Principal Importance (SoPI), which, in accordance with Section 41(2) of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006, requires authorities to further their conservation. 1.4 Once common and widespread in lowland England, the water vole has suffered an accelerating decline in numbers and distribution throughout the last century. 1.5 The most recent national survey, completed in 1998, showed a 67.5% loss in occupied sites and an 88% decline in population in only seven years. 1.6 The Warwickshire, Coventry and Solihull Local BAP (LBAP) states that, “save for fragmented colonies in the Coventry/Nuneaton area … with the exception of a couple of isolated colonies recorded elsewhere, the water vole appears to have all but disappeared from the rest of the county.” That said, data searches revealed a number of water vole records from close to the Site boundary. 1.7 In addition, planning policy through the government’s Planning Policy Statement 9 (PPS9) requires that adverse effects of development on SoPI should be avoided through planning conditions or obligations and that planning permission should be refused where harm to these species, or their habitats, may result, unless the need for, and benefits of, the development clearly outweigh the harm. 1.8 There is no provision for licensing the intentional destruction of places of shelter (e.g. burrows) used by water voles or intentionally taking or having a water vole in one’s possession during maintenance or development works. 1.9 More locally, Policy EF7A of the Stratford-on-Avon District Local Plan (1996 – 2011) protects rare, endangered or other wildlife species of conservation importance. Development will not be permitted unless suitable mitigation or compensatory measures are secured. The Long Marston Estate, Long Marston, Warwickshire E3016C-C-12-3-1 Page 1 of 11 Energy, Environment & Design Background and Scope of Report 1.10 Detailed ecological surveys of the Site undertaken by Waterman Group in 2008 have confirmed the presence of water voles in a number of ditches. The full details of the survey are provided in subsequent sections of this report. Further to consultation with the selection panel for Sites of Interest for Nature Conservation (SINC) in Warwickshire, it has been confirmed that the water vole population and the ditch network that supports them, would qualify parts of the Site as a SINC (under the species criterion where the presence of a “significant population” of a species that is rare in the county has been confirmed (ref. 1)). At the time of writing, the exact boundaries of the SINC had yet to be defined. 1.11 As agreed with the county ecologist (Anna Swift, Warwickshire Museum), in the absence of the SINC boundary this strategy is in accordance with relevant planning policy and legislation, and has been based on the requirements of water voles, as would be required once the SINC boundary is defined. 1.12 Given the conservation status of water voles both locally and nationally, and the legal and policy protection afforded to the species, the requirements of the species have played a key role in the design of the proposed development. This report sets out the strategy to avoid adverse effects during construction and to ensure that the water vole population can be maintained and enhanced in the long term within the proposed development. The Long Marston Estate, Long Marston, Warwickshire E3016C-C-12-3-1 Page 2 of 11 Energy, Environment & Design 2 WATER VOLE SURVEY FINDINGS Summary of Survey Methodology 2.1 The water vole survey was undertaken in 2008 on 26 August, and 23 and 30 September by experienced ecologists. The survey followed standard best practice techniques (Ref. 2), which involved walking the length of the watercourses within the Site boundary looking for characteristic signs of water vole activity. 2.2 A predictive equation that describes the relationship between water vole numbers and latrines was used to estimate the water vole population size: y = 1.48 + 0.683x (where y = water vole numbers and x = number of latrines). This provides an estimate of population numbers; however, it cannot be used as a precise numerical estimate (ref. 2). Habitat Assessment 2.3 The ditches within the Site form part of the surface water drainage system; their location is shown on Plan 3016/05c. The majority have negligible flow, steeply shelving banks, and an average depth of 3-5cm with a silty substrate. 2.4 The ditch flora is limited to a few common and widespread plant species consisting predominantly of terrestrial species established on the banks. The structural uniformity and general lack of microhabitat in the ditches, together with their intensive management as part of the ground maintenance programme at the Site limits their ecological value further. Submerged vegetation was not recorded in any of the ditches. Stands of emergent vegetation were also relatively infrequent. The ditch vegetation was typically dominated by common and widespread terrestrial species growing on the banks such as hogweed Heracleum sphondyleum, common nettle Urtica dioica, lesser burdock Arctium minus and great willowherb Epilobium hirsutum. The most frequent macrophyte (wetland or aquatic plant) was reedmace Typha latifolia, with occasional associates such as fool’s watercress Apium nodiflorum, water plantain Alisma plantago-aquatica and yellow flag Iris pseudacorus. Other moisture loving bankside species included meadowsweet Filipendula ulmaria, tufted hair-grass Deschampsia caespitosa and water figwort Scrophularia auriculata. 2.5 The habitat that surrounds the majority of the ditches is heavily managed grassland with a low sward height. Ditches F and G run through woodland. 2.6 Pond P1 is large and partially surrounded by willow trees and scrub. Emergent vegetation at the pond margins includes reed sweet grass, common reedmace, purple loosestrife Lythum salicaria and common reed. Submerged vegetation includes common water-plantain Alisma plantagoaquatica and a species of pondweed that could not be sampled for identification purposes, possibly Canadian pondweed Elodea canadensis and water-lily Nymphaea sp.. Water Vole Status at the Site 2.7 The findings of the water vole survey are summarised in Table 1 below. Ditch Burrows Latrines Feeding Stations B&E 6 6 8 C&D F G H M&L N Pond P1 1 5 6 4 11 14 4 0 2 3 2 11 4 0 1 13 16 7 47 2 2 Runs 4 Numerous Numerous Table 1: Summary of 2008 Water Vole Results The Long Marston Estate, Long Marston, Warwickshire E3016C-C-12-3-1 Page 3 of 11 Energy, Environment & Design 2.8 Evidence of water voles was found within all the ditches with the exception of A, I, J, K, O and P (refer to Plan 3016/05c). These are either concrete lined and do not provide suitable burrowing habitat, or the ditches dried out over the course of the survey and so are unsuitable. Pond P1 was also found to support water voles. 2.9 Ditches B, E and L showed the highest level of water vole activity. Using the population estimate equation it is estimated that there could be 34 water voles using the ditches and ponds on the site, which is considered to be a relatively small population. 2.10 Two sightings of mink Mustela vison were recorded on the Site. These were near ditch M and ditch N. Mink prey heavily on water vole and can quickly decimate a water vole population. 2.11 In summary, it is evident that water voles use most of the suitable aquatic and riparian habitat within the Site, however, with the evidence of mink recorded it is not known how long the population will remain. Although water voles had been recorded within the vicinity of the Site, it is now likely that these populations are extinct, owing to such predation (pers. comm. Anna Swift, Warwickshire Museum). 2.12 On the basis of the survey findings and the conservation status of the species locally and in the county, the water vole population was deemed to be of sufficient value to satisfy the criteria for SINC selection in Warwickshire (see paragraph 1.10 above). The population of water vole is therefore considered to be of county value. However, in the absence of mink control it seems likely that the value of this population will decline. The Long Marston Estate, Long Marston, Warwickshire E3016C-C-12-3-1 Page 4 of 11 Energy, Environment & Design 3 POTENTIAL IMPACTS Construction Impacts 3.1 There is potential for water voles to be affected during the construction phase, although, impacts would be largely avoided through masterplan design by retaining and where possible improving the ditch network to allow movement between existing ditches (and avoid fragmentation of the population), and with protective buffers between new development and sensitive bankside habitats supporting the water vole burrow networks. However, ditch N and Pond P1 will be directly affected during construction works. 3.2 Pond P1 is to be retained and increased in area as part of the flood storage strategy. This would affect existing pond banks used by water vole, including burrows, although as described below, the works will result in the creation of extensive new habitat for the species. A new wet ditch connecting Pond P1 to the existing drain network (also required as part of the flood control strategy) would improve habitat connections for water voles. New Sustainable Urban Drainage System (SUDS) are proposed alongside ditch N within the proposed residential development. The SUDS would comprise swales that would alternate surface water drainage; they would be dry for the majority of the time. There is the potential for water voles and their burrows to be impacted during construction of the swales. In the absence of mitigation, such an adverse effect upon the water vole population at Pond P1 would be of moderate significance. Impacts would also trigger the legislation protecting water voles and their habitat. However, the impact would be temporary and would only affect a small proportion of the habitat used by water voles. As stated later, the new habitats created and improved connectivity should assist with the mitigation. 3.3 The proposed works may result in short-term noise and vibration and this may result in disturbance to water voles. There could also be accidental incursion by machinery into other habitats known to support water vole, or polluting materials such as silt or chemicals resulting in degradation of water quality. These impacts could result in an impact upon the water vole population, although any impact would be expected to be temporary, very localised and hence significant at a local level only and therefore of minor significance. Completed Development 3.4 The Proposed Development will increase the number of people and domestic pets in the eastern part of the Application Site, particularly the south-east corner where residential development is proposed (see Appendix 1). A new footpath is also intended adjacent to ditch N, although this will be at least 6m from the bank for most of its length, thereby minimising potential direct effects to water vole burrows. There is likely to be a resultant increase in human disturbance from noise, litter and the potential predation of water voles by domestic pets. The Long Marston Estate, Long Marston, Warwickshire E3016C-C-12-3-1 Page 5 of 11 Energy, Environment & Design 4 MITIGATION STRATEGY Overview 4.1 The mitigation strategy comprises the following elements: Construction Phase • Design to avoid sensitive water vole habitat, including where burrows and tunnels are present or likely to be present; • Enhancement of existing ditch habitats through restoration and management, and increase habitat available, through wetland creation; • Improve the linkages between ditches and Pond P1 to improve the permeability of the Site for water voles; and • During construction, timing of works and temporary exclusion to avoid excessive disturbance or mortality. Completed Development Phase 4.2 • A management plan designed to maintain the water courses in a favourable condition for water voles; and • Within the development raise awareness of the presence of, and potential threats to, the water vole population from disturbance and predation by domestic pets. Elements of the mitigation strategy are illustrated on Plan 3016/15a and described in more detail below. The strategy is in accordance with the approach set out in the Water Vole Conservation Handbook (ref. 2). Construction Phase Design Strategy 4.3 Water vole burrows can be found along the water’s edge or within the vegetation 3m from the water’s edge on a bank. The burrows can extend up to 5m into the bank (ref.2; p.89). Therefore, any works within 5m of the ditch banks could potentially impact on water voles or their resting places, resulting in an offence. 4.4 For this reason, the development has wherever possible retained a buffer of 6m between the development edge and ditches known to support the species (see Plan 3016/15a). As stated in the Water Vole Conservation Handbook (P.64) a 6m wide vegetated margin either side of a ditch will provide extensive foraging opportunities for water voles. 4.5 The proposed footpath adjacent to ditch N will be designed so as to be outside the 6m buffer except in discrete locations where the path will be closer to the banks to create viewpoints to the ditch. This will provide both educational value but also natural surveillance of the ditch so that issues such as littering are minimised. 4.6 Furthermore, houses rather than residential gardens will face on the buffers adjacent to ditches, minimising the risk of garden waste and litter entering the ditch network. Where this is not possible a fence would be installed at the boundary of the buffer zone. 4.7 As part of the SUDS strategy, swales within the residential development (refer to Plan 3016/15a) will be constructed and these will wherever possible be positioned 6m from the bank edge to avoid The Long Marston Estate, Long Marston, Warwickshire E3016C-C-12-3-1 Page 6 of 11 Energy, Environment & Design water vole burrows. Where this is not possible, swales will be located away from burrows so that impacts are avoided. Enhancement and Creation of New Water Vole Habitat 4.8 In recognition of the importance of the water vole population, as part of the development opportunities have been taken to increase the amount of suitable water vole habitat, in the form of vegetated earth banks. Table 2 below summaries the amount of existing water vole habitat and that which is to be enhanced or created through the development - this is illustrated in Plan 3016/15a. Length of existing suitable bankside habitati Length of new bankside habitat associated with extension to Pond P1 Length of ditches to be deculverted Length of existing concrete lined ditches to be restoredii Total length of bankside habitat available in proposed development (% increase over existing) 4,710m 292m 419m 457m 5,878m (25%) i Suitable bankside habitat comprises that which is predominantly wet and has earth banks suitable for water vole burrowing. ii restoration involves breaking out concrete to create earth banks suited to water vole burrowing. Table 2: Summary of Water Vole Habitat Enhancement and Creation 4.9 Pond P1 is to be enlarged with additional bankside habitat created. The banks will be of earth with sloping profiles to encourage marginal habitat and a steeper or stepped profile on the upper half of the bank to provide suitable burrowing habitat. An island would be created to increase foraging and burrowing habitat available for the water voles (this will also benefit other wildlife such as waterfowl). A reedbed would also be included to provide cover from predators such as mink. 4.10 An existing culverted ditch (parts of ditches N and A) is to be opened up (‘de-culverted’). Concrete will be broken out to expose natural earth and the banks will be re-profiled as shown in Figure 1 (reproduced from ref. 2) to create 419m of new water vole habitat. Similarly, other existing concrete lined ditches will be enhanced by removing the concrete, increasing suitable water vole habitat by 457m. Appropriate vegetation will be planted on the banks to provide additional foraging and protection (ref. 2; Box 5.B Pg 61). Figure 1: Ditch Showing the Profile and Vegetation Suitable for Supporting Water Vole Maintain Linkages 4.11 In the absence of mitigation or appropriate design, fragmentation of the existing population by isolating parts of the existing ditch network could result in the extinction of the population of water voles at the Site. However, the connectivity between ditches within the Site is maintained within the development design and to off-site ditches/watercourses. Indeed, with the new connecting ditch proposed between Pond P1 and ditch A, and the de-culverting of ditch N-A, the existing connectivity should be improved. Wide 6m buffers adjacent to the ditches will provide cover alongside ditches where these are within those parts of the Site that are subject to higher density development (see block layout in Appendix 1). The Long Marston Estate, Long Marston, Warwickshire E3016C-C-12-3-1 Page 7 of 11 Energy, Environment & Design Precautions During Construction 4.12 Some existing water vole habitat at Pond P1 is to be affected. The level of water vole activity identified during surveys was low, indicating a low population. Nevertheless, there is the possibility of the works having a direct impact on water voles and their burrows. Due to the short term nature of the impact, it is proposed that the water voles are temporarily displaced from the affected areas of the pond to the opposite banks that will be unaffected by the works. As described above, the amount of habitat available, and connectivity to other suitable habitat, will be increased or improved, respectively, as a result of the development. 4.13 The least disruptive time of year to undertake works on water vole habitat is late February to April, when the species is active but not breeding. The proposed methodology is described below: • To minimise the impact on the pond and water vole habitat, contractors will be made aware of the presence of water voles. All works below would be supervised by an ecologist; • Before the work is undertaken, a check will be made by an ecologist for any water vole burrows in the banks. These will be marked so that they can be checked later to ensure that they are not obstructed; • All vegetation will be removed from the section of the pond that is to be extended and an additional 5m buffer zone either side; • If any burrows are located along the affected section, these will be rechecked to ensure that they are not blocked; • Once the strimming has been completed, a destructive search using only hand tools will be undertaken within three days prior to the works commencing to excavate burrows and root systems to ensure that there are no water voles present within the strimmed areas; • A plywood fence will be installed at either side of the mitigation area to prevent water voles returning. It may be that fencing off sections in phases and then excavating the pond extension in discrete sections is the most straightforward way of completing works, but this will be subject to prior agreement with the contractor; and • Once construction has been completed, the banks will be planted with a mix of suitable, native species and allowed to regenerate. Species would be chosen from the recommended list in the Water Vole Conservation Handbook (ref. 2). 4.14 If any of the other ditches supporting water voles are to be affected, through new road crossings, for instance, then the methodology above would be adopted to reduce the potential impacts on water voles. 4.15 There is the potential for indirect effects to retained ditches that are not proposed to be directly affected through pollution of disturbance during construction. To avoid this, ditches will be fenced 6m from the ditch banks and Environment Agency best practice guidance during construction followed. Where SUDS are to be created adjacent to ditch N, working areas will be similarly fenced so that impacts to water voles and their burrows are avoided. Completed Development Long-Term Management 4.16 In order to maximise the potential of the new and retained habitat for water vole, a management strategy will be adopted, the details of which would be set out in an Ecological Management Plan (EcMP) for the Site (refer to Appendix 9.5 of the Environmental Statement). This could be secured by planning controls. 4.17 The objectives of management will be to maintain and improve the conservation status of the water vole population. The management prescriptions for water voles will include: The Long Marston Estate, Long Marston, Warwickshire E3016C-C-12-3-1 Page 8 of 11 Energy, Environment & Design • Aftercare of newly planted vegetation on ditch and pond banks to ensure successful establishment, whilst avoiding dominance of competitive or invasive species; • More sympathetic management of bankside vegetation, with mowing undertaken in late summer (mid-July to September) only, and vegetation cut no lower than 15cm. Only one side of the ditch should be cut in one year, alternating each year. Alternatively, the vegetation would be cut at intervals along both sides so that some of the vegetation remains uncut thereby retaining cover and foraging habitat; • The ditches that run through the woodland would be enhanced by the removal of some of the overhanging trees to increase light penetration to the ditches and increase the coverage of grassland along the banks; • One of the greatest threats to the population is predation from mink. If possible, a mink control programme will be devised with the intention that it would be implemented by local volunteer groups. Control would include active trapping of mink along ditches; and • A water vole monitoring strategy will be implemented. This will firstly require baseline surveys to be undertaken pre and post construction. If water vole densities are found to be low, a review of the mitigation strategy and management plan for the site should be undertaken in conjunction with the statutory bodies to determine if any other could be implemented to enhance the site for water voles such as a mink control programme. Raise Awareness 4.18 Signage will be erected and leaflets provided to inform residents of the importance of the population, and its vulnerability to predation by domestic cats and mink. The latter will, together with managed buffers adjacent to ditches, help to minimise predation impacts from domestic pets. The Long Marston Estate, Long Marston, Warwickshire E3016C-C-12-3-1 Page 9 of 11 Energy, Environment & Design 5 SUMMARY OF IMPACTS RESULTING FROM, AND MITIGATING FOR THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT OF THE SITE 5.1 Table 3 below summarises impacts and mitigation proposed to address them. It follows the approach set out in the Water Vole Conservation Handbook (ref. 2; Box 9:G, p. 106). Works Extent Magnitude Duration Reversibility Timing/frequency Cumulative effects Beneficial effects Mitigation The works will result in some temporary habitat loss and modification. Footprint of works on ditch N equates to approximately 550m in length of water vole habitat, with either 1 or 2 female territories affected. Habitat loss around Pond P1 will equate to approximately 200m of water vole habitat, which is likely to support 1 or 2 female territories. Direct impact on one or more individual animals under the footprint of the scheme during works, potentially including: minor short-term loss of habitat and disturbance to individuals during the works. Works (including mitigation and development) are likely to take several years, although the ditches and ponds will be affected to a lesser extent and should be completed in several weeks. Restoration may take up to 12 months on newly created ditches and ponds. Habitat loss is fully reversible and more than compensated. Impact can be reduced by timing of works between late February to April. The habitat will only be affected during the works. Low probability of cumulative effects as no other developments are known nearby that could affect the population. Appropriate restoration of the ditches and ponds, habitat creation, management and mink control will have a long-term beneficial effect to the water vole population on the Site. There will be an increase in overall water vole habitat on the site and better dispersal route around the Site and to habitat beyond. The mitigation set out in this report will enable the works to be conducted without any long-term adverse impacts to the water vole population. Table 3: Summary of Impacts and Mitigation The Long Marston Estate, Long Marston, Warwickshire E3016C-C-12-3-1 Page 10 of 11 Energy, Environment & Design 6 REFERENCES 6.1 Warwickshire Wildlife Trust, 1997. The Selection of Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation in Warwickshire. Warwickshire Wildlife Trust, Coventry. 6.2 Strachan, R. (2006) Water Vole Conservation Handbook. Emley, D.W. (Ed) (2007). The Long Marston Estate, Long Marston, Warwickshire E3016C-C-12-3-1 Second Edition. Wild Cru, Oxford. Page 11 of 11 Energy, Environment & Design Energy, Environment & Design Appendix Appendix 1: Block Layout Energy, Environment & Design Energy, Environment & Design Plans Habitat Features (3016/05c April 2009 JA/TB) Water vole mitigation strategy (3016/15a April 2009 JA/TB) Energy, Environment & Design W1 I K i J Site boundary SI I Mixed planted woodland H SI I Scattered shrub and trees G2 W14 B W15 W2 G2 Amenity grassland C I W13 E SI L D SI G1 W12 Improved grassland SI Species rich semi-improved grassland SI Semi-improved grassland I G3 SI W11 A M I W7 W9 Marshy grassland W16 A W10 P Q Tall ruderal O F X Ephemeral F Ditch (wet) and label I W8 G W5 W3 A Pond Honeybourne Railway Line I W6 I W4 A N W17 Arable Bare ground A Buildings and hard standing W18 I I N I 0 I I I 500m I W19 Project Details Long Marston Estate, Long Marston, Warwickshire Title Habitat Features Scale As shown (approximate) Drawing Ref 3016/05c Date April 2009 Checked JA/TB www.watermangroup.com © WATERMAN ENERGY, ENVIRONMENT & DESIGN Reproduced from the Ordnance Survey maps with the permission of the Controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office,© Crown copyright, Waterman Energy, Environment & Design Akeman Barns, Coln St Aldwyns, Cirencester, Gloucestershire GL7 5AW: Licence number 100012765. Energy, Environment & Design Section A - A - drain within residential 6m Minimum 6m distance new foot path dista an nce nc e from fr n Enlarged Plan View for A - A Public viewing area C C New Footpath development edge Tall marginal vegetation bankside vegetation managed to screen disturbance whilst providing diverse food source Secctiio Section ion n B - B - new drain d dra a n profile ain Minimum 6m Stand off Sec Sect ecct cctition on C - C Section reed db d b be ed ed provides prov pr ovid ides es reedbed ref uge ug ge from ffrro om m mi in nkk refuge mink M anag a ge g e water levels leve Manage to o benefit water wa voles vole B B Island provides Is sslan nd pro pr p ovides additional o add banks ba b a k for f r burrowing and foraging 45 banks ban an nkkks s 45 A A Site boundary existing drains to be managed for water vole Proposed develpment minimum of 6m from ditch existing culvert removed creating new habitat Concrete lined ditches removed & re-worked providing additional habitat New pond providing additional habitat a reedbed refuges from mink Dispersal routes for emigration/immigration to offsite ditch networks N 0 Project Details Long Marston Estate, Long Marston,Warwickshire Title Water vole mitigation strategy Scale As shown (approximate) Drawing Ref 3016/15a Date April 2009 Checked JA/TB 200m www.watermangroup.com © WATERMAN ENERGY, ENVIRONMENT & DESIGN Reproduced from the Ordnance Survey maps with the permission of the Controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office,© Crown copyright, Waterman Energy, Environment & Design Akeman Barns, Coln St Aldwyns, Cirencester, Gloucestershire GL7 5AW: Licence number 100012765. 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