Greengage Environmental were commissioned to undertake a Preliminary Ecological Appraisal of land at the site of a fire damaged thatched cottage on Silver Hill near Borehamwood, Hertfordshire.
Due to the extensive damage caused by the fire, the proposal included the demolition of the remaining sections of the listed building and the development of a new dwelling that would echo the former cottage.
Through the Preliminary Ecological Appraisal an assessment of the site’s ecological value was made and it was established that the site supported multiple mature habitats that had the potential to support a range of protected species. The potential presence of these protected species would need to be taken in to consideration prior to redevelopment works.
Greengage provided detailed guidance on which further surveys should be conducted, when such surveys should be undertaken and the methodology and survey effort that would be required to ensure the surveys were robust and acceptable.
Surveys recommended included bats, great crested newt (GCN) and reptiles. It was also recommended that on completion of the surveys an Ecological Management Plan should be produced and include details for any constraints confirmed through further survey. We also provided advice on how nesting bird issues should be addressed with regard to site clearance and building demolition.
