Brimscombe Port
W ild Service has been advising Stroud District Council on ecological matters relating to the Brimscombe Port redevelopment project, which includes reinstating the former inland port and associated canal sections. As lesser horseshoe bats had taken up residence in a disused industrial unit (which lay in the path of the reinstated canal), Wild Service Ecologists undertook bat activity surveys to confirm the type of roost and to inform a European Protected Species licence from Natural England. A dedicated bat house was constructed by Wild Service's land management team to enable the lesser horseshoe bats to have a more secure roost near to their current one. In addition to bats, there have been various ecological features (including reptiles, badgers, otters and water voles) for which mitigation and enhancement measures are being devised. Wild Service and Stroud District Council are working together to ensure that the development will result in a net gain for biodiversity and incorporate green infrastructure becoming an attractive place not only for wildlife but also as a natural recreation area for local people.
Image courtesy Philip Precey
Stroudwater Canal
W ild Service was commissioned by Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust to undertake a Preliminary Ecological Appraisal along the 6km Stroudwater Navigation between Frampton-on-Severn to Stonehouse. The Preliminary Ecological Appraisal comprised a Phase 1 Habitat Survey and protected species survey assessment of the canal and associated habitat. The results of which have been used to inform ecological mitigation and enhancement recommendations for species and habitats associated with the canal. Stroudwater Navigation will be restored by Stroud District Council and the Cotswold Canals Trust with Ecological input from Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust. The aim being to link the Stroudwater Navigation from Ocean Railway Bridge to the Gloucester & Sharpness Canal at Walk Bridge.
Image courtesy Philip Precey
