St Mary’s School, Marlborough

ACD Environmental provided ecological inputs in relation to works to build a new primary school. Previous ecology surveys were carried out by other ecological consultants and a scope of updated bat surveys were agreed between ACD Environmental and the LPA ecologist in 2016.

A strategy to retain opportunities for roosting bats in relation to a historical common pipistrelle bat roost was provided comprising five bat boxes integrated within the masonry and mounted on external walls to the new school. The grounds were found to support reptiles and a translocation was carried out to an agreed off-site receptor site at Southwick Country Park, which was enhanced through log piles / hibernacula. Reptile fencing was installed and a sensitive vegetation clearance followed by a soil scrape was carried out under supervision by ecologists. A total of 311 slow worms and two grass snakes were found by the ecologists and translocated to this receptor site.

The project provides an example of a solution-focused approach and the successful implementation of bespoke mitigation strategies. ACD Environmental were subsequently invited by the developer to deliver a presentation where this site was used as a case study.