"We have planted a new native species-rich hedgerow and trees surrounding the new mesh car parking area behind the cottages."
As part of the conversion works for our stable block into four nature retreats, we commissioned Native Ecology to carry out a Full Ecological Impact Assessment of the site. This work included a preliminary ecological assessment, a summary of the species and habitats found in the vicinity, proposals for further assessments (including a full bat survey) and recommendations for appropriate biodiversity enhancement measures to minimise the impacts of the building works.
Figure 1. the stables before work started (2022)
The ecological enhancement measures which were recommended by the report are as follows:
Bat boxes – the development provides an opportunity to enhance the site for bats via the provision of roosting opportunities. This was carried out by installing several bat boxes, such as 2F Schwegler Bat Box or similar, on mature trees and other buildings within the ownership boundary before any construction work commenced. Boxes were positioned at least 3m above ground level, on southern and western aspects.
Figure 2. Two of the installed bat boxes on the south-west side of the agricultural barn
The bat survey revealed at least 2 common pipstrelle bats living in the stables. This meant a delay in building works to avoid disturbing them during their hibernation period. During spring 2023 Native Ecology carried out an internal inspection and installed one-way exclusion devices to prevent the bats from re-entering their roost sites. The builders were also trained in how to remove what remained of the existing roof safely for any remaining bats. A bat friendly roof membrane and slate access roof tiles were installed as part of the construction works (see below).
Figure 3. Leadworx bat access slates were installed on the roof of the stables
Bird boxes – bird boxes suitable for hole nesting species, such as Schwegler 1B or similar, were installed on mature trees within the ownership boundary. Bird boxes will be located on north or east elevations to avoid direct sunlight.
Figure 4. Showing two types of bird boxes on a nearby tree
Barn owl nest box – were installed in several appropriate locations adjacent to the site. Two of these were occupied by owls within a few months and another had a family of kestrels living in it!
Figure 5. New owl box located in a nearby tree
Log piles – several log piles were created around the site including a log hedge which was created when we felled a line of Leylandii trees and used the branches to create a hedge around the boundary of the garden (see below).
These habitat features provide hibernating and sheltering opportunities for reptiles, amphibians and small mammals, as well as habitat for saproxylic invertebrates, such as stag beetles.
Figure 6. log hedge created from a line of Leylandii trees
Bee bricks – To increase the nesting opportunities for pollinating solitary bees such as red mason bee Osmia bicornis and leaf-cutting bees Megachile sp., 2 bee bricks have been incorporated into the fabric of the buildings. These were positioned on the southern elevation at a minimum height of 1m from ground level.
Figure 7. Bee brick in the south-easter wall of the building
Tree planting – A native species tree screen has been planted south of the stables, along the bridleway. This will benefit nesting birds and foraging bats, amongst other species. We have also planted a cluster of wild cherry trees. These will provide an additional foraging habitat for birds within the locality.
We have also planted a new native species-rich hedgerow and trees surrounding the new mesh car parking area behind the cottages. This will provide a screen for the cars from other aspects around the farm. The species planted include hazel, hawthorn, spindle, holly, yew, privet, field rose, dog rose and guelder rose. Flowering species, such hawthorn, privet and rose will provide opportunities for nectar feeding invertebrates, such as bumblebees, hover flies and butterflies. They will also benefit bats by providing additional foraging habitat and birds through additional nesting habitat.
Work that still needs to be carried out is as follows:
Grassland Meadow – A native grassland and wildflower mixed meadow will be planted in the area in front of the cottages. This will enhance biodiversity on the site and provide suitable foraging habitat for a variety of species.
Native and nectar rich planting plan – Planting around the buildings will include native, flower rich species, including those that flower in the late and early seasons to enhance the biodiversity value of the site.
The inclusion of climbing plants will add sheltering opportunities for invertebrates and birds. They can also produce nectar rich flowers for butterflies, bees and hover flies and fruit for birds and small mammals.
The inclusion of herbs, such as lavender and sage, will provide nectar for an array of invertebrate species, including bees, butterflies and moths. Providing a range of herb plants will ensure flowering throughout the seasons. The inclusion of plants that produce scent at night will attract night flying invertebrates and as such will also provide foraging opportunities for bats.
Wildlife pond – A wildlife pond is under construction in the southern section of the site within the grassland meadow on the other side of the bridleway. This will be fed by rainwater runoff and treated water from the water treatment plant.
We plan to include sloping gradients around the edges of the newly created wildlife ponds to ensure easy access for local wildlife. Graded shelving to the centre of the pond will accommodate species groups, such as amphibians and aquatic invertebrates.
The spoil arising from pond excavation will be used to create uncompacted mounds or banks. Some will be mixed with other materials, such as clean rubble or logs, it can provide suitable shelter/hibernation sites for amphibians and reptiles.
The pond will be created to provide suitable habitat for a range of invertebrates, with a quantity of native marginal, floating and submerged vegetation (of local provenance), including some areas of open water.
By Helen Renny, Project Co-ordinator
Just an hour’s drive from London and less than half an hour from Maidstone, Ashford and Canterbury, it is an easy journey to visit our nature retreats. The farm will offer a quiet space to relax and enjoy the countryside. The site offers dark skies and little noise pollution and gives visitors a chance to relax and become immersed in nature.