BSEE-AUG21-P08 Environmental Awareness_Layout 1 22/07/2021 15:30 Page 8
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The rapid decline of UK wildlife species and the impending arrival of new legislation is placing a large emphasis on biodiversity. Planners and project managers are being put under increased pressure to consider the protection of wildlife habitats when constructing roadway and housing schemes. Terry Wilkinson, Highways Application Engineer at ACO Water Management explains.
becoming a much more prominent part of the planning process. Once the bill has passed, projects will be legally required to incorporate wildlife preservation measures in order for planning permissions to be granted. With this in mind, the onus is on project managers to take steps to avoid fragmented habitats. Dwindling wildlife populations have further spurred the need to preserve biodiversity, as shown by the troubling statistics discovered in the National Biodiversity Network (NBN) State of Nature 2019 report. The NBN found that Britain’s terrestrial and freshwater species are declining at a rapid rate, with more species decreasing (41%) than increasing (26%) in the last 50 years. Hedgehogs in particular have suffered a steep population decline, having halved in number since 2000, according to a report in 2018. Rough estimates suggest the population stands at one million, compared with 30 million during the 1950s. This has led to a number of MPs making a case for hedgehogs to be added to Britain’s list of protected animals, with an additional amendment clause proposed in the latest draft of the Environment Bill to this effect. To add to the cause for concern, the UK Government stated that the country failed to meet most of the global 2020 targets it committed to through the Convention on Biological Diversity. Faced with failing targets and declining animal populations, it is clear that more needs to be done.
W The Mitigation Hierarchy
As legislation comes into effect, the construction industry has an integral role to play in promoting and protecting biodiversity. Roads often cause significant loss and fragmentation of habitats, with woodland and permanent bodies of water regularly impacted by building works. The rate of decline in animals that are native to these habitats, such as amphibians, hedgehogs and dormice, is significant, and the construction sector has an opportunity to lead by example to protect them. There are a number of steps as outlined in the mitigation hierarchy which should be considered when planning projects. Designing the roads to avoid impacting habitats is the first option outlined within the hierarchy. It should be noted, however, that diverting roads around these areas is typically more costly for the project, and can be difficult to achieve because sharp turns are often required. As a result, this course of action is unfeasible for many sites. Minimising disruption incurred by the road is the next step to consider during the planning process.
ith the UK Government poised to introduce the Environment Bill, the construction industry, along with housebuilders and highways engineers, need to prepare for biodiversity
ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS
The growing importance of biodiversity for construction projects
There are a range of products that can be integrated, such as tunnels, guidance systems and stop channels which may all be installed for animals to traverse roadways safely. These solutions are easily incorporated within development plans and can offer a more cost- effective approach to preserving biodiversity. If appropriate mitigation isn’t achievable, measures should be taken to restore any habitats that are damaged or lost during construction. This can be accomplished by implementing additional ponding or planting where possible, but developers should be conscious that at this point damage has already occurred and may not be completely reversible.
As a final recourse, compensation can be instigated. This works to offset environmental damage by replacing habitats and effectively moving them to another location. This process is expensive and dangerous for wildlife, and should only be considered as a last resort.
Solutions for effective mitigation
Experienced ecologists should always be consulted in the design process, and if action is required to avoid fragmentation, then it must be taken as a top priority. Although mitigation is dependent on the individual site and requirements of the project, the parameters of the aforementioned hierarchy should be adhered to. This way, protective measures for wildlife can be incorporated at the planning stage before any damage is inflicted. To help understand the options available, we’ve come up with three types of solutions that can be integrated for effective mitigation:
1. Guidance systems
Guidance systems are an effective way to prevent small animals from reaching roadways and placing themselves in danger. The ACO one- way fence, for example, is easily installed in the
verges surrounding tunnels to help guide wildlife toward a safe pathway. Its concave design means animals cannot climb into a danger area from the front end, and at the same time can escape such areas by traversing over the rear. Animals can therefore safely move across roadways whilst also having an effective means of escape.
2. Tunnels
These can be seamlessly integrated into the roadway and provide connectivity for wildlife. For instance, ACO’s climate tunnel allows small animals secure passage under roads and reduces the crossing distance. The tunnels come in either slotted or solid top variants, depending on conditions. A slotted design is installed at the surface, and being at a higher level benefits from reduced risk of flooding. In some instances, a project will require continuous surfacing that cannot accommodate slotted tunnels. This is where a solid top structure can be useful due to its capacity for installation beneath the road.
3. Stop channels
On occasion, the continuity of a guide system has to be broken to allow for the construction of side roads or paths. Products like ACO’s stop channel can be installed here for wildlife to provide a sustained pathway as well as access. The channel features a gridded top specifically for small animals to fall through and continue safe migration through tunnels, without entering any dangerous road areas.
Positively impacting biodiversity
By incorporating the above solutions, stakeholders in the building sector can make sure species are protected and that highways are safe for wildlife. What’s more, prioritising habitats will make it easier in the long run for plans to be approved and remain cost effective, all while playing a part in improving biodiversity.
It is important to keep in mind that other tools are available to ensure projects put the ever-growing issue front of mind. ACO, for example, has a free on-demand webinar which considers biodiversity on highways projects. It is specifically designed to support industry professionals in their understanding of how to achieve biodiversity net gains, and be aware of the solutions. Understanding the relevant products and making the most of webinars on the subject will help equip the construction sector for making positive changes and enabling UK wildlife to prosper.
For more information on wildlife protection solutions, and to register for ACO’s latest webinar, please visit:
https://app.livestorm.co/aco- technologies/super-amphibian-highways-2021
8 BUILDING SERVICES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER AUGUST 2021 Read the latest at:
www.bsee.co.uk
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