Ecology

Works will result in the reduction in width and severance of the wildlife corridor running alongside Whitchurch Lane, and the loss of grassland which has nature conservation value. An ecologist has been working with the council to update surveys previously undertaken in 2005 and propose a package of mitigation measures to compensate for the loss of areas of ecological value.

We have already harvested local seeds (see photo) from the grassland meadow to form a local seed bank, which we could be used for future habitat creation either within Phase 1 or the wider site. The ecologist is working with the design teams to explain the mitigation measures, which need to be incorporated in each development. This will form part of the information provided as part of the planning applications.

Developers within Phase 1 are contributing funds which will be used by Bristol Parks:

• To plant and maintain a replacement wildlife corridor to compensate for the impact on the Whitchurch Lane hedgerow, and
  
• Actively manage The Mounds and Hawkfield Meadows to the benefit of local wildlife for 25-years

Ecological surveys of The Mounds are being updated in order to ensure that management proposals for the area reflect any recent changes to the local biodiversity of this area. Once the wildlife corridor has been planted, there is also the commitment to monitor its success with respect to how well it is used by bats and badgers.

Seed collection - with help from the Hartcliffe & Withywood Health Walking Group