Building Resilient Habitats for Local Wildlife
Plantscape Tree Services Ltd has successfully completed a complex ecological mitigation and vegetation clearance programme at Hethel, supporting a major Norfolk County Council infrastructure scheme designed to unlock regional growth in the advanced engineering and manufacturing sector.
Habitat creation, protected species fencing and vegetation removal works.
As part of the early enabling works, the Plantscape team was appointed to dredge and enhance a receptor pond, including riparian planting and the creation of hibernacula to support local wildlife habitats and ecological resilience across the site.
This was followed by the installation of water vole and Great Crested Newt fencing to protect these legally protected species and minimise disturbance during the programme.
The fencing helped prevent Great Crested Newts and water voles from entering active construction areas, ensuring the project remained compliant with environmental legislation and ecological constraints.
Following installation of the fencing, ecologists undertook phased trapping and monitoring operations to clear the working areas. An ecological watching brief was then maintained while vegetation clearance and destructive searches progressed.
The vegetation management package included grass and scrub clearance, hedge removal, and tree felling. Grassland and scrub clearance operations were carried out using our Avant 760i fitted with a flail attachment, while hedge removal and smaller tree removal were completed using our 6-tonne JCB excavator equipped with a TMK 300 tree shear.
Larger trees were inspected for potential bat roost features using an endoscope and Plantscape’s 22.5-metre tracked MEWP. Larger trees requiring removal were then dismantled mechanically using our grapple saw lorry, enabling the works to be completed safely, efficiently, and with minimal disruption to the surrounding area. All timber, brash, and arisings generated during the programme were processed and removed from site for recycling.
The project was delivered to demanding programme deadlines and required close coordination between ecologists, traffic management contractors, the principal contractor, consultants, and the client team. Despite winter working conditions and tight programme constraints, the works were completed safely and efficiently while maintaining full compliance with the ecological requirements of the scheme.
The project demonstrates the importance of integrating ecological mitigation with infrastructure delivery, minimising environmental impact while enabling essential development works to progress.
Plantscape Tree Services Ltd regularly undertakes ecological mitigation, vegetation clearance, arboricultural, and enabling works projects throughout Norfolk and Suffolk for both commercial and infrastructure clients. The successful delivery of the Hethel scheme highlights Plantscape’s capability in delivering complex ecological and vegetation management projects safely, efficiently, and in coordination with large multidisciplinary construction teams.