Overview
BSG Ecology was commissioned to provide ecological support to Buckinghamshire Council at the new Bierton Crematorium site. BSG Ecology prepared an Ecological Mitigation and Management Plan (EMMP) in line with a planning condition for the development, to ensure the successful delivery of habitat creation and management at the Site including areas of wildflower grassland, native hedgerow and scrub, waterbodies, and wildlife-friendly features.
Challenge
In collaboration with the landscape architect on the project, a landscaping strategy was devised including the creation of a number of habitats to compensate for the loss of grassland within the site and provide enhancement for biodiversity. One of the main challenges following the implementation of the landscaping strategy was the successful establishment of the species-rich grassland areas. These were slow to establish, with the coverage of wildflower species being initially quite low, and areas of bare ground persisting. In addition, species indicative of high soil nutrient content or disturbance (e.g. broad-leaved dock and bristly oxtongue) were prevalent in the sward. This was likely due in part to the previous usage of the site as an improved hay meadow, which meant that existing soil nutrient levels were too high. This resulted in a range of fast-growing, dominant grasses and herbs outcompeting the target species.
Solution
BSG Ecology has undertaken annual inspections of the planted and artificial habitats since 2019, and has provided subsequent remedial management advice where required. Management changes have included adding in extra hay cuts in the early spring or autumn to further reduce nutrient levels, or targeted spot-spraying of undesirable species such as broad-leaved dock. The areas of wildflower grassland are now well established, with a good variety of grass and herbaceous species present, including common knapweed, ox-eye daisy, common vetch, meadow buttercup, bird’s foot trefoil, self-heal and lady’s bedstraw.
Following advice included in annual monitoring reports from BSG Ecology, the crematorium site management team have also replaced trees which did not establish successfully, and installed features including bird and bat boxes and hibernacula for great crested newt. The site management team have also provided some ecological enhancements above and beyond the requirements of the EMMP. This has included the installation of ‘insect hotels’ within the grassland areas, and the regulation of water levels within the waterbodies to prevent them drying out and increase their wildlife value. Great crested newt were found to have been present in one of these new waterbodies for the first time in 2021.
Outcome
The areas of soft landscaping now provide good quality habitat for a range of species, whilst also offering a tranquil and peaceful setting for visitors to connect with nature.