Overview
Northumbrian Water routinely carry out infrastructure maintenance at their reservoirs. At Burnhope Reservoir in County Durham a programme of ground investigation works was due to take place in a location known to support internationally important waxcap fungi. BSG were commissioned to undertake a Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA) and devise mitigation measures to minimise damage to this rare and significant habitat.
Challenge
Waxcap grasslands are sensitive to soil improvement, mechanical disturbance and soil compaction. Due to the nature of the ground investigation works, direct but localised damage to the waxcap fungi community was unavoidable. However, the impacts could be minimised through the application of appropriate working methods.
Solution
Multiple mitigation measures were recommended to ensure a positive outcome both for the client and the ecological interests of the site. Methods to lessen habitat disturbance included the retention and separate storage of topsoil, minimising vehicle movement and single route tracks for vehicles to reduce soil compaction. BSG also advised employing ecologically sympathetic management practices to maximise the likelihood of habitat and species recovery. This included eliminating grazing in autumn to help facilitate fruiting fungi, controlling scrub encroachment into the waxcap habitat, and avoiding the application of fertilisers & pesticides which would alter the soil content.
Outcome
The implementation of the mitigation measures will minimise disruption to the habitat and increase the probability of the waxcap community recovering, as well as ensuring that Northumbrian Water’s programme of essential maintenance can be carried out.