Protected Wildlife during construction projects
Posted on 31st March 2023 at 12:08
The development of a construction site may interfere with the presence of any plant and animal life in the surrounding area.
There are species of plant and animal life in England including their habitats which are protected by law. What can or cannot be done in relation to this can vary.
Protected species are provided with the highest level of protection. This includes: all species of bats; beavers; great crested newts; hazel or common dormice; otters; natterjack toads; some species of reptiles; some species of protected plants; large blue butterflies and sturgeons.
Doing any of the following towards protected species would be considered breaking the law:
• Capturing, injuring, disturbing and killing
• Damaging or destroying a nesting or breeding place
• Obstructing access to their shelters
• Possessing, selling, controlling or transporting live or dead animals, even parts of them
If you are found guilty of any of these, the result could be an unlimited fine and up to six months in prison.
Other protected species include: badgers; water voles; wild birds; ancient woodland and veteran trees; white-clawed crayfish and freshwater pearl mussels.
If the plans affect badgers, a development licence must be applied for. In the case of other species, this cannot be applied for.
To avoid causing harm towards protected wildlife, you should time your planned activity and apply other mitigation methods, such as identifying areas where the most vulnerable species are found, habitats where species require a large area of land, areas where species of low reproductive rates are, setting standards to enhance the protection of wildlife. Construction areas that could damage and contribute to the loss of protected wildlife and their habitats should be avoided. The breeding season of the protected wildlife should also be considered.
What Can We Learn From This? – Toolbox Talk Details
• Consideration must be made to ensure the safety of all protected wildlife and plants,
• Wildlife that is protected by law and their safety is important,
• Endangering protected wildlife can lead to serious ecological and legal consequences.
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