Case Studies

Our team is built according to our client's needs; we draw on a wide range of expertise to build a suitable team, but always maintaining a single point of contact within HalpinRobbins. This point of contact will usually be one of our founders or senior staff:

Bell House Water Vole Survey

HalpinRobbins were commissioned to undertake a Water vole (Arvicola amphibious) survey on the banks of the River Wylye, Wiltshire to aid and support the restoration of river banks within the boundaries of a private residency.

The stream banks, within the boundaries of the private residency, had collapsed three years previous after significant water flow along the river channel. The works proposed to remove an existing bridge and island and repair the stream bank sides. This activity required the use of heavy machinery and significant disturbance of the river bank.

HalpinRobbins were commissioned to undertake a protected species assessment of the area and advise the need for further survey works or modification of the work program to protect any features and species of ecological interest that were present on site or immediately adjacent.

After an initial survey it was found that an additional Water vole works were required as historic ecological records for the local area comprised multiple Water vole records and several Water vole droppings were found onsite. During the initial survey no Water vole burrows could be located.

It was agreed that the works would progress under a watching brief and should any burrows or Water voles be found all works would stop and the project be reassessed at that time.

HalpinRobbins oversaw the works, which were completed without stoppage. No Water vole burrows were found within the exposed bank that was repaired and no Water voles were encountered during the program of works.