West Lodge Water Vole Survey

HalpinRobbins were commissioned to undertake a Water vole (Arvicola amphibious) survey on the banks of the River Piddle, Dorset as part of flood defence works by Kingcombe Aquacare Ltd.

In the proposed work area the watercourse contained very little vegetation, shallow banks, no berm, no rush or grass tussocks and the adjacent land was level with well-managed, tightly cropped, grass from the bank edge for over 3m.

The combination of these factors combined with the lack of Water vole field signs classified the watercourse as low suitability for water voles, within the survey area, with the most relevant factors being the lack of field signs, lack of suitable bank for burrowing and lack of potential food sources.

The flood defence works continued under a watching brief and were completed without any ecological constraints or complication.

Services

• Water Vole Survey

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