Category #ecology   Show all

• Reptile Survey

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  From Friday 18^th August, you might spot some strange mats in the hedgerows and leaf piles around Hemsleys Meadow and Finches Field. Don’t worry, these are not fly tipping, they are part of a reptile survey and should be left alone.

  Mid Sussex District Council are working with a Registered Practice of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management to make sure that any changes we make do not have a negative impact on the site’s wildlife.

  In Spring 2023, our Ecologists carried out a Preliminary Ecological Appraisal which identified suitable habitats for reptiles. The four common reptile species (slow-worm Anguis fragilis, common lizard Zootoca vivipara, adder Vipera berus and grass snake Natrix natrix) are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act. It is an offence to intentionally kill or injure any of our native snakes and lizards.

  We now need an experienced reptile expert to carry out further surveys.

  The reptile survey involves laying artificial refuges (reptile mats) to attract the reptiles and make them easier to detect. Over the following few weeks, the ecologists will be back to check for reptile activity.

  These surveys will determine the value of the site for these species and if we need to formulate a suitable mitigation strategy.

• Ecological surveys to take place

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  Ecologists will be on the fields for one day during the week of 6th March to carry out the site assessment for the Preliminary Ecological Appraisal. There will be no impact on use for regular visitors to the fields.

  
  

  A Preliminary Ecological Appraisal seeks to identify the main habitat types present on site and establish the potential to support protected or notable species. The site visit is part of the appraisal which also involves desk-based research.

  Mid Sussex District Council are working with a Registered Practice of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management who will send one or two ecologists to look for evidence of use by, or features with the potential to support, badger, bats, nesting birds, great crested newt, hazel dormouse, otter, reptiles, and water vole.

  The report they produce will be used by our landscape architects to make sure that any changes we make do not have a negative impact on the site’s wildlife, and ideally will enhance it.