Ecological surveys to take place

Ecologists will be in the park 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 park.

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.