Background & Proposed Works
In June 2020 we were appointed by Blanc Restaurants Limited to conduct surveys and assessments of Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons. Proposals for the 10.61ha site included extensions and alterations to the existing Grade II* listed buildings and construction of a new wellness spa, residential and recreational villas and pavilions as well as comprehensive landscape modifications.
Approach & Outcomes
We conducted a Preliminary Ecological Appraisal in June 2020 which identified the need for a suite of targeted protected species surveys to identify the potential impacts of the proposals. The following were conducted throughout 2020-2021:
· Bats: emergence and re-entry surveys to identify the potential impacts of the extension and renovation works on roosting bats which identified a large soprano pipistrelle maternity roost (250 adults observed) and individual or pairs of bats at ten other locations on the buildings including common pipistrelle, soprano pipistrelle and brown long-eared bats;
· Great crested newts: eDNA surveys which confirmed absence of great crested newts within the potential zone of influence;
· Reptiles: presence / absence surveys which confirmed the likely absence of reptiles within the site; and
· Badgers: monitoring of a burrow which was due to be lost which confirmed it was not in active use by badger as a sett.
Throughout the surveys opportunities for nesting birds were identified within trees and scrub, hedgehog were frequently recorded foraging within the site and opportunities for foraging badger were identified.
We conducted a biodiversity impact assessment using the Defra 3.0 metric (the metric required at the time). The original design scheme did not achieve in excess of 10% gain in biodiversity (required to satisfy emerging legislation and the BREEAM ‘outstanding’ target for the development), therefore we worked with Belmond Group, Raymond Blanc, the planners and landscape architects to optimise the design scheme.
We identified the site could be enhanced for biodiversity by (i) creating areas of species-rich grassland, (ii) creating areas of scrub, (iii) creating two new ponds and an area of reedbed, (iv) creating new and enhancing existing hedgerows, (v) creating green-roofs and loggeries for invertebrates; (vi) providing additional refugia for hedgehogs, (vii) providing additional nesting opportunities for birds and (viii) providing additional roosting opportunities for bats. Areas of new ornamental planting would also comprise species of value to wildlife such as those providing sources of nectar or pollen and/or producing seeds or fruits.
An ecological impact assessment and Ecology BREEAM assessment was prepared to inform the application and planning consent was achieved in April 2024.
The Next Steps
Bat mitigation will be conducted under licence in 2025 with appropriate timing of works to avoid the most sensitive times of year. The lighting strategy will also be carefully designed to maintain dark commuting and foraging routes and roost locations.
For further information contact:
Laura Grant BSc (Hons) MCIEEM
Associate Director, Ecology by Design Ltd
Tel: 01865 893348
Mob: 07495 002130
laura@ecologybydesign.co.uk