Dorset Ecological Consultancy Case Studies Alderholt Reptile Translocation and S106 Management Plan A proposal to develop a 3.4ha Brownfield site for housing. The site included an area of SNCI (Site of Nature Conservation Interest) and a reptile population existed where housing was planned. A costed management plan was drawn up which brought the SNCI into active management, creating a fund for East Dorset District Council who would manage the site in the future through a section106 agreement. The management plan included actions for heathland regeneration and re-shaping of the large pond on site. The reptiles were translocated to a pre-prepared site owned by the Forestry Commission (FC) a fund was given to the FC in order to manage the area for the future and contribute to a plan for a reptile corridor linking two Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Moorcroft BREEAM Assessment Moorcroft on Portland was to be developed into a number of low-cost properties for local people. A basic species assessment was carried out on the site which identified any species of interest, including a slow worm population. A BREEAM Ecohomes Assessment was then carried out (BREEAM Ecohomes are now DCLG's Code for Sustainable Homes) for the ecological component of the assessment by DEC. The assessment awarded points for work that had already been done, including a slow worm translocation as well as protecting features such as an old Portland stone wall. Features incorporated into the development that would help wildlife included erection of bat boxes, house martin nest boxes, a log pile and landscaping that includes buddleia bushes (the site prior to development was largely buddleia scrub). All these attracted contributing points to the development, despite the limited space available for wildlife features. Cuthay Farm European Protected Species Licence Essential works were required for the restoration of Cuthay Farm. Without the works to the barn and annex it was likely that the building would deteriorate and eventually be unsuitable as a bat roost. The works to the barn also incorporated a dedicated bat roost in the house so that the future of the bat roost was safeguarded. Once planning permission was granted DEC applied for a Defra Bat licence application (now called a European Protected Species Licence) for works, on behalf of the owner. The original roost was of low conservation value but did contain evidence (droppings) of the rare Lesser Horseshoe Bat. By timing the commencement of works to the annex to avoid the active season for bats, the risk of disturbing or injuring a bat was greatly reduced and no work commenced without pre-work bat checks. Mitigation was put in place to further reduce this risk and to provide an alternative roost for the bats whilst work was being undertaken on the main barn. Once work was completed, a dedicated bat roost was provided on site. One building was not being developed at this stage and remained available to bats. Wyke Farm Project Wyke farm nestles in a beautiful part of west Dorset and was formerly an intensive dairy farm of about 100 hectares. An adjoining 145 hectare area of woodland of approximately 145 hectares is now in the same ownership. The owners have been keen from the outset to benefit wildlife. DEC has been working with the farm manager on a variety of areas, including:- an extensive bird box scheme, to be monitored over the coming years.  93 bat boxes were fitted in 2007 and will be checked monthly between April and October each year to ascertain what species are using the farm and woodlands. Checks during 2007 showed that 21 were used by four different species. Recording and analysis of bat ultrasound will be extended. a full badger survey has been done and all setts recorded and mapped. The ponds have had an initial assessment and will be monitored to see how they develop. The vision is that the farm will be a profitable enterprise, with quality produce, while being a haven for wildlife. It is hoped to use the area as an educational resource to demonstrate that profitable farming and wildlife conservation can co-exist.