Over the years, our projects have introduced us to some rather unexpected stakeholders — rare and protected species.
Before any design work can truly begin, these residents need to be understood and considered. And they can appear in the most interesting places.
In Dorset, we encountered lizards, which is not surprising given the proximity to heathland and the coast
On the North Yorkshire coast, we discovered newts happily breeding in nearby waterbodies
In Northumberland, badger setts needed to be carefully protected
In Wales, bats had already claimed their space
And in Scotland… beavers
Each one brings its own challenges to a project. Planning applications can be delayed, or in some cases refused, if evidence isn’t provided to demonstrate that neither the species nor their habitats will be harmed.
That’s where collaboration becomes essential. Working alongside ecologists, surveys are carried out to understand environmental factors and confirm the presence (or absence) of habitats. Timing is critical too as many species can only be surveyed during specific seasons.
Reflecting on all of this, it reminded me of an experience several years ago. GIA were part of a team of specialists who met with the client in a forest where they wanted to introduce lodges within it. Our aim was to identify potential environmental constraints early and shape design solutions that could work in harmony with them. I listened intently as dormice and snakes took centre stage in the discussions, specifically how we should design access routes so these creatures could continue moving safely through the forest if roads were introduced for the lodge development.
This initial visual survey proved… enlightening.
Some “coiled rope” near a pond quickly turned out not to be rope at all. At that moment it dawned on me that walking through long grass in the middle of a forest was perhaps not quite as idyllic as I’d imagined.
I have to admit, I’m not a big fan of Hissing Sid! Safe to say… that was my last walk in that forest.
Graham Cook, Managing Director, GIA Ltd
