Mitigation/Habitat Creation Projects

The Hatch
Client: Bewley Homes
The Hatch is an example of innovative ecological restoration based on intensive research on site history and ecology. A small fragment of ancient peat fen survives at Mapledurwell near Basingstoke and is extremely rich in plant species. Research by EPR showed that part of the adjoining land, for some of which B1 uses were sought, had originally been part of the same fen, but had been infilled in the 1960’s with demolition rubble from the redevelopment of Basingstoke Town Centre. EPR proposed the removal of the rubble, and the re-exposure of the intact fen beneath, facilitating the achievement of planning consent. EPR was responsible for all ecological design work for the restoration, including management of the river Lyde, and for supervising the removal of the rubble. The scheme is now managed by the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust.

Priddy’s Hard Nature Reserve
Client: Barratt Southampton
Priddy’s Hard, Gosport, has been developed as residential development of 650 units by Barratt Homes, built beside the Gosport foreshore within a former MoD base. EPR was responsible for the preparation of the Ecological chapter of the Environmental Statement, for negotiations with Gosport Borough Council, and for designing, constructing and wardening a 7 acre coastal wetland Nature Reserve, provided as part of the development proposals.