Protecting local ecology on the A2 Bean and Ebbsfleet Junction Improvement Scheme

Working on the A2 Bean and Ebbsfleet Junction Improvement Scheme, our ecology experts undertook significant works to manage and mitigate risks posed to badgers and dormice in the area. 

During pre-construction surveys, the potential for badgers to be present within the boundaries of the project was identified. Through further, more detailed surveys, and with support from an external specialist, a main badger sett was identified in an area where construction activity would be taking place. To manage the risk to the sett that our activity posed all vegetation clearance was carefully managed by our on-site ecology team. Through a multidisciplinary and collaborative approach with external specialists, Natural England and our customer, we also created an artificial sett on adjacent land very close to the active sett. 

Dormice were also found on the site, meaning Natural England had to grant a licence that specified which areas of habitat were to be cleared, retained and compensated for. Working with our in-house drone pilots, our ecology team conducted a survey of the proposed clearance area and identified it as being of variable quality for dormice and a licence amendment was issued.

Working together, our in-house ecology team, external specialists and our customer enabled the A2 Bean and Ebbsfleet Junction Improvement Scheme to be delivered in a timely and cost-effective manner, whilst being fully compliant with wildlife legislation.