£108m Tweedbank project's special wildlife measures

EXCLUSIVE by DOUG COLLIE

Workmen installing essential infrastructure for the multi-million pound extension to Tweedbank village in the Central Borders have been advised to 'down tools' if badgers or great crested newts are spotted on site.

The advice and guidance forms part of a so-called Construction Environmental Management Plan [CEMP] produced by specialist firm Tweed Ecology for Scottish Borders Council. The local authority's in-house SB Contracts team has the contract for the first round of construction activities which include earthworks, drainage and access roads plus a mammal underpass.

In his 21-page document, Tweed Ecology's Reuben Singleton explains that a badger's breeding sett has been identified "under footprint of the route" on Lowood Estate, which was purchased by SBC to accommodate the flagship project.

And Mr Singleton also points out there are potentially protected species using the site, including nesting birds and bats as well as badgers and newts.

Two badger setts will be affected by the works, one requiring to be closed under a NatureScot licence, the other likely to be subject to disturbance with a licence also required by the developers.

Recommendations in a Species Protection Plan (SPP), drawn up by separate consultants, include the following instructions: "If a badger is seen during operations, all work must cease until the animal has moved safely away from the construction area.

"The construction area will not be lit overnight. Any amphibians or reptiles encountered during works should be collected and transferred to a bucket, or other suitable container, before release to the east of the footbridge. There is a small possibility that great crested newt are encountered during the site works; if any newt over 100 mm (10 cm) in length is encountered during works, works should stop immediately and further advice sought."

The site was to be surveyed prior to construction commencing to ensure no new badger setts have been dug in the site and to 30 metres - the distance that would precipitate the requirement for a licence to cover working near a badger sett. Contractors were to receive a talk to explain the precautionary measures.

According to the document: "Any large burrows that are observed within 30m of the works area must be reported to the site foreman and Ecological Clerk of Works (or ECoW) immediately. No works shall proceed within 30m of any suspected setts until the burrows are checked by an ecologist and a licence is obtained if required."

There are a number of other measures aimed at safeguarding the welfare of the local wildlife.

"No open pipes will be left overnight. Pipes will be blocked with sheets of plywood and sandbags to prevent animals entering. This applies to pipework which is being installed and stored lengths of pipe.

"No open trenches will be left overnight. Trenches will be covered or a means of escape provided for badgers and other mammals. The best method is to use a broad (minimum of 30cm) plank of wood to make a ramp from the trench bottom to the normal surface level. If trenches are to be left undisturbed for a period, then it is recommended that they are properly covered with sheets of plywood or similar which are weighted down to avoid badgers from digging setts in the trenches."

The CEMP says environmental objectives for the construction phase should refer to legal compliance and environmental good practice, these may include: Zero pollution incidents; Minimise waste sent to landfill; Minimise disruption to residents (and therefore complaints); Protect and where possible enhance biodiversity.

A report to SBC's elected members earlier this year revealed that the most recent estimates for the delivery of the Tweedbank expansion project, including housing, care and community facilities and infrastructure indicated full costs of £108 million.