UK Protected Species: Reptiles, water vole and badger
The water vole and all the UK’s native reptiles are protected by the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. RSK’s ecologists are very experienced in devising robust surveys for these species and can often advise clients on simple ways to avoid impacts arising from proposed developments without the need for expensive, detailed surveys or mitigation schemes.
Badgers have been legally protected since 1973, and though the legislation was originally intended to protect them from persecution, it has relevance to development activities. Any development work that could damage a sett or harm or disturb badgers is likely to require surveying, mitigation measures and licensing: areas where we can help.
Where impacts cannot be avoided, we have the knowledge, experience and workforce to devise and implement the necessary ecological mitigation schemes. RSK has been involved in schemes such as the capture and release of animals; off-site holding and breeding programmes; and habitat manipulation and enhancement, for example, designing and creating replacement badger setts.
