BSG ecolog y Project Profile Translocation of Lizard Orchid, Kent

Background BSG Ecology was commissioned to prepare The work was undertaken using and implement a method statement for the standard, non-specialist machinery translocation of a small population of lizard orchid operated by the clients’ own (appropriately hircinum on a brownfield site skilled) staff. near Ramsgate, Kent. Outcome Planning permission had been granted for the The planning consent and the approved development of a Waste Management Facility translocation method required the monitoring of on the site and two conditions attached to the the lizard orchid population for a period of five permission required the translocation of the years. Over the first three years of monitoring the orchids. The approach had been set out in a site has continued to support lizard orchid, with a Conservation Management Plan for the site. peak count of fifteen flowering spikes. In addition, two other species of orchid were recorded, BSG Ecology’s role in the project southern marsh orchid Dactylorhiza praetermissa Lizard orchid is afforded legal protection under and pyramidal orchid . Schedule 8 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended); on this list include Factors contributing to the successful some of the rarest species in Britain. Following translocation of lizard orchids included: consultation with Natural England it was determined that in this case a licence was not • A site-specific, carefully planned translocation required, but measures would be needed to methodology, based on a detailed protect the species. understanding of the ecological requirements of the species. A translocation method statement was then • Supervision of the work by an experienced, prepared, taking into account the conditions on specialist ecologist who provided site and BSG Ecology’s experience of translocation advice and made decisions on site during the of other orchid species on brownfield sites. BSG translocation process. also held discussions with a number of specialist • Implementation using standard machinery contractors about the most effective techniques under careful supervision and carried out by for turf and plant translocation under the existing skilled machine operators. site conditions, and took account of research into • Management of the receptor area to ensure the ecology of the orchid present. The method the maintenance of suitable conditions for the was approved by the planning authority and BSG species based on a plan that is flexible enough oversaw the cutting and translocation of turves on to respond to the results of monitoring. site. The monitoring is ongoing.

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