ECOLOGY CALENDAR recltd.co.uk

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1 ECOLOGY CALENDAR 2017

2 Alconbury Croydon Edinburgh Glasgow Leeds London Manchester Northern Ireland Plymouth Stansted Winchester ECO CALENDAR KEY Part of the Concept Life Sciences Group, REC is a multi-disciplinary, environmental consultancy and has been advising on the environmental aspects of planning and development for over 20 years. Offering expertise in both the built and natural environment, our services include; Ecology, Acoustics, Air Quality, Geo-Environmental and Asbestos management Bat hibernation season (December to March) Bat active season (March to October) Bat roost survey season (May to September) Bird breeding season (March to September) Wintering bird surveys (November to March) Reptile survey season (March to October) Great crested newt survey season (mid-march to mid-june; edna 15th April to 30th June) Badger licence implementation period (July to November) Peak great crested newt survey season (mid-april to mid-may)

3 JANUARY OTTERS WINTERING BIRDS Fact: Wintering Bird Surveys are undertaken between October-March. Wintering habitats or migration stop over locations are just as important as breeding sites, and considering wintering birds at the early stages of planning will save time and money. Did you know? Sanderlings are small, plump wading birds, which visit the UK in the winter. Favourite meals include small marine worms, crustaceans and molluscs.

4 FEBRUARY RED HIBERNATING SQUIRRELSBATS Fact: Bats spend the majority of winter hibernating, lowering their body temperature and slowing down their breathing and metabolic rate. They continue to hibernate during February and have very little fat left to survive. During the warmer nights, they may leave the roost to find food and water. Did you know? Horseshoe Bats gets their name from their distinctive horseshoe shaped noses.

5 MARCH NESTING BIRDS Fact: The nesting bird season generally extends between March and September. All breeding birds, such as the Blue Tit, are protected by law and need to be considered in any development projects that may affect their habitats during the nesting season. Did you know? It is estimated that there are over 3 million Blue Tits in Britain today.

6 APRIL GREAT CRESTED NEWTS Fact: Great Crested Newts are a European protected species. Their breeding season extends from mid-march to mid-june and any suitable habitats up to 500m from a breeding pond are protected by law. Did you know? Due to their appearance, another common name for the Great Crested Newt is also the warty newt.

7 MAY BATS Fact: Bats have fully emerged from hibernation by May. Summer roost surveys can be undertaken between May and mid-september and bats can turn up in almost any crack or crevice in buildings, structures and trees. Did you know? Bats are more closely related to humans then they are to mice.

8 JUNE REPTILES Fact: There are six native species of reptile, including the Slow-worm (pictured), within the UK and all are protected by the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981). The survey season extends from March to October. Did you know? Despite their appearance, Slow-worms are neither worms nor snakes but are in fact lizards, sharing the ability to shed their tail and blink with their eyelids.

9 JULY DORMICE Fact: Dormice have a geographic range restricted to southern England and Wales, except for small populations in Cumbria and Northumberland. Dormice rely on hedgerows and woodlands for their habitat, with their hibernation period extending from November until April. Did you know? Dormice can weigh as little as two 1 coins.

10 AUGUST INVASIVE SPECIES Fact: The estimated annual cost of invasive non-native species to the UK is 1.6 billion. The most common species are Giant Hogweed, Japanese Knotweed and Himalayan Balsam (pictured). Did you know? Himalayan Balsam is Britain s tallest, annual plant and is incredibly invasive halting other plants growth and whose root systems can cause slope stability problems.

11 SEPTEMBER RARE BIRDS Fact: September marks the end of the nesting season for breeding birds. Some rarer birds, such as the Red Kite, are listed on Schedule 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act, 1981 which further protects them and their young from disturbance while on or near an active nest. Did you know? Red Kites feed mainly on carrion as they re too weak to kill anything bigger than a small rabbit.

12 OCTOBER OTTERS Fact: A rare but widespread animal, Otters generally reside within 500m of a watercourse. They can be surveyed all year round and their holts can be protected from development as far as 250m away. Otters are classed as a Priority Species in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan. Did you know? Otters are a branch of the weasel family called Luntrinae.

13 NOVEMBER WATER VOLES Fact: The UK population of the once common Water Vole has decreased by 90%, which has made them vulnerable to extinction. Water voles and their burrows, therefore, are protected by the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981). Did you know? A Water vole s likes include Grasses and Common Reeds, whilst it dislikes Minks intensely.

14 DECEMBER HEDGEHOGS Fact: Hedgehogs are disappearing from our countryside as fast as tigers are worldwide. Once common in the UK, Hedgehogs are under threat and are now a UK Biodiversity Action Plan priority species. Did you know? A typical meal for a Hedgehog can be anything from a nice tasty slug, to a big, juicy beetle.