Background
The HS2 rail project is the largest infrastructure project of its kind in Europe and a critical component of the UK’s low carbon transport future, providing a much-needed boost in capacity across the country. Phase 1 links London to Birmingham, which in turn is linked to Crewe by Phase 2a and on to Manchester via Phase 2b. HS2’s ambition is to build a sustainable high-speed railway, while minimising environmental impacts.
Scope of services
RSK Biocensus has supported Tier 2 contractor clients on Phases 1, 2a and 2b, deploying teams of up to 40 ecologists at a time to conduct surveys across all ecological taxa. We have implemented mitigation measures for Tier 1 joint venture clients. Our work on the scheme included
- Phase 1 habitat, National Vegetation Classification (NVC) botanical, arboricultural and invasive species surveys
- water quality, macroinvertebrate, crayfish and fish surveys
- surveys for protected species, such as reptiles, breeding birds, barn owls, bats, otters and water voles
- badger surveys, sett exclusions and artificial sett construction
- great crested newt surveys and translocations
- radio-tracking of bats
- provision of Ecological Clerks of Works
- preparation of protected species licences and method statements.
We have also provided ecologists on seconded roles embedded within HS2 client project teams, planning surveys and performing quality assurance on survey results and other outputs. Our highly experienced in-house teams have successfully delivered all the critical aspects of project management, including survey scheduling and resourcing, land access liaison, data management, storage and quality assurance, to meet the particular challenges associated with working on HS2.
Impact
Using a large in-house team of ecologists and a network of quality-assured subcontractors, RSK Biocensus conducted a range of ecological surveys along large swathes of the HS2 route. We provided specialist technical support (from our nationally recognised experts) to support HS2’s ambition to build a sustainable high-speed railway while minimising its ecological impacts.