I think it behoves us to keep the changes to the habitat regs in
perspective. The European phrasing is such that almost any work to any
tree would require a license from EH in respect of bats. Clearly this is
a nonsense and off the record this is a widely held view. The Habitats
Directive in this particular respect is unworkable and in time it will
get changed again but only after a lot of people have complained and EH
have argued the case in Europe. As to the alarmist fines mentioned, the
CPS who is the prosecuting body in this instance and they must first
apply the 'public interest' test. I hope we will still see prosecutions
for wilful and reckless destruction but I don't foresee many cases being
brought for accidental damage.
Gilbert Addison | Tree and Countryside Officer |Breckland Council
Office: 01362 656873 Fax: 01362 656297
DDI: 01362 656243 | Mobile: na
Elizabeth House, Walpole Loke, Dereham NR19 1EE
gilbert.addison@xxxxxxxxxx.gov.uk |www.breckland.gov.uk
-----Original Message-----
From: Tim Croft [mailto:TimC@xxxxxxxxxxxxx.co.uk]
Sent: 11 March 2008 08:17
To: UK Tree Care
Subject: RE: Habitat disturbance and the new EU regs
Hi all,
The Bat Conservation Trust www.bats.org.uk is a good place to go for all
things Batty, they have many courses to help us Arborists manage these
elusive little devils.
I have noticed that there are one or two people out there that proclaim
to have extensive knowledge of these little fellow's, my advice is stay
away from these people and visit only registered Bat professionals, you
will know who the frauds are as they use the site to offer advice and
then surprise surprise offer themselves up to do the work.
Whilst I am not against trying to promote one's business, I thought this
forum was to discuss, advise and help all involved with all things
related to Arboriculture.
Tim Croft (tim.croft@xxxxxxxxxxx.co.uk)
-----Original Message-----
From: Mark Carter [mailto:mjc@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.co.uk]
Sent: 10 March 2008 21:14
To: UK Tree Care
Subject: RE: Habitat disturbance and the new EU regs
From: Chris Widdicombe [mailto:countrywiseivybridge@xxxxxxxx.co.uk]
Sent: 10 March 2008 20:03
To: UK Tree Care
Subject: Re: Habitat disturbance and the new EU regs
Hi Rupert,
I recently carried out some works to a Beech tree on National Trust
land,
which had what I considered to be potential Bat habitat in the form of
several cavities in the scaffold structure of the tree. I contacted a
Bat
Ecologist as instructed by the LA, the ecologist carried out a site
visit
and assessment of the tree and produced a written report which
included
recommendations/instructions for a climbing inspection which had to be
undertaken in a very carefull and methodical manner using torches and
mirrors to inspect cavities. In this instance no bats were found but
the
instruction was that if Bats were present, works would have to be
postponed.
The report also included a specification to be followed so that non of
the
cavities were compromised, hence preserving the potential habitat for
the
future.
So in answer to your question in part, is that if you suspect Bats to
be
present you must employ the services of a qualified Bat Ecologist
(Lists
available from the LA)
to carry out a survey/report and follow their guidance.
For other EPS there is a very good guide on the Forestry Commission
web
site
in the form of a Traffic Light system which gives step by step
methodology.
hope this is of help
Regards
Chris
Chris,
The traffic light system you refer to has been withdrawn as it was
deemed insufficiently rigorous.
Best regards,
Mark Carter
MICFor. M.Arbor.A. Dip. Arb. (RFS)
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