Case Study: Watervole Mitigation and Habitat Creation Works - Avonmouth
Ecological Contracting for Large-Scale Infrastructure and Protected Species Mitigation
Location: Access 18, Avonmouth, Bristol
Scope: Field and Estate was tasked as ecological contractors on a multi-phase Water Vole habitat mitigation at Access 18, a major commercial and industrial development site in Avonmouth.
The site included key valuable ecological features such as marshy grassland, woodland, and a network of drainage ditches (rhines) supporting protected species, including water voles.
Our role was to deliver practical ecological mitigation across 7ha hectares of the site, focused on aiding the relocation of Water Voles already present in the area.
Scope of Works
Field and Estate implemented a full range of ecological works, including:
​​
-
Vegetation removal – Vegetation along rhine and ditch banks was carefully strimmed by hand to expose burrow entrances and minimise disturbance to wildlife. Manual excavation followed, allowing controlled access to the substrate without damaging existing burrow structures.
​
-
Burrow search and clearance – Working under ecological supervision, we conducted a detailed search for active water vole burrows. Identified burrows were hand-excavated to confirm vacancy, ensuring compliance with licensing requirements before habitat disruption or construction access could proceed.
​
-
Geotextile installation – Following the successful translocation of water voles, we installed geotextile membrane over cleared banks to prevent recolonisation. This measure ensured the protection of relocated populations and allowed construction activities to progress without ecological conflict.
​​​
Navigating challenges
The site presented several key challenges:
​
-
Protected Designations: Located within a Bristol Local Wildlife Network and adjacent to Sites of Nature Conservation Importance, all works required strict ecological controls and planning.
​
-
Sensitive Habitats: With nearby riparian and fluvial habitats, we deployed contamination controls and silt management to protect water quality and downstream ecology.
​​
-
Live Construction Site: Working alongside multiple contractors within an active industrial site required tight coordination, careful sequencing, and robust health and safety protocols due to high people/plant interaction zones.
Ecological Outcomes
Our works helped enable a major commercial development while safeguarding regionally important wildlife and enhancing ecological value across the site. With the first water vole translocation completed in Spring 2023, and future phases already planned, Access 18 stands as a prime example of how ecological mitigation and infrastructure delivery can work hand-in-hand.
​
“Field and Estate played a key role in the successful delivery of the ecological mitigation works at Access 18. Their professionalism, adaptability, and understanding of sensitive habitats were invaluable in helping us meet both ecological and construction deadlines. The water vole mitigation works were delivered to a high standard, setting the tone for future phases of the development."
Alex — Project Manager
​