Bat detector surveys

Kent - Cliffsend, Ebbsfleet, Minster, and Richborough.
Suffolk - Aldeburgh, Aldringham, Knodishall, Friston, Saxmundham, and Sternfield.

Using up to 3 detectors for each transect, left for five to seven nights, bat movements are recorded. Recorded frequencies help to identify species and whether bats are feeding.

Archaeology surveys

Project route in Kent and Suffolk

Following on from geophysical surveys, we are now undertaking archaeological assessments. Further information on the nature of these surveys can be found in our fact sheet in the document library.

Dormouse survey

Suffolk – Aldeburgh, Friston and Saxmundham.

Checking dormouse tubes, set up within hedgerows for any evidence of activity. 

Ecological walkover

Suffolk – Friston, Saxmundham and Aldeburgh.
Kent – Sandwich, Minster, Richborough, Ebbsfleet, Cliffsend and Pegwell Bay.

Usually consisting of two surveyors, ecological surveys to map vegetation and any species present. 

Arboricultural surveys

Suffolk – Aldeburgh and Friston.

These surveys are non-intrusive and consist of noting scientific name, measurements, age, branch spread, physiological and structural conditions, management conditions and whether there is a Tree Preservation Order in place.

Cultural heritage walkover surveys

Kent - Richborough and Cliffsend.

Surveyors will use public highways and rights of way in the vicinity of the Kent site in order to take photographs which will be used to illustrate the cultural heritage setting assessment.

Arboricultural surveys

Kent – Cliffsend and Great Stonar.

These surveys are non-intrusive and include noting scientific name, measurements, age, branch spread, physiological and structural conditions, management conditions and whether there is a Tree Preservation Order in place. 

Nocturnal bird surveys 

Kent – Minster and Ebbsfleet.

These surveys involve walking field boundaries at night to note the presence of nocturnal birds in the area.

River habitat, mammal and invertebrate surveys

Suffolk – Saxmundham, and between Saxmundham and Gromford.

Aquatic ecology surveyors will walk the banks to assess habitat. For the invertebrate surveys, the ecologists will follow Environment Agency standard for sampling the river. 

Wintering bird surveys

Suffolk – Friston.

These surveys will cover at least two hours where a qualified ornithologist will observe birds along a habitat route. 

A monthly count of wintering birds will be undertaken, covering land within the proposed site and to a 250m buffer around the site. During a wintering bird survey, surveyors are looking for any wintering birds, all calls and behaviour will be recorded. Two surveyors will be present.

Hobby survey

Suffolk – Aldeburgh and Saxmundham.

To check for fledged young, sunrise to late morning and afternoon until sunset.

Otter, water vole and beaver surveys

Suffolk – Friston, Knodishall and Saxmundham.

To detect any signs of otters, water voles and beavers across aquatic habitats.

Reptile surveys

Suffolk – Saxmundham.

To determine the presence/absence of reptiles in suitable habitats, such as rough grassland, verges, scrub and dunes, through the deployment of artificial r

Archaeology walkover

Kent – Pegwell Bay.

No less than two surveyors will complete a walkover of the areas, of as much of the study areas down to the Mean Low Water Springs (MLWS) that is accessible. It will involve the identification of any previously unreported archaeological features within the areas. The use of mobile phones to record the location along with a photograph for evidence and a brief description.

Seal surveys

Kent – Pegwell Bay.

To detect the presence of seals.

Landscape walkover

 surveys

Suffolk – Aldeburgh, Knodishall, Saxmundham and Thorpeness.
Kent - Richborough.

Two surveyors will be undertaking site work in various locations within the study. This will involve landscape walkovers in the vicinity of various viewpoint locations and areas to make notes on landscape character and landscape and visual assessment. Photos may also be taken on phones, but the use of cameras and tripods will not be required.

Arboriculture surveys

Suffolk – Aldeburgh, Aldringham, Friston, Saxmundham and Sternfield.
Kent – Cliffsend, Ebbsfleet and Minster.

 These surveys are non-intrusive and consist of noting scientific name, measurements, age, branch spread, physiological and structural conditions, management conditions and whether there is a Tree Preservation Order or a Conservation Area Protection.

Aquatic ecology surveys

Suffolk – Friston, Saxmundham and Sternfield.
Kent – Ebbsfleet, Minster and Richborough.

Three or four surveyors will undertake non-intrusive fish surveys of the rivers using a boat alongside aquatic plant surveys. All fish will be netted and length measured before being released back into the river. The surveys will require equipment that needs to be taken close to the river. The surveys have been requested by the Environment Agency to be included within the Environmental Statement, to help establish potential impacts associated with the development, and if mitigation measures are required.

Bat tree climbing surveys

Suffolk – Aldeburgh, Aldringham, Friston and Saxmundham.

To supplement emergence survey effort or to refine suitability assessment from the extended Phase 1. No less than two surveyors will undertake a climbing inspection of each tree identified as required. The surveys will inform the Environmental Statement, and help establish potential impacts associated with the development, and if mitigation measures are required. 

Landscape/heritage viewpoint photography

Suffolk - Saxmundham.

Taking photos from pre-determined viewpoints.

Botanical surveys

Suffolk - Thorpeness.

Two surveyors will undertake a non-intrusive visual survey of flora within the fields. All flora species will be recorded to assign plant communities to those list in the British Plant Communities reference books (Rodwell et al 1991 et seq.). The surveys will inform the Environmental Statement, and help establish potential impacts associated with the development, and if mitigation measures are required.

Barn owl surveys

Suffolk – Aldeburgh, Aldringham, Friston, Knodishall, Saxmundham.

Stage 2 surveys for the presence / likely absence and nesting status of barn owl will consist of the following components: 

A detailed investigation of the features identified during walk over surveys to record potential nest sites, active roost sites, temporary rest sites,  and potential foraging habitat. 

This will be split into two types of survey depending on available access to potential barn owl features. 

Bat emergence surveys

Suffolk – Aldeburgh, Friston, Knodishall, Saxmundham.

Not less than two surveyors but no more than eight surveyors would be positioned on a tree/building with infra-red cameras and bat detectors. Dates, number of visits and locations will be informed by analysis of the roost assessment data. The surveys will inform the Environmental Statement, and help establish potential impacts associated with the development, and if mitigation measures are required.

Reptile surveys

Kent – Cliffsend, Ebbsfleet, Minster and Richborough.

To determine the presence/absence of reptiles in suitable habitat such as rough grassland, verges, scrub and dunes through the deployment of artificial refugia.

Terrestrial invertebrate surveys

Kent - Cliffsend, Ebbsfleet, Minster, and Richborough.
Suffolk - Aldeburgh.

Recording of terrestrial invertebrate species uses various methods, such as sweep netting, sieving dead wood/leaf litter and pitfall traps as per published guidelines, to sample as wide a range of invertebrates as possible. Identification, where possible, should take place in the field, however, if this is not possible, using microscopes within a lab.

Bat activity surveys

Kent - Cliffsend, Ebbsfleet, Minster, and Richborough.
Suffolk - Aldeburgh, Aldringham, Knodishall, Friston, and Saxmundham.

Two surveyors walk a straight line, which include 'spot counts' at pre-determined points which are potentially important for foraging or commuting bats.

Otter, water vole, and beaver surveys

Kent - Ebbsfleet, Minster, and Richborough.

Surveys undertaken on aquatic habitats that lie on or adjacent to the order limits of the project. Otter surveys will include waterbodies within a 200m buffer zone.

Surveys involved a detailed search for field signs of species present such as spraints, footprints, or holts.

Aquatic macroinvertebrate surveys

Kent - Cliffsend, Ebbsfleet, Minster, and Richborough.
Suffolk - Knodishall, Friston, and Saxmundham.

Conducted on either the river bank, or in the river channel. If safe, three minutes is spent disturbing river bed with the foot while collecting invertebrates in a net. A similar sweep is conducted from bankside through vegetation.

Habitat conditions assessment

Kent - Richborough.
Suffolk - Aldeburgh, Knodishall, Friston, Saxmundham, and Sternfield.

To inform baseline conditions required for the environmental statement. The assessment will establish if protected species surveys are required.

Breeding bird surveys

Kent - Cliffsend, Ebbsfleet, Minster, and Richborough.
Suffolk - PRoWs between Aldeburgh and Suffolk.

To assessing breeding bird activity and distribution across the survey area.

Important hedgerows

Kent - Ebbsfleet and Minster, 
Suffolk - Aldeburgh, Knodishall, Friston, Saxmundham, and Sternfield.

To establish the state of hedgerows, regarding length and condition, as well as character of species present. The assessment also identifies which hedgerows are of particular importance for wildlife and landscape.

Dormouse surveys

Suffolk - Aldeburgh, Knodishall, Friston, and Saxmundham.

Checking dormouse tubes, set up within hedgerows for any evidence of activity. 

Winter landscape and heritage photography

Suffolk - PRoWs.

Surveyors take photographs from pre-determined viewpoints.

Bird corpse search

Kent - Minster and Richborough.

To test scavenger removal from the sites to have a clearer idea of the number of dead birds found by surveyors against the number taken by predators.

Nighttime bird surveys

Kent - Cliffsend, Ebbsfleet, Minster, and Richborough.

To assess bird flight activity and distribution over the survey area at night.

Coastal bird surveys

Suffolk - Aldeburgh.

To assess bird flight activity and distribution over the survey area.

Marine

Target areas along the proposed marine route.

This survey is undertaken to identify the physical features of the seabed. Please see the Notice to Mariners for further information on the locations - https://kingfisherbulletin.org/notice-map?noticeId=3682.

Traffic surveys

Suffolk – Aldeburgh, Snape, Leiston and Saxmundham.

To collect traffic, traffic volume and speed data to support transport planning and design.

Bat roost surveys

Suffolk - Aldebrigh, Friston, Knodishall and Sternfield.

To identify and collect physical evidence of bat activity. If no evidence is found, then the ecologist will make an assessment based on any roosting features that present high potential.

Tree surveys

Kent - Ebbsfleet and Minster.
Suffolk - Aldeburgh, Knodishall, Friston, Meadowcroft, Sternfield, and Saxmundham.

Surveyors will undertake a non-intrusive walkover tree survey recording the location and dimensional data of all trees within and adjacent to the study area. The survey will record the tree species, dimensions, condition and quality.

Vantage point bird surveys

Kent - Ebbsfleet, Minster, and Richborough.
Suffolk - Aldeburgh and PRoWs.

To assess bird flight activity and distribution over the survey area.

Aquatic ecology

Kent - Ebbsfleet and Minster.
Suffolk - Aldeburgh, Friston and Sternfield.

During aquatic ecology surveys, the surveyor will enter the watercourse and kick sample for three minutes using a pond net followed by an additional one-minute active search. Should the watercourse be deemed unsafe to enter, the surveyor will conduct a sweep sample from the bank for three minutes.

Dormouse surveys

Kent - Cliffsend and Minster.

Suffolk - Aldeburgh, Knodishall, Friston, Sternfield and Saxmundham.

Dormouse tubes are set up within hedgerows and left for a period of time to record any evidence of dormouse activity. 

Bat activity surveys

Kent - Cliffsend and Ebbsfleet.
Suffolk - Aldeburgh.

Night work - surveyors record the activity of bats. Sunset until 2 hours post sunset. 

Geophysical surveys

Across the proposed route corridor in both Suffolk and Kent.

Surveyors use non-intrusive methods to assess any potential features beneath the subsoil, such as buried archaeological remains.

Bat monitoring surveys

Kent - Cliffsend.

Surveyors walk transects around the site and record bat activity. SM4 bat detectors are installed at specific fixed locations within a site and record all bat activity over a series of nights. 

Ground investigations (boreholes and trial pits)

Across the proposed route corridor in both Suffolk and Kent.

The purpose of the work is to gather data on ground conditions within the project area, informing the design options of different elements of the project.

Boreholes will either be investigative (sample gathering only) or monitoring (left in situ temporarily).

Cone Penetration Tests push instrumented cones on rods into the ground at a continuous rate to a depth of approx. 10 m below ground level.

Trial pits will be excavated by an excavator, taking relevant samples and at selected locations monitoring rates of groundwater infiltration. All trial pits will be subject to archaeological monitoring.

All works are to be undertaken initially via Permitted Development Rights and in agreement with the Land owners, by an experienced and competent ground investigation contractor and, following completion of the works, land will be restored in accordance with Environment Agency good practice guidance.

Intertidal environmental survey

Suffolk - Aldeburgh.

The purpose of this survey is to record the characteristics of what is found on the bottom of the intertidal seabed between the Mean High Water Springs (MHWS) and Mean Low Water (MLW) strandlines.

Engineering landfall surveys

Kent - Pegwell Bay and West of St Augustine’s and Stoneless golf courses.
Suffolk - Aldeburgh.

This survey is undertaken to understand the physical features of the area and their structure.  Various survey techniques are used to achieve this including the use of a drone that gathers data about the natural and man-made features of the land, as well as its terrain.

Hobby surveys

Suffolk - PRoW.

Consists of four visits, typically between April to September. The initial visit is to check for any occupancy of Hobbies. The second visit is to check for any active Hobby nests. The third visit is to again check for any more active nests but also for any young. The final check is to check for any fledged young. 

Engineering landfall surveys

Kent - Pegwell Bay.

See above.

Noise monitoring

Kent - Ebbsfleet.
Suffolk - Saxmundham and Sternfield.

Two surveyors will employ sound monitors, taking account of constraints within the survey area (e.g. reflective surfaces, security, access, local noise sources). The monitors will be left in place for seven days.

Discussion with land owners may be required. 

Nightjar surveys

Suffolk - PRoW.

Transects follow the length of all hedgerows, fence-lines and field margins, with deviations where possible. Surveys are conducted at dusk as nightjars are most active, surveyors will walk the route listening for nightjar sounds.

Intertidal environmental survey

Kent - Pegwell Bay.

See above.

Ecology phase 1 walkover

Kent - Cliffsend, Ebbsfleet, Minster, and Pegwell Bay.
Suffolk - Aldeburgh.

Undertaken by two surveyors, the survey areas the vegetation, and any species are mapped onto Ordnance Survey maps. A desk study using aerial photography was used prior to the walkover.

Common bird census

Kent - Ebbsfleet, Cliffsend Cottington Hill, Lower Gladstone and Minster Marshes. 
Suffolk - Aldeburgh, Saxmundham, Thorpeness, and PRoW.

The survey follows hedgerows, fence-lines and field margins to record any species that may be passing through the survey area. Survey routes are mapped, and the direction walked alternated on each visit, to ensure that all areas are covered at various times of day.

Surveys are undertaken early in the morning, during this time, breeding birds are more active and can be detected in song more frequently. These surveys are conducted between March and July.

Vantage point surveys

Kent - PRoW.

The purpose of vantage point surveys is to record flight lines of species which are potentially sensitive to collision with infrastructure to assess collision risk. Birds on the ground within the survey area will also be recorded.

Landscape viewpoint surveys

Kent - Minster Marshes and PRoW.
Suffolk - Aldeburgh, Friston, Knoddishall, Leiston, Saxmundham, and PRoW.

Landscape viewpoint surveys are required to support the landscape (mitigation) design and the design of the layout of the proposed converter station and substation infrastructure. 

The site surveyors will visit locations surrounding the converter station and substation sites, cable routes and landfall, to review potential locations for publicly accessible photography.

Kent only - The surveys will also allow us to review the overhead line connection over the River Stour and inform the design of the proposed overhead line towers.

Wintering bird surveys

Kent – Cliffsend, Ebbsfleet, and PRoW.

During a wintering bird survey, undertaken between October and March inclusive, two surveyors will look for any wintering birds; all calls and behaviour will be recorded. These will include foreshore and field counts.

Hobby surveys

RSPB Area.

See above.

Arboricultural walkovers

Kent – Ebbsfleet.
Suffolk – Aldeburgh, Aldringham, Hazelwood, and Sizewell.

Usually undertaken by two surveyors. These surveys are non-intrusive and consist of noting scientific name, measurements, age, branch spread, physiological and structural conditions, management conditions and whether there is a Tree Preservation Order or a Conservation Area Protection.

Breeding bird survey

Suffolk – PRoW.

See above.

Ecology phase 1 walkover

Suffolk - Aldeburgh, Aldringham, Hazelwood, Knoddishall, Leiston, and Sizewell.

See above.