VEGETATION REMOVAL FOR THE NEW JUNCTION ON THE A35 AT MILES CROSS

All initial habitat clearance operations are to be undertaken under Ecological Clerk of Works, where habitat is cleared carefully in stages and checked regularly for the presence of protected species including dormice, nesting birds and reptiles. There is a dormouse licence in place to remove vegetation and relocate any dormice found to existing nearby habitat, including hedgerows and woodland. Grassland will be cleared in two stages to allow reptiles to disperse into habitats outside of the works area. If any nesting birds are found, these nests will be left with an exclusion zone until the nests have fledged. 

The Foundry Lea development provides significant areas of new woodland, scrub, hedgerows and grassland habitats which have specific enhancements for species including dormice, nesting birds and reptiles included. Over six hectares of hazel rich scrub and woodland will be created by Spring 2026 and 3.25km of new hedgerows are to be planted by 2028. Approximately nine hectares of native wildflower meadows are also included within the scheme. Over 100 dormouse nest boxes, 150 bird boxes and 100 bat boxes are also being installed on trees across the site before Autumn 2026, and further significant provisions for building nesting species will be integrated into the sites urban areas as they are constructed.