About BlueSky SPECIALISTS IN WATER AND LAND …specialists in water and land management BlueSky Environmental Solutions - specialists in all aspects of land and water management, provide

SPECIALISTS IN WATER AND LAND MANAGEMENT

BlueSky Environmental Solutions - specialists in all aspects of land and water management, provide a “one-stop shop” approach in delivering the customers requirements, from your initial consultation, through to the design and delivery of your solutions package. Why BlueSky?

Collectively our advisors have over 200 years of practical experience in water and land management and offer a range of specialist services and skills.

Our web-site and brochure provide an indication of the major services available, but because we specialise in providing affordable solutions, tailor-made to meet your requirements and budget, it is impossible to list every facet of our company in this publication.

We work with a variety of clients, including:

We pride ourselves on being a company “large enough to deliver and small enough to care” and provide all our customers with a professional and personal service they deserve.

About BlueSky

Contact Us:

BlueSky Environmental Solutions Ltd

53 Hampshire Crescent Lightwood

Stoke-on-Trent Staffordshire

ST3 4TR

T: 01782 342834 F: 01782 342834 M: 07809710493

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.bluesky-environmental.co.uk

Our services include:

Protected species surveys

Habitat surveys

Specialist surveys

Phase 1 ecological surveys


Habitat creation & management

Wildlife management & control

Invasive weed control

Woodland management

Heathland management

Hedgerow management

Hedgelaying

Fencing removal & instal ation

Path creation & management

Installation of sti es & gates

Management plans

Leaflet design & printing

Noticeboard & sign creation

Community consultation & development

Community artists

Environmental education

Fisheries management

Pond restoration & creation

Aquatic vegetation control

River & stream management

Carbon emissions audits

Renewable energy advice

Energy efficiency loans & grants

• Regeneration and Development Organisations • Private Companies

• Local Authorities • Schools

• Property Developers • Leisure and Recreation Facilities

• Landowners • Golf Courses

• Contractors • Private Individuals

• Wildlife Organisations • And of course, you.


Why are surveys important?

Ecological and site surveys are undertaken for a number of reasons and are used to provide the baseline information to identify the future management requirements.

They can be used to:

• Determine the presence of legally protected species

• Support planning applications

• Monitor habitat types

• Identify and control invasive species

• Provide an environmental audit

• Monitor individual species

At BlueSky Environmental Solutions we offer a comprehensive range of site investigations.


Phase 1 Habitat Survey Phase 2 Habitat Survey Legally Protected Species Surveys

• Bat surveys

• Badger surveys

• Great crested newt surveys

• Otter surveys

• Water vole surveys

• Hedgerow surveys It is essential that protected species are considered at the very earliest stages of the development process. Planning guidance across the UK makes it very clear nature conservation should be a material consideration in determining any planning application. Therefore, it is advisable to undertake surveys before planning permission is sought, so that the development incorporates measures designed to avoid any impacts on protected species.

Specialist Surveys

These can be species specific to determine the effectiveness of a particular management technique. A few examples are listed below; please contact us if you require information on other specialist surveys:

• The management and control of non-native species, such as Canada geese.

• The management of wildlife species in conjunction with available habitat, such as the management of deer.

• The impact and control of non-native invasive plants, such as Japanese knotweed.

• Breeding bird surveys

• Population density of fish stocks in pools, lakes and ponds.

• The effectiveness of exclusion fencing, for example the regeneration of woodland species.

Ecological Surveys

Contact Us:




ST3 4TR

T: 01782 342834 F: 01782 342834 M: 07809710493





Habitat surveys

Specialist surveys






Woodland management


Hedgerow management

Hedgelaying




Management plans




Community artists










Why manage wildlife?

Although most native species and their habitats require some management, it is sometimes necessary to introduce specialist wildlife management control measures to preserve the natural environment and ensure non-native and invasive species do not have a negative impact:

Wildlife and habitat management measures vary depending on the location of the site, the aims and objectives outlined within the site Management Plan and external factors such as constraints and finance.

The 5 main reasons for wildlife management are:

• To improve and maximise opportunities for key species, to ensure that the population densities do not decline and every poss bility is provided to allow the population levels to increase.

• To maintain species populations at determined or agreed levels. This may be in conjunction with the size of available habitat or because of other ecological or financial constraints.

• To exclude wildlife from certain areas in a number of ways including, walls, fencing, dry-stone walls, natural barriers such as hedges or watercourses

• To reduce when populations exceed the sustainability of their habitat. If left unmanaged it can lead to associated problems such as, overcrowding, starvation, direct affects on other species and even mortality. Therefore, species density needs to be monitored and when it exceeds an acceptable level control measures need to be introduced.

• To remove invasive non-native plant and animal species. They are the second greatest threat to biodiversity worldwide (after habitat destruction). They can negatively impact on native species, can transform habitats and threaten whole ecosystems causing serious problems to the environment and the economy

Our services:

All control measures are site specific and will vary according to species, relevant legislation and the location of your site.

BlueSky Environmental Solutions are experts in all aspects of wildlife management, utilising a range of traditional and modern methods. Our advisors are on hand to discuss your personal requirements and to offer advice on the necessary control measures to allow native species to flourish.

Wildlife Management

Contact Us:




ST3 4TR

T: 01782 342834 F: 01782 342834 M: 07809710493





Habitat surveys

Specialist surveys






Woodland management


Hedgerow management

Hedgelaying




Management plans




Community artists










“When non-native species become invasive they can transform ecosystems, and threaten native and endangered species. All terrestrial and marine natural and semi-natural habitats are affected. Invasive non-native species also damage economic interests, such as agriculture, forestry and infrastructure, and can threaten public health”. - DEFRA, Review of non-native species policy, Report of the working group (2003)

BlueSky Environmental Solutions can provide a tailored service based on your exact requirements - from initial surveys and management plans right through to implementation and maintenance.

Our services include control measures for the following species:

• Japanese knotweed - crowds out native flora and impacts on other wildlife such as insects, causes problems in respect of flood management and damage to property, even growing through tarmac.

• Giant hogweed - the stems, edges and undersides of the leaves bear small hairs containing poisonous sap, and the slightest touch causes painful blistering and severe skin irritation.

• Himalayan balsam (also known as, Indian balsam) - control measures should aim to prevent flowering and if this is achieved before seeds are set, eradication is possible in two to three years.

• Common ragwort - if ingested by horses, ponies and other livestock, ragwort causes cumulative liver damage and can have potentially fatal consequences

• Bracken - a major threat to our heathlands

• Rhododendron - it spreads rapidly and regenerates from small fragments of material and poses a real threat to woodland regeneration and biodiversity.

• American mink - a voracious predator that has had serious impacts on the declining native population of water voles.

• Grey squirrel - major damage to forestry and has completely displaced the native red squirrel from most of England and Wales.

• Rabbit - it has been estimated that the national cost of cereal loss due to rabbits can reach £ 40 million/year.

• Mole - although often not seen, the results of a mole’s tunneling can cause a lot of damage in gardens, amenity areas and in agriculture. For farmers, contamination of grass by soil from molehills can affect the quality of silage being produced, and there is a risk of damaging grass-cutting machinery. Mole runs may also disturb roots and adversely affect plant growth.

• Floating pennywort or Australian swamp stonecrop (also known as, New Zealand pigmyweed) - both grow vigorously all year round and out-competes native vegetation. If left untreated they will eventually destroy the pool.

Injurious weeds can be controlled using a number of chemical or cultural means. Care should be taken to choose the most appropriate method for the specific circumstances of each site. This applies particularly to sites of special conservation interest where control of the injurious weeds may risk damaging rare or valuable flora and fauna.

Our advisors can provide you with a tailored service for all of the species listed above including many other species not mentioned in this publication or on our website. Please contact us to discuss your exact requirements.

Invasive Species

Contact Us:




ST3 4TR

T: 01782 342834 F: 01782 342834 M: 07809710493





Habitat surveys

Specialist surveys






Woodland management


Hedgerow management

Hedgelaying




Management plans




Community artists










Why manage woodland?

Without regular maintenance work woodlands deteriorate. Newly planted trees die, young plantations become crowded with trees drawn up towards the light and a reduction in diversity can result.

BlueSky Environmental Solutions can provide management guidance carefully tailored to the needs of each woodland area to ensure healthy woodlands with good diversity and the ability to provide benefits to the environment in perpetuity.

Our Services include:

• Preparation of woodland design and future maintenance plans for the creation of new woodland

• Woodland planting schemes

• Woodland surveys

• Protection of existing woodland species, plus the enhancement and creation of new habitats to improve woodland biodiversity

• Access track clearance and creation

• Thinning - removal of some trees to allow room for the best specimens to develop

• Group selection - felling carefully selected mature trees to allow young trees to grow

• Control of weeds around newly planted or regenerating trees

• Woodland fencing to exclude grazing animals allowing woodland to regenerate naturally

• Defensive planting

• Coppicing of shrub species

• Control of invasive species such as Rhododendron and Japanese knotweed

• Where appropriate, to utilise traditional woodland management techniques, for example: to control scrub using grazing animals

Trees and development

One of the most common threats to trees is proposed development of land. It is important for trees to be considered at the earliest stages of any proposals. A survey of all trees on the site should be carried out and the trees plotted accurately on a plan. The survey and plan should follow the methodology laid down in British Standard 5837 'A Guide for trees in relation to construction'.

Where the tree issues are particularly critical or where large numbers of trees are involved it is advisable for the developer to commission a tree and woodland survey.

BlueSky Environmental Solutions can provide a tailored service based on your exact requirements from initial surveys and woodland management plans right through to implementation and future woodland maintenance. Please contact us for further details.

Woodland Management

Contact Us:




ST3 4TR

T: 01782 342834 F: 01782 342834 M: 07809710493





Habitat surveys

Specialist surveys






Woodland management


Hedgerow management

Hedgelaying




Management plans




Community artists










Why manage heathland?

Lowland heathland is a priority for nature conservation because it is a rare and threatened habitat. In England only one sixth of the heathland present in 1800 now remains. The UK has some 58,000 ha of lowland heathland of which the largest proportion (55% ) is found in England. The most significant areas for lowland heathland include the counties of Hampshire, Cornwall, Dorset, Surrey, Devon, Staffordshire, Suffolk, Norfo k, Pembrokeshire, West Glamorgan and West Gwynedd. The UK has an important proportion (about 20%) of the international total of this habitat. Reference : UK Biodiversity Action Plan

Threats to heathland include:

• Encroachment by scrub, trees, bracken and grass

• Lack of resources to fund management

• Excessive recreational pressures

• Fragmentation and habitat loss caused by roads and housing development

• Conversion to forestry plantations

• Public opposition to management, especially tree and scrub removal and fencing for conservation grazing

• Water abstraction from aquifers affecting wet heaths and mires

• Uncontrolled fire

• Fly tipping and other forms of misuse/abuse


Scrub control - removing young trees and controlling the growth of vegetation such as, gorse, broom and bracken to prevent the heathland being lost to developing poor quality woodland.

Turf stripping - litter or turf stripping can be very effective in restoring heather in areas which have been taken over by bracken or the sometimes the aggressive grasses, wavy hair-grass and purple moor-grass. The bare ground initially left by these operations can be very valuable for heathland invertebrates such as solitary bees and wasps.

Heather cutting - is carried out in autumn after the heather has seeded and can be used as an alternative to burning or grazing. The size of the area to be cut will determine the most effective cutting methods. Although small areas can be cut by hand or by tractor mounted cutting equipment, larger areas are best cut using specialist cutting and collecting machinery. The collected cuttings which contain viable heather seeds can then be used for other heathland restoration projects.

Heather spreading – where possible utilising heather cuttings containing viable heather seeds collected from site or to utilise cuttings removed from nearby heathland to aid heathland restoration.

BlueSky Environmental Solutions work in partnership with a number of specialist turf-stripping and heather cutting contractors and, where possible, we will try to co-ordinate your management requirements with other landowners within your region. This enables us to maximise efficiency, reduce transportation costs and pass on these savings directly to you. Please contact us to arrange a site visit or discuss your requirements.

Heathland Management

Contact Us:




ST3 4TR

T: 01782 342834 F: 01782 342834 M: 07809710493





Habitat surveys

Specialist surveys






Woodland management


Hedgerow management

Hedgelaying




Management plans




Community artists










What is a hedgerow?

A hedgerow is defined as any boundary line of trees or shrubs over 20m long and less than 5m wide at the base, provided that at one time the trees or shrubs were more or less continuous. It includes an earth bank or wall only where such a feature occurs in association with a line of trees or shrubs. This includes ‘classic’ shrubby hedgerows, lines of trees, shrubby hedgerows with trees and very gappy hedgerows (where each shrubby section may be less than 20m long, but the gaps are less than 20m). Reference - Defra (2007) Hedgerow Survey Handbook. A standard procedure for local surveys in the UK. Defra, London

Hedgerow regulations

On 1 June 1997 new rules on hedgerows came into force. Under the Hedgerows Regulations 1997 (SI No. 1160):

• It is against the law to remove most countryside hedges without permission

• To get permission to remove a hedgerow you must write to your local planning authority

• If the authority decide to proh bit removal of an important hedge, it must let you know within 6 weeks

• If you remove a hedgerow without permission (whether important or not) you may face an unlimited fine. You may also have to replace the hedgerow

BlueSky Environmental Solutions offer a complete and comprehensive package of hedgerow management from hedgerow surveys to hedge planting and hedgelaying.


• Hedgerow surveys

• Planning a new hedge – taking into consideration stock, wildlife, shelter, boundary and screening requirements

• Supplying hedging materials - including plants, stakes, guards or shelters

• Hedgerow protection fencing including, stock and rabbit fencing

• Hedge planting including ground preparation

• Management of existing hedgerows - including hand and mechanical trimming

• Hedgelaying service

• Provision of hedgelaying training – including training and instruction for community volunteers

• Hedge coppicing

• Restoring a neglected hedge

Please contact us to arrange a site visit or discuss your hedgerow management requirements.

Hedgerows

Contact Us:




ST3 4TR

T: 01782 342834 F: 01782 342834 M: 07809710493





Habitat surveys

Specialist surveys






Woodland management


Hedgerow management

Hedgelaying




Management plans




Community artists










Fencing can be erected for a number of reasons, examples include some, or a combination, of the following:

• To enclose an area

• To restrict access

• For amenity value

• To provide a natural barrier

• To denote boundary

• As a specialist condition, for example, as part of a planning application

• To meet health and safety requirements

BlueSky Environmental Solutions can provide specialist installations of the following fencing types.

Our advisors can provide you with a tailored service for all of the major fencing types listed above, including; other fencing styles, the removal and disposal of old fencing and ground preparation techniques, not listed on our website. Please contact us to discuss your exact requirements.

Fencing

Chain-link fencing

Post and rail fencing (Plain and with stock

fencing)

Palisade fencing

Estate railing

Closeboard and panel fencing

Custom-made fabrications

Hedgerow management

(Including hedgelaying)

Stock and Rabbit fencing

Deer fencing

Newt fencing

Contact Us:




ST3 4TR

T: 01782 342834 F: 01782 342834 M: 07809710493





Habitat surveys

Specialist surveys






Woodland management


Hedgerow management

Hedgelaying




Management plans




Community artists










What is a management plan?

A plan of management is a document that outlines how an area will be managed in the years ahead regardless of size or location. It sets out the values of the area, management objectives and management strategies.

What type of management plan do I need?

There are many different types of management plans associated with a variety of industries, activities and disciplines.

BlueSky Environmental Solutions specialise in the preparation, production and implementation of the following types of management plan.

Parks and greenspace management plan

These management plans are written to guide the efficient and effective management of the park or green space. They are likely to require fairly technical information that addresses all the important elements of site management and control. They help the people who are responsible for the day-to-day management of the site to plan and deliver the services the green space needs.

Woodland management plan

A woodland management plan is a detailed written document which is essential for good woodland management. It should include woodland location and description, woodland inventory and survey information, landowner's goals including long-term and short-term objectives, implementation of specific activities and include monitoring and review. A woodland management plan should be reviewed and updated at regular intervals.

Deer management plan

Deer are an important part of our wildlife and are attractive animals which people enjoy seeing in our countryside. However, it is important to manage deer to keep them in balance with their habitat and prevent serious damage to woodlands, nature reserves, parks or gardens where deer may now live or colonise in the future.

Fisheries management plan

A fisheries management plan is a management document that provides background information about the historic and current fish community and about physical conditions within the watershed. The plan is used to set management directions for the fish community, the fish habitat, and human use of the resource. It ensures that the fisheries resources are managed sustainably, effectively and efficiently.

BlueSky Environmental Solutions can provide you with individual site or species specific management plans or combine a number of management plans within a single document, allowing you to have an overall, greenspace / woodland / deer / fisheries management strategy for your area.

Please contact us for further details or to discuss your requirements.

Management Plans

Contact Us:




ST3 4TR

T: 01782 342834 F: 01782 342834 M: 07809710493





Habitat surveys

Specialist surveys






Woodland management


Hedgerow management

Hedgelaying




Management plans




Community artists










What is interpretation?

Interpretation is communication… Interpretation is about telling a story…

Interpretation is a vital part of how people experience the places they visit - our towns and countryside, our historic sites and monuments, our museums and galleries.


• Graphic panels – a range of styles and sizes for presentations, visitor centres and information kiosks

• Notice boards – a range of vandal resistant styles and sizes for interior and exterior use

• Signs and waymarkers – including development of “in-house” styles in a range of materials including timber and recycled materials

• Maps and site plans - a range of vandal resistant styles and sizes for interior and exterior use

• Leaflets – single sheet and double sided, folded A4 and A3 formats

• Self- guided walk/trail leaflets - single sheet and double sided, folded A4 and A3 formats

• Pond-dipping identification sheets – laminated and customised with your school, company or organisation name and logo

• Publications – printed and electronic format booklets

• Computer interactive – electronic site guides with hyperlinked points of interest, ideal for visitor centres and information kiosks

Community Involvement Why involve local communities?

Citizens and communities want a bigger say in the services they receive and in shaping the places where they live.


• Community consultation

• Community ownership

• Friends of Groups

• Parish Councils, community groups and other associations

• Local user groups

• Local angling clubs

• Community artists—We work in partnership with a number of community artists that can involve your local community through, design workshops, “have-ago” workshops and even the implementation or construction of the final piece. They specialise in a variety of mediums including, ceramics, metal, stone carving, timber and willow weaving.

Please contact us to discuss your requirements.

Interpretation & Community

Contact Us:




ST3 4TR

T: 01782 342834 F: 01782 342834 M: 07809710493





Habitat surveys

Specialist surveys






Woodland management


Hedgerow management

Hedgelaying




Management plans




Community artists










BlueSky Environmental Solutions can provide guidance, advice and specialist management services in all aspects of stillwater management.


The creation of new ponds and lakes

• Advice on planning matters and Environment Agency consents

• Design and construction

• Aquatic and additional planting

Pond and lake improvements and restoration

• Wildlife surveys and habitat management

• Bankside creation and stabilisation

• Reedbed planting and restoration

• Removal and control of invasive, bankside and aquatic plants

• Provision for environmental education

• Preparation and implementation of a pond / lake management plan

Fisheries Management

• Preparation and implementation of a fisheries management plan

• Wildlife surveys

• Water quality and dissolved oxygen testing

• Fish surveys, including health checks and species density

• Fish stock manipulation, including stocking or de-stocking and Environment Agency consents

• Installation of fishing pegs

• Aquatic planting schemes

• Silt management and the installation of silt traps

• Treatment and control of algae blooms, such as, blanket weed, si k weed and blue-green algae

• Removal and control of aquatic plants

• Bankside vegetation planting, management and control

• Removal and control of invasive species such as, Japanese knotweed, giant hogweed, Himalayan or Indian balsam, Australian swamp stonecrop, parrot’s feather and floating pennywort

• Access improvements and path creation

Please contact us to discuss your requirements.

Pools and Lakes

Contact Us:




ST3 4TR

T: 01782 342834 F: 01782 342834 M: 07809710493





Habitat surveys

Specialist surveys






Woodland management


Hedgerow management

Hedgelaying




Management plans




Community artists










We can all make a conscious effort to reduce the amount of energy we use and avoid wasting energy. This can be done in 4 easy steps. Step 1: Calculate your energy use and determine your carbon footprint Step 2: Reduce the amount of energy you use and avoid wasting energy; this will also reduce your carbon footprint Step 3: Consider renewable and low carbon energy Step 4: Offset your carbon emissions Calculating your carbon footprint

You can calculate your carbon footprint as an individual, household or even a business. There are a multitude of on-line carbon calculators available on the internet or you can contact one of our advisors to book your carbon emissions audit.

Our business carbon emissions calculators are one of the most efficient on the market; we not only audit your total energy consumption, but also include factors like your import and export emissions, allowances for using green energy suppliers and even take into consideration how your employees travel to work.

Prices vary depending on the number of employees, but as part of the audit we can provide you with:

• Advice on reducing your energy consumption.

• Whether renewable or low carbon energy would be practical.

• Where applicable, what grants, loans and awards available to help your business go green and save on energy bills.

• How your business could become carbon neutral Reducing the amount of the energy you use is one of the fastest, most effective ways to save you or your business money. And it will also help you combat climate change by reducing your carbon footprint. What is carbon offsetting?

Carbon offsetting involves calculating your emissions and then purchasing ‘credits’ from emission reduction schemes. These schemes have prevented or removed an equivalent amount of carbon dioxide elsewhere.

BlueSky Environmental Solutions firmly believe in delivering open and transparent offsetting schemes where you can see your investment in action. We provide and deliver “one-stop” carbon offsetting, from your initial carbon emissions audit through to delivery of an agreed offsetting scheme in your locality. We work in partnership with professional organisations and local landowners to deliver visible offsetting schemes on your doorstep. What now?

Please contact one of our advisors for more information on how to:

• Save money by reducing the amount of energy you use and avoid wasting energy.

• Audit your CO2 emissions and accurately calculate your carbon footprint.

• Reduce your carbon emissions and your carbon footprint

• Assess what energy saving devices would be suitable for you; including advice on what further reduction measures can be taken.

• Implement physical and practical measures to offset your carbon emissions.

BlueSky Environmental Solutions Ltd is proud to be a carbon neutral company, isn’t it about time you or your organisation joined us to say we are doing our bit…

Climate Change

Contact Us:




ST3 4TR

T: 01782 342834 F: 01782 342834 M: 07809710493





Habitat surveys

Specialist surveys






Woodland management


Hedgerow management

Hedgelaying




Management plans




Community artists










Renewable energy

Renewable energy is energy generated from natural resources—such as sunlight, wind, water, rain, tides and geothermal heat—which are renewable (naturally replenished).

What are renewable energy sources?

• Biomass

• Air source heat pumps

• Ground source heat pumps

• Small scale hydro

• Small scale wind

• Solar PV

• Solar water heating

The benefits of renewable energy

• Lowering energy bills.

• Increasing the security of your energy supply by reducing your reliance on fossil fuels.

• Reducing the risk of your business from rising fossil fuel prices.

• Improving your ‘green’ credentials.

• Reducing your carbon emissions and carbon footprint.

• Introducing the possibility of selling electricity back to the national grid at a premium.

Money and Energy Saving for your Businesses

Investing in energy-saving equipment will also help an organisation's bottom line by significantly reducing energy bills, and there are further incentives available to a wide-range of energy intensive industries. These include:

• Discounts

• Grants

• Enhanced Capital Allowances Scheme

• Energy Efficiency Loans

Being more energy efficient makes sound economic sense because using less energy lowers operating costs. From an environmental perspective, it's an effective way for business to cut carbon emissions and, in turn, combat climate change. These incentives together with the spiralling cost of energy have pushed energy efficiency to the top of commercial priorities. Can your business afford to ignore this?

What now?

To determine what energy saving devices would be suitable for you; including advice on what further reduction measures you can implement, please contact one of our advisors to discuss your requirements or to arrange an energy use assessment.

Renewable Energy

Contact Us:




ST3 4TR

T: 01782 342834 F: 01782 342834 M: 07809710493





Habitat surveys

Specialist surveys






Woodland management


Hedgerow management

Hedgelaying




Management plans




Community artists









Documents

About BlueSky SPECIALISTS IN WATER AND LAND …specialists in water and land management BlueSky Environmental Solutions - specialists in all aspects of land and water management, provide