Ecology surveys at RAF Ibsley Watch Office
When Landmark first submitted plans to rescue and restore RAF Ibsley Watch Office (also known as Ibsley Control Tower), Natural England objected, concerned about the potential ecological damage that the work might cause to statutorily protected nature conservation sites. Here, Nicola French, Ecologist, shares details about why this site is so important for nature, and the work she has been coordinating over the last year to avoid environmental impact in such an ecologically sensitive location.
I work as an ecologist, focussed on the increasingly pressured interface between the natural world and construction. This interface can be a challenging space, but occasionally a project comes along that stands out for the synergy that it builds between these two worlds. The Watch Office at RAF Ibsley is one such project. My role has been to work with Natural England, to understand the detail of their concerns, and, working with Landmark, to establish the data and strategies necessary to manage risks and control impacts.
A complex bat roost and wetland of international ecological importance
The Watch Office building is the most significant surviving physical evidence of the Second World War airfield but is now derelict and in slow but steady decline. It supports a complex and regionally important bat roost, with different species using the building across most of the year for different purpose. The habitat in and around the Watch Office is also important for foraging and commuting bats. Species spotted include greater horseshoe, Natterer’s, and soprano pipistrelle amongst others.
Post war, the airfield runways were broken out and gravel extracted from this and the immediate area, leaving a series of deep gravel pits that have flooded and form part of a wider, complex wetland of international ecological importance. These are of designated for Bewick’s swan and Gadwall, (a type of duck), wetland habitats and the specialist plant, animal and invertebrate species that they support.
The surveys advise our next steps
The site has been the subject of extensive and varied survey, with work to understand the complexities of the bat roost beginning in 2016. In addition, habitat surveys have established the vegetation and plant species present in the vicinity of the Watch Office, a wintering bird survey was carried out over the 24/25 winter, and a specialist invertebrate survey has been carried out. The surveys have allowed us to develop a series of mitigation plans that will be implemented to prevent impacts during the physical restoration of the Watch Office (for example, screening of people and machinery, removal of materials off-site etc) and also during the operation of the building as a residence for guests. This includes preventing light spill from the property, ensuring that guests and visitors do not cause disturbance to birds on the water and other wildlife and actions to protect the water quality of Mockbeggar Lake.
Ultimately, the Landmark Trust team has been able to work with Natural England to address all concerns raised and it is anticipated that this will pave the way for New Forest District Council to shortly consent the scheme. This will be a real milestone for the Landmark Trust and a demonstration of how close working with all parties can enable historical rescue and restoration in a way that is wholly respectful of significant ecological and environmental constraint.
