Ecological Clerk of Works to Ireland’s First Center Parcs

In 2016 Center Parcs was granted permission to build its first ever forest resort in Ireland. With its track record of outstanding commitment to biodiversity, EcoÉireann was delighted to be commissioned as the Project Ecologist for this prestigious development.

Center Parcs is developing part of the 325ha Newcastle Woods in Co. Longford, predominately a conifer plantation site which extends across the River Inny. This nationally significant construction project will transform 160ha of woodland into a destination comprising restaurants, lodges, spa, indoor and outdoor activities and a large recreational lake.

EcoÉireann was asked to join the project team as an Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW) across the different phases of construction from forest clearance to lodge construction and lake installation. The ECoW team works closely with developers, contractors and state agencies to ensure all works adhere to conditions of the planning permission and our client’s high expectations. This function delivers a number of practical elements including:

• Issuing of ecological permits ahead of tree felling works when areas have been checked to ensure an auditable evidence trail of best practice

• Checks and surveys for presence of protected species prior to felling

• Application of relevant protected species licence from NPWS

• Weekly ecological audits to ensure that contractors on site are carrying out work in line with the agreed Construction Environmental Operations Plan (CEOP)

In addition to the ECoW role, EcoÉireann has also delivered a number of discrete ecological surveys and assessments as well as detailed consultation with a range of State Agencies including Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI). Such ecological services include:

• Invasive non-native plant species surveys and recommendations

• Invasive aquatic floral and faunal surveys, report and management plan

• Input into various action plans include the Peatland Management Plan and Biodiversity Action Plan for the site

• Ecological Assessment of the Recreational Lake Design and Management Plan

EcoÉireann’s flexible and professional approach to meeting the client’s requirements and deadlines has enabled Center Parcs to remain on track for the exciting opening date.

 

Project Start & End Date	August 2016 – ongoing
Client	Center Parcs
Location	Newcastle Woods, Co. Longford

“Center Parcs appointed the Wildlife Trust Consultancies six years ago to provide ecology support to our UK Villages. This has developed into a successful partnership and provided valuable input and helped us form our future management decisions. We have been fortunate that the decision to bring Center Parcs to Longford Forest coincided with Eco Eireann opening. The understanding of the Center Parcs approach to biodiversity has helped us through from the planning stage to the current construction on the site. Their work has ranged from on- site surveys and weekly ECoW audits to specialist surveys and reports. Eco Eireann have provided expert advice on both complex and  wide ranging issues and species which has required consultation with many stakeholders including  client, contractor and importantly government bodies such as IFI and NPWS. The practical approach that they have taken, in all areas has ensured that we have been able to establish good relationships with all parties and most importantly will mean that the wildlife and biodiversity of Center Parcs Longford Forest will be able to flourish in to the future.”

Richard Watson, Landscape Asset Manager, Center Parcs Ltd.