Queen Margaret University
Ecological survey and assessment work
The Wildlife Partnership were appointed to undertake the ecological survey and assessment
work at the proposed Queen Margaret University campus on a green field site in East Lothian. Initial
survey work included Phase 1 Habitat Survey and survey and assessment of birds, bats and badgers.
We drew up guidance for Ecological Design Principles to inform site design on this open arable
landscape. Key potential areas for habitat creation were for breeding birds, bats and for the
development of semi-natural habitat mosaics. This translated into use of native species of local
origin and provenance, use of on-site materials to create habitats, use of sub soil to create low
fertility flower rich areas with Scottish seed sources, diversification of lawn areas to include low
growing wildflowers and creation of mixed tree and shrub planting maximising edge habitat to create
sheltered, productive foraging for bats and nesting and foraging habitat for birds.