Local wildlife has recolonised the site in the 17 years since Bleak House mine closed. We have undertaken an ecological survey and know that the site is home to bats, birds, invertebrates and a variety of plants.
We will be building on less than ten percent of the site. Nonetheless, the challenge will be to disturb what is there as little as possible and encourage an even greater diversity of wildlife.
Much of the site will be left as it is now, but we will improve the habitat through careful management and by planting native trees and shrubs. The existing drainage ditch and marshy area will be enhanced.
We will ensure that the bats, birds, butterflies and moths currently present remain. We will also build bird boxes, reptile shelters, beetle banks and bug hotels to encourage more species.