Case Studies
HS2 - Laing O'Rourke & Murphy Joint Venture
(Inc. Ancient Woodland Translocation)
Richard Hall Ltd (RHL) were instructed by Laing O’Rourke & J. Murphy Joint Venture to carry out tree clearance, ancient woodland translocation and ecological enabling works North of Birmingham.
Over the duration of the project we felled hundreds of trees across 1.4ha using long reach excavators mounted with tree shears. The clearance works took around five months to complete whilst taking into consideration bat licences and seasonal constraints. We chipped the felled trees producing 3,500m3 of woodchip which was repurposed for biomass power stations, play surfaces and equine runs.
RHL undertook 2.7ha (Approx 8500m3) of ancient woodland translocation, moving each soil horizon sequentially from the donor sites to receptor sites using 20t excavators on the donor site, tractors and trailers to transport and 20t excavators at each receptor site. Individual standards were transplanted into the receptor sites with both live and dead monoliths to create Bat habitat and flight paths. The outcome in the first year was a huge success with a mass of woodland plants emerging in the soils and translocated monoliths producing new growth. We also had to mitigate crossing many assets, install bailey bridges, implement traffic management and adhere to localised U&A restrictions.
RHL also undertook a variety of mitigation works in the form of habitat creation which included GCN pond creation, hibernacula construction and reptile basking bank creation. RHL successfully delivered the works despite being undertaken in challenging wet weather and periods of frozen ground. We have received many plaudits from the client for our successful, safe and compliant delivery of the works.
Flood alleviation Project - Ealing Borough Council
Richard Hall Ltd (RHL) were instructed by Ealing Borough Council to carry out a flood alleviation project at Lammas Park in South West London.
Over the duration of the project we created Three attenuation ponds and a series of connecting drains and ditches and header walls. We utilised our Uni control GPS system on our EC180 Excavator to accurately model the earthworks to the clients exacting design.
RHL set up and managed a site compound and secured the works area from 3rd parties. We also had to install crossing points for our plant over underground pipes and services as well as having to navigate very limited site access.
The works took place during the Spring and Summer and ground conditions were favourable with no ecological constraints to consider except the successful translocation of a small number of trees. Overall we excavated approx. 25,000 m3 of soil.
RHL successfully delivered the works liaising with other statutory bodies such as Thames Water and the Environment Agency.
Pond Renovations - Oxfordshire
Richard Hall Ltd (RHL) were instructed by a private client to carry out pond renovations on Two estate ponds in Oxfordshire.
The client was concerned about the gradual decline of the ponds over many years, resulting in an ever enclosing tree canopy and increased leaf and silt accumulation. This in turn had led to a decline in light and water levels and a lack of biodiversity and accelerated eutrophication.
RHL were tasked with removing select trees and vegetation to allow more light into the ponds. The inlet stream at the head of the ponds was dammed and what little water remained in the ponds was drained to allow the accumulation of silt to be removed and repurposed on site. Great care was required during this process as the pond was originally clay lined and this could not be compromised by the excavator.
The banks were reprofiled and seeded with native wild flower seed and supplementary bank and marginal planting was undertaken to establish bank stability as soon as possible. Other areas were left to naturally colonise from the surrounding native fauna.
The dam was released when the works were completed in late Summer and the ponds refilled naturally over the following Autumn / Winter
The client was delighted with the results of our endeavours and our site and management teams thoroughly enjoyed working in such a stunning environment during the Summer.
Tree Clearance - Balfour Beatty
Richard Hall Ltd (RHL) were instructed by EJM Tree Services on behalf of their client Balfour Beatty to carry out tree clearance, whole tree chipping and removal of arisings on the South Wokingham distributor road project.
Over the duration of the project we felled 50 roadside trees using our specialist excavators mounted with tree shears, navigating existing wire fencing and other obstacles. The works were undertaken at night using task lighting to prevent localised day time disruption in a busy area of Wokingham.
Felled trees were chipped using our whole tree chipper, loaded into RHL lorries and hauled back to our yard to be recycled and repurposed.
The works were undertaken outside of bird nesting season to maximise productivity and reduce mitigation measures.
RHL successfully delivered the clearance works on schedule to keep the clients and overall project programme running to time.
Tree Clearance - Sherfield School
Richard Hall Ltd (RHL) were instructed by Scofell Landscapes to carry out the felling and removal of Coniferous trees in Sherfield School, Hampshire.
Over the duration of the project we felled 28 Cypress trees along a 125 Metre drive, using excavator machines with grab-saw attachments we felled and cleared the timber along the roadside. We provided a full road closure with pedestrian diversion to achieve safe working areas in accordance with the Road Traffic Act. Felled trees were chipped and repurposed for play surfaces, local equine runs and biomass plants.
The clearance works took one week to complete whilst taking into consideration nearby lampposts, bollards, domestic fences and managing felling during nesting season.
RHL implemented hand-cutters as banksmen that helped fell the lower branches for safer access to overcome the risk of navigating surrounding obstacles. In spite of this, RHL still successfully delivered the works and received the following plaudits from the client.
“We had no hesitation in reaching out to them and yet again they delivered on time, safely and on budget.”
Tree Protection Fencing - Barratt Homes
Richard Hall Ltd (RHL) were instructed by Barratt Homes to install Tree Protection Fencing and site security boundary fencing at a development site in Pulborough, Sussex.
To initially enable the fence installation RHL had to clear areas of vegetation utilising an excavator mounted flail.
The RHL team supplied and installed 1200m of Tree Protection Fencing comprising of 2.4m Herras panels and scaffolding tubes driven 500mm into the ground by an Excavator with a post knocker attachment and secured to the panels with scaffold clips, thus ensuring a stable and robust structure. The fencing ensures that no plant or people encroach into the root protection zones of the trees, therefor protecting them from damage.
The client also instructed us to install 3300m of Site Security Fencing utilising Herras panels and precast feet and supported by backstays secured by pins driven into the ground. The feet had to incorporate Hi-Vis plastic covers to denote the footpaths and bridleways it ran adjacent to.
All of the panels and supporting materials for this project were distributed around the site with an All Terrain Telehandler.
Due to the presence of members of the public on this site we had to deploy banksmen and signage as a precaution when operating plant.
RHL completed the works on schedule and on budget.
