Our team at ORM Fencing Ltd, is dedicated to protecting wildlife through innovative fencing solutions. Our wildlife studies are essential to our commitment to sustainable development and environmental stewardship. We work closely with clients to understand their unique needs and concerns and develop custom fencing solutions that provide maximum protection while minimising any negative impact on local wildlife.
Wildlife Studies
Birds
When working in your garden from early spring to late summer, it is important to keep an eye out for any nesting birds. They could be in bushes close to your fence or in ivy growing on it.
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If you accidentally disturb a nest, do not place it back where it fell from. The nest may be unstable, so the best thing to do is to put it into a plant pot of adequate size and attach it to the nearest tree possible.
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If the nest contains eggs, they may have been damaged due to their fragility. However, most birds will rest and hatch a new clutch of eggs in good time. In the case of a falling chick, it is best to re-nest it into a pot.
In any case, we will do our best to avoid disturbing them during this time period.
Hedgehogs
Did you know that hedgehogs travel around a mile per night on average? Therefore, we should make sure to provide them with reasonable access through the gardens. A small hole that is just 13cm square is enough for them to pass through.
Whenever we work in our gardens, especially near compost heaps or hedges with thick undergrowth, we need to be cautious and check for any hibernating or resting hedgehogs, as any wrong move could be fatal for them. In case you come across a burrow, the best thing to do is to leave it undisturbed.
Also, after digging or removing any old posts, it's important to backfill as much as possible. This is because hedgehogs may stumble upon them during the night and get stuck, which could be dangerous for them. the possibility of hedgehogs stumbling upon any holes during the night and getting stuck.
Foxes
Did you know that a full-grown fox can climb over a 6-foot fence? This means that there's a good chance you may have seen one in your garden. They are usually found under sheds, decking, or in thick foliage. If you know they're in the area and we're coming to work, it's best to deter them by exposing their den, making noise, or stopping any food source that may be attracting them. This is better for both of us, as it's best to avoid contact with them.
If you don't want to deter them, the cubs usually leave the den in late summer, followed by the mother soon after to strengthen up before winter. If that's the case, we're happy to come by beforehand to make sure they've moved on for the winter.
Snakes
Encountering snakes is not a common occurrence, but it can be unsettling if you're caught off guard. Snakes in this country are predominantly active from March through October, particularly in and around woodlands and wetlands. If you reside near such areas, we will make every effort to remain vigilant and watchful for snakes.
If you have a pond in your garden, be aware that it's a favorite spot for snakes to settle in. They also like to nest in compost or decayed vegetation, where they frequently lay their eggs. With this knowledge, we will always exercise caution when cleaning or removing such items.
It's essential to keep in mind that all three snake species are protected, which is why we must take every precaution to keep them safe and not harm them.
Common Lizard
The common lizard is a species that is commonly found in grasslands, moorlands, woodlands, heathlands, and even in gardens. If you find them in your garden, they would most likely be hiding in a rockery, between logs, or basking in the sun out in the open. It's important to note that in Britain, these lizards are protected by law, so it's best not to disturb them. If you do disturb them, it's advisable to re-cover them or relocate them to a safe place in your garden. Avoid taking them indoors as they would warm up and start looking for food, which can be dangerous for them.
If you've seen these lizards before in your garden or if your garden borders any of the aforementioned areas, it's crucial that you inform us. This will help us inspect the area we plan to work in and take extra care to ensure their safety.
Badgers
It is possible that having badgers in your garden may be enjoyable for some, but for those with children and pets, the risk of bTB may be too much of a concern. If you are worried, we are happy to assist you with the supply and fitting of badger fencing. The ideal height should be no lower than 5ft, and the wire fencing should be at least 1-2ft deep. Although it may be a hassle, it is the most effective way to protect your family and pets.
While badgers are highly protected, there are several ways to deter them. You can start by stopping the food source that they have become accustomed to, then apply natural badger deterrents such as citronella oil or strategically placing plants like lavender, marigolds, or rosemary.
Unfortunately, if you have a badger sett in your garden, work cannot begin until they have vacated the sett.
Natural Waters
When working near water, there is no specific distance requirement for placing a deck, fence, or pergola. However, it is best to keep as much distance as possible to avoid disturbing the animals in their natural habitat.
Although our rivers and ponds are rich in wildlife, there are a few species that require special attention when installing anything next to them. Great crested newts, for example, are fascinating creatures but can be a problem if they are present near your pond. If we spot any during our work, we stop immediately to avoid any harm to these animals. Unfortunately, this may delay the job, as we have to wait for them to move on.
If your garden borders a river that is home to otters, it can be challenging to start any work. You may have to apply for a permit, which could take some time. We advise keeping a watchful eye out for these animals and taking appropriate measures to protect them.