New Wildlife mobile app helps identify signs of protected species on construction sites
CIRIA and The Ecology Consultancy have announced the launch of their new Working with Wildlife mobile app to identify protected species, which is now available as a free download from the App Store for Apple devices and from the Google Play Store for Android.
The app has been designed to provide those working in the construction sector with practical advice on how to manage a range of protected species commonly encountered on construction sites, including: badgers, bats, birds, dormice, great crested newts, otters, reptiles and water voles.
The app includes information on how to recognise these species and what signs to look for on site, allowing decisions to be made on whether works can continue or whether they need to stop whilst further advice is sought.
The app also contains an introduction to the key aspects of current legislation, a gallery of photographs to help identify species, signs of their presence and habitats, a glossary of some of the terms used, plus references and further reading. To help users understand when protected species surveys can be undertaken, a calendar covering survey timings throughout the year is also provided.
The new mobile application format enables contractors and construction workers to easily access key information about species on the go and allows the content to be regularly updated, ensuring that the information and guidance around protected species contained within the app is kept up-to-date and in-line with current legislation.
Commenting on the launch of the new app Leanne Clowting, Executive Director, CIRIA said “This new resource further enhances CIRIA’s commitment to champion biodiversity in the built environment. Alongside the BIG Biodiversity Challenge and Awards, we hope that this app will enable construction professionals to ensure that industry can be even more widely proactive in ensuring the future of our endangered species.”
John Newton, Founder and Strategic Advisor, Ecology Consultancy said “The adaptation of the Working With Wildlife guidance into app form enables construction companies to easily share our guidance and puts it directly into the hands of their on-site employees. This will be invaluable in helping developers meet legislation requirements and encourage an understanding of the issues around wildlife conservation that their projects may come up against.”
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The app has been developed in partnership by CIRIA and The Ecology Consultancy. To download the free app search for “Working With Wildlife” on the App Store or Google Play Store.
More information about the app can be found here.
