TEP was commissioned to carry out ecological surveys of farmland at Basford East in Crewe. The site is ear-marked as a Strategic Site in the Northwest Regional Economic Strategy.
Some of the ponds on the site were identified from an initial walkover as being suitable for the rare lesser silver water beetle. This species had been found to be present on a nearby site and all suitable ponds in the development site were surveyed by an entomologist.
An experienced licensed ecologist also carried out a crayfish survey of adjacent brooks and associated ponds using a combination of torch-lit, rubble turning and baited trap techniques. Protection measures were formulated for the native white-clawed crayfish as part of the subsequent Environmental Impact Assessment.