Case Study: Ecological Clerk of Works at Via Gellia

At the beginning of 2026, Pioneer Environment was appointed as Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW) for an ash dieback tree removal project at Via Gellia Gorge in the Peak District.

This environmentally sensitive site, designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), required careful ecological oversight to ensure that essential tree works were carried out safely, legally, and with minimal impact on local wildlife and habitats.

Project Overview

Located at Via Gellia in the Peak District, this seven-week project was delivered for Derbyshire County Council in partnership with Thompsons Tree Services. Pioneer Environment acted as Ecological Clerk of Works, working closely with contractors to supervise operations, provide ecological advice, and ensure compliance with environmental legislation and best practice.

The Role of an ECoW

As Ecological Clerks of Work, our role was to oversee activities on site and ensure that ecological considerations were embedded into every stage of the project. This included carrying out site walkovers, identifying sensitive habitats and protected species, advising on mitigation strategies, and supervising works to ensure they were carried out responsibly.

Through this approach, we were able to support the delivery of essential tree works while minimising risk to the surrounding environment.

Site Challenges

Via Gellia Gorge presents a complex and ecologically valuable landscape. The site is characterised by steep wooded slopes, rock faces, caves, dry stone walls, mine entrances, and a flowing watercourse. These features provide ideal conditions for a wide range of species, particularly during winter when animals rely on sheltered locations to hibernate. This made the identification and protection of hibernation features a key priority throughout the project.

Ecological Approach

Each working week began with a toolbox talk to ensure all site personnel understood the ecological sensitivities and constraints. This was followed by detailed walkovers of the site, where ecologists carefully assessed features such as brash piles, stone walls, rock crevices, and underground structures.

All inspections were carried out using non-invasive techniques, including torchlight surveys and endoscopic cameras, allowing us to thoroughly check for wildlife without damaging potential habitats. Where sensitive features were identified, they were clearly marked and protected with buffer zones, and works were adapted accordingly.

Habitat Enhancement

While much of the role focused on protection, the project also provided opportunities to enhance the site. Rather than removing all vegetation, we advised the use of coppicing and pollarding techniques, which helped retain woodland structure and encourage natural regeneration.

The resulting brash material was reused to create new habitat piles across the site. These features will provide valuable shelter for wildlife in the future and contribute to improving biodiversity within the gorge.

Bat Protection and Key Discovery

Via Gellia offers highly suitable habitat for bats, with its dense woodland, watercourse, and numerous underground and rock features. As the works took place during winter, any bats present would likely be in hibernation—a period when they are especially vulnerable to disturbance.

During an endoscopic inspection of a rock face, a hibernating bat was discovered under the supervision of a licensed bat ecologist. Work in the area was immediately halted, and the finding was carefully recorded. A 10-metre exclusion buffer zone was established around the roost, within which no works or vehicle movements were permitted.

The bat was later identified as a Myotis species, likely a Whiskered or Brandt’s bat. Works within this area were paused entirely, allowing the bat to remain undisturbed until it naturally emerged from hibernation. This approach ensured full compliance with wildlife legislation while maintaining the overall progress of the project.

Additional Environmental Improvements

Alongside the ecological supervision, the project delivered wider environmental benefits. During the road closure, Derbyshire County Council carried out a significant litter removal operation, clearing waste and debris from both the roadside and the adjacent watercourse.

Some existing habitat piles were also relocated further up the slope following ecological checks, improving site safety while maintaining their ecological value.

Outcomes

The Via Gellia project demonstrates how ecological oversight can successfully support both environmental protection and essential infrastructure works. Sensitive habitats were preserved, protected species were safeguarded, and new habitat features were created to enhance biodiversity.

Conclusion

This project highlights the importance of integrating ecological expertise into site operations from the outset. Through close collaboration, careful planning, and ongoing supervision, Pioneer Environment ensured that works at Via Gellia were delivered in a way that respected and protected the natural environment.