Following an Environmental Impact Assessment of the business park, and consultation with DEFRA, Caddick have begun a comprehensive enhancement programme to improve the nature areas on the edge of the new business park, which lies adjacent to the A64, off Dunslow Road. It is anticipated the improvement programme will protect existing wildlife and also attract newts, birds, and bats to inhabit the area, amongst other species.

Newts are known to inhabit the area and a key part of the initiative involves the protection of future newt colonies. Currently there are no colonies or ponds for the species to inhabit on the development but Caddick, supported by DEFRA, are taking preventative measures to protect the existing colonies by ensuring they do not inhabit the site whilst building work continues.

Specialist fences have been put in place to prevent newts settling on the site, whilst construction works take place. In addition, the developer of the 100-acre commercial park is creating two large balancing ponds at the Southern end of the site, which will prevent flooding, and attract newt colonies to inhabit the area. By implementing specially designed ecological features such as wet areas and ecological corridors it is anticipated that the ponds will attract and support newts and many other species. The work on the ponds is due to be completed in the Summer.

Caddick Developments is also creating nature corridors to link the new Business Park to the existing local nature reserves. Links between Cayton Meadows, to the South East of the Business Park and Burton Riggs, to the West of the site, will be enhanced with the implementation of bird and bat boxes.

Alongside this, the developer is constructing a series of ‘habitat corridors’, which involve the planting of different types of wild plants and flowers from the edge of the Business Park development to the nature reserves. It is hoped the new plantings and boxes will provide an ideal habitat for many different birds and bats and encourage them to settle here.

Peter Holley, director of Caddick Developments, said: “The Business Park will give the local economy a major boost, creating new homes for businesses and allowing them to flourish in Scarborough.

“As a company, we feel it is equally important to address the local environment and ensure we provide potential new homes for wild life and allow them to flourish alongside the development. We hope that the environmental improvements will be enjoyed by wildlife and the local community alike.”