Phlorum has just taken delivery of another van! This has immediately been brought up to specification being fitted out with storage racking for equipment and signage across the bodywork. Now the new van can be spotted sporting the Phlorum logo and contact info as its used on jobs all over the country.

Phlorum has recently been involved in clearance works at an ecologically sensitive site in South Wales. The site is due to be developed into a new community and a significant aim of the design is to enhance the site’s ecology. It has areas of valuable habitat for insects, newts, reptiles and bats. As the clearance works took place early in the bird nesting season, hawks and falcons were used to dissuade other birds from establishing territories where trees and scrubby vegetation were cleared. This worked extremely well and was a great excuse to spend time with these magnificent animals!

Dr Paul Beckett was asked this week to present aspects of Phlorum’s business model to departmental heads at the University of Sussex. The presentation formed part of a meeting organised by the Sussex Innovation Centre to encourage the transfer of the university’s world-class research into business ideas.

The rush to make sure that sites get properly surveyed for great crested newt has begun! Adults migrate to breeding ponds to lay eggs from March to June. It is therefore vital to carry out surveys during this period in order to avoid costly delays to development programmes. Natural England produces some excellent guidance here.