Other Ecological Services
Whilst APEM only works within the aquatic environment the diversity of such ecosystems is still vast. Moreover many organisms whilst predominantly aquatic can have life stages or adaptations to live in terrestrial habitats. For instance most
birds are clearly able to move between terrestrial and aquatic habitats as are
amphibians/
reptiles and several aquatic mammals. As such APEM have been involved in a range of projects which, like the purely aquatic sides of the company, are still handled with absolute professionalism and scientific rigour.
Bird surveys are routinely undertaken as part of the 15 year investigation into the running and ecological stability of
Cavendish Dock. APEM are also undertaking similar studies on the effect of water quality restoration on bird populations in the
Manchester Ship Canal. In addition, we have also undertaken several studies to investigate the link between water quality impacts of reservoir management on bird population via algal bloom or higher water plant interaction. The most recent study for Wessex Water investigated the relationship for a nationally important conservation site (SPA),
Blashford Lakes. Moreover several of our team are keen "twitchers" going to extraordinary lengths to see that elusive spring migrant. Indeed one of our staff is a recognised British Ornithological Trust census recorder.
APEM have performed Great Crested Newt investigations of several ponds in Cheshire. Initially water bodies are hand-netted by walking around the perimeter of the ponds and sweeping the nets through the aquatic vegetation and along the bed of the pond. Each net-haul is carefully examined for Great Crested Newts. Further to this, the aquatic vegetation of the ponds is examined to attempt to detect Great Crested Newt eggs. Finally newt bottle traps can be deployed between dusk and dawn to further investigate the populations present.
Terrapin removals are a recent addition to our expertise. The demise of the popularity of the Ninja Turtles culminated in the release of many over sized pets into the wild. These invasive species are clearly an unwelcome pest and large specimens can cause serious damage to an untrained hand! Purpose built traps are therefore baited and hidden in appropriate locations around and in the waterbody. Those that we catch are luckily given a new home at a local reptile sanctuary.