Clifton Suspension Bridge Lighting Upgrade
Ecological Survey and Appraisal
Client: Clifton Suspension Bridge Trust
Services: Ecological Survey and Appraisal
Background
The Clifton Suspension Bridge Trust proposed to upgrade the lighting on the Bridge with a cutting edge, environmentally friendly and sustainable lighting system. This forming part of a major programme of repairs and maintenance for the ongoing conservation of this Grade 1 listed and iconic Bristol structure. The Landmark Practice provided advice to ensure compliance with ecological Legislation and planning policy, undertaking a suite of bat surveys to inform and support the planning application.
Description
The proposals included new state-of-the-art, low energy and environmentally friendly lighting to increase the level of illumination at road level, enhancing the safety of pedestrians, cyclists and the bridge attendants during hours of darkness, as well as highlighting some of the key architectural features of the Bridge. As well as reducing environmental impact, the scheme will enable the Trust to creatively light the bridge in different colours, giving the unique landmark an artistic ‘visual voice’ that can respond to communities’ values and participate in its celebrations.
On the Clifton Village side there are steep limestone cliffs with areas of woodland. On the opposite side of the bridge, Leigh Woods [https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/bath-bristol/leigh-woods ] extends to the west and the westernmost gorge-side comprises a steep slope covered in Ancient Woodland. Avon Gorge woodland is designated as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and supports important roosting habitats for lesser and greater horseshoe bats.
Ecological surveys found a large number of bats are using the surrounding flight space around Clifton Suspension Bridge, with some bats using the bridge as a foraging and commuting resource. The proposed lighting scheme was designed to utilise LEDs that minimise any disturbance bats, as well as minimising visual impact. As the species using the area were typically found to be those that are most light tolerant, displays during special occasions will have minimal impact on bats. The ecological assessment therefore found that the new lighting system will provide betterment for bat species that are found in the area and ‘using’ the bridge.
“I would like to highly recommend The Landmark Practice for their work on the bat surveys and reporting for our lighting scheme at Clifton Suspension Bridge. Their expertise in bat ecology allowed us to proceed with confidence with our lighting upgrades, knowing that our project was environmentally responsible and compliant with regulations. Landmark conducted thorough surveys and provided valuable recommendations. Their communication was excellent, with regular updates and quick responses to our questions.”
– Trish Johnston (Bridge Master) Clifton Suspension Bridge Trust
Working with:
Planning: Alder King
Lighting Engineer: Hoare Lea
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