Reptiles on the roof

Damar were awarded the project at Black Hill Reservoir to undergo the replacement of the existing roof. This proved to be something of a challenge, with multiple environmental constraints.

Black Hill Reservoir forms part of a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), has a known population of reptiles, and overlaps a Scheduled Ancient Monument.  Nevertheless, it was important to install a new membrane below the heathland turf of the reservoir roof, in order to eliminate any risk of pollution entering the reservoir itself.

In order to safeguard the reptiles at the site, the Environmental Services team, with the help of a reptile specialist, trapped and translocated some 200+ slow worms, 70 common lizards and 5 incredibly rare smooth snakes.  These were moved to safety before works on the roof commenced.

The roof replacement itself was done by removing sections of turf, in a specific order and agreed with Natural England, in order to ensure they had the maximum chance of recovery.  Upon completion the reptile fences were removed and the heath land returned to its former glory allowing the reptiles to go back to their natural habitat.

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