We’ve had some changes recently here at Essential Cuisine, and most recently has been our new £1m state-of-the-art production facility in Winsford, Cheshire.
However, before we started the construction, land surveys were carried out, and we were found to have a protected species of Great Crested newt on the building site.
In order to continue with the expansion, which in turn would create local jobs and expand the company’s capability, we went about planning to re-home the newts, with the help of Jim Grundy from Cheshire Ecological Services.
In conjunction with Cheshire West and Chester Council, we established a designated “wildlife refuge” just behind Essential Cuisine, where we could relocate the species too.
Significant numbers of newts were relocated, including 106 Great Crested Newts, along with 521 ordinary newts. They were re-homed safely and effectively by the end of October 2012.
And we’re pleased to say that one year on, the newts are very happy in their new habitat, as are our factory workers in theirs!