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Wildlife and protected sites questions for the CSCS MAP test

4 free questions on Wildlife and protected sites, from section E. Environment. Every question is original and explains why each option is right or wrong.

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Question 1

Medium ·Link to this question (question 1)

Your project may affect a protected area near the site.

Who is responsible for finding this out?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. The local wildlife group
  2. B. Nobody, as protected sites are always fenced off
  3. C. Your neighbours, if they notice anything
  4. D. You, as the developer
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D

  • A. Wrong: Wrong. The responsibility is yours.
  • B. Wrong: Wrong. Many protected sites are not fenced.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. You must find out yourself.
  • D. Right: Right. GOV.UK says you are responsible for finding out if your development is likely to affect a protected area or site.

Explanation

Developers must find out whether their work could affect protected sites or species, before work starts.

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Question 2

Medium ·Link to this question (question 2)

Bats, a European protected species, may be roosting in a barn you plan to convert.

What should you do first?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. Have a qualified ecologist survey the barn
  2. B. Start work quickly before anyone notices
  3. C. Block up the holes so the bats leave
  4. D. Wait until winter and then demolish the roof
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A

  • A. Right: Right. GOV.UK advises a survey by a qualified ecologist if protected species might be present.
  • B. Wrong: Wrong. Damaging a breeding or resting place is an offence, even by accident.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. Disturbing bats or damaging a roost is an offence.
  • D. Wrong: Wrong. Bats may hibernate there in winter. Get a survey first.

Explanation

If protected species might be present, get a qualified ecologist to survey first. Disturbing them or damaging their roosts is an offence.

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Question 3

Medium ·Link to this question (question 3)

A breeding site of a European protected species is damaged by accident during site clearance.

What does GOV.UK say?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. It is only an offence if done on purpose
  2. B. It doesn't matter on private land
  3. C. It is fine if the animals have left
  4. D. It can be an offence, even by accident
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D

  • A. Wrong: Wrong. It can be an offence even when accidental.
  • B. Wrong: Wrong. The law applies on private land too.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. Breeding and resting places are protected.
  • D. Right: Right. GOV.UK says damaging or destroying a breeding or resting place of a European protected species is an offence, even if it is accidental.

Explanation

Damaging breeding or resting places of European protected species is an offence, even by accident. Survey first.

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Question 4

Medium ·Link to this question (question 4)

An ecologist confirms protected species on your site.

What should you look at before applying for a licence?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. Avoiding harm, such as by timing the work
  2. B. Moving the animals yourself
  3. C. Carrying on as planned and hoping for the best
  4. D. Filling in the habitat quickly
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A

  • A. Right: Right. GOV.UK says avoid harm first, for example by doing work at times of year that cause least harm. A mitigation licence is a last resort.
  • B. Wrong: Wrong. Capturing or disturbing them can be an offence.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. That risks committing an offence.
  • D. Wrong: Wrong. Damaging the habitat can be an offence.

Explanation

Avoid harming protected species first, for example by timing work. Licences are a last resort.

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