Ecology and Biodiversity Net Gain Surveys

Ecology and Biodiversity Net Gain Surveys

Below you will find information about some different types of ecology and Biodiversity Net Gain Surveys we provide. These are some of the standard ecology surveys that can requested by local authorities prior to determining planning applications. Our ecologists are qualified and experienced with these and a host of other types of specialist ecology surveys that may be requested depending on the area you are proposing development. We are experienced in providing ecology reports and recommending solutions to assist in your planning application approval so please email us with details of any ecology surveys you require and our dedicated team will issue a no-obligation quotation for the work.

Biodiversity Net Gain Survey

A Biodiversity Net Gain Survey is a new type of ecological survey which is set to become extremely significant in building and landscape development. Now mandatory for any newly proposed large developments, we have begun to see more and more local authorities requesting Biodiversity Net Gain assessments prior to considering a development proposal. So what is it?

The principle behind the Biodiversity Net Gain survey, BNG survey for short, is quite simple: it requires that developers make plans to leave a site in a better ecological state than when they found it.

How is the ecological state of a site measured in practice?

Determining the ecological condition of a site requires accurate quantification of the existing range of species and habitats present at a proposed development site and the ecological benefits provided by such features. This is achieved using a standardised metric called The Statutory Biodiversity Metric, a detailed description of which can be found on Natural England’s website. The Statutory Biodiversity Metric has been designed to be used by a suitably knowledgeable person and so must be completed by a suitably qualified ecologist who can make an accurate classification assessment of the site’s features.

How can a developer achieve Biodiversity Net Gain?

After the baseline biodiversity calculation has been established, a suitably qualified ecologist will work with the project development team to see which biodiversity features can be retained, which may be lost, and what can be done subsequently to enhance the biodiversity provision at the development site. Habitat improvements must be made on-site where possible, before considering improving the biodiversity off-site as a substitute.

There are a wide variety of options for improving biodiversity on-site; from establishing wetlands and planting trees to deploying insect-friendly building materials. Not all interventions are appropriate at all sites – so early engagement with expert ecologists will help quickly navigate suitable possibilities for your site and avoid planning delays caused by inappropriate mitigation.

If there is still a residual loss of biodiversity on the site, off-site mitigation measures may be considered (such as supporting an increase of biodiversity elsewhere). There is also a developing market for buying and selling biodiversity units which developers will be able to tap into if there is insufficient opportunity for improving the onsite biodiversity.

Although this seems daunting to some, the early involvement of arboricultural consultants and ecologists can help developers retain key biodiversity features whilst still maximising the value of the development site.

How will developers maintain a site’s biodiversity improvement in the future?

One of the key elements of the Biodiversity Net Gain legislation is that the ecological improvements made must be maintained for 30 years. This means developers will have the ultimate responsibility for ensuring their contributions to improving the environment are sustained. To do this developers will work with ecologists to produce Biodiversity Net Gain plans that include specified site maintenance schedules and inspection schedules. They will also have to partner with reliable maintenance teams to ensure that the results of their interventions are long-lasting.

Our team hope to make the requirement of Biodiversity Net Gain surveys during the planning process  as easy as possible and we are ready to discuss your requirements, get in touch with us by calling 08000 141330 or via our contact page.

Other Ecology Surveys:

Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey or Preliminary Ecological Appraisal

This is usually the starting point for understanding the ecological constraints imposed on the development by the site itself. It is a comprehensive audit of all the existing biodiversity features on the site – these may include habitats (a place where something could be living), flora and fauna, or protected animal species. Included are invasive species, hedgerows, bats, badgers, amphibians, water voles, otters, dormice etc.

You may find that different local authorities use a range of terms to denote this type of ecological survey. These may include a Baseline ecological survey, Preliminary Ecological Appraisal, Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey, Ecological Constraints Survey, Phase 1 Survey, Ecological Site Assessment, Ecological Site Appraisal, Ecological Scoping Survey and Ecological Site Walkover Survey – and variants thereof.

Protected Species Surveys

A desk study is carried out to identify any records of rare or protected species. Reports are provided showing locations and all known species existing in or around the site in question.

This type of ecological survey is will work to establish and record the following:

• Identify and classify all the different habitats found on the site
• Establish which species and habitats are currently at the site, as well as those species which may visit or appear at another time of year
• Assesses the implications the proposed development could have on those habitats
• Suggest practical and realistic measures that will preserve important habitats and encourage biodiversity
• Identifies any nature conservation or planning policy issues, and whether you need further surveys and ecological impact assessments

Mitigation Strategies

Where protected species are identified that may be threatened by the development we are able to recommend mitigation strategies to ensure that the development remains within the confines of the law.

Other strategies could include Biodiversity Net Gain and Management Plans, Biodiversity Compensation and Offsetting, Invasive Species Action and Management Plans. Each development site will have its own challenges and unique variables which will be considered within the ecology and Biodiversity Net Gain Surveys and no two action plans will be the same. We are experienced in what will work and what will not. Our experts will make recommendations according to each individual site’s requirements.