Wildlife Legislation Summary In this post, we’re taking a whistle-stop tour of a selection of key wildlife legislation that underpins ecology work in relation to development projects. Protected Species In the UK, certain animal and plant species are provided legal protection through nationally derived law, and legislation stemming from the UK’s commitment to European Directives. Protected species are a ‘material consideration’ in the planning process, which means that local planning authorities have a duty to consider protected species when determining planning applications, which is why ..read more

Winter Ecology Surveys Contrary to popular belief, ecological work doesn’t grind to a halt in winter. In fact, the winter ecology survey season provides an opportune time to undertake certain types of ecological surveys and to lay the foundations for the following main survey season; thereby helping to avoid costly delays, last minute design changes and programming complications. In this post, we take a look at some of the surveys that can be carried out at this time of year. Which ecology surveys can be completed in winter? Here are a few of the surveys that can be completed in winter ..read more

How do charges for Natural England licences work? Following on from our last blog post, which focused on changes to great crested newt licensing, in this post we take a look at changes to license fees in relation to protected species. As a reminder, a licence is needed when proposed works have impacts on a protected species that would, in the absence of a licence, be illegal. Penalties for contravening legislation, comprise unlimited fines and up to six months in prison. Natural England are the government’s advisory body with regard to the natural environment. They are also responsible fo ..read more

Great crested newt district level licencing – what is it, and how to use it in your building project The last few years has seen an overhaul of the licensing system with regards to protected species. The main aims of the changes being to streamline the process for developers, reduce costs and, in the case of great crested newts, direct mitigation and compensation measures into strategic, regional conservation projects (conserving populations of species at a landscape-scale, rather than individuals). This article focuses on the new district level licensing approach, which applies to great ..read more

Implementation of Biodiversity Net Gain is growing in relation to planning and development. But what exactly does it mean and what are the implications of Biodiversity Net Gain for projects? The concept that development projects should benefit biodiversity is becoming widely accepted; this relates to increased awareness that nurturing and maintaining a healthy and sustainable natural environment is imperative for society’s wellbeing. The recently updated National Planning Policy Framework (2019) [1], states that the planning system should, “identify and pursue opportunities for securing ..read more

How long do ecology surveys and reports remain valid? This is a question that frequently arises in relation to planning applications. The Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM) has recently released an advice note about the lifespan of ecology surveys and reports. The benefits of carrying out ecology surveys early on in the development process are widely acknowledged – constraints can be identified and addressed in a timely manner; and prompt engagement with our ecologists ensures that seasonally-constrained surveys are accounted for, the results of these bein ..read more

Calling all graduate or student ecologists in the Cambridge area We are looking for more hands to help out our small, friendly, Cambridge team. Are you looking for excellent opportunities for hands on experience and to learn about ecology consultancy and survey techniques? If so, then this role is for you. Read more and apply here The post Assistant Ecologists Wanted 2019 appeared first on Prime Environment ..read more

Ecology Survey Calendar Most ecology surveys have strict time constraints.  Use our survey calendar to help plan your projects, or get in touch with our ecologists to talk through your plans. Download Survey Calendar The post Ecology Survey Calendar appeared first on Prime Environment ..read more

CIEEM and RSPB advise against netting on hedges and trees CIEEM and the RSPB have released a joint position statement on the use of netting to prevent birds nesting in trees and hedges. The message, released yesterday, states that: CIEEM and the RSPB are aware of the recent rise in the use of netting on trees and hedges to prevent birds from nesting in vegetation needing to be removed from development sites during the breeding season. Whilst not illegal, we have considerable concerns about the use of this practice and we advise against its use. Netting is an overly simplistic approach th ..read more

Website and Email Outage Apologies if you were trying to access our website today or reach us by email – the internet gremlins struck.  All should be back to order now and I understand that emails should trickle through and and we should receive everything by the end of the day.  Fingers cross nothing will have been lost! The post Website Down appeared first on Prime Environment ..read more