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When planning a new development of any size, one of the first considerations should be the impact your project will have on the local environment. Construction work may destroy some elements of the local ecosystem and disturb others, which can have a huge knock-on effect for local and even national wildlife, as well as causing environmental damage. To try and counteract that, and to improve and protect the planet, the government has a set of rules around biodiversity in development projects – with the latest addition being a biodiversity net gain credit system.

Animals play a vital role in our ecosystems, making life on Earth possible for humans. Safeguarding species is crucial for our health and the future of the planet, yet so many are under threat, with habitat loss and overexploitation threatening biodiversity

There is no denying that the world is in the midst of a crisis. But we probably aren’t talking about the crisis you think. Over the past decade, the human population has grown by 8.7%. That’s a lot more people, and a lot of new mouths to feed. This has created a much higher demand for food and food products, which in turn has meant more farming to provide it. But when the green spaces and wildlife habitats of the world are also at risk, how do we decide which need is more important? Or is there a way we can produce enough food to feed our growing population while also safeguarding wildlife and natural habitats? It’s a fine balance, and one we’re still trying to find.

The world currently faces a major challenge. How do we meet the increasing demand for food supply, whilst also protecting the environment?

After what feels like years of waiting, the new Environment Bill has finally received Royal Assent, making it the Environment Act 2021.

Biodiversity is the most complex and vital feature of our planet. However, despite its importance, biodiversity has been in trouble for some time, with humans interfering with, and damaging valuable ecosystems.

Biodiversity Net Gain is a key consideration for developers. All new developments must leave the environment in a better condition than it was before. In fact, the Environmental Bill currently sets the compulsory net gain at a 10% increase, secured for at least 30 years.

Climate change is the single biggest threat to humanity. With a recent report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) stating that the climate crisis is “widespread, rapid and intensifying”, no region on Earth will escape the changes that are taking place across whole climate systems.

The discovery of invasive plant species on a development site can be great cause for concern for developers, with the potential to delay progress and result in high remediation costs.

As one of the main focuses of the Government’s proposed Environmental Bill, ‘Biodiversity Net Gain’ is becoming a key topic of conversation in the development industry.

Most development work requires some form of borrowing to get it off the ground, usually in the form of private investment. But did you know that showcasing your commitment to biodiversity goes a long way when trying to attract private finance?

An Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW) will help you to ensure work on your development is done according to all the rules and regulations by working with your contractors. They can make sure work is carried out efficiently and reduce the likelihood of work being held up.

The ecological report, also known as an ecological appraisal, forms a central part of your planning application. The impact your development will have on biodiversity will be scrutinised by the planning authority, as it is part of their statutory duty when considering if plans can be approved.

With their distinctive black and white markings, badgers are one of the most recognised creatures in the UK, and are usually found in woodland and open countryside. In England and Wales, they’re protected by the Protection of Badgers Act 1992, and a separate Protection of Badgers Act in Scotland, making it illegal to kill, harm or disturb badgers, including the destruction or blockage of their setts.

If you need planning permission, you may need a bird survey if there’s a chance your development will affect a protected species. In the UK, all wild birds are protected by law, including their eggs and nests, so a reliable survey on which to base reports and any mitigations is critical.