Biodiversity

When you start a discussion about biodiversity, the topic of climate change will inevitably come up, and pretty quickly. That’s not a coincidence – by now it’s widely recognised and accepted that biodiversity and climate change are heavily interconnected. You really can’t address one without considering the other. As a team of ecologists, environmental scientists and geographers, we understand the importance of protecting and preserving the biodiversity of the planet. So for us, the question becomes how can we fight climate change by encouraging and protecting local biodiversity, and help our customers do the same?

If you’ve ever filled in a planning application before, you know there are a lot of conditions and regulations that need to be met in order for the application to be successful. In fact, if you get it wrong your application could be rejected purely because you didn’t include certain information, meaning you have to start the whole process again. It’s one of the reasons we recommend having a professional help you complete any planning application paperwork before filing it with the council. But for developers or those applying to build on new land, there is one area of planning applications that are often missed. Biodiversity.

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

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.

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.

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.

When you think of native British creatures, you might think of hedgehogs, red squirrels, or even deer. However, the Great Crested Newt – while perhaps not as cute – is vitally important and a protected species.

Engain and the Land Rover at large this week conducting ecological and environmental site surveys - whilst keeping a safe distance.....

Congratulations to our consultant Jonny, who is now fully BRE qualified as a CEEQUAL assessor.

Following extensive work on a complex site in rural Wiltshire, we're delighted that planning permission has now been awarded to progress with development of Holt Tannery - a mixed scheme housed on a particularly technical site.

We are delighted to have partnered with Tibbalds Planning and Urban Design and CampbellReith consulting engineers for a Joint Venture (JV) contract awarded by Homes England for the 2018-2023 Multi-disciplinary Framework.

While we await the government’s response to consultation results, it’s a useful period in which to review current site plans, to ensure future compliance and secure a valuable approach to sustainability.

Our heritage specialists have been supporting a number of developers and estate owners - providing consultancy and robust ecological data, to protect assets, ensure a balance in project benefits and enrich applications planned for the new year.