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Biodiversity net gain - what does it mean?
16 May 2019
The Government’s Spring Statement in March includes a major global review into the economic value of biodiversity, including financial risks of its decline and rewards of its stewardship. The Government will use the forthcoming Environment Bill (a draft was published in December 2018) to mandate biodiversity net gain, requiring developers to generate positive effects through projects in the UK and its overseas territories.
Senior Ecologist joins Environmental Planning team
04 Mar 2019
Welcome to Senior Ecologist, Natalie Rutter who joins us with five years’ experience as an Ecological Consultant.
Japanese knotweed - a private nuisance that could result in prosecution
18 Feb 2019
Under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) it is an offence to plant or otherwise cause Japanese knotweed to grow in the wild. Allowing Japanese knotweed on your property to spread into neighbouring land could be classed as a private nuisance and a prosecution could be brought under civil law. There is also occasions where a Community Protection Notice (CPN) could be issued under the 2014 Antisocial behaviour, Crime and Policing Act forcing neighbours to take action, and fining them if they don't.
DEFRA plans to mandate biodiversity net gain in new developments
30 Jan 2019
Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs have recently published proposals that would require UK developers to assess the potential harm to habitats caused by their projects and to provide an overall improvement for biodiversity.
Roman snails: Relocation, Relocation
26 Sep 2018
Our Ecology team were recently contacted about a site in Hertfordshire where the neighbours had raised concerns over the possible presence of Roman snails, and the potential for it to be impacted through an extension to a building.
Consultant joins Ecology team
19 Apr 2018
We are pleased to welcome Consultant, Karl Fisher to the Ecology team. Karl will be based in the Leeds regional office.
The reptiles are finally thawing out…
22 Mar 2018
From the 1st March as the temperature increases, reptile survey season begins. Reptiles such as smooth snakes and sand lizards are European protected species, whilst, adders, grass snakes, common lizards and slow worms are protected by UK law.
Are the water voles moving to a burrow near you?
14 Mar 2018
The water vole is fully protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and is a priority conservation species. The water vole survey season begins in April through to September.
Badger Survey Information
09 Mar 2018
A badger survey is the initial step to identify a sett and assess the importance of a site for badgers, and this can be undertaken at any time of year. However, optimal badger bait marking study season starts in February.