Ecological Enhancement Measures for Development

What is Ecological Enhancement?

Ecological enhancement describes measures which can be put in place to improve the ecological condition of a site on completion of a development project. These measures can also be put in place on an alternative site if the development site cannot be enhanced.

The main difference between enhancement measures and avoidance, mitigation, and compensation measures, is that enhancement provides an improvement for the ecological environment and biodiversity in the area. Mitigation, compensation, and avoidance do not go beyond neutralising the impacts of the development, and achieving “no net loss” for biodiversity.

Why is Ecological Enhancement Required?

Ecological conditions and biodiversity have declined in the UK over the years. An initiative has, therefore, been launched to leave nature in a measurably better state. Policies have now been put in place which require developers and ecological consultants to include measures within development plans for the enhancement of biodiversity.

Local planning authorities will usually look favourably upon developments which have enhancement measures in place within their development plans.

Ecological Enhancement Measures

There are many different enhancement measures which can be put in place by developers, such as:

• The creation of a new habitat on a development site. This can include wetland, woodland, flower meadows or any other type of habitat which may benefit wildlife in the area.
• The use of native plants in landscape design projects.
• The incorporation of bat and bird boxes within the structural design of a building.
• The use of sustainable urban drainage systems which can also be used as wildlife habitats.
• The inclusion of areas of Public Open Space, and landscaping provisions in residential projects. These can also provide some gains for nature.

How Can Collington Winter Assist?

Upcoming policy requirements will mandate Biodiversity Net Gain on all development sites. Policy indicates that a 10% net gain will be required on site which can be contributed to by on site habitat enhancements. Collington Winter Environmental can provide advice on Biodiversity Net Gain and undertake net gain calculations using the Defra 2.0 metric.

As Ecologists and  Landscape Architects, our objectives are to meet the needs of developers whilst protecting and enhancing the natural ecosystems. We are uniquely placed to offer holistic advice on how to incorporate ecological enhancement measures on a range of development projects.

We also offer protected species surveys, and ecological appraisal and assessments.

To find out more, contact us using the details or contact form below.