Ecological impact assessment, mitigation and compensation
Sources of advice
Guidelines for ecological surveys, impact assessments, and mitigation are available from several organisations and professional bodies, such as:
Department for Transport - Design Manual for Roads and Bridges
The Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management
Construction Industry Research and Information Association (CIRIA)
Non-Governmental organisations concerned with nature conservation such as the Bat Conservation Trust.
Ecological survey and assessment
If your proposal needs an ecological survey or assessment, it must be carried out by people who are suitably qualified and experienced. They must hold any necessary survey licences for protected species.
Lists of qualified ecological consultants may be available from professional bodies, such as The Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM) or the Environmental Data Services Directory.
Surveys must be done at the right time of year and follow recognised guidelines.
A typical ecological assessment for a planning application may include:
Data search (including the Lancashire Environmental Records Network and local groups, such as bird, bat, mammal, reptile, and amphibian groups)
Details about survey staff, their qualifications, licences, experience, equipment, methods, and any survey limits
UK Habitat Classification survey of the site, nearby land, and any proposed mitigation land
Phase 2 habitat surveys (such as National Vegetation Classification Survey), if needed
Assessment of habitats for their potential to support species of ecological interest
Further surveys for protected and priority species that may be affected
Surveys for invasive and harmful weeds
Assessment of the conservation status and ecological importance of habitats and species found
Maps showing where all species, habitats, and features of nature conservation value are located
Assessment of likely impacts on species, habitats, and designated sites
Measures to avoid, mitigate, or compensate for ecological impacts
The results of ecological surveys and assessments should be used to shape your development proposal.
First, try to avoid ecological impacts by considering alternative sites or changing the design.
If impacts cannot be avoided, you must show how you will reduce (mitigate) them.
If impacts are unavoidable, you must show how you will fully compensate for them and how you will enhance biodiversity.
Typical measures include:
Locating and designing the development to avoid ecological impacts
Taking precautionary steps to avoid harm
Reducing unavoidable impacts
Compensating for unavoidable impacts, such as habitat re-creation
Maintaining and improving habitat connections
Creating buffer zones around important sites or habitats
Off-setting any remaining ecological impacts
Preventing the spread of invasive and harmful weeds
Showing how you will follow wildlife protection laws
Explaining how you will meet any licensing requirements
Planning for the long-term protection and management of habitats, sites, and species
Protecting habitats and species on nearby land during construction and operation
Enhancing biodiversity wherever possible