wildlife advice note - wycombe · wildlife advice note wildlife and planning – background many...

ADV 12 Wycombe District Council, Planning & Sustainability March 20121

Wildlife Advice Note

Wildlife Advice NoteGuidance for applicants and developers

CONTENTS

Wildlife and Planning – background 2Wildlife in the planning application process 3Types of survey 4Where to find a suitably qualified ecologist 5Species and habitats most commonly encountered in Wycombe District 5Survey constraints 11Provision for wildlife in new development (enhancements) 12Provision for wildlife in existing development 18Further information 19Glossary 21

This advice note has been prepared to provide guidance to applicants on how a development might impact on wildlife, why the Council requests ecological information, how such information might be obtained and how wildlife can be enhanced through development. This advice note should be read in conjunction with the Council’s ‘Wildlife Checklist’.



Wildlife and Planning – background

Many animals and plants are protected by law because they are rare or endangered, others are referred to as priority species and habitats because they are of the highest conservation concern. Environmental legislation and planning guidance requires Local Authorities to base their planning decisions upon up-to-date information about the environmental characteristics of an area, and to ensure that planning proposals maintain, enhance, restore or add to wildlife conservation interests.

In submitting a planning application, applicants must identify protected or priority species, designated sites, priority habitats or other ecological features on or adjacent to the development site. Natural England have issued a standing advice for Protected Species that assists in this process. This advice can be found under the following address: http://www.naturalengland.org/ourwork/planningtransportlocalgov/spatialplanning/standingadvice/default.aspx

Biodiversity and Planning in Buckinghamshire gives an overview of these features in Buckinghamshire; their website can be found at the following address: www.buckinghamshirepartnership.co.uk/partnership/bmkbp/biodiversity_and_planning.page

More detailed site level information is available from the Bucks & Milton Keynes Environmental Record Centre (BMERC). Their website is located at the following address: www.buckinghamshirepartnership.co.uk/partnership/BucksMKERC/bmerc.page

Where there is a reaonable likelihood that a proposal will impact on any of these features, up-to-date wildlife information will need to be provided with the planning application. The type of wildlife information needed will vary depending on the nature of both the site and the proposed development. Discussion of wildlife survey needs at pre-application stage can help reduce the likelihood of delays resulting from requirement for survey being identified at a late stage.

If protected or priority animals or plants are present, the Council must be satisfied that any potential impacts of development are avoided, mitigated or compensated for.

Planning permission may be refused where an applicant provides inadequate information on protected or priority animals or plants because it will not be possible to assess the implications of the proposed development on those protected animals and plants.

• Badgers• Bats• Nesting birds

• Dormice• Great Crested Newts• Otters

• Reptiles• Water Voles• White-clawed crayfish

Key animals that are protected by law in Wycombe district include:

© WDC Woodland Service © WDC Woodland Service © North Bucks Bat GroupPlate 1: Natterer’s bat. Plate 2: Bullfinch. Plate 3: Slowworm.

http://www.naturalengland.org/ourwork/planningtransportlocalgov/spatialplanning/standingadvice/default.aspx


www.buckinghamshirepartnership.co.uk/partnership/bmkbp/biodiversity_and_planning.page

www.buckinghamshirepartnership.co.uk/partnership/BucksMKERC/bmerc.page

ADV 12 Wycombe District Council, Planning & Sustainability March 2012�


Wildlife in the planning application process

An ecological survey may be required when protected habitats, designated sites, protected species or priority species might be affected. Natural England’s Standing Advice on Protected Species and The Council’s ‘Wildlife Checklist’ assist in deciding whether an ecological survey is required. Depending on location and nature of the development the Council may require the completed checklist to be submitted as part of and application (www.wycombe.gov.uk/council-services/planning-and-buildings/planning-applications/apply.aspx).

The flowchart below (Figure 1) outlines the steps and responsibilities in the planning process when considering a development that could potentially impact on protected species or habitats.Figure 1: Stages of the Planning Process

Pre-application stage Application stage Post-application stageConsider potential impacts of the proposed development on Protected Species, designated sites and priority habitats and species. The Council’s “Wildlife Checklist” will assist in making this assessment together with Natural England’s (NE) Protected species advice.

Check existing ecological information (e.g. NE’s website) and/or consult appropriate bodies (e.g Bucks Milton Keynes Environmental Record Centre - BMERC)

Responsibility: Applicant

Employ suitably qualified consultant to assess the impact of the development on any protected species found to be present and to produce appropriate mitigation strategy if necessary.


If necessary revise development proposals in light of ecological survey information and mitigation to reduce ecological impact.


Discuss proposals with planners, including any mitigation, prior to submission of planning application.


If application is not accompanied by an ecological survey assess need for ecological survey.

If application is accompanied by an ecological survey consider validity of survey findings and appropriateness of mitigation. Request additional information and negotiate any required amendments.

Agree mitigation and enhancements with applicant.

Responsibility: Local Planning Authority (LPA)

Determine application in light of information provided with regard to relevant legislation and statutory provisions.

Responsibility: LPA

Attach appropriate conditions and planning obligations to any planning permission to ensure appropriate implementation of mitigation and enhancement.

Responsibility: LPA

Obtain necessary licenses (e.g. European Protected Species license) if required.


Ensure that planning conditions, mitigation mesures and enhancement measures are implemented in accordance with planning consent.

Responsibility: Applicant / LPA

Supply BMERC with survey information.

Responsibility: LPA

It is unusual for the presence of protected species to stop a development but the scheme might need modification to avoid impacts on habitats or species, require mitigation or necessitate specific demolition or construction methods.

Source: Adapted from South Oxfordshire Design Guide

www.wycombe.gov.uk/council-services/planning-and-buildings/planning-applications/apply.aspx

www.wycombe.gov.uk/council-services/planning-and-buildings/planning-applications/apply.aspx



Types of survey

Choosing the right type of survey depends on both the site and the proposed development. Larger more complex developments or developments near European designated sites are likely to require an Environmental Assessment (EA) or an Appropriate Assessment (AA) respectively. Ecological surveys for smaller sites tend to comprise either an initial (general) survey or a species-specific / habitat-specific survey. General surveys provide an overview of existing wildlife interest and highlight if there are any further species-specific survey needs.

The ‘Guidelines for Preliminary Ecological Appraisal’ by The Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (IEEM) provide useful information on types of survey and survey methodology (http://www.ieem.net/docs/GPEA_web.pdf).

It is important to note that ecological survey should always answer the following questions:1. What is there?2. How will it be affected by the development?3. How can any adverse effects be avoided, mitigated or compensated, and what enhancements will be provided?

Where to find a suitably qualified ecologist

Surveys will have to be carried out by a suitably qualified person. Consultancies offering this advice can be found on the IEEM website (www.ieem.net/ieemdirectory.asp).

http://www.ieem.net/docs/GPEA_web.pdf

http://www.ieem.net/docs/GPEA_web.pdf

www.ieem.net/ieemdirectory.asp



Species & habitats most commonly encountered in Wycombe District

Wycombe District supports a diversity of wildlife habitats and species and is particularly rich in chalk grassland, beech woodlands, wood-pasture and chalk rivers. With regard to planning, habitats that are most commonly encountered in Wycombe District are:

Habitats that are most commonly encountered in Wycombe District

Table 2: Habitats in Wycombe DistrictHabitats Value BAP*

Priority Habitat

Protected species associated with habitat

Advice and references

Water courses including rivers, streams and chalk streams

Watercourses are important habitats in their own right but also important wildlife corridors that allow for the movement of species. Chalk streams are a unique habitat with a characteristic plant community. England has the principal resource of chalk rivers in Europe.

BatsBirdsOtters ReptilesWater Voles Native Crayfish

Any development which impacts on rivers or streams will require consent from the Environment Agency (EA). Early consultation with the EA is advisable.Any development which impacts on rivers or streams will almost certainly require an ecological survey.

Further information: EA - www.environment-agency.gov.uk/default.aspx

UK BAP – Rivers: http://jncc.defra.gov.uk/page-5706

AONB Conservation Board - www.chilternsaonb.org/about-chilterns/chalk-streams.html

BMKBP - www.buckinghamshirepartnership.co.uk/partnership/bmkbp/biodiversity_action_plan.page?

Ponds Ponds can have a significant ecological value, including small garden ponds or seemingly dry and derelict ponds.

BatsGreat Crested NewtsReptiles Water Voles

The loss of ponds should be avoided. If this is not possible any potential loss of ponds should be compensated for by the creation of new ponds.UK BAP – Ponds: http://jncc.defra.gov.uk/page-5706 Pond Conservation: www.pondconservation.org.uk/

http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/default.aspx

http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/default.aspx

http://jncc.defra.gov.uk/page-5706


www.chilternsaonb.org/about-chilterns/chalk-streams.html



www.buckinghamshirepartnership.co.uk/partnership/bmkbp/biodiversity_action_plan.page?





Habitats Value BAP* Priority Habitat



Hedgerows Native hedgerows provide many important habitat functions such as winter food sources for birds, nesting sites and safe commuting routes connecting otherwise isolated habitats. Depending on age, diversity and importance of hedges the Hedgerow Regulations might apply.

BadgersBats DormiceGreat Crested NewtsNesting birdsReptiles

The loss of hedges should be avoided and existing hedges incorporated into new developments. Retained hedges should be buffered from surrounding development and not be incorporated into domestic boundaries. Where retention is not possible native species-rich hedgerows should be provided in compensation.

UK BAP – Hedgerows: http://jncc.defra.gov.uk/page-5706NE Hedgerow Regulations - www.naturalengland.org.uk/ourwork/regulation/hedgeregs/default.aspx The Hedgerow Trust: www.hedgerows.co.uk/ WDC – Hedgerow advice note:www.wycombe.gov.uk/council-services/planning-and-buildings/planning-guidance/other.aspx

Mosaic of open habitats (brownfield sites)

This habitat often occurs on previously developed sites (also called brownfield sites) and the wildlife value of these sites is often underestimated. The habitat supports many species and some habitat types that are a priority for nature conservation, such as pioneer communities and flower-rich grasslands.

BirdsInvertebratesPlants Reptiles(worth adding ‘bats’ in here for sites with a b a n d o n e d buildings)

Due consideration should be given to the ecological value of such sites and development should aim to retain ecological features and characteristics (e.g. movement corridors).

Buglife: Planning for Brownfield Biodiversity – Best practice guide: www.buglife.org.uk/Resources/Buglife/Planning%20for%20Brownfield%20Biodiversity.pdf

Traditional orchards

Traditional orchards support a wide range of wildlife.Many traditional orchards have been lost through development, agricultural intensification or inappropriate management.

Bats Birds InvertebratesPlants Reptiles

Impacts on traditional orchards should be avoided. Larger developments can offer an opportunity for orchard creation. Appropriate management is essential to maintain the wildlife interest of such sites.

NE: http://publications.naturalengland.org.uk/publication/24006?category=23034 PTES: www.ptes.org/index.php?cat=95 UK BAP – Traditional orchards:http://jncc.defra.gov.uk/Docs/UKBAP_BAPHabitats-56-TraditionalOrchards.doc


www.naturalengland.org.uk/ourwork/regulation/hedgeregs/default.aspx

www.naturalengland.org.uk/ourwork/regulation/hedgeregs/default.aspx

www.hedgerows.co.uk/

www.wycombe.gov.uk/council-services/planning-and-buildings/planning-guidance/other.aspx



www.buglife.org.uk/Resources/Buglife/Planning%20for%20Brownfield%20Biodiversity.pdf

www.buglife.org.uk/Resources/Buglife/Planning%20for%20Brownfield%20Biodiversity.pdf

http://publications.naturalengland.org.uk/publication/24006?category=23034


www.ptes.org/index.php?cat=95

http://jncc.defra.gov.uk/Docs/UKBAP_BAPHabitats-56-TraditionalOrchards.doc

http://jncc.defra.gov.uk/Docs/UKBAP_BAPHabitats-56-TraditionalOrchards.doc



Habitats Value BAP* Priority Habitat



Veteran Trees

Veteran trees are a significant part of historic, cultural and ecological heritage. They are of great age, size or condition and have exceptional cultural, landscape or nature conservation value. They are threatened by felling and/or competition from new planting.

BatsBreeding birds Invertebrates

Impacts on veteran trees and their settings should be avoided and an appropriate management strategy been drawn up.

NE: http://publications.naturalengland.org.uk/publication/75035?category=551045

Wildflower grassland

Chalk grasslands are one of the most species-rich habitats in the district and occur on the shallow, nutrient-poor soils of the Chilterns. Appropriate management of these areas is crucial to maintain and enhance wildlife interests.Wildflower meadows can occur on the deeper soils in the lower lying areas.

Invertebrates PlantsReptiles

Many chalk grasslands are within designated areas but there are some that are outside and are vulnerable to development. Impacts on chalk grasslands should be avoided. Larger developments in suitable locations might be able to create wildflower grassland subject to appropriate management.

UK BAP – Lowland calcareous grassland: http://jncc.defra.gov.uk/page-5706

BMKBP: www.buckinghamshirepartnership.co.uk/partnership/bmkbp/biodiversity_action_plan.page?

Woodland Ancient woodlands are irreplaceable habitats. Wycombe District is rich in woodlands, many of which are ancient.

BatsBreeding birdsBadgersDormiceInvertebratesPlants

Impact on Ancient Woodland should be avoided as the diverse nature and structure of ancient woodlands means that replacement planting is generally not considered to be adequate mitigation / compensation.

NE - Standing advice on Ancient woodland www.naturalengland.org/regions/south_east/ourwork/standingadvice/ancientwoodland/

BMKBP: www.buckinghamshirepartnership.co.uk/partnership/bmkbp/biodiversity_action_plan.page?

BAP = Biodiversity Action Plan Habitat (http://jncc.defra.gov.uk/page-5718)







www.naturalengland.org/regions/south_east/ourwork/standingadvice/ancientwoodland/

www.naturalengland.org/regions/south_east/ourwork/standingadvice/ancientwoodland/







Species that are most commonly encountered in Wycombe District

Table �: Species in Wycombe DistrictSpecies What is the issue? What does this mean? Further InformationBats The majority of applications

in Wycombe District requiring an ecological survey relate to bats. Bats occur in a variety of places, i.e. buildings, other man-made structures and trees, and can potentially be affected by large and small developments including demolitions and conversions.All species of bats are protected by European and national law making them a European Protected Species.

Bat provision can usually be designed into new developments or conversions but it is important that this is identified at an early stage of planning to avoid undue delays.Several surveys might be required to assess the presence and the potential impact on bats. The first stage is an ‘internal / external inspection survey’ at which a suitably qualified person inspects suitable trees and /or existing roof voids and looks for potential access points for bats. Based on the findings of this first survey emergence surveys might be required to ascertain the presence and exact location of bats in the trees and / or building. Depending on the impact and possible mitigation a European Protected Species license from Natural England might be required.

NE – http://www.naturalengland.org/ourwork/planningtransportlocalgov/spatialplanning/standingadvice/default.aspx

BCT - www.bats.org.uk

Mitchell-Jones, A.J. (2004): Bat Mitigation Guidelines

Bat Conservation Trust (2012): Bat surveys – Good Practice Guidelineswww.bats.org.uk/pages/batsurveyguide.html

Badgers Badgers use a variety of habitats and can be found in urban and rural areas and will use woodland, pasture, farmland and gardens. They live in ‘setts’, large holes in the ground, and have large territories, in which they establish various setts and foraging routes.

Mitigation for impacts on badgers is often complex and costly and impact on badger sets is best avoided if at all possible.Interference with an active sett will require a license.


English Nature (2002): Badgers and development

Breeding Birds

All nesting birds receive protection under the Wildlife & Countryside Act. Nesting birds can occur in a variety of semi- natural and urban habitats including disused buildings.

Works that might cause disturbance should only be undertaken outside the bird breeding season, i.e. not between March and August inclusive.

The Council will expect appropriate replacement nesting opportunities where loss of nesting habitat occurs.


BTO – www.bto.org

RSPB – www.rspb.org.uk






www.bats.org.uk

www.bats.org.uk/pages/batsurveyguide.html

www.bats.org.uk/pages/batsurveyguide.html











www.bto.org

www.rspb.org.uk



Species What is the issue? What does this mean? Further InformationBarn Owls Barn owls will make use of

barns, agricultural buildings, church towers, bale stacks, disused buildings and tree holes if these are of sufficient size.They are often affected by demolition or conversion of buildings.

Barn owls must not be disturbed between April and September whilst they are nesting. Nesting and roosting sites should be protected. If this is not possible the provision of alternative nesting and roosting sites close the original nesting site will be required.

Natural England (NE) – http://www.naturalengland.org/ourwork/planningtransportlocalgov/spatialplanning/standingadvice/default.aspx

English Nature (2002):

Dormice Hazel Dormice live in a wide variety of wooded habitats including woodlands, hazel coppice, species-rich scrub and hedgerows.

Mitigation for dormice is usually possible but needs to be planned well in advance of any development proposals.


English Nature (2006): The dormouse conservation handbook.

Great Crested Newts

Great Crested Newts (GCN) breed in ponds but spend most of their lifecycle on land in long grass or rough vegetation up to 500m away from their breeding ponds. GCNs prefer small to medium-sized ponds with aquatic vegetation but can be found in almost any pond.GNC are protected by European and national law making them a European Protected Species.

Mitigation to avoid damage or disturbance to GCNs is usually possible. The type and cost of the mitigation is dependant on the population size and the potential impacts of the proposal.Early consultation with the Council is advised if they are likely to be any impacts on GCN.Depending on impact and mitigation a European Protected Species license from Natural England might be required.


English Nature (2001): Great Crested Newt Mitigation Guidelines.

Froglife (2001): Great Crested Newt Conservation Handbook.

Otters Otters can be found across a wide variety of still and running freshwater habitats including rivers, streams, canals, ditches, ponds and lakes. There are only a few known records of otters in Wycombe District but otter populations are generally on the rise and might expand in Wycombe District.Otters are protected by European and national lawmaking them a European

Otter mitigation is often expensive and complex. Developments that are likely to affect otter holts are unlikely to be permitted.Depending on impact and mitigation a European Protected Species license from Natural England might be required.
























Species What is the issue? What does this mean? Further InformationOtters (ctd) Protected Species.

Reptiles Reptiles can be found in a variety of habitats including brownfield sites, railway embankments, grasslands, allotments and scrub.Slowworms, common lizards and grass snakes are most commonly encountered in Wycombe District.All native reptiles are protected by National Law with specific species also being offered European protection.

As with all protected species it is best to avoid impacts but where this is not feasible it is often possible to mitigate or compensate any negative impacts. Mitigation often comprises translocation (on-site or off-site), which is a relatively complex and time-consuming process that will require early planning. Reptile surveys are relatively labour-intensive as they require several survey visits.


English Nature (2004): Reptiles – guidelines for developers.Froglife (1999): Froglife Advice Sheet 10 – Reptile Surveys: An introduction to planning, conducting and interpreting surveys for snake and lizard conservation.

Water Voles

Water voles are associated with watercourses including canals, rivers, streams, ditches and even sometimes ponds. Water voles are fully protected. Any development that is likely to adversely impact on water voles must be accompanied an appropriate survey.

Providing mitigation and compensation measures for water voles is often expensive and time consuming and development impacts on water voles are best avoided.


Strachan, R. (1998): Water vole conservation handbook. Natural England (2008): Water voles - the law in practice: guidance for planners and developers.

© Haidrun Breith

© Haidrun Breith

© Haidrun BreithPlate 4: Snail.

Plate 5: Natterer’s bat roost in Schwegler bat box.

Plate 6: Dragonfly.

www.naturalengland.org.uk






www.naturalengland.org.uk








Survey constraints

Surveys for some animals and plants can only be carried out at certain times of the year. If insufficient information has been supplied, the Council will ask that further details are submitted before the planning application is formally registered.

To avoid delays and help validation of your planning application, we strongly advise to seek pre-applica-tion advice from the Council.

Table �: Survey timingsJAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC

Habitats / Vegetation

Badgers

Bats

Internal / external inspection

Hibernation roosts

Summer roosts, foraging/commuting

BirdsBreeding

Over-Wintering

Dormice

Great-crested newts

Terrestrial

Aquatic

Invertebrates

Otters

Reptiles

Water Voles

White-Clawed Crayfish

Active surveys

Habitat assessment

JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DECSurveys recommended Sub-optimal survey period

Source: the information in this table is based on the templates for Biological and Geological Conservation Validation checklist (ALGE, 2007), Thomson’s wildlife on site handbook (Thomson Ecology, 2011) and NE guidelines on dormice, great crested newts and white-clawed crayfish.

© Biotecture



Provision for wildlife in new development (enhancements)

There are many ways how developments, large and small, can provide nature conservation benefits and help to reverse the gradual loss caused by the cumulative effects of development.

In accordance with planning policy and the Council’s emerging Delivery & Site Allocation document poli-cies, the Council will seek ecological enhancement as part of developments. This can be done success-fully by adhering to the following core principles:

Context Study: For all development proposals the first important consideration is to ensure that any existing important habitats or species are protected during the development and where possible en-hancements are incorporated into the scheme. Developers should identify existing ecological assets and the potential to enhance these as part of development and management of the site. Applicants are advised to discuss their proposals with the Local Authority.

Masterplanning: For larger developments, ecological measures should be strategically planned to link up to Green Infrastructure and the wider environment through the creation of open spaces, green linkages and the integration of landscape features such as trees. For smaller developments a variety of measures can be incorporated in both bulding design and the gardens.

Detailed design: Wildlife supporting measures can be integrated into new development proposals in a variety of ways. The following pages give an overview of ecological enhancement measures.

Plate 7: Example of a Green Wall



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s.W

ithin

clo

se p

roxi

mity

to g

reen

infra

stru

ctur

e an

d op

en s

pace

.N

ear p

uddl

es, e

dges

of s

tand

ing

wat

er o

r slo

w-fl

owin

g st

ream

s as

this

is th

eir

mai

n ne

stin

g m

ater

ial.

• • •

http://www.swift-conservation.org.uk

Sou

rce:

Ada

pted

from

the

Exe

ter C

ity C

ounc

il D

esig

n G

uide

.



Spec

ies

Act

ion

Not

es (w

hy, w

here

, how

)Le

ave

or c

reat

e sp

aces

in lo

fts, w

alls

or

behi

nd th

e cl

addi

ng.

•Lo

cate

aw

ay fr

om th

e di

rect

sun

light

and

pre

vaili

ng w

eath

er.

•

Cre

vice

-dw

ellin

g ba

ts (a

ll pi

pist

relle

bat

s, B

rand

t’s a

nd

Whi

sker

ed b

ats)

Inst

all

read

y-m

ade

bat

boxe

s in

to t

he

wal

ls o

r und

er th

e ea

ves;

Leav

e or

cre

ate

spac

es in

lofts

, wal

ls o

r be

hind

the

clad

ding

;C

reat

e sa

ndw

ich

boar

ds o

f at

lea

st 3

la

yers

with

a 1

inch

gap

to p

lace

insi

de

the

roof

voi

d, a

gain

st th

e ba

ttens

.

• • •

Cre

vice

dw

ellin

g ba

ts c

an c

raw

l int

o th

e sm

alle

st s

pace

s.S

umm

er m

ater

nity

roos

ts te

nd to

hav

e a

sout

herly

or w

este

rly a

spec

t for

sol

ar g

ain

whi

lst h

iber

natio

n ro

osts

tend

to b

e no

rth-fa

cing

.R

oost

mat

eria

ls s

houl

d be

roug

h, n

on-to

xic,

with

no

risk

of e

ntan

glem

ent.

Bre

atha

ble

mem

bran

es M

US

T be

avo

ided

and

bitu

mou

s ro

ofing

felt

/ und

er-fe

lt sh

ould

be

used

.A

cces

s po

ints

sho

uld

be lo

cate

d aw

ay fr

om a

rtific

ial l

ight

ing.

Line

ar la

ndsc

ape

feat

ures

suc

h as

tree

line

and

hed

gero

ws

shou

ld b

e m

aint

aine

d an

d en

hanc

ed to

pro

vide

cov

er a

nd fl

ight

pat

hs.

• • • • • •

Roo

f-voi

d dw

ellin

g ba

ts

(suc

h as

Noc

tule

, Ser

otin

e,

Leis

ler’s

, Dau

bent

on’s

, Gre

ater

M

ouse

-ear

ed, B

arba

stel

le a

nd

Bec

hste

in’s

)

Leav

e tim

ber

jois

ts

and/

or

beam

s ex

pose

d;In

stal

l acc

ess

poin

ts u

nder

the

eav

es,

at th

e so

ffits

or a

t spe

cial

ly-m

ade

ridge

or

roof

tile

s.

• •

Ent

ry p

oint

sho

uld

be b

etw

een

2-7m

abo

ve g

roun

d le

vel.

Sum

mer

mat

erni

ty ro

osts

tend

to h

ave

a so

uthe

rly o

r wes

terly

asp

ect f

or s

olar

gai

n w

hils

t hib

erna

tion

roos

ts te

nd to

be

north

-faci

ng.

Roo

st m

ater

ials

sho

uld

be r

ough

, no

n-to

xic,

with

no

risk

of e

ntan

glem

ent.

Bre

atha

ble

mem

bran

es m

ust

be a

void

ed a

nd b

itum

ous

roofi

ng f

elt

/ un

der-

felt

shou

ld b

e us

ed.

Acc

ess

poin

ts s

houl

d be

not

be

lit b

y ar

tifici

al li

ghtin

g.Li

near

land

scap

e fe

atur

es s

uch

as tr

ee li

ne a

nd h

edge

row

s sh

ould

be

mai

ntai

ned

and

enha

nced

to p

rovi

de c

over

and

flig

ht p

aths

.

• • • • •

Bat

s th

at n

eed

fligh

t spa

ce

(suc

h as

Bro

wn

& G

rey

Long

-ea

red

bats

and

Nat

tere

rs)

Kee

p ro

of s

pace

unt

russ

ed t

o al

low

fli

ght.

•U

ntru

ssed

roof

spa

ce s

houl

d be

2 –

2.8

m (h

) x 5

m (w

) x 5

m (l

).R

oost

mat

eria

ls s

houl

d be

rou

gh,

non-

toxi

c, w

ith n

o ris

k of

ent

angl

emen

t. B

reat

habl

e m

embr

anes

mus

t be

avo

ided

and

bitu

mou

s ro

ofing

fel

t /

unde

r-fe

lt sh

ould

be

used

.Li

near

land

scap

e fe

atur

es s

uch

as tr

ee li

ne a

nd h

edge

row

s sh

ould

be

mai

ntai

ned

and

enha

nced

to p

rovi

de c

over

and

flig

ht p

aths

.

• • •

Gre

en ro

ofs

and

wal

ls

Des

ign

in g

reen

or

brow

n ro

ofs

and

wal

ls w

here

ever

pos

sibl

e •

Gre

en /

livin

g ro

ofs

can

enha

nce

the

wild

life

of u

rban

are

as a

nd c

an a

lso

repl

ace

habi

tat l

ost a

t gro

und

leve

l to

build

ing

wor

k; e

.g. g

reen

roof

s ca

n re

crea

te s

ome

of

the

habi

tat f

eatu

res

that

are

impo

rtant

to th

e si

te’s

wild

life;

Can

be

parti

cula

rly u

sefu

l w

here

ava

ilabl

e sp

ace

is r

estri

cted

and

whe

n th

e de

velo

pmen

t si

te i

s to

o sm

all

to i

ncor

pora

te w

ildlif

e en

hanc

emen

t at

gro

und

leve

l.

• •



Opp

ortu

nitie

s fo

r wild

life

enha

ncem

ents

with

in th

e la

ndsc

apin

g

App

ropr

iate

land

scap

ing

with

in d

evel

opm

ents

can

hel

p to

redu

ce fr

agm

enta

tion

of h

abita

ts b

y al

low

ing

wild

life

to li

ve w

ithin

and

mov

e th

roug

h bu

ilt

area

s to

the

wid

er c

ount

rysi

de. L

ands

capi

ng s

houl

d ai

m to

reta

in a

nd e

nhan

ce e

xist

ing

ecol

ogic

al fe

atur

es s

uch

as tr

ees,

hed

ges

or p

onds

.

Tabl

e �:

Opp

ortu

nitie

s fo

r wild

life

enha

ncem

ent w

ithin

the

land

scap

ing

Spec

ies

Act

ion

Not

es (w

hy, w

here

, how

, fur

ther

info

rmat

ion)

Bird

sP

rovi

de h

edge

s, s

hrub

s an

d tre

es,

of l

ocal

pro

vena

nce,

whi

ch w

ill

prov

ide

natu

ral n

estin

g si

tes

whe

n m

atur

e.In

stal

l bird

box

es o

n su

itabl

e tre

es a

nd b

uild

ings

, av

oidi

ng s

outh

erly

el

evat

ions

.

• •

Bird

and

bat

box

es s

houl

d be

pro

vide

d as

par

t of l

ands

cape

de

sign

pro

posa

ls.

•

Bat

sIn

stal

l bat

box

es o

n su

itabl

e tre

es a

nd b

uild

ings

, av

oidi

ng s

outh

erly

el

evat

ions

.•

Rep

tiles

Pro

vide

are

as o

f lon

g gr

ass,

inte

rspe

rsed

with

she

ltere

d su

nny

area

s of

bar

e gr

ound

and

rock

s w

here

rept

iles

can

bask

.P

rovi

de ro

cker

ies

whe

re re

ptile

s ca

n hi

bern

ate

belo

w g

roun

d.

• •

Rep

tiles

mos

t lik

ely

to e

ncou

nter

ed i

nclu

de s

low

wor

ms,

co

mm

on li

zard

, add

er a

nd g

rass

sna

ke.

•

Am

phib

ians

Pro

vide

wild

life

frien

dly

pond

s, w

ater

cha

nnel

s an

d w

etla

nd a

reas

with

as

soci

ated

veg

etat

ion.

Ens

ure

that

wat

er fe

atur

es d

on’t

dry

out.

• •

Am

phib

ians

like

ly t

o be

enc

ount

ered

incl

ude

frogs

, co

mm

on

toad

s an

d ne

wts

.P

ond

crea

tion

can

be c

ompl

ex b

ut v

ery

good

gui

danc

e is

av

aila

ble

from

The

Pon

d C

onse

rvat

ion:

w

ww

.po

nd

con

serv

ati

on

.org

.uk/

mil

lio

np

on

ds/

pond

crea

tiont

oolk

it

• •

Inve

rtebr

ates

Pro

vide

nat

ive

hedg

es, t

rees

and

shr

ubs

of lo

cal p

rove

nanc

e.P

rovi

de l

og p

iles,

wild

life

stac

ks (

stru

ctur

es m

ade

from

a v

arie

ty o

f m

ater

ials

suc

h as

bric

ks,

sand

, st

raw

etc

) or

sim

ilar

for

shel

ter

and

layi

ng e

ggs.

Ret

ain/

cr

eate

op

en

mos

aic

habi

tats

of

ba

re

grou

nd

and

early

su

cces

sion

al p

ione

er v

eget

atio

n as

they

are

ofte

n fo

und

in ‘b

row

nfiel

d’

site

s.P

rovi

de w

ildlif

e fri

endl

y po

nds

with

app

ropr

iate

pla

ntin

g an

d bu

ffer

zone

s.

• • • •

Inve

rtebr

ates

cov

er a

wid

e ra

nge

of s

peci

es in

clud

ing

bees

, bu

tterfl

ies,

m

oths

, an

ts,

flies

, be

etle

s,

spid

ers,

m

ollu

scs

etc

whi

ch h

ave

diffe

rent

hab

itat

requ

irem

ent.

Man

y re

ly o

n br

ownfi

eld

site

s an

d ga

rden

s.

•

Sm

all m

amm

als

Pro

vide

shr

ubs

and

long

gra

ss a

reas

whi

ch p

rovi

de a

var

iety

of f

ruit

and

seed

s fo

r sm

all m

amm

als.

Ens

ure

perm

eabi

lity

of g

arde

ns fo

r th

e m

ovem

ent o

f sm

all m

amm

als

by le

avin

g sm

all g

aps

belo

w fe

nces

.

• •

Sm

all m

amm

als

incl

ude

mic

e, v

oles

, shr

ews

and

hedg

ehog

s.•

www.pondconservation.org.uk/millionponds/pondcreationtoolkit




Spec

ies

Act

ion

Not

es (w

hy, w

here

, how

, fur

ther

info

rmat

ion)

Hed

ges

Pla

nt n

ativ

e sp

ecie

s he

dges

con

sist

ing

of a

num

ber o

f wild

life-

frien

dly

spec

ies

so th

at fr

uit,

seed

and

nec

tar w

ill b

e pr

ovid

ed th

roug

hout

mos

t of

the

year

.A

llow

suf

ficie

nt s

pace

for h

edge

s to

mat

ure.

Pla

nt n

ativ

e he

dges

in p

artic

ular

in r

ural

loca

tions

(se

e W

DC

adv

ice

note

on

nativ

e he

dger

ow p

lant

ing)

.Lo

cate

hed

ges

whe

re t

hey

will

con

tribu

te t

owar

ds f

orm

ing

a lo

cal

wild

life

habi

tat n

etw

ork

with

nei

ghbo

urin

g he

dges

, tre

es, s

hrub

s, s

crub

, w

ildflo

wer

-ric

h gr

assl

and

and

wat

er c

ours

es.

Ens

ure

appr

opria

te m

anag

emen

t of h

edge

s w

ith r

egar

d to

met

hod

of

prun

ing

and

timin

g.

• • • • •

Hed

ges

prov

ide

shel

ter,

bree

ding

, nes

ting

and

fora

ging

site

s fo

r a w

ide

varie

ty o

f spe

cies

and

act

as

wild

life

corr

idor

s.S

ee W

DC

’s ‘P

lant

ing

a na

tive

hedg

erow

’ adv

ice

note

at:

ww

w.w

ycom

be.g

ov.u

k/co

unci

l-ser

vice

s/pl

anni

ng-a

nd-

build

ings

/pla

nnin

g-gu

idan

ce/o

ther

.asp

x

• •

Tree

s an

d sh

rubs

Ret

ain

exis

ting

vege

tatio

n w

here

ver p

ossi

ble

in p

artic

ular

mat

ure

trees

an

d tre

es w

ith h

oles

and

dea

d w

ood

as th

ese

are

parti

cula

rly v

alua

ble

for w

ildlif

e su

ch a

s ba

ts, b

irds,

inse

cts

and

fung

i. In

tegr

ate

wild

life-

frien

dly

tree

and

shru

b pl

antin

g in

to s

chem

es t

o pr

ovid

e he

ight

and

stru

ctur

e. C

hoos

e pl

ant s

peci

es th

at a

re p

artic

ular

ly

good

for w

ildlif

e du

e to

thei

r stru

ctur

e, p

olle

n or

frui

t.In

tegr

ate

herb

aceo

us p

lant

s an

d gr

asse

s in

to p

lant

ing

sche

mes

to

prov

ide

furth

er w

ildlif

e in

tere

st a

nd to

mai

ntai

n m

oist

ure

unde

rnea

th.

• • •

Tree

s an

d sh

rubs

pro

vide

she

lter,

nest

ing

site

s an

d fru

it fo

r bi

rds,

and

nec

tar f

or b

ees

and

othe

r ins

ects

.D

ead

and

deca

ying

woo

d su

ppor

ts a

ran

ge o

f in

verte

brat

es

whi

ch d

epen

d up

on it

for a

ll or

par

t of t

heir

life

cycl

e.In

add

ition

, st

ruct

ural

pla

ntin

g in

par

ticul

ar t

rees

add

vis

ual

valu

e an

d he

lp to

com

bat c

limat

e ch

ange

.

• • •

Clim

bing

pla

nts

Intro

duce

clim

bing

pla

nts

alon

g w

alls

and

fenc

es to

pro

vide

a s

ourc

e fo

r foo

d an

d sh

elte

r for

inse

cts

and

bird

s.•

Clim

bing

pla

nts

such

as

ivy,

cle

mat

is a

nd h

oney

suck

le p

rovi

de

nest

ing,

she

lter a

nd b

errie

s fo

r bird

s an

d ne

ctar

for i

nsec

ts.

•

Scr

ubR

etai

n ex

istin

g ar

eas

of s

crub

and

cre

ate

new

are

as o

f scr

ub o

f nat

ive

spec

ies,

whe

reve

r po

ssib

le a

nd p

artic

ular

ly w

hen

adja

cent

to

othe

r ex

istin

g w

ildlif

e-ric

h ha

bita

t.

•




Wildlife Advice Note Sp

ecie

sA

ctio

nN

otes

(why

, whe

re, h

ow, f

urth

er in

form

atio

n)W

ildflo

wer

ric

h gr

assl

ands

Cre

ate

area

s of w

ildflo

wer

-ric

h gr

assl

and

as p

art o

f info

rmal

land

scap

ing

on a

reas

of p

oore

r soi

ls a

nd in

con

nect

ion

with

stru

ctur

al p

lant

ing.

Intro

duce

spr

ing-

flow

erin

g bu

lbs

and

seed

s (a

nd p

lugs

) of

nec

tar-

rich

flow

erin

g pl

ants

. Cho

ose

seed

s or

see

d m

ixes

of l

ocal

pro

vena

nce

and

that

are

sui

tabl

e fo

r the

loca

tion.

Man

age

gras

slan

ds in

a w

ay th

at a

llow

s pl

ants

to fl

ower

and

see

d (i.

e.

cut o

nly

once

or t

wic

e a

year

).S

hort

gras

s ar

eas

can

be e

nhan

ced

by a

ddin

g flo

wer

ing

spec

ies

tole

rant

of

frequ

ent

mow

ing

and

intro

duci

ng p

ocke

ts o

f lo

ng g

rass

al

ong

boun

darie

s.

• • • •

Wild

flow

er-r

ich

gras

slan

d pr

ovid

e pl

ant

dive

rsity

, co

ver

for

smal

l mam

mal

s an

d fo

od fo

r ins

ects

and

inve

rtebr

ates

.S

truct

ure

is c

ruci

al t

o m

ost

gras

slan

d in

verte

brat

es.

Long

gr

ass

will

ben

efit a

rang

e of

spe

cies

and

are

as o

f und

istu

rbed

gr

assl

and

will

pro

vide

add

ition

al v

alue

.

• •

Wat

erco

urse

s /

pond

sC

onse

rve

and

enha

nce

the

natu

raln

ess

of e

xist

ing

wat

er c

ours

es b

y re

mov

ing

culv

erts

, cr

eatin

g so

ft ba

nks

and

intro

duci

ng a

ppro

pria

te

buffe

r pla

ntin

g.R

etai

n an

d cr

eate

sof

t lan

dsca

pe b

uffe

rs (

10 m

wid

e) a

long

stre

ams

and

river

s fo

r w

ildlif

e bu

t al

so f

or r

iver

mai

nten

ance

. B

uffe

rs s

houl

d ta

ke a

ccou

nt o

f di

ffere

nt a

quat

ic z

ones

and

be

land

scap

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Provision for wildlife in existing development

Gardens are significant contributors to urban ecology by providing habitat, food and shelter for wildlife. Wildlife-friendly management of gardens and open spaces can therefore make a significant contribution to urban ecology. In addition, green roofs and walls can offer great opportunities for enhancing both ecosystem services and wildlife in inner urban areas. At the same time, garden activities such as the use of pesticides, the planting of exotic invasive species, the removal of native vegetation, the development of back gardens and the paving over of front gardens for the creation of driveways can adversely affect urban ecology and should be avoided.

There is a lot of information available on wildlife gardening. Main improvements include:

Have a variety of native trees, shrubs, climbers or a mixed hedge to provide food and shelter for wildlife;Plant flowers in the garden to provide pollen and nectar for insects;Create a (small) pond with sloping edges to enable wildlife to move in and out of the pond;Create piles of deadwood in a shady spot to provide habitat for beetles and other mini-beasts;Build a compost heap to reduce waste and to encourage invertebrates;Provide food and water for birds all year round;Garden in a sustainable way – minimise the use of chemicals, use no-peat products, save water, buy wood from sustainable sources, recycle as much as you can and retain some less tidy areas;Retain and protect mature trees.

•

••••••

•



Further information

Principle wildlife legislationLegislation DetailsWildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended)

This is the principal wildlife-protection legislation in Great Britain. It includes provisions for important habitats to be designated and protected as Site of Special Scientific Interests (SSSI), and protects individual species and the places they use for shelter and protection. All birds, their nests and eggs, are also protected.

Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010

These implement the EU Habitats Directive in Great Britain. The original Regulations came into force in 1994 but several revisisions have taken place since. The Regulations provide for the designation and protection of ‘European sites’ and the protection of ‘European Protected Species’ (EPS). The provisions also include a statutory requirement for competent authorities to undertake an Appropriate Assessment of the potential impacts of projects likely to have a significant effect on European sites.

The Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000

The Act increased protection for SSSIs and strengthened wildlife enforcement legislation. With regard to SSSIs, it includes provisions to extend powers for Statutory Nature Conservation Organisations (SNCOs) to enter into management agreements with landowners, and it extends the range of offences and increases the penalties for breaches of legislation. In particular, it provided for a new offence of reckless disturbance.

The Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006

This places a statutory duty on all public bodies and statutory undertakers in England and Wales to have due regard to the conservation of biodiversity in all their functions. It also requires publication of a list of habitats and species of primary importance for the conservation of each country’s biodiversity (BAP Priority Habitats).

The Protection of Badgers Act 1992 This protects badgers and their setts. The Act currently precludes the use of heavy machinery within 30m of a sett.

The Hedgerow Regulations 1997 These make provision for the protection of hedgerows in England and Wales, making it an offence in certain circumstances to remove a hedgerow without notifying the local planning authority. For appeals under The Hedgerow Regulations see IH Chapter PT10.



Natural England standing advice on protected speciesFor further detailed information on protected animals or plants, please see Natural England’s detailed advice: www.naturalengland.org.uk/regions/south_east/ourwork/standingadvice/protectedspecies/species.aspx

Information provided includes the legal protection and habitat requirements of individual protected animals, as well as information to help you identify whether you may have these animals on your site and if you may need to survey for them.

Protected habitats and species in Buckinghamshire General information on wildlife in Buckinghamshire can be found in the ‘Biodiversity in Planning in Buckinghamshire’ publication, which is available on the Bucks Milton Keynes Biodiversity Partnership website:www.buckinghamshirepartnership.co.uk/sites/partnership/bmkbp/biodiversity_and_planning.page

Further detailed information on legislation, species and habitats in Buckinghamshire can be found on the Bucks County Council website: www.buckscc.gov.uk/bcc/biodiversity/ecology.page

Further information on nature conservation work in Wycombe District can be obtained from the WDC Woodland Service at: [email protected].

Local Environmental Record CentreYou can find out if protected animals or plants have been previously found on or near your proposed development site by contacting the Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes Environment Records Centre (BMERC). BMERC collects information and recorded sightings of protected animals and plants within Buckinghamshire. You can ask for a data search by completing and sending an Information Request Form available at: www.buckinghamshirepartnership.gov.uk/partnership/BucksMKERC/bmerc.page.

Incorporating wildlife in development: Natural England: www.naturalengland.org.uk/advice/wildlifegardening/top_tip.aspx BBC: www.bbc.co.uk/nature/uk/indepth/wildlife-gardening.shtml RSPB: www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/wildlifegarden/ Wildlife Trusts: www.wildlifetrusts.org/node/4061

www.naturalengland.org.uk/regions/south_east/ourwork/standingadvice/protectedspecies/species.aspx

www.buckinghamshirepartnership.co.uk/sites/partnership/bmkbp/biodiversity_and_planning.page

www.buckscc.gov.uk/bcc/biodiversity/ecology.page

mailto:[email protected]

www.buckinghamshirepartnership.co.uk/sites/partnership/bmkbp/biodiversity_and_planning.page

www.naturalengland.org.uk/advice/wildlifegardening/top_tip.aspx

www.bbc.co.uk/nature/uk/indepth/wildlife-gardening.shtml

www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/wildlifegarden/

www.wildlifetrusts.org/node/4061



Glossary

Term Detail AONB Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty BCC Buckinghamshire County CouncilBBOWT Berks Bucks Oxon Wildlife Trust BCT Bat Conservation Trust BMKBP Bucks Milton Keynes Biodiversity PartnershipBTO British Trust for OrnitologyDEFRA Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs Designated sites Sites that are protected by a nature conservation designation. These include:

Internationally designated sites: Special Protection Area (SPA)Special Area of Conservation (SAC)Ramsar Site

Nationally designated sites: Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)National Nature Reserve (NNR)

Regionally and locally designated sites:Local Wildlife Site (LWS)Local Nature Reserve (LNR)Biological Notification Site (BNS)

EA Environment Agency European Protected Species Species (animals or plants) that receive protection under The Conservation of

Habitats and Species Regulations 2010. European Protected Species license

A requirement when European Protected Species are affected by developmentwww.naturalengland.org.uk/Images/wml-g12_tcm6-4116.pdf

Habitats An ecological or environmental area that is inhabited by specific plants, species or organisms.

IEEM Institute of Ecology and Environmental ManagementMitigation Plan / Strategy A plan and/or document that outlines how the impacts on species or habitats can be

mitigated NE Natural England Protected species Species (plants & animals) that are protected by law, e.g. the Conservation (Natural

Habitats & c) Regulations 2010PTES People’s Trust for Endangered Species Species Animals or plants UK BAP UK Biodiversity Action Plan WDC Wycombe District Council

www.naturalengland.org.uk/Images/wml-g12_tcm6-4116.pdf

wildlife advice note - wycombe · wildlife advice note wildlife and planning – background many...

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