Natural England has recently raised concern regarding works affecting bats and their roosts being undertaken without the appropriate mitigation licence. So when is a mitigation licence required and when is a precautionary method of working appropriate?

Biodiversity enhancements within developments are becoming increasingly important, with Local Planning Authorities and BREEAM assessors requesting ecological features to be incorporated within developments, including new builds. Natural England protected species licences also usually require ecological enhancements to be incorporated within the development design. With consideration at the design stage, such features can be easily incoporated at low cost.

Ecosulis was appointed by Taylor Wimpey to provide ecological consultancy and contracting support for a housing development in Woking. This is a summary of how Ecosulis assisted Taylor Wimpey in securing planning and enabling construction, maintaining favourable conservation status of protected species and providing biodiversity gain.

New planning guidance for greater horseshoe bats in the South Hams Special Area of Conservation has recently been issued. The implications of this planning guidance for developers, which can include bat surveys between April and October, are discussed. Ecosulis has years of experience with greater horseshoe bats and are happy to offer advice.