Ecology in Masterplanning

Baker Shepherd Gillespie has increasingly been involved in providing advice and guidance to planners and urban designers on how to integrate biodiversity into new developments. Our approach encourages the early involvement of ecologists in the masterplanning process as species and habitats are often best integrated into new developments if their requirements are considered at the outset of this process. Early identification of existing key biodiversity sites within and adjacent to the proposed development area is an essential first step.

This process should be linked to a good understanding of the existing and potential green infrastructure of the development area and its wider setting, to ensure that new development can contribute to green infrastructure both locally and regionally. As well as developing a good understanding of the spatial context of habitats and sites, it is important to clearly understand individual species requirements at an early stage so that designs can be developed that will work for the target species.