News & Views

This article discusses the current application of biodiversity gain policy to development in England, recognising the distinction between current policy provision and forthcoming legal requirements. Although the progress of the forthcoming Environment Bill is delayed in the Parliamentary timetable until later in 2021, biodiversity gain is already a national planning policy requirement; however, expectations vary between local planning authorities.
17 February, 2021

The scope of work for wind farm proposals in Scotland often includes surveys for range-restricted mammals including Scottish wild cat, red squirrel and pine marten. Assessment of habitat quality, searches for field signs and camera trapping are all routinely undertaken to inform presence/absence.

12 February, 2021
Following on from our recent article about the Broadmarsh Shopping Centre regeneration proposals in Nottingham city centre by the Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust, Dr Peter Shepherd and Kirsty Kirkham reflect on a Study Visit of nature reserves in the City of Nottingham they undertook in summer 2019 and review the lessons learned about incorporating biodiversity into urban regeneration.
08 January, 2021
Ahead of upcoming changes to wildlife policy and legislation, Kirsty Kirkham (Director) and David Stiles (Senior Ecologist) were invited to talk to the University of Sheffield Estates and Facilities Management Teams. The presentation looked at the practicalities of managing ecological issues that might arise as part of planning a proposed development, within the context of current biodiversity legislation and policy guidance. It then went on to focus on the implications of Brexit, the draft environment bill and how to navigate the risks and opportunities associated with biodiversity net gain.
25 November, 2020
A recent paper entitled ‘Paint it black: Efficacy of increased wind turbine rotor blade visibility to reduce avian fatalities[1],’ was widely reported by the UK media. Reports stated that a reduction of over 70% in bird fatalities could be expected as a result of changing the colour of turbine blades, thereby making them more visible to birds. In this article BSG Ecology Director Owain Gabb provides a short non-technical review of the paper, and comments on its potential relevance to UK schemes.
18 November, 2020