Bernwood offers pragmatic and bespoke solutions to the public and private sectors relating to ecological matters.

In many cases, an initial site walkover will be undertaken, known as a Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (or Extended Phase I Habitat Survey). This is a scoping survey to records and evaluate habitats on site for ecoloigical value and identify the presence, or likely presence of protected spcies. It can be used to identify ecological constraints to a proposed development and biodiversity enhancment opportunities within site designs. 

All our work is carried out by experienced professional ecologist to the highest standards. Bernwood is a CIEEM Regsitered Practice (2019 - 2020).

The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF, 2019) requires the planning system and policies to  balance the social, economic and enviornmental factors for sustainable development. Additionally, the planning system must contribute to and enhance the local  environment by protecting and enhancing valued landscapes, recognising the wider benefits of ecosystem goods and services and minimise impacts on biodiversity and provide net gains including establishing ecological networks that are resilient to pressures. Increasingly, habitat losses, gains and enhancement values are being assessed by some Local Planning Authorities using a Biodiversity Impact Assessments.

The presence of protected species must be taken into account by the Planning Authority when considering a planning proposal, when impacts on the species or its habitat may be a consequence of the development. Planning Authorities are likely to request information about the presence or of protected species and your planning application could be refused if there is a lack of information for a descision to be made.

It is understood that 2018 Habitat Regulations will be amended due to the propose departure of the UK from the EU on the 31st January 2020. From that date the provisions in The Conservation of Habitats and Species (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 will apply (see https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2019/579/contents/made). Existing protection for habitats and species including standards and assessment procedures will remain as they have been prior to the UK leaving the EU. The 2018 Habitats Regulations 2018 and The Conservation of Habitats and Species (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 should be read together until further clarification or changes are made available by the UK Government or legal case law.