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 an Extended Phase I Habitat Survey (or Preliminary Ecological Appraisal), which will provide an inidication of the habitats on site and any areas/features of ecological interest, including the actual or potential presence of protected species.

All our work is carried out by experienced professional ecologist to the highest standards.

Bernwood will prepare detailed bespoke reports including wildlife conservation recommendations. The detailed reports can be used to devise ecological method statements of Reasonable Avoidance Measures (RAM's) where possible, or be used to support a Protected Species licence application to Natural England.

The planning authority may apply any wildlife conservation recommendations, such as the installation of bird boxes or timing constraints of works, as planning conditions.

The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF, 2012) 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 where possible 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 Offsetting Matrix.

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.