Offering Biodiversity net gain assessments across The South East and South West. If you have a site that requires a BNG assessment, Ash Ecology & Biodiversity provides a speedy, Cost conscious, yet fully comprehensive service. More than just an Ecologist, my Landscaping background allows for a more aesthetic approach when planning habitat or planting schemes. ​​

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You will receive a comprehensive Biodiversity net gain report, complete with detailed Pre and post development habitat maps, details of the assessment, including condition assessments ready to submit to planning. 

 

Here is how it works

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​1. A site visit is made, to gain an insight into the development. Trees, habitat types, their condition and extent are noted on the site plan. Photo's are taken and notes made of where potential habitat improvements could be made.  

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2. A desktop study of the local plan is undertaken to see if there are any relevant policies of strategic significance, which may impact the sites biodiversity value. 

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3. Provision of a baseline habitat map with key, showing all areas of on site existing habitat and surround, including positions of trees. 

 

4. Habitat type and size are inputted into an online calculation tool, to ascertain the baseline habitat score. Following this, inputs for improvements to landscaping or habitat post development will be suggested, until the required biodiversity gain score is achieved. If the BNG cannot be achieved on-site, we can discuss how we can achieve this off site. In some circumstances its possible to widen the development red line slightly to allow additional space for on site habitat creation. 

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5. When it comes to Planning submission, i will provide all the necessary requirements, including Habitat condition reports, detailed Maps and the BNG plan, ready for submission to planning.

 

 It is worth noting that the BNG assessment refers to habitat improvement only and you will also be required to Submit a recent Preliminary ecological assessment (PEA) otherwise known as a Phase 1 habitat survey to cover the protected wildlife on site (see details under the list of services) along with survey reports and any mitigation for any protected species which will be affected by the development. It is possible to obtain information for both PEA's and BNG assessments on the same site visit, thus reducing costs. All these surveys are to completed at the planning stage and recommendations can be worked into the site plan.

​​​Sometimes its not possible to achieve BNG on-site and  therefore additional off-site ecological enhancements are required on land that has been assessed and accredited for BNG. This is otherwise known as habitat offsetting. Alternatively, credits may be purchased where enhancements are not enough on site. All habitat improvements made for BNG are required to be maintained for a period of 30 years. I strive to achieve your net gain compliance on site and will endeavour to help you every step of the way.  

 

 

Services include:

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- Biodiversity Net gain assessments

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  - Assessing suitability of offsite land for BNG enhancements

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- 30 year Habitat management plans

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