How can biodiversity be taken into consideration before development begins?

• Carry out an ecological impact assessment of the proposal at the outset. This should be undertaken by a suitably qualified ecologist. Where appropriate, consult local specialists.
• Consider the wider ecological impacts on surrounding areas.
• Do not develop on areas that are protected for their wildlife. Local authorities can indicate how these areas may affect the site/building. (See local plans and the Notts Local Biodiversity Action Plan).
  

How can development be designed to benefit local wildlife rather than harm it?

• Retain and integrate as much of the existing natural landscape features and habitats into the overall design (e.g., ponds, trees, hedges) as possible.
• Take every opportunity to add new wildlife-friendly features and habitats as part of any new development. Where there is sufficient space, consider the creation of new habitats such as woods and grasslands. Where space is more limited, encourage wildlife into the development through other means e.g. introduce bird boxes or bat boxes, or petition to plant more street trees.
• Avoid culverts (covered drains). Open water courses are more accessible for wildlife.
• Provide corridors of linked planting, such as hedgerows, to allow cross-pollination and provide interconnecting routes for wildlife. These features can be co-ordinated with safe pedestrian routes and cycle routes.
• Develop a planting strategy that uses native species from local sources to contribute to biodiversity. Should non-native species be required, they should be carefully selected to suit the local conditions and habitat.
• Use sustainable drainage systems (SUDS) to collect, clean and store water before it soaks into the ground or enters natural watercourses. They also provide valuable wildlife habitats.
• Green roofs (roofs covered in soil and plants) can provide new habitats as well as building insulation. These can vary from substantial soil depths that can support a meadow-type environment to non-native, low-maintenance sedum species that can provide a rich food source for insects.

What positive steps for biodiversity can be taken during construction?

• Timetable construction to avoid disruption to seasonal wildlife activities, such as nesting birds and movements of amphibians to and from ponds.
• Maximise the use of locally occurring or on-site resources, especially soils.
• Minimise damage to wildlife habitats during the construction process. Provide protection to established trees and plants during the construction work or if possible aim to relocate those at risk.
• Only relocate areas or species of value or recreate a habitat as a last resort.
• Select plants and trees most appropriate to local conditions that can support native wildlife and insects and maintain the local landscape character. Use as many native species (from local plant stock propagated in advance) as possible. These support more wildlife species and are often cheaper to establish and maintain, e .g. ash, oak, willow, silver birch, hawthorn, alder, and rowan trees.

What needs to be done after the development is completed?

• The habitats and features retained or created during development must be properly managed to prevent their degradation and loss of wildlife interest. (See Maintenance and Management.)
• Avoid importing any peat-based soil, as peat bogs are a diminishing resource which support rare species.

What actions might have a wider impact?

• Consider the building materials used and their impact on the environment. For example:
• Use sustainably grown timber - look for the Forestry Stewardship Council kitemark.
• Minimise the use of quarried materials that can impact on endangered habitats.
• Be aware that some chemical treatments, especially of wood, can be damaging to wildlife.(e.g.bats)
• Take into account the environmental cost of importing material over long distances - finding a local source will assist the local economy.