11 September 2007

There has been a raft of regulatory changes and updates of wildlife legislation over the past few months.

Items include several updates of the Habitats Directive/Regulations, new S74 BAP lists (see previous News Item), new bird law guidelines, the Business & Biodiversity initiative, various Natura 2000 changes ... it is a long list!

A particular matter of note for our clients is that there will no longer be a defence of "an incidental result of a lawful operation" for European Protected Species (which includes almost all bats, the great crested newt, the common dormouse and many birds). That broadens the whole realm of ecological impact beyond development operations and into all kinds of estate and land management work which will now have to have an assessment/survey in advance - and a licence obtained in advance of any work plus mitigation if necessary if EPS are present. Expect guidelines to be issued on this.

Eighteen UK "biodiversity indicators" have also been published:
1. Trends in populations of selected species (1a. birds, 1b. butterflies)
2. Plant diversity
3. UK BAP Priority Species
4. UK BAP Priority Habitats
5. Genetic diversity
6. Protected areas
7. Sustainable woodland management
8. Area of agri-environment land
9. Sustainable fisheries
10. Ecological impacts of air pollution
11. Invasive species
12. Spring Index
13. Marine Trophic Index
14. Habitat connectivity
15. River quality
16. Expenditure on UK biodiversity
17. Expenditure on global biodiversity
18. Conservation volunteering

Much of this is the result of the EU's determination to halt the decline of biodiversity by 2010. It is creating a sea change in planning policy which Local Authorities nation-wide are implementing. Biodiversity is now a consideration in all planning policy.

We at Betts Ecology will continue to provide the scientific and practical support for clients to ensure compliance with maximum efficiency and economy whilst maintaining the highest quality standards.