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Rules of Thumb | Key Indicators / Prompt |
- Seek specialist environmental advice at the beginning of the project.
| Have you contacted the Environment Agency, local wildlife trust and local specialists?
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- Avoid areas of important biodiversity value.
| Using advice, BAPs and the Development Plan, identify areas of value that need to be avoided. Identify if the area surrounding the site is of value and put in place measures to prevent harm.
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- Aim to maximise the biodiversity of the site.
| Does you development retain all existing wildlife and habitat areas?
Does you development create new areas?
Do the new areas include and support indigenous species?
Look to undertake works which will improve the site for species of conservation interest.
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- Only relocate areas or species of value or recreate a habitat as a last resort.
| Have you sited your development to avoid damaging existing habitats?
Where you cannot avoid harm - have you considered developing on a less sensitive site?
Where harm is unavoidable seek advice on species relocation and habitat recreation.
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- Plan the construction and operation process carefully - allow species to continue to move about, feed and nest.
| Have you ensured HGV routes avoid environmentally sensitive areas?
Have you considered the impact of flood lighting?
Have you planned to minimise the negative effect on sensitive times of day/season (i.e. breeding, nesting times etc.
Have you checked that you have not separated breeding and feeding grounds?
If unavoidable, have you considered providing tunnels for safe passage between the two areas?
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- Maintain and manage the site in an environmentally friendly way.
| Use organic alternatives to virgin peat (mulch, chipped bark, shredded wood).
Use spot treatment of applying organic fertilisers and pesticides. Avoid formal planting schemes that have little habitat/feeding value.
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- Involve local people, schools and voluntary groups - provide for public access.
| Have you involved local schools / interest groups / the community in designing the areas?
Have you involved them in the future management and maintenance in the area?
Have you planned for public access?
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