Soil analysis has become a valuable tool for farmers, gardeners, and property developers all over the world. Soil testing is a diagnostic tool for determining the nutrient profile and structure of the soil and is completed by measuring the chemical and physical attributes of the earth. So, what are the benefits of a soil analysis?
Checks the soils’ pH range.
Most soils have a pH of 6 – 6.5. The reason it is beneficial to check this is because different plants thrive with different soil types. For example, Magnolias, Camellias and Ceanothus grow better in acidic soils where as Polemoniums, Lavender and Honeysuckle prefer alkaline conditions. By making sure that you plant the right plants for the type of soil present in your garden, you can ensure that they thrive going forward.
Controls unwanted pests and diseases.
Soils that have been struck with infestation usually have a nutrient imbalance in the earth. A soil analysis can help to determine what nutrients your soil lacks and what steps should you take to amend it. Once adjusted, pest problems should no longer be an issue.
Minimise costs on fertilizer.
As a soil test allows you to discover what nutrients are in your soil, you will not need to waste money on testing out many different types of fertilizer to make your crops thrive. Instead, you will know exactly which nutrients your plants need and can buy the right fertilizer, the first time.
When should soil tests be conducted?
A soil analysis can be completed at any time of year but is usually done before you start to plant any crops or plants. It is recommended that an analysis is carried out when the soil is dry.
If you’re in need of a soil analysis or any other soil services such as a pressure soil test or WAC testing, then feel free to contact us!
Three Endangered UK Animal Species
The term ‘endangered species’ often leads people to think of tropical or sea animals, such as wales, giant tortoises or big cats. However, the UK does have several endangered species whose habitats are constantly being affected by developments. Please see below for some information about three of the lesser-known endangered UK animal species.
Three Endangered UK Animal Species
Capercaillies Capercaillies are the largest members of the grouse family and are around the same size as a turkey. These birds originate from Scotland, but they also live in Northern England, specifically in pine woods or conifer plantations. In the last 20 years, the population of capercaillies has declined by as much as 50% (2,000 in 1990 down to 1,000 in 2016). The main reason for their decline is predators encroaching onto their habitat due to continued urbanisation; conservationists are keen to reverse this as soon as possible.
Water voles Water voles may appear similar to rats, but they have rounder bodies, a shorter snout, and hairy tails. Voles live on grassy banks where they can feed on grass, tree bark and insects. The water vole population has decreased by 90% in the last 100 years (based on the number of sites where voles have been sighted). As such, they are currently classed as Britain’s most threatened mammal. Riverside properties have become ever more popular which has led to the destruction of the vole’s habitat. Pollution has also had a negative impact on waterways, resulting in less organic growth and affecting the vole’s food source.
Hazel dormice Hazel dormice are nocturnal mice, with large black eyes and sandy, golden fur. These mice make their home in light woodland and old hedgerows. Like many rodents, they have a varied diet – feeding on seeds, flowers or insects, depending on the season. The hazel dormouse has also been referred to as being one of the ‘most endearing’ mice species, due to the large eyes and cute appearance. However, in the last 20 years, the population of these mice has dropped by 70%, with studies suggesting this is almost entirely down to habitat loss and climate change.
With these animal species, and more, facing extinction, an endangered species survey on your development may improve more crucial than ever. Please contact ProHort if you are considering, or are in the early stages of, a development and find out more information about our ecological services.
Ecological Reports – Why Are They Important And Why Might I Need One?
Ecological reports can be incredibly crucial to the planning of any development. In essence, an ecological survey will classify and map any wildlife habitats as well as identifying any flora and fauna currently located on site.
Ecological Reports
There are many reasons why an ecological report should be completed at an early stage, including the following:
They may be a requirement of the local planning authority – when talking to your local authority, they will require an ecological appraisal of any commercial development or any development above a certain size. Please do liaise with your authority at the earliest opportunity, to find out what might be needed.
You may need to allow for additional costs or resources that have a positive impact on biodiversity – the National Planning Framework stipulates that any development should have a positive impact on the biodiversity of any area. An ecological survey, conducted at an early stage, will be your baseline measurement for this. The ecologist may also be able to suggest ideas once the survey has been completed.
Any endangered species will be highlighted – as an example, should bats roost on your property, you may only be alerted to their presence by an ecological survey. A specialist bat survey can then be carried out to provide you with more information.
Any dangerous or invasive species will be highlighted – again, as an example, your ecological report may highlight the presence of Japanese knotweed. This invasive weed can damage any property, fencing or hard paving that you may have on site. By being notified of its presence, a specialist surveyor can be brought in to arrange any treatments needed.
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Ecological surveys can be costly and may take time to arrange. However, the most cost and time-effective method is to have one completed at the start of your development, to highlight any potential issues and to allow you to budget for any biodiversity or habitat mitigation you may need to put in place. Please contact ProHort to find out more about our range of ecological surveys, and how they may help with your development.
Biodiversity and Planning Permission – Update
The Environment Bill has been recently updated to increase the level of biodiversity on sites and ensure that all sites meet set biodiversity requirements. Find out more about Biodiversity and Planning Permission…
Previously, Local Planning Authorities were only able to impose planning conditions that were in line with the National Policy Planning Framework. However, the ultimate decision of whether to impose those conditions or not ultimately rested with the Local Planning Authority.
Now, a mandatory condition is being imposed on all development projects.
The Environment Bill now requires any development site to establish a 10% biodiversity net gain before any work is carried out on the site. The assessment of what 10% should amount to and how it will be addressed must be set out in a report by the developer and agreed with the Local Planning Authority. If, for any reason, the 10% gain cannot be facilitated on the site, then it should be gained elsewhere – for example, by planting on neighbouring or council owned land. The Local Planning Authority would need to be consulted on this as the decision on whether a net gain on another site is acceptable would need to be approved by them.
ProHort recommends that your on-site ecology is surveyed as soon as possible and the assessment of what the 10% net gain will amount to is completed as soon as is reasonably practicable. This will mean that your development can be tailored to embed the 10% gain, rather than this being an afterthought, as this may end up being costly.
Contact Us Today – Biodiversity and Planning Permission:
Should you need any help with your planning application, please do get in touch to discuss what we can do for you!
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Ecological reports can be incredibly crucial to the planning of any development. In essence, an ecological survey will classify and map any wildlife habitats as well as identifying any flora and fauna currently located on site.
The Environment Bill has been recently updated to increase the level of biodiversity on sites and ensure that all sites meet set biodiversity requirements. Find out more about Biodiversity and Planning Permission…