In September 2023 the UK Government’s Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) unveiled a £25m funding programme to support dozens of projects that are centred around natural processes. This has been done to help mitigate the risk of flooding as a result of climate change.
What is Natural Flood Management?
Natural flood management (NFM) uses natural processes to reduce the risk of flooding. These processes protect, restore and mimic the natural functions of catchments, floodplains and the coast to slow down and store water. These include:
– Soil & Land Management – which will slow & store surface water run-off while also reducing soil erosion.
– River and Floodplain Management
– Woodland Management – introducing hedgerow and woodland which will support wetland complexes and the creation of new habitats.
– Run-off Management – such as leaky barriers, wet woodlands, ponds and wetlands to help slow and store high flows in upper catchments, reducing the chance and impact of flooding downstream.
– Coast & Estuary Management – expansion and enhancement of saltmarsh and sand dune systems that naturally break wave action and reduce the risk of tidal flooding to local communities.
NFM can also provide wider benefits including enhancing habitats and biodiversity. As well as improving water quality and the availability of drinking water.
Benefits of Natural Flood Management:
– Improves water quality & availability of drinking water – Protect homes & businesses from flooding and coastal changes
– Enhances Habitats & Biodiversity
Research published last year indicated annual damage caused by flooding in the UK could increase by more than 20% due to the increasing severity of the climate crisis if national pledges to reach net-zero made at COP26 are not met in full.
Work will take place on these projects between now and 31 March 2027. This will involve a range of organisations including:
– Wildlife Trusts
– River Trusts
– Local Authorities
– Farmers
– Landowners.
Ecology Surveys in Shrewsbury
What is an Ecology Survey?
Our ecology surveys in Shrewsbury are studies of the plants and animals in a specific area. This includes their interactions with each other and their habitat. An ecology survey is carried out by qualified professionals, such as ourselves, to create an inventory of the living organisms and ecological features in a particular area. The purpose of an ecology survey is to understand the dynamics of the ecosystem and to identify any potential impacts, risks or constraints of a development on the landscape and species living within it. This is to assist developers and the local planning authority in establishing what the next steps are to mitigate the impact on the environment.
What type of Ecology Survey do I need?
There are a range of surveys available, each is suited to a different scenario. They assess the impact that a development project may have on the surrounding environment and go into varying depths of detail depending upon the type of survey that you have.
Ecology surveys in Shrewsbury that ProHort Ltd can provide include but are not exclusive to the following:
Preliminary Ecological Assessment (previously called the Phase 1 Habitat).
Phase 1 Ecology Survey.
Phase 1 Extended Survey including Protected Species – Bats, Birds and Mammals.
Biodiversity Net Gain Assessments including DEFRA.
How do I book my Ecology Survey?
Firstly, contact ProHort, we can provide you with a written quote for the ecology surveys in Shrewsbury that you require. Upon the confirmation that you would like to proceed, our specialist ecology consultant will visit the site to carry out the survey or assessment.
Once the survey has been completed, our consultant will put together your documentation. This will clearly show the results from the survey. This documentation will be sent in the form of a PDF or a physical copy of the report, if required.
To find out more about how ProHort can help you with your ecology surveys in Shrewsbury get in touch with us by calling 01782 479 479 or email us at [email protected].
Benefits and Disadvantages of Drone Surveying
In today’s rapidly evolving technological society, drones have altered various industries for the better. However, when it comes to drone surveying is there more pros or cons?
Benefits of Drone Surveying:
Faster data collection compared to traditional methods.
Improved safety as a result of removing humans from potentially hazardous situations.
Increased accuracy.
Realtime monitoring.
Cost effective in the long run, although has high initial investment costs.
Drawbacks of Drone Surveying:
Cost Implications:
Firstly, the initial cost of drone technology is expensive. It can cost thousands of pounds to buy a drone equipped with the cameras and sensors needed for drone surveying. On top of this there may be an additional need for accessories and software to enhance the drones functionality.
Maintenance costs also need to be considered as regular repairs, services, software updates and part replacements may be needed to keep the drone in optimal condition. All of the above need to be carried out by a professional and add to the overall operation cost of the drone.
In addition, drone pilots need to undertake expert training in order to operate a drone legally and safely. This training and certification come at a cost and is an ongoing expense as continuous professional development is necessary to maintain your certification.
Legal Requirements:
Drone surveying is subject to regulations set by the Civil Aviation Authorities (CAA). Commercial drones used for drone surveying need to be registered with the CAA and this needs to be renewed each year. The registration is of you as the operator rather than the drone. You can register, get your flyer ID and find more information at register-drones.caa.co.uk.
Furthermore, there are several privacy concerns that need to be considered. Failure to navigate the issues can result in hefty fines, legal repercussions and privacy violations. Drones that are equipped with cameras can take videos, images and collect data from private properties and individuals without their consent which has resulted in numerous lawsuits for alleged privacy violations.
Airspace Limitations:
Adhering to and understanding these airspace limitations is critical for drone operators. Drones are often restricted in certain areas such as airports, military bases and other sensitive locations. Additionally specific locations may be ”no-flight” zones due to safety or environmental concerns. You should never fly more than 120m (400ft) above the surface and always keep it in your site, taking extra caution in built up areas. Temporary airspace restrictions are frequently put in place across the UK, therefore you should check airspace information section before flying.
Weather Setbacks:
As we know, the UK is often subject to poor weather. This can be a disadvantage when drone surveying as strong winds and rain can limit the use of drones and can therefore delay data collection.
Fly Time:
The majority of drones have a limited flying time of approximately 15 to 30 minutes, therefore multiple flights may be required to complete surveys of large areas, resulting in prolonged survey times.
Contact Us:
At ProHort we understand the implications drones can have on wildlife and avoid drone use where possible. Get in touch with us now to discuss how we can help you with your planning needs.
Alternatively, you can find out more about the services we offer here.
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Further to our previous article regarding Biodiversity Net Gain, on the 18th January 2024 it was announced that Biodiversity net gain assessments will be required from the 12th February 2024 (major developments) and from April 2nd 2024 (small developments). From these dates onwards, Biodiversity net gain assessments will be mandatory for new planning applications submitted for both major and small developments.
As defined by the Land Use Policy team, major developments include:
– Residential developments that include 10 or more dwellings.
– Developments where the site area is greater than 0.5 hectares.
Whereas smaller development projects will be subject to the mandatory Biodiversity net gain requirements from the 2nd April 2024.
A small site development has been defined as:
– Residential developments consisting of 1 – 9 dwellings.
– Residential developments where the site area if less than 0.5 hectares.
– Commercial developments where the floor space that is being created is less than 1000
square metres.
– Commercial developments where the total site area is less than 1 hectare.
Biodiversity Net Gain will be required for nearly all new applications for planning permission, however there are some exclusions.
These exclusions include:
– Requests for retrospective planning permission.
– Planning applications submitted prior to the 12th February 2024.
– Any applications to vary a planning condition on planning permission granted before the 12th February.
– Development works that do not impact a priority habitat and impacts less than 25 square metres of non-priority habitat. Alternatively, the development works should not impact more than 5 metres of non-priority linear habitat.
– The development of an existing property, except to change its use or change the number of dwellings within the property.
– Small scale self-build projects that consist of no more than 9 dwellings, are carried out on a site which is no larger than 0.5 hectares and consist exclusively of dwellings that are self-built.
– Development upon biodiversity gain sites, which are designed solely to enhance the biodiversity on behalf of other development sites, or provide access to the public for educational or recreational purposes without charging a fee.
– Development which is part of or ancillary to the High-Speed Transport Network.
Contact Us for Biodiversity Net Gain Assessments:
If you are a Developer or require a Biodiversity Net Gain assessment to accompany your planning application, ProHort can help! Get in touch with us now to discuss how we can help you and arrange your assessment.
Alternatively, you can find out more about the services we offer here.
Why not check out our Facebook page and connect with us on Linkedin?
