Using Beavers to Benefit Ecosystem Health

Article prepared by Rachel Crapper, Assistant Ecological Consultant Importance of Ecosystem Health Healthy communities rely on a well-functioning ecosystem. They provide fresh water, clean air, medicines and food security. They also limit disease and stabilize the climate; which in turn makes a robust environment for flora and fauna. How do beavers help? Read more »

Bats Hibernation and What it Means for Development

December is the month where the ‘big sleep’ typically starts for bats. They may have already started longer periods of physical inactivity referred to as ‘torpor’ during November depending on weather, temperatures and food availability. December typically sees the temperature getting colder and bats moving to their winter roosts, sometimes in small groups, but Read more »

Gold for Bicester Village at Thames & Chiltern in Bloom Awards

Bicester Village has received a prestigious Gold standard certificate at the Thames & Chiltern in Bloom awards. The awards are one of 16 regional and national campaigns that make up Britain in Bloom, in association with the Royal Horticultural Society and is Europe’s largest horticultural competition. Entries are invited from communities of Read more »

Statutory Biodiversity Credit Prices

On the 27th July 2023 DEFRA announced the indicative prices for statutory biodiversity credits: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/statutory-biodiversity-credit-prices#area-habitats Where biodiversity net gain credits are not able to be balanced on site, or off-set within land held by the developer, credits may be purchased from DEFRA’s “credit sales service” at a ratio of 2 credits per 1 biodiversity unit Read more »

John Lockhart Qualifies as Building with Nature Assessor

“We are delighted to announce that John Lockhart has been granted approved assessor status for Building with Nature (BwN). Building with Nature is the UK’s first accreditation scheme that provides a robust benchmark for green infrastructure.  The scheme is now becoming widely recognised and valued.  It involves an independent evaluation against 12 identified standards, Read more »

Fact File: Badger

Article prepared by: Rachel Crapper  Scientific name: Meles meles The European Badger, is an unmistakable species, with a black and white striped head, white tipped ears, a stocky grey body and a short, fluffy tail. Night Walkers Badgers are nocturnal mammals, emerging from their burrows called “setts” at Read more »

Ecological Baseline Assessments: More than just a desk exercise?

Background On the back of commitments set out in their 25-year Environment Plan 'A Green Future: Our 25 Year Plan to Improve the Environment' and its consultation on net gain, the government is now taking forward a legal framework for the delivery of mandatory biodiversity net gain through the Environment Act 2021. It Read more »