Bat Survey – an Activity Done To Protect Endangered Species in UK

Bat surveys are needed in the United Kingdom in case any development work affects the bats. Bats in U.K. are protected under section 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) and regulation 39 of the Conservation (Natural Habitats &c.) (Amendment) regulations 2007. This protection comes in the wake of significant drop in the population of the bats during the last century. There are many reasons for their drop such as changes in ecological system, and unsafe habitats. When we mean changes in ecological system, it means disappearance of the preys which the bats used to feed on, declining hedgerows and woodlands. Unsafe habitats stand for destruction of their roosts due to site development works. Hence, this only flying mammal has to be protected through legislation.

All these do not just cause fines and custodial sentence but also long delay of the development work till the proper corrective measures are taken. Therefore, for any developer, it would be of paramount importance to know whether his proposed development is harming the bats and their roosts. Ecological consultants here can guide the entire development process by taking up thorough bat survey. Usually, there are six types of bat surveys and depending upon the nature of the development they are being undertaken by professional team guided by ecological consultant. Read more..

Tree Preservation Orders Relevant to the Present Age of Rapid Development

Are you wondering why the Tree Preservation Orders are needed? May be you are not, because you might think that it is yet another exercise to conserve the environment and yet another opportunity to pay “humane” tribute to Mother Earth. Well, every thought has some truth in it, but it cannot be the absolute truth. Similarly, your not wondering because of the reason mentioned above is partially true, but not entirely. The reason is Tree Preservation Orders are not exactly meant to save the Earth, but rather they are legal procedures taken by the local authority of the United Kingdom if site clearance of any development work involves cutting, uprooting, or chopping of the trees.

Therefore, when there is any residential or commercial development that is to be carried out, it is the duty of the local council to thoroughly check the development plan and pay close attention if there are any trees that are coming in the way of the development. According to the section 197 of The Town & Country Planning Act 1990: “it shall be the duty of the local planning authority to ensure, whenever it is appropriate, that in granting planning permission for any development adequate provision is made, by the imposition of conditions, for the preservation or planting of trees.” Read more..

Tree Surveys Necessary to carry out for Trouble-free Site Development

Tree surveys are part of the science called Arboriculture. Arboriculture is a branch of horticulture that is more concerned with the well-being of the individual plants. The well-being of the trees then is comprised of selecting the proper trees for the landscapes, proper care for the already planted trees, being well-informed about the pros and cons of their functionality and their visual impact on landscapes. There are many benefits of having trees near the residential area and commercial area as well. Such benefits are: interception of scorching sun rays, prevention of soil erosion, natural cooling of the immediate atmosphere, reduction in noise and many more. However, they can equally be a threat to the human habitats if they are of wild nature such as some of the invasive species out there in the world. Sometimes, their pollen, leaf pubescence, toxic sap, and strong fragrances may cause allergic infections or other health hazards to humans. In such a situation, it is important to take the help of efficient environmental consultancy.

In the United Kingdom, while planning any development, the details of the nearby trees is mandatory to be submitted to the local council. Such details need to be submitted in accordance with BS5837:2005 Trees in relation to construction – Recommendations. And, it is the responsibility of the local council to check the details of such planning carefully and if they are not meeting the stipulated criteria of the planning and development, it is authorized to release tree preservation orders.

This BS5837 which exists since 1980 provides “guidance on how to decide which trees are appropriate for retention, on the means of protecting these trees during construction and on the means of incorporating trees into the developed landscape.” This standard also advocates that tree surveys should be taken with the help of an arboriculturist for the sake of recording information about the trees. Read more..