Welcome to Warwickshire County Council

Many of our native plants and animal species are legally protected to varying degrees. For example all bat species, great crested newts and otters are protected under both UK and European law and badgers are protected under their own Badger Act.

For each application, the team of Ecologists look at the plans and use mapping software to see if there are any records of protected species nearby that may be affected by the development. They also conduct site visits and surveys if more information is required to assess potential ecological impacts.

They then use all this information to make an ecological recommendation to the planning department, which can be anything from approval without any ecological constraints to refusal.

As part of its service to planners, the Ecology Unit produces newsletters with up-to-date information for planners on relevant ecological issues.

Planning Newsletter Issue 4 (December 2009)
In this issue: recent wildlife prosecution - the East Cheshire Borough Council judgement; Natural England guidance on bats and wind turbines; use of electronic weekly list ecology responses.

Planning Newsletter Issue 3 (December 2008).
In this issue: recent wildlife prosecutions; enhanced legal protection for water voles; UK BAP updates.

Planning Newsletter Issue 2 (November 2007).
In this issue: NERC Act Guidance for Local Authorities; PAS 2010; survey season calendar for protected species.

Planning Newsletter Issue 1 (January 2007).
In this issue: NERC Act; PPS9; analysis of bat survey database results.

Click here for information on bats and the planning system.

Click here for information on wildlife and planning legislation.

Click here for information on protected species and sites in Warwickshire.

Ecology Unit
Warwickshire Museum Field Services
The Butts
Warwick
CV34 4SS

Telephone: (01926) 418060

Fax: (01926) 412974