Habitat Bank Review - Extra information
Habitat Bank Review Criteria
All habitat bank schemes submitted for consideration will be reviewed and assessed against requirements to enter into a legal agreement and a list of site criteria; part of which will be based on current guidance / policy available at the time. An initial assessment will be undertaken.
Not all sites will be taken forward, this decision will be made based on various factors, such as:
- Providing the best outcomes for biodiversity in Warwickshire
- Creating or enhancing the right habitat in the right place
- Have legal control of the land or be able to provide evidence the landowner is willing to sign a conservation covenant legal agreement
- Provide financial evidence of sufficient funds to cover the habitat creation and management of the site
We expect proposals to provide good ecological design principals. View the WCC Habitat Bank Criteria (337 KB) with further detailed guidance on our criteria and process.
It is advisable that a sufficiently experienced ecologist undertakes appropriate baseline habitat surveys and possibly an initial biodiversity metric calculation to assess the potential on site.
The Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM) provide a list of ecologists who are locally based please see link - Finding a Consultant | CIEEM.
Alternatively, WCC have a separate Ecology Projects team who may be able to assist. Please email Ecology Projects Manager: Ben Wood, with enquiries.
- Email: benwood@warwickshire.gov.uk
Archaeology Guidance
Warwickshire County Council will be producing guidance in due course on considering habitat banks schemes and potential historic environment implications. It should be noted that possible impacts could arise from habitat creation or enhancement on archaeologically sensitive sites / remains.
Please see the link for further information - Historic environment record (HER) - Contact a WCC service - Warwickshire County Council
or email: historicenvironmentrecord@warwickshire.gov.uk
Soil Guidance
Soil guidance will be produced in due course. This will be with reference to the importance of understanding soil nutrient status when considering grassland creation, enhancement, and restoration, particularly achieving a desired uplift in habitat condition and subsequent increase in biodiversity.
Landscape Guidance
We expect schemes to consider and refer to Warwickshire's Landscape Guidelines. The guidelines aim to ensure that new developments or land use changes don't negatively impact the landscape's character and visual appeal.
- Please visit Landscape design – Warwickshire County Council for further information
- Or email: landscape@warwickshire.gov.uk.