Welcome back to the Ecology Academy Podcast, where host Richard Dodd offers an insightful deep dive into the current hot topic - the Planning and Infrastructure Bill. In this compelling episode, joined by Craig Llewellyn from AtkinsRealis, the discussion shifts from biodiversity net gain to the intricacies of the new bill, highlighting its implications for nature conservation and ecological planning.

Craig provides a comprehensive breakdown of the bill's objectives, such as expedited housing development and strategic planning, alongside revealing its potential pitfalls, including inadequate protection for protected species. As the conversation unfolds, listeners gain invaluable perspectives on how the bill could reshape planning systems, the risks of undermining ecological assessments, and the pressing need for amendments that safeguard nature and promote informed development.

Dive into this engaging dialogue that not only raises awareness of legislative complexities but also emphasizes the collective efforts of ecologists and policy advisors in striving for sustainable solutions in the face of governmental reform. A must-listen for everyone passionate about the environment and those seeking to make a positive impact in the field of ecology.

Craig Llewellyn

Connect with Craig on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craig-llewellyn-cecol-mcieem-csjk-64854471/

Welcome to another insightful episode of the Ecology Academy podcast, hosted by Richard Dodd. Join us as we delve into the world of ecology with special guest Craig Llewellyn, Associate Ecologist and Biodiversity Policy Specialist at Atkins Realis. In this first part of a two-part series, we focus on the concept of 'Net Benefit for Biodiversity' within Wales' Planning Policy. Discover how this policy aims to enhance biodiversity at a broader ecosystem level using the innovative DECCA framework.

Craig Llewellyn shares his extensive experience and insights on the ecological assessment process, comparing the Welsh net benefit approach to England's biodiversity net gain. Learn about the components of the DECA framework—Diversity, Extent, Condition, Connectivity, and Adaptation to Change—and how they play a crucial role in sustainable development. Tune in to understand how ecological policies are evolving to meet current and future challenges in biodiversity conservation.

Background to NBB

The 2016 Environment (Wales) Act introduced a new legal duty on all public authorities to maintain and enhance biodiversity in carrying out their functions (the "Section 6 Duty”). The duty requires public authorities to promote the resilience of ecosystems. The newly implemented 12th Edition of Planning Policy Wales (PPW 12th Edition) requires planning authorities (LPAs) must demonstrate they have taken all reasonable steps to fulfil the Section 6 duty.

In Wales, the biodiversity net gain regime is termed “Net Benefit for Biodiversity” (NBB). While it has a similar intent to Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) in England in delivering an overall improvement in biodiversity, NBB does not use a metric-based approach like BNG, which sets a baseline number of biodiversity units and requires developers to improve biodiversity by a minimum of 10%.

NBB supports a proactive approach to be taken by developers to biodiversity, wider ecosystem benefits, and resilience at the design stage. NBB applies to all development in Wales, even in cases where biodiversity value is being maintained rather than enhanced.

Unlike the quantitative approach of BNG for development in England, NBB takes a more site-specific and qualitative assessment based on the DECCA resilience attributes and the step-wise mitigation hierarchy.

• Diversity – Maintaining and enhancing diversity at all levels and scales
• Extent – Incorporating measures to maintain and increase semi-natural habitat area and linkages
• Condition – The condition affected by factors like climate change, invasive species, recreation, etc.
• Connectivity – Maintaining/creating links between and within habitats
• Aspects of resilience – The product of the above four attributes

Any proposed biodiversity enhancements must be appropriate to the local and national environment, considering strategic plans, local strategies, and evidence like area statements.

Ecologists need to take a “whole system approach” looking at the baseline biodiversity value and resilience of the entire site, its context in the wider landscape, and opportunities for enhancing resilience in line with the DECCA attributes.

A key principle of NBB is that biodiversity enhancement should be proportionate to the scale and nature of the proposed development.

While this means small developments can more easily deliver net benefit, it also means planning permission may be refused if no enhancement is proposed as part of an application (PPW 6.4.12).

Even where biodiversity value has been maintained on a site, the policy at 6.4.16 states “there must still be a proactive process to look for and secure enhancement through the design and implementation of the development.” Hence, going above and beyond simple mitigation is essential.

Developers in Wales will need to be aware of NBB and the Section 6 Duty. This brings additional complexity and cost to the development process.

Following the DECCA ecosystem resilience principles and step-wise avoidance/mitigation approach needs to be a central consideration from the very start of the development planning process. Innovative solutions, partnership working, and an appreciation of cumulative impacts in the wider area will all help deliver biodiversity benefits.

Join host Richard Dodd in this enlightening episode of the Ecology Academy podcast as he converses with Adam Rowe, the CEO of the South East Wales Biodiversity Centre (SEWBReC). Discover the significant role Local Environmental Record Centres (LERCs) play in the gathering, management, and dissemination of biodiversity data.

Adam shares his journey from a geography graduate to leading a key hub in biodiversity data management, emphasizing the importance of data accuracy and sharing in conservation efforts. This episode offers valuable insights for ecologists, conservationists, and anyone passionate about biodiversity. Learn about the challenges and solutions in data management and how LERCs contribute to informed ecological decision-making.

Whether you're a seasoned professional or starting your career in ecology, this episode provides inspiring perspectives on making a meaningful impact in the field of conservation.

Adam Rowe (SEWBReC Chief Executive Officer)

Adam has managed SEWBReC for over 20 years and has over 30 years’ experience working in LERCs. Adam is co-founder and Vice Chairman of the Association of Local Environmental Records Centres (ALERC) and a former Trustee of the National Biodiversity Network Trust. He has lengthy experience of all aspects of the LERC operations, including strategic development, partner liaison, product/service design and project delivery.

Useful links (most mentioned during the podcast):

SEWBReC: https://www.sewbrec.org.uk/

LERC Wales: https://www.lercwales.org.uk/

ALERC LERC finder: https://www.alerc.org.uk/lerc-finder.html

Aderyn: https://aderyn.lercwales.org.uk/

Other useful SEWBReC links: https://linktr.ee/sewbrec