A Habitat Design Checklist for Biodiversity Net Gain

The training session starts by introducing BNG from a design perspective and typical BNG design deliverables. After an overview of the Habitat Design Checklist and practical advice on collaborative approaches for BNG, the training then goes through the details of the Habitat Design Checklist: a step-by-step approach to key considerations for BNG-led designs for the creation and enhancement of grassland and woodland habitats. The Checklist can be applied to all developments and BNG habitats; this training covers woodland and grasslands.

The training runs through a series of check points when designing for habitat creation and enhancement, such as:

• Setting objectives from a project perspective;
• The importance of site context and landscape ecology;
• Gathering baseline information/site survey beyond just ecology and biodiversity metric surveys;
• Site evaluation;
• Species selection/planting mixes and site habitat design;
• Methods of woodland/grassland creation (e.g. natural colonisation/ regeneration, seeding and planting), and planting patterns.

The session includes presentations with case studies, Q&A and practical sessions for delegates to work through habitat creation designs, problem-solve issues and identify win-win opportunities.

This course is for Ecologists with a good working knowledge of England’s mandatory Biodiversity Net Gain and of the statutory Biodiversity Metric but who have yet to fully undertake a habitat design, especially for the creation and enhancement of woodlands and grasslands.

Ecological consultants are the primary target delegates. This course is primarily for consultant Ecologists who have a basic-level of experience with BNG assessments and metric calculations, and now wish to expand their knowledge and skills in habitat designs for BNG. This course will also be relevant to ecologists within local government, NGOs and client organisations especially those to develop their habitat design skills for Biodiversity Net Gain.

A basic-level understanding of UK laws protecting wildlife for development, of UK habitat classification, and of Biodiversity Net Gain and the statutory biodiversity metric calculation.

• An understanding of the concept of Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) from a design perspective.
• Knowledge of the information required to establish baselines for designing BNG.
• Knowledge of the key considerations when designing for habitat creation and enhancement/restoration for BNG. Topics will cover woodland and grassland habitats.