What is Biodiversity Net Gain?
With the new Environment Act coming into effect and COP26 having recently taken place, buzzwords relating to the climate ecological emergency are being banded around left right and centre. One of these is biodiversity net gain (BNG) – a term used to describe how the value of habitats (and in theory, wildlife) on a site may change over time. In terms of planning and development, it is an approach to demonstrate how a project will comply with both wildlife legislation and planning policy to bring about gains for wildlife. In turn, it encourages developers to put more focus on creating green spaces and infrastructure within their development. Or, to introduce another new term for you, Natural Capital.
If you do some reading around, you will find articles arguing the pros or cons of BNG, from the perspective of ecologists or conservationists. It is by no means a perfect process, but from our perspective, if there is a requirement to achieve biodiversity net gain, this can mean habitats that may not have otherwise been retained or created, are included in the overall design for the site. Whilst current wildlife legislation can protect specific species, a requirement for BNG can ensure habitats that are good for wildlife in general are also protected. This is important for a number of reasons. If, due to legislation, we only protect habitat specific to a small number of protected species, this will cause habitats to become fragmented, and put common species at risk of decline.
Inclusion of these habitats are not just beneficial for the species that use them – it’s worth considering the wider ecosystem services that could be achieved as a result of the habitats chosen for the site. For example, if allotments have been included within a residential development, inclusion of habitats that support pollinators will ensure a good yield for tenants using allotments to grow vegetables, with many food plants relying on pollination to produce fruit. There are also benefits such as carbon sequestration, and flood prevention. The benefits of spending time in natural and green spaces are also widely known to improve mental health, and numerous studies finding that during the recent Covid-19 pandemic there were sharp increases in the number of people utilising their local parks and spending time outside for leisure or exercise.
How does it work?
Net gain is calculated by inputting habitats, pre- and post- development, into a metric, created by Defra (Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs). The metric (Defra Metric 3.0, as of July 2021) provides a baseline biodiversity score for the site, and then the percentage change between pre- and post-development is given – which is where the “net gain” comes in. The metric will have fixed weighting to a habitat’s “distinctiveness”, but we can add in additional elements that may vary between site, such as the habitats “condition.” For example, a pond would have a fixed distinctiveness score of “high.” However, if during the site surveys it was found to have little emergent vegetation, evidence of high nutrients or possibly pollution, then we could specify that it was of “poor” condition. These classifications are associated with the score and get multiplied along with other factors, to provide a biodiversity score for the habitat. Other things that are considered include how long a habitat might take to reach maturity, and difficulty of creation.
What does a quote for BNG calculations include?
Usually if a net gain calculation is required, we will include a biodiversity impact assessment at the end of a report, or we can produce a standalone document. This will include a written summary of the change in ecological value and any assumptions made when completing the calculations and interpreting the landscape plans provided. We can also provide recommendations for increasing the net gain score.
To conduct the actual calculation and complete the metric we require a detailed landscape plan, which demonstrates the different areas of habitat on site, with the illustration showing clear boundaries and sections that we can measure. For the pre-development score, we will base these habitats and areas off a habitat map created during the preliminary ecological appraisal of the site. The post-development score is based on measuring the sections of habitat illustrated on the agreed landscape plans. Often a landscape plan can have different terminology to describe areas of habitat to the codes/names used on the Biodiversity Metric. For example, an area described as wildflower meadow on a landscape plan could be listed as any of around eight habitat types on the Defra metric, which may all have different impacts and weightings on the biodiversity score for the site. To get clarity on this it may be necessary to have consultations with the landscape architect involved with the project to determine what type of species mix they are proposing for the habitat or what type of management they are likely to carry out. All this information will help us determine the most suitable habitat to put and the most realistic condition the habitat will reach.
In full, a quote will need to allow time for consultations, mapping habitats on GIS software, inputting the data into the Defra metric, and completing the analysis and reporting elements. The time allowed for all of this may vary depending on the scale of the project.
What happens if my project doesn’t reach 10%?
We can understand the frustration felt when it can feel impossible to reach that golden figure of 10% net gain, which is now so often cited. This can often happen when developments occur on greenfield sites, as even if the baseline habitats are not of significant importance, they are still significantly higher scoring than hard standing and buildings, which will score zero. This means any remaining habitat must be significantly enhanced to compensate for the biodiversity lost. A common pitfall is not having enough space to create new habitat, even though in relative terms, the developer is not planning to build over a huge amount. However, if this habitat is of high value and has a high multiplication factor for reaching maturity, it can take a much larger area to replace the biodiversity units lost.
As ecologists, we understand some of the pitfalls of the metric, and will always try to be pragmatic when it comes to making a written assessment on the biodiversity impact on the site. Sometimes it gets to a stage where the only way to reach 10% is to remove a perfectly good habitat and create a higher scoring one in its place, and realistically this may (arguably) cause more disruption to the site and displace species that the habitat currently supports. If we think certain habitat creation practices may be inappropriate, we will reflect this in our report, and similarly, emphasise the benefits of the proposed habitats if we feel they would be of particular benefit to the ecology on site. Alternatively, we will work alongside you to identify opportunities for offsetting biodiversity with a landowner/provider.
Here are some tips and pointers to keep your project on track and hopefully reduce delays due to low BNG scores:
- Involve and consult with an ecologist from an early stage. Even if they have not completed the metric yet, they may be able to advise on whether the existing habitats on site are likely to score highly, and therefore how much (roughly) might need to be retained/enhanced. We would always recommend retaining as much high-quality habitat as possible (e.g., woodland).
- Similarly, if your project involves covering a substantial portion of a green site with hard standing, they may be able to advise that it will be difficult to reach net gain, allowing you to investigate alternatives and adjustments at an early stage.
- Generally, a site is much more likely to achieve a net gain in biodiversity if it is a brownfield site, or partially developed already.
- Enhancing habitat that is being retained is a fantastic way to achieve gain which may use less labour and resources than creating an entirely new habitat. For example, if a pocket of woodland is identified on site, some general maintenance and understorey planting may take the condition of the habitat from poor or moderate, to good, or change the woodland type to a higher scoring habitat (e.g., from a fairly species poor plantation woodland, to a diverse deciduous mixed woodland).
- With the new Environment Act coming into action, if 10% cannot be achieved on-site it will need to be achieved using off-site enhancement. If we anticipate at an early stage, that it may be difficult to achieve 10% gain on-site, we can inform the client early on to allow time for finding a suitable area for off-site enhancement.
Sofie Borek, Assistant Ecologist
Want to talk to the experts about BNG?
There is definitely something quite significant about turning 50. For some it may feel like a downhill slope to 60, pipe and slippers and a dwindling pension, but for others it can feel like a transformative milestone. You may be bored of doing the same job you’ve always done, you may feel yourself slowly being sidelined to make way for younger colleagues, and may start to question whether your current career is really all it cracked up to be! According to research, over 90% of people over 50 would like a career change, and 59% go on to retrain for a new career. Generation Xers typically crave change, they are open to learning a new skill and place higher value on careers that align with hobbies and interests, rather than pay cheques and perks.
Our very own career switcher, Ian, joined Wildwood 2.5 years ago and hasn’t looked back. From his three ‘O’ Levels to a degree and promotion to Consultant Ecologist, Ian talks about his inspiring journey and just how passionate he is about a career in ecology.
What did your career path look like prior to joining Wildwood?
Before joining Wildwood Ecology 2.5 years ago, I enjoyed a varied career. I left school aged 16, when I enlisted with the Royal Navy as a RADAR operator. I have seen the world; experienced all walks of life and have been privileged to meet some amazing people, making some lifelong friends. On leaving the Navy, I was faced with the dilemma that most school leavers experience and are often asked: “What are you going to do when you leave?”. Having been institutionalised for 24 years, that was a difficult question to answer!
With a keen eye for detail and need for order, project management was the path I chose. However, after 4.5 years of not really getting anywhere, I craved a career change to a field in which I both enjoyed and had an interest. Beefing up my three O’ levels to a degree was a sound starting point! Inevitably, this was a huge challenge, but I relished the opportunity to push myself to achieve the best I could.
Why did you enter the ecology profession?
My studies at the Royal Agricultural University were varied but it wasn’t until my final year when I decided in which area of wildlife and the countryside I wanted to specialise. At first, I tried working for a Wildlife Trust, followed by a spell in forestry, but it wasn’t until I completed an ecology module, as part of my degree, that I discovered where my passion truly lies. I love being outdoors and I thrive on project work. Ecological consultancy offers a bit of both; surveying for protected species, managing projects, helping customers, making a difference, working part of the time outdoors and part in the office. For me, it provides the perfect balance.
Why do you consider yourself a good fit for Wildwood?
That’s a difficult question to answer.
Wildwood ecology is a small (but fast growing!) forward-thinking consultancy whose values address the current climate crisis by putting nature and our environment first. I believe in these values, but the key to being part of the Wildwood family is actually demonstrating these beliefs.
Being offered a job at Wildwood strangely did not follow the conventional route; applying to an advertisement, securing an interview, impressing the interviewers to being offered a position. For me it was, unknowingly, more of a 3-month assessment without realising I was even being considered. As a mature student on a module delivered by Wildwood’s Director, Richard Dodd, I was able to be assessed within a learning environment rather than an interview context. I was then lucky to secure voluntary work for Wildwood, gaining valuable insight into the industry and enabling me to make an informed decision about my career path. From volunteering, I was signed up as a seasonal bat surveyor where I met the other ecologists and was able to show my personal qualities and just how well I interact with others. My interest, discipline, manner, knowledge and values must have ticked boxes as I was offered a job at the end of the season.
So why am I a good fit for Wildwood? I suppose being mature (old!), I bring much more to the table than simply knowledge. Having considerable life experience and transferrable skills allows me not only to appreciate my role within the company, but I can also provide support, encouragement and development to the team. In return, I am being educated by my younger peers whom have entered the professional via a more traditional route.
What are you enjoying about the role and working for Wildwood?
I enjoy my work at Wildwood primarily because of the team. There is so much thought and effort that goes into the decision to employ every individual at Wildwood. One of the key requirements is simply that you fit. We are respectful of each other, work well as a team, helping and supporting each other, whilst all pulling in the same direction. We also like to have fun and this is an important part of the company’s culture, which I value enormously.
My role has certainly evolved over the past two years. Starting as a seasonal bat surveyor resulted in being offered a part-time role after one season, which after lockdown became a full-time post. I appreciate being treated as an individual and the opportunity and responsibility to grow within the company.
I thrive on the project management aspect of the job, from the first client enquiry to issuing a licence and the project being given the green light. Throughout the project we always consider the outcome – how we can best protect and enhance the environment for our wildlife. With a dedicated career framework, Wildwood recognises the abilities and skillset of all its staff and provides the structure and mechanisms required to grow. After just 2.5 years I have recently been promoted to Consultant Ecologist; an achievement of which I am extremely proud.
What does this promotion mean to you?
This promotion makes me proud of my achievements. The industry is by no means an easy one in which to gain recognition and secure promotion. With the entry level being a degree, this is something I never thought possible 20 years ago. Achieving protected species licences and competencies is not always straight forward, and in some cases can take years. The fact that I have been recognised for my hard work, my contribution to the company and my increase in knowledge provides me with the drive to continue.
Where do you aim to be in the future?
What I have learned to date is that progression in this industry is not something that happens overnight. You have to apply yourself to many disciplines and gain a lot of knowledge before you achieve recognition and the licences needed to progress up the ecology ladder. In the short term, I hope to achieve my Class 2 bat licence. In the long term, perhaps a position as a Principal Ecologist, time willing, is not off the cards!
What advice can you give aspiring ecologists considering a career switch?
Being a mature student and changing careers at the latter end of your working years may seem daunting. Going from a structured environment where you may manage a team or are the go-to person to solve a problem, to the bottom rung of the ladder in a new setting is scary, yet exciting. Having the support of my family and the drive to reinvent myself, I consider the past 6 years of my career transition to have been successful and I have no regrets.
Our ability to achieve something we want should not be underestimated, at whatever point in life. So if you’re passionate and ready to embrace change, just go for it. What could you possibly have to lose?
Ian Weller, Consultant Ecologist
Keen to join our team?
Looking to pursue a career in ecology?
I started my journey into the sector whilst I was still studying for my degree, and nearly 4 years later I think I have found a great consultancy to work with that cares about my professional development and wellbeing. However, it wasn’t all plain sailing, so here are some things I learnt along the way.
Is it right for you?
Ecology is a great ‘best of both worlds’ career, with the majority of roles having around a 50/50 split of fieldwork and desk-based work. The desk-based work requires transferrable skills such as project management and working with clients, so if you already have a bit of office experience in any sector, this will work in your favour. When it comes to surveying, it’s beneficial to have experience with certain protected species, but for many entry level seasonal positions, if you can demonstrate that you have experience surveying taxa of any kind, this is enough to demonstrate that you can apply your skill to the surveys needed in ecology. In comparison, many practical habitat management roles such as ‘ranger’ or ‘warden’ are so competitive that, in my experience, you need to have the exact skills and experience required for that job.
One thing I like about working in ecology is how it suits such a wide range of individuals. Whilst I excelled in taxonomy, fieldwork and science communication, I struggled with essays and exams at university. When I started my first role in ecology, I was pleased to learn that the reporting style is concise, uniform and, importantly, needs to be written in a way that is professional but clear and translatable to clients. There are many in the sector who have come from less scientific backgrounds but have always had a passion for wildlife and taxonomy; and equally there are many people that come into the sector having gained a PhD, so it suits both those highly academic and those less so.
Even within ecology, roles can be very different, so it’s worth having a good look around at different companies and calling ahead of your application to get a feel for how the job will pan out. Some can be largely desk-based, with fieldwork subcontracted out, and some, you will require staying away from home for weeks on end to carry out surveys. The role that suits you will be out there – you may just have to do some digging to make sure of a good fit.
Still interested? Great!
If you are reading this, as a current undergraduate or perhaps thinking of a career change and beginning a new course, my big top tip is to take full advantage of your situation and use it to gain as much experience as possible. For many, university, although stressful at points, can be some of the best 3 years of our lives. It can therefore be easy to just have the mindset of “oh I’ll just worry about getting a job when I’ve finished”. However, getting into the ecology sector does require you to have some experience that you will most likely have to gain by volunteering. This is much harder, although not impossible, to do once you find yourself needing a full-time job, and having less time to commit to unpaid work.
There will rarely be a time where you get month long holidays multiple times a year, so take full advantage of having this in between term time. In the summer before my final year at university, I volunteered with my local Wildlife Trust weekly, and returned to it at Christmas and Easter too. Although it is hard to find the time to commit to so much voluntary work, continuous attendance really demonstrates that you will have gained valuable knowledge and that you are passionate about wildlife. Even during term time, whilst busy during my third year, there was always time to volunteer for at least half a day per week.
Choosing placements and modules
If your course offers a placement year option, this is a huge opportunity to get a big chunk of experience under your belt. Really take time to think about what placements would provide you with useful experience and skills for a job in the UK, if that’s what you’re aiming for!. I truly believe my placement on a RSPB reserve helped me get a foot in the door in ecology, due to spending a large portion of my time surveying a range of taxa; from birds to moths and butterflies.
Although I hadn’t surveyed for protected species, this demonstrated an ability to work independently, following a standardised methodology. Finishing this placement in May, I was then fortunate to secure a seasonal role as a surveyor for a consultancy before I had even finished my degree! There are lots of placements like this on offer across the country, and it’s much easier to do these stints of unpaid work when you have a government loan. Countryside Jobs Service is a great place to find these placements, along with the big NGO wildlife charities such as the RSPB, Wildlife Trusts and National Trust. Some local councils also run similar placement opportunities.
University courses will often offer the opportunity to select certain modules; enabling you to tailor your degree experience to a career in ecology. During my final year, there was a wide range of intensive modules from which to choose. Having spent the summer working for a consultancy, I had a greater understanding of what would be the most beneficial courses. I opted for GIS, bat ecology and survey techniques, and science communication.
Your university professors will often have links with lots of different organisations and projects. If one is working on something that sounds interesting, don’t be afraid to reach out and ask if they may know of or have any opportunities for you to help and get involved with.
Most universities will offer free careers advice, including help with CVs and interviews. My own also offered this for 3 years following graduation which was really useful.
If you have finished your degree, and are now looking at applying for jobs, it’s definitely worth having a good read around of different roles and types of companies. This will help you understand what experience is required, and the range of work out there (it’s vast!). Consultancy can range from tiny family run companies where the majority of work is for private homeowners, to large multi-disciplinary companies that not only do ecology, but habitat contracting, sustainability consulting, and a range of other things. The work here will more likely be big, long term jobs large infrastructure projects.
Think one step ahead
My first role as an assistant became largely desk-based, fairly early on in my role, and there will be a number of companies that sub-contract the majority of their fieldwork, leaving the report writing and project management to their in-house staff. For me, a more field based role is what I prefer, especially early on in my career, but when I started looking into applying for different roles with another company, I realised that my lack of fieldwork experience could hinder me. Although on paper, I had just over a year’s experience of working in a consultancy, when it came to interview, I was tripped up by the fact my survey knowledge wasn’t up to scratch. It was at this point that I realised it would have been beneficial to know what the usual requirements were for assistant and then consultant roles, so that I could ensure the experience I was gaining or applying for would actually help me get on that ladder.
In whatever sector we work in, employers will always try and make their role and workplace sound appealing, so of course it’s hard to know what it will actually turn out like. But once you are in your first role, perhaps just give yourself a mental list of questions to help you know whether the role is giving you a good starting point, or if you may need to bump up your experience with external training, for example. These could be things like:
“Am I getting to survey a range of species, or just one main one?”
“Am I getting experience both in the field but also doing some simple office work, such as data entry or desk studies?”
“Am I getting to work with and learn from skilled ecologists who hold protected species licences?”
My second role in ecology was technically a step down, but I knew at this point it was important to focus on what I would gain from the role, rather than the title. As a Trainee Ecologist with Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, I spent a full season carrying out a wide range of surveys, from invertebrate to amphibian, bats to reptiles. My senior colleagues all had some kind of specialism and it was invaluable to get the opportunity to shadow and learn from them. This experience combined with the project management I did in my first ecology role, helped me get the role I am in now, and I hope to soon be able to progress to consultant level.
I hope this has been insightful and wish you all the best on your journey into the sector.
Sofie Borek, Assistant Ecologist
Understanding the requirements, purpose and design options for bat lofts is an important consideration for architects, following the discovery of a bat roost during the development process.
Discovery of a bat roost
The client has commissioned you to redesign a building into their dream property. Whether it is an old farm building or a more modern building that needs a face lift, you set to work on the design to impress and inspire. For many of the planning applications put forward, there is often a requirement for an ecological survey for bats. Bats are present in all locations and are not restricted to rural areas. Peter Hacker, Wildwood ecologist reports “we have found bats roosting under PVC fascia boards on a 1960’s housing estate, under lifted roofing felt on a flat roofed school building, in the pitched roof of an outside toilet as well as in the loft of a modern bungalow”.
If a bat roost is discovered during a Preliminary Roost Assessment (PRA) or subsequent emergence survey, there will be a need to accommodate roosting bats, post construction. It is worth considering when starting to draw up the new design, that bats may be using the property as a roost. Compensation for the loss of a roost could be as simple as a new built-in bat box or the need for a bat loft. A loft could be incorporated in the early stages of the design process; an area Wildwood ecology could assist with as we have a wealth of experience.
Wildwood Ecology worked alongside the architects and builders on the restoration of Llwyn Celyn, a Grade 1 listed heritage building in the Llanthony Valley. Involved from the early stages of this complex project, a bat loft was designed and incorporated into the structure of the restored buildings. The loft has been a success and is regularly monitored. Increasing numbers of lesser horseshoe bats are being recorded year on year. The loft is a two-storey structure, with a monitoring hatch and internal features for lesser horseshoe and brown long-eared bats. The design also incorporated a built-in heating device to maintain perfect ambient temperatures.
Research into mitigation and compensation for the loss of a bat roost has highlighted the most successful approach is to retain the roost insitu. Unfortunately, in some cases, the retention of the roost could also result in a decline in use and the numbers of bats using the roost. This decline could be down to the change of the features around the roost or changes to the structure which causes a change in the ambient temperature and the temperature regimes within the roost.
Bats in some ways resemble the behaviours of humans. Some like a small bijou space (common pipistrelle), others prefer a large spacious area (greater horseshoe). Humans like to have a view or access to amenities, so do bats. These mammals like to be in an area of treelines and hedgerows for food and commuting routes. Close resources mean the bats do not have to waste precious energy searching for food. Our houses are heated in the winter, and in the summer months we want our rooms cooler. Bats also like the option to move around the roost as temperatures change.
For some developments or projects, retaining the roost in its original undisturbed position is not possible, therefore the loss of the roost has to be accommodated. However, attempting to replicate a roost that has been specifically chosen by a bat is difficult and not always successful.
Bats are a protected species, and this legal protection covers the disturbance and/or destruction of a roost and every effort must be made to provide a roosting opportunity with equal or greater qualities of that lost.
Brown long-eared, lesser and greater horseshoe bats are species that require an open space in their roost. They like to fly around the roost in order to warm up prior to exiting. Unlike horseshoe species, the brown long-eared bat has the ability to crawl through holes, cracks and crevices to reach the open space of the roost. Horseshoe species require free flight access to the roost, meaning no obstacles or barriers in their way for entering or exiting the roost. Although, there is anecdotal information from experienced ecologists who have encountered the phenomenon of horseshoe bats going against the grain and crawling.
Bat loft design
Should a roost for a species that needs flight access be lost, there is every likelihood that a bat loft will be required to compensate for the loss. There are no hard and fast rules regarding the design of bat lofts. However, there are a set of requirements for the design to make it a suitable place to roost. Ideally the design should take into account additional bat species that could use the loft, not just the species whose roost is being lost. The bat loft can be a stand-alone structure or incorporated into the design of the development.
Wildwood Ecology has recently been involved in the design of bat lofts for a variety of properties, including an internal loft within an old coach house near Marlborough, forming part of a new roof and a new loft in a Grade II listed farm building near Bath, that is being repurposed. Discussions with the architect throughout the design process enabled us to come up with a suitable bat loft that not only met the needs of the client, but also the Heritage Officer.
Ten top tips for bat loft construction
- The loft needs to have a large void space to allow the bats to fly around.
- For horseshoe bats this void space should be unobstructed by constructional timbers.
- The void space should be located within the roof of a building that has an apex.
- If the loft is standalone, an apex roof should be built.
- The recommended height from floor to the top of the apex is in excess of 2.8 metres with a recommended width and length of five metres or more.
- Ideally one of the roof pitches should face in a southerly direction.
- The entrance of the loft should be positioned as close as possible to the original entrance to the roost.
- There should be no external lighting around the entrance at a height of 3-4 metres.
- It is worth considering the use of a hopper at the entrance. This is a 45-degree metal lined shoot that deters birds from entering the roost, but still allowing access to bats.
- The loft should be built with a lockable panel into the loft to allow access by a licenced ecologist for monitoring.
The roof of the loft, where possible should be constructed of the original or similar tiles but incorporating a variety of bat tiles. Raised bats tiles provide at roost space for crevice dwelling bats such as common and soprano pipistrelles.
The lining of the roof must be made of traditional hessian bitumen roofing felt or wooden sarking. Non-bitumen coated roofing membranes (formerly known as Breathable Roofing Membranes (BRMs) should not be used, as bat claws get caught in the fibres the bats get trapped.
The internal lining of the loft should be constructed from rough untreated timber. This is the preferred material for bats and allows bats to cling the rough surface. The internal design of the loft space should incorporate a variety of different features that creates opportunities for hanging, crevices to crawl into and areas that create different thermal regimes.
Ground floor and access
For the stand-alone bat loft or if space is available, as part of the development, a ground floor area should be created. This space can be constructed of breeze block/ brick or stone and ideally rendered on the inside. An opening roughly one metre square should be cut into the ceiling of the ground floor to allow bats free flight access from the loft area to the ground floor area. As the bat loft is likely to have been created because of a granted bat licence, the loft will be required to be monitored. In order to do this, a door should be built into one of the ground floor walls and a lockable hatch, two metres square built into the ceiling of the ground floor, opposite the free flight access opening.
Features can be added to this lower section of the loft, such as horizontal crevices or hanging points created from expandable flower trellises.
Finally, a north facing wall could be purposed as a hibernation wall. This is created by building a second internal wall 50cm away from the northern wall. Within the cavity of these two walls, small mortar blocks are put in place to create crevices within this cavity. Access holes are left in the exterior of the northern wall to allow bats into the cavity.
Whilst there is no guarantee of the new bat loft being successful, recent studies (Collins et al, 2020) found that new lofts in adapted buildings and retained lofts were more successful than new lofts in new buildings. Additionally, the higher the number of small internal cavity voids within a loft showed a higher positive relationship with the number of bats using a loft.
Bat loft versus bat box
Bat lofts are significantly more excessive than bat boxes. However, if we are to continue to prevent further loss to these wonderful, clever creatures then every effort should be taken to ensure their survival where they cohabit with humans.
Whilst bat boxes fulfil a purpose, a study by Stone et al, 2013, showed that bat lofts had a 74% occupancy rate compared to a 13% occupancy rate of boxes. The success of bat boxes is being studied and the initial indications show that built in bat boxes are more successful than externally mounted boxes. The overall message is that a bat loft has a greater potential of being used or reused by bats than other commercially available alternatives. If would like further advice about bat loft design, please do contact us.
Ian Weller, Ecologist
Need advice about bats?
Onsite with the Ecologists
When invited to join our ecologists on a site visit of significant interest, as part of a whole team training exercise, I jumped at the chance. As Marketing Manager, my days are spent devoted to the screen, so I was dying to find out what these ecologists get up to when out in the field. It was the perfect opportunity to put the jargon into context; to learn what a Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA) entails, how a Preliminary Roost Assessment (PRA) is executed and witness first-hand the work of our expert ecologists.
On a delightfully bright, crisp, spring morning, the Wildwood team met at a disused RAF airfield near Avebury in Wiltshire. Led by ecologist, Peter Hacker, supported by Principal Ecologist Ivi Szaboova, this was a prime opportunity to bring the team together and allow our newest members to learn how these key services, the PEA and PRA, are performed.
The site was certainly captivating with far reaching views across open countryside; it felt like an abandoned war film set, with an eerie array of derelict buildings in various states of disrepair. An impressive aircraft hangar, built in 1916, is a key feature and understood to be one of a number of Grade II listed buildings onsite to be converted.
A majestic avenue of poplar trees provided a glimpse of the future development’s potential for a statement entrance. Restored and converted to form an exclusive residential development, the site clearly boasts huge potential. Sensitive and creative conversion aims to retain as much historic fabric as possible in keeping with the surrounding landscape, whilst maintaining and enhancing the natural habitats and biodiversity of the site.
At Wildwood Ecology, we relish the opportunity to work with like-minded, innovative architects such as those responsible for the development of this particular site. Developers recognised its ecological significance and understand the likelihood of potential constraints associated with protected species. By appointing Wildwood well ahead of works taking place, and working together from the outset, they have the best chance of meeting planning requirements and eliminating delays. Wildwood’s experienced ecologists will provide a comprehensive assessment of the site, advising on necessary surveys, and offering pragmatic solutions to meet the demands of planning regulations.
High-visibility clothing, protective headgear and site maps distributed, risk assessments completed and signed, the team split to complete the PRA for two distinct areas of buildings.
Ecologists boast rare superpowers that I never quite appreciated – with the nose of a bloodhound, they’re able to sniff out bat urine at 20m and have hawk-eye vision for spotting signs of life. Their attention to detail is second to none and I can immediately see that no stone goes unturned in carrying out a large-scale exercise such as this. At first glance, and when standing inside as the wind whipped through the window openings, the buildings devoid of rooves seemed to offer very little protection for a hibernating bat.
The PRA is an assessment, not only of the indication that bats are present and actively using the building but also the potential suitability of the building for roosting bats. It also takes into account the land surrounding the building. In this case, the landscape provided ample foraging ground, with little noise disturbance or light pollution from local residences. Looking for crevices and spaces in the brickwork where bats might find shelter and scouring the floor for bat droppings was the first job in hand. Whilst no bat droppings were located, an impressive selection of owl pellets were collected and identified as those of a barn owl.
Peter Hacker explained “When looking for roosts, bats prefer stable conditions with constant temperatures and humidity. The buildings we have here will have highly variable internal conditions and thus offer low suitability for use by bats”.
Crevice in the brick work
Finding owl pellets
Meeting for an alfresco lunch to compare notes and discuss findings provided an appreciation of the complexities of moderating the assessment process. What one ecologist might initially consider a building of low suitability for bats, another might grade of greater significance. Conversation and collaboration is critical and I begin to understand the significance of effective communication as an ecologist, amongst each other and with clients too.
Following assessment of the buildings and structures onsite, it was time to carry out the Preliminary Ecological Appraisal – a scoping survey where all habitats on site are recorded using either the Phase 1 or UK Habitat classification system, with details of flora present within each habitat recorded, along with any observations of fauna (or evidence of).
These preliminary surveys give ecologists a great baseline, enabling them to determine the potential for protected or notable species to utilise the site, plan species specific surveys that may be required, and gain an initial insight into the possible constraints and opportunities for the project.
For such a large area it was important to take time to walk the site systematically, ensuring to take in all areas and habitats. Starting with recording the floral species in the grassland that covered the majority of the site, the team then began mapping and recording areas of scrub, hedgerows and treelines. An active badger sett was uncovered, and time was taken to assess the feature for signs of activity. Old barbed wire adjacent to the sett entrances showed evidence of badger hair caught in the barbs. The holes were the characteristic D shape, with no debris or cobwebs covering the entrances – definitely one to note for further surveys! Working with clients in the early stages of a project allows for the least disturbance to wildlife. Although mitigation equates to further work, it is always preferable to be able to leave a badger sett undisturbed and plan the project around it; allowing the two to co-exist.
Preliminary Ecological Appraisal
Mapping and recording areas of scrub
It was amazing to see how quickly nature can take over a disused area and how species reside happily in a habitat that is a mix of man-made infrastructure and greenery. An area of open grassland on the edge of the site, was littered with rubble piles and building materials including corrugated iron sheets, roofing felt and plywood. It’s important for developers not to underestimate these habitats as they can become ideal refugia for a number of species. The ecologists’ eyes lit up with thoughts of the reptiles that might be utilising this particular area! Some of these materials are frequently used by ecologists when carrying out reptiles surveys, so their presence, along with tussocky unmanaged grassland, is a great sign that reptiles may be present. Ecologists too noted the habitats in the vicinity when determining suitability for protected species. They need to be pragmatic – if the habitat in the footprint of the development isn’t suitable for a species or there are considerable barriers to movement between their habitat and the development, there may not be a need to investigate further. However in this case, the suitable habitat will be directly affected, and there were no barriers to movement between the site and the wider landscape.
My day onsite with the team was time well spent. So what have I learnt? I’ve learnt more than anything just how important it is to get out of the office and experience how we deliver our services! I have a far greater understanding of the day-to-day work of an ecologist, but I am also able to better appreciate the professionalism, expertise and attention to detail demonstrated by the Wildwood Ecology team. As a company, we take pride in our strong vision and clear values, but it was satisfying to see the team show just how far we go to do more than just ‘talk the talk’.
I especially look forward to seeing this project progress, under the careful guidance of our expert team, who will undoubtedly be working closely with the client to ensure this development secures the best possible outcome for both people and planet – one that works with, and alongside, nature.
Lucy Larkman, Marketing Manager
Certifying as a B Corp in 2019, and becoming the first ecological consultancy in Europe to do so, meant the world to Wildwood. It is something of which we are exceptionally proud. But why the big deal? What does it mean and why were we so keen to be a part of this global movement?
What are B Corporations?
Certified B Corporations are businesses that meet the highest standards of verified social and environmental performance, public transparency, and legal accountability to balance profit and purpose. We believe that profit should not be the sole driving force behind our business. We have the power to use business to create a healthier environment, stronger communities, equal opportunities and better working relationships.
The movement’s philosophy aligns with our own vision and values, and by certifying, we have a means to effectively score our progress. As a Certified B Corp, we are rigorously assessed on how we are delivering on our social and environmental performance. As such, all B Corps need to recertify every three years. In the two years between certification, all B Corps must write an annual impact report on their progress to create positive impact. This report is, in part, fulfilment of that commitment.
Our baseline score
As a relatively new B Corp, we had our initial baseline impact assessment completed in early 2019. We were immensely pleased to have recorded a score of 80.6 out of 200. The median score for non-B Corp businesses is 50.9. As the minimum impact score for certification is set at 80.0, we clearly just about scraped in. But that’s not uncommon as a first score. It provides us with a great baseline to improve upon, and one we will relish in doing so.
Our progress since certification
Since certification we have made a number of changes and shifted the dial a little in some of the core areas (see Table below). One area we have made significant efforts to improve was for our customers.
We recognise that our latest score is unverified (verification is scheduled for June 2022), but we are confident that significant progress has been made through some of the following changes:
- We treat our social and environmental impact as a primary measure of success for our business and prioritize it even in cases where it may not drive profitability.
- Our vision, values and objectives include a commitment to a specific positive social impact (sustainable economic development) and a specific environmental impact (restore biodiversity loss and climate change)
- Changes to job descriptions and performance reviews that include training in and advocacy for social and environmental change.
- Volunteer days for employees each month.
- As a certified Living Wage employer, we pay a real living wage. Our lowest paid employees therefore earn above the national living wage in the UK.
- All employees receive an annual bonus, based on company performance.
- All employees have access to formal skills based training.
- All employees have access to external professional development training.
- All employees enjoy a minimum of 25 paid annual leave.
- 1% of company profits are donated to charitable causes each year, as well as other resources including equipment and labour.
- Over 50% of senior staff are women.
- We create new jobs each year.
- We use local suppliers.
- We have changed our bank account, from global bank, HSBC, to purpose-led banking provided by The Co-operative.
- We provide services that seek and contribute towards halting biodiversity loss and halt the negative impacts of climate change.
- We promote discussion of environmental issues.
- At our Cirencester premises, we have influenced our landlord to seek a greener energy supplier.
- We use technology that reduces the impact on the environment. We re-use technology and purchase fairtrade equipment.
- We recycle waste in all offices.
- Our services have a positive impact on our customers.
- We manage the data provided by our customers sensitively and comply with GDPR.
- We are verified to meet third-party standards for impact (Registered Ecological Practice).
- We address a social or environmental impact for our customers.
The great thing about the three year assessment is that we have a clear timeline upon which to plan our objectives. We have committed to achieving Carbon Net Zero by 2030 and plans are already in place to:
- Replace our existing vehicles to an electric fleet. Given the amount of time our team spend on the road visiting sites, this is a significant priority for us. Watch this space!
- We recognise that we need to reduce our carbon footprint whilst delivering our services. With our aim to ensure that each service is carbon net zero, we are now embarking on the process of monitoring and evaluation.
- We want to work with like-minded individuals and organisations who share our vision and values. We believe we can achieve great things if we work together, so forging new partnerships is something we are actively pursuing. If you’re interested in having a conversation, do get in touch!
In great company
We are just one of more than 3000 companies in the UK certified as B Corporations, across 150 industries. Big names include Abel & Cole, Cook, Ella’s Kitchen, Patagonia, TOMS to name just a few. It’s a simple philosophy – we share the same vision, we share the same goals and we’re prepared to work together as a force for good. Interested to find out more?
Richard Dodd, Managing Director