Biodiversity Net Gain becomes Mandatory
Starting January 2024, new developments in England must embrace Biodiversity Net Gain, ensuring a minimum 10% boost in biodiversity. Developers can achieve this by enhancing on-site/off-site habitats or acquiring statutory biodiversity credits. While variations exist across local planning authorities, the overarching goal is to elevate post-development biodiversity, contributing positively to climate change mitigation. As this mandate takes effect, developers are encouraged to integrate these ecological enhancements for a more sustainable and resilient approach to development practices.
New Environmental Land Management Schemes
In 2024, the agricultural and construction sectors experience a transformative shift with the launch of three new Environmental Land Management Schemes (ELMs): the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI), Countryside Stewardship (CS), and Landscape Recovery.
Sustainable Farming Incentive
The Sustainable Farming Incentive is a comprehensive program, offering ongoing payments for environmentally sustainable land management. In contrast to the Basic Payment Scheme, SFI rewards farmers for specific actions, empowering them to choose practices suited to their land. It encompasses cropland, grassland, livestock, tree and woodland management, and various measures for environmental conservation.
Countryside Stewardship and CS Plus
Countryside Stewardship and CS Plus aim to enhance local environmental habitats through ongoing and one-off payments, filling the void of the cancelled Local Nature Recovery. They focus on creating, managing, and restoring diverse habitats, emphasizing connectivity, natural flood management, species management, infrastructure development, and geodiversity.
Landscape Recovery
Landscape Recovery focuses on select landscape-scale projects, including large-scale forest creation, ecosystem restoration, and coastal habitat creation. It addresses broad ecological and environmental goals on an expansive scale, contributing to the restoration of key landscape features and habitats.
AI Advancements in Bat Surveying
In 2024, the utilisation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in bat surveying is expected to grow, drawing from successful implementations in 2019. The Bat Conservation Trust, a pioneer in this technological integration, employs the AI-powered Sound Classification System to enhance efficiency for ecologists, streamlining equipment bookings, file uploads, and bat sound identifications. A noteworthy achievement occurred in a 2019 joint pilot project with Forestry England, where AI successfully identified nearly 2 million bat calls. Further advancements and applications of AI are expected for 2024, as the development of this tool provides a valuable opportunity for ecological surveyors to enhance efficiency and accuracy.
References:
GOV.UK (2023) Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-environment-food-rural-affairs
