The Role of Drone and UAV Surveying for Habitat Restoration

Dealing with large construction sites means managing an equally large amount of land, and the wildlife that lives there. Getting the full scope of what’s there is vital in understanding the steps you need to take to preserve or restore it, but it can be challenging for larger areas.

The vital early stages of project planning need this data to progress, and at The Habitat Restoration Co., we have the solution. We help architects, developers, and project managers to minimise their ecological impact and actually reach a net positive, aligning your projects with government biodiversity net gain (BNG) requirements. In this article, we’ll discuss how drones present the perfect solution to surveyance for the natural environment.

Find out how our habitat restoration services can support your project – get in touch today.

How are Drones Used for Surveying the Natural Environment?

Drones and unmanned arial vehicles (UAVs) are an increasingly popular way for developers, conservationists, and land surveyors to conduct surveys on various environments and pieces of land.

According to a report on the use of drones for restoration ecology, they can be used in a number of restoration scenarios like mapping habitats, managing wildfires, and monitoring restoration efforts.They can also be used for a variety of purposes such as:

• Habitat mapping
• Climate change research
• Ecosystem processes and services
• Water resource and wetland management
Habitat restoration

Traditionally, the main forms of surveyance have been from satellite imagery, footwork, and crowdsourcing:

Satellites: these give a high detail view of an area, but can be expensive and hard to obtain recent imagery from. Additionally, they cannot give multiple angles of imagery, provide imagery at the moment of request, or investigate further, so they can end up falling behind other methods.
Footwork: by inspecting the site on foot, you can receive a report based on first-hand exploration. However, some sites can be difficult or impossible to navigate, and a report given from the ground perspective may not have as much detail or accuracy as a drone’s overview.
Crowdsourcing: depending on where the land is and what you’re using it for, you may be able to forego the expense of on-site manpower and get budding conservationists to provide you with the information you need. This is far from a reliable source of information, however, especially for construction projects, so other methods should be explored instead.

Drones act as the next step forward for land surveys. They can provide 360-degree imagery of any site, requiring little investment and producing extremely detailed results – exactly to your specification. They can record photos and imagery from any angle, and provide a low-interference way of engaging with the natural environment.

The Benefits of Using Drones for Habitat Restoration

Incredibly versatile and relatively cost-effective to use, drones are the perfect solution for on-site imagery and analysis in any field. For habitat restoration in particular, they allow you to cut down costs while still playing an active role in ensuring our habitats can be maintained.

Some of the key benefits of using drones for habitat restoration, and for your projects in general, include:

• Reducing ecological impact through quiet running, no emissions, and low energy requirements
• Offering a full-scope view of the project site
• Identifying habitats, flora, and fauna that may need protecting
• Helping to locate the right places for habitat restoration efforts
• Providing conveniency for hard-to-access sites and locations
• Supporting early planning stages, preventing costly realignment later on
• Identifying other site challenges like topography, dense foliage, and water features
• Cutting costs and emissions for other forms of site investigation
• Working in tandem with your other assessment (e.g. ground investigations) to help formulate a robust plan

Learn more about habitat restoration and why it is important – both for you, and for the planet >

How Drone Surveillance Can Measure and Monitor Habitat Restoration

By capturing data with scanners and sensors, drones can produce highly detailed and accurate reports of the state on your site. This allows you to see whether or not it is suitable for restoration, what restoration it requires, or how your restoration efforts are going – all incredibly valuable when trying to meet your BNG targets.

Additionally, cameras can take photos and record videos and audio, giving an even more in-depth look into your site. By piecing together all of this information, you can even create 3D virtual maps of the site as a form of Augmented Reality (AR) known as a Digital Twin, allowing you to develop an even better understanding which might enhance your designs and development goals.

Some of the main uses of drone surveillance in this process include:

• Tracking whether animals are settling in to their new environments
• Remotely ensuring that the habitats that have been set up are continuing to flourish
• Providing a birds-eye view of habitat restoration project progress, ensuring it reaches the required targets
• Offering a low-cost method of habitat restoration inspection, ensuring your efforts don’t go to waste

Secure Your Habitat Restoration Solution from THRC

By providing highly detailed reports and analysis of your environments, drones enable a greater understanding of the habitats on your land, informing the next steps to help you achieve biodiversity net gain and habitat restoration. They can continue to offer benefits through monitoring your restoration and relocation sites from afar, ensuring any ecological efforts you do make continue to have lasting benefits.

At The Habitat Restoration Co., we aim to ensure your projects can meet their biodiversity net gain goals with ease. Our habitat restoration services help wildlife thrive, providing an effective solution to your ecological needs. To find out more, get in touch with the team today!

Find out how ecosystem conservation is helping to achieve the UN’s sustainable development goals >
Learn about the impact of UK investment zones on local ecosystems >

How Architects Can Protect Biodiversity

Biodiversity is the balance of indigenous life in the UK, giving our flora and fauna all the resources they need to thrive. However, construction projects can lead to this biodiversity being disrupted, resulting in ripple effects that put our wild spaces at risk. Architects play a vital role in identifying and preventing risks to biodiversity before construction can even take place.

At The Habitat Restoration Co., we aim to restore and preserve as much of the UK’s natural world as possible. This includes helping architects uncover ways to maximise the biodiversity net gain from their projects. In this article, we’ll discuss biophilic design, the importance of sustainable architecture, and how you can protect biodiversity as an architect.

If you need support with achieving your biodiversity goals, get in touch today.

What is Biophilic Design?

Biophilic design is in essence the blending of urban environments with natural spaces. It makes use of otherwise bland structures and spaces, filling them with vibrant life that can support the flora and fauna that would have originally resided there.

Not every location is suitable for biophilic design, but modern architectural methods mean there are lots of opportunities and methods of implementation. Greenwalls, garden areas, and locally sourced sustainable materials can all feed into the look and image of your design while also helping to preserve nature.

Even when you’re committed to biophilic design, you may end up inadvertently causing damage to habitats and the creatures within them. The Biodiversity Net Gain regulations mean that any project must have at least a 10% overall positive impact on biodiversity, and biophilic design, alongside other sustainable practices mean you can more easily achieve this target.

Find out what habitat restoration is, why it’s important, and how it support the BNG regulations >

The Importance of Sustainable Architectural Designs

Sustainable architecture can seem like a costly endeavour, but sustainable practices and materials can actually end up saving you money in the long run. For example, it might be cheaper to source materials from abroad, but when you factor in transportation costs (and the massive amount of emissions this sort of procurement takes) you’re often better just getting it locally to begin with.

There is more to it than just costs, however. We need to be more sustainable with our interactions with nature and wild spaces to ensure we can protect and preserve the plants and animals that live there. These creatures are vital to our own health and wellbeing, so architectural designs must be made with the security of these habitats and their occupants in mind.

Some of the key benefits of sustainable architecture include:

  • Protecting the environment
  • Lowering costs
  • Reducing emissions
  • Creating a healthier living space
  • Providing comfort and serenity
  • Futureproofing with regards to material acquisition and regulations
  • Meeting current regulatory requirements
  • Providing the greatest results for local communities and creatures

How to Protect Biodiversity using Architectural Designs

Nightlife-Friendly Lighting

Light pollution is a major contributor for disruptions to the sleeping and migratory patterns of wildlife. Creatures like insects, bats, and owls all require the cover of night to thrive, so ensure any lighting you include in your architectural designs is fit for these animals, to help preserve their habitats and numbers.

Greenwalls and Roofs

Living walls and roofs such as greenwalls help to encourage life into urban areas, while providing vibrant and beautiful design features that help your buildings truly stand out. Depending on the plants you use, they can also support additional life such as birds and bees, adding natural diversity to your design.

Effective Drainage

Effective drainage is required to prevent leakage and spilling into wild areas and soil. These leaks can cause irreparable harm to the habitats of animals, and even harm humans by poising groundwater and reservoirs that may link back to our sewage systems.

Properly irrigating, controlling, and sanitising wastewater (along with including reasonable waste streams for other waste products) can help minimise the damage caused to wildlife while maximising the effectiveness of your solution.

Using Sustainable Materials

Sustainable materials regard more than the base material itself. Things like the land needed to produce them, the renewability of the resource, and the cost in both fuel and money to transport them all play an important role in determining the overall sustainability of a material.

Resources like timber and bamboo are great choices if you want to preserve natural spaces. Despite being made of plant matter, timber and bamboo are both relatively quick to renew. Sourcing them locally from within the UK massively reduces transport costs compared to overseas, and their range of colours and textures makes them a great choice for any build.

Restoring Natural Spaces

The Biodiversity Net Gain regulations require natural spaces to be preserved or restored throughout any construction project. However, restoring natural spaces can also lead to more interesting and dynamic features like parks and nature reserves that will help people to unwind among local wildlife. To implement and maintain these spaces, you’ll need the help of an expert habitat restoration partner – such as The Habitat Restoration Company.

Find out more with our planning and development guide to the BNG regulations >

Protect Natural Spaces on Your Next Project with The Habitat Restoration Co.

By creating your designs with nature in mind, you can keep damage to wildlife at an absolute minimum while also creating an end result that’s unique, vibrant, and in-keeping with the natural spaces around it. To have the greatest effect, any habitats that are disrupted through your construction work should be restored and maintained through a reliable partner like The Habitat Restoration Company.

We’re experienced in all manners of habitat restoration and preservation, and are perfectly positioned to help you ensure your architectural design and subsequent construction have the greatest positive effect on both people and the planet. To find out more about what we can do for you, get in touch today!

Learn about the impact of investment zones on local ecosystems >
Find out about the role of woodland and wetland management for rewilding >

Ecosystem Conservation: Achieving the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals

Ecosystem conservation is a vital part of protecting our flora, fauna, and wild spaces. More than that, it helps our planet retain its vibrant natural heritage, and it also helps people to survive and flourish. Alongside many other sustainability goals, ecosystem conservation falls under the requirements of the UN’s SDGs.

At The Habitat Restoration Co., we work hard to deliver habitat protection and restoration services that ensure the longevity of ecosystems and wildlife in the UK. In this article, we’ll discuss the UN’s sustainable development goals, and give insight into ecosystem conservation as a whole.

To find out how we can help you conserve our natural spaces and ecosystems, contact our friendly team.

What are the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals?

The UN’s 17 SDGs were established in 2015, alongside other major environmental initiatives such as the Paris Agreement on Climate Change.

These goals must be followed by countries, large organisations, and stakeholders of all scales, in order to achieve our sustainability targets and restore the world’s natural spaces back to their former glory.

Each of the 17 SDGs tackles different aspects of sustainable societal advancement, such as disaster relief, human rights, and environmental initiatives – the latter of which is close to our heart at The Habitat Restoration Company.

In particular, the SDG 15 offers essential guidelines for ecosystem conservation and sustainability which should be reflected in the work of local authorities, planners, developers, and construction companies.

Sustainable Development Goal 15

The SDG 15 of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is as follows:

“Protect, restore, and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, halt and reverse land degradation, and halt biodiversity loss.”

The guidance goes on to states that “a fundamental shift in humanity’s relationship with nature must occur” due to escalating forest losses, land degradation, and species extinction – elements that pose severe threats to both people and the planet.

Despite the increase in awareness of ecosystem degradation, and worldwide focus on sustainability efforts, the protected area coverage of key biodiversity areas has stalled since the initiative began in 2015.

How this relates to local decision makers, planners, and developers:

For those involved with development and construction, the SDG 15 requires you to have an understanding of what areas are protected and vulnerable, and why this is important. It means taking this information and applying it to all your endeavours, and ensuring that any damaged or lost ecosystems and habitats are restored appropriately in a way that continues to support the same types and varieties of life.

The Impact of Ecosystem Degradation

On People

As ecosystems break down, humanity aren’t the first to suffer. However, by the time we realise the effects, the damage has already been done and it will be much more difficult to recover.

We rely on diverse ecosystems for a variety of things, like oxygen production, and water filtering such as through wetlands. This has some crossover with other UN SDGs like Goal 6, which focuses on the availability of clean water and sanitation – feeding into the crucial nature of wetlands as a form of natural irrigation and filtering.

Find out how nutrient neutrality laws help protect wetlands >

Also of note for humans is Goal 11, which focuses on sustainable cities and habitats for people. Being more sustainable in the way we live has a knock-on effect for wildlife and the planet as well, making this an important consideration for preserving ecosystems during city development.

Ecosystem degradation means our lifestyles will suffer, so protecting the environment doesn’t come at the cost of quality of living – instead, it is the only means of achieving it.

On Wildlife

The information provided alongside SDG 15 states that 100 million hectares of healthy and productive land was degraded every year from 2015 to 2019 – equivalent to over twice the landmass of Greenland annually.

SDG 15 also states that the world is currently facing the largest species extinction event since the dinosaurs – around 65 million years ago.

This has a massive impact on our wildlife, with many species being displaced from their natural habitats, breeding grounds, and migratory refuges, or being wiped out entirely.

Our indigenous flora and fauna are an important part of our heritage, and a vital part of the planet’s lifecycle that we also rely on to survive. As those that are causing much of the damage to nature, we have a duty to change our ways and protect it.

On the Planet

Goal 13 revolves around combating climate change and its impacts. Much of this is larger in scale than ecosystem conservation, but the principles still stand – protecting our ecosystems requires a systematic understanding and improvement of processes which impact our climate and creatures.

As for ecosystem degradation and how it effects the planet, it’s almost self-explanatory. The planet is like a living being, made up of millions of interconnected species and holding many billions of life forms. Damage and destruction of the ecosystems puts in danger the balance of life on the planet, and the effects of the processes which result in this damage – such as introduction of new areas for industry – result in even further detrimental effects like pollution and climate change.

Many of these ideas may seem grandiose, but the steps to protect ecosystems don’t need to be as large. Instead, a focus on our individual and organisational efforts can be made to help achieve a positive impact on our wildlife.

How can Ecosystems be Protected Effectively?

When planning and carrying out your projects, keeping the ecosystem and the affects you could have on it in mind will help you mitigate the most damage, align with guidance and regulations, and create the best overall impact for people and wildlife.

You’re not alone – we are here to help, providing habitat restoration services to ensure your developments don’t hinder the conservation of our natural spaces.

Here are some different ways you can help to provide effective protection for ecosystems:

Effective and Careful Planning

Consider where you’re working, and the kinds of plants and animals that reside here. Is the spot a crucial touch point for migratory species? Does it contain rare or protected indigenous life? Is it near a protected area, which could see knock-on effects from damage to the ecosystem?

Once you’ve planned around these aspects, and made arrangements to limit damage as much as possible, you should then make plans to recover any damage caused. This is a required step, as the Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) Regulations mean that a 10% gain to biodiversity must be achieved in any development project.

Continued Support

Once you’ve made efforts to preserve or restore wildlife, it’s important that you maintain it (or put provisions in place to do so) to prevent your efforts from going to waste. Continued support is required so that the budding nature can take root fully, and grow to a point where it can support life by itself.

At The Habitat Restoration Co., we can help you achieve this support through our services like woodland management and grounds maintenance, ensuring the ecosystems you put in place can thrive. Get in touch to find out more!

The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF)

Officially endorsed under the UN’s SDG 15, the Kunming-Montreal GBF offers several key targets and goals to reach by 2030 and 2050 respectively. The overarching goals include:

  • Protecting and restoring
  • Prospering with nature
  • Sharing benefits fairly
  • Investing and collaborating

Meanwhile, the 2030 targets for biodiversity cover 23 different aspects, such as specific plans to restore 30% of all degraded ecosystems and conserve 30% of land, waters, and seas by 2030. Biodiversity feeds into many aspects of ecosystem and habitat preservation and restoration, and is an incredibly important part of healing the world’s natural spaces.

https://www.habitatrestoration.co.uk/services/habitat-creation-restoration/

Conserve Ecosystems with The Habitat Restoration Company

Support our ecosystems, align your practices with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, and create the best results for both people and the planet from your developments by keeping the environment in mind at every turn.

Make things simpler by working with The Habitat Restoration Company. We handle the environmental side of things, enabling you to continue your projects without worry and mitigating damage as much as possible. Contact a member of our team to get started!

Learn more about ecosystem conservation and renewal with our article on rewilding >
Discover the impact of investment zones on local ecosystems >

Rewilding: The Role of Woodland and Wetland Management

Woodland and wetland management help to sustain natural areas, retaining their benefits and important place as part of our country’s heritage and culture. Rewilding, which aims to introduce nature to struggling or barren landscapes, seems to sit at the other end of the spectrum. However, these two elements of habitat restoration and maintenance work best when combined.

At The Habitat Restoration Co., we strive to keep our ecosystems in top shape. Some of the most beautiful natural areas in the UK like Devon, Cornwall, and Somerset all fall under our umbrella. In this article, we’ll discuss what rewilding is, explain how it can be supported by woodland and wetland management, and give an overview of some rewilding projects in the southwest of England.

If you need support for your rewilding project, get in touch today.

What is Rewilding?

Natural places are in high demand for the benefits they bring to our ecosystems, infrastructure like irrigation or grazing grounds, and country-wide aesthetics. However, in certain areas they’re in seemingly short supply, with areas of great natural beauty like Cornwall and Devon changing with the times.

Rewilding seeks to provide a solution that benefits not just the natural order, but people too. It involves introducing measures to protect the soil and water quality, alongside the flora and fauna that need them to thrive. These designated reserves will go on to grow out, becoming more robust as indigenous species come back and recolonise. This could see the return of many plants and creatures which could otherwise be lost to our country forever.

Just because rewilding focuses on returning the strength of nature, it doesn’t mean that humans will be adversely affected. On the contrary, improvements to our wildlife can see a knock-on benefit for people as well. We rely on nature to provide us with nutritious meadows for cattle, water management through streams and wetlands, erosion prevention with tree roots, and peace of mind.

Find out about our rewilding services >

Rewilding is about creating spaces where both nature and humans can flourish. But how can it be achieved?

How Woodland and Wetland Management Can Support Rewilding

Bringing nature back, or integrating it in new places, requires a constant, consistent effort. It’s not enough to simply plant some trees and call it a day. With how much ecosystems have been changed or damaged in the UK, a gentle helping hand is required to get our wildlife back on its feet.

Whether its woodland or wetland, management services help sustain natural spaces. This means rewilding efforts can see greater success in a shorter timeframe, giving nature a head start and helping it solidify its foundations. These services can also help contain the rewilding areas, allowing it to flourish in its designated protected space while still providing ample room for human endeavours.

Woodland Management for Rewilding

There are any number of threats to your rewilding efforts, such as weeds and unwanted vegetation or invasive species. Woodland management helps to combat these threats by providing consistent care for your wooded areas.

Overpopulation, disease, and periods of poor conditions can all create challenges for your rewilding zones as well. By strategically managing your woodland, removing trees and ensuring adequate room to grow, your rewilding efforts will be enhanced, and your ecosystems will flourish.

What does woodland management entail?

  • Clear felling and selective thinning
  • Management for weeds, vegetation, and invasive species
  • Planting and restocking natural wildlife
  • Aftercare to ensure the woodland’s long-term survivability
  • Tree care such as crown-lifting, pruning, and dead-wooding

Find out more about our holistic woodland management services >

Wetland Management for Rewilding

Wetlands are a crucial ecosystem, but often a delicate one. Natural floods, human waste, collapsing banks, and lack of life all make it difficult to support the introduction of flora and fauna. What wetland management does is enable the creation of a controlled environment, preventing natural processes from harming the ecosystem and supporting the reintegration of flora and fauna until they are able to sustain themselves.

What does wetland management entail?

  • Flood management
  • Creation and management of wetland and waterways
  • Flora and fauna introduction
  • Specific procedures like weir removal or bank revetments
  • Advice and support for your wetlands and projects

Find out more about our wetland and waterway management services >

UK Rewilding Schemes in the South West of England

There have already been many rewilding projects throughout the south west since the term first saw use in 2001, with each seeing various degrees of success. In recent years, with the dawn of habitat restoration regulations and the organisations that help uphold them, there have been many great rewilding projects that inject life back into our natural areas.

Cabilla Cornwall

This hill farm sports a unique combination of ancient woodland, temperate rainforest, historic rivers, and lush thickets of wildflowers. In 2020, Rewilding Britain began their efforts to restore wildlife to this already great space, further boosting the sustainability of the myriad flora and fauna.

Helman Tor

The largest nature reserve in Cornwall, and also the largest rewilding project to date. In 2023, the Cornwall Wildlife Trust started their push to return this area to its natural state – reintroducing indigenous species like rare breed cattle, pigs, ponies, and beavers. Contributing to the goals of protecting 30% of worldwide natural areas by 2030, this project sits alongside other rewilding efforts as a great step forward.

Somerset Wildlands

This organisation, aimed at rewilding many historic landscapes to restore some of their lost glory, seek to restore wildlife such as lynx, beavers, and sturgeons back to the lands they once called home. Somerset Wildlands seek to fulfil numerous ‘wild stepping stones’, slowly but surely progressing towards a future where nature can thrive.

The Great Crane Project

Delivering cranes back to our wetlands has been no easy feat. With wetlands struggling from overburden with sewage, their ecosystems have been damaged, making it hard to sustain life. However, a project from the early 2000s known as the Great Crane Project has still managed to see some success. This project reared and released numerous cranes into the Somerset wilds. While the last decade has seen around half the original birds die off, their flock has been steadily growing, showing that our wilds can still sustain its historic inhabitants – even if they may need a bit more help to fully succeed..

Rewilding with Woodland and Wetland Management from The Habitat Restoration Company

Woodland and wetland management act as pivotal components of rewilding, helping to support flora and fauna until the zone is developed enough to sustain itself. This ensures the area will remain habitable for years to come, helping to bring wildlife back where they belong.

If you need support with your rewilding project, habitat restoration efforts, or the management of your woodland or wetlands, get in touch today – our friendly team are always on hand to help!

Find out more about habitat restoration and why it is important >
Learn how nutrient neutrality laws help to protect wetlands >

What is Habitat Restoration and Why is it Important?

The local habitats in the UK are fundamental for the survival of our native and migratory species. They also provide tangible benefits to people, too. However, development can lead to damage to key ecosystems – habitat restoration is a way to mitigate these damages, and even provide better habitats as a result.

At The Habitat Restoration Co., we work to ensure habitat restorations are completed to the highest standards, reaching your goals for biodiversity net gain. In this article we’ll discuss what habitat restoration is, the benefits it provides to people and wildlife, and how you can achieve it.

Get in touch with the team today to find out more about our services.

What is Habitat Restoration?

Habitat restoration is the process of restoring flora and fauna that might have been displaced during a development. Whether that’s woodland restoration, wetlands restoration, or any other kind of habitat, the principle is basically the same: to give back to the environment.

The restoration of a habitat doesn’t necessarily need to be in the same place where the development occurs. While this is often preferable since it preserves the location and occupants of the habitat – a key point for migratory species and national heritage – it isn’t always possible. Habitat restorations can include:

  • Planning for habitat protection during development
  • Restoring any damage to a habitat on a development site
  • Compensating by creating new habitats in other locations, such as through planting trees
  • Maintenance of habitats to ensure longevity
  • The Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) regulations require developments to have at least a 10% gain for the habitats they affect. This means that developments will have a positive effect on wildlife, and impresses the need for habitat restoration services to ensure you’re meeting this target.

    Find out more about the services that make up habitat restoration >

    The Importance of Habitat Restoration

    As well as being a mandatory requirement for any development that effects a habitat, restoration also comes with a number of additional benefits. These benefits are largely the reason why the regulations came about, but they can also help to safeguard your assets and work towards environmental targets.

    The Benefits for People

    Natural habitats play an important role in our everyday lives. Forests provide fresh, clean air, but their roots also serve as a stopgap for erosion – preventing subsidence and keeping our properties and communities intact.

    Wetlands, on the other hand, offer a vital location for irrigation and water purification. Without this, much more would need to be spent on ensuring good quality for our water.

    On a similar note, flood plains act as a buffer zone, preventing overflowing rivers and excessive rain from causing damage to houses and infrastructure.

    Even without these societal benefits, the UK’s habitats are a huge part of our heritage. From nature reserves to ancient woodland, there are many different places of extreme natural beauty that need to be protected to ensure our heritage, wildlife, and countrywide aesthetics live on.

    The Benefits for Ecosystems

    Ecosystems rely on a balance between habitat and wildlife. Habitat is more than just location – it’s the building up of food, shelter, and the conditions required to sustain a variety of life. The wildlife, both flora and fauna, rely on specific habitats to survive and thrive.

    Habitat restoration, therefore, works to allow these ecosystems to continue on. Whether this is through replicating them in an appropriate location, or through protecting their existing one, habitat restoration aims to ensure better outcomes for wildlife.

    Keep the location of the ecosystem in mind is important, as this can have a knock-on effect to other things in the area (such as erosion or the local look and feel), and it can also affect the patterns and survival of migratory species.

    Since BNG regulations require a 10% increase to biodiversity, the benefits our ecosystems receive from habitat restoration should be obvious. So long as the proper diligence and methods are carried out, all life in the UK stands to gain from habitat restoration efforts.

    The Benefits for the Planet

    The grand scheme of habitat restoration is a net positive effect on the planet as a whole. The main ways this is achieved are:

  • Habitat protection and restoration meaning more varied and stable ecosystems
  • Diversity for flora and fauna, supporting the lifecycle and enabling them to thrive
  • Re-greening and woodland restoration leading to fresher air and reduced carbon
  • Maintenance for grounds and woodlands (such as through tree surgery) ensuring the longevity of natural spaces
  • Overall, since habitat restoration provides benefits for people, places, and the planet, it is clear to see its importance. The next step, then, is to find methods and providers for habitat restoration so that your efforts aren’t in vain and that the ecosystems you help build will last for years to come.

    For professional habitat restoration that makes an impact, contact us today.

    How to Achieve Habitat Restoration

    Habitat restoration can be a challenging process, and it requires consideration throughout all stages of your project to ensure you get the best results for the lowest investment. Here are the three steps you need to take to achieve restoration for your habitats, including during planning, development, and aftercare.

    1.Ecological Impact Management

    Proper planning and management before development even begins is the best first step towards your habitat restoration efforts. This mean considering:

  • What habitats on your sites could be affected
  • The extent of these habitats, which then informs the extent of the restoration you need to carry out
  • The feasibility for protecting the existing habitat versus restoring it afterwards
  • The steps needed to protect or restore the habitat
  • Location, timeline, and maintenance efforts for habitat restoration in new areas
  • Only once all these steps have been considered should a development be carried out. Without proper management for your ecological impact, you will likely incur more damage to ecosystems and greater costs down the line, so it’s important to plan ahead.

    2.Biodiversity Protection

    Once you’ve got your plan in place, you should then work out the specifics of your biodiversity net gain implementation. This requires having measures in place to protect the ecosystems on your sites, and restoration efforts planned – or even already in progress – to reach the 10% BNG that’s required for your development.

    3.Ecosystem Ecosystem Establishment

    After you’ve completed your development and the subsequent biodiversity efforts, you’ll need to make sure the ecosystems you’ve put in place are given time to become established.

    It can take a while for ecosystems to recover, especially when there’s been significant damage or relocation. As such, you should continue your BNG efforts through maintenance and review of the ecosystems you’ve helped build.

    Maintenance and protection can also help improve the look of your developments, such as through grounds maintenance services like strimming, footpaths, and mowing.

    Professional Habitat Restoration and Protection for the Southwest

    Habitat restoration is vital. It ensures our infrastructure is protected via natural means, provides support to our local wildlife and ecosystems, and supports the planet through the continuation of our green spaces. What’s more, it allows developers to achieve their 10% Biodiversity Net Gain targets while also giving back to the community.

    At The Habitat Restoration Co., we provide the whole host of habitat restoration services for your project – all upheld to a professional standard, timely delivery, and with quality results. Get in touch today to find out more!

    Find out more about habitat considerations for wetlands with our guide to nutrient neutrality laws >

    The Impact of Investment Zones on Local Ecosystems

    A new programme from the Department of Levelling Up, Housing, & Communities has put forward the idea of Investment Zones (IZs). These zones present new opportunities for developers to create housing and other infrastructure – but what of the environmental impacts of these builds?

    At The Habitat Restoration Co., we believe in creating a net positive for the environment and protecting local ecosystems across the country with good land management and biodiversity preservation. In this article, we’ll discuss Investment Zones – what they are, where they are, and the impact they could have.

    Improve the impact of your developments with our habitat restoration and advisory services. Contact us today.

    What are Investment Zones?

    Investment Zones are defined as “areas across the UK where central and local governments will work with business and local partners to create the conditions for investment and innovation.” The guidance goes on, stating that these zones are intended to improve growth within the private sector and create more jobs for the country.

    While a number of safeguards for tax, planning, and business support are at the forefront of these zones, environmental concerns have been seemingly thrown aside. This is a particular concern, as many of the target areas for Investment Zones include of extreme import for ecosystems, the environment, and our natural heritage. Some areas that could be affected are:

    • National parks
    • Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty
    • Sites of special scientific interest
    • World Heritage Site buffer zones
    • Green belts

    With much of our natural world on the chopping block, it is important to know where Investment Zones are expected to arise – and what can be done to ensure a net positive for biodiversity in the environment.

    Where are the Proposed New Investment Zones?

    There are a number of proposed areas for Investment Zones, scattered across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. The government has committed to the introduction of 13 Investment Zones spanning across the entirety of the UK. As of May 2024, only six of these have been finalised so far, in:

    • Greater Manchester
    • Liverpool City Region
    • North East
    • South Yorkshire
    • West Midlands
    • West Yorkshire

    However, there are more places to come. Further zones are in motion for the East Midlands and Tees Valley, home to a number of nature reserves that could be impacted by the proposed developments.

    Finally, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland all have their own Investment Zones as well. These would be in:

    • Glasgow City Region
    • North East Scotland
    • Cardiff and Newport
    • Wrexham and Flintshire

    Alongside an “Enhanced Investment Zone” for Northern Ireland. Each of these areas are surrounded by tourist attractions, places of natural beauty, and important wildlife reserves, so developments in the area need to be held under the microscope to ensure their impact is positive.

    Legally Protected Areas: SACs and SPAs

    Special Areas of Conservation (SACs)

    Special Areas of Conservation, or SACs, are protected under the Habitats Regulations. Within these areas are flora and fauna (excluding birds) which are in most need of conservation throughout Europe. After Brexit, the UK’s own habitat laws changed, but there are still significant restrictions that affect any development that could impact these areas.

    Special Protection Areas (SPAs)

    SPAs, on the other hand, are Special Protection Areas. These are protected sites that are designed to safeguard rare and vulnerable birds, as well as regular migratory species. These are classified and protected in accordance with the EC Birds Directive.

    Irreplaceable Habitats

    Under the UK’s 2024 habitat regulations, there are a number of habitats categorised as “irreplaceable”. The list of these can be found here. This shows a continued awareness of our natural world and the steps we need to take to protect it, along with places that cannot simply be recovered if built over.

    Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG)

    As of February 2024, a Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) of at least 10% is a mandatory requirement for developers in the UK. This means that any development needs to deliver a better, larger, or higher-quality habitat than existed before it’s effects. For certain habitats like ancient woodland or wetlands, BNG is difficult or impossible to achieve. Under the proposed Investment Zones are many such areas.

    The Types of Local Ecosystems at Risk

    The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) took to X (formerly Twitter) to protest the introduction of Investment Zones to our natural habitats. They claimed the proposal is born from an “utter lack of understanding by ministers”, debating whether they’d even read their own report on the economics of biodiversity.

    This report contains a wealth of information on the importance of our natural world, from biodiversity and ecosystem resilience to the increased productivity and health our nation receives from it.

    A Twitter post from the RSPB shows the extent of the impact that Investment Zones could have, with a particular focus on SACs and SPAs in the UK. It depicts a fair amount of overlap, and indicates that these legally protected areas could be overridden by the new zones and subsequent developments.

    The March 2023 Policy Offer for Investment Zones does consider the environment to a degree. It looks at the long-term needs of green industry, stating that meeting our net zero and environmental targets in time means having the resources in place to do so. However, the actual impact of the construction of this infrastructure – alongside other private sector infrastructure as well – is not stated or considered in this proposal.

    Overall, this means that the main local ecosystems at risk are those that house our indigenous birds, protected animals, vital wildlife like trees which prevent erosion and support thousands of species, and key natural habitats like wetlands and woodland. As such, protecting these areas and restoring any damage caused by developments is a must.

    How can Developers and Local Authorities Ensure Habitat Protection?

    As much as we need to grow and innovate, so too does wildlife need to be protected. With BNG requiring a net gain of 10% for any habitats affected by a development, developers need to have methods in place to achieve this environmental impact.

    Step 1 – Understanding

    Ensuring the environmental yield of a habitat is properly understood, along with the knock-on effects it has on local ecosystems and communities, is the first step to keeping our crucial habitats protected. Pay attention to the protection status of the habitat and regulations of the area, along with what the impact could be on surrounding habitats – especially if the development is in a buffer zone.

    Step 2 – Planning

    To prevent as much damage to the ecosystem as possible, plan in advance. This means being aware of what you need to do to preserve the ecosystem of your development site, along with any restoration efforts you may also need to undergo.

    Step 3 – Preparing

    Giving back to nature can mean contributing to habitats in locations other than your development. Before starting your project, you should find sites and providers for habitat restoration, ensuring any damage that is done will already be on the road to recovery.

    Step 4 – Restoring

    Work with a trusted land management company when you’re done. There’s no point in attempting to restore a habitat if it’s left to wither away. At The Habitat Restoration Company, we can help restore, preserve, and maintain habitats, ensuring a lasting positive effect on the environment.

    Restoration and Preservation for Local Ecosystems from The Habitat Restoration Co.

    Local ecosystems are an important part of our society. They house many types of flora and fauna, and provide additional benefits to communities like protection against erosion, natural water filtering, and a better environmental health. Therefore, protecting and restoring these habitats should be at the forefront of any development project – especially as Investment Zones poise to threaten our current legally protected areas.

    If you’re planning a development and want advice or assistance with your habitat restoration efforts, get in touch. Our team are always here to help push you in the right direction, and ensure your project brings benefits to people and the environment as a whole.

    The Habitat Restoration Company: Your Experts in Environmental Land Management

    We’re extremely excited to announce the launch of our business, The Habitat Restoration Co., offering a professional service to the Southwest for woodland management, land maintenance, biodiversity restoration, environmental support, and much more.

    We’d like to use this as an opportunity to introduce ourselves. From where we started, to why we’re passionate about what we do, and even to where we see ourselves in the future.

    If you’re interested in our services, please don’t hesitate to contact Charlie and the team today!

    How did The Habitat Restoration Co. get started?

    Our journey began over Christmas in 2023, with the business coming into its own during February 2024. Our founder, Charlie, decided to set up his own work in the habitat restoration sector. With new biodiversity net gain laws on the horizon, there was an opportune moment to pursue his passion and make a real difference for developers, businesses, and the environmental sector.

    The Habitat Restoration Co. first started as a father-son venture, using the practical skills Charlie had in fields like tree planting, woodland management, and carbon sequestration in combination with the framework of his father’s business, Gripsure, to create strong foundations for the road ahead.

    Our team has since grown rapidly, with five people already on-board and the potential for many more along the way. We’re providing professionalism and industry expertise to projects throughout the Southwest, delivering on quality results for biodiversity net gain targets – and quite a range beyond.

    The brand and website

    To make our voice heard, we knew we needed a strong online presence. Our website was designed to give us a professional and strong brand look, setting us apart from the existing market.

    Our logo was created to be nice and simple, but also powerful, feeding into our straightforward and honest mindset that can be seen throughout our site. By being direct about who we are, what we do, and how we do it, we aim to instil confidence in the quality of the results we deliver.

    What was our driving motivation?

    We want to become leading contractors in our industry – and feel we’ve already made great progress towards that goal. While the gap in the biodiversity net gain market did present a huge opportunity, our main motivations are to provide a service that is professional, impactful, and that makes a real difference for the environment. We want to build a sustainable future, have a positive impact on the world, and supply the ability to make changes and improvements to habitats in the UK.

    Coupled with this is our partnership with Gripsure. More than just a father-son dynamic, this partnership completes the circle of timber planting and procurement. While Gripsure sources sustainable timber for their products, we plant and look after many more, leading to a positive overall balance.

    Our journey hasn’t been all that long yet, but we’re always striving to prove our worth and build a real reputation for the quality of the service we provide.

    The future of our sustainable land management

    We’re a young business, but we’re already looking at the future – and making great strides towards it. Our ultimate goal is to be the leading experts of habitat management and restoration in all of the Southwest. This means providing our services of practical land and woodland management and solutions to all projects in our area.

    In the mid-term, we’re looking to build on our premises and grow as a business. We’ve already got some great projects in the works, like an upcoming contract for a large parish council in Cornwall, and many other things that will help us to make our mark are well on their way.

    At the same time, we’re working hard to obtain all the accreditations and certifications required to complete our work responsibly, in and informed manner, and to the requirements of every client.

    With everything we do, we’re taking the necessary steps, and moving forwards at a rapid pace.

    Professional habitat and environmental maintenance from The Habit Restoration Co.

    If you’re in need of habitat restoration support, assistance with biodiversity net gain for your development project, or any of our broad range of land management and maintenance services, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. The team at The Habitat Restoration Co. has all the skills needed to provide professional, high-quality results, and we’re eager to engage in new and exciting projects across the Southwest.

    Email us at: charlie@habitatrestoration.co.uk

    Give us a call: 07854877764