AWE has welcomed legislation this week which embeds Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG)* as a legal requirement in development planning for the first time.
Because of the extent and varied habitats across its sites, which are home to several rare and protected species, AWE’s own ecologists and environmental experts have spent many years preserving, improving and managing areas for wildlife, trees and plants.
Piran Borlase-Hendry, AWE’s Biodiversity Lead, said: “We actually introduced the requirement for Biodiversity Net Gain over four years ago at AWE so we are very pleased to see that a requirement for developers and planners to improve biodiversity is now captured in law. We are passionate about protecting and enhancing the biodiversity on our sites, which offer a unique refuge for many species.
“Our Environmental Management System links to everything that we do so, for example, we carry out ecological surveys prior to any activity that may impact species and their habitats, whether it is construction, demolition, estate management, experimental trials or even drone flights.
“But it’s not just about just compensating for biodiversity loss; our aim is not only to halt the decline of nature across our sites but to proactively reverse it. The loss of biodiversity is a global issue and that is why it is so vital to understand how to address that at local, national and international level**.”
The AWE estate includes several priority habitats*** including lowland heath and wood-pasture.
It also hosts a range of flora and fauna with over 30 species of breeding birds (including more highly protected species such as woodlark, kingfisher and peregrine falcons), five species of amphibians (including a breeding population of great crested newts), four species of reptiles, at least four species of bat, and ancient oak trees.
This week, AWE will begin planting trees at its Burghfield site, to start an orchard covering 2.5 hectares. Two hundred trees will be planted initially and the aim is to build up to 400 trees. The project will also fulfil Greening Government Commitments by providing pollinator-friendly habitat and canopy cover, aiding site flood management defences and providing carbon capture.
Find out more about what we’re doing here:
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