Biodiversity

We recognise the importance of protecting and enhancing the biodiversity of our sites and have developed a Nature Recovery Plan.

As part of this plan, we have introduced a Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) Scheme, which aims to leave our sites in better condition after development activities than before. A BNG scheme involves avoiding, minimising or compensating biodiversity loss as far as possible, while achieving measurable net gains that contribute towards both local and strategic biodiversity priorities.

We have created baseline habitat maps of our sites so we can take appropriate action to protect important habitats and species that are present on our estate. We will continue to undertake further surveys to monitor our impact and create specific habitat management plans for areas with higher biodiversity value.

What’s next?

As part of our ongoing improvement activities AWE aims to:

• increase the area of grassland that is mowed less frequently, thereby providing greater habitat for pollinator species
• protect and enhance tree planting and the area of the estate that is wooded
• adopt a Natural Capital approach in order to properly begin to value the benefits derived from the natural world
• increase engagement with our stakeholders to ensure biodiversity improvements are aligned with regional and national Nature Recovery Plans.
• Deliver our Nature Recovery Plan

Did you know?

• Peregrine Falcons were known to nest on a redundant building scheduled for demolition. To compensate for the loss of a potential nest site, artificial nest boxes were installed on other suitable buildings.
• The project team for the Flood Alleviation work at Burghfield Brook were recognised as the runner-up in the ‘Sustainability Project’ category at the 2019 Ministry of Defence Sanctuary Awards.
• The refurbishment of a small building resulted in the loss of the previous year’s House Martin nests. To remedy this, several artificial nests were installed to encourage the birds to return, and they did!
• We safeguard a number of ancient trees on site, including two that are over 500 years old.
• We’ve implemented reduced mowing areas to allow wildflowers to grow over a larger area – which amounted to 15,000m2 in 2021.