GN 12.1: Establish biodiversity baseline
Guidance Note purpose
The purpose of this Guidance Note is to provide asset managers, property managers and facilities managers with information about gathering information to establish a biodiversity baseline.
Context
Although the built environment can be responsible for the loss of green space and habitats, asset managers, working together with property managers and occupiers, can reverse this trend by considering biodiversity in the way a property is designed and managed.
Biodiversity relates to the variety and amount of flora and fauna, i.e., plants and animals, that exist in a location. Establishing a biodiversity baseline involves undertaking an ecological survey to identify and describe the species, habitats and other biodiversity that exists at a location at a particular point in time.
Importance
Establishing a biodiversity baseline both informs decisions that may affect biodiversity and can inform the assessment of changes in biodiversity at that location over time. A biodiversity baseline can provide asset and property managers with the information they need to mitigate biodiversity risk, responsibly manage a site and identify biodiversity enhancement opportunities.
A biodiversity baseline provides a first step in conserving and enhancing the biodiversity of a site. This can help in complying with compliance with Biodiversity Net Gain requirements for new developments, as well as ongoing monitoring and maintenance of existing assets.
As well as identifying areas of ecological value, an ecological survey can also contribute towards:
- Improved understanding of Biodiversity Action Plans and biodiversity objectives of occupiers or other property stakeholders, for example local authorities.
- Identifying improvement opportunities to feed into a Biodiversity Action Plan.
- Establishing appropriate monitoring and management regimes to maintain or enhance the quality of habitats.
- The selection of certification schemes that may be relevant to a project or property, for example BREEAM.
- Identifying species and habitats that could potentially be reintroduced to the site.
Responsibilities & Interests
The table below summarises the key activities associated with establishing a biodiversity baseline through the process of an ecological survey, and highlights where asset managers, property managers and facilities managers are likely to have a responsibility or specific interest.
- AM - Asset Manager
- PM - Property Manager
- FM - Facilities Manager
1. Understanding the purpose of an ecological survey
Stakeholder:
2. Commissioning a survey
Stakeholder:
3. Identifying the required survey type
Stakeholder:
4. Reviewing risk
Stakeholder:
5. Mapping green space needs
Stakeholder:
How to
Intro
Establishing a biodiversity baseline at a property involves input from a range of specialists during the process of undertaking an ecological survey.
Usually, the decision to establish a baseline will be instructed by an asset manager and coordinated by a property manager with support and input from a facilities manager.
Establishing a biodiversity baseline involves consideration of the following elements as part of undertaking an ecological survey:
1. Understanding the purpose of an ecological survey
Ecology surveys can help to inform asset and property managers about potential green space opportunities as well as provide information regarding the habitats and species that currently exist within an area.
Undertaking an ecological survey can contribute towards:
- Identifying existing habitats and species at the site.
- Identifying biodiversity risks.
- Providing asset managers with a map of existing green space assets and awareness of any constraints or enhancement opportunities.
- The design and incorporation of biodiversity risk management and enhancement measures.
- The design of future development or refurbishment works in a way that can control impacts on biodiversity or improve ecological conditions.
- Providing guidance on opportunities to protect and enhance ecological value within the site.
Where an asset does not have any existing green space, it is still important to carry out an ecology survey which may identify hidden risks, such as roosting bats, for example.
2. Commissioning a survey
Ecological surveys should be undertaken by an appropriately experienced and suitably qualified ecologist. Surveyors should meet the competencies set out by the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management and should hold the relevant species licence, where applicable, relating to the survey being carried out.
Ecology surveys are commonly valid for a period of twelve to twenty-four months depending on the type of survey and associated conditions. An ecologist can provide guidance in relation to the validity of each survey on a project specific basis.
When procuring ecological surveys, it is important that a property manager considers timings and access limitations. A suitably qualified ecologist will be able to advice on these.
- Timing: Surveys are timed according to seasonal variation, location and species being surveyed. For example, surveying for bat roosts can only take place from May to September.
- Access: Different survey types will require access to areas of the property or site. For example, existing trees, building facades or roofs that could provide opportunities for nesting and roosting.
3. Identifying the required survey type
When procuring ecological surveys, it is important to be aware of the different survey types that are available. A suitably qualified ecologist will be able to advice on these.
Example of ecological survey types include:
- Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey. This includes a baseline assessment which determines the broad habitat types and existing green infrastructure within a site, and the potential protected/notable species present. This will inform which further surveys should also be carried out, for example:
- Botanical surveys, including National Vegetation Classification (NVC).
- Species specific surveys, such as those relating to bat, badger, dormouse, water vole, otter or other notable specific of reptile, bird, or invertebrate.
- Invasive species assessments to determine the presence, distribution and any required mitigation measures or removal strategies.
4. Reviewing risk
Undertaking an ecological survey as part of establishing a biodiversity baseline can help to identify biodiversity risks, such as, for example, protected species or habitats already established on site. It is important that these risks are prepared for and managed.
To identify risk a property manager should:
- Review an ecology survey.
- Review a Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) and existing environmental risk register.
Where a risk has been identified, a suitably qualified ecologist can help to plan required actions that will mitigate this risk. For example, this may involve planning demolition or tree removal works outside of birds nesting season.
5. Mapping green space needs
Once an ecology survey has been carried out, it is important to consider the green space needs. This should include consideration of how a property can support local biodiversity as well as various users.
Mapping stakeholders’ needs is a useful exercise for property managers during the process of considering the installation and enhancement of green space. This can help to define the objectives of a green space project and ensure that benefits are optimised.
Mapping stakeholders’ green space needs can inform initial design ideas and support the development of a business case for installation and on-going maintenance. A mapping exercise typically involves:
- Understanding the local needs and context.
- Understanding desires and needs of both property owner and the users of the site.
- Identifying whether collaboration opportunities exist with local stakeholders and initiatives beyond the site.
Related Guidance Notes
The following Guidance Notes contain related information:
- GN1.2: An environmental compliance register
- GN2.3: Sustainability reporting initiatives
- GN4.8: Template action plan
- GN11.2: Engaging occupiers
- GN12.2: Valuing green spaces
- GN12.3: Incorporating biophilic design
- GN12.4: Maintaining and monitoring green infrastructure