Our Approach

Elton Ecology were commissioned to carry out a Preliminary Ecological Appraisal and Biodiversity Net Gain study to inform a potential development at Matfield, Kent. The following services were provided:

Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA)

• A Desk Study including a study of online resources for sites of nature conservation, and a data consultation with the Kent & Medway Biological Records Centre for historical ecological records at the site and surrounding area.
• A Phase 1 Habitat Survey was undertaken compiling a botanical species list to classify the habitats at the site, which was extended to consider protected species such as badger and great crested newt.

Phase 2 Surveys

Following the PEA, a range of further surveys were required, for which Elton Ecology were subsequently commissioned:

• Bat activity survey
• Breeding bird survey
• Great crested newt eDNA & traditional pond survey
• Hazel dormouse survey
• Invertebrate survey
• Reptile survey
• Lichen survey of traditional orchard
• Bryophyte survey of traditional orchard

Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) Assessment

To inform the BNG assessment at the site, the habitats were mapped within the UK Habitat Classification System (UKHAB) and condition score data for each habitat parcel was recorded.

The Biodiversity Metric 2.0 was used (the most up to date version of the metric available at that time), to measure the number of ‘biodiversity units’ on site both pre-development and post development including any habitat creation and enhancement measures, to understand in quantifiable terms if the development would result in a net gain or loss of biodiversity at the site.

The Issues

The following ecological constraints were present on site:

• NERC Act (2006) Habitats of Principal Importance (traditional orchard and species rich hedgerows)
• Eight species of foraging and commuting bats were using the site
• BoCC Red Listed and Kent Red Data Book breeding birds were present on site
• Hazel dormouse
• Reptiles (common lizard and grass snake)

The Solution

The phase 2 surveys demonstrated that within the traditional orchard habitat no notable populations of lichen, bryophyte, or invertebrates were present and that the grassland habitat was of limited botanical interest, lacking in species diversity due to nutrient enrichment over time. Therefore, the traditional orchard habitat did not meet Kent Local Wildlife Site criteria and was of moderate condition only. This demonstrated scope for the development to provide long term improvements to the traditional orchard habitat via targeted low-cost habitat creation and management measures.

A scheme of habitat enhancement and creation was designed by Elton Ecology with reference to the conditions of the metric and Biodiversity Net Gain Good Practice Principles. Using the red line site boundary and adjacent land also within the applicant’s ownership, Elton Ecology were able to demonstrate that a 10% uplift in biodiversity units at the site could be achieved. The habitat creation and enhancement measures at the site set out an increase in the area and quality of traditional orchard habitat post-development, contributing to the goals of the Kent Biodiversity Action Plan. A Net Gain in species rich hedgerow was also designed and demonstrated.

Alongside the BNG study, an Ecological Impact Assessment Report (EcIA) was issued by Elton Ecology, which set out simple avoidance measures and non-licensed precautionary working methods for reptiles and hazel dormouse, removing the need for Natural England mitigation licensing. The scheme of habitat enhancement and compensation required for biodiversity net gain was also designed to provide suitable mitigation and enhancement measures for the ecological receptors present including commuting and foraging bats, breeding birds, hazel dormouse, and reptiles.