Ecological Planning and Research Ltd - Thames Basin Heaths SPA

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Thames Basin Heaths SPA Residential Development in the vicinity of heathland Special Protection Areas (SPAs) has attracted particular scrutiny over recent years, particularly in the Thames Basin region where housing demand and associated recreational pressures on ground nesting birds on the regions designated heaths are in conflict. Natural England’s Delivery Plan sets out the current strategy for minimising effects on the SPA, which hinges on the provision of Suitable Alternative Natural Green Space (SANGS) to provide additional green recreational areas where pressure can be taken off the SPA. EPR is at the forefront of the issue with extensive experience across the Thames Basin region. We are closely involved in discussions with the various Local Authorities and Natural England both in relation to specific cases and the evolution of the Natural England Delivery Plan itself. EPR has successfully negotiated agreements with Natural England and Local Authorities and presented evidence at Publlic Inquiry resulting in a positive outcome for our clients. In addition to the specific SPA issue, EPR has long standing links with the region, having carried out vegetation surveys of many of the Thames Basin heaths in the area for both MoD and Natural England and work for Hampshire County Council on the Forest of Eversley. Our long familiarity with heathland planning-related work includes Phil Colebourn’s numerous presentations of evidence at Public Inquiries on heathland related matters. Our practice has considerable on-going involvement in cases concerning SPA mitigation. Visitor Surveys Because the issues around the Thames Basin Heath SPA are largely associated with recreational pressure, it is important to understand the extent and type of recreational use of the designated site potentially affected by residential proposals. This information can then be used to develop appropriate mitigation in the form of alternative recreation provision. EPR has experience of designing and undertaking large scale visitor surveys of SPA heathlands. The results of the surveys and their analysis and interpretation have been pivotal in designing alternative recreational space and agreeing proposals with Natural England on behalf of our clients. Back to main Habitats Directive page Link to Projects Thames Basin Heath SPA Projects

Thames Basin Heaths SPA

Residential Development in the vicinity of heathland Special Protection Areas (SPAs) has attracted particular scrutiny over recent years, particularly in the Thames Basin region where housing demand and associated recreational pressures on ground nesting birds on the regions designated heaths are in conflict. Natural England’s Delivery Plan sets out the current strategy for minimising effects on the SPA, which hinges on the provision of Suitable Alternative Natural Green Space (SANGS) to provide additional green recreational areas where pressure can be taken off the SPA.

EPR is at the forefront of the issue with extensive experience across the Thames Basin region. We are closely involved in discussions with the various Local Authorities and Natural England both in relation to specific cases and the evolution of the Natural England Delivery Plan itself. EPR has successfully negotiated agreements with Natural England and Local Authorities and presented evidence at Publlic Inquiry resulting in a positive outcome for our clients.

In addition to the specific SPA issue, EPR has long standing links with the region, having carried out vegetation surveys of many of the Thames Basin heaths in the area for both MoD and Natural England and work for Hampshire County Council on the Forest of Eversley.

Our long familiarity with heathland planning-related work includes Phil Colebourn’s numerous presentations of evidence at Public Inquiries on heathland related matters. Our practice has considerable on-going involvement in cases concerning SPA mitigation.

Visitor Surveys
Because the issues around the Thames Basin Heath SPA are largely associated with recreational pressure, it is important to understand the extent and type of recreational use of the designated site potentially affected by residential proposals. This information can then be used to develop appropriate mitigation in the form of alternative recreation provision.

EPR has experience of designing and undertaking large scale visitor surveys of SPA heathlands. The results of the surveys and their analysis and interpretation have been pivotal in designing alternative recreational space and agreeing proposals with Natural England on behalf of our clients.

Back to main Habitats Directive page

Link to Projects
Thames Basin Heath SPA Projects

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