A Biodiversity Enhancement Plan (BEP) might be asked for a development that didn’t require a Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA) or in addition to a PEA. Although there is no mandatory metric right now, a biodiversity uplift in a development is in keeping with the National Planning Framework 4.

The intention is to produce an increase in flora and fauna for every development. Most sites are a habitat of some kind, whether it's a barn that contains nesting birds in the summer, or a patch of grassland that is used by insects or birds for example. Even removing these has an impact the local wildlife and a biodiversity enhancement plan sets out how the developer can replace the lost habitat and make improvements elsewhere on site. It needn't be onerous and often its a matter of tweaking a landscape plan and including permanent and long lasting biodiversity features such as swift bricks or native species hedgerows. We work with the owner/developer and the landscaper (if employed) to deliver the best outcome for nature, with the future of the development also in mind so that the plans are also realistic and sustainable.

I have produced many BEPs in a variety of developments, from urban through to rural for a range of development sizes. In discussion with the owner/developer, I produce a report with a timetable of the biodiversity enhancements and a management plan for submission to the LPA. D

The BEP can be an exciting way to help nature using straightforward planting ideas and incorporating opportunities for wildlife.

I have also carried out BEPs for companies wanting to do their bit for local wildlife by enhancing their offices and outside space leading to improvements for wildlife and benefits for staff.

Breeding bird and Winter bird surveys

These surveys have a variety of uses, from informing development plans to providing monitoring data for restoration projects and supporting farmers in applying for payments for habitat improvements.

Winter bird surveys consists of 4-6 visits from September through to the end of February. They can consist of walked transects or vantage point type surveys and can shed light on habitat use by birds in the winter and of any migrants.

Summer bird surveys consist of 4-6 visits in breeding season (late March to the end of August) and generally consist of walked transects. Bird species and their behaviour is recorded and mapped to build up a picture of breeding birds present on the site. Specialised surveys are also sometimes required-if you have wader species for example, or need raptor activity data.

I have experience of farmland, woodland and upland bird species and vantage point surveys for raptors.

I also carry out bird nest checks for farmers, either using traditional methods or using thermal technology. Some ground nesting bird species nest in crops, including silage, due to a lack of habitat locally. We can survey to let farmers know where the nests are and advise on mitigation strategies such as suitable buffer zones, and on providing habitat close by to provide alternate nesting habitat.

Passive acoustic monitoring (PAM)

Want to use PAM in your project? Whether you want to detect a specific species of bird, assess or monitor bird biodiversity on your property we can advise and employ sound recorders to best capture bird data on your property. PAM can be useful with more cryptic species and should always be used with in-person surveys to gain the whole picture of bird biodiversity on site. The great advantage of PAM is that it doesn't disturb the birds and can be left on-site, giving an overall picture of habitat use and species present.

Have a look at my latest project, Biggar Owl Group, which is trying to find out more about our local owl populations with the help of local community members.

Biggar Owl Group

Contact details: contact@francesca-nunn.com I began Biggar Owl Group early in 2026-a project I’d had in mind for a couple of years when I saw that the area is not classed as being very good for barn owls. This is in part due to the pastoral nature of the

Tinto EcologyFrancesca Nunn

All nesting birds are protected in the UK and this protection extends to nests that are in the process of being built. It is in fact an offence to intentionally or recklessly:

• kill, injure or take a bird
• take, damage, destroy or interfere with a nest of any bird while it is in use or being built
• obstruct or prevent any bird from using its nest
• take or destroy an egg of any bird.

Some species have extra protections if the population is at risk or if they are subject to persecution. These include most raptor species including Barn owls.

Sometimes a nesting bird check needs to be carried out before development work begins, either because birds are known to be nesting there during previous surveys or because the habitat, for example a hedgerow or trees, is suitable for nesting birds and a bird nest check might have been stipulated in your PEA. These checks generally need to be within 24/48 hours of the work starting and should be carried out by an ecologist to ensure that if there are nests, whether they are in use or not. Depending on the species and where the nests are situated, it doesn't necessarily mean work has to stop.

We also carry out these checks for farmers either using traditional methods or using thermal technology. Some ground nesting bird species nest in crops, including silage, due to a lack of habitat locally. We can survey to let farmers know where the nests are and advise on mitigation strategies such as suitable buffer zones, and on providing habitat close by to provide alternate nesting habitat.

Sometimes nest boxes are required as a condition of planning consent to compensate for nest loss due to a development. We can also provide this service and site boxes to ensure the best chance of being used by your specified species. We can also advise on habitat creation for birds whether it's scrape installatio, scrub and tree planting or for ground nesting birds.

I can carry out baseline surveys for badgers (including sett activity monitoring), otters, pine martens, water voles, red squirrels, brown hares and hedgehogs with all types of non-licensable surveys supported.

Data, such as tracks and field signs are mapped to produce a picture of their distribution and habitat use on site.