Are Wildlife and Ecology Still Protected Post Brexit?

What happens to UK wildlife and ecology post Brexit?

So, what now for great crested newts and bats? Just two of the most commonly encountered protected species on development sites. Surely all the red tape is now done away with no need for ecology surveys in this post Brexit UK?

Well for now, the protection afforded to all ‘European’ protected species remains fully enforceable in a post Brexit Britain.  And will remain so for the rest of the ‘transition’ period.

The need for thorough surveys to establish if a protected species occurs on the development site is still legally required.  As is any follow up permit or licence to mitigate for the loss of that species and its habitat from the development site.

European legislation will be fully referred to in any ecology report as ‘as amended’ during the transition period.

And as for European site designations such as RAMSARs, Special Area of Conservation (SAC) or Special Protection Areas (SPA), these will retain full protection of the law post Brexit.

 

What species does this affect?

A shortened list of European protected species (Fauna) for which development led impacts must be legally addressed include but is not be limited to great crested newts, all species of bats, dormice, otters, crayfish, smooth snakes, natterjack toad and sand lizard.  Marine turtles, dolphins, porpoises and whales must also be considered in marine environments.

Its important to employ an ecology expert to work with you post Brexit. Contract Ecology Ltd are mitigation specialists.  We can work with you AND your chosen ecology expert to address protected species impacts and progress your development.

Also a notable change to ecology post Brexit is that Natural England will be rolling out charges for species specific development licences.  Charges will vary dependant on species but this will affect all future mitigation licences, also referred to as development licences.

 

How to get in touch with one of our team:

Get in touch to speak with one of our knowledgeable ecology team now on 01772 741303 or drop us a message via our online contact form here: https://www.contractecology.co.uk/contact-us/