ESS Ecology

The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) has recently been updated. It guides Scotland's development to 2030 by setting out a number of strategic actions to help Scotland deliver sustainable growth.

One of the key aims is to:

• Promote a greener Scotland by contributing to the achievement of climate change targets and protecting and enhancing the quality of the natural and built environments;

Scotland's environment is one of its chief assets. In order to deliver sustainable growth, development strategies must be closely integrated with environmental considerations including the sustainable management of resources and enhancement of environmental quality.

The planning system has long had an important part in protecting and improving our natural environment and will have a vital role to play in Scotland to achieve the sustainable growth as set out in the NPPF. A number of strategic opportunities have been identified which will help improve environmental quality and lead to an increase in local biodiversity; included are:

• The restoration of vacant and derelict land;
• The strengthening of green networks, known as ‘green infrastructure plans';
• The expansion of urban, amenity and community woodlands.

Examples in the Central Belt include the Clyde Valley Green Networks and the Falkirk Helix. There are also a number of improvements that can be made to wetland habitat networks. Through sustainable habitat management and creation it is possible to improve and restore derelict and fragmented areas into vibrant landscapes. Such initiatives will help to counter habitat fragmentation and assist species' movements in the contemporary landscape. We not only have the expertise to carry out tailored surveys and habitat surveys, but are also capable of providing high quality habitat management / restoration plans to help developers deliver projects which contribute to the targets set out by the Scottish Government.

Scotland's character is in large part defined by its marine and coastal environments. It is a unique asset supporting a wide range of activities; it also supports internationally important seabird and marine mammal populations and rare seabed ecosystems. The Marine Bill to be introduced by the Scottish Government includes provisions for a new marine planning system, improved protection for marine wildlife and the creation of Marine Scotland to act as a champion for Scotland's seas. Marine Scotland will be responsible for marine planning out to 200 nautical miles. As an offshore market leader we have the necessary skills and experience to undertake surveys for both seabird and marine mammals for any offshore development to fulfil FEPA licensing requirements. Since 2001 ESS Ecology have worked on 16 offshore wind farms, including Greater Gabbard, Rhyl Flats and Kentish Flats. We have also been approached for various Round 3 sites, and for one of these we have already undertaken a scoping study and preliminary survey work.

The Framework also outlines The Climate Change (Scotland) Bill which sets an ambitious target of 80% reduction in emissions by 2050. In order to achieve this target the Scottish Government expects to make significant reductions in emissions through exploiting Scotland's renewable energy potential. ESS Ecology has long enjoyed success within the renewable energy sector. From its inception in 1995 ESS Ecology has worked on over 70 wind farms both onshore and offshore. We truly understand the Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA) process. We have the ability to undertake a full EcIA with resulting ecological chapters informing the Environmental Statement as part of the wider Environmental Impact Assessment process.

It is evident that the environment is at the forefront of government priorities. With tightening in legislation it is now more important than ever to consider ecological initiatives into development proposals. As you will be aware many of the survey seasons are now closed for this year, however survey opportunities will be commencing early next year. If you have projects in the pipeline please consider that by contacting us now we can identify any ecological constraints and provide you with cost effective solutions to help enable your projects through the planning process. By dealing with constraints as early on in the process as possible, ESS Ecology can save you costly delays in project schedules. Contact us today and let's together make projects and the industry more ecologically sustainable, helping deliver the Scottish Governments targets.

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