The Baker Consultants team is currently reviewing the Department for Communities and Local Government consultation paper on a new Planning Policy Statement. It is proposed that this new PPS will replace PPS9 on Biodiversity and Geological Conservation. more

Nature conservation law is under continuous review and further changes have been announced that are proposed to come into force on April 1st 2010. more

In June last year the Woolley case (Woolley,R vs Cheshire East Borough Council) clarified the role that Local Planning Authorities must take when considering planning applications that may affect European Protected Species (EPS). more

Updated guidance on bird surveys for proposed wind farm sites in England has been long awaited, currently ecologists are using methods set out by Scottish Natural Heritage which often do not suit English conditions. This new guidance however presents us with a new set of problems without providing much in the way of a route map for ecologists, developers or planners. more

The BBC reported today on a report from the charity Pond Conservation on the poor state of British ponds. The report highlights the importance of ponds for biodiversity and how agricultural pollution, in particular is resulting in a decline in quality. How can developments incorporate pond design? more

Of course we'd say this, but having sat down for our first team meeting of the new year things for the spring are starting to look exciting, so we thought we'd remind you that January is the time for survey planning. more

Our 2010 CPD schedule is attached here. It includes training on birds and windfarms, anabats and associated gadgets, public inquiries and contract management. Although this is mainly training offered free to our core team and associates, if you really fancy coming along, we might be able to squeeze you in! more

There is a need for the industry to work closely with Natural England to make sure that their systems are fit for purpose, can be easily implemented and achieve the aims of the legislation – which is to protect those rare and vulnerable species, the law may be complex but it does not mean that the systems which implement the law should add more complexity. more