Resources

Wildlife-friendly planting

Every day, opportunities to build ecological value into landscaping and garden planting projects are being spurned. There are usually wildlife-friendly alternatives to the ecologically bankrupt species that are often selected for use. Here two searchable databases are presented in an attempt to make the identification of wildlife-friendly species that are fit-for-purpose, a little easier:

 

Ecological Survey 

A few aids to botanical survey in NI – methodology notes and fieldwork cribs:

 

Invasive species on development sites in NI – EcologyNI guides

Thirty two invasive non-native plant species occur on Schedule 9 of the Wildlife (Northern Ireland) Order 1985 these mainly added when the list was amended by section 27 schedule 1 of the Wildlife and Natural Environment Act (Northern Ireland) 2011.

For a developer, screening a potential development site for Schedule 9 species is  advisable as their presence can adversely impact upon development costs and timing, and may be a reason to negotiate the land price down.  For a landowner wishing to sell a property to prospective developers, survey and certification of Schedule 9 species status can assist in the sale/transfer of  property.

Early identification may allow time for a comparatively low-cost eradication programme.

WM Associates can advise clients, but first check the advice offered here:

  •  A landowner is not committing an offence by having a Sch. 9 species growing on their property.
  • There is no legal responsibility for a landowner to report a Sch. 9 species growing their property.
  • There is no legal requirement per se for a landowner to eliminate or control a schedule 9 species.

However:

  • Anyone who inadvertently or deliberately causes a Sch. 9 species to become established elsewhere is committing an offence.
  • A landowner may be liable if a Sch. 9 species spreads to an adjacent property.
  • Ignorance of the presence of a Sch. 9 species or of the ways in which it may be spread is not a legal defence.
  • The NIEA may require sight of an adequate Sch. 9 species management plan before passing a planning application.

For some of the more frequent and potentially problematic species, a range of official advice is already available, for example on the Netregs website (Netregs page) . The advice offered can be quite prescriptive.  Whilst an adequate Sch 9 species management plan should normally incorporate such official advice, compliance with the exact measures prescribed is not legally enforceable – the control project is undertaken at the developer’s/site manager’s risk.

A series of outline guides to help developers in NI are in preparation:

 

Protected and valued habitats in Northern Ireland

This section also under construction.

Living beside woodlands, a code of conduct.  Householders can also be good woodland neighbours. (Living beside woodland)