Biodiversity monitoring
Failure to adequately represent all species, particularly invertebrates, in biodiversity 'Red Lists' and indicators.
Strongest theme matches
Mixed across source types and ranked by classifier confidence plus text match strength.
Committee recommendation
73match
#152 - 2nd Report - The impact of environmental regulations on development
Local nature recovery strategies, introduced in the Environment Act 2021, could provide a strategic context for the delivery of biodiversity net gain, and other nature-based mitigation. 202 The plans would coordinate mitigation local to the affected areas while operating at sufficient scale to improve outcomes for nature. Ben Kite suggested local planning authorities could consider developing a local...
Matched on
terms: biodiversity, monitoring
Committee recommendation
69match
#158 - 2nd Report - The impact of environmental regulations on development
More detail should be provided on the proposed approach to monitoring and enforcing the long- term delivery of biodiversity net gain. Where local planning authorities are required to undertake ongoing monitoring, the Government should provide sufficient resources for this. The Office for Environmental Protection should have a role in ensuring local planning authorities undertake ongoing monitoring and enforcement....
Matched on
terms: biodiversity, monitoring
Committee recommendation
69match
#156 - 2nd Report - The impact of environmental regulations on development
Mitigation schemes and biodiversity net gain place responsibility on developers to fund or directly deliver long-term benefits to the environment. As well as granting the necessary planning permissions, local planning authorities are responsible for monitoring and enforcing this work. Biodiversity net gain introduces a new 30-year timeframe over which these outputs must be monitored.
Matched on
terms: biodiversity, monitoring
Committee recommendation
65match
#25 - 2nd Report - An extraordinary challenge: Restoring 30 per cent of our land and sea by...
We acknowledge that a significant increase in Government-administered monitoring is both staff and resource intensive at a time when there are significant competing demands on public finances. Citizen science data-gathering could play an important role in augmenting and strengthening the monitoring and management of SSSIs and other protected sites. A number of stakeholders reported the critical role that...
Matched on
terms: monitoring
Committee recommendation
65match
#7 - 2nd Report - An extraordinary challenge: Restoring 30 per cent of our land and sea by...
We heard that a whole-site approach for protection and monitoring, including the collection of site-level details, in combination with the current approach focused on species monitoring and counting, would be a more effective approach. It would allow an understanding of site condition, taking in factors beyond a single feature and would develop a greater understanding of ecological resilience...
Matched on
terms: monitoring
Committee recommendation
65match
#157 - 2nd Report - The impact of environmental regulations on development
The Government told us, regarding Environmental Impact Assessments, that a lack of post-development monitoring had created uncertainty over the effectiveness of mitigation measures and led to issues being revisited in future assessments. 205 Similar concerns were raised over the monitoring of the new biodiversity net gain requirement: there are questions on the balance of responsibility for monitoring the...
Matched on
terms: biodiversity, monitoring
Committee recommendation
65match
#98 - 2nd Report - The impact of environmental regulations on development
Natural England’s new Protected Sites Strategy approach should be extended to all protected sites in an ‘unfavourable’ condition. These strategies should include a time-bound action plan for restoring its condition in line with the environmental principles policy statement. 56 Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004, section 38 57 Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, National Planning Policy...
Matched on
terms: biodiversity
NAO recommendation
62match
Implementing statutory biodiversity net gain
On managing risks as statutory BNG embeds as business as usual, Defra should: establish arrangements to understand and respond to system-wide risks and opportunities;
Matched on
terms: biodiversity
Committee recommendation
61match
#48 - 2nd Report - An extraordinary challenge: Restoring 30 per cent of our land and sea by...
We recommend that the Government expand the current marine monitoring programme both inshore and offshore to develop a robust baseline of data that should be made publicly available. This programme should increase the frequency of monitoring and limit data extrapolation by ensuring that a larger sub-section of sites is being monitored on a more regular basis than the...
Matched on
terms: monitoring
Committee recommendation
61match
#17 - 2nd Report - An extraordinary challenge: Restoring 30 per cent of our land and sea by...
Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs), Special Protection Areas (SPAs) and Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) on land and at sea and Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) should have been monitored in the last six years or in the six years preceding the target date of 2030, as is consistent with the JNCC common standards monitoring for designated sites....
Matched on
terms: monitoring
Committee recommendation
61match
#10 - 2nd Report - An extraordinary challenge: Restoring 30 per cent of our land and sea by...
While the Committee recognises the challenges posed by a constrained budget, the Government needs to develop an effective policy with a sustained funding commitment to deliver regular monitoring of SSSIs and for each site to be monitored every six years. The monitoring should produce transparent and accessible data and the Government should also seek to make use of...
Matched on
terms: monitoring
Committee recommendation
61match
#9 - 2nd Report - An extraordinary challenge: Restoring 30 per cent of our land and sea by...
We received substantial evidence regarding the patchiness of Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) monitoring data. Poor monitoring data limits the understanding of the current condition of sites across the SSSI network and makes effective planning for targeted action very challenging. We heard about the impact of funding cuts to Natural England between 2010–2019 which has led to...
Matched on
terms: monitoring
Committee recommendation
57match
#54 - 2nd Report - An extraordinary challenge: Restoring 30 per cent of our land and sea by...
We endorse the recommendation of the 2023 report of the House of Commons Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee, Protecting Marine Mammals in the UK and Abroad, published on 28 June 2023: “We call on the Government to publish an ambitious timescale for the designation of HPMAs and to outline their monitoring and enforcement strategy by the end...
Matched on
terms: monitoring
Committee recommendation
57match
#47 - 2nd Report - An extraordinary challenge: Restoring 30 per cent of our land and sea by...
We received substantial written evidence detailing the challenging lack of transparent and reliable monitoring data for Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). As on land, this makes establishing a robust baseline of data to use to target resources very difficult. Rigorous monitoring data must be established quickly to inform effective marine management and decision making to achieve 30 by 30...
Matched on
terms: monitoring
Committee recommendation
57match
#45 - 2nd Report - An extraordinary challenge: Restoring 30 per cent of our land and sea by...
We welcome Defra’s plan to publish a map of the land and sea that will count towards 30 by 30 before the end of 2023. We are concerned about the lack of clarity around progress towards 30 by 30 at sea due to reported discrepancies in the extent of English waters that are effectively protected and the paucity...
Matched on
terms: monitoring
Committee recommendation
57match
#40 - 2nd Report - An extraordinary challenge: Restoring 30 per cent of our land and sea by...
We recommend that any BNG sites that contribute to 30 by 30 must have specific nature conservation objectives, effective management to deliver these, proper monitoring and a guarantee of sufficient longevity beyond the normal requirement of the BNG regime (more than 30 years).
Matched on
terms: monitoring
Committee recommendation
57match
#31 - 2nd Report - An extraordinary challenge: Restoring 30 per cent of our land and sea by...
The Committee recognises that there are competing and valid demands to live, work and enjoy the countryside, including within protected landscapes. Giving National Parks and AONBs a statutory nature conservation objective, in addition to their other statutory duties, as set out in the Landscapes Review will not mean they automatically contribute to the 30 by 30 target: that...
Matched on
terms: monitoring
Committee recommendation
57match
#26 - 2nd Report - An extraordinary challenge: Restoring 30 per cent of our land and sea by...
We recommend that the Government expand the role of robust citizen science programmes in protected areas to support monitoring and condition assessment programmes.
Matched on
terms: monitoring
Committee recommendation
57match
#12 - 2nd Report - An extraordinary challenge: Restoring 30 per cent of our land and sea by...
We recommend that the Government use the next legislative opportunity to place a statutory duty on Natural England for monitoring of SSSIs and that the resulting data is made publicly available.
Matched on
terms: monitoring
Committee recommendation
57match
#11 - 2nd Report - An extraordinary challenge: Restoring 30 per cent of our land and sea by...
The Committee heard from a number of stakeholders that a lack of a statutory duty for SSSI monitoring has, due to implementation of past budget cuts, meant monitoring has become a casualty of resource constraints. A statutory monitoring duty would help deliver the funding for a priority activity to achieve the 30 by 30 target.
Matched on
terms: monitoring
Committee recommendation
57match
#8 - 2nd Report - An extraordinary challenge: Restoring 30 per cent of our land and sea by...
We recommend that the Government develops a whole- site protection and monitoring approach to protected areas on land, in addition to the feature-based monitoring and assessment that is currently used.
Matched on
terms: monitoring
Committee recommendation
57match
#4 - 2nd Report - An extraordinary challenge: Restoring 30 per cent of our land and sea by...
We are pleased to see that the Government will be publishing a map this year on what counts towards 30 by 30. We recommend that alongside the map, the Government produce an action plan addressing the extent, condition, management and monitoring of areas to achieve the target. This must address how the significant gap between current designations and...
Matched on
terms: monitoring
Committee recommendation
57match
#2 - 2nd Report - An extraordinary challenge: Restoring 30 per cent of our land and sea by...
We recommend that all existing designations for nature conservation in England be retained as a basis for the 30 by 30 target . They will require investment in resources and incentives for better management to meet clear nature conservation objectives, in addition to investment in effective monitoring.
Matched on
terms: monitoring
NAO recommendation
56match
Planting Trees in England
c) ensure its monitoring and evaluation framework includes robust mechanisms for measuring progress against targets for wider benefits such as biodiversity, flood management and air quality;
Matched on
terms: biodiversity, monitoring
Committee recommendation
53match
#12 - 2nd Report - The neglected pollutants: the effects of artificial light and noise on human health
DEFRA should establish a standard methodology for tracking, monitoring and reporting on light pollution. This should be in place by the next five-year Environmental Improvement Plan cycle. The Government should commission a regular survey to track light pollution once the methodology is agreed. The research should aim to understand both indoor and outdoor exposure to artificial light at...
Matched on
terms: monitoring
Committee recommendation
53match
#52 - 2nd Report - An extraordinary challenge: Restoring 30 per cent of our land and sea by...
We recommend that the Government better regulate the use of bottom trawling at sea, particularly in MPAs and move to a more holistic site management approach at sea.
Matched on
classifier match
Committee recommendation
53match
#18 - 2nd Report - An extraordinary challenge: Restoring 30 per cent of our land and sea by...
We were pleased to hear that developing connectivity between various designations is a priority for the Government. Evidence we have received points to the critical role of connectivity and corridors across the wider landscape and urban areas to provide conduits for species to move, particularly to support the development of a systems approach to nature restoration and move...
Matched on
classifier match
Committee recommendation
53match
#170 - 2nd Report - The impact of environmental regulations on development
The Government told us it expects a digitised planning system to enable greater transparency of planning data, including environmental data. However, it was unclear how this proposal would address those areas where data are unavailable: we heard that there has never been a national audit of biodiversity 225 . The Natural Capital and Ecosystem Assessment Programme may be...
Matched on
terms: biodiversity
Committee recommendation
53match
#159 - 2nd Report - The impact of environmental regulations on development
When submitting a project proposal, a developer is required to produce an environmental statement detailing the expected impact on habitats, water quality, local species and other site-specific issues. This document is usually produced by an environmental or ecological consultant. For developments over a certain size and Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects a single assessment is produced following the approach...
Matched on
classifier match
Committee recommendation
53match
#101 - 2nd Report - The impact of environmental regulations on development
By way of example, the Minister for Housing and Planning, Rachel Maclean MP, sits in DLUHC which is also responsible for local government finance and policy. 137 However, the introduction of biodiversity net gain and local nature recovery strategies has given Defra an active stake in the planning process. It is responsible for providing funding to support local...
Matched on
terms: biodiversity
Inquiry recommendation
53match
9 - More monitoring of atmospheric discharges
The relevant authorities should carry out more monitoring of atmospheric discharges (para 10.126).
Matched on
terms: monitoring
Committee recommendation
49match
#51 - 2nd Report - An extraordinary challenge: Restoring 30 per cent of our land and sea by...
We received considerable evidence regarding the damaging nature of fishing using bottom-contacting gears which occurs across English waters, including within Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). This type of activity is some of the most damaging to marine ecosystems and species and achieving 30 by 30 will require careful management of these activities.
Matched on
classifier match
Committee recommendation
49match
#44 - 2nd Report - An extraordinary challenge: Restoring 30 per cent of our land and sea by...
The Government should ensure that LNRSs will be considered and given due weight in the planning system, including through statutory underpinning at the next legislative opportunity. Local authorities should be required to deliver the objectives of the LNRSs as part of their development plans.
Matched on
classifier match
Committee recommendation
49match
#14 - 2nd Report - An extraordinary challenge: Restoring 30 per cent of our land and sea by...
Alongside the publication of the map, the Government should indicate what proportion of sites are currently in adequate condition to count towards 30 by 30. The Government should publish a clear plan with realistic targets to deliver steady progress on moving more SSSIs into favourable condition. Future progress should be clearly evidenced and publicly available.
Matched on
classifier match
Committee recommendation
49match
#13 - 2nd Report - An extraordinary challenge: Restoring 30 per cent of our land and sea by...
We welcome the Government target to meet the goal of 75 per cent of Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) to be in a favourable condition by 2042 and the interim target that 50 per cent of SSSIs should have actions on track to achieve favourable condition by 31 January 2028. The evidence shows that the condition of...
Matched on
classifier match
Committee recommendation
49match
#5 - 2nd Report - An extraordinary challenge: Restoring 30 per cent of our land and sea by...
We heard from stakeholders that the designations covered by the EU Habitats Regulations are the sites with the highest strength of protection in England. They will be critical for achieving the 30 by 30 target and supporting nature recovery.
Matched on
classifier match
Committee recommendation
49match
#1 - 2nd Report - An extraordinary challenge: Restoring 30 per cent of our land and sea by...
It is clear from the we evidence received that designations with a nature conservation purpose are an important starting point for meeting 30 by 30. At present, protected areas are not sufficient in their extent and are often in poor condition, as we discuss in Chapter 3. Existing designations have a distinctive and valuable role and can be...
Matched on
classifier match
Committee recommendation
49match
#154 - 2nd Report - The impact of environmental regulations on development
Natural England’s District Level Licensing scheme for great crested newts has reduced costs and increased certainty for infrastructure and housing developers where it operates while maximising the benefits for species conservation. The Government should expand this approach to other protected species.
Matched on
classifier match
Committee recommendation
49match
#150 - 2nd Report - The impact of environmental regulations on development
A multi-phase development, such as the Houlton urban extension in Rugby, can take a much wider consideration of how and where to provide habitats for species such as the great crested newt. This does not risk the creation of small pockets of green space which could lead to complaints from residents. 197 Where such a strategic approach is...
Matched on
classifier match
Committee recommendation
45match
#46 - 2nd Report - An extraordinary challenge: Restoring 30 per cent of our land and sea by...
We recommend that alongside the map of what will count towards 30 by 30 the Government produce an action plan for achieving 30 by 30 at sea.
Matched on
classifier match
Committee recommendation
45match
#43 - 2nd Report - An extraordinary challenge: Restoring 30 per cent of our land and sea by...
For Local Nature Recovery Strategies (LNRSs) to be effective, it is important that there is a strong link between LNRSs and development plans, with a statutory requirement on local planning authorities to incorporate policies and proposals in their development plans to deliver the objectives of LNRSs.
Matched on
classifier match
Committee recommendation
45match
#41 - 2nd Report - An extraordinary challenge: Restoring 30 per cent of our land and sea by...
We recognise the valuable role that Local Nature Partnerships play as a mechanism to convene stakeholders and experts to identify potential sites for nature recovery as part of LNRSs.
Matched on
classifier match
Committee recommendation
45match
#36 - 2nd Report - An extraordinary challenge: Restoring 30 per cent of our land and sea by...
We recommend that the Government set out those ELMS they believe have the best potential to identify sites to count towards the 30 by 30 target in line with international guidance and ensure protection for more than 30 years.
Matched on
classifier match
Committee recommendation
45match
#35 - 2nd Report - An extraordinary challenge: Restoring 30 per cent of our land and sea by...
Environmental Land Management Schemes (ELMS) have a strong potential for nature recovery. If participating sites meet international guidelines to protect nature for the long term, they could be included in the 30 by 30 target.
Matched on
classifier match
Committee recommendation
45match
#34 - 2nd Report - An extraordinary challenge: Restoring 30 per cent of our land and sea by...
We recommend that the Government launch a consultation to identify and classify potential OECMs in England and the contribution they could make to 30 by 30.
Matched on
classifier match
Committee recommendation
45match
#32 - 2nd Report - An extraordinary challenge: Restoring 30 per cent of our land and sea by...
We recommend that: (i) National Parks and AONBs are given at the next legislative opportunity an additional statutory duty to protect nature to sit alongside their existing purposes. (ii) Sites within National Parks and AONBs should be identified for specific nature conservation potential, for which nature conservation objectives are developed and appropriate levels of protection and management agreed...
Matched on
classifier match
Committee recommendation
45match
#16 - 2nd Report - An extraordinary challenge: Restoring 30 per cent of our land and sea by...
We recommend that areas contributing towards 30 by 30 should comply with the guidance set out by the IUCN which requires that protected areas are “clearly defined geographical space, recognised, dedicated and managed through legal or other effective means, to achieve the long- term conservation of nature with associated ecosystem services and cultural values”. Further, we recommend that...
Matched on
classifier match
Committee recommendation
45match
#15 - 2nd Report - An extraordinary challenge: Restoring 30 per cent of our land and sea by...
Stakeholders expressed concern about the inclusion of designated areas in the 30 by 30 target which do not meet International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) guidance. We share this concern. Additionally, any new designations contributing to 30 by 30 will need to be assessed against international criteria. Robust selection criteria for which areas count towards 30 by...
Matched on
classifier match
Committee recommendation
45match
#151 - 2nd Report - The impact of environmental regulations on development
The introduction of a district level licensing scheme for great crested newts has led to a more strategic consideration of necessary habitats and unfavourable areas for development. 198 Mapping shows the most important areas to conserve and identifies target areas for new or restored ponds to compensate for the loss of habitats. Developers pay a fee to obtain...
Matched on
classifier match
LGO / SPSO decision
44match
22-004-477 - King's Lynn & West Norfolk Council
Summary: Mr X complains the Council accepted a low maintenance planting scheme for a development in his village rather than properly considering Biodiversity Net Gain. We will not investigate the complaint because it is unlikely an investigation will usefully add to the Council’s own investigation or lead to a different outcome.
Matched on
terms: biodiversity