Quantock Ecology have extensive experience in providing ecological mitigation/enhancement plans (EMP’s). Such plans are often designed to support the development of a site; sometimes in accordance with a previous Preliminary Ecological Appraisal or extended phase 1 habitat survey undertaken for a site.
EMP’s are often used to support larger development project, where the local planning authority (LPA) wants to see what mitigation measures are being undertaken, in order to avoid harm to protected species which could be affected by the proposals. An EMP outlines the methods proposed to do this and details any specific requirements (such as reptile fencing for example), in order to ensure the methods are successful.
In addition to mitigation measures, the EMP also provide enhancements to a site; either by providing additional habitat or enhancing what’s already there. The report outlining the EMP, would include all elements of the mitigation or enhancements proposed for the site, including a GIS map of where specific elements will be created or installed. This could be anything from the installation of bird, bat or owl boxes, to the management of grassland to support invertebrates or reptiles.