Comprehensive ecological surveys have been conducted to understand the wildlife within and around the site. This has included a desk study, on site habitat surveys and specific surveys for different species.
These surveys have found that the majority of the site is of low ecological value, dominated by species-poor grassland fields. Features of ecological importance include the boundary tree lines, hedgerows and associated trees, individual trees, orchard, woodland and ponds which support wildlife including roosting, foraging and commuting bats and breeding birds, whilst reptiles and Great Crested Newt have been recorded at the field margins.
The development therefore looks to retain and protect these features as far as practicable, incorporating them into areas of green space, which will also include new tree planting, wildflower grassland and drainage features. These areas of open space will provide further areas of wildlife habitat, with measures incorporated to contribute towards achieving a 10% net gain in biodiversity. They will also deliver connected green corridors across the site and beyond and create new tree belts that maintain the landscape setting of the village.
