National Planning Policy Framework Consultation

National Planning Policy Framework Consultation

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) have launched a consultation, from 30 January 2021 to 27 March 2021, proposing a number of changes to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). The majority of these changes relate to policy on quality and design of new developments in response to the recommendations of the Building Better, Building Beautiful Commission.

Free CPD for Built Environment Professionals

Free CPD for Built Environment Professionals

Throughout 2021 the team at Wharton will be delivering FREE CPD via Zoom or other formats of virtual media that you prefer to use. We will also offer in-house training either at your offices or ours once we are able too.

If you are an architect, planning consultant, landscape architect or local planning authority and would like to book your Continuing Professional Development in ecology, biodiversity net gain, arboriculture, landscape design then please get in touch. Simply email hello@wnic.co.uk and we will be in touch to arrange a suitable date and time.

Brexit - Change Ahoy to Habitat Regulations

Brexit - Change Ahoy to Habitat Regulations

Defra has published a new policy document to explain the changes made to the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 (as amended). The 2017 Regulations are one of the pieces of domestic law that transposed the land and marine aspects of the Habitats Directive (Council Directive 92/43/EEC) and certain elements of the Wild Birds Directive (Directive 2009/147/EC)(known as the Nature Directives).

Beat the January Blues in the Natural Environment

Beat the January Blues in the Natural Environment

Well 2020 was a strange old year and following on from the new national lockdown announced on 4th January 2021 by the Prime Minister, it has never been more important than now to stick to those New Year resolutions. Winter is upon us and many of us are working from home again; home schooling; and juggling a 101 other things. Winter however provides so many opportunities to see the natural environment completely differently, both as adults and for children. Walking through woodlands and listening to the crunching of the morning frost on the ground; seeing the sun rising through the silhouettes of trees; and listening to the winter bird calls are just some of the things you may not have previously appreciated.

Potential Changes to Bat Mitigation Licensing: Earned Recognition

Potential Changes to Bat Mitigation Licensing: Earned Recognition

The Earned Recognition (‘ER’) scheme is soon to be piloted by Natural England, the Chartered Institute for Ecology and Environmental Management and the Bat Conservation Trust. The scheme is similar to the current Bat Mitigation Class Licence (BMCL) with a much increased scope to include all types of roost and all species. Should the scheme be successful it is likely that it will replace the current mitigation licensing process in the long-term.

Administrative Assistant (Maternity Cover) - Coughton, Warwickshire

Administrative Assistant (Maternity Cover) - Coughton, Warwickshire

Are you looking for a new opportunity for 2021 as we emerge from lockdown... We are looking for an enthusiastic, well organised and motivated Administrative Assistant to work in our team as part of a maternity cover in a part-time position.

Do you stand out from the crowd? If so tell us all about it!

Six reasons why Ecology is more than a constraint!

Six reasons why Ecology is more than a constraint!

When starting a new development project there are a considerable number of factors that need to be taken into consideration, from initial design to overall completion. Here at Wharton we understand how important it is to consider natural infrastructure from the beginning. There are many benefits to integrating your design with the natural world, but leaving it to the last minute can see costly delays.

Has your appreciation for nature increased during COVID-19?

Has your appreciation for nature increased during COVID-19?

As a society locally, nationally and internationally, we are now at a crossroads in regards to the natural and semi-natural environment we leave for future generations. If we don’t take decisive action now there is a chance we will be known as the generation that failed to utilise the knowledge, expertise and technology right in front of us to help prevent climate breakdown, due to our own greed and wealth.