Natura Impact Statements (NIS)

As habitat and species evaluation is central to the Natura Impact Statement (NIS) this input must be supplemented by additional expertise and experience (e.g. geology, hydrology, engineering, planning), as required.

Veon ecologists have the requisite ecological expertise and experience required to undertake the necessary ecological surveys, research and analysis.

We can provide the ecological surveys needed to assess whether a species of conservation interest (SCI) or habitat of qualifying interest (QI) is present, and to what extent. The type of survey applicable will vary greatly, from a general habitat walkover survey to a more detailed field survey.

The following are some examples of various permutations that may arise. (Note, these examples are given for illustrative purposes only, and ecological expertise will inform the type of survey required in relation to any particular project.)

Ex situ – Projects located outside a Natura site

Standard practice is for a General habitat walkover survey to be undertaken to assess whether the project area contains a particular habitat(s) utilised by a species listed as a qualifying interest of the Natura site.

For example, part or all of the project area may contain a particular habitat used for resting and grazing by a wintering flock of a particular bird species listed as a qualifying interest of a designated or proposed Special Protection Area (SPA).

Additionally, for any project located outside of a Natura site, required site assessment is undertaken to evaluate whether or not the project area has a functional connection with the Natura site. For example, drainage associated with the project may affect an adjoining Special Area of Conservation (SAC) with one or more designated Annex I habitats. Such assessments often require some level of hydrological expertise.

In situ – Project located within a Natura site

Ecological surveys (ranging from a habitat walkover survey to a detailed field survey)  are undertaken to determine whether or not a particular habitat or species listed as a qualifying interest is present, likely to be present, or absent within the project area.

For example, if a project lies within a SAC with a terrestrial qualifying interest such as wet heath, a habitat survey will be necessary to identify whether that habitat occurs within the project area.

Similarly, if a project is within an SAC with a terrestrial qualifying interest such as Desmoulin’s whorl snail (Vertigo moulinsiana), a species survey or a species habitat survey will be required to determine if the species occurs or has the potential to occur within the project area.

Also, any other effects (e.g. on water quality or the hydrology of the site) must be assessed.

Typically, a detailed field survey is required if the project is located within a Natura site and where the qualifying interests include terrestrial habitats and species.

Biodiversity survey and assessment

A biodiversity survey undertaken by Veon ecologists will identify habitats and ecosystems which are important to protect or enhance. The methodology used will be designed to especially protect threatened species and ecosystems and requires a deep understanding of ecosystem resilience, tipping points and how various threats – from climate change through to invasive species – affect native species.

Veon’s experienced ecologists will identify impact-avoiding and mitigation recommendations including post-development biodiversity enhancement proposals to ensure best practice and relevant legislation is complied with.

Environmental auditing

Veon’s environmental audit is in essence an environmental management tool to independently measure the effects of certain existing or proposed activities on the environment against pre-selected industry criteria.

Each environmental audit will vary depending on the specific focus of the audit whether it is a compliance, management or process audit report which has been requested.