The baseline for our BNG sites is established using a combination of drone assessment, site walkover and water accumulation assessment. This creates a digital map that shows habitats and smaller ecological features and provides an audit trail for the project. Individual species were identified as a result of the walkover, and the drone data generated a Topography Wetness Index. This predicts where water bodies or wetlands could be established naturally.
Overall, these surveys will identify the number of habitats and hedgerow units on the site for the baseline and also assess what condition they are in. The survey also establishes how many units will be created, following the successful delivery of the project – and these are what amount to the net gain and are available to be purchased. For Van Dieman’s, for example, there are currently 19.38 habitat units – mostly modified grassland assessed to be in poor condition. Post-intervention, this will increase to 60.73 habitat units.
We will continue to monitor the site every five years, using drone and site walkover, to assess the condition of these units and any improvements achieved.
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