Delivering Faster Development Alongside Nature Recovery
In 2013, DEFRA published a review of the standard licensing system for great crested newts in England. It wasn’t optimistic – not only were developers being held-up, but millions of pounds were being spent on on-site mitigation with no evidence of conservation success (and often evidence of the contrary). We recognised the need to help the planning system deliver long-term, meaningful conservation for great crested newts, and NatureSpace was born. Regulated by Natural England, for the past 7 years we have been delivering strategic licensing that’s faster for developers, easier for planners and, most importantly, better for newts.
In 2018, the NatureSpace District Licensing Scheme was launched, set up in partnership with expert freshwater and amphibian NGOs (The Amphibian and Reptile Conservation and Freshwater Habitats Trust) as well as seven pioneering local planning authorities across the South Midlands.
The scheme has since grown from strength to strength and now operates across more than 70 planning authorities throughout England as well as almost the whole Network Rail region. Since 2018, hundreds of developers have been approved to use the local planning authorities’ District Licences – meaning over £7.1 million has been put directly into creating or restoring hundreds of clean water ponds and terrestrial habitat.
Our story is told in the video below through our trusted partner, Freeths LLP
Better for developers
The ‘old’ standard licensing route has gained great crested newts an unwelcome reputation. Applications through Natural England often take many months and the process is complex, resulting in delays to timescales and increased costs.
Using the latest science and technology, we develop Impact Risk Zone maps to determine where newts are likely to be found, and our Natural England approved impact assessments ensure projects pay fair and proportionate fees for their proposed ecological impacts. This means money goes straight into habitat creation, delivered by our NGO partners off-site.
Better for newts
Over the last 50 years, great crested newts have declined dramatically in the UK and although they are still widespread across lowland England they are no longer common. Despite protection under UK and European wildlife law, population numbers are still declining and habitat loss is sadly their biggest threat.
Together with our partners we have developed a long-term, landscape scale conservation strategy for great crested newts, fully funded by our schemes. The compensatory habitats created are in strategic locations for newts, away from the pressures of development. The scheme also funds management and monitoring of these aquatic and terrestrial habitats for at least 20 years, ensuring a sustainable future for newts.
Our Partners
