An Organisational Licence for National Highways…
National Highways and NatureSpace Partnership have launched a streamlined Organisational Licensing Scheme for great crested newts across the Strategic Road Network in National Highways’ South East and South West Regions.
This is the second major Organisational Licence scheme launched by NatureSpace, following the principles established with Network Rail’s scheme.
National Highways worked with NatureSpace and our partnership of national experts to create a bespoke licensing framework for highways works, with the ability to cover anything from a small maintenance project to major road developments.
The New(t) scheme is open for business
NatureSpace run and operate the scheme as the Delivery Partner on National Highways’ behalf.
If you are interested in using the scheme for your project, or simply finding out your risk level, you can contact our team via nationalhighways@naturespaceuk.com and the online form.
The Newt Conservation Partnership has already delivered three ponds and two hectares of high-quality habitats under the scheme, and a project on the M25 has become the first to receive Authorisation to work under National Highways’ new licence.
To find out more about how to use the scheme for your highways works, consult the Quick Guide.
Key features
- A framework for certainty: Each project has a clear route forward. A rapid enquiry process determines whether licensing is required; projects that need licensing then have access to a streamlined and proportionate licence option with guaranteed timescales.
- Evidence-based mapping: a traffic-light Impact Risk Map supports instant risk screening for projects – with no requirement for newt surveys.
- High-quality conservation delivery: habitat creation, management and monitoring is delivered by the Newt Conservation Partnership and secured for at least 25 years.
If you work with National Highways and would like to find out more about the scheme or arrange a webinar for your colleagues, contact nationalhighways@naturespaceuk.com.
