Space for Nature – a Developer’s Perspective

NGH and CRAG combined to co-host an event where an audience of more than 50 heard two fascinating talks from David Abercrombie (Technical Director of Taylor Wimpey North East) and Vicki Mordue (Managing Director of Biodiverse Consulting).

David’s talk about Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems explained what SUDs are and the techniques that they use to manage rainfall in a sustainable way. David provided some excellent local examples of projects including those at Newcastle Great Park, where a range of habitats have been created, plus other sites in Blyth, Morpeth, Alnwick and elsewhere in Northumberland. He also talked about the planning and management issues involved.

Vicki’s talk explained how the policy of Biodiversity Net Gain works in practical terms, and how it is seen as an important part of reaching the target to protect 30% of land and sea for nature by 2030. All developments (with some exemptions for small sites) are now required by law to create 10% more biodiversity than was originally present – whether that’s onsite or offsite at a ‘habitat bank’ – of which there are a number being developed in Northumberland.

One audience member said ‘Great night….. Really interesting evening and plenty of community interest. It was great the way the talks complemented each other.’

There were numerous questions from the audience covering topics such as the impact of climate change on rainfall intensity, do SUDs deal with grey water or just surface water, who oversees onsite and offsite habitat banks and are all habitats considered equal in terms of the policy. David and Vicki have kindly made their slides available.