Landscaping, Trees & Biodiversity
The Plans, Policies & Place Making Group includes the provision of specialist advice to ensure the protection of the Borough’s best amenity trees and to conserve and enhance the Borough’s distinctive landscape character and its rich and varied biodiversity. The section seeks to mitigate the adverse impacts of development on the landscape and biodiversity and works to ensure the success of landscape and wildlife friendly schemes.
Frequently Asked Questions (12)
Removal of Hedgerows & ‘Hedgerow Regulations 1997’
Hedgerows are protected by the Hedgerows Regulations 1997. Under the Regulations, it is against the law to remove or destroy certain hedgerows without permission from the local planning authority. Permission is required before removing hedges that are at least 20 metres in length, over 30 years old and are either of historic importance or wildlife value as defined under the Regulations.
More detailed guidance is contained in The Hedgerows Regulations 1997: A Guide to the Law and Good Practice, which can be viewed at the Office of Public Sector Information Website
Biodiversity Action Plans
Charnwood Biodiversity Action Plan 1999-2005
The Charnwood Biodiversity Action Plan covered the period from 1999 up to 2005 and was prepared in consultation with local people and environmental organisations. It identified the contribution that Charnwood could make to the achievement of the UK BAP.
Local Nature Reserve (LNR) is a statutory designation made under Section 21 of the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949 by principal local authorities (County and District Councils).
Local Nature Reserves are places with wildlife or geological features which are of special interest locally. They offer people opportunities to learn about nature or simply to enjoy it.
Further information can be viewed on Natural England's website.
Local Nature Reserves in Charnwood
Charnwood Borough Council has declared three Local Nature Reserves. They are: Morley Quarry in Shepshed, Bishop Meadow in Loughborough and Halstead Road Centenary Pasture in Mountsorrel.
Local Wildlife Sites are also known as Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation.
Local Wildlife Sites are the most important places for wildlife which are not protected by law. Many of these comprise irreplaceable habitats such as ancient woodland and species-rich grassland. Local Wildlife Sites are recognised by Natural England and are taken into account when allocating grants. Local Wildlife Sites are also included in local authorities’ plans.
Local Wildlife Sites in Charnwood
Currently Charnwood Borough Council has identified 217 Local Wildlife Sites, representing 1,129 ha and over 105 km of linear habitats, such as watercourses and hedgerows. They represent over 4% of the district’s land area.
Regionally Important Geological and Geomorphological Sites
Regionally Important Geological and Geomorphological Sites (RIGS) are important sites which do not have the formal statutory protection of SSSIs but complement the SSSI coverage.
In Leicestershire, RIGS are selected on a local basis by a group of geological experts under the umbrella of the Leicestershire & Rutland Wildlife Trust, according to nationally agreed criteria.
Local planning authorities are notified of the RIGS which have been declared in their area and encouraged to protect the RIGS through the planning process.
Further information on RIGS can be found on Natural England's website
RIGS in Charnwood
Sites have been re-assessed by the Leicestershire RIGS Group and 5 were confirmed to be of regional importance in Charnwood so far. The re-assessment process of geological sites is ongoing.
Further information can be viewed on Leicestershire County Council's website.
Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) are the country's best wildlife and geological statutory sites. They support plants and animals which are now seldom found in the wider countryside.
Natural England has responsibility for identifying and protecting SSSIs in England under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended by the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000).
Further information on Sites of Special Scientific Interest is available on Natural England's website.
Sites of Special Scientific Interest in Charnwood
There are 17 SSSIs in Charnwood, covering over 4% per cent of the district’s land area. They include some of our most valuable habitats – ancient woodland, flower-rich meadows and earth heritage sites.
The National Forest Company and Charnwood Borough Council established the Local Seed Project in April 2002, as a pioneering initiative designed to meet the growing demand for local origin trees and shrubs.
The project works with local landowners, seed collectors and commercial nurseries to create a supply of trees and shrubs of researched local origin for use in National Forest Tender Schemes, and planting projects within the East Midlands.
For further information, please go to CBC's website or The National Forest's website.
Use of Locally Native Species in Tree Planting Schemes
Please contact us for guidance on the trees and shrubs which are most appropriate for inclusion in planting schemes. Ask for the document 'Locally Native Trees in Charnwood District'.
Use of Locally Native Species in Tree Planting Schemes
Guidance on the trees and shrubs which are most appropriate for inclusion in planting schemes is available. Please contact us and ask for the document 'Locally Native Trees in Charnwood District'.
Many species are legally protected under various legislation, mainly the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 (as amended), the Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations 1994, the Protection of Badgers Act 1992 and the Countryside & Rights of Way Act 2000.
For a list of useful publications and guidance notes please go to Natural England's website.
Complaints in Respect of High Hedges
Information can be viewed at Charnwood Borough Council’s website.
Guidance and information to tree owners on the protection of trees and how to get consent from their local authority to fell or prune a protected tree is available from ‘Protected Trees: A Guide to Tree Preservation Procedures’, which can be found on the Communities and Local Government Website.
Last updated: Fri 26th August, 2011 @ 14:37
