Biodiversity Calculator User Guide V2. Biodiversity Calculator. User Guide Version 2. November 2017 Page 1 of 35

Transcription

1 Biodiversity Calculator User Guide Version 2 - November 2017 Page 1 of 35

2 Contents 1. Introduction This User Guide Biodiversity units Calculating biodiversity units of a project s baseline Calculating biodiversity units after works Calculating biodiversity units from biodiversity offsets Recording evidence on applying the mitigation hierarchy Using the dashboard Annex A. Check List for Quality Assurance of Biodiversity Report Annex B. Defra s Guidance for Offset Providers on Difficulty to Create or Restore Habitats Notes: Any queries regarding this User Guide, please contact SustainableDevelopment@networkrail.co.uk This User Guide regards biodiversity unit calculations only. It does not cover the whole Biodiversity Net Positive process, which is based on applying the Mitigation Hierarchy. Balfour Beatty was commissioned by Network Rail to prepare this Biodiversity Calculator User Guide. Version 2 Author J. Baker, Balfour Beatty Checker / Approver Neil Strong, Network Rail November 2017 Page 2 of 35

3 1. Introduction In 2014, Network Rail Infrastructure Projects (NRIP) announced its target to make a measurable net positive contribution to biodiversity in the UK. It ran several pilots to test a model for achieving Biodiversity Net Positive that was developed by The Thameslink Programme. These pilots received wide acclaim, including by the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment who described them as very important leading edge work. A toolkit was developed for the pilots to apply the biodiversity unit metric issued by the Department of Food, Environment and Rural Affairs (Defra) 1. From the learning gained, Network Rail refined this toolkit into a Biodiversity Calculator making it fit-for-purpose to roll-out across Network Rail. The Biodiversity Calculator is to standardise and streamline calculations of biodiversity units. It is also to provide a tool to measure a project s biodiversity baseline and to track progress towards achieving Biodiversity Net Positive. The Biodiversity Calculator must be used in conjunction with Network Rail s standards, including Environment and Social Requirements (Design and Construction). 2. This User Guide This guide is for all users of the Biodiversity Calculator (Box 1). It describes biodiversity units and how Network Rail uses them to calculate a project s biodiversity baseline and to support decisions on Biodiversity Net Positive (Chapter 3). The guide then provides practical advice on undertaking biodiversity unit calculations and on using the Biodiversity Calculator (Chapters 4 to 8). This advice is based on learning gathered from Network Rail Infrastructure Project s pilots on Biodiversity Net Positive, and feedback from Defra and Natural England. Annex A provides Network Rail with a check list for quality assurance of biodiversity unit calculations. Box 1. Biodiversity Calculator Those using the Biodiversity Calculator should have experience and be trained in biodiversity unit calculations. They should also have viewed Network Rail s training webinar on the Biodiversity Calculator. Key steps when using the Biodiversity Calculator are: Enter project details Check Phase One comparison Calculate biodiversity units before works Measure linear habitats Calculate biodiversity units after works Calculate biodiversity units from offsets Record Mitigation Hierarchy evidence Use the dashboard 1 Defra (2012) Biodiversity Offsetting: Guidance for Developers / Guidance for Offset Providers. November 2017 Page 3 of 35

4 3. Biodiversity units 3.1 What is a biodiversity unit? A biodiversity unit is a nominal figure that represents the distinctiveness, condition and size of a habitat. Biodiversity units are not a value, but can help assess whether a project results in a loss of biodiversity, or no overall loss or net positive outcomes. Based on guidance by Defra 2, the basic formula for calculating biodiversity units is: - Habitat type is scored for distinctiveness as high (6), medium (4) or low (2) using pre-assigned scores (Box 2). - Condition of a habitat is assessed using the method described in Natural England's Farm Environment Plan (FEP) Manual 3, and scored as good (3), moderate (2) or poor (1) (Box 2). - Area of the habitat is measured in hectares. - The distinctiveness and condition scores are multiplied by hectares to give biodiversity units: Distinctiveness Score x Condition Score x Hectares = Biodiversity Units If predicting biodiversity units for activities not yet undertaken (e.g. landscaping or a biodiversity offset), risk factors are applied (Chapter 6). Box 2. Habitat distinctiveness and condition of Defra s biodiversity metric Definition Band Score Distinctiveness is described as a collective measure of biodiversity and includes parameters such as species richness, diversity, rarity and the degree to which a habitat supports species rarely found in other habitats. High 6 Medium 4 Low 2 Habitat condition is defined as the quality of a particular habitat. For example, a habitat may be in poor condition if it fails to support some of the rare or notable species for which it is valued or if there are certain threats or disturbances affecting it such as pollution, erosion or invasive species. Good 3 Moderate 2 Poor 1 2 Defra (2012) Biodiversity Offsetting: Guidance for Developers. Guidance for Offset Providers. 3 Natural England (2010) Farm Environment Plan (FEP) Manual. Third Edition. November 2017 Page 4 of 35

5 Defra s biodiversity metric Defra s biodiversity metric is a government-issued metric to measure losses and gains in biodiversity from a development. Defra s aim for the metric was simplicity, and for its offset pilot to test how well the metric works in practice 4. An evaluation of Defra s offset pilot 5 found that many felt the metric was beneficial providing a quantified, consistent, transparent and relatively simple process that accounted for a wider range of biodiversity impacts than current practice. However it also revealed concerns, particularly over aspects of biodiversity that the metric does not directly account for, including ecological connectivity and wild animals. 3.2 How does Network Rail use biodiversity units? This guide covers biodiversity unit calculations of all habitat losses and gains from a project. It does not cover the whole Biodiversity Net Positive process. For those involved with Biodiversity Net Positive, note that biodiversity units are used to help answer the question - how much is needed to achieve Net Positive? But biodiversity cannot be reduced to numbers. So all other questions about achieving Net Positive (e.g. what habitat to create or enhance, which animals are to use the habitat, which ecological functions it should generate) are based on a qualitative assessment of the biodiversity affected by a project. In practice this means that Biodiversity Net Positive designs are based on a project s impact on biodiversity - not just individual species such as bats and great created newts, but biodiversity as a whole including connectivity and ecological functions such as wildlife corridors. Then the biodiversity unit calculation helps to identify the amount needed to achieve Net Positive (Box 3). Box 3. Network Rail Infrastructure Project (NRIP) s Biodiversity Net Positive Target NRIP s target is to make a measurable net positive contribution to biodiversity in the UK. The measurable component is about using biodiversity units to identify how much is needed to achieve Net Positive. The contribution means that Net Positive is to generate gains in biodiversity features affected by a project, while contributing towards local and national priorities for biodiversity. To achieve this contribution, NRIP seeks to partner with stakeholders and support delivery of their (for example) local Biodiversity Action Plan, Green Infrastructure Strategy or Biodiversity Opportunity Area. This might include: Supporting targets in Biodiversity Opportunity Areas Enhancing the quality of a nature reserve so that it can be designated, for example being designated as a Site of Metropolitan Importance Contributing to recovery plans for a species of conservation concern Contributing towards targets in Green Infrastructure Strategies Addressing threats to biodiversity such as habitat fragmentation 4 Defra (2012) Biodiversity offsets: technical paper: the metric for the biodiversity offsetting pilot in England. 5 Collingwood Environmental (2014) Evaluation of the Biodiversity Offset Programme Final Report. November 2017 Page 5 of 35

6 4. Calculating biodiversity units of a project s baseline This chapter provides advice on calculating biodiversity units for a project s baseline. It refers to a biodiversity report, which is the report where the biodiversity unit calculation is presented. It also explains how to use the Biodiversity Calculator. 4.1 In practice Set the baseline A project s baseline is the biodiversity present before development activities start. It is what change in biodiversity units will be measured against to demonstrate Biodiversity Net Positive has been achieved (in combination with qualitative information). In the biodiversity report, clearly describe the time and geographical boundary of the baseline. Note that the CIEEM Guidelines for Ecological Impact Assessments 6 (hereafter referred to as CIEEM s EcIA guidelines) set out how to establish a project s ecological baseline. Count everything An ecological impact assessment (EcIA) involves identifying ecological features to include in the assessment of effects. This can mean that some features are scoped out. For example the CIEEM EcIA guidelines state it is not necessary to carry out detailed assessment of features that are sufficiently widespread, unthreatened and resilient to project impacts and will remain viable and sustainable". A biodiversity baseline assessment and Net Positive design are based on all features, so any scoped out of an EcIA are included in a biodiversity unit calculation. Count everything relevant Biodiversity unit calculations for a project s baseline are to answer the question how much biodiversity does this site generate? Check if two habitats occupy the same area but warrant separate inclusion in the calculation (Figure 1). In this situation, total hectares of habitat in the biodiversity unit calculation can exceed the site footprint. Figure 1. This is a substantial oak tree providing roosting habitat for bats. Its area is measured as the Root Protection Zone (marked by the orange fencing). The grassland covering the tree s Root Protection Zone provides important habitat for local reptile populations. Both are included in the calculation of the baseline biodiversity units of the site. 6 CIEEM (2016) Guidelines for ecological impact assessment in the UK and Ireland. Terrestrial, Freshwater and Coastal. Second Edition. November 2017 Page 6 of 35

7 Record what cannot be calculated Defra s metric is based on habitats. Only include habitats in the biodiversity unit calculation and describe what the biodiversity unit calculation does and does not include. For example, a site footprint covers 758 hectares of which 630 hectares are habitat and 128 hectares are hard-standing and buildings. The biodiversity unit calculation regards the 630 hectares of habitat. The qualitative assessment of the project s biodiversity baseline regards all 758 hectares. Some features are part of a biodiversity baseline or Net Positive design, but are not directly included in biodiversity unit calculations. For example, roof tiles providing roosting opportunities for bats, a log pile that provides hibernacula for newts, and people s values of biodiversity (Box 4). Include these features in the qualitative assessment of the project s biodiversity baseline, as this gives the necessary context to interpret the biodiversity unit calculation. As above, in the biodiversity report, make clear what the biodiversity unit calculation does and does not include. Note: some of these features are indirectly captured in biodiversity unit calculations, for example hibernacula for newts may improve the condition of a habitat resulting in a higher condition score. Box 4. Examples of biodiversity features not directly included in biodiversity unit calculations Buildings and engineered structures Buildings and structures (e.g. aqueducts, viaducts, caves) provide various habitats for wildlife. These include weatherboarding, hanging tiles, ridge tiles, open loft spaces, wooden beams and turrets. Ecological functions CIEEM s EcIA guidelines refer to assessing ecological functions. So describing a site s ecological functions is part of the biodiversity baseline assessment and is crucial to apply the Mitigation Hierarchy. For example when habitats along urban railways provide vital wildlife corridors, avoiding impacts on these corridors is a primary consideration. It is also crucial when designing Biodiversity Net Positive, as the designs are based on both habitat types and ecological function. Key ecological functions to consider are: Permanent breeding and hibernation sites i.e. those used throughout the year and/or regularly over several years Temporary sheltering or resting sites Sites providing foraging resources which maybe year-round or seasonal, have high or low quantities and high or low quality Features facilitating wildlife movement e.g. between shelter/resting sites and foraging sites; for migration; for navigation How people use and value biodiversity The CIEEM EcIA guidelines call for assessments to determine the social and cultural value of biodiversity, and how a project will affect those values. The guidelines define social and cultural value as the benefits that people derive from biodiversity, which include: Wildlife watching that is enjoyed by people, e.g. bluebells in a local woodland; birds feeding at bird tables Formal recreational enjoyment e.g. hunting or fishing Informal recreational activity e.g. countryside walks Health and wellbeing aspects The only visually and/or physically accessible area of greenspace for a local community November 2017 Page 7 of 35

8 Exclude the irreplaceable Projects that damage or cause losses of irreplaceable biodiversity features cannot - as a whole project - claim Biodiversity Net Positive. This is because irreplaceable features are not tradeable or replaceable. These projects should avoid and minimise losses of irreplaceable features as far as possible ensuring full compliance with legalisation and policy. They should also achieve Net Positive for all other biodiversity features. Identify irreplaceable features within a project s baseline as early as possible. Ancient woodland and limestone pavements are not the UK s only irreplaceable biodiversity, so seek advice from statutory advisors. If a project affects irreplaceable features, exclude them from the biodiversity unit calculation and from Net Positive activities. If losses are unavoidable after following the Mitigation Hierarchy, address them as comprehensively as possible (Box 5). Box 5. Addressing loss A project that affects irreplaceable features such as ancient woodland must follow the Mitigation Hierarchy of avoiding then minimising losses as far as possible. If losses are unavoidable, the project cannot achieve Net Positive for that feature. It must comply with legalisation and policy to address these losses, and should do so as comprehensively as possible. For example, if ancient woodland is degraded from neighbouring activities or is not legally protected, address these threats by: Supporting efforts to legally protect ancient woodland e.g. being assigned SSSI status Buffering ancient woodland to protect it from disturbance Creating natural connections between blocks of ancient woodland Enhancing degraded ancient woodland to improve its biodiversity value Securing the above for the long-term, a minimum of years Then achieve Net Positive for all other biodiversity features. The Woodland Trust has published a Planners Manual for ancient woodland and veteran trees: Natural England s review of High Speed 2 (HS2) approach to No Net Loss (NNL) 7 recommended that irreplaceable habitat such as ancient woodland are excluded from the HS2 NNL metric given that its inclusion gives the impression that it is tradeable or replaceable. It is not. Those losses should be reported separately. 7 November 2017 Page 8 of 35

9 Exclude statutory designations Projects that affect statutory designated sites follow Network Rail s procedures and must fully comply with legalisation and policy. These impacts are excluded from biodiversity unit calculations and Net Positive activities unless directed by statutory advisors. This means that projects affecting statutory designated sites might not be able to achieve Biodiversity Net Positive as a whole project. But they can achieve Biodiversity Net Positive for other biodiversity features. Note that Natural England s review of HS2 approach to No Net Loss 8 recommended that protected areas, notably Sites of Special Scientific Interest, are excluded from the HS2 NNL metric. Identify protected species Projects that affect protected species must follow Network Rail s procedures and fully comply with legalisation and policy. Measure the area of habitats Measuring the area of habitats accurately is critical for biodiversity unit calculations. Before going to site, check if the method to measure habitat area is suitable, if limitations are likely and, if so, how these can be overcome (the same applies if using remote survey techniques). In the biodiversity report, record any limitations, efforts to overcome these and how they might affect the calculation. Record different conditions of the same habitat One habitat can vary in condition. For example, a linear stretch of woodland covers 1.2 hectares. 0.8 hectares of this woodland is in poor condition, and the remaining 0.4 hectares is in moderate condition. Each condition with its corresponding area is entered in the Biodiversity Calculator in separate rows. In this example, there would be one row for 0.8 hectares of woodland in poor condition. Then another row for 0.4 hectares of woodland in moderate condition (see Chapter 4.2). Take a precautionary approach when information is limited Gathering all information to calculate biodiversity units is not always possible, for example when using remote techniques, undertaking retrospective biodiversity unit calculations or when site access is restricted. When information is missing yet a biodiversity unit calculation is required, make clear this is only an estimated calculation and base it on assumptions made with caution. For example, woodland is identified on site but the specific type of woodland is unknown, so it could be either high or medium distinctiveness. High distinctiveness is assumed as the baseline so high distinctiveness woodland is the target for Biodiversity Net Positive. Search for information to make informed assumptions. For example, records of invasive species or fly-tipping could infer a low habitat condition, whereas records of protected species could indicate a higher condition. Only make informed assumptions when they can be backed-up with evidence. Clearly justify assumptions made in the biodiversity report. Make clear estimated biodiversity unit calculations should be updated when more information is available. Programme when the biodiversity unit calculation will be updated so this is included in the project programme. 8 November 2017 Page 9 of 35

10 4.2 Using the Biodiversity Calculator to calculate the baseline Enter the project details 1. Click on the Project Details tab 2. Enter information in each row Completion date is the date of this update or completion 3. Click the arrow to move between tabs Prepare for habitat condition assessments Habitat condition assessments for biodiversity unit calculations are undertaken following the method in the Farm Environment Plan (FEP) 9. Often Network Rail projects require a Phase One Habitat survey. If so, maximise time on-site by including habitat condition assessments as part of the surveys. 9 Natural England (2010) Farm Environment Plan Manual Third Edition. November 2017 Page 10 of 35

11 When preparing for condition assessments, check information about the site (e.g. using freely available aerial photographs) to identify broad habitat types. Then use the Calculator s Habitat Comparison Info tab to identify which criteria from the FEP to use to assess habitat condition: 1. Click on the Habitat Comparison Info tab 2. Enter habitat in the search box 3. Use the scroll bar to find search items in red highlighted rows 4. Check the final column to find the FEP criteria to use to assess habitat condition Include the FEP criteria in data sheets so these are readily available when on site. Before going to site, check whether it is possible to assess the criteria (for example, the appropriate time of year) and plan ahead to address any limitations. November 2017 Page 11 of 35

12 For some habitats, no condition assessment criteria are available in the FEP manual. For example ephemeral and short perennial habitats on cultivated or disturbed land. For these habitats, select criteria from the Network Rail default condition assessment criteria (Box 6) that are relevant depending on the site and its ecological context. Fully justify the selection of these criteria (especially if omitting some) in the biodiversity report. Box 6. Network Rail Default Habitat Condition Assessment Criteria 1 A diverse age range 2 A diverse species mix 3 Diverse structural variety / diverse form 4 Potential or confirmed presence of protected species 5 None or a limited presence of invasive species 6 No or limited damage from inappropriate use for example by machinery Score condition of habitats When using the FEP or default criteria to assess habitat condition, count the number of failed criteria to identify the condition score for the biodiversity unit calculation using this table: Number of failed criteria Condition Score for the biodiversity unit calculation 0 Good 3 1 Moderate 2 2 or more Poor 1 In the biodiversity report, show the full working of each condition assessment with full justification of the scores that are backed-up with evidence, such as date-stamped photographs (see Annex A Check List for quality assurance of biodiversity unit calculations). Confirm habitat types on site When the site survey or other means of collecting information has been undertaken, use the Habitat Comparison Info tab to confirm the habitats to include in the biodiversity unit calculation. Checking the Phase 1 Broad / Sub Category and Alpha-numeric columns, and the Survey Notes and NVC Habitat Type if useful: November 2017 Page 12 of 35

13 Also note the habitat Distinctiveness score and check the correct FEP condition assessment criteria were used: Calculate biodiversity units of habitats on site before works Enter each habitat in Biodiversity Units - Before Works tab: 1. Click on the Biodiversity Units-Before Works tab 2. Under 'Phase 1 Habitat left click once on the cell and the drop-down arrow appears on the righthand side 3. Click the drop-down arrow, find the Phase 1 habitat (as identified in the Habitat Comparison Info tab) and click to enter it, its distinctiveness score is calculated automatically November 2017 Page 13 of 35

14 4. Under 'Condition Rating left click once on the cell and the drop-down arrow appears on the right-hand side 5. Click the drop-down arrow, find the correct condition score and click to enter it, the score is calculated automatically 6. Enter the hectares of habitat under the Area of Habitat column, the total number of biodiversity units and the number of units per hectare are calculated automatically November 2017 Page 14 of 35

15 Calculate the project s biodiversity baseline As data for each habitat on site is entered, the Project Total bar at the top automatically updates the biodiversity baseline for the project with these key variables: Total hectares of habitat cover Total biodiversity units Average biodiversity units per hectare The Biodiversity Calculator produces graphs on these variables in the Dashboard tab (Chapter 8). Report these when describing the project s biodiversity baseline unit calculation, as well as the individual habitat types that generate these biodiversity units. Describing biodiversity units of individual habitats is especially important when designing Biodiversity Net Positive to ensure the design is based on losses and gains in specific habitat types. Report linear habitats Linear habitats are treated separately in the biodiversity unit calculation. Only habitat type, condition and length are recorded. Linear habitats are not only hedgerows, but can include features such as hedge banks, ditches and rows of trees. The Linear Habitats tab records linear habitats on site before works start. If these habitats are affected by works, it calculates the length (in metres) of new habitat that is needed to compensate for losses. Note it calculates metres of new habitat to compensate for losses (i.e. achieve No Net Loss); more is needed to achieve Net Positive. If a project results in losses of, for example, hedgerow, and is surrounded by degraded hedgerow in poor condition, it might generate better outcomes for biodiversity by enhancing these hedgerows rather than planting new hedgerows. Enhancing hedgerows to offset hedgerow loss has been undertaken by some local planning authorities. In these situations, discuss possibilities with the local planning authority and statutory advisors. If a project does not affect linear features but generates gains in linear features, unfortunately Defra s metric does not calculate these gains. So record the metres and target condition of the gains as part of the Biodiversity Net Positive design. November 2017 Page 15 of 35

16 To enter linear habitat data: Check the Habitat Comparison Info tab to identify the criteria to assess condition. For example, it is 'F02 High environmental value boundary: Hedgerow to assess hedgerow condition. Use the search function (as described above) if required. Undertake the condition assessment, reporting the full working with evidence in the biodiversity report. Entering data on linear habitats in the Biodiversity Calculator is similar to the process described before: The first column is Linear Habitat. Here, left click once on a cell and the drop-down arrow appears on the right-hand side Click this, find the linear habitat and click to enter it Under the column Condition, left click on the cell and the drop-down arrow appears on the right-hand side. Click this and enter the condition of this habitat. The Biodiversity Calculator automatically calculates the condition score Enter the length of the habitat in metres The Biodiversity Calculator automatically multiplies length by the condition score to calculate the number of metres to plant of new habitat as compensation (more is needed e.g. enhancement or planting to achieve Net Positive) The Project Total bar at the top automatically updates as data are entered November 2017 Page 16 of 35

17 5. Calculating biodiversity units after works Projects must fully comply with Network Rail standards and legalisation regarding impacts on biodiversity, including following the Mitigation Hierarchy. For projects seeking to achieve Biodiversity Net Positive, assessing impacts on biodiversity is essential to focus Net Positive on specific habitat types, their ecological function, distinctiveness scores, condition and conservation value. Net Positive can be achieved through the project s landscape design or through offsetting. 5.1 In practice Capture all project activities that affect the biodiversity baseline Biodiversity unit calculations are to capture all habitat losses and gains by a project, including temporary and indirect losses. The Biodiversity Calculator tracks change in biodiversity units from the baseline (before works) to after works. In the Biodiversity Units - After Works tab, include all project activities that affect the baseline. For example, if trees must be cleared for the project but are felled by maintenance teams before construction starts, the trees are included in the project s baseline and their clearance is part of the biodiversity unit calculation. Identify the type of impact An EcIA will identify whether impacts on biodiversity are direct or indirect, temporary or permanent, or as a result of cumulative impacts. In the biodiversity report, describe these different impacts and how and over what timescales they are addressed to compensate for losses and (if relevant) to achieve Biodiversity Net Positive. Then illustrate this using the biodiversity unit calculation to show losses and gains in biodiversity units for each habitat type before and after works. Calculate biodiversity units from permanent impacts A permanent impact is where habitat is permanently lost because of the project. After works there are zero biodiversity units for that habitat. Calculate biodiversity units of indirect impacts Calculate the loss of biodiversity units from a project s indirect impacts on biodiversity by measuring change in the condition of habitats. For example, a project affects groundwater levels that, in turn, affect the ecological status of nearby woodland. This causes a decline in the woodland s condition that must be accounted for in the biodiversity unit calculation 10. In this example, there is loss of 60 biodiversity units from the decline in woodland condition: Woodland Distinctiveness Condition Hectares Biodiversity Units Baseline (before works) After works Lost biodiversity units: = Accounting for indirect impacts for Biodiversity No Net Loss and Net Gain / Positive is the approach taken by Natural England and several local planning authorities November 2017 Page 17 of 35

18 Calculate biodiversity units when habitat is cleared and the area is left for habitat to regrow There are situations where woody or other habitat is permanently cleared for a project and the area is left for habitats to re-grow. These regrowth habitats are typically low-lying ruderal habitats. They can be included in biodiversity unit calculations when maintained for the long-term, although this depends on the project and (if relevant) its scope to achieve Biodiversity Net Positive. If calculating biodiversity units generated by regrowth habitats: Score the regrowth habitat as Low Distinctiveness (2) and in Poor Condition (1). Unless there is evidence that regrowth habitats are of a higher distinctiveness and condition and will be managed in the long-term. Include this evidence in the biodiversity report. Do not apply a spatial risk factor because habitat re-growth is on the site where the original habitat was cleared. Apply a difficulty risk factor of low when the area is left and ruderal habitats or similar regrow of their own accord 11. Apply a time to target condition risk factor as follows (Box 7): o None if habitat re-grows the immediate next season e.g. habitat is cleared during winter and the regrowth habitat begins to establish in the spring and successfully establishes that spring/summer. o A factor of 1.2 if habitat does not re-grow until the following season e.g. habitat is cleared during winter, works progress over the summer and the regrowth habitat establishes after the next winter during the following spring and successfully establishes that spring/summer. Box 7. Applying time to target condition for re-growth habitats Year 0 Year 1 Year 2 Time to target condition Winter Spring Summer Winter Spring Habitat cleared Habitat cleared Regrowth habitat begins to establish Works Regrowth habitat successfully establishes Regrowth habitat establishes No risk factor Apply a time to target condition factor of 1.2 Apply a factor of 1.2 if there are up to five years between the clearance of habitat and the area being left for habitat to regrow. Apply a factor of 1.4 if there are more than five years between the clearance of habitat and the area being left for habitat to regrow. If including regrowth habitats in the biodiversity unit calculation, fully describe the calculation in the biodiversity report and present the evidence to justify its inclusion. 11 If more complex habitats are re-growing, then see advice in this User Guide for applying higher difficulty risk factors to landscape plans and biodiversity offsets November 2017 Page 18 of 35

19 Calculate biodiversity units from retained habitat Include habitat that is retained in the after works biodiversity unit calculation. Assume the distinctiveness and condition of the habitats stay the same as the baseline, unless there is evidence that this will change. For example, rail operations that degrade habitat condition. Information on retained habitat can help to clarify a project s impacts on biodiversity, e.g. to statutory advisors. Report the biodiversity unit calculation of a project s impact on biodiversity In the biodiversity report, present the biodiversity unit calculation of a project s impact on each habitat type (Table 1). This breakdown is especially important for projects with various impacts in order to illustrate losses in biodiversity units for each habitat. This clearly shows the gaps that the Biodiversity Net Positive design must address through, for example, the project s landscape design or biodiversity offset. Table 1. An example of calculating biodiversity units for a project s impacts on biodiversity Project Baseline 1 hectare of scrub generating 8 biodiversity units 1.5 hectares of woodland generating 18 biodiversity units Project Impact After Works Biodiversity Net Positive target Permanent loss of scrub to install 0 biodiversity units of a new railway track scrub Permanent loss of woodland to install and operate electrification equipment. The area is left to regrow with low-lying habitat 0 biodiversity units of woodland 3 biodiversity generated by the regrowth of habitat To achieve Net Positive by delivering a minimum of 10 biodiversity units of scrub and 22 biodiversity units of woodland in way that contributes to the local Biodiversity Action Plan Improve Network Rail s social performance Vegetation clearance can affect lineside neighbours. Take action to improve Network Rail s social performance associated with vegetation clearance and minimise the impact on lineside neighbours wherever possible, by following the advice in Box 8. Box 8. Improving Network Rail s Social Performance Neighbours should receive the vegetation pre-notification leaflet two weeks before work starts. Details of the formal pre-notification process are available at: If complaints are received about social issues relating to vegetation clearance, such as noise, disturbance or the loss of visual screening, then these should be addressed as social issues. Many Network Rail projects have instigated positive interactions with local communities to thank them for their patience whilst work is taking place. Of importance here is to recognise that Biodiversity Net Positive is a different agenda, so carefully plan to improve a project s social performance alongside environmental management of the lineside. That will also help avoid Net Positive discussions being taken over by social issues. Note that any complaints should be directed to the national helpline ( ) or via the website at November 2017 Page 19 of 35

20 Calculate biodiversity units generated by landscaping Some rail improvement schemes involve landscaping areas that have been cleared of habitat, or other work areas. Ecological input into the landscape design is essential to compensate for a project s impact on biodiversity, and then achieve Biodiversity Net Positive. The landscape design can be included in a project s biodiversity unit calculation if there is evidence that the landscaping will be maintained in its target condition for the long-term. For example, the maintenance regime of the landscaping is detailed in hand-over documents and a site walkover is undertaken to show the maintainer the area of landscaping and agree the maintenance requirements. Include this evidence in the biodiversity report. If the landscape design can be included in a project s biodiversity unit calculation, calculate biodiversity units generated from each habitat: Categorise the habitat into its equivalent Phase One habitat, using the Biodiversity Calculator s Habitat Comparison Info tab to identify its distinctiveness score (as described above). Assign a target condition for the habitat using the FEP and other literature where relevant, while accounting for operational and maintenance activities. Fully justify the target condition, with evidence from the literature, in the biodiversity report. Identify the number of years for the habitat to reach its target condition with reference to the literature. Fully justify the number of years, with evidence, in the biodiversity report For example, 0.5 hectares of species-rich grassland in moderate condition is cleared for works that are on-going for a year. Alter works, the 0.5 hectares is re-planted with species-rich grassland to be established in moderate condition, which will take up to five years to achieve. Five years is the time to target condition and the risk factor of 1.5 is included in the biodiversity unit calculation. Measure the area to be planted in hectares. Do not apply a spatial risk factor when planting is on or near the area where vegetation was removed. Apply a spatial risk factor when planting is further from where vegetation was removed. Note: define further on a project-by-project basis depending whether or not the planting is connected to ecological networks and/or species home ranges of those affected by the project. November 2017 Page 20 of 35

21 Apply a difficulty risk factor of low when planting conforms to Network Rail s lineside vegetation standard. Otherwise apply a higher difficulty risk factor (see biodiversity offsets). Describe how biodiversity units from landscape designs (for each habitat) have been calculated in the biodiversity report. For projects seeking to achieve Biodiversity Net Positive, decisions about Net Positive must be undertaken on an individual habitat basis (i.e. not the total number of biodiversity units generated by a landscape design). Calculate biodiversity units from protected species licenses Projects affecting protected species must fully comply with legalisation and planning, and Network Rail s standards. If the project involves habitat creation or enhancement for a protected species licence, this can be included in the biodiversity unit calculation to capture all habitat losses and gains from a project. In the biodiversity report, make clear the individual habitat losses and gains that are associated with a protected species licence. Report as-built data Calculating biodiversity units during the design stage is a prediction of losses and gains in habitat and of the project s final balance regarding biodiversity units on completion. Biodiversity Net Positive cannot be claimed at the design stage, rather it is a statement with the accompanying calculation to predict the biodiversity outcomes of a project. Validate this prediction during project construction by collecting as-built data on the actual losses and gains in habitat. Plan for any resources required for this data collection. Undertake the biodiversity unit calculation in real time as construction progresses to help identify any issues early and ensure that the project s biodiversity target remains on track. Report the as-built biodiversity unit calculation. November 2017 Page 21 of 35

22 5.2 Calculating biodiversity units after works Use the Biodiversity Units After Works tab to calculate biodiversity units after works: Check the Habitat Comparison Info tab to identify the Phase One habitats that will be present after works, for example habitat retained or planted (see Chapter 4 on calculating the baseline biodiversity units). When all habitats on site after works have been identified: 1. Under 'Phase 1 Habitat left click once on the cell and the drop-down arrow appears on the right-hand side. Click this, find the Phase 1 habitat and click to enter it. Its distinctiveness score is calculated automatically. 2. Under the column Condition, left click on the Rating cell and the drop-down arrow appears on the right-hand side. Click this and enter the condition of this habitat. November 2017 Page 22 of 35

23 3. Enter the number of hectares of the habitat; the gross biodiversity units and biodiversity units per hectare of this habitat are automatically calculated (without risks). 4. Under the RISK Time to Target Condition column, left click on the cell under Years and the drop-down arrow appears on the right-hand side. Click this and enter the number of years for target condition, e.g. for landscaping and habitat re-growing after devege, or enter N/A. 5. When RISK Time to Target Condition is entered, the Calculator automatically calculates the final biodiversity units and biodiversity units per hectare for after works. The Project Total bar at the top automatically updates as the Biodiversity Calculator is completed. November 2017 Page 23 of 35

24 The Biodiversity Units After Works tab only contains the Time to Target Condition risk factor. It automatically includes a low difficulty risk for habitats re-growing of their own accord and for landscape plans that adhere to Network Rail s lineside vegetation management standard (this risk factor is 1). It also accounts for no application of spatial risk (this risk factor is n/a) where habitats in the after works biodiversity unit calculation are on site. If higher difficulty or spatial risks are to be applied, use the Offset Units tab (see Chapter 6). 5.3 Reporting biodiversity units after works When the biodiversity unit calculation of the project after works (excluding biodiversity offsets) is complete: Report the amount of green space before and after works Describe whether the project increased or decreased the amount of green space by the number of hectares of habitat cover before and after works. Chapter 8 describes the Dashboard tab, which generates totals for a project, but also use the Biodiversity Units Before Works and After Works tabs to identify change in specific habitat types. If the project changed the amount of green space, quantify by how much and where in order to address specific losses. For example, the project resulted in a 10% decrease in habitat cover (2.4 ha) within Lincolnshire County Council because of station expansion to accommodate longer trains. Change in habitat cover is an important part of the after works picture for the biodiversity report. For example, a project to electrify the railway requires clearance of woody vegetation. The lineside is then left for ruderal habitats to re-grow. There is no loss of green space, but there is a loss of biodiversity from the clearance of woody vegetation. A project can achieve Biodiversity Net Positive but cause a loss of green space, which can be critical in some situations. For example, a project requires permanent clearance of woody vegetation to install new railway tracks. A nearby nature reserve contains woodland in extremely poor condition. The project team collaborate with local planning authorities and wildlife groups on achieving Biodiversity Net Positive. One proposal is to enhance woodland in the nature reserve. But as this does not involve creating new woodland (rather it enhances existing woodland), the project would cause a loss of green space within a heavily urban environment and be in conflict with the local Biodiversity Action Plan. So it is agreed that a mixture of planting new woodland in areas identified within the Biodiversity Action Plan, as well as some enhancements to woodland in the nature reserve, is undertaken. Report the before and after for each habitat The Biodiversity Calculator shows biodiversity units before and after works. In the biodiversity report, present the story of each biodiversity feature from its baseline status (before works) to after completion of works in the biodiversity report (Table 2). This breakdown is especially important for projects with various impacts in order to illustrate losses and gains in biodiversity units for each habitat type. It also generates the information needed to design Biodiversity Net Positive. November 2017 Page 24 of 35

25 Table 2. An example of calculating biodiversity units for a project s impacts on biodiversity Baseline (before works) 1 hectare of woodland generating 12 biodiversity units 0.5 hectares of scrub generating 4 biodiversity units 1.5 hectares of woodland-scrub generating 18 biodiversity units Patch of bare ground generating 0 biodiversity units Type of Impact Permanent loss of woodland Permanent loss of scrub although the area is seeded with a wildflower/grassland mix after works Indirect impact of degradation, which reduces condition from good to moderate Landscaping: seeded with a wildflower / grassland mix after works After completion of Loss works 0 biodiversity units -12 biodiversity units of woodland 0 biodiversity units from the loss of scrub 3 biodiversity units generated by the wildflower/grassland mix assuming it will be in moderate condition within 5 years 1.5 hectares of woodland-scrub generating 12 biodiversity units 15 biodiversity units generated by the wildflower/grassland mix assuming it will be in moderate condition within 5 years -4 biodiversity units of scrub n/a n/a Gains 3 biodiversity units from wildflower / grassland -6 biodiversity units of woodland scrub 0 15 biodiversity units from wildflower / grassland When using metrics. Remember that Biodiversity Net Positive is not just about outweighing losses with gains, but contributing towards biodiversity priorities in the landscape surrounding the rail project. A project s baseline and impact assessment is both qualitative and quantitative. The qualitative assessment informs the design for Biodiversity Net Positive, which describes what habitat to create, which animals will use it, what ecological functions it should generate, which biodiversity priorities it contributes towards (e.g. a Biodiversity Action Plan) and so on. Biodiversity Net Positive is specific to individual habitat types and their ecological function, condition, distinctiveness score, and conservation value. Biodiversity units then help to answer how much - how much biodiversity is needed to generate Net Positive for individual habitat types affected by the project? November 2017 Page 25 of 35

26 6. Calculating biodiversity units from biodiversity offsets This chapter provides practical advice about calculating biodiversity units generated from biodiversity offsets and explains how to use the Offsets Units tab in the Biodiversity Calculator. This can be used to help assess options for biodiversity offsets, especially by predicting biodiversity units generated from proposed offsets. Check how much is needed to achieve Biodiversity Net Positive The Offsets Units tab automatically updates with a summary of the project's biodiversity unit calculation when data are entered for the project s baseline and its status after works. The table at the top left shows whether there is a loss in biodiversity units, or whether the project has achieved No Net Loss or Net Positive. In this example, the project is looking for biodiversity offsets that generate more than 32 biodiversity units to achieve Net Positive (then designing Net Positive is based on the individual habitats that make up these units). Collect baseline data Programme and budget for collecting baseline ecological data from biodiversity offset sites, or gather this information from biodiversity offset providers. For the biodiversity unit calculation, collect data on habitats that are already on the offset site (i.e. before the offset is created) their Phase 1 category, current condition and hectares. It is vital to use the Habitat Comparison Information tab to identify the distinctiveness scores and the condition assessment criteria to use, so that the offset biodiversity unit calculation is consistent with the on-site calculation. November 2017 Page 26 of 35

27 When all baseline data have been collected, enter the data into the Offsets Units tab as before for the on-site biodiversity unit calculation: Under 'Phase 1 Habitat left click once on the cell and the drop-down arrow appears on the right-hand side. Click this, find your Phase 1 habitat and click to enter it. Its distinctiveness score is calculated automatically. Under the column Condition, left click on the cell and the drop-down arrow appears on the right-hand side. Click this and enter the condition of this habitat. The score automatically appears. Enter the number of hectares of the habitat. The baseline biodiversity units are automatically calculated. Complete these steps for all habitats on the offset site. Collect data on the biodiversity offset Gather information on habitats to be created or enhanced for the offset, or request this from the offset provider. Use the Habitat Comparison Information tab to identify habitats so everything is consistent. Start with the Phase 1 habitats (this gives the distinctiveness scores) and the number of hectares of each habitat to be created or enhanced. Using the literature or other evidence, and working with the offset provider, assign a target condition for each habitat type when the offset is fully established. There might be a target condition for each habitat or one target condition for the whole offset. If one target condition for the whole offset, enter that condition for each habitat. Note that a one-step change in condition or distinctiveness is often the case when enhancing habitat, for example from poor to moderate condition 12. If the offset is more than a one-step change, present the evidence to justify this in the biodiversity report. 12 See Defra (2012) Biodiversity Offsetting: guidance for offset providers November 2017 Page 27 of 35

28 Enter the Phase 1 Habitats, target conditions and hectares to be created or enhanced. The Biodiversity Calculator automatically calculates the number of biodiversity units without any risks applied. Collect data on risks There are three risks to consider for the biodiversity unit calculation. Using the literature and other evidence, and working with biodiversity offset providers, assign the risk scores as follows: Difficulty to create Use Appendix 2 in Defra s Guidance for Offset Providers (Annex B) and/or other literature to assign a difficulty risk factor of either Low, Medium, High or Very High. Include evidence to justify the difficulty risk factor in the biodiversity report. Spatial Risk Apply spatial risks as follows, including evidence to justify the spatial risk applied in the biodiversity report: Spatial Risk Inside The biodiversity offset is located within and contributing towards a biodiversity conservation strategy, for example a local Biodiversity Action Plan, Biodiversity Opportunity Area or Green Infrastructure Strategy. The biodiversity offset is within ecological networks and/or home ranges of species affected by the project. Outside The biodiversity offset is buffering, linking, restoring or expanding habitat outside areas identified within a biodiversity conservation strategy. No contribution The biodiversity offset is not located within or making a contribution towards a biodiversity conservation strategy. Note: only inside spatial risks should ever be applied unless there are extenuating circumstances. November 2017 Page 28 of 35

29 Time to target condition Use the literature or other evidence to identify the number of years for the offset habitat to reach its target condition. In the biodiversity report, include evidence that justifies the number of years assigned. Apply risks to the biodiversity unit calculation For each risk, left click once on the cell and the drop-down arrow appears on the right-hand side. Click this, find your risk and click it to enter it. The Biodiversity Calculator automatically applies the risk factors and calculates the biodiversity units generated by the biodiversity offset. The Biodiversity Calculator updates the Final Project Biodiversity Units (with offset biodiversity units) in the box at the top right, showing whether the project and its biodiversity offset achieves a Loss, No Net Loss or Net Positive. Note: this Biodiversity Calculator is only about biodiversity units. The approach by Network Rail Infrastructure Projects is to engage stakeholders in delivering Biodiversity Net Positive. November 2017 Page 29 of 35

30 7. Recording evidence on applying the mitigation hierarchy The principles of the Mitigation Hierarchy that underpin an EcIA are: Avoidance: first avoid harm to ecological features where possible, for example relocating works to avoid clearing habitat; retaining a strip of habitat along the railway embankment to retain the green corridor that it provides. Mitigation: second, minimise adverse effects through mitigation measures, for example clearing habitat outside of bird nesting season. Compensation: only as a last resort, compensate for residual adverse effects; this includes on-site landscaping or habitat restoration of on-site habitat or biodiversity offsets. Record evidence that the Mitigation Hierarchy has been applied in the Evidence Base tab: In this tab, click once on the 'Hierarchy Level' and select the relevant action. Then add the date, the action taken and the outcome. Describe the evidence in the evidence column. Where possible, enter a hyperlink - right click on the cell, click on 'hyperlink' in the selection menu and window pops up; find the file that is the evidence, click on it and a hyperlink will appear in the column. November 2017 Page 30 of 35

31 8. Using the dashboard Graphs in the Dashboard tab automatically update when data are entered. They are for reporting purposes and to support decisions on Biodiversity Net Positive, along with data on individual habitat types. Chart 1 shows whether the project and its biodiversity offset has reduced or increased the amount of green cover. Chart 2 shows the total number of biodiversity units before and after works from the project and any biodiversity offset. November 2017 Page 31 of 35

32 Chart 3 shows the average number of biodiversity units per hectare before and after works, for the project and any biodiversity offset. Printing To print graphs, go to print as normal and set the following (as shown in the screen shot below): - Orientation: Landscape - Size: A3 (297 x 420mm) - Margins: Normal - Sizing / Fit: Fit all columns on one Page November 2017 Page 32 of 35

33 Notes The final tab is to record notes. For example, any assumptions made or limitations with the biodiversity unit calculations; sources of information e.g. time to target condition; details of your offset provider and consultations undertaken. November 2017 Page 33 of 35