The Work of the District Council Ecology Officer

The post of Ecology Officer is one that is still evolving within the Council. It is based within the Planning Department but has many aspects to it including liaison with community groups and answering general enquiries from the public.

Ecology and the Planning Process

One of my main duties is to input useful and effective comments to the Planning Officers when they seek my advice on planning applications. The planning system can be complex and has to consider a wide range of often conflicting views and issues. The Planning Officers have to decide the value of each particular aspect and judge them against existing policies and Government planning guidance. My advice is just one particular input within the decision making process. Whilst it may be sad to see familiar habitats and landscape feature such as wide open arable farmland disappear under new developments, Government and County Council targets for new houses mean that we at the District Council level have to find land where it is appropriate to build the houses.

Ecology and Cambourne

Woodland walk

Although much of the forward planning has now finished, Cambourne is an exciting housing project that I have regular input to. Recently I was at a meeting with English Nature and the developer's ecologist to discuss various issues that have arisen over the last few months. It was very reassuring to hear how the badgers have been closely monitored and to learn of measures that are to be implemented in order to prevent them from straying onto the A428. Many miles of hedgerow have also been planted and green ways bring nature onto the new resident's doorsteps. The pheasant's eye (Adonis annua), a rare arable weed, has also been found on-site among some stockpiled spoil. Measures are planned to translocate it to the Eco-Park or to the margins of the proposed allotments to ensure it's continued survival long after the site has been changed from arable land. I really believe that Cambourne is setting a precedent for future housing developments in the District, and demonstrates how intensively managed farmland can be re-shaped to create a mosaic of habitats adjacent to modern housing estates.

Land Drainage

I am also called upon by the Land Drainage Manager to provide advice with respect to best practise on watercourses where water voles or otters are known to be present. The provision of ecological information to the Land Drainage section ensures that the Council fulfils its drainage obligations whilst still respecting the needs of protected species.

Ecology and the Community

Involvement with local community groups is a rewarding area of my work is. I have already had much involvement with the Friends of the Roman Road and Fleam Dyke and also with the Friends of the River Shep. If you have a local group or would wish to start a local group then feel free to make contact with me.

Wildlife Enhancement Scheme

Grant assistance may be available to support special activities that conserve, enhance, restore or create habitats or features that sustain our biodiversity. Examples might include the creation of a wildlife pond, erecting bird or bat boxes, starting a meadow management project or the employment of specialist services such as a survey or the production of a management plan.

For further details see our Guidance Notes

Please make sure that you complete the appropriate grant application form:



Contact 08450 455 216