GUIDELINES FOR ECOLOGICAL REPORT WRITING
Second Edition
December 2017
Contents
1. INTRODUCTION............................................................................................................................................................2. DIFFERENT TYPES OF REPORT FOR DIFFERENT PURPOSES..........................................................................................3. GENERAL ADVICE ........................................................................................................................................................4. MAKING A START..........................................................................................................................................................5. GENERIC CHECKLIST FOR REPORT STRUCTURE ........................................................................................................... Title Page........................................................................................................................................................... Summary............................................................................................................................................................ Acknowledgements............................................................................................................................................ List of Contents, Figures, Tables and Appendices............................................................................................... IntroductionandTermsofReference................................................................................................................. Methodology/Methods...................................................................................................................................... Results................................................................................................................................................................ DiscussionandAnalysisofResults..................................................................................................................... OtherSections.................................................................................................................................................... Recommendations............................................................................................................................................. Conclusions........................................................................................................................................................ References.......................................................................................................................................................... Appendices.........................................................................................................................................................6. COMMON PITFALLS......................................................................................................................................................7. OTHER USEFUL GUIDANCE...........................................................................................................................................APPENDICES..................................................................................................................................................................... Appendix A - Template for Preliminary Ecological Appraisal Reports................................................................ Appendix B - Template for Ecological Impact Assessment Reports...................................................................
ACKnoWLeDGeMents
The Professional Standards Committee would like to acknowledge the members of the working group who undertook the review of the Institute’s previous publication on ecological report writing (Professional Guidance Series No. 9) and who were instrumental in bringing forward these new guidelines as a replacement to that original document. They include: Phil Baarda, Jessica Batchelor, Mick Hall, Pauline Holmes, Mike Dean, Richard Graves, Lisa Kerslake, Mike Oxford, Charlotte Phillips and Sue Swales.
this document should be referenced as:CIEEM (2017) GuidelinesonEcologicalReportWriting. Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management, Winchester.
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1. IntRoDUCtIon1.1. The ability to provide objective, relevant, accurate, fair and impartial information and advice is enshrined
in the Institute’s Code of Professional Conduct (the Code) and is an essential requirement if members are to demonstrate their competence and professionalism. Good report writing is therefore an essential skill for professional ecologists and environmental managers.
1.2. A well-written report is succinct, serves the purpose for which it is intended, is tailored to the requirements of the reader and answers the brief agreed with the client. It should inspire the reader’s confidence in the content, it should avoid any misunderstanding, and minimise the risk of unintended financial or legal consequences. The intention with these guidelines is to provide a framework for the preparation of a good report.
1.3. This guidance is based on established good practice and aims to ensure:a. Ease of access to readily available information;b. Content and structure serve the intended purpose (i.e. contains all necessary information in a logical
format);c. Transparency and clarity throughout and justification for robust recommendations and conclusions.
2. DIFFeRent tYPes oF RePoRt FoR DIFFeRent PURPoses2.1. From the outset, it is important to identify the purpose of the report and to then decide on the most appropriate
format that will best serve that purpose.
2.2. The type of report required will vary depending on the client and their specific needs, and on a project by project basis. For example, the report may cover a single survey for one particular species or be a full ecological assessment involving multiple, detailed species and habitat surveys, accompanied by an assessment of likely impacts, with details of necessary mitigation measures.
2.3. Table 1 provides a list of common types of report along with a description of the purpose each is intended to serve. To accompany the table, two templates are provided in Appendix A and B of these guidelines that set out the structure and format that is considered to be good practice when preparing Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA) Reports and Preliminary Ecological Appraisal Reports (PEARs) (for the latter see CIEEM’s Technical Guidance Series (TGS) Guidelines for Preliminary Ecological Appraisal on the Institute’s website).
2.4. Some clients, such as national and local highway agencies/authorities and Network Rail may already have a preferred structure and format for reports to be submitted to them (e.g. as set out respectively in the Design ManualforRoadsandBridges (DMRB) and the GuidetoRailInvestmentProcess (GRIP)). Otherwise, under normal circumstances where a report is intended to inform some stage of the planning and development process, ecological reports should be based on the templates provided in Appendix A and B of these guidelines.
2.5. These guidelines provide general advice applicable to the majority of reports. However, for detailed guidance on undertaking and reporting on Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIAs), see CIEEM’s Guidelines for Ecological Impact Assessment on the Institute’s website.
The Importance of Proportionality
2.6. It is important to remember that the structure and content of a report should be proportionate to the predicted degree of risk to biodiversity and to the nature and scale of the proposed development. Consequently, report authors should only provide information that is relevant, necessary and material to the purpose identified, while at the same time ensuring that adequate details are provided for the intended reader and/or audience e.g. in the case of an EcIA Report, a local planning authority (LPA). Likewise, all decision-makers should apply a proportionate approach to the information that they request.
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Table 1. Examples of different types of ecological report and their purpose
Report Type Description/PurposeSurvey and Research ReportsEcological Survey (e.g. Habitat Survey) Provides the results of an ecological survey, such as a
habitat or a badger survey. The report will include a description of the methods used as well as the detailed results of the survey, and interpretation/assessment of the results. These reports are normally used to inform one of the reports listed under ‘Assessment’. They may be submitted as part of a planning application e.g. as an appendix to an EcIA report or the ecological chapter of an Environmental Statement (see below). Ecological Survey reports should follow the structure set out in Section 5 below.
Research Report Provides the results of a piece of research, such as may be commissioned by a Statutory Nature Conservation Organisation (SNCO). A specific structure may be provided in such cases by the client. Alternatively, preparation of such reports may follow the guidance in Section 5 below.
Ecological Monitoring Report(As distinct from a monitoring strategy – see below)
Provides the results of post-construction monitoring for a development project as a ‘snap shot’ at a particular period in time, as required by a planning condition/obligation or by a protected species licence. The report will include a description of the methods used as well as the detailed results of the survey, and interpretation/ assessment of the results. Preparation of the monitoring report should, where appropriate, follow the guidance on report structure set out in Section 5 below. The appropriate content of such a report is set out in BS42020 clause 11.2.3.4.A monitoring ‘report’ is distinct from an ecological monitoring ‘strategy’. The former provides only the methods and results of monitoring, along with their interpretation (often collected at prescribed periods after the completion of works). Whereas, the full strategy provides an agreed set of aims and objectives for monitoring and comprehensive details about how monitoring will be undertaken and reviewed (see ‘Ecological Monitoring Strategy’ below under ‘Other Common Types of Ecological Report’).
Assessment ReportsPreliminary Ecological Appraisal Report (PEAR) Provides the results of initial ecological surveys associated
with a proposed development. The report is used to identify further ecological surveys necessary to inform an EcIA (see below), to identify ecological constraints to a project and make recommendations for design changes, and to highlight opportunities for ecological enhancement. It can be used as a scoping report (for non-EIA projects), but should not be submitted as part of a planning application unless it can be determined that the project would have no significant ecological effects, no mitigation is required and no further surveys are necessary; with the exception of such cases it should be superseded by an EcIA report (see below). The PEAR should follow the structure set out in Appendix A of these guidelines.
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Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA) Report - non-EIA Assesses the impacts of a non-EIA development proposal on ecological features, clearly identifying any ‘significant effects’ as well as impacts on any designated sites or protected species, and detailing both the mitigation measures required, and how these will be secured. An EcIA Report will be submitted as part of a planning application where it has been determined that a formal EIA is not required. It should follow the structure set out in Appendix B of these guidelines. For development projects affecting only a single species/group (such as where a barn conversion requires an assessment in relation to bats) the report accompanying the application will comprise an EcIA Report. As such, it should therefore have the same content as that set-out in Appendix B, although the structure can be modified to delete unnecessary sections, or to combine sections where appropriate i.e. it should be proportionate.
Ecology or Biodiversity Chapter(s) of an Environmental Statement (EcIA for EIA projects)
Where a formal EIA is required the Ecological Impact Assessment will be presented as a chapter of an Environmental Statement (ES). This has the same purpose and content as an EcIA Report (see Appendix B of these guidelines) although the structure is often dictated by an EIA co-ordinator, to ensure consistency across the ES.
Ecological Report (Using a Pro-forma or bespoke template provided by the relevant decision-maker)
For ‘low risk’ small-scale developments, some LPAs may operate a system where ecological information is accepted in the form of a short pro-forma report on a template provided by the council. Such reports have a bespoke structure and format and should only be used in conjunction with a system already in place and operated by the LPA (e.g. Dorset County Council under their Biodiversity Protocol). Use of such a pro-forma does not reduce the need to work in accordance with good practice and in compliance with the Institute’s Code of Professional Conduct.
Statement to Inform the Habitat Regulations Assessment process
Provides the information needed to enable a Habitat Regulations Assessment to be undertaken by a competent authority of the implications of a project in relation to a European Site in view of the site’s conservation objectives. Such reports will have a specific structure and content dependent on their purpose within the HRA process.
Other Common Types of Ecological ReportLandscape and Ecological Management Plan (LEMP) Provides details and specifications for the management
of habitats and other features of biodiversity interest. Normally such reports are prepared in support of a planning application where the LPA requires management as a formal requirement e.g. for biodiversity mitigation, compensation or enhancement purposes. The LEMP may form a part of the information originally submitted with the application (e.g. as part of the EcIA) or its provision and delivery may be secured through planning conditions or obligations. Preparation of the LEMP should, where appropriate, follow the general guidance set out in Section 5 below. The appropriate content of such a report is set out in BS42020 clause 11.1.
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Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) Provides details and specifications for practical measures intended to avoid or minimise adverse effects on biodiversity during the construction process. Normally such reports are prepared in support of a planning application where the LPA requires management as a formal requirement e.g. for biodiversity mitigation, compensation or enhancement purposes. The CEMP may form a part of the information originally submitted with the application (e.g. as part of the EcIA) or its provision and delivery may be secured through planning conditions or obligations. Preparation of the CEMP should, where appropriate, follow the general guidance set out in Section 5 below. The appropriate content of such a report is set out in BS42020 clause 10.2.
Ecological Monitoring Strategy(Effectiveness or Early Warning Monitoring)(As distinct from a monitoring report – see above)
Provides detailed and structured proposals for the preparation of a monitoring strategy, in advance of the commencement of development, which will be used to establish whether proposed mitigation, compensation and enhancement measures have been effective over a specified period. The strategy may also be used to provide early warning of when contingencies and/or remedial measures will be ‘triggered’ in the event that ecological objectives are not being achieved. Implementation of the strategy over time will be informed by periodic ‘Ecological Monitoring Reports’ (see above under ‘Survey and Research Reports’).The strategy may form a part of the information originally submitted with the application (e.g. as part of the EcIA) or its provision and implementation may be secured through planning conditions or obligations. Preparation of the strategy should, where appropriate, follow the general guidance set out in Section 5 below. The appropriate content of such a report is set out in BS42020 clause 11.2.3.4.
BREEAM Report Provides supplementary and summary ecological information in a standardised template format for the Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Methodology (BREEAM) Code assessor, in accordance with BRE requirements, to gain credits towards these schemes. This report is typically supported by other ecological reports produced for the site. The report should be prepared or reviewed by a ‘Suitably Qualified Ecologist,’ as defined by BRE.
Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) Provides information enabling an organisation to identify actions that it may take that are necessary to support the conservation and management of particular habitats and/or species. Biodiversity Action Plans (BAPs) may be prepared by both public and private sector organisations, and may be broad and strategic in nature or very specific to one or two habitats or species. The structure and format may need to be bespoke for the organisation in question, but BAPs can be prepared following the relevant parts of the guidance set out in Section 5 below.
European Protected Species Licence Application Provides sufficient information in a bespoke structure and format (i.e. a template) to enable the relevant SNCO to determine applications for a derogation licence where the applicant will then be able to undertake works or activities that would otherwise be in breach of Article 12 of the Habitat Directive (as implemented in the UK and Ireland through domestic legislation e.g. through the Habitat and Species Regulations 2010).
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Proof of Evidence / Witness Statement Provides written evidence to be presented at a Public Inquiry (e.g. appeal inquiry) or Court Hearing (e.g. Judicial Review). Such a report is used to present a case on behalf of one of the parties involved. The size and structure of the ‘report’ will depend on the specific nature of the organisation and issues involved. However, while some of content and format may need to be tailored to the case, much of it may still be prepared following the relevant parts of the general guidance set out in Section 5 below. Such documents are also likely to be written in the first person, as they represent a personal position or opinion.
3. GeneRAL ADVICe 3.1. Keep the intended reader or audience in mind and consider:
• Why is the report needed? Establish the purpose of the report, what it will be used for and who is the target audience. Where possible discuss this in detail with the ‘client’ (person or organisation by who has commissioned the report) so that ‘what needs to be done’ and ‘how best to do it’ can be gauged accurately.
- Where a brief has been agreed with a client, follow the brief unless changes have been subsequently negotiated.
- Following discussion with the client, be prepared to amend initial draft reports to provide additional clarity or to match a house style etc. but take care to maintain the ecological integrity of the report and its recommendations (see Section 1.1 above)
• As well as making clear the purpose of the report, it is also important to establish what it is not. For instance, for a PEAR you might include:
‘Thisreportaimstoprovidegeneraladviceonecologicalconstraintsassociatedwithanydevelopmentofthesiteandincludesrecommendationsforfurthersurvey;itisnotintendedthatthisreportshouldbesubmittedwithaplanningapplicationfordevelopmentofthesite,unlesssupportedbytheresultsoffurthersurveysandadetailedassessmentoftheeffectsoftheproposeddevelopment.’
• Who is going to use it? (e.g. statutory agencies, developers, planners, consultees, members of the public etc.) Note that if a report is going to be submitted with a planning application, it becomes a public document and may be read by a wider audience than anticipated. Any written material submitted to a public body may be subject to a Freedom of Information (FOI) request.
• What does the intended reader or audience hope to get out of the report?• Avoid ‘may’ and ‘possibly’ and provide a definitive statement wherever possible. If this is not possible, state why
language used in the report is only tentative.• What is the level of technical and legal expertise of the intended audience? Ensure appropriate language, style
and format is used relevant to the audience.• What is the intended audience’s attitude to the topic of the report and what is their level of technical and legal
expertise? Tact may be needed if their attitudes are negative!• What decisions are likely to be made as a result of the report? Ensure the implications of this are clearly
understood by the author(s) of the report.• The report may need to include a Letter of Reliance, which developers and house builders often require. Such
letters require the author to vouch for the accuracy of data, though opinions are provided in ‘good faith’. Letters and reports should state that they were ‘produced using all reasonable skill and care’ and should include a ‘signed disclosure’ or ‘declaration of compliance with professional code of conduct’ (see also Clause 6.9 of BS42020).
• The need to: - Avoid repetition; - Cross-reference text to appendices; - Label and reference photographs and other figures and diagrams clearly; - Be consistent with terminology and check accuracy of references and use recognised references; - Ensure proportionality (see 2.6 above).
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3.2. Reports require an objective writing style that conveys information clearly and concisely. They are normally impersonal and written in the third person. Structure and format of the report should be discussed in advance with the client if the report is to be included in a document with contributions from several authors, or is being written for a client with a preferred house-style. Ideally, one author should be selected to act as an overall editor to ensure consistency.
3.3. If an ecological report is going to be incorporated into another large document (e.g. as a chapter in an Environmental Statement), the author/editor of the ES should ensure that the final document retains the main findings and conclusions of the original ecological report(s) without substantial alteration of either its content or meaning. Any significant changes should be justified and made explicitly clear and unambiguous in the final document.
3.4. Where significant differences exist between original and final documents, it is advisable that the author of the original ecological report is given the opportunity to confirm that the changes made do not substantially alter the content and meaning of the original ecological report or omit any key facts or conclusions (see BS42020 clause 6.12). This will ensure consistency with section 1.1. of these guidelines.
3.5. Pages should be clearly numbered and in most cases it is advisable to number all paragraphs. This allows easy cross-referencing, for example in formal meetings or Public Inquiries or over the telephone.
3.6. Headers, footers and footnotes can all be used to assist the reader. They provide a quick means to confirm document title or to identify the document date/version number or they can provide additional commentary or a reference that would otherwise interrupt the flow if included in the main text (see footnote accompanying paragraph 3.9. below).
3.7. Uncommon terms/symbols should be defined where they are first encountered in the text (or provide a glossary if there are many).
3.8. All species should be given common and scientific names (in italics) to avoid confusion. Common names should be used in the text (all in lower case unless the name includes a proper noun e.g. Daubenton’s bat and whiskered bat), either with the scientific name (in italics) immediately following the first time it is mentioned, or with scientific equivalents listed in a table in an appendix. A reference should be made to the source used for nomenclature purposes, and this should be accurate throughout, e.g. the current edition of Stace for higher plants. If you are dealing with groups with shifting taxonomy (e.g. lichens) then authorities are also needed.
3.9. The author should be competent to write, analyse/interpret results and to make recommendations on all aspects covered by the report, or supported by a competent co-author if required. A justification of the competence of the report’s author/co-authors should be provided for EcIA Reports or Ecology/Biodiversity chapters of Environmental Statements (this is a requirement of the 2017 amendment of the EIA Regulations1 in relation to the latter).
3.10. Plagiarism must be avoided and the contributions of others must be fairly acknowledged. To not give adequate recognition for the work of others may be a breach of copyright and result in legal action being taken against those responsible.
Use of Maps and Data
3.11. Maps (e.g. from the Ordnance Survey), online images (e.g. from Google Earth etc.) and online data sources (e.g. from the National Biodiversity Network) should only be used in accordance with relevant terms and conditions and/or copyright and licence obligations.
Note: You must not include reports from the National Biodiversity Network (NBN) without first obtaining written permission from the relevant Data Provider.
Quality Assurance
3.12. Once editing is complete, the draft report should be checked. Sentences can often be read in two completely different ways, leading to misinterpretation, which can be very difficult for the author to pick up. Also, note that spell-checkers will not pick up incorrect words if spelt correctly, e.g. pubic rather than public!
3.13. Ideally, a report should be checked by another competent ecologist. This may be easier in larger organisations, but for small consultancies and sole-traders this can also be done using someone trusted on a reciprocal basis. A sound Quality Assurance protocol should involve: i. Self check by the author e.g. grammar, spelling and readability;ii. Factual check to confirm information is correct, by an appropriate checker (e.g. by a colleague);iii. Approval, to confirm the report meets the client’s brief and is of an appropriate standard (e.g. sign off by
project supervisor as QA control).3.14. A draft for review should then be sent to the client, asking for comments by a specified date or giving a time period
after which a final version will be issued automatically. Reasonable requests for amendments by the client should be made where these are warranted but should not change the integrity of the report (See 1.1. above).
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1 The Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2017The Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) (Scotland) Regulations 2017The Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) (Wales) Regulations 2017The Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2017European Communities (Environmental Impact Assessment) (Agriculture) (Amendment) Regulations 2017
3.15. Details setting out how Quality Assurance has been achieved should normally follow the title page of the report and typically may include:• date of completion of the report prominently displayed and date of survey work, particularly if significantly
different e.g. a year or two earlier;• statement that the report has been prepared in accordance with these guidelines;• declaration of compliance with relevant codes of professional practice;• details of quality assurance (see 3.13. above).
4. MAKInG A stARt4.1. Remember you need to cover:
• Why the report is being written;• Who has done the work or been involved;• What was done, and;• Where, how and when it was done.
Ensure you have defined the purpose of your report first so that you use an appropriate report structure and format (see Table 1.).
4.2. An outline structure for the report should be prepared with reference to the checklist headings in Section 5 below. Also, where appropriate, the author should:• Read notes and analyse field data. • Pull together related ideas/results.• Assemble digital images to be used in the report; these can act as points of reference and they are valuable for
illustrating the text.• Select images carefully and ensure the title/description matches. Photographs may be more open to
interpretation by third parties than text. • Make use of additional sub-headings where appropriate.• Ensure headings are in a logical order, to meet the brief and purpose of your report.• Separate essential material for the main body of the report from material that should be put into appendices.• Draw out main conclusions before starting to write.• Avoid long blocks of ‘cut and paste’ generic text such as detailed descriptions of legislation for all species
investigated, whether or not found to be present. Text should be tailored to the topic of the report and information should only be included if it is relevant and later referred to in the discussion, recommendations or conclusions.
5. GeneRIC CHeCKLIst FoR RePoRt stRUCtUReNot all sections or headings suggested here will be required for all reports, and some report types require different headings.
Title page
5.1. The title should indicate the subject matter exactly and as concisely as possible. It should be unambiguous and not easily confused with other reports dealing with other ecological matters. Wherever possible, the purpose should form part of the title e.g. Preliminary Ecological Appraisal for Freda Smith’s Site at Blogsville or ‘Ecological Impact Assessment for Fred Blog’s Land’.
5.2. In addition, the title page should include:• the clients name/details;• date of the report (and version of document where relevant e.g. where more than one version of the document
has been produced);• any classification e.g. consultation draft, confidential (with reasons justified in the text which follows);• author’s(s’) name(s).
Summary
5.3. It is advisable to prepare the summary last. Some readers may only read your summary, so it is important that it is self-contained, self-explanatory and captures the essence of your report. Normally it should be less than a page long and may even be limited to one or two paragraphs. Short reports of three or four pages may not need a summary.
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5.4. The summary should contain:• the purpose of the report including the client’s brief where appropriate;• an introduction to the key issues;• a brief description of the work undertaken for the report;• a summary of the report’s recommendations, and;• the report’s conclusions.
Acknowledgements
5.5. Any significant help should be acknowledged. If other people’s research, results or ideas are quoted or used in the text, they should be referenced by bibliographic citation. See section 3.10 on copyright and intellectual property rights.
5.6. Typically the author should acknowledge:• names/organisations of specialist sub-contractors, expert volunteers etc. (indicating clearly the extent of their
contributions);• names of persons with whom they have had useful discussions;• those who have provided financial support; • those who have loaned equipment/software; and/or• those who have given in-kind help.
List of contents, including figures, tables and appendices
5.7. List section numbers and short but meaningful headings together with their associated page numbers. Use a hierarchy of numbered sections and subsections, e.g. section 1, subsections 1.1, 1.2, 1.3 etc.
5.8. Provide a separate list of figures and their page numbers if necessary. Figures and tables should be numbered sequentially; where there are multiple figures or tables used they should be numbered as they appear in each chapter (e.g. Fig. 1.1, 1.2 etc. in Chapter 1).
Introduction and Terms of Reference
5.9. The purpose of the report must be clearly stated, including any brief given to you by your client.5.10. 5et the scene and describe what was known at the start of the project. Try to ensure the client provides all relevant
information on the proposed works/project to enable appropriate recording, discussion and/or accurate impact assessment at a later date. Giving a concise but accurate summary of the information provided by the ‘client’ enables the reader to understand the context of your work. Later changes to the context can then be picked up by the reader. For example, the design of a development scheme may change after an ecological survey has been completed. The need for further survey work to take account of the additional impacts is not always addressed by the developer.
5.11. Set the context within which the report has been written. Is it:• Stand alone;• To be combined with other reports;• To be submitted with a planning application;• Does it supersede previous reports etc.?
5.12. Summarise the scope and limitations of the investigation (this should be in accordance with BS42020; Clause 6.7). The limitations might include time of year, weather conditions, lack of time or other resources, access, etc. These should be covered in more detail in the methodology section.
5.13. Provide any cross-references to other relevant documents, such as drawings showing development design or landscape planting; other relevant temporal and spatial information; earlier ecological reports (e.g. PEARs); scientific background (e.g. for the latest distribution of invasive species); and relevant legislation or planning policy, etc.
5.14. Provide details of any consultation undertaken in relation to the report or project and refer to the outcomes later in the report.
Methodology/Methods
5.15. In this section you should describe:• who carried out the work;• where it took place;• when it took place;• what work was done;• how it was done;• were there any constraints and limitations; and• if standard techniques/guidance were not followed, why not?
5.16. Describe what survey, experimental or impact assessment techniques were used (give references to standard techniques, taxonomic books or keys where available (see CIEEM’s Sources of Survey Methods in the online Technical Guidance Section of the Institute’s web site). Ensure methods used are up-to-date and follow good
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practice. If surveying for protected species or species of principal importance2, state which species were looked for and the methods/signs used, even if the result was negative. If the methods used deviate from, or are only based on, standard methods, state how they differ and why (see BS42020; Clauses 6.3.6 to 6.3.8).
5.17. Provide the following information:• Description of each survey method used in sufficient detail to allow others to validate or repeat the survey;• Definition of the study area for each survey;• Provide the names and qualifications (and licence numbers, if relevant) of the surveyors;• State the dates of any surveys undertaken;• Description of equipment or software where used (e.g. type of bat detector) for this particular investigation;• Description of the operating conditions (e.g. weather conditions, time of year, number of surveyors etc.) - for
more complex investigations consider putting these in an appendix;• Description of constraints/limitations on the methodology (e.g. time, resources, lack of access, sub-optimal
season);• A clear statement of any assumptions that have been made;• A description of statistical techniques and confidence limits that have been used;• Justification for extending the survey outside of a development’s boundaries (where necessary, client and
landowner agreement must be sought - see CIEEM’s PGS 5 Guidance for Access to Land);• Explanation of how the locations used in a survey for sampling, quadrats or transect routes are made clear in the
report and how they may be identified on the ground, e.g. by use of accurate GIS coordinates;• Details of information gathered through data search and desk study, including details of who was contacted,
which sources were reviewed, and the study area and date of search;• Inclusion in the main report of only the interpretation of lists of historical records, with an explanation of how
these have influenced the field surveys - long detailed lists of records should be included as an appendix if required, or state that a full list is available on request if not (see BS42020; Clause 6.11.1).
Results
5.18. The results should include:• desk study results, including historical records and records which provide contextual information from the area
around the ‘site’;• fieldwork;• experimental work (note that results should only be stated in this section, not discussed);• a clear distinction between what the facts are and what are only assumptions.
5.19. The results section is normally written in the past tense and in a passive and impersonal style (e.g. ‘bats were recorded’ rather than ‘I recorded bats’ or ‘bats are present’). However, note that the baseline conditions section of an EcIA Report, for example, is normally written in the present (or future) tense, as it describes what is there, or is likely to be there, at the time that an impact occurs; baseline conditions therefore require interpretation of survey results to allow this (see also 5.24. below).
5.20. Choose the clearest means of communication (e.g. words, tables, graphs, drawings or photographs) to make it easy for the reader to understand. All relevant results, providing the evidence for the discussion and conclusions, should be included. They should be complete enough for an independent ecologist to validate the conclusions drawn, but manageable and presented in summary form if possible. Photographs can be particularly helpful to readers when discussing habitats, sites, or other features, but they should not replace a clear description and interpretation in the text.
5.21. Reports providing the results of a single species survey can usefully sub-divide this section into ‘desk study’ and ‘field survey’ results. However, where the report is providing the results of numerous different types of ecological survey, or an assessment of ecological effects associated with a development, the desk study results and field survey results for a given species should be provided together, rather than in separate sections: this makes cross-referencing easier and provides a more logical flow to the report.
5.22. Where appropriate, raw data should be included in the appendices, together with appropriate metadata3. As a minimum, the latter should include details of what the data are, and why, where, when and how they were collected, and by whom. Metadata are particularly important if data becomes separated from the original report e.g. if sent to a Biological Record Centre or third party.
Discussion and Analysis of Results
5.23. Take care not simply to repeat the results. Draw out meaning and implications with reference to theory, legislation, management, mitigation, etc (see 5.13. above). Arguments should be made here that link the original brief to the conclusions, following a logical sequence, as objectively as possible. Any limitations or problems with the methodology should also be discussed.
2 In England, Wales and Scotland “habitats and species of principal importance for the conservation of biodiversity” are listed respectively under s.41 and s.42 of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 and under s.2(4) of the Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004; and in Northern Ireland as a Priority Species List (undated). The country-based lists are all shown on the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) website (http://jncc.defra.gov.uk/). See UK Priority Lists and click on the relevant country at: http://jncc.defra.gov.uk/page-57173 Refer to CIEEM’s Professional Guidance Series No. 10 Metadata Standards.
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5.24. Depending on the nature of the report, this section may have a different heading. For example, Ecological Impact Assessments should provide the interpretation and analysis of the surveys in the baseline conditions section, rather than a separate section. This then enables the author to bring together and interpret the results of field surveys, desk study, habitat assessment, any relevant contextual information, and to consider predictable activities or events that could change the baseline conditions in the future, to describe what will be there at the time that the impact occurs.
Other sections
5.25. Particular report types may, by convention, contain different headings or additional sub-headings. EcIA Reports, for example, will normally include sections such as ‘Basline Ecological Conditions’ and ‘Assessment of Effects and Mitigation Measures’, rather than ‘Results’, ‘Discussion’ and ‘Recommendations’. For more information on types of report and their purpose, see Table 1. and Appendices A and B (for PEARs and EcIA Reports respectively).
Recommendations
5.26. In this section, present recommended courses of action to be taken as a result of the work and analysis undertaken so far and expand on any recommendations given in the summary. These should be as precise as possible, tailored to the purpose of the report and the client’s situation, rather than a ‘generic’ response. You should give careful consideration to the use of terms such as ‘will’ or ‘should’. ‘Will’ can be used when your recommendations have been discussed and agreed with the client. ‘Should’ indicates that the report is aimed at informing the client of your suggestions and gives no indication to a third party (e.g. the decision-maker) as to whether or not the client is prepared to carry them out. This distinction is important if the report is to be submitted with a planning application and especially where the recommendations may ultimately result in necessary measures being secured via planning conditions. The decision-maker therefore requires as much certainty as possible (See BS42020 clause 6.6 ’Providing certainty and clarity for the decision-maker and the applicant’).
5.27. The ‘Recommendations’ section should not include discussion.5.28. A time limit should be given indicating how long the particular ecological data should be relied on for decision-
making purposes without the need to be updated, e.g. for EPS licences 18-24 months.
Conclusions
5.29. A short section describing how the report meets the brief described in the introduction. Very briefly summarise the discussions/results in the main body of the report and the recommendations. Assess the implications of evidence already presented. For short reports, it may be appropriate to combine the conclusions and recommendations sections, where the recommendations deliver the reports objectives.
5.30. A reader should be able to pick up your report and grasp the most significant points by reading only the summary and conclusions.
5.31. Where a report has been prepared to support a planning application (e.g. an EcIA Report), CIEEM would expect the report to provide a clear statement in the conclusions as to what the likely outcomes are for biodiversity if the proposed development is granted planning permission. Such implications may be presented as a table and/or as a statement of ‘net losses and gains’ and should provide the decision-maker with a clear understanding of the likely consequence for habitats and species likely to be affected significantly by the proposals.
References
5.32. Whatever format is used, references must provide the reader with enough information to easily track down the source material for further investigation if required. All work by other people referred to in the text must be referenced.
5.33. Information on citing references (e.g. the Harvard System of Referencing Guide) can be accessed online to ensure literature referred to in the report is acknowledged appropriately. These may include electronic reference bases e.g. Endnote.
Appendices
5.34. Appendices may be used to provide detailed, lengthy or supplementary information (e.g. raw data, species lists, supplementary diagrams, photographs, maps, glossary of terms). Removing these from the text allows the reader to concentrate on the main issues without distraction. All appendices must be clearly labelled and referred to where appropriate in the main text. Avoid large amounts of standard cut and paste text and consider carefully what information will really benefit the reader. Inclusion of very long lists/tables of species data/records received from other data providers should also be avoided, although a brief summary with interpretation of such information should be made known to the reader and the whole dataset made available on request. Ensure methods used are up-to-date and follow good practice. If surveying for protected species or species of principal importance, state which species were looked for and the methods/signs used, even if the result was negative. If the methods used deviate from, or are only based on, standard methods, state how they differ and why (see BS42020; Clauses 6.3.6 to 6.3.8).
10
6. Common Pitfalls6.1. Common pitfalls include:
• Failure to establish the purpose of the report, the target audience and what it will be used for. Not considering these issues at the beginning is a common reason for reports being badly written or not being suitable for their intended purpose.
• Inappropriate or careless use of cut and paste of standard blocks of text. While often a useful time saver, these must be checked for accuracy and relevance. For instance, use of a generic paragraph for survey methods may not be appropriate if, in fact, different methods or equipment were used.
• Where a report or document has evolved through various iterations, failure to update revisions and dates of the report may lead to confusion over what version is being read or referred to.
• Not providing a clear link between the results presented and the recommendations made, or the conclusions reached.
• Discrepancy between the summary, recommendations and conclusions.• Description of results appearing in the methodology section.• Lack of proportionality, resulting in excessively long and detailed assessments which are not of particular
relevance to the report’s purpose. Striking the right balance between keeping the report succinct and ensuring that the report is sufficiently robust can be difficult and requires experience.
• Lack of proportionality within the discussion. Greater detail should be provided on key issues than on trivial ones.
• Reliance on a published survey method without justification. Consideration should always be given to survey design to ensure that the survey methods used are appropriate to the circumstances – the fact that a published survey method was followed does not necessarily mean that the survey was done appropriately!
• Failure to check and discuss the evidence base for mitigation, compensation or enhancement measure.
7. other Useful GuidanceBritish Standards Institution (2013). BS42020Biodiversity–Acodeofpracticeforplanninganddevelopment. http://eshop.bsi-global.com/ProductDetails.aspx?p=30154979&cat=Environment
Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (2012). Guidelines for Preliminary Ecological Assessment. Technical Guidance Series. http://www.cieem.net/guidance-on-preliminary-ecological-appraisal-gpea
Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (2013). Guidance for access to land. Professional Guidance Series No. 7.
Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (2013). Metadata Standards. Professional Guidance Series No. 10.
Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (2016). Guidelines for Ecological Impact Assessment in the UK and Ireland: Terrestrial, Freshwater and Coastal (version January 2016). Technical Guidance Series. https://www.cieem.net/ecia-guidelines-terrestrial-
Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (Ongoing). Sources of Survey Methods. Technical Guidance Series. https://www.cieem.net/sources-of-survey-methods-sosm-
Regini, K. (2000). Guidelines for ecological impact evaluation and impact assessment. InPractice,BulletinoftheInstituteofEcologyandEnvironmentalManagement, 29: 1-7.
Shepherd, P. and Green, J. (2002). Planning and implementing ecological surveys. InPractice,BulletinoftheInstituteofEcologyandEnvironmentalManagement, 36: 7-9.
11
Appe
ndix
A. T
empl
ate
for P
relim
inar
y Ec
olog
ical
App
rais
al R
epor
t (PE
AR)
This
tem
plat
e sh
ould
be
used
in a
ccor
danc
e w
ith th
e re
com
men
datio
ns p
rese
nted
in C
IEEM
’s Gu
idelinesfo
rEcologicalR
eportW
riting
. The
tem
plat
e is
inte
nded
to p
rovi
de a
logi
cal a
nd
reas
onab
le st
ruct
ure
for t
hose
pre
parin
g a
Prel
imin
ary
Ecol
ogic
al A
ppra
isal R
epor
t (PE
AR) t
hat m
ay b
e su
bmitt
ed to
a c
lient
to id
entif
y ec
olog
ical
con
stra
ints
and
opp
ortu
nitie
s pre
sent
on
a sit
e, a
nd to
mak
e re
com
men
datio
ns o
n w
hat f
urth
er w
ork
may
be
requ
ired
to c
ompl
ete
an E
cIA
nece
ssar
y to
supp
ort a
pla
nnin
g ap
plic
ation
. The
tem
plat
e sh
ould
be
used
to g
uide
the
topi
cs
and
cont
ent t
o be
incl
uded
in su
ch a
repo
rt.
Secti
onCo
nten
t
A1. C
over
pag
eRe
port
title
.Da
te o
f rep
ort.
Nam
e an
d co
ntac
t det
ails
of p
rinci
pal a
utho
r.N
ame
of in
divi
dual
/org
anisa
tion
who
com
miss
ione
d th
e re
port
.U
niqu
e re
fere
nce
num
ber s
o th
at th
e re
port
can
be
refe
rred
to, i
nclu
ding
ver
sion
num
ber (
e.g.
dat
e an
d/or
1st
, 2nd
, pro
visio
nal
or fi
nal d
raft
etc)
.A2
. Qua
lity
Assu
ranc
eDe
tails
of Q
A pr
otoc
ol
A3. C
onte
nts t
able
Prov
ide
page
num
bers
for e
ach
secti
on (a
nd p
ossib
ly a
lso su
b-se
ction
s), a
s wel
l as fi
gure
s and
app
endi
ces.
A4. S
umm
ary
A on
e pa
ge su
mm
ary
of:
• Pu
rpos
e of
the
repo
rt•
Met
hodo
logy
• Ke
y iss
ues
• Co
nclu
sions
Cons
ider
incl
usio
n of
a p
rovi
siona
l Eco
logi
cal C
onst
rain
ts a
nd O
ppor
tuni
ties P
lan
(ECO
P) a
s spe
cifie
d in
BS4
2020
cla
use
5.4
as a
gr
aphi
cal m
eans
of p
rese
nting
key
info
rmati
on (s
ee a
lso A
9 be
low
).A5
. Int
rodu
ction
Nam
e an
d qu
alifi
catio
ns o
f prin
cipa
l aut
hor.
Nam
e of
indi
vidu
al/o
rgan
isatio
n w
ho c
omm
issio
ned
the
repo
rt.
Site
nam
e.Br
ief d
escr
iptio
n of
the
site.
Refe
renc
e to
a p
lan
show
ing
the
site
boun
darie
s with
an
OS
base
.A
brie
f des
crip
tion
of th
e pr
opos
ed p
roje
ct th
at m
ay e
vent
ually
go
forw
ard
as a
pla
nnin
g ap
plic
ation
e.g
. an
outli
ne p
lann
ing
appl
icati
on fo
r res
iden
tial d
evel
opm
ent o
f the
site
. Cl
ear s
tate
men
t of t
he p
urpo
se o
f the
repo
rt e
.g.:
• To
iden
tify
key
ecol
ogic
al c
onst
rain
ts to
the
prop
osed
dev
elop
men
t•
To in
form
mas
ter-p
lann
ing
to a
llow
sign
ifica
nt e
colo
gica
l effe
cts t
o be
avo
ided
or m
inim
ised
whe
reve
r pos
sible
• To
allo
w th
e fu
rthe
r eco
logi
cal s
urve
ys n
eede
d to
info
rm a
n ec
olog
ical
impa
ct a
sses
smen
t to
be id
entifi
ed a
nd
appr
opria
tely
des
igne
d•
To a
llow
like
ly m
itiga
tion
or c
ompe
nsati
on m
easu
res t
o be
dev
elop
ed•
To fo
rm a
bas
is fo
r agr
eein
g th
e sc
ope
of th
e ec
olog
ical
impa
ct a
sses
smen
t with
rele
vant
con
sulte
es
12
Secti
onCo
nten
t
A6. P
lann
ing
polic
y an
d le
gisla
tion
(Not
e: T
his c
an b
e in
clud
ed a
s a se
ction
in th
e m
ain
body
of t
he re
port
or c
an b
e in
clud
ed a
s an
appe
ndix
)
Prov
ide
all r
elev
ant p
lann
ing
polic
ies (
natio
nal a
nd lo
cal)
that
app
ly to
the
site
in q
uesti
on.
List
all
rele
vant
legi
slatio
n.It
is im
port
ant t
hat t
his s
ectio
n is
sche
me-
spec
ific.
Whe
re a
pie
ce o
f leg
islati
on is
rele
vant
, exp
lain
why
(i.e
. how
it re
late
s to
prot
ecte
d sp
ecie
s tha
t are
/cou
ld b
e pr
esen
t).
A7. M
etho
dolo
gy/M
etho
dsA7
.1 D
esk
stud
yLi
st th
e in
divi
dual
s or o
rgan
isatio
ns th
at h
ave
been
con
tact
ed.
List
the
web
sites
that
hav
e be
en u
sed
to se
arch
for r
elev
ant d
ata.
Desc
ribe
the
info
rmati
on th
at h
as b
een
requ
este
d/se
arch
ed fo
r.De
scrib
e th
e st
udy
area
(lik
ely
to v
ary
in re
latio
n to
diff
eren
t fea
ture
s).
Stat
e w
hen
data
sear
ches
wer
e ca
rrie
d ou
t.Li
st a
ny e
colo
gica
l rep
orts
that
hav
e be
en re
view
ed, s
uch
as p
revi
ous r
epor
ts fo
r the
sam
e sit
e, o
r rep
orts
for a
djac
ent s
ites.
A7. M
etho
dolo
gy/M
etho
dsA7
.2 F
ield
surv
eyFo
r eac
h fie
ld su
rvey
und
erta
ken
prov
ide:
• Br
ief d
escr
iptio
n of
met
hodo
logy
/met
hods
• N
ames
and
qua
lifica
tions
of s
urve
yors
• Da
te(s
) and
tim
e of
day
(whe
re re
leva
nt) o
f sur
veys
• St
udy
area
• W
eath
er c
ondi
tions
at ti
me
of su
rvey
(s)
• Re
fere
nce
to re
leva
nt g
uida
nce
docu
men
t (w
here
app
ropr
iate
)•
Expl
anati
on o
f any
dep
artu
res f
rom
reco
mm
ende
d gu
idan
ce•
Lim
itatio
nsN
ote:
Whe
re m
ultip
le su
rvey
visi
ts h
ave
been
und
erta
ken,
dat
es, ti
mes
and
wea
ther
con
ditio
ns o
f sur
veys
can
be
prov
ided
in a
ta
ble
in a
n ap
pend
ix.
Not
e: W
here
the
field
surv
ey w
as a
n ‘e
xten
ded
Phas
e 1
habi
tat s
urve
y’ o
r the
equ
ival
ent i
n Ire
land
, it i
s im
port
ant t
o ex
plai
n w
hat w
as d
one
in a
dditi
on to
the
stan
dard
hab
itat s
urve
y, su
ch a
s an
asse
ssm
ent o
f the
like
ly v
alue
of t
he h
edge
row
s for
do
rmic
e, o
r ide
ntific
ation
of a
ny b
uild
ings
or t
rees
suita
ble
for u
se b
y ro
ostin
g ba
ts, e
tc.
A8. B
asel
ine
ecol
ogic
al c
ondi
tions
/Res
ults
A8.1
Des
igna
ted
sites
Prov
ide
deta
ils o
f all
desig
nate
d sit
es o
f rel
evan
ce (o
r pos
sible
rele
vanc
e) to
the
asse
ssm
ent,
incl
udin
g na
me,
leve
l of d
esig
natio
n,
loca
tion
rela
tive
to th
e sit
e, a
nd re
ason
s for
des
igna
tion.
In
som
e ca
ses i
t will
be
rele
vant
to in
clud
e a
plan
show
ing
the
loca
tion
of d
esig
nate
d sit
es.
A8. B
asel
ine
ecol
ogic
al c
ondi
tions
/Res
ults
A8.2
Hab
itats
Prov
ide
a de
scrip
tion
of th
e ha
bita
t typ
es p
rese
nt w
ithin
the
site
and
on im
med
iate
ly a
djac
ent l
and.
Foc
us sh
ould
be
give
n to
ha
bita
t typ
es id
entifi
ed a
s bei
ng o
f nati
onal
or l
ocal
impo
rtan
ce fo
r the
con
serv
ation
of b
iodi
vers
ity.
This
shou
ld m
ake
refe
renc
e to
a h
abita
t map
of t
he si
te, n
orm
ally
dra
wn
in a
ccor
danc
e w
ith P
hase
1 h
abita
t sur
vey
met
hodo
logy
or t
he e
quiv
alen
t in
Irela
nd.
How
ever
, it s
houl
d be
not
ed th
at th
e ha
bita
t cat
egor
ies u
sed
by th
e Ph
ase
1 ha
bita
t sur
vey
met
hodo
logy
do
not m
irror
the
habi
tat t
ypes
con
sider
ed to
be
cons
erva
tion
prio
rities
, and
furt
her d
etai
ls w
ill th
eref
ore
need
to b
e pr
ovid
ed in
som
e ca
ses.
The
de
scrip
tion
shou
ld in
clud
e al
l rel
evan
t inf
orm
ation
, suc
h as
dom
inan
t pla
nt sp
ecie
s pre
sent
, not
able
pla
nt sp
ecie
s, a
nd c
urre
nt
man
agem
ent.
13
Secti
onCo
nten
tA8
. Bas
elin
e ec
olog
ical
con
ditio
ns/R
esul
tsA8
.3 S
peci
es a
nd sp
ecie
s gro
ups
Not
e: T
his c
an b
e su
b-he
aded
as f
ollo
ws,
for e
xam
ple:
i. Pl
ants
ii.
Inve
rteb
rate
siii
. Am
phib
ians
iv.
Repti
les
v. Ci
rl bu
nting
svi
. O
ther
bird
svi
i. Ba
tsvi
ii. D
orm
ice
ix.
Badg
ers
x.
Oth
er m
amm
als
Prov
ide
a de
scrip
tion
of th
e us
e of
the
site
(or l
ikel
y us
e of
the
site)
by
impo
rtan
t spe
cies
(nati
onal
or l
ocal
con
serv
ation
prio
rities
, or
pro
tect
ed sp
ecie
s).
This
shou
ld b
e ba
sed
on a
com
bina
tion
of d
esk
stud
y in
form
ation
, fiel
d su
rvey
dat
a, a
nd a
n as
sess
men
t of
the
likel
y va
lue
of th
e ha
bita
ts fo
r eac
h sp
ecie
s pre
sent
. The
des
crip
tion
for e
ach
spec
ies/
grou
p sh
ould
com
bine
the
info
rmati
on
prov
ided
from
the
vario
us d
ata
sour
ces,
rath
er th
an in
clud
ing
desk
stud
y an
d fie
ld su
rvey
info
rmati
on fo
r the
sam
e sp
ecie
s/gr
oup
in d
iffer
ent p
arts
of t
he re
port
.Th
e de
taile
d re
sults
of fi
eld
surv
eys s
houl
d be
pre
sent
ed o
n pl
ans (
for s
ome
sites
they
can
be
incl
uded
on
a Ph
ase
1 ha
bita
t map
or
the
equi
vale
nt in
Irel
and)
and
/or i
n ap
pend
ices
.In
som
e ca
ses i
t will
be
appr
opria
te to
gro
up sp
ecie
s tog
ethe
r int
o sp
ecie
s gro
ups t
o av
oid
repe
tition
.A
prec
autio
nary
app
roac
h w
ill n
eed
to b
e ad
opte
d w
here
surv
eys h
ave
not b
een
com
plet
ed a
t the
tim
e th
at th
e re
port
is w
ritten
.Gu
ided
by
the
resu
lts fr
om d
ata
sear
ches
, it w
ill b
e ap
prop
riate
to in
clud
e th
e fo
llow
ing
rele
vant
spec
ies/
spec
ies g
roup
s as a
m
inim
um fo
r all
sites
:•
Plan
ts•
Inve
rteb
rate
s•
Amph
ibia
ns•
Repti
les
• Bi
rds
• Ba
ts•
Badg
ers
• O
ther
mam
mal
sAd
ditio
nal s
peci
es o
r spe
cies
gro
ups m
ay a
lso b
e ap
prop
riate
, and
it m
ay b
e ap
prop
riate
to fu
rthe
r sub
-div
ide
the
grou
ps to
pro
-vi
de a
det
aile
d de
scrip
tion
of c
erta
in sp
ecie
s for
exa
mpl
e, su
ch a
s mar
sh fr
itilla
ry b
utter
flies
, gre
at c
rest
ed n
ewts
, cirl
bun
tings
, ba
rbas
telle
bat
s, e
tc.
A9. E
colo
gica
l con
stra
ints
and
opp
ortu
nitie
s, a
nd
reco
mm
enda
tions
for m
itiga
tion
and
furt
her s
urve
yN
ote:
Thi
s can
be
sub-
head
ed a
s fol
low
s, fo
r exa
mpl
e:i.
Rive
r X S
SSI
ii.
Anci
ent w
oodl
and
iii.
Oth
er h
abita
tsiv.
In
vert
ebra
tes
v. Am
phib
ians
vi.
Repti
les
vii.
Bird
svi
ii. B
ats
Or: i.
Key
cons
trai
nts t
o de
sign
ii.
Oth
er m
itiga
tion
requ
irem
ents
iii.
Furt
her s
urve
ys re
quire
div.
O
ppor
tuni
ties f
or e
nhan
cem
ent
Iden
tify
all e
colo
gica
l con
stra
ints
to th
e de
velo
pmen
t (in
clud
ing
pote
ntial
con
stra
ints
, whe
re th
ere
is in
suffi
cien
t inf
orm
ation
av
aila
ble
to b
e de
finiti
ve a
t the
stag
e th
at th
e re
port
is w
ritten
).Pr
ovid
e de
tails
on
how
pot
entia
lly si
gnifi
cant
effe
cts c
ould
be
avoi
ded,
min
imise
d or
oth
erw
ise m
itiga
ted.
If p
rovi
ding
det
ails
on
miti
gatio
n, c
ompe
nsati
on o
r enh
ance
men
t mea
sure
s, re
fer t
o th
e ev
iden
ce b
ase
for e
ach.
Prov
ide
a ju
stific
ation
for t
he le
vel o
f con
stra
int (
geog
raph
ical
impo
rtan
ce o
f the
feat
ure,
des
igna
ted
sites
, leg
al p
rote
ction
, etc
.).De
scrib
e th
e ad
ditio
nal s
urve
ys n
eces
sary
to in
form
a d
etai
led
ecol
ogic
al im
pact
ass
essm
ent,
suffi
cien
t to
info
rm a
pla
nnin
g ap
plic
ation
, pro
vidi
ng d
etai
ls on
stud
y ar
eas a
nd a
ppro
pria
te m
etho
dolo
gies
and
tim
ing
for e
ach.
Iden
tify
oppo
rtun
ities
for b
iodi
vers
ity g
ain.
Prov
ide
sum
mar
y ta
bles
of m
itiga
tion
mea
sure
s req
uire
d (o
r pot
entia
lly re
quire
d) a
nd fu
rthe
r sur
veys
.Co
nsid
er u
se o
f a p
rovi
siona
l Eco
logi
cal C
onst
rain
ts a
nd O
ppor
tuni
ties P
lan
(ECO
P) a
s spe
cifie
d in
BS4
2020
cla
use
5.4
as a
gr
aphi
cal m
eans
of p
rese
nting
key
info
rmati
on.
14
Secti
onCo
nten
t
A10.
Con
clus
ions
Draw
con
clus
ions
in re
latio
n to
the
purp
ose
of th
e re
port
, ens
urin
g th
ese
are
justi
fiabl
e ba
sed
on th
e co
nten
t of t
he re
port
.W
here
ver f
urth
er su
rvey
s are
requ
ired,
or f
urth
er in
form
ation
is n
eede
d to
info
rm a
det
aile
d as
sess
men
t of a
ll ec
olog
ical
effe
cts,
th
is m
ust b
e cl
early
stat
ed in
the
conc
lusio
ns.
A11.
Ref
eren
ces
All d
ocum
ents
refe
rred
to in
the
text
shou
ld b
e lis
ted
and
appr
opria
tely
refe
renc
ed.
A12.
Fig
ures
Prov
ide
a pl
an sh
owin
g th
e fe
atur
es re
ferr
ed to
in th
e re
port
(nor
mal
ly b
ased
on
a Ph
ase
1 ha
bita
t map
or t
he e
quiv
alen
t in
Irela
nd).
It
may
be
appr
opria
te to
pro
vide
oth
er p
lans
/figu
res t
o sh
ow th
e lo
catio
ns o
f spe
cific
eco
logi
cal f
eatu
res r
efer
red
to in
the
repo
rt.
A13.
App
endi
ces
Prov
ide
deta
iled
surv
ey m
etho
dolo
gies
and
resu
lts in
app
endi
ces.
Site
pho
togr
aphs
can
also
be
prov
ided
in a
n ap
pend
ix.
15
Appe
ndix
B. T
empl
ate
for E
colo
gica
l Im
pact
Ass
essm
ent (
EcIA
) Rep
ort
This
tem
plat
e sh
ould
be
used
in a
ccor
danc
e w
ith th
e re
com
men
datio
ns p
rese
nted
in C
IEEM
’s Gu
idelinesfo
rEcologicalR
eportW
riting
. The
tem
plat
e is
inte
nded
to p
rovi
de a
logi
cal a
nd
reas
onab
le st
ruct
ure
for t
hose
pre
parin
g Ec
olog
ical
Impa
ct A
sses
smen
t Rep
orts
that
will
be
subm
itted
in su
ppor
t of a
pla
nnin
g ap
plic
ation
. The
tem
plat
e sh
ould
be
used
to g
uide
the
topi
cs
and
cont
ent t
o be
incl
uded
in su
ch a
repo
rt.
For a
sses
smen
ts w
hich
cle
arly
rela
te to
a si
ngle
spec
ies o
r spe
cies
gro
up (s
uch
as a
sses
smen
ts re
latin
g to
bat
s in
a pr
opos
ed b
arn
conv
ersio
n) it
will
be
appr
opria
te to
sim
plify
the
repo
rt
stru
ctur
e by
com
bini
ng se
ction
s or d
eleti
ng h
eadi
ngs f
or se
ction
s whi
ch a
re n
ot n
eede
d (fo
r exa
mpl
e, c
umul
ative
effe
cts o
r com
pens
ation
may
not
be
requ
ired
in so
me
case
s, p
artic
ular
ly fo
r ve
ry sm
all s
cale
pro
ject
s). H
owev
er, w
hilst
it m
ay b
e ap
prop
riate
to si
mpl
ify th
e st
ruct
ure
of th
e re
port
, it i
s lik
ely
that
the
cont
ents
set o
ut b
elow
will
be
rele
vant
for s
chem
es o
f any
scal
e,
and
any
maj
or d
epar
ture
s fro
m th
is ap
proa
ch sh
ould
ther
efor
e be
cle
arly
justi
fied.
Not
e: T
his t
empl
ate
may
nee
d to
be
adap
ted
for u
se in
rela
tion
to a
n Ec
IA R
epor
t for
a p
roje
ct in
the
mar
ine
envi
ronm
ent.
Secti
onCo
nten
t
B1. C
over
pag
eRe
port
title
.Da
te o
f rep
ort.
Nam
e an
d co
ntac
t det
ails
of p
rinci
pal a
utho
r.N
ame
of in
divi
dual
/org
anisa
tion
who
com
miss
ione
d th
e re
port
.U
niqu
e re
fere
nce
num
ber s
o th
at th
e re
port
can
be
refe
rred
to, i
nclu
ding
ver
sion
num
ber.
B2. Q
ualit
y As
sura
nce
Deta
ils o
f QA
prot
ocol
B3. C
onte
nts t
able
Prov
ide
page
num
bers
for e
ach
secti
on (a
nd p
ossib
ly a
lso su
b-se
ction
s), a
s wel
l as fi
gure
s, ta
bles
and
app
endi
ces.
B4. S
umm
ary
A on
e-pa
ge su
mm
ary
of:
• Pu
rpos
e of
the
repo
rt•
Desc
riptio
n of
the
sche
me
• M
etho
dolo
gy/m
etho
ds•
Key
impa
cts a
nd m
itiga
tion
mea
sure
s•
Conc
lusio
nsCo
nsid
er a
lso u
se o
f a fi
nalis
ed E
colo
gica
l Con
stra
ints
and
Opp
ortu
nitie
s Pla
n (E
COP)
as s
peci
fied
in B
S420
20 c
laus
e 5.
4 as
a
grap
hica
l mea
ns o
f pre
senti
ng k
ey in
form
ation
.
16
Secti
onCo
nten
t
B5. I
ntro
ducti
onN
ame,
qua
lifica
tions
and
com
pete
nce
of p
rinci
pal a
utho
r.N
ame
of in
divi
dual
/org
anisa
tion
who
com
miss
ione
d th
e re
port
.Pu
rpos
e of
the
repo
rt.
Site
nam
e.Br
ief d
escr
iptio
n of
the
site.
Refe
renc
e to
a p
lan
show
ing
the
site
boun
darie
s with
an
OS
base
.A
brie
f des
crip
tion
of th
e pr
ojec
t, e.
g. a
n ou
tline
pla
nnin
g ap
plic
ation
for r
esid
entia
l dev
elop
men
t of t
he si
te.
Refe
renc
e to
any
pre
viou
s rep
orts
pro
vide
d fo
r the
site
(e.g
. a P
relim
inar
y Ec
olog
ical
App
raisa
l Rep
ort)
.Cl
ear s
tate
men
t of t
he p
urpo
se o
f the
repo
rt e
.g.:
• To
iden
tify
and
desc
ribe
all p
oten
tially
sign
ifica
nt e
colo
gica
l effe
cts a
ssoc
iate
d w
ith th
e pr
opos
ed d
evel
opm
ent
• To
set o
ut th
e m
itiga
tion
mea
sure
s req
uire
d to
ens
ure
com
plia
nce
with
nat
ure
cons
erva
tion
legi
slatio
n an
d to
add
ress
an
y po
tenti
ally
sign
ifica
nt e
colo
gica
l effe
cts
• To
iden
tify
how
miti
gatio
n m
easu
res w
ill/c
ould
be
secu
red
• To
pro
vide
an
asse
ssm
ent o
f the
sign
ifica
nce
of a
ny re
sidua
l effe
cts
• To
iden
tify
appr
opria
te e
nhan
cem
ent m
easu
res
• To
set o
ut th
e re
quire
men
ts fo
r pos
t-con
stru
ction
mon
itorin
gB6
. Pla
nnin
g po
licy
and
legi
slatio
n(N
ote:
Thi
s can
be
incl
uded
as a
secti
on in
the
mai
n bo
dy o
f th
e re
port
or c
an b
e in
clud
ed a
s an
appe
ndix
)
Prov
ide
all k
ey re
leva
nt p
lann
ing
polic
ies (
natio
nal a
nd lo
cal).
List
all
rele
vant
legi
slatio
n.It
is im
port
ant t
hat t
his s
ectio
n is
sche
me-
spec
ific.
Whe
re a
pie
ce o
f leg
islati
on is
rele
vant
, exp
lain
why
(i.e
. whi
ch p
rote
cted
sp
ecie
s are
pre
sent
).
B7. M
etho
dolo
gy/M
etho
dsB7
.1 S
cope
of t
he a
sses
smen
tDe
scrib
e th
e sc
ope
of th
e as
sess
men
t, in
clud
ing:
• A
desc
riptio
n of
the
Zone
/Zon
es o
f Infl
uenc
e•
List
the
type
s of f
eatu
res c
onsid
ered
, e.g
. des
igna
ted
sites
, hab
itats
and
spec
ies o
f prin
cipa
l im
port
ance
for
cons
erva
tion
of b
iodi
vers
ity, p
rote
cted
spec
ies,
etc
.•
Desc
ribe
any
cons
ulta
tion
that
has
take
n pl
ace
in re
latio
n to
det
erm
inin
g th
e sc
ope
of th
e as
sess
men
t B7
. Met
hodo
logy
/Met
hods
B7.2
Des
k st
udy
List
the
indi
vidu
als o
r org
anisa
tions
that
hav
e be
en c
onta
cted
.Li
st th
e w
ebsit
es th
at h
ave
been
use
d to
sear
ch fo
r rel
evan
t dat
a.De
scrib
e th
e in
form
ation
that
has
bee
n re
ques
ted/
sear
ched
for.
Desc
ribe
the
stud
y ar
ea (l
ikel
y to
var
y in
rela
tion
to d
iffer
ent f
eatu
res)
.St
ate
whe
n da
ta se
arch
es w
ere
carr
ied
out.
List
any
eco
logi
cal r
epor
ts th
at h
ave
been
revi
ewed
, suc
h as
pre
viou
s rep
orts
for t
he sa
me
site,
or r
epor
ts fo
r adj
acen
t site
s (a
ppro
pria
tely
refe
renc
ed).
17
Secti
onCo
nten
t
B7. M
etho
dolo
gy/m
etho
dsB7
.3 F
ield
surv
eyFo
r eac
h fie
ld su
rvey
und
erta
ken
prov
ide:
• Br
ief d
escr
iptio
n of
met
hodo
logy
/met
hods
• N
ames
and
qua
lifica
tions
of s
urve
yors
• Da
te(s
) of s
urve
ys•
Stud
y ar
ea•
Wea
ther
con
ditio
ns a
t tim
e of
surv
ey(s
) and
tim
e of
day
(if r
elev
ant)
• Re
fere
nce
to re
leva
nt g
uida
nce
docu
men
t (w
here
app
ropr
iate
)•
Expl
anati
on o
f any
dep
artu
res f
rom
reco
mm
ende
d gu
idan
ce•
Lim
itatio
nsN
ote:
Whe
re m
ultip
le su
rvey
visi
ts h
ave
been
und
erta
ken,
dat
es, ti
mes
and
wea
ther
con
ditio
ns o
f sur
veys
can
be
prov
ided
in
a ta
ble
in a
n ap
pend
ix.
Not
e: D
etai
led
desc
riptio
ns o
f sur
vey
met
hods
can
be
prov
ided
in a
n ap
pend
ix.
Not
e: W
here
the
field
surv
ey w
as a
n ‘e
xten
ded
Phas
e 1
habi
tat s
urve
y’ (o
r the
equ
ival
ent i
n Ire
land
), it
is im
port
ant t
o ex
plai
n w
hat w
as d
one
in a
dditi
on to
the
stan
dard
Pha
se 1
hab
itat s
urve
y or
equ
ival
ent i
n Ire
land
, suc
h as
an
asse
ssm
ent o
f the
like
ly
valu
e of
the
hedg
erow
s for
dor
mic
e, o
r ide
ntific
ation
of a
ny b
uild
ings
or t
rees
suita
ble
for u
se b
y ro
ostin
g ba
ts, e
tc.
B7. M
etho
dolo
gy/m
etho
dsB7
.4 A
sses
smen
tDe
scrib
e th
e as
sess
men
t met
hodo
logy
use
d. In
par
ticul
ar:
• Ho
w h
as si
gnifi
canc
e be
en d
eter
min
ed.
• W
hat g
eogr
aphi
cal c
onte
xts
are
used
, and
how
hav
e th
ese
been
det
erm
ined
.•
Stat
e w
hich
yea
rs h
ave
been
ass
umed
for t
he a
sses
smen
t of i
mpa
cts (
and
for w
hich
bas
elin
e co
nditi
ons h
ave
been
de
scrib
ed).
B8. B
asel
ine
ecol
ogic
al c
ondi
tions
(Gen
eral
)Pr
ovid
e a
clea
r des
crip
tion
of th
e ba
selin
e co
nditi
ons f
or a
ll fe
atur
es. T
his s
houl
d be
bas
ed o
n th
e co
nditi
ons a
t the
tim
e th
at th
e ac
tivity
giv
ing
rise
to a
n im
pact
occ
urs,
ass
umin
g th
e ab
senc
e of
the
deve
lopm
ent.
In so
me
case
s thi
s may
requ
ire
cons
ider
ation
of t
he b
asel
ine
cond
ition
s in
mul
tiple
yea
rs (f
or e
xam
ple,
to a
ccou
nt fo
r ope
ratio
nal p
hase
impa
cts)
.In
clud
e a
stat
emen
t of t
he g
eogr
aphi
cal c
onte
xts w
ithin
whi
ch e
ach
feat
ure
is co
nsid
ered
to b
e im
port
ant.
Pro
vide
a
sum
mar
y ta
ble
listin
g al
l of t
he re
leva
nt fe
atur
es a
nd th
e ge
ogra
phic
al c
onte
xt w
ithin
whi
ch e
ach
is co
nsid
ered
to b
e im
port
ant.
B8. B
asel
ine
ecol
ogic
al c
ondi
tions
B8.1
Des
igna
ted
sites
Prov
ide
deta
ils o
f all
desig
nate
d sit
es o
f rel
evan
ce (o
r pos
sible
rele
vanc
e) to
the
asse
ssm
ent,
incl
udin
g na
me,
leve
l of
desig
natio
n, lo
catio
n re
lativ
e to
the
site,
and
reas
ons f
or d
esig
natio
n. I
n so
me
case
s it w
ill b
e re
leva
nt to
incl
ude
a pl
an
show
ing
the
loca
tion
of d
esig
nate
d sit
es.
B8. B
asel
ine
ecol
ogic
al c
ondi
tions
B8.2
Hab
itats
Prov
ide
a de
scrip
tion
of th
e ha
bita
t typ
es p
rese
nt w
ithin
the
site
and
on im
med
iate
ly a
djac
ent l
and.
Foc
us sh
ould
be
give
n to
hab
itat t
ypes
iden
tified
as b
eing
of n
ation
al o
r loc
al im
port
ance
for t
he c
onse
rvati
on o
f bio
dive
rsity
. Thi
s sho
uld
mak
e re
fere
nce
to a
hab
itat m
ap o
f the
site
, nor
mal
ly d
raw
n in
acc
orda
nce
with
Pha
se 1
hab
itat s
urve
y m
etho
dolo
gy (o
r the
eq
uiva
lent
in Ir
elan
d). H
owev
er, i
t sho
uld
be n
oted
that
the
habi
tat c
ateg
orie
s use
d by
Pha
se 1
Hab
itat S
urve
y do
not
mirr
or
the
habi
tat t
ypes
con
sider
ed to
be
cons
erva
tion
prio
rities
, and
furt
her d
etai
ls w
ill th
eref
ore
need
to b
e pr
ovid
ed in
som
e ca
ses.
Th
e de
scrip
tion
shou
ld in
clud
e al
l rel
evan
t inf
orm
ation
, suc
h as
dom
inan
t pla
nt sp
ecie
s pre
sent
, not
able
pla
nt sp
ecie
s, a
nd
curr
ent m
anag
emen
t.
18
Secti
onCo
nten
t
B8. B
asel
ine
ecol
ogic
al c
ondi
tions
B8.3
Spe
cies
and
spec
ies g
roup
sN
ote
This
can
be su
b-he
aded
as f
ollo
ws,
for e
xam
ple:
i. Pl
ants
ii.
Inve
rteb
rate
siii
. Am
phib
ians
iv.
Repti
les
v. Ci
rl bu
nting
svi
. O
ther
bird
svi
i. Ba
tsvi
ii. B
adge
rsix
. O
ther
mam
mal
s
Prov
ide
a de
scrip
tion
of th
e us
e of
the
site
(or l
ikel
y us
e of
the
site)
by
impo
rtan
t spe
cies
(nati
onal
or l
ocal
con
serv
ation
pr
ioriti
es, o
r pro
tect
ed sp
ecie
s). T
his s
houl
d be
bas
ed o
n a
com
bina
tion
of d
esk
stud
y in
form
ation
, fiel
d su
rvey
dat
a, a
nd a
n as
sess
men
t of t
he li
kely
val
ue o
f the
hab
itats
for e
ach
spec
ies p
rese
nt. T
he d
escr
iptio
n fo
r eac
h sp
ecie
s/gr
oup
shou
ld c
ombi
ne
the
info
rmati
on p
rovi
ded
from
the
vario
us d
ata
sour
ces,
rath
er th
an in
clud
ing
desk
stud
y an
d fie
ld su
rvey
info
rmati
on fo
r the
sa
me
spec
ies/
grou
p in
diff
eren
t par
ts o
f the
repo
rt.
The
deta
iled
resu
lts o
f fiel
d su
rvey
s sho
uld
be p
rese
nted
on
plan
s (fo
r som
e sit
es th
ey c
an b
e in
clud
ed o
n th
e Ph
ase
1 ha
bita
t m
ap o
r the
equ
ival
ent i
n Ire
land
) and
/or i
n ap
pend
ices
.In
som
e ca
ses i
t will
be
appr
opria
te to
gro
up sp
ecie
s tog
ethe
r int
o sp
ecie
s gro
ups t
o av
oid
repe
tition
.
B9. D
escr
iptio
n of
the
prop
osed
dev
elop
men
tPr
ovid
e a
deta
iled
desc
riptio
n of
the
prop
osal
s with
refe
renc
e to
app
ropr
iate
dra
win
gs.
Incl
ude
a de
scrip
tion
of h
ow th
e sc
hem
e ha
s bee
n de
signe
d to
avo
id/m
inim
ise e
colo
gica
l effe
cts,
if re
leva
nt.
B10.
Ass
essm
ent o
f effe
cts a
nd m
itiga
tion
mea
sure
s N
ote:
Thi
s can
be
sub-
head
ed a
s fol
low
s, fo
r exa
mpl
e:B.
10.1
Rep
tiles
• Po
tenti
al im
pact
s•
Miti
gatio
n m
easu
res
• Si
gnifi
canc
e of
resid
ual e
ffect
sN
ote:
Pot
entia
l im
pact
s can
be
divi
ded
into
diff
eren
t ph
ases
, but
the
signi
fican
ce o
f res
idua
l effe
cts s
houl
d re
late
to
the
proj
ect a
s a w
hole
(i.e
. all
phas
es c
ombi
ned)
Iden
tify
and
desc
ribe
all o
f the
pot
entia
l im
pact
s of t
he p
ropo
sed
deve
lopm
ent o
n ea
ch fe
atur
e id
entifi
ed in
the
‘Bas
elin
e Co
nditi
ons’
secti
on, i
nclu
ding
impa
cts a
ssoc
iate
d w
ith a
ll ph
ases
(con
stru
ction
, ope
ratio
n, re
stor
ation
, de-
com
miss
ioni
ng,
etc.
). •
Whe
re n
o im
pact
on
a pa
rticu
lar f
eatu
re is
pre
dict
ed a
cle
ar st
atem
ent t
o th
is eff
ect s
houl
d be
pro
vide
d w
ith
appr
opria
te ju
stific
ation
.•
It is
impo
rtan
t tha
t thi
s sec
tion
follo
ws t
he sa
me
sub-
head
ings
as t
he B
asel
ine
Cond
ition
s sec
tion
to e
nabl
e th
e re
ader
to
see
how
the
impa
cts o
n ea
ch fe
atur
e pr
esen
t has
bee
n as
sess
ed.
Iden
tify
and
desc
ribe
the
miti
gatio
n m
easu
res r
equi
red
and
a cl
ear s
tate
men
t of h
ow th
ese
can
be se
cure
d. R
efer
to th
e ev
iden
ce b
ase,
if a
ny, f
or th
ese
miti
gatio
n m
easu
res.
Prov
ide
an a
sses
smen
t of t
he si
gnifi
canc
e of
any
resid
ual e
ffect
s. T
his s
houl
d co
mpr
ise a
des
crip
tion
of th
e eff
ect a
nd a
st
atem
ent o
f the
geo
grap
hic
leve
l at w
hich
the
effec
t is l
ikel
y to
be
signi
fican
t (e.
g. S
igni
fican
t at t
he n
ation
al le
vel,
Sign
ifica
nt
at th
e co
unty
leve
l, N
ot si
gnifi
cant
, etc
.).Th
e as
sess
men
t mus
t inc
lude
a ro
bust
justi
ficati
on fo
r the
ass
essm
ent,
base
d on
info
rmati
on c
lear
ly p
rese
nted
in th
e re
port
. In
man
y ca
ses,
this
is lik
ely
to re
quire
refe
renc
e to
be
mad
e to
app
ropr
iate
pub
licati
ons.
Prov
ide
a su
mm
ary
tabl
e lis
ting
the
signi
fican
ce o
f res
idua
l effe
cts f
or e
ach
feat
ure,
the
miti
gatio
n m
easu
res r
equi
red
and
the
mea
ns b
y w
hich
miti
gatio
n m
easu
res c
an b
e se
cure
d to
allo
w th
e lo
cal p
lann
ing
auth
ority
to e
nsur
e th
at a
ppro
pria
te p
lann
ing
cond
ition
s/ob
ligati
ons a
re in
clud
ed w
ith a
ny c
onse
nt.
B.11
Cum
ulati
ve e
ffect
s N
ote:
Thi
s can
be
incl
uded
with
in th
e ‘A
sses
smen
t of
effec
ts a
nd m
itiga
tion
mea
sure
s’ o
r dea
lt w
ith a
s a se
para
te
secti
on
Iden
tify
any
othe
r pro
ject
s whi
ch c
ould
giv
e ris
e to
a si
gnifi
cant
cum
ulati
ve e
ffect
.De
scrib
e an
d as
sess
any
pot
entia
l cum
ulati
ve e
ffect
s and
det
erm
ine
whe
ther
they
wou
ld b
e sig
nific
ant o
r not
(and
in w
hich
ge
ogra
phic
al c
onte
xt).
Prov
ide
a ro
bust
justi
ficati
on fo
r the
con
clus
ions
reac
hed.
B1
2. C
ompe
nsati
on
(if re
leva
nt)
Whe
re c
ompe
nsati
on m
easu
res a
re c
onsid
ered
nec
essa
ry to
offs
et si
gnifi
cant
resid
ual e
ffect
s the
se sh
ould
be
desc
ribed
and
as
sess
ed. R
efer
to th
e ev
iden
ce b
ase,
if a
ny, f
or th
ese
com
pens
ation
mea
sure
s.
19
Secti
onCo
nten
t
B13.
Enh
ance
men
tPr
ovid
e a
desc
riptio
n of
the
enha
ncem
ent m
easu
res p
ropo
sed,
ove
r and
abo
ve a
ny m
itiga
tion
requ
ired,
and
how
thes
e co
uld
be se
cure
d.B1
4. M
onito
ring
Iden
tify
and
desc
ribe
any
mon
itorin
g su
rvey
s req
uire
d, in
clud
ing
deta
ils o
f met
hods
and
tim
ing,
whe
re a
ppro
pria
te.
B15.
Con
clus
ions
Draw
con
clus
ions
on
the
over
all e
colo
gica
l effe
cts o
f the
sche
me,
justi
fyin
g ho
w th
e pr
ojec
t acc
ords
with
rele
vant
legi
slatio
n an
d pl
anni
ng p
olic
y.De
mon
stra
te c
ompl
ianc
e w
ith o
r dev
iatio
n fr
om re
leva
nt d
evel
opm
ent p
lan
polic
ies a
nd st
atut
ory
oblig
ation
s.Id
entif
y m
echa
nism
s to
secu
re c
omm
itmen
t to
and
deliv
ery
of re
com
men
ded
mea
sure
s e.g
. thr
ough
pla
nnin
g co
nditi
ons a
nd/
or th
roug
h EP
S lic
ence
s.Ex
plai
n cl
early
wha
t the
like
ly o
utco
mes
are
for b
iodi
vers
ity if
the
prop
osed
dev
elop
men
t is g
rant
ed p
lann
ing
perm
issio
n. S
uch
impl
icati
ons m
ay b
e pr
esen
ted
as a
tabl
e an
d/or
as a
stat
emen
t of ‘
net l
osse
s and
gai
ns’ a
nd sh
ould
pro
vide
the
deci
sion-
mak
er w
ith a
cle
ar u
nder
stan
ding
of t
he li
kely
con
sequ
ence
for h
abita
ts a
nd sp
ecie
s lik
ely
to b
e aff
ecte
d sig
nific
antly
by
the
prop
osal
s.B1
6. R
efer
ence
sAl
l doc
umen
ts re
ferr
ed to
in th
e te
xt sh
ould
be
liste
d an
d ap
prop
riate
ly re
fere
nced
.
B17.
Fig
ures
Prov
ide
a pl
an sh
owin
g th
e fe
atur
es re
ferr
ed to
in th
e re
port
(nor
mal
ly b
ased
on
a Ph
ase
1 ha
bita
t map
or t
he e
quiv
alen
t in
Irela
nd).
It
may
be
appr
opria
te to
pro
vide
oth
er p
lans
/figu
res t
o sh
ow th
e lo
catio
ns o
f spe
cific
eco
logi
cal f
eatu
res r
efer
red
to in
the
repo
rt.
It ca
n be
hel
pful
to o
verla
y th
e sc
hem
e la
yout
or p
aram
eter
pla
ns w
ith th
e ec
olog
ical
feat
ures
.B1
8. A
ppen
dice
sPr
ovid
e de
taile
d su
rvey
met
hodo
logi
es a
nd re
sults
in a
ppen
dice
s. S
ite p
hoto
grap
hs c
an a
lso b
e pr
ovid
ed in
an
appe
ndix
.
20