Extensive ecology surveys of the site have been undertaken over a period of many years. This has given us a clear understanding of the species that use the site.
Currently the site is predominately a golf course which incorporates well managed fairways, greens, short rough and ponds. Much of this is of little ecological value as it provides no meaningful habitat for a wide variety of species.
The most important species that have been identified as using the site are bats, great crested newts and species of birds which generally utilise the ponds present on site.
The emerging layout will create strategic green corridors through the site that will be intrinsically linked to public open space. These will provide both core habitat for wildlife but also commuting corridors through the site. Lighting in these corridors will be restricted to ensure they are kept dark for use by certain specific species sensitive to light (i.e. bats).
Individual buildings and private garden areas will also introduce further mitigation, including:
Government policy now requires that development demonstrate a 10% 'Biodiversity Net Gain'. WGC can achieve this by enhancing the river corridor through the site, changing ecologically sterile areas such as fairways and greens into bio-diverse grassland, as part of parks, and through the provision of additional tree and hedgerow planting.
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