Modern agriculture, urban development and pollution from industry and road traffic have all had adverse impacts on our native flora and fauna and their habitats.

As important habitats have been progressively damaged, fragmented or destroyed and the populations of many species, including farmland and woodland birds, have sharply declined, it has become increasingly important to

• protect the best sites
• incorporate environmental measures into new developments and
• manage all land more sensitively, to enhance its biodiversity value.

Land managers and developers need to be fully aware of their legal responsibilities, which are increasingly complex, and the implications of their proposed actions.  It is also important that all involved in land management are aware of local, national and international biodiversity initiatives and agreements – and that their actions are broadly compatible with these efforts to conserve wildlife and promote sustainable development.

Habitat surveys and environmental impact assessments are needed in many different situations, and for a range of different reasons.  Detailed, up-to-date ecological information can be used to determine the conservation value of a site or, in conjunction with data from previous or subsequent surveys, to assess ecological change.  Surveys are also a vital first stage in determining environmental constraints and requirements for mitigation measures when a site is scheduled for possible development, or if major changes are planned for site management.