Planning & Environmental Guidance
New Environment Agency Handbook: What It Means for Wetland, Habitat and Natural Flood Management Projects
The Environment Agency’s new England-wide handbook brings planning, permissions, construction, monitoring and maintenance into one practical framework for water-resource nature-based solutions.
Do You Need Planning Permission for a Wildlife Pond in Devon and Cornwall?
Reviewed September 2026. Planning and environmental requirements depend on the site and the work proposed. This guide is practical information, not legal or planning advice; confirm the position with the relevant authority before starting work. Why a wildlife pond matters Wildlife ponds are one of the most effective, cost-effective ways to boost biodiversity on your…
Biodiversity Net Gain and Aquatic Habitat Creation in Devon & Cornwall
Reviewed September 2026. Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) is part of the planning system in England. Unless an exemption applies, development must deliver at least a 10% improvement in biodiversity value, measured with the statutory biodiversity metric. The rules changed during 2026. From 6 August 2026, planning applications for developments of 0.2 hectares or below are…
Unlocking the DEFRA MAGIC Tool for Your Land
What is the MAGIC Tool? The DEFRA MAGIC (Multi-Agency Geographic Information for the Countryside) map is the UK’s official interactive mapping service for environmental data. It brings together datasets from Natural England, DEFRA, the Environment Agency, Forestry Commission, and Historic England into a single platform. For anyone planning rewilding projects, wetland restoration, or natural swimming…