Planning & Environmental Guidance
Spring, Seepage or Surface Runoff? How to Read Wet Ground Before Designing a Pond
Wet ground can come from a spring, seepage, surface runoff, groundwater or a land drain. Learn what to check before designing a pond or wetland.
Can You Build a Pond Fed by a River or Stream?
A river or stream can sometimes supply a pond, but a constant inflow can also bring silt, pollution and extra maintenance. Here is how to assess the options, permissions and alternatives before starting work.
RPS 374: Low-Risk Abstraction for Nature Recovery
RPS 374 sets out the Environment Agency’s position on qualifying low-risk abstractions, including new backwaters and fish-refuge habitats created for nature recovery.
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
A practical guide to using the Defra MAGIC Map before planning a pond, wetland or habitat project, including the layers to check and the limits of desk-based mapping.