Habitat re-establishment

Habitat re-establishment must not be at the expense of an existing habitat of ecological importance.

Habitat re-establishment proposals submitted by the applicant should include details of:

• Any habitat translocation proposals including receptor site preparation, timing and working methods.
• Seeding and planting proposals including species mixes and sources.
• Site preparation and habitat establishment methods.
• Aftercare proposals.
• Long-term management prescriptions.
• Monitoring and periodic review of management success. 

When re-establishing habitats, it would be appropriate to replicate National Vegetation Classification (NVC) communities suitable for the location. Within Lancashire this may include, for example:

• MG3, MG4, MG5 and MG8 grassland communities,
• CG2, CG6, CG9 and CG10  grasslands in limestone areas,
• W6, W8 and W10 woodland communities in lowland areas
• W7, W9, W11 W16 and W17 woodland communities in upland or upland fringe areas.

Trees, shrubs, plants and seeds used in habitat re-establishment should be of native British genetic origin, ideally from the north-west of England. The tables below provide lists of commercially available trees, shrubs and seeds appropriate for habitat creation purposes within Lancashire.

Please note: Although Ash is listed as a suitable native tree, a Plant Health Order (2012) currently prohibits all imports of ash seeds, plants and trees, and all internal movement of ash seeds, plants and trees. Further details are available from the Forestry Commission: http://www.forestry.gov.uk/chalara.