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Habitat re-establishment

When re-establishing habitats, you must not harm any existing habitat that is important for wildlife.

What to include in your proposal

Your habitat re-establishment proposal should include:

  • Details of any habitat translocation, including how you will prepare the new site, timing, and working methods

  • Seeding and planting plans, including which species you will use and where they come from

  • How you will prepare the site and establish the new habitat

  • Aftercare plans

  • Long-term management instructions

  • How you will monitor and review the success of your management

Choosing the right habitats and species

When re-establishing habitats, you should aim to match National Vegetation Classification (NVC) communities that are suitable for the location. In Lancashire, this may include:

  • 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

Use trees, shrubs, plants, and seeds that are of native British genetic origin, ideally from the north-west of England.

Note: Although Ash is a suitable native tree, a Plant Health Order (2012) currently bans all imports and movement of ash seeds, plants, and trees. For more details, see the Forestry Commission website: http://www.forestry.gov.uk/chalara.