Tools to inform the delivery of net gain
This event was designed to help those who need to evaluate new housing and infrastructure proposals in terms of whether they deliver net gain or no net loss of ecosystem services. It introduced three tools that may be suited to large housing and infrastructure proposals, building a consensus on what they can achieve and future requirements for their optimisation.
Date: Monday 30th October 2017
Venue: Cranfield University, near Milton Keynes
Organisers: Alison Smith (ECI, University of Oxford) with the Ecosystems Knowledge Network. In co-operation with the Bedfordshire Local Nature Partnership.
Programme
10.45: arrive, coffee and tea
11.00: Introduction (45 minutes)
- Welcome (Bruce Howard, Ecosystems Knowledge Network) (5 mins)
- No net loss requirements and net gain opportunities for biodiversity and ecosystem services (Julia Baker, Balfour Beatty) (10 minutes)
- The Natural Capital Committee’s workbook and valuation guidance for natural capital assessment (Paul Leinster, Cranfield University and Bedfordshire Local Nature Partnership) (10 minutes)
- The range of tools on offer and their status (Alison Smith, University of Oxford ECI / EKN) (15 minutes)
11.45: Seminar 1: quantification of ecosystem service provision – the Natural Capital Planning Tool
- Aim of the tool and how it works (Oliver Hölzinger, University of Birmingham) (15 mins)
- Q&A (10 mins)
- Case study (Laura Kitson, Central Bedfordshire Council) (15 mins)
- Discussion on user needs and potential refinements (20 mins)
12.45 Lunch
1.30 Seminar 2: mapping of ecosystem service provision – SENCE
- Aim of the tool and how it works (Katie Medcalf, Environment Systems) (15 mins)
- Q&A (10 mins)
- Case study (Lucy Rogers, Avon Wildlife Trust) (15 mins)
- Discussion on user needs and potential refinements (20 mins)
2.30 Tea / coffee
2.45: Seminar 3: valuing ecosystem service provision – GI-Val
- Aim of the tool and how it works (Paul Nolan, Mersey Forest) (15 mins)
- Q&A (10 mins)
- Case study (Paul Nolan, Mersey Forest) (10 mins)
- Case study of the consultancy approach to valuation: Silverdale Country Park (Alex Saponja, Interserve and Gemma Rathbone, The Land Trust) (5 mins)
- Discussion on user needs and potential refinements (20 mins)
3.45 Closing discussion chaired by Prof. Alister Scott, Northumbria University (45 minutes)
Group work to evaluate what tool development is needed.
4.30 End
Who attended the workshop?
Infrastructure businesses, housing developers, local authorities, consultancies, environment-focused third sector organisations.