When wildlife could be harmed by development, local planning authorities should follow a step-wise approach to reduce that harm, known as the ‘mitigation hierarchy’. This is required in National Planning Policy.

A planning application can be decided by the case officer or by the planning committee. Usually, wildlife concerns are addressed by conditions. These can relate to construction methods, mitigation and compensation and the aftercare and management of the site.

If there is a development that significantly threatens wildlife, you may want to raise awareness and support by running a local campaign. Such campaigns can serve several purposes, such as encouraging more people to respond to the planning application and showing the level of concern to the developer and the planning authority.

We depend on soils for growing food. Land management and land use planning decisions must protect soils and help them to regenerate.

Players of People's Postcode Lottery support our work with wildlife, wild landscapes and local communities across England, Wales and Scotland. Funding in Wales goes towards inspiring people about our marine wildlife, re-introduction of Beavers in mid-Wales and re-connecting people of Cardiff about wildlife.

Many areas are specially protected for their wildlife value. They range from vast landscapes to single fields. Some are protected by law, and others by policy. The planning system should protect these areas and the wildlife that lives in them.