Creating a habitat management and monitoring plan for biodiversity net gain BNG
What to include in a habitat management and monitoring plan (HMMP) to improve biodiversity for the long term.
Applies to England
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You should work with an ecologist or competent professional to write your HMMP. .
Agreeing your HMMP
For off-site gains
If you’re delivering off-site gains, your HMMP should be agreed with one of the following:
- the local planning authority (LPA) if you’re securing gains through a planning obligation (section 106 agreement)
athe responsible body if you’re securing gains with a conservation covenant
ForSignificant significant on-site enhancements
IfYou you’reneed ato developerdescribe deliveringhow significantyou’ll on-sitemaintain enhancements,and you’llmonitor needthe tohabitat submitenhancement. theYou finalshould submit a HMMP with the biodiversity gain plan. plan.
You should also submit a draft HMMP with your planning application.
Find out more information in the planning practice guidance.
What to include in an HMMP
AnYou should work with an ecologist or competent professional will help you understand what and how much detail to includewrite in your HMMP. You’llThey needwill help you to giveunderstand informationwhat about: to include. For example:
- how you plan to manage the off-site gains or significant on-site enhancements, taking into account any legal restrictions and requirements
- when and how you’ll monitor habitats (this will vary for different types of habitat)
- when and how you’ll report monitoring results
- when and how you’ll review management proposals
- how
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Using the HMMP template
There’s a set of HMMP tools including a template, checklist and companion guide, to help you write your HMMP.
The HMMP template is a guide with a structure to help you show details of your project. You do not need to fill in every section as not all of it will be relevant to you.
The template can be used for projects of all sizes. It’s suitable for significant on-site enhancements and for off-site gains.
The template’s companion document lists habitat condition and assessment criteria.
Designing your own HMMP
If you design your own HMMP, you can refer to the checklist in the HMMP tools as a reminder for what you needshould to include.
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Working with an ecologist
If you’re using the HMMP template, the ecologist working with you should write a statement of competence in the relevant section. TheyIf your site has a watercourse element they should have the appropriate habitat specialismsspecialisms.
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update the HMMP.
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