LNRS – Priorities and measures

On areas that are currently biodiversity-poor, use a suitable mix of free-roaming herbivores with different grazing habits to create an extensively grazed, dynamic mosaic of habitats including species-rich grassland, scrub and trees. This could include introducing more hardy, native breeds of cattle, and ponies alongside suitable breeds of pigs if appropriate.
In some instances, land may benefit from being left to naturally generate for a time before grazing is introduced.
For the biggest impact, this should be done in a large enough area for natural processes to create habitat variety, including variety in the height and density of grassland and scrub. Link to further guidance.

Manage existing areas of scrub that are in good condition and are not on previously species-rich grasslands, to avoid them losing their scrub or thicket-like characteristics. This can be achieved by, for example, coppicing on a suitable rotation and using appropriate extensive grazing regimes. Management should aim to achieve a mix of young and mature scrub. Link to further guidance.

Create species-rich calcareous grassland on improved grassland, or where arable farming is financially unviable, and put in place appropriate ongoing management of extensive grazing with hardy, native breeds of cattle. If seeding is needed for establishment, ideally use seed sources of local provenance for the best results. It is recommended to check your soil type for the suitability of calcareous grassland creation/restoration. Link to further guidance.

Restore infertile soils, ‘semi-improved’ grassland or species-poor unimproved grassland to species-rich calcareous grassland with greater species diversity. Existing grassland can be diversified by harrowing and over seeding. Ideally, use seed sources of local provenance for the best results, and ensure appropriate ongoing management of extensive grazing with hardy, native breeds of cattle. It is recommended to check your soil type for the suitability of calcareous grassland creation/restoration. Link to further guidance.

Restore ‘semi-improved’ grassland to species-rich calcareous grassland with greater species diversity. Existing grassland can be diversified by harrowing and over seeding. Ideally, use seed sources of local provenance for the best results, and ensure appropriate ongoing management of extensive grazing with hardy, native breeds of cattle. It is recommended to check your soil type for the suitability of calcareous grassland creation/restoration. Link to further guidance.

Create lowland meadows (species-rich neutral grassland) on improved grassland, or where arable farming is financially unviable, and put in place appropriate ongoing management of haymaking or, ideally, extensive grazing with hardy, native breeds of cattle. If seeding is needed for establishment, ideally use seed sources of local provenance for the best results. Link to further guidance.

Restore infertile soils, ‘semi-improved’ grassland or species-poor unimproved grassland to lowland meadows (species-rich neutral grassland) with greater species diversity. Existing grassland can be diversified by harrowing and over seeding. Ideally, use seed sources or 'green hay' of local provenance for the best results, and ensure appropriate ongoing management of haymaking or, ideally, extensive grazing with hardy, native breeds of cattle. Link to further guidance.

Restore ‘semi-improved’ grassland to lowland meadows (species-rich neutral grassland) with greater species diversity. Existing grassland can be diversified by harrowing and over seeding. Ideally, use seed sources or 'green hay' of local provenance for the best results, and ensure appropriate ongoing management of haymaking or, ideally, extensive grazing with hardy, native breeds of cattle. Link to further guidance.

Create semi-natural broadleaved woodland, following the principles set out in the Forest of Avon Plan, and ensure the woodland has a suitable management plan in place to deliver the best outcomes for biodiversity. Where possible, allow woodland to naturally colonise rather than planting trees; if planting, use an appropriate mix of trees for the site, considering factors such as soil type and management objectives. Note that creation of woodland more than 2 hectares in size or in a sensitive location may require screening by the Forestry Commission. Woodland creation should be avoided on existing biodiverse habitat, such as species-rich grassland. Link to further guidance.

Following best practice guidance, gradually restore plantations on ancient woodland sites to native woodland. Consent and an approved felling licence may be required from the Forestry Commission. Link to further guidance.

Restore former wood pasture, or create new wood pasture, which supports extensive grazing alongside trees and scrubby areas. Grazing management should aim for a mosaic of habitats, including enabling young trees to grow, some scrub to develop, and areas of more open grassland. Link to further guidance.

Allow natural colonisation of scrub and vegetation adjacent to existing semi-natural woodlands, which provides important ‘edge habitat’. Link to further guidance.

Ensure any landfilling of quarries is linked to a restoration plan suitable for woodland or mosaic habitat creation. Link to further guidance.

Restore and establish traditional orchards, including community orchards, with a focus on maintaining locally distinctive varieties. Link to further guidance.

Protect existing traditional orchards and continue to manage them well for wildlife, including leaving standing deadwood and managing the grassland understory for species diversity. Link to further guidance.

Where feasible, create wetland habitat (such as fen, wetland mosaic, or reedbed) with appropriate management in place to create and maintain a diverse structure. This may require changing water levels and interventions such as blocking up ditches. In this case, it is recommended that you consult with the relevant Internal Drainage Board for advice. The possibilities for wetland habitat creation will depend on the nature of your site; it is recommended that you consult with relevant organisations such as the RSPB, WWT, Avon Wildlife Trust, or Natural England, as well as the relevant Internal Drainage Board, for advice. Link to further guidance.

Manage existing wetland habitats, including fen, wetland mosaic and reedbed, to maintain or improve their value to wildlife. The best management techniques will depend on the type of wetland habitat present and the nature of the site, but could include extensive grazing; it is recommended that you consult with relevant organisations such as the RSPB, WWT, Avon Wildlife Trust or Natural England for advice. Link to further guidance.

Where creation of wetland is not supported, create or restore species-rich floodplain grazing marsh (meadows) that periodically flood, with appropriate ongoing management of extensive cattle grazing and/or a hay cut. Ideally, sites would be managed using an extensive grazing regime to maintain species and structural diversity. This action may require adjustments to water levels. In this case, it is recommended that you consult with the relevant Internal Drainage Board for advice. Link to further guidance

Where creation of wetland or more species-rich floodplain grazing marsh is not supported, create new areas of wet grassland for wading birds and wildfowl, and manage them for the benefit of these species. This action may require adjustments to water levels. In this case, it is recommended that you consult with the relevant Internal Drainage Board for advice. Link to further guidance.

Create scrapes and/or gutters in areas of wet grassland to benefit wading birds, such as lapwing and snipe. Link to further guidance.

Manage wet grassland for the benefit of wading birds and wildfowl, including managing ditch water levels, and providing and managing scrapes and/or gutters. Link to further guidance.

Where rhynes/ditches are maintained for drainage, reprofile rhynes/ditches with steep banks to a shallower gradient. This should create a variety of water depths in the channel and with varying profiles (largely between 30 and 45 degrees) along the length of the ditch. Link to further guidance.

Where rhynes/ditches are maintained for drainage, manage rhynes/ditches for the benefit of wildlife. This should include rotational management of vegetation on cycles of around 3-5 years, depending on the rhyne, to provide a range of vegetation structures. Link to further guidance.

Restore or create (farmland) ponds for wildlife, including great-crested newt. New ponds should be created in a site that will provide the pond with an unpolluted water source, such as a site surrounded by rough grassland or woodland. Link to further guidance.

Ensure good management of existing (farmland) ponds for wildlife, including great-crested newt and toads. This should include reducing pollution reaching a pond where possible. Link to further guidance.

Block drains in grassland to create smaller areas of wet ground on grassland, to provide wetland habitat, improve water quality, and slow the flow of water. Block drains where the water is clean, ideally close to the sources of watercourses. Link to further guidance.

Re-naturalisation of rivers to their original form or reprofiling rivers to create a more ‘natural’ profile. This could include restoring meanders, removing or setting back flood banks, and/or reconnecting old side channels. Consent will be required from the lead local flood authority, or the Environment Agency if it is a main river, and planning permission may be required for some activities. Link to further guidance.

Introduce habitat features such as berms and flow deflectors in rivers to create more habitat diversity. This is particularly useful in river channels that are relatively uniform or highly managed. Link to further guidance.

Install natural structures such as leaky dams and let fallen trees in rivers remain in-situ (where appropriate and where the flood risk has been properly assessed - in-channel measures will require consent from the relevant Lead Local Flood Authority, IDB or Environment Agency). Link to further guidance.

Restore headwater streams (streams in the upper reaches of a catchment that do not have any tributaries) to enhance spawning habitat such as river gravels for salmonids, and instream water weeds and substrates for coarse fish egg laying. Link to further guidance.

Remove barriers to fish passage, including weirs and culverts, where this is possible, and retrofit structures to include fish passes and mammal ledges where removal is not possible. This will benefit priority fish species including European eel and Atlantic salmon. Consent will be required from the relevant Lead Local Flood Authority, IDB or Environment Agency. Link to further guidance.

Modification (or, where feasible, removal) of barriers in rhynes and ditches to allow passage for eels and other fish. Consent will be required from the relevant Lead Local Flood Authority, IDB or Environment Agency. Link to further guidance.

Create and manage riparian buffer strips (of 5-50m or more, depending on the size of the watercourse and the nature of surrounding land, with larger buffers providing greater benefits) of vegetation including trees alongside rivers and streams. This will improve river ecology, create natural corridors, reduce pollution reaching rivers, and provide natural flood management. Any existing priority habitats (e.g. species-rich grassland) should be maintained within any buffer strips. Depending on size, an EIA may be required from the Forestry Commission. Link to further guidance.

Manage riparian vegetation to ensure a mosaic of light levels along the river, aiming for a 60/40 ratio of light to shade, and a dense understory to enhance the slow of runoff and increase infiltration rates. Consent and an approved felling licence may be required from the Forestry Commission if you are felling trees. Link to further guidance.

Coppice bankside trees to increase their longevity and health. Link to further guidance.

Manage and reduce poaching by cattle along rivers, which would also help to reduce nutrient load into rivers and improve riparian habitat. This may be achieved through the installation of fencing where it is appropriate and compatible with flood risk maintenance activities, and the provision of alternative water sources. Link to further guidance.

Continue or restore willow pollarding alongside rivers, rhynes and ditches, helping to increase their longevity and health. Link to further guidance.

Ensure any new developments include plenty of (native) street trees, hedges, ponds and other wildlife-rich areas. Link to further guidance.

Construct green bridges or underpasses over significant new transport infrastructure to enable wildlife passage. Link to further guidance.

Explore opportunities for green bridges over existing motorways or a-roads that sever key ecological networks. Link to further guidance.

Retrofit existing bridges or install dormice bridges to enable dormouse passage over roads that could act as a barrier, particularly motorways and a-roads. Link to further guidance.

Fit wildlife tunnels underneath new and existing roads to enable wildlife to pass safely underneath, or adapt existing underpasses to better enable wildlife passage. Link to further guidance.

Fit mammal ledges into new and existing culverts or concrete pipes to enable wildlife, including otters, to safely pass through culverts or under bridges. Link to further guidance.

There are no measures under this priority as it is primarily related to nationally-designated sites, for which measures are not mapped.

Manage existing wood pasture and parkland to maximise its value to wildlife and promote survival of mature and veteran trees. Grazing management should aim for a mosaic of habitats, including enabling young trees to grow, some scrub to develop, and areas of more open grassland. Link to further guidance.

Carry out specialist tree surgery as needed to extend the lives of veteran and ancient trees and maximise their value to wildlife, including halo-thinning where appropriate. Link to further guidance.

Improve the management of existing areas of woodland to support a wider range of wildlife, flora and fungi, following the principles set out in the Forest of Avon Plan. Depending on the woodland, this could include reintroducing coppicing; opening up rides and glades to develop ecotones and scrubby areas; or carefully targeted light grazing. It is recommended that expert advice is sought on the best management, and particular care should be taken when adjusting management in ancient woodlands. Consent and an approved felling licence may be required from the Forestry Commission. Link to further guidance.

Take measures to reduce deer grazing in woodlands, such as putting up deer fencing, to reduce their negative impact on woodland ecology and ground flora and fungi due to overgrazing. Link to further guidance.

Leave standing and fallen deadwood in situ to provide habitat for a variety of species including fungi, lichens, invertebrates, mosses, bats and birds. Link to further guidance.

Periodically thin ‘high forest’ type woodlands (woodlands with mostly tall trees and little shrub layer) to maintain structural diversity and a varied age structure where appropriate. Consent and an approved felling licence may be required from the Forestry Commission. Link to further guidance.

Avoid placing game bird pens in woodlands with a high botanical and/or fungal value to protect ground flora from damage. Link to further guidance.

Ensure public access to and recreational activities within woodlands minimises impacts on woodland ecology, including clearly marked paths. Link to further guidance.

Only fell trees affected by ash dieback when there is a material safety risk, a clear future safety risk, or as part of normal silvicultural operations, and leave deadwood in place where possible for the benefit of wildlife, including fungi associated with ash. If felling trees, consent and an approved felling licence may be required from the Forestry Commission. Link to further guidance.

Where there is a diverse mix of tree species present, allow natural regeneration to replace trees lost through ash dieback. Where appropriate, use new open woodland areas caused by ash dieback to create new wood pastures or glades. Where natural regeneration is not possible and open wooded areas are not appropriate, replace trees lost through ash dieback with a suitable mix of broadleaved species. Link to further guidance.

Adopt ecologically sound forestry practices in woodlands used for timber production. This can include continuous cover management regimes that attempt to mimic natural processes, and integration of areas/corridors of native broadleaved woodland in coniferous forests. Link to further guidance.

Ensure woodland management includes measures to make woodlands resilient in the face of climate change. Measures will be site-specific, but could include fire and fuel breaks and/or fire belts in woodland to reduce the risk of wildfires. Link to further guidance.

Keep or put in place the appropriate extensive grazing regime for existing species-rich calcareous grasslands, avoiding overgrazing or undergrazing that can lead to grassland habitat being lost. The use of traditional and rare native breeds can help to achieve the correct grazing regime. Link to further guidance.

Prevent scrub from overrunning species-rich grasslands, while maintaining a minority area of scrub that is managed to create a varied age, composition and physical structure including glades and scalloped edges. If scrub has already overrun a previously species-rich grassland, scrub removal, seeding and reinstating appropriate grazing can restore species-rich grassland. Note this does not apply to existing traditionally-managed lowland meadows on which a hay cut is taken. Link to further guidance.

Where there is an absence of scrub and successional habitat in or adjacent to grasslands, encourage a minority amount to improve structural diversity and benefit wildlife. Scrub can also act as a transitional habitat between grassland and woodland. Note this does not apply to existing traditionally-managed lowland meadows on which a hay cut is taken. Link to further guidance.

Keep or put in place the appropriate extensive grazing regime for existing species-rich lowland meadows that are currently grazed, avoiding overgrazing or undergrazing that can lead to grassland habitat being lost. The use of traditional and rare native breeds can help to achieve the correct grazing regime. Link to further guidance.

Continue traditional hay management for existing species-rich lowland meadows where it is already in place. Link to further guidance.

Conserve the unique species-rich grasslands that exist on old coal 'batches' (spoil heaps) in the Somer Valley, including preventing scrub encroachment. It is recommended that you contact the Somer Valley Rediscovered project team for advice on management of these sites. Link to further guidance.

Create a sediment pond or trap to provide an area where muddy run-off from fields or tracks is allowed to pond, so that sediment will settle out before entering watercourses. Link to further guidance.

Reduce run-off of pollutants from farmland through the use of best practice in applying fertiliser, manure and slurry. Link to further guidance.

Establish a buffer strip (which can contain long grasses, trees, and shrubs) of 4-12m on field boundaries or runoff channels. This can reduce nutrient and pollutant runoff into watercourses and provide habitat for wildlife. Link to further guidance.

Improve management of manure and slurry to reduce pollution (e.g. roofing manure storage or manure storage pads). Link to further guidance.

Establish uncultivated grassy buffer strips alongside rhynes/ditches to provide additional habitat for species including water vole, and to reduce run off of pollution into waterways. Link to further guidance.

Use constructed wetlands to settle out pollution from motorways and junctions before it enters watercourses. Link to further guidance.

Reduce the pollution caused by the transport network (particularly by cars through tyre and brake wear) by encouraging reduced use of private cars and more careful driving styles, and encouraging manufacturers to produce tyres with less ecologically damaging components. Link to further guidance.

Regularly empty road gullies to reduce the amount of pollutants from vehicles entering rivers and streams.

Reduce the use of artificial sports pitches with ‘rubber crumb’ infill, which can leach into aquatic environments in significant quantities (and is also thought to be harmful to human health), in favour of more environmentally friendly options. Link to further guidance.

Reduce urban run-off by upgrading existing drainage infrastructure, installing sustainable urban drainage (SuDs) features, and ensuring new developments have suitable water management and drainage infrastructure. Link to further guidance.

Reduce other sources of plastic pollution, including single use plastics and other sources of microplastics (such as some cosmetic products). Link to further guidance.

Reduce the frequency of intermittent point source pollution from storm overflows.

Reduce the quantity of pollutants entering the freshwater environment from wastewater treatment works.

Ensure correct management of private septic tanks to reduce leakage of pollutants into the environment, and investigate and resolve drain misconnections in homes. Link to further guidance.

Reduce the amount of rainwater entering the sewer network through the use of, for example, water butts, rain gardens, and soakaways. Link to further guidance.

Reduce demand on water supply through more efficient use of water in homes, businesses, and in farming. Link to further guidance.

Include rainwater harvesting systems in new developments to reduce demand on water supply. Link to further guidance.

Use constructed wetlands to address pollution from urban and transport outfalls. Link to further guidance.

Use constructed wetlands in wastewater treatment to reduce the amount of pollutants entering the freshwater environment, while providing wetland habitat.

Ensure good management of existing intertidal saltmarsh habitat through appropriate grazing regimes, which will vary depending on the site and historical management. Link to further guidance.

Protect mudflat habitats on the tidal Bristol Avon from coastal squeeze by providing them with space to expand landwards where feasible. These are important habitats for feeding wading birds and waterfowl. Link to further guidance.

Restoration and creation of intertidal saltmarsh habitat and mudflats near the coast, using techniques such as managed realignment or regulated tidal exchange, where in alignment with the relevant Shoreline Management Plan (SMP) and supported by the Environment Agency. Link to further guidance.

Create additional habitat to act as high-tide roosts, such as wetland habitat, lagoons and wet grassland, close to the coast. These can provide places above mean high-tide levels where waterbirds can rest and recover. Link to further guidance.

Minimise recreational disturbance to wildlife on the Estuary and in high-tide roosts from people using the coast path and other public footpaths.

Manage populations of the non-native grey squirrel to reduce their impact on woodland ecology, potentially including the use of contraceptives to reduce breeding success. Link to further guidance.

Stop or reduce the intensity of duck and pheasant releases, particularly close to protected sites, to avoid negative impacts on ecology. Link to further guidance.

Remove any invasive plant species in woodland, including rhododendron Ponticum and cherry laurel, and avoid planting potentially invasive non-native species. Link to further guidance.

Remove Himalayan Balsam from riverbanks, starting at the top of rivers and working downstream (to avoid reestablishment following removal). Link to further guidance.

Remove invasive floating pennywort in waterways as soon as it is discovered, and take action to avoid it spreading into new areas. Link to further guidance.

Consider the introduction of South American weevils to provide control of Pennywort where it is a persistent problem. Link to further guidance.

Manage populations of deer at the landscape level, particularly the non-native muntjac deer, whose grazing can have severe negative impacts on woodland ecology. Link to further guidance.

Reconnect rivers to their floodplain, allowing floodwater to spill naturally onto adjacent land, and restore wetland habitat (including wetland mosaic, wet woodland and floodplain grazing marsh) within the floodplain. This can both benefit wildlife and provide natural flood management. Careful planning will be needed, and planning permission and bespoke consent may be required. Link to further guidance.

Restore or improve management of existing floodplain grazing marsh or floodplain meadows, including permitting seasonal flooding. Ideally, sites would be managed using an extensive grazing regime to maintain species and structural diversity. Link to further guidance.

If floodplain reconnection is not possible (including outside of the floodplain), create woodland or mosaic habitat to benefit wildlife, reduce pollutants entering the river, and provide natural flood management. Ensure to manage any riparian vegetation to ensure a mosaic of light levels along the river, aiming for a 60/40 ratio of light to shade. Link to further guidance.

Cross-slope (following a contour) planting of trees, woodland strips and hedgerows to intercept flows of water, providing natural flood management and capturing pollutant run-off. Woodland strips should be up to 10m wide, or 30m wide for steeper slopes. Link to further guidance.

Create swales (shallow, linear, vegetated drainage features) following natural contours to store and redirect surface water flows, providing natural flood management. Consent may be required from the Environment Agency. Link to further guidance.

Create in-field bunded scrapes or ponds that store and slow the flow of water throughout the landscape, providing natural flood management. Consent may be required from the Environment Agency. Link to further guidance.

Create offline and/or online ponds or scrapes in the floodplain. Offline ponds/scrapes are not connected to the watercourse, and can capture overland runoff. Online ponds/scrapes are connected to the watercourse through a stream channel, storing floodwater temporarily and releasing it into the watercourse in a controlled manner. Planning permission and/or consent from the Environment Agency or the Lead Local Flood Authority may be required. Link to further guidance.

Raise water levels and create lowland fen habitat on peaty soils, with appropriate management in place to create and maintain a diverse structure. This should include extensive grazing with cattle and other herbivores where appropriate. Link to further guidance.

Manage existing wet (carr) woodlands for the benefit of wildlife, including maintaining water levels, creating/maintaining open areas and edge habitat, and retaining dead wood. Link to further guidance.

Raise water levels on grassland on peaty soils to prevent any further degradation of peat and the release of carbon. Link to further guidance.

Explore the future potential for paludiculture (farming wetland crops, such as bulrush or sphagnum, on rewetted peat) on peaty soils where restoration of lowland fen is not currently supported. Link to further guidance.

Protect beavers from recreational disturbance and persecution, while managing conflict with other land uses where it arises. Link to further guidance.

Protect crops from beaver activity by using fencing that prevents beavers accessing the land to forage. Link to further guidance.

Provide a natural space of 20 metres or more for beavers alongside the river/stream edge, planting native species such as willow and aspen. This will reduce the likelihood of beavers foraging elsewhere on your land. Link to further guidance.

Manage hedgerows in a thick and tall condition for wildlife, following best practice set out by Hedgelink and only cutting every three years on rotation. Link to further guidance.

Create/restore hedgerows where they have previously existed, or where they would fit in with the existing field system. Link to further guidance.

Establish field/hedge trees within hedgerows where they are not already present. Link to further guidance.

Protect existing trees within the farmed landscape, particularly veteran and ancient trees, and fence off ancient and veteran trees to enable new trees to grow. Link to further guidance.

Create shelterbelts (windbreaks) made up of trees to protect livestock and crops from inclement weather. Link to further guidance.

Incorporate trees in grazing systems (silvopasture). This could include trees that can produce a fruit or nut crop alongside livestock grazing. Link to further guidance.

Establish agroforestry systems alongside crop production (silvoarable systems). Link to further guidance.

Provide graded margins up to a thick hedgerow to create 'ecotones' and provide nesting sites for farmland birds such as linnets and yellowhammers. Link to further guidance.

Establish beetle banks and other areas for natural predators within arable farming. Link to further guidance.

Establish flower-rich margins, blocks, or in-field strips on arable land to provide space for pollinators and other wildlife. Link to further guidance.

Incorporate nectar strips and/or herb-rich arable leys into arable rotations. Link to further guidance.

Sow a wild bird seed mixture to provide a seed-rich winter cover crop, and/or leave unsprayed and unharvested arable headlands to provide food for farmland birds. Link to further guidance.

Leave overwinter stubble on cropped fields, and sow spring-sown crops to provide food for farmland birds. Link to further guidance.

Leave areas unsprayed in arable fields to support arable wildflowers, particularly in areas where important wildflower species are present. Link to further guidance.

Create skylark plots (unsown squares) in arable fields. Link to further guidance.

Protect existing swallow and house martin nesting sites, including in barns and other farm buildings, and provide artificial nesting sites where there is a lack of potential nesting sites.

Use sustainable soil management techniques in arable farming, including undersowing of crops, reduced or no tillage, and reducing compaction caused by machinery. Link to further guidance.

Establish a multi-species winter cover crop or legume fallow to protect soil from erosion and compaction, and to improve soil biology. Link to further guidance.

Reduce the use of pesticides through integrated pest management, including use of companion crops; and leave areas unsprayed to support arable wildflowers. Link to further guidance.

Use precision farming techniques, such as guided herbicide spraying and robot weeding, to reduce the use of pesticides. Link to further guidance.

Reduce or eliminate the application of fertiliser or manure on grassland, including through the use of precision farming techniques. Link to further guidance.

Provide a more species-rich herbal ley for grazing livestock in place of an intensive perennial rye grass sward. Link to further guidance.

Reduce the use of antibiotics and worming products in livestock, to improve the value of their dung to wildlife. Link to further guidance.

Revert maize crops to grassland with low fertiliser input. This will reduce pollution and soil run-off, as well as improve the land's value to wildlife.

Minimise the use of lighting where safe to do so, including on the road network, and turn off public lighting for a time overnight. Link to further guidance.

Use motion-sensitive lights to reduce the extent of light pollution. Link to further guidance.

Integrate wildlife-friendly measures into homes and other developments, such as nest-hole bricks, and bird and bat boxes. Link to further guidance.

Install swift boxes on buildings and homes to provide nesting sites. Link to further guidance.

Improve roadside verge management for nature, using an appropriate cutting regime to encourage floral diversity. Link to further guidance.

Create more nature-rich space in gardens and other private spaces, such as native shrubs and flowers. Link to further guidance.

Avoid using pesticides or compost containing peat when gardening or managing green spaces. Link to further guidance.

Avoid introducing potentially invasive non-native species into gardens and other outdoor spaces and remove existing ones where possible. This will reduce the risk of invasive species spreading to the wider countryside and harming ecology. Link to further guidance.

Include ponds and other safe water features for wildlife in gardens. Link to further guidance.

Retrofit wildlife kerbs to existing gullies, particularly near existing nature sites, and install wildlife kerbs on new gullies as standard. This will provide safer passage for amphibians and small mammals around road gullies and drainage openings.

Provide homes and wild areas for hedgehogs, and create holes in garden fences to create 'hedgehog highways'. Link to further guidance.

Reduce recreational pressure on woodlands and other habitat in urban areas through maintaining clear paths, keeping dogs on leads, and setting aside non-accessible areas for wildlife where practical. Link to further guidance.

Increase the area of parks and public spaces managed for nature, including establishing more wildflower meadows or areas of unmown grass. Link to further guidance.

Create new multifunctional parks and green spaces to ensure that residents of new (and existing) housing have sufficient access to larger green spaces (meeting Natural England Access to Green Space Standards). This should be prioritised in areas with the least local access and/or where significant housing development is expected. Link to further guidance.

Create pocket parks and green spaces in unused spaces, prioritising areas with least access to local green space, and the highest vulnerability to the urban heat island effect and air pollution. Link to further guidance.

Design and deliver new housing developments with sufficient accessible, nature-rich spaces for residents (meeting Building with Nature Standards). Link to further guidance.

Create greenways along rivers in cities to improve people's access to rivers and provide nature-rich corridors. Link to further guidance.

Plant new street trees, ideally species that will benefit wildlife, prioritising areas with low tree cover and sites that will most benefit from shade for urban cooling. Link to further guidance.

Plant trees, ideally species that will most benefit wildlife, in gardens and other private spaces. Link to further guidance.

Create new allotment sites to provide residents with local, sustainable food growing opportunities. Link to further guidance.

Establish other local community food-growing enterprises, such as community farms. Link to further guidance.

Create community orchards, ideally with local varieties of fruits, to provide local food and benefit wildlife. Link to further guidance.

Install green walls and green roofs on new and existing buildings, helping to cool urban areas and provide more space for nature. Link to further guidance.

Remove hard-standing surfaces in favour of permeable surfaces (ideally natural, green ones that also benefit wildlife) to reduce surface water flooding. Link to further guidance.

Integrate natural features such as swales, wetlands and raingardens to attenuate water within developments and provide additional habitat for wildlife. Link to further guidance.

Continue to protect greater horseshoe and lesser horseshoe bat roosts and maternity sites. Link to further guidance.

Ensure sensitive recreational use of caves where bats are known to be roosting to avoid disturbance. Link to further guidance.

Create new bat night roosts for greater and lesser horseshoe bats where there is suitable foraging habitat to extend feeding ranges and increase the resilience of bat populations. Link to further guidance.

Install bat boxes for barbastelle and/or Bechstein bats where there is suitable foraging habitat to extend the range and increase the resilience of bat populations. Link to further guidance.

Protect existing and create new dark, vegetated corridors to enhance connectivity and dispersal routes between key bat roosts. Link to further guidance.

Continue to protect endemic and rare species in the Avon Gorge, including managing and removing invasive species in the Gorge, such as Cotoneaster, and preventing encroachment of scrub. Link to further guidance.

Manage recreational pressure on the Avon Gorge where it may threaten the Gorge’s unique ecology. Link to further guidance.

Control populations of American mink to protect native species, particularly water vole. Where feasible, coordinated approaches could be taken to achieve total eradication of mink from large landscapes and river catchments. Link to further guidance.

Remove redundant artificial bank revetments to allow water voles to build burrows in river banks and for vegetation to grow. Link to further guidance.

Carefully planned reintroductions of water vole where populations have been lost, and where new populations can be expected to establish themselves. Link to further guidance.

Ensure protection of existing areas where white-clawed crayfish are present, with a particular focus on not allowing signal crayfish to establish there. Link to further guidance.

Establish additional ‘ark sites’ of white-clawed crayfish where signal crayfish is not present and suitable habitat exists. Link to further guidance.