Russell Hill Farm Green Infrastructure Management Plan

HalpinRobbins were commissioned to produce a Green Infrastructure Management Plan (GIMP) for a 11 acre solar farm at Russell Hill Farm, Monmouthshire to meet the requirements of set planning conditions.

The works required the review of previous ecological data, from other parties, that had been used to inform the planning and development of the proposed solar farm project, and attendance on site of the proposed project to assess the existing habitats, environmental and ecological networks and community use and each factors quality and worth.

The site comprised several habitat types and included a public footpath and access route and had a broad-leaf woodland Site of Importance for Nature Conservation immediately adjacent to the project, running along the north and west boundaries; all these features, including the associated community value had to be incorporated into the Green Infrastructure Management Plan.

The Green Infrastructure Management Plan covered the environmental, ecological and community condition of the site in its present state, the protection and enhancement of a Site of Importance for Nature Conservation, badgers, bats, breeding birds, grassland, hedgerows and woodland and the ongoing maintenance and operation of the site.

During the course of this project HalpinRobbins were asked to extend the remit of the works to cover guidance and liaison with the local planning authority, county ecologist and county landscape officer to ensure that the recommendations and preferences of both groups were suitable for the site and community.

The project progressed without hold up and was deemed by the local planning authority to meet and surpass the planning condition requirements.

Services

• Preliminary Ecological Appraisal
• Ecological Management Plan
• Environmental Management Plan
• Green Infrastructure Management Plan

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