creating environmental improvements through biodiversity

4 GAPS IN KNOWLEDGE /
DIRECTIONS FOR FUTURE RESEARCH
One key general principle that was apparent in many of the ALSF studies
reviewed was that longer-term funding for longer-term projects will generate
even better results in many cases. For example, a questionnaire response
stated, in reference to Parker et al (2004), that “The short time span of the
project meant that it closed just as farmers were starting to become engaged
in the project. A longer time-span of say 3 years would enable further benefits
to be realised.”
Sustainable Aggregates Creating Environmental Improvements through Biodiversity
Impacts of restoring for biodiversity on flood management
The relationship between wetland creation on former mineral sites and flood management has not been well
explored. Initial investigation into this issue suggests that the relationship is complex, and will vary depending
on numerous factors (Clayton et al., 2004), but further research would enable a greater understanding of
where and how the two outcomes can be aligned.
Targeting habitat creation on future sites
Different habitats will be appropriate and prioritised in different locations, and the most successful and
beneficial restorations take account of their surroundings in this way. Understanding what habitats are
appropriate in what locations at the earliest possible stages is key to strategic spatial planning of long-term
landscapes, encourages discussion of potential blocks and facilitates best-practice site design. A tool to
identify the habitats appropriate on potential future sites, depending on their location, would therefore be
extremely advantageous. Historical and palaeo-environmental information can also be useful in this context.
A fund to enable Mineral Planning Authorities (MPAs) to investigate which areas within their authorities
should be priorities for creating which habitats on mineral sites, would be very useful. Targeting habitat enduses
in this way would help rebuild fragmented landscapes of semi-natural habitats, deliver local BAP targets
in a spatially appropriate way, ensure habitats were suitable for the locality and encourage cooperation. Few
MPAs have the resources to collate the necessary data for this.
Minimising risk of bird strike
Better, more evidence-based guidance is needed by safeguarding authorities, developers, planners, restoration
and land managers when considering the likely consequences of land use decisions within aerodrome
safeguarding zones.
More work is needed to understand the relationship between bird movements and land use (in particular
new developments, such as minerals restorations), as a means of gauging the risk of bird-aircraft strikes
occurring near aerodromes. Such work can inform minerals restoration design, helping meet both
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