The AWE estate is home to a number of species and plants that we ensure are protected.
As part of our Nature Recovery Plan, we have introduced a Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) Scheme, which aims to leave our sites in better condition after development activities than before. A BNG scheme involves avoiding, minimising or compensating biodiversity loss as far as possible, while achieving measurable net gains that contribute towards both local and strategic biodiversity priorities.
We have created baseline habitat maps of our sites so we can take appropriate action to protect important habitats and species that are present on our estate. We will continue to undertake further surveys to monitor our impact and create specific habitat management plans for areas with higher biodiversity value.
How we regulate our sites
We aim to protect the natural environment on our sites to the highest levels through our policies and Environmental Management System.
- The Greening Government Commitments (GGCs)
- The Ministry of Defence Climate Change and Sustainability Strategic Approach
- The National Policy Planning Framework
- Biodiversity Net Gain
- Under the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act (2006) AWE, as a non-departmental public body, has a legal duty to ensure biodiversity conservation and enhancement.
- UN Biodiversity Conference (COP 15) and Sustainable Development Goals
We have developed a Nature Recovery Plan to ensure the protection of our sites
Our vision
Biodiversity indicators
Collect and report data to ensure we are on track to meet our commitments including surveys and working closely with the Ministry of Defence (MOD).
Raise awareness
It is important to raise the awareness of biodiversity across the whole business to ensure improvements can be identified more widely. We do this by targeted training, awareness presentations and exhibitions, providing information internally and via articles in staff publications
Integrate biodiversity
AWE has already substantially integrated biodiversity into its processes through operating an Environmental Management System. We aim to meet the Biodiversity Net Gain target for all major developments at AWE and meet the requirements of the Wildlife Trust’s Biodiversity Benchmark.
Enhance woodland cover
Protect and enhance tree cover by 5% by 2025, and 10% by 2030. To do so we take action through influencing landscape and Biodiversity Net Gain schemes for new build developments to ensure they include appropriate planting of native tree species. and creating an orchard on a 2.5ha area.
Pollinator-friendly habitat
Create 30,000m2 of pollinator friendly habitat by 2025, and at least 75,000m2 by 2030, and 100,000m2 by 2040 in recognition of the UK Government’s National Pollinator Strategy.
Nature-based solutions
Investigate and deploy nature-based solutions across the estate. Some of the NBS with the potential to be used include widening the current assessment of carbon captured by habitats on our estate and sediment capture and flood management.
Natural capitol accounting
Natural Capital accounting is a tool to measure the changes in the stock of Natural Capital and to integrate the value of ecosystem services into accounting and reporting systems.
We intend to publish a Natural Capital Register by 2025, and have fully integrated the Natural Capital approach into AWE’s financial accounts by 2040.
External stakeholders
Engage with external stakeholders to ensure we are making an appropriate
contribution to biodiversity.
Our biodiversity enhancement activities are more likely to have a positive impact if they are coordinated with those of external stakeholders, especially those in the local area.