Samuel Olney

***GOVAQUA Oxford river portal is live!*** This easy-to-use portal, jointly developed by UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH), combines past (last 3 years) and real-time data to provide a comprehensive view of river status. On a single map, you can access: -Environment Agency water quality results (spot samples and sondes) - Bacteria levels at designated bathing sites - Sewage spill alerts - River levels - Sewage treatment rates at 18 different works - Citizen science bacteria measurements at 11 sites, and nutrient measurements at hundreds of sites - Flood warnings - Rainfall levels This tool helps everyone make safer choices for river activities in Oxfordshire. Find out more at: https://lnkd.in/g--jsxKE A big thank you to Gemma Nash; Ezra Kitson; Clare Robinson and all involved for your efforts in making this a reality! #OxfordRivers #digitaltool #WaterQuality #watergovernance #cleanriver #sustainability #WaterFrameworkDerivative

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Interesting perspective, but it seems there may be some confusion around the role of Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) and its purpose. BNG is designed to address the biodiversity crisis we're currently facing—not to slow development, but to ensure that it proceeds responsibly. The UK has lost a staggering amount of its wildlife and natural habitats over the years, and currently, only about 10% of UK terrestrial land is designated for conservation or protection. This is far below what’s needed to halt biodiversity decline. We're one of the most nature depleted countries in the world. BNG aims to ensure that new developments contribute positively to local ecosystems, rather than depleting them further. It's worth noting that BNG is typically handled separately from protected species legislation, so it’s not about prioritising ‘rodents over people,’ but about striking a balance that benefits both communities and the environment. The target of a 10% net gain in biodiversity isn't unachievable for most developments—it’s a relatively modest ask that can often be met with thoughtful design and planning. It’s not about making projects unviable but encouraging developers to approach their work with a commitment to sustainability, even if that means a slightly lower profit margin in favour of broader societal benefits. With the biodiversity crisis looming large, it’s not perfect but a step that’s necessary—and long overdue.

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The blog post below suggests that LPAs should be 'adopting a triage approach to focus energy on the big wins and big risks'. But what does this mean in practice? In my experience many LPAs are critiquing in detail BNG reports and metrics for many small sites even though the adverse impact is insignificant and the BNG requirement is barely more than what would be required from a standard landscaping scheme. It's not their fault - BNG is a statutory requirement. Where's the guidance about what 'triaging' the work would actually entail? Triaging either means treating some planning apps with a light touch or putting them to the back of the queue (?) #BNG #biodiversitynetgain #SmallSites #Planning

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