Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Are hedgerows protected?
A. Hedgerows are generally not protected in Northern Ireland. However, breeding birds and their nests are protected during the bird-breeding season under the Wildlife (NI) Order 1985. Hedgerows should not be removed during the bird breeding season (1 March to 31 August). Ancient and/or species rich hedgerows are a priority habitat in the Northern Ireland Biodiversity Strategy
Q. What species should I plant in a new hedgerow?
A. If a new hedge is to be planted, The Development Management Team recommend using native species to maximise benefit to local biodiversity.
Badgers
Q. Are badgers protected?
A. Badgers and their setts are protected under the Wildlife (NI) Order 1985. The Development Management Team provide advice on how to ensure development proposals do not have a significant impact on badger groups or impact on the structure of their setts.
Q. I need a badger sett removed or temporarily closed - who do I contact?
A. The removal or closure of a badger sett can only be undertaken when a licence for removal has been approved by the Wildlife Officer. Removal must be carried out under the supervision of our approved experienced ecologists. Our Wildlife Officer may be contacted on telephone 028 9056 9605.
Wildlife Surveys
Q. Who can I employ to carry out a wildlife survey?
A. The Development Management Team are unable to recommend particular ecologists who undertake surveys. You may wish to check the yellow pages or web sites on the internet. They are likely to be called environmental consultants. However, we do recommend that you ensure they have previous experience of specialist surveying and are suitably qualified to do so. The Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (IEEM)
also provides details of local professionals in the fields of ecology and environmental management.
Dumping and pollution
Q. Who should I contact?
A. If there is illegal dumping in your area; you should contact your local District Council in the first instance. If infilling of soil is occurring it may be a breach of planning regulations. This may be confirmed by contacting your local Divisional Planning Office. Pollution of water may be reported to the NIEA Water Management Unit using the Water Pollution Hotline 0800 807060.
Trees and TPOs
Q. Trees that are protected are being cut down - who do I contact?
A. Tree Protection Orders (TPOs) are made by Planning Service on certain trees or groups of trees. If trees are being felled and you are aware that they are protected, you should contact your local divisional planning office.
Guidance on TPOs is available in an information leaflet from the Planning Service (.PDF 78Kb)
Q. What information may be asked for when NIEA is consulted on my planning application?
A . Surveys may be requested for species of plants and animals that are protected or are of biodiversity value. Please see our surveys page for survey requirements.
Q. There are bats in my roof space. What do I do?
A. Bats are protected under the Conservation (Natural Habitats, etc) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1995 (as amended) The Conservation (Natural Habitats &c.) (Amendment) Regulations 2007 (.PDF 224Kb). They may be excluded from a roof space at certain times of the year but this must only be done with the advice of the our Wildlife Inspector. Telephone 028 9056 9605.
Q. My Planning Application
A. The NIEA web site does not provide advice on the status of planning applications which have been referred to NIEA for comment. Please contact our administration team on telephone (028) 9056 9615.
