IMPORTANT - YOUR HELP IS NEEDED FOR A BIODIVERSITY SURVEY OF THE PEAK CLUSTER ROUTE BY THE COMMUNITY

IMPORTANT – YOUR HELP IS NEEDED – PLEASE SHARE Don't let Peak Cluster ride rough shod over our wildlife. How often do Developers undertake surveys and never find any significant biodiversity, which we all know is definitely there? 

Please sign up and share. Community - led Peak Cluster route biodiversity survey. While you are out on your Autumnal walks please record the wildlife around you, from trees to fungi, birds and animals. Take a picture and record it on this website. Every recording is important, whether it’s a rare species, or not, it helps to build the true picture.

https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/peak-cluster-impact-zone-biodiversity-survey?tab=about

Peak Cluster has committed to a **15% Biodiversity Net Gain.**We aim to ensure this is a genuine ecological improvement based on a robust, verified baseline of our local environment.

How Your Data Creates Impact:

Route Diversion: Evidence of protected habitats or species provides legal grounds to advocate for diverting the route to less sensitive land.

**Accurate Calculations:**Verified records ensure BNG requirements are calculated correctly, requiring the developer to provide more robust local restoration.

**Formal Evidence:**This dataset creates a 'paper trail' for the Planning Inspectorate and Local Authorities to cross-examine environmental claims.

To ensure the 15% Biodiversity Net Gain is calculated against an accurate baseline, we are prioritising the recording of the following species. These have been selected because they carry specific legal protections or indicate Irreplaceable Habitats that are difficult for developers to offset.

1. Indicators of Irreplaceable Habitat
Fungi: Waxcaps (Pink, Scarlet, Parrot) and Earthtongues.

The Significance: These are indicators of ancient, undisturbed soil.

The Legal Lever: Classified as Irreplaceable Habitats, these cannot be easily "recreated" elsewhere. If proven present, they create a significant barrier to route approval.

2. Legally Protected Residents
Badgers: Active setts, latrines, or well-worn runs.

The Significance: Protected under the Protection of Badgers Act.

The Legal Lever: Presence can legally halt construction or require specialised licensing, particularly during the breeding season (January to June).

Riparian Life: Otters and Water Voles.

The Significance: European Protected Species found in our canals and streams.

The Legal Lever: Noise and vibration from drilling rigs can be classed as illegal disturbance of their resting places or commuting routes.

3. Ground-Nesting Birds (Red List)
Species: Curlew, Lapwing, and Skylark.

The Significance: These birds nest directly on the ground in local fields.

The Legal Lever: Their presence can stop construction during the nesting season to prevent the destruction of eggs and chicks, which is a criminal offence.

4. Corridor & Upland Specialists
Mountain Hares: England’s only isolated population; Near Threatened.

The Significance: Marks the land as a High-Value Upland Habitat.

The Legal Lever: A pipeline trench creates habitat fragmentation, potentially cutting off these vulnerable populations from breeding routes.

Priority Mammals: Brown Hares and Hedgehogs.

The Significance: UK Priority Species.

The Legal Lever: Proves the land functions as a vital Wildlife Corridor rather than "empty" land, increasing the baseline value significantly.

We also encourage the recording of common species (frogs, toads, lizards, and common wildflowers). Every record adds to the total biodiversity "points" of a site, ensuring the developer's 15% gain target is based on a healthy, functioning ecosystem.

Thankyou for your help and support.