The new neighbourhoods will be well set back from the Severn Estuary and will provide a new nature reserve to complement the existing roost site at Berkeley Pill. Proposals also include the diversion of a section of the Severn Way to a location further from Berkeley Pill, as well as restricted access to the new nature reserve to avoid recreational disturbance to wetland birds.
Independent ecologists have already conducted thorough surveys to identify species and are putting in mitigation measures to protect them.
Going above and beyond this, Sharpness Vale will boost nature by reviving farmed land, leading to biodiversity gain. We will work to protect and boost wildlife, trees and plants. A web of new and existing natural spaces will weave throughout the neighbourhoods, acting as green corridors so that birds and other animals can safely move around. New public green spaces will include native woodlands, hedgerows and trees, wildflower-rich grassland, pasture and reed beds, areas for sustainable food production, parks, and sports and play areas.
The Government confirmed earlier this year that all new developments must deliver an overall increase in biodiversity. Biodiversity net gain requires developers to ensure habitats for wildlife are enhanced and left in a measurably better state than they were pre-development.