Delivering Biodiversity Net Gain for Affordable Housing in Swindon
Ecological surveys, PEA and BNG assessment supporting a brownfield residential development at Oakfield Campus
Client:
Swindon Borough Council
Location:
Oakfield Campus, Swindon
Services:
- Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA) and Preliminary Roost Assessment (PRA)
- Habitat Condition Assessment (HCA)
- Biodiversity Net Gain Assessment (BNG)
Overview:
Wildwood Ecology supported Swindon Borough Council with ecological surveys and Biodiversity Net Gain advice for a proposed affordable housing development at Oakfield Campus, Swindon. The project involved 16 new homes on a brownfield site, with Wildwood providing early-stage ecological assessment in 2023 and updated ecology and BNG input in 2025 to support the final planning submission.
Challenge
The site presented typical brownfield constraints, including habitats with ecological value and limited space for enhancement. A key challenge was achieving Biodiversity Net Gain within a constrained footprint, while also maintaining alignment between evolving site designs and ecological requirements over a multi-year project timeline.
Approach
Wildwood Ecology undertook an initial Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA) and Preliminary Roost Assessment (PRA) in 2023 to establish baseline ecological conditions and identify potential constraints. We remained involved throughout the project, ensuring ecological considerations were integrated into the evolving design.
In 2025, we delivered an updated PEA alongside a detailed Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) assessment using the statutory metric. Working closely with the design team, we identified opportunities to retain valuable features and incorporate habitat creation within the landscape proposals, despite spatial constraints. The scheme included targeted enhancements designed to deliver measurable biodiversity gains while also creating functional and attractive green spaces for future residents.
Outcome
Wildwood Ecology’s input supported a robust and policy-compliant planning submission, with ecology and Biodiversity Net Gain fully integrated into the scheme. The development achieved measurable on-site biodiversity gains through habitat enhancement and creation, despite site constraints.
Our continued involvement from 2023 to 2025 provided consistency and clarity throughout the project, helping the client navigate evolving requirements and deliver a well-balanced scheme that supports both residential needs and biodiversity improvements.
Wildwood Ecology provided responsive, informative and practical guidance from our initial enquiry through to the submission of our planning application. Their clear communication and professional approach made the process feel manageable and well coordinated. They have consistently demonstrated a high level of expertise across several projects with Swindon Borough Council.
Experts in Ecology
Ecology
- Ecological site assessments
- Biodiversity Net Gain
- Protected species surveys
- Protected species mitigation design and licence applications
- Habitat Regulations Assessment
- Ecological Clerk of Works