Description: Habitat translocation is the process of moving soils with their vegetation and any animals that remain associated with them, in order to rescue habitats that would otherwise be lost due to a development or extraction scheme. Such activity is usually associated with habitats of significant nature conservation value where a decision has been made to move them rather than lose them totally to another land use.

This best practice guide sets out minimum standards for habitat translocations. While researched originally for the Highways Agency, this guide has been broadened to apply to any construction project. This guide does not promote translocations, as translocation should be regarded as a last resort for all sites of high nature conservation value. Instead, it seeks to set high standards to help avoid some of the failures found in past translocation projects. The guide should raise standards and reduce the risks that emanate from poor practice.

Habitat translocation – a best practice guide is based on the results of an extensive review of habitat translocation projects. This review is provided on CD-Rom to accompany the guide.

Keywords: environmental good practice, biodiversity.

Contents: 1 Introduction, 2 Habitat translocation: a health warning, 3 Habitat translocation and the planning process, 4 Planning the habitat translocation, 5 The contractual concept for habitat translocation, 6 The mechanics of translocation , 7 Aftercare and maintenance, 8 The costs of translocation