Protecting Sandwell’s Wildlife Sites

Protecting Sandwell’s Wildlife Sites

Protecting Sandwell’s Wildlife Sites
January 16, 2025

TEP was appointed by Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council to assess 18 locally designated wildlife sites within the borough to inform their new Local Plan.

We conducted a habitat survey at each site, followed by evaluations using the Birmingham and Black Country guidance for local site selection. These evaluations were informed by our habitat surveys, local species records, and historical survey data where available. All 18 sites were already designated as Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC) or Sites of Local Importance for Nature Conservation (SLINC) and the purpose of the surveys was to determine whether the sites still meet the criteria for their respective designations.

In collaboration with Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council, Birmingham and Black Country Wildlife Trust, and EcoRecord (the local biodiversity records centre), we produced evaluation reports for each site. These reports included the necessary data to support any proposed changes to site designations and provide a valuable ecological record for the area. Local designations play a crucial role in protecting biodiversity-rich sites that lack statutory protections. Periodic assessments ensure these areas truly reflect their designated ecological value, ensuring that key habitats are both recognised and preserved.

This project was a rewarding opportunity for our team, allowing us to contribute to the protection of biodiversity in Sandwell for future generations.

If you require assessments of locally designated sites to inform Local Plans, identify biodiversity net gain opportunities, or conduct habitat surveys, we would be happy to assist. Please get in touch using EcoQuotes@tep.uk.com.

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Growing People CIC at Lanjeth Nursery received a TEP Environment Grant to help improve access to the organisation's restored pond habitats in Cornwall.
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TEP's Environment Grant was established to support projects that inspire environmental learning, raise awareness of environmental issues and encourage positive action. Since launching in 2020, the grant has supported 17 projects across the UK, helping individuals, community groups and organisations bring environmental ideas to life. Now in its seventh year, the grant received a record 102 applications from across the UK. Following a detailed review process, funding has been awarded to two projects that stood out for their innovative approaches to community engagement, environmental awareness and learning.
October 13, 2026
Growing People CIC at Lanjeth Nursery received a TEP Environment Grant to help improve access to the organisation's restored pond habitats in Cornwall.
October 6, 2026
TEP's Environment Grant was established to support projects that inspire environmental learning, raise awareness of environmental issues and encourage positive action. Since launching in 2020, the grant has supported 17 projects across the UK, helping individuals, community groups and organisations bring environmental ideas to life. Now in its seventh year, the grant received a record 102 applications from across the UK. Following a detailed review process, funding has been awarded to two projects that stood out for their innovative approaches to community engagement, environmental awareness and learning.
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The publication of the new NPPF 2026 represents an important shift in national heritage planning policy. While the fundamental objective of conserving the historic environment remains unchanged, the new framework restructures how that policy is presented and introduces some important changes in how heritage assets are assessed and weighed in decision-making.