Biodiversity-Led Urban Housing Development
De Beauvoir Estate
ARBORICULTIRE - ECOLOGY
Client
London Borough of Hackney
TMA Environmental Consultants supported the redevelopment of the De Beauvoir Estate in Hackney as part of a wider urban housing regeneration programme. Acting across ecology and arboriculture, we provided consultancy services to help secure planning permission while maximising biodiversity within a highly urbanised environment.
Location
London Borough of Hackney
Status
TBD
Challenges
A key challenge was selecting habitat types that could thrive in an urban setting while ensuring realistic biodiversity net gain (BNG) targets. Retaining existing green spaces and mature trees was crucial, as they represented the highest-value habitats within the development.
TMA worked closely with the design team, applying expertise in BNG systems to maximise ecological value without overpromising gains. A realistic approach was taken, ensuring that spite urban constraints.
Our Approach
Key ecological strategies included:
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Preserving as many existing trees as possible within the development, recognising their high ecological value.
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Creating new habitats, including additional tree planting, to offset any losses.
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Using TMA’s in-house GIS software, MyTrees, which integrates with DWG and vector work files to map, and calculate BNG values efficiently, even on-site. This tool allowed ecologists to optimise habitat design and net gain targets.
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Developing the ‘Woodland Walk’, a green corridor.
Services
By maximising on-site biodiversity, the scheme avoided costly off-site statutory credits, demonstrating an effective integration of urban living with nature.
The result is a well-balanced development that enhances biodiversity while maintaining practical, accessible public spaces
Services provided
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Preliminary Ecological Appraisal
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Bat surveys
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Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) Assessment
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Design Liaison
BNG predictions
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Baseline prior to redevelopment : 1.14 units
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Predicted post intervention : 1.94 unit
