This week has seen the survey of one property (without bats) and the change to the ecological protocol affecting all wildlife including bats, newts, dormice and hedgehogs so there is no excuse to avoid protection of these endangered species or for mitigation in all our schemes from 1 April 2022.

It is clear that we now have to look at all hedges as well as buildings and trees for any evidence of wildlife, we thankfully can rely on a colleague to advise us accordingly. Katie Pollard is the Dorset Batwoman! How long will it be before apiaries are similarly protected?