THE PROCESS OR 'ROUTE TO RESTORATION'

This section of the guide sets out a framework for developing habitat restoration plans. This is based on and expands the "steps to consider" identified for re-creating wetlands. Having established that habitat restoration is generally desirable a number of questions arise, which are site specific. In relation to the Guide these are:

• What are the pressures on the habitat?
• How does the habitat (or site) compare with the states described in the Guide?
• If change is desirable what direction should it take, bearing in mind the values attached to each state?
• What are the pros and cons of taking remedial action? [These will depend on a review of the State and Values attached to the particular habitat for which remedial action is contemplated]. For managed realignment there is a considerable volume of documentation to help;
• How can I achieve the change and hence the desired state? i.e. what are the available methodologies by which you can reach the desired state? [These are derived from experience and research with summary information from site casework and references to the literature.]

Armed with this information it will be possible using some general principles to draw up a management plan for the scheme. [This will based on a thorough survey of the site including any physical constraints on the works proposed.] In addition to this it will be important to identify some or all of the following:

• What are the legisIative requirements? This may be especially important in managed realignment schemes;
• Who do I need to contact? This will include those with a potential interest in the land (including local people who may be involved with the works) in addition to the normal compliance and other statutory authorities from whom consents and licenses may be needed;
• Alternatively the project may require funding and there are several potential sources of funding including DEFRA in England (and Wales) or the European Union projects.

Once all the necessary permissions are obtained;

• Carry out work;
• Monitor its effectiveness in relation to the objectives;
• Review the work;
• Adjust as necessary and
• Disseminate results. [This last point is very important. As the guide shows there is a wealth of information and experience which can be brought to bear on developing good practice in habitat restoration, re-creation and creation. This needs to be made available to others.]

Caveat: Finally, if you cannot find the precise information you are looking for the guide provides a list of references, publications and other documents quoted in the text. Restoration guides and key documents are also highlighted.