MASS development and protecting ecologically valuable habitats and species might not seem like a match made in heaven.

And while building thousands of new homes in one place - as fast as economically possible - probably is not the best thing for wildlife, active efforts are being made in Whitehill and Bordon to ensure the potential harm is mitigated.

Over the past five years, the ecological consultancy EPR (Ecological Planning and Research based in Winchester) has been working “extensively” with both East Hampshire District Council and the Whitehill & Bordon Regeneration Company to help build an “environmentally friendly, healthy Green Town”.

Described as a “once in a generation opportunity”, townsfolk are by now quite familiar with the plan to transform Bordon, adding 3,350 new homes, commercial space, infrastructure and, crucially for EPR, 150 hectares of Suitable Alternative Natural Green Spaces (SANGs) and ultimately boosting the town’s population from 14,000 to 22,000 - all by 2030.

The district council initially enlisted the firm to undertake work, including a renewed Habitats Regulations Assessment, which “would aid in appraising the implications of developing at Whitehill and Bordon” in the council’s Joint Core Strategy.

Following a competitive bidding process, EPR was later appointed by the Whitehill & Bordon Regeneration Company to lead on ecology within the Prince Philip Barracks redevelopment - the largest element of the regeneration scheme.

Subsequent work has included overseeing SANG delivery, surveying and reporting to guide the detailed planning application stage, and the implementation of ecological mitigation and enhancement strategies to protect badgers, bats, reptiles and nesting birds.

This has involved careful supervision of site clearance, which often has to be completed under special licence from Natural England - particularly where bats and badgers are present.

Most recently, EPR has obtained three licences to enable buildings containing bat roosts to be demolished and says that, while further licences will be required, these schemes have also seen the construction of bat barns.

Core to EPR’s ethos is a belief that the needs of development and ecology are “not mutually exclusive”. In fact, the consultancy thinks infrastructure projects can have a net positive effect on biodiversity, particularly through promoting better “stewardship of the environment” and encouraging future generations to take part in protecting local wildlife.

In turn, residents benefit from “the health improvements associated with spending time” in nature. Rebecca Brookbank, director at EPR, told the Bordon Herald: “The integration of ecological concerns when planning new developments is nothing less than a necessity,” she said.

“Prioritising the protection of ecologically valuable habitats and species, and the creation of new natural green space that will be of value to wildlife, is vital for ensuring that human infrastructure does not negatively affect the natural environment.

“We must work to realise the potential that development has to deliver net biodiversity gains.

“In turn, the nearby existence of high quality green spaces enables residents to get out into nature, improving their health - both physical and mental - and ensuring that, in a renewed connection with their local environment, they become invested in caring for and protecting it.”

Bruce Collinson, regeneration company project manager, added: “As the premise of this new development is creating a Green Town which benefits both its residents and the local environment, ecological sustainability is naturally a priority.

“Over the past five years, EPR has done a great job of surveying the site and reassuring us not only that our plans will not negatively affect surrounding ecology, but that delivery of natural assets such as SANGs will have wide-ranging benefits.”

EPR was founded in 1989.