The accreditation scheme is designed to ensure that the Biodiversity Assessment Method (BAM) is applied by people with appropriate ecological skills, knowledge and experience, and a demonstrated understanding of the method.
The Department of Planning and Environment (the Department) is responsible for accrediting assessors under the scheme. The detailed arrangements for the accreditation scheme are set out in the Accreditation Scheme for the Application of the Biodiversity Assessment Method Order 2017 (PDF 868KB).
When do you need an accredited assessor?
You will need an accredited assessor whenever a development or an activity triggers the Biodiversity Offset Scheme (BOS) or if a landholder wants to enter into a Biodiversity Stewardship Agreement.
The BAM is only required for some developments or activities, and only where the impacts of a proposal trigger thresholds established by the Biodiversity Conservation Regulation 2017. This means that suitably qualified ecological consultants, who may not be BAM accredited assessors, can undertake other work related to the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016, such as carrying out a test of significance or determining whether the impacts of a proposal trigger thresholds for assessment under the BAM.
For more information about entering into a Biodiversity Stewardship Agreement, visit Applying for a Biodiversity Stewardship Agreement.
Find an accredited assessor
Access the register
