Living Seas is our collective vision for the future of the sea around Wales and the UK. Within Living Seas, marine wildlife thrives, from the depths of the ocean to the coastal shallows.

Our wildlife webcams give a fantastic insight into the lives of some of our precious island animals. From courtship to nesting, and even hatching! Be warned - it's addictive viewing!

When wildlife could be harmed by development, local planning authorities should follow a step-wise approach to reduce that harm, known as the ‘mitigation hierarchy’. This is required in National Planning Policy.

Biodiversity Net Gain is a legal requirement in England, requiring infrastructure developers to take a different approach to their building projects and plan in how their work can deliver - rather than take away - from nature. As a Biodiversity Net Gain service provider, The Wildlife Trusts offer consultancy services and high quality habitat delivery that offers genuinely additional and permanent gains in biodiversity.

A planning application can be decided by the case officer or by the planning committee. Usually, wildlife concerns are addressed by conditions. These can relate to construction methods, mitigation and compensation and the aftercare and management of the site.

Strategic Development Plans (SDPs) will be produced to guide strategic development at a regional level. Four SDPs wil be written, covering North Wales, Mid Wales, South West Wales and South East Wales. They will be developed by Corporate Joint Committees, made up of the Leaders from each of the councils in the region.