Utrechtse soortenlijst – Utrecht Municipality Species List and Biodiversity Regulations
The Utrechtse soortenlijst (Utrecht Species List) is an official regulatory document issued by the Gemeente Utrecht (Municipality of Utrecht). Adopted by the municipal council on June 7, 2018 (Version 3.0), this document functions as a specific elaboration of the city's Groenstructuurplan (Green Structure Plan). It establishes a local framework for the preservation and stimulation of 64 characteristic species that hold ecological value within the urban environment of Utrecht, particularly in light of the transition from the former Flora- en faunawet to the current Wet natuurbescherming (Wnb).
The regulatory scope encompasses five bird species, three fish species, six types of wild bees, forty plant species, and ten mushroom species. The document defines the criteria for species selection, including former legal protection status, existing municipal conservation efforts, and national rarity as determined by the MAGIE-overleg (nature and environmental group consultations). It integrates these biodiversity objectives into the city's Omgevingsvisie (Spatial Strategy) and the municipal code of conduct for green management and spatial development.
This document provides the mandatory procedures for ecological assessment in construction and renovation projects. It outlines the requirements for spatial planning, the use of the Natuurwaardenkaart (Nature Value Map), and the specific steps required to mitigate or compensate for impacts on the listed species during urban development.
Criteria for Species Inclusion
The species included in the list were selected based on three specific criteria to ensure the continuity of urban biodiversity protection where national legislation may have left gaps.
- Former Protection: Species previously protected under the Flora- en faunawet that lost status under the Wet natuurbescherming, such as certain wall ferns (muurvarens) and orchids.
- Active Municipal Policy: Species for which the municipality has historically invested significant conservation effort, including wild bees and their specific nectar plants.
- National Importance: Rare species or those showing strong national decline that were proposed by the MAGIE-overleg experts.
Spatial Development and Permit Procedures
For spatial developments and municipal plans, the protection of the listed species is a mandatory consideration. The document mandates a structured five-step approach for projects that may impact these species.
- Step 1. Research: Execution of a quick scan or detailed ecological research to determine species presence.
- Step 2. Alternatives: Investigation of project alternatives that avoid negative impacts.
- Step 3. Mitigation: Implementing measures to minimize harm during construction or management.
- Step 4. Compensation: Providing replacement habitats or ecological restoration if impacts are unavoidable.
- Step 5. Explicit Choice: A formal decision-making step to prevent the local disappearance of Utrecht species.
Ongoing projects are exempt if urban design requirements (SPvE), building envelopes, or permit applications were already finalized before the list's adoption.
Ecological Management and the Nature Value Map
The Natuurwaardenkaart Utrecht (Nature Value Map) serves as the primary tool for securing the species list in management and development. This map displays the (potential) habitats of both legally protected species and those on the Utrechtse soortenlijst.
- District-level mapping: The map is built per neighborhood, starting with Lunetten, to support the upcoming Omgevingswet framework.
- Management Code of Conduct: Maintenance of public greenery, quay walls, and buildings must follow the guidelines in the Leidraad bij de gedragscode (Code of Conduct Manual).
- Mowing Regimes: Specific protocols such as mowing only after seed setting for hayland herbs and orchids.
Frequently Asked Questions
What species are included in the Utrechtse soortenlijst?
The list contains 64 species: 5 birds (including the Blauwborst and Roerdomp), 3 fish, 6 wild bees, 40 plants (including wall ferns like Steenbreekvaren and Tongvaren), and 10 mushroom species.
Is an ecological quick scan mandatory for projects in Utrecht?
Yes, for spatial developments, research must be conducted to check for the presence of both nationally protected species (Wnb) and species on the Utrechtse soortenlijst.
How are wall ferns protected during quay wall restoration?
Wall ferns (muurvarens) are designated as characteristic species; management and restoration of quay walls must follow specific guidelines to preserve these species during maintenance.
What happens if a project cannot avoid harming a listed species?
The project must follow steps for mitigation and compensation, such as providing replacement habitats as close to the project site as possible.
Are there exemptions for existing projects?
Exemptions apply to projects where urban planning documents (SPvE), building envelopes, or permit applications were already officially submitted or determined before the regulations took effect.
How is the species list updated?
The Mayor and Aldermen can add species that are discovering new sustainable habitats in the city or remove species that have not been observed for five years.
