Setting up a case
How can I set up a case and upload a Biodiversity Metric file?
Managing Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) data efficiently is fundamental for local authorities, ecologists, and land managers working with planning applications and ecological assessments. Mycelia streamlines the process, enabling you to organise, validate, and monitor BNG cases with confidence and speed. This guide provides a structured walkthrough for setting up a new case in Mycelia, ensuring your team can work accurately and collaboratively from the outset.
When to Set Up a New Case
Initiate a new case in Mycelia whenever you begin assessment or validation for:
- A fresh planning application involving biodiversity considerations
- A pre-application consultation
- Any site, project, or proposal requiring BNG metric assessment
Step-by-Step: Creating a Case in Mycelia
1. Navigate to the Assessment Section
- Begin by logging in to Mycelia and selecting the Assessment area from your dashboard.
2. Start a New Case
- Click the ‘Add New Case’ button. This action opens a new workspace to host all relevant documents and automate data processing for your case.
3. Upload Ecology Documentation
- Drag and drop all associated ecology documents into the Case File section.
- At a minimum, upload the biodiversity metric spreadsheet.
- Include supporting documents such as ecology reports or applicant submissions.
- Uploaded files are stored centrally for secure, auditable reference throughout the case lifecycle.
4. Automated Data Processing and Error Checks
- Mycelia’s BNG engine will process all uploaded documents automatically.
- The platform reads and analyses the biodiversity metric data, applying robust error checks to flag common issues and expedite validation. This step takes only a few seconds.
5. Assign a Case Name and Code
- Mycelia may auto-populate the case name if supplied within the biodiversity metric file.
- If not, enter a clear, descriptive case name—this can be edited at any time.
- Enter the case code/reference used by your council or organisation for cross-referencing purposes.
6. Confirm and Begin Assessment
Once the above steps are complete, your case is ready for detailed assessment, collaboration, and ongoing monitoring within Mycelia.
Next Steps
- Proceed to validate, review, and report on the uploaded BNG data using Mycelia’s domain-specific tools.
- Collaborate with colleagues by sharing case access or by assigning cases within the system.
- Use Mycelia’s monitoring and reporting features to meet statutory requirements and deliver robust outcomes for local biodiversity.
Good Practice Recommendations
- Upload all case-critical documents at the outset: Ensures a single source of truth for the case and reduces information silos.
- Use consistent case names and codes: Enhances searchability and traceability across your BNG portfolio.
- Leverage automated error-checks: Mycelia’s validation tools accelerate quality assurance and reduce manual workload for ecological officers.
Need further assistance? Contact us at mycelia-support@verna.earth.