Ecology Advice & Surveys
An initial ecological survey will confirm the presence or absence of habitats and species and is vital before planning permission for a development can be sought.
This includes analysing data on plants, animals and environmental conditions. Plus research the impact of activities like house building and farming on land and waterways. Creation and management of wildlife conservation areas and restoration projects.
You will need an ecology survey on any site where there is a possibility of an existing ecosystem or habitat for protected species.
Typical examples of habitats of protected species ae shown below. If any of the below can be found on the proposed development site, you will need to conduct an ecological survey.
- Heathland
- Lakes or bodies of water
- Ponds or ditches
- Woodland, scrub, or hedgerow
- Parkland, pasture or meadow
- Complex tree structures, caves, or cave-like spaces
- Coastal habitats
- Large rural or suburban gardens
- Existing derelict buildings, farm buildings, timber frame buildings with access points
Regardless of whether evidence of protected species habitat is found or not, it will be necessary to conduct an ecological survey early on in the development planning.
Biodiversity Action Plans
A biodiversity action plan, or BAP, is a program that is internationally recognised that works to address issues relating to threatened species and habitats. The BAP is designed to protect and restore existing biological systems.
This can then be considered within the wider plans for BNG, or Biodiversity Net Gain, which recently became a pressing concern and was mandated to a certain percentage to avoid a vastly detrimental environmental impact.
What are the stages of an ecology survey?
There are two main stages of an ecology survey:
Stage 1: Initial Scoping and data gathering including Preliminary Ecological Appraisal
The first survey carried out is often called a Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA) or a Phase 1 Habitat Survey. This is a ‘rapid’ survey and involves an initial desktop study and a walkover survey.
Phase 2: Further surveys (if required) and value assessment
To understand the value of the site additional detailed surveys are often required. These are known as Phase 2 surveys. They can include botanical surveys, as well as surveys for bats, great crested newts, hazel dormice, reptiles, water voles, badgers and breeding birds. Site visits and assessments determine the presence of a species, with observation taking place over a matter of days, weeks or months depending on the exact species.
Features of a Preliminary Ecological Appraisal
This is a fairly rapid survey that includes an initial desktop study followed by an onsite ‘walkover survey’.
What will the study identify?
This study will identify any ecological constraints that exist on your site, and will also discover any potential opportunities for introducing new habitats. This initial appraisal will also build into the future plans any necessary surveys that are necessary. This will be dependent on what specific habitats are discovered (such as bat, badger, bird, or otter for example).
Animal surveys
The following surveys are available:
- Badger survey
- Bat survey
- Bird survey
- Hazel dormouse survey
- Great Crested Newt survey
- Reptile survey
- Otter survey
- Water vole survey
- Notable species survey (we work with a team of specialist associates to offer other notable protected species surveys)
- Mitigation and onsite surveys
Botanical surveys
This will provide a map of habitats present on-site plus ideas for maintaining these.
The Phase 2 may include a national vegetation classification, that will essentially identify and map vegetation using defined plant community types.
Biodiversity Net Gain Assessments
For any new development, developers are required, wherever possible, to protect existing habitats and ecosystems. To ensure that any habitat loss is identified and mitigated in the early planning stages means that developers will need to carry out specialist site surveys and assessments by licenced ecologists.
As of 12th February 2024, it is now a legal requirement for developers to deliver 10% biodiversity net gain (BNG) in new developments. This is expected to impact over 100,000 planning applications annually and is considered one of the most significant changes to planning in over 30 years.
Our ecological services for biodiversity net gain assessments include:
Biodiversity net gain consultation
Initial habitat surveys, comprised of:
- Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA)
- Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA) if required
- Biodiversity net gain calculation of development land
- Biodiversity net gain calculation of offsite land, (if applicable)
- Appraisal of multiple sites to secure the most efficient solution
- Identification of suitable offsetting sites
- Estate plans to secure the sale of biodiversity credits
- 30-year habitat management plans
- Liaison with planning authorities, estate owners and other stakeholders
- Complete end-to-end solution for habitat banking
We can offer various services to support you through the process, with a balanced approach to ensure the best outcome for you and the environment. We work efficiently to provide you with expert advice and the best possible plan to ensure that all legal requirements are met with your development.
Please do get in touch if you have any questions, require clarification or just want to have a discussion about your requirements. We are always happy to help!!