Ecology Surveys
Ecology Surveys
The combined many years experience across our team make us ideally suited to execute ecological assessments and surveys all over the West Midlands region.
Whatever the planning requirements, ecological issues or potential presence of protected species or invasive plant species on the development site, we can conduct ecological survey work to benefit the aims and continued success of your proposed development project.
Ecology Surveys for Planning
Covering a selection of different of inspections, an ecology survey is a category of assessment process designed to uncover existing habitats on a proposed development site before analysing them and aligning them alongside the plans of the development proposal to gauge if they are likely to impact or be impacted by it. From there, an ecological consultant can make decisions regarding the presence of natural assets that will allow the planning project to continue.
A wide range of UK wildlife law prevents harm from coming to valuable plants and rare wildlife, and as property or land development projects are the most common type of activity to alter the condition of the natural environment, ecology surveys are required. In fact, many local planning authorities will insist that ecological surveys are needed as a precaution, even if the designated area has no other evidence of present animal or plant habitat types.
Planning Requiring an Ecological Survey
Different types of ecology assessments are available to deal with a variety of potential ecological constraints. Certain circumstances prompt a developer to need an ecological survey as the first step in the planning process, such as to support planning applications, address habitats and species or fulfill another duty.
For instance, an ecology survey may be required on developments where:
- The development plans call for it, such as in large-scale projects
- Invasive or rare plants may be present
- Protected animal species may be present, such as barn owls, great crested newts, otter surveys, red squirrels and white-clawed crayfish
- Land use change affects pipelines, railways and roads and could impact important habitats
- Legal requirements apply, such as biodiversity net gain (BNG)
- Local Authorities insist on it
- Sites are within or near protected sites, such as LNRs, SACs, SPAs, SSSIs or Ramsar sites
- Sites are near protected habitats, such as ecological features listed in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan (UKBAP)
Objectives of an Ecological Survey
Ecological Surveys for Planning Applications
Laws Surrounding Ecological Surveys
An ecological assessment contributes to sustainable development and ensures that developers make proactive moves to support protected species and specific habitats situated on the development site.
Ecological consultants can also undertake surveys on a proposed site as a way of collecting, reviewing and indexing relevant ecological information, gauge current and predicted ecological value, inform several steps of development proposals, support nature conservation and remain compliant with existing planning policy.
Both initial and further surveys for ecology are usually carried out to strike a balance between meeting LPA requirements and protecting wildlife.
When it comes to making pivotal decisions, the local planning authority will use the results and outcomes of ecology surveys as a point of reference. An application for planning permission is no different, and while arranging the necessary surveys helps to implement adequate mitigation strategies, meet binding environmental targets, account for particular species, avoid costly delays and save money, further ecology surveys could be the difference between a successful or unsuccessful planning application.
Once a site survey has been conducted, priority habitats have been identified and analysed and ecological reports have been assembled to dictate future stages, a planning officer should see no reason to deny planning consent.
Threatened species are protected and listed within relevant legislation, making them safe from harm. It also ensures that specific species of plants that are recognised as invasive and non-native are properly controlled, preventing them from spreading.
Acts of UK law that actively manage plants and wildlife include the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 and the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.
Other related acts include the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990, the Protection of Badgers Act 1992, the Hedgerow Regulations 1997, and through BNG, the Environment Act (formerly the Environment Bill).
Types of Ecological Surveys
- Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) Assessment
- BREEAM Assessment
- Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA)
- Ecological Monitoring Survey
- Ecological Walkover Survey
- Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
- National Vegetation Classification (NVC) Survey
- Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA) / Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey
Invasive Species Surveys
Protected Species Surveys
- Giant Hogweed Surveys
- Himalayan Balsam Surveys
- Injurious Weed Surveys
- Japanese Knotweed Surveys
- Badger Surveys
- Barn Owl Surveys
- Bat Surveys (Preliminary Roost Assessment (PRA) and BERS)
- Bird Surveys (Breeding Birds, Nesting Birds and Wintering Birds)
- Dormouse Surveys
- Great Crested Newt Surveys
- Red Squirrel Surveys
- Reptile Surveys
- Water Vole Surveys
Ecology Survey and Report
A thorough inspection of a development site conducted by our ecological consultancy will give you everything needed to progress into future stages of development projects. An inevitable outcome from all ecology surveys is that they result with an ecological report, which can be used as proof that an assessment was carried out and that necessary changes are in place to support the environment. Although the actions in each category of ecology assessment may be different depending on the type of survey, ecological services generally follow the same process.
Starting with an ecological desk study, the ecology consultant handling the assessment will be able to recover any baseline information about the site. An in-person initial survey can take place, allowing for the qualified ecologist to conduct a thorough investigation for all possible existing habitat types. Based on the specific planning project, the ecologist can see any overlap between ecological assets and the development plans. Using a mitigation hierarchy in priority order, ecological mitigation and compensation measures will be utilised to progress the development without infringing on old or new habitats.
After all further stages are completed, the ecological surveyor can create an ecology report. The developer can then use it to obtain planning permission from the local authority.
Ecology Surveys in the West Midlands
Ecological Survey Experts
Ecological Survey Season
Ecological Survey Cost
Of all the available ecological consultancies, ours specifically targets the West Midlands area and neighbouring sections of the East Midlands and other nearby regions.
Our team is formed of trained ecologists, all with an advanced knowledge of natural assets and a focused understanding of the local area, local council and likely requirements.
We are able to conduct field surveys, monitor for biodiversity losses, advise clients, provide cost-effective solutions, help with mitigation licence applications, and so much more.
For instance, if other ecology surveys were needed, such as BREEAM assessments, vantage point surveys, vegetation surveys or a protected species survey to investigate badger setts, injurious weeds, roosting sites, we can help.
Due to the behaviours and habits of notable species of animals and plants, survey seasons for habitat surveys to support protected species can vary significantly ranging across the summer months, winter months and everything in between.
On the other hand, initial ecological surveys to gauge the potential effects of planning projects on species within the site boundary such as ecological impact assessments (EcIAs) and preliminary ecological appraisals (PEAs) aren’t seasonally constrained.
Seasonal constraints do, however, apply to further survey work of any species found or suspected during prior site visits. The additional survey work would need to be undertaken at certain times to accurately record crucial ecological data.
Check out the survey seasons on our calendar.
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Ecology Surveys Near Me
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