What is an ecological survey?

Ecological surveys are used to gather information on type and distribution of flora and fauna at a site. They can provide an overview of ecological features present, or be tailored more specifically to focus on particular species or habitats.

How long is an ecology survey valid for?

Surveys are usually valid for 12-18 months, although this will vary between sites and depends on the assessment of a professional ecologist. Validity tends to vary due to important conditions changing, such as if the site is colonised by a notable species.

What is an ecology report?

Ecology reports are used to summarise the results of ecological surveys, and are usually submitted as part of a planning application. A professional ecologist will assess the significance of survey findings in relation to the relevant environmental legislation, and provide recommendations for the site and any further surveys required.

What is an ecological study design?

We provide input to architects and landscapers on the ecological issues, and on the potential ecological enhancement measures including native plant species that could be introduced to a site.

What Do Ecological Surveys Help Protect?

There is various legislation that affords protection to a range of plant and animal species in the UK. This includes the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 (as amended), The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010 and the Protection of Badger Act 1992.Bats, great crested newt, hazel dormouse, otter, water vole, reptiles and badger are examples of species with specific legislative protection. Measures must therefore be taken by any development or other type of project that might cause harm to protected species or habitats.For most protected species, surveys must be conducted when individuals are active. This can mean that surveys are limited to certain times of the year (usually excluding winter).

Can Protected Species Surveys Wait Until A Planning Application Is Submitted?

Essentially can they be made a planning condition?The effect of proposed development on nature conservation is a material planning consideration. As such, local planning authorities will usually require likely effects to be assessed as part of a planning application or appeal submission. Protected species surveys should therefore be carried out prior to submitting a planning application or appeal. Any necessary ecological mitigation that is recommended based on the findings of the protected species surveys is then normally conditioned.

Ecology Surveys & Preliminary Ecological Appraisals

Our ecology surveys identify the presence or likely absence of protected species within a site. This enables mitigation to be devised to ensure all work is done in accordance with legislation, therefore avoiding possible prosecution.

Our Clients

Almost all development sites have the potential to support protected species. Identifying ecological constraints early in the development planning process via an ecological survey for planning can help avoid costly delays and complications later on.

Early recognition of ecological enhancement opportunities can also pay dividends if they align with wider biodiversity policies and objectives. Sustainable development principles acknowledge the need to improve biodiversity and ecosystem services. Phlorum offers a wide range of ecology surveys, including Preliminary Ecological Appraisals (Phase 1 surveys) in southern England, across Sussex, London, Surrey, Kent, Dorset, Hampshire and Wiltshire.

Get in touch with our ecology experts for your FREE consultation.

Types of Ecological Surveys & Assessments

The usual process of ecological surveys for planning permission is to carry out an initial Preliminary Ecological Appraisal. From this ecological scoping survey, recommendations for habitat enhancements or, if required, further types of ecology surveys can be made. The full range of the different types of ecological surveys that we provide are outlined below.

Habitat Surveys & Reports

Ecological footprint and walkover surveys
Preliminary Ecological Appraisals (formerly known as Phase 1 Habitat Surveys)
Protected Species
Scoping Assessments
National Vegetation Classification surveys
River Corridor Surveys
Tree surveys in accordance with British Standards
BREEAM Assessments – Ecological Assessments for BREEAM
Biodiversity Net Gain calculations
Habitat Regulation Assessments
Biodiversity/Ecological Management/Mitigation /Monitoring/Enhancement Plans/Strategies
Critical Load assessments in relation to air pollutant deposition on sensitive habitats
Ecological method statements for works
Ecological Landscaping, including habitat management, creation and mitigation
Planting plans
Ecological watching briefs (Ecological Clerk of Works – ECoW)
Ecological toolbox talks

In addition to these ecology surveys, many sites will have specific requirements for more specialist ecology assessments or reports. If you do not see the service you require above, please don’t hesitate to contact one of our experienced ecology consultants, who will be happy to offer advice based on your specific needs and circumstances.

Q: Will The Results Of An Ecological Survey Stop My Development?

If the potential for protected species has not been scoped out (through undertaking a PEA) the local authority may request that further ecological assessments are undertaken which could lead to delays to the project, particularly for those species groups that can only be surveyed at specific times of the year. If protected species are found to be present, suitable mitigation will be devised by the ecologist to enable works to proceed.

The level of mitigation will vary depending on the number and type of species present at the site. For example, a large population of great crested newts will require more complex mitigation than a low population of reptiles. Mitigation measures may take some time to implement and cause significant delays.

It is therefore vital to determine the potential for protected species early in the planning process. For example, if reptiles need to be moved from the site this can take up to three months for a large population, which can only be undertaken when reptiles are active (between March and October).

Reptiles will need to be removed from the site before any ground works can commence and therefore if works are scheduled for the winter months and reptiles have not been moved, works will need to be delayed until the following summer. Identifying the potential for protected species and factoring in the necessary surveys as early as possible is advisable to avoid costly delays to a development project.

Our Awards & Accreditations

Excellent

Based on 528 reviews

Very helpful company - who offer a free identification service. I sent through a picture through to them to review and by the following day they had responded. Fortunately in this case the plant that appeared was not the dreaded knotweed!

Response from the owner:That's great, Viv! Many thanks for taking the time to let us know. :)

Larissa Doyle

Very generous about sharing their knowledge.

Response from the owner:No problem, Lara. Thanks for the review! :)

Robert Astick

Response from the owner:Many thanks for the review, Robert!

Henry Morton

Paul was very kind and helpful in identifying my Japanese Knotweed issue, even after he realised I was based outside the country and wouldn't be able to take advantage of his services.

Response from the owner:No problem at all, Henry. Glad we were able to help.

Liam Joseph

Great service came back within hours with an identification, thanks !

Response from the owner:No problem, Liam. Happy we were able to help! :)

Dan Gediman

Paul was incredibly helpful in helping me determine that we did indeed have Japanese Knotweed in our yard and explaining what our options are in dealing with this problem. If I lived in the UK instead of the US I would happily hire him to help us with this problem.

Response from the owner:That's good to hear. Many thanks for the review, Dan! :)

Dave Tavella

Great resource for Japanese Knotweed identification and management. Responses were quick and insightful. Thank you Paul.

Response from the owner:No problem at all, Dave. Happy to have helped! :)

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