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

Our ecology surveys identify the presence of these species to enable mitigation to be devised to safeguard species present within the site, ensuring all work to develop the site is done in accordance with legislation, therefore avoiding possible prosecution.

Our Clients

If you are developing a site that supports natural habitats or buildings, there is potential for it to support protected species, as defined by UK or European legislation. Identifying ecological constraints early in the development planning process can help avoid costly delays and potential complications further down the line.

Early recognition of ecological enhancement opportunities can also pay dividends if they align with wider biodiversity policies and objectives. As sustainable development principles acknowledge the need to improve biodiversity and ecosystem services, habitat creation and management requirements are increasingly important components of many civil engineering projects.

Phlorum offer a wide range of ecology surveys; get in touch with our ecology experts for your FREE consultation.

Types of Ecological Surveys

The usual progress of ecological assessment in relation to planning is to carry out an initial survey to establish habitats that might be valuable and/or have potential to support protected species. From this preliminary assessment, more detailed surveys and/or recommendations for suitable habitat creation and improvement can be offered.

Habitat Surveys

Preliminary Ecological Appraisals (formerly known as Phase 1 Habitat Surveys)
Scoping Assessments
National Vegetation Classification surveys
River Corridor Surveys
Tree surveys in accordance with British Standards
BREEAM and other types of assessments that score sustainability indices for different types of development; and
Critical Load assessments in relation to air pollutant deposition on sensitive habitats.

Get In Touch

If you do not see the service you require above, please don’t hesitate to contact one of our expert 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

Phlorum

5.0

Based on 429 reviews

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David Witcombe

11:48 18 May 22

I'm a Building Surveyor and often consult with Phlorum to identify Japanese Knotweed from photos and with management plans. Paul and Stefan have been extremely helpful in responding to photo identification requests quickly and have been helpful in progressing any management plans with clients.

Caroline Elliott

20:39 17 May 22

I found what I thought might be Japanese Knotweed in my garden and panicked. I found Phlorum who are experts on Google and offered a service to verify if it was knotweed from a photo. Paul came back to me very quickly and fortunately it was not. He send me a link to what the weed was which put my mind at at ease. Excellent service thank you!

MsSheba15 Qureshi

15:30 05 May 22

Excellent professional service. Had severe concerns of Japanese Knotweed invasion of neighbours plant which had transgressed to our side of fence . Was able toUpload a photograph to Phlorum to help identify. Responded in less than 24hrs by mail which put my mind at rest. Brilliant .

Teresa Conway

13:56 11 Apr 22

Found a suspicious growth in my garden while doing a clear up. Immediately panicked and sent some photos to Paul and his team. They quickly responded to put my mind at rest. I'm happy it wasn't knotweed but sorry that I can't give them my business after they were so helpful. Hopefully this review makes up for it!

Kris Halliwell

18:43 24 Mar 22

Fast reply. I was desperate for answers as knotweed infestation is an absolute nightmare. Fortunately I was relieved that is not my situation. I appreciate their expertise.

Alan Rodriguez Monteiro

13:06 21 Mar 22

Amazing team, very quick to reply to my email and put my mind at ease. Extremely knowledgeable. Genuine honest company. Great work and thank you

Qing Jiang

13:58 29 Sep 21

fast response. The information is helpful. This free service is valuable Thanks.

Bridget Murray

05:08 14 Aug 21

When I was looking for help, they were fast to respond. I truly appreciated the information and insight they gave me.Thanks Again

Andi Thornton

11:50 16 Jul 21

Amazing service. An elderly family member was extremely concerned about what they felt they had found in the garden, within 30 minutes, Paul was able to reassure. Top-notch and great to see such quality services offered free of charge.

Roger Hawke

09:10 09 Jul 21

Lightning quick response...Definitely put my mind at rest. Most grateful. Will "bank" contact...as we are aware (overheard in pub) there is Japanese knotweed in our village.

john rooney

18:13 05 Jul 21

Amazing service diagnosing our “not knotweed”! We were convinced we had knotweed, two photos and an expert glance from Paul Beckett and we were diagnosed with bindweed. Paul helpfully linked us some bindweed info. We were completely reassured and wouldn’t hesitate to use again.

Edward Rong

08:55 25 Jun 21

Great service, fast and free identification of plants. I sent a photo of the plants and they quickly got back to me telling me that there is no Japanese knotweed.

Navtej Singh

08:40 23 Jun 21

Sent some pictures of what I thought could possibly be Japanese Knotweed. Richard was incredibly nice to get back to me with an answer, a service that did not cost me anything and put my mind at ease. Very rare these days would recommend Richard and his team highly.

Country Creative

13:31 09 Jun 21

Nice and easy process to get a plant identified, that is growing in the garden of a property we are buying: turned out to be an Abelia. Really simple and quick response to the photos from Paul Beckett earlier this year in April 2021.Thanks!

christopher Pornaris

12:44 20 May 21

From my experience, Phlorum are a very knowledgeable company and respond to queries very efficiently. We used their free photo service and were very satisfied.

Kay Elliott

18:51 12 May 21

Many thanks to Paul who responded very promptly to my email and photo. I was enormously grateful to have my mind put at rest so quickly when I managed to confuse Japanese knotweed with a cherry tree root sucker!A very valuable service .

Teresa Selwyn

16:38 07 May 21

What a lovely firm. I sent a panicky photo thinking I was living next door to the dreaded Japanese Knotweed and received a reply very quickly putting my mind at rest. Excellent service and extremely professional. Definitely recommend them.

jim bobby

20:24 05 May 21

Very helpful, identified a suspect plant for me from photo which has put my mind at ease. Very prompt reply too, for which I am very grateful. Thank you very much.

Suzanne Cox

10:11 14 Apr 21

Such a great service - I had convinced myself (with a sleepless night!) that I had Japanese Knotweed but after uploading some picture to Phlorum online they responded so quickly and set my mind at rest - it was bindweed and gave me a link with hints and tips... no hard sell... just very appreciated help!

Martin Pace

13:30 19 Mar 21

Found some unidentified new shoots in front garden. Was concerned they could be Japanese Knotweed. Sent a photo into Phlorum as they offered a free photo identification service. Paul at HQ got back to me within a couple of hours to put my mind at rest that they were of the spurge family. Really grateful for the excellent, knowledgeable free service!!

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