If you have been told you need an ecology survey, I can explain why and then tell you exactly what you need

What an Ecology Survey is and when you might need one

If you have been asked to have an ‘ecology survey’ to inform a planning decision, it is so that the Planning Authority fulfil their duty and ensure that legally protected sites and species are taken into account. This is entirely routine, and even relatively small domestic projects may require ecological input.

Understand, it is not that the Planning Authority would like to see the results of an ecology survey, it is that they HAVE to see the results of an ecology survey to discharge their duties.

Examples of development situations where the results of an ecology survey are requested include: a) extensions or loft conversions; b) roof works; c) felling of mature trees; d) hedgerow removal; and, e) any sort of development in a rural situation, particularly near woodland, ponds, rivers, or other semi-natural habitats.

In fact, taking ecological advice early on in your project is useful for your advisors and can often prevent delays, reduce risk, and help projects progress efficiently through planning and development.

I can explain exactly why a survey may be required for your project and advise on the most practical and proportionate next steps.

How I approach Ecology Surveys

I begin by reviewing your project and any planning correspondence to understand exactly what is required. Ideally I will also speak to the other professionals involved with the project (e.g., architects). Once the proposal and planning context are clear, I provide straightforward advice on: a) initial survey requirements; b) likely timescales (including seasonal limitations); c) cost implications (including ‘ball-park’ for additional work that might be triggered by the initial survey); and, d) the reporting format and content that the Planning Authority and other professionals will find most useful.

My approach is to provide practical, proportionate and focused advice that is clear and accessible to all the parties involved; you, any other professionals advising you and, most importantly, the Planning Authority.

My specialist skills and experience for Ecology Surveys

I have experience working across a wide range of habitats, structures, and field conditions and am competent to perform: 1) desk-studies; 2) Phase 1 Habitat Survey and UKHab mapping; 3) Habitat Condition Assessment; 4) botanical survey (including Schedule 8 and 9); 5) great crested newt surveys (under Natural England Licence); 6) reptile surveys (including sand lizard and smooth snake under Natural England Licence); 7) specialist bird surveys (including peregrine and barn owl); 8) Preliminary bat Roost Assessments (PRA) and full bat surveys (domestic, tree and subterranean, under Natural England & Natural Resources Wales Licences); 9) dormouse surveys (under Natural England & Natural Resources Wales Licences); as well as a range of other species, including otter (including transect and kayak), water vole, and badger surveys.

I hold protected species survey licences from Natural England and Natural Resources Wales and have successfully applied for and implemented development Licences for Jersey cudweed, great crested newts, bats, dormice and badgers. This means that if a protected species is present, I can advise on what might be required to secure the necessary Licence required to allow the project to lawfully proceed.

How my Ecology Survey information is presented

The information is focussed on your project and may simply demonstrate that there is negligible to low risk to biodiversity generally, or it may be used to agree a proportionate strategy to ensure that biodiversity interest is built into the development. This might comprise: a) the avoidance of work in particularly sensitive areas; b) the mitigation of disturbance through timing of works to periods when sensitivity is lowest; c) the compensation of harm to deliver a net benefit to biodiversity; and, d) the enhancement of areas that are within your ownership boundary, but outside the development footprint.

Depending on the project, the information may range from a simple advisory letter to a detailed ecological report with recommendations for further surveys, mitigation measures, compensation strategies, or Ecological Management Plans (EMP).

I prepare my accounts to ensure the Planning Authority have the information they need to inform the planning decision.

I also write my reports with you in mind, so that you, your advisors and your contractors have the information you all need, to ensure legal compliance in the course of practical project delivery. This is the same whether you need a Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA), and Protected Species survey, or an Ecological Management Plan (EMP) performed directly or under subcontract.