Base line Ecological Surveys
Scoping Survey - Initial ecological appraisal
The first stage of ecological survey on a potential development site is
the initial ecological appraisal - or scoping study. This is undertaken to
evaluate a sites' potential to support protected species or other features
that might constrain development. We recommend these simple studies are
commissioned as early as possible, as subsequent specialist work and
mitigation can be seasonally constrained and time consuming.
A desk study sets the context for field study. Data from organisations
such as Biodiversity Records Centres include information on protected and
Biodiversity Action Plan priority species and presence of nearby protected
areas (e.g. Sites of Special Scientific Interest), for a defined area
around a proposal site.
Interpretation of aerial photography is frequently used as the starting
point for initial ecological appraisal.
Phase 1 (Extended or Enhanced)- Initial ecological appraisal
The survey is normally undertaken by an ecologist using "extended phase
1 habitat" techniques, which is a standardised system used in ecological
scoping surveys for assessing, classifying and mapping habitats. A phase
1 extended survey will take into account any evidence of, or potential for,
protected or notable species of wildlife and their habitats and aims to
gather enough information to enable potential constraints to be identified
and recommendations for specialist studies made, if required. If the site
is deemed to have low wildlife interest, then no further survey may be needed.
Further survey work
For sites where an ecological scoping survey identifies that more
information is required, a more detailed survey will need to be undertaken.
A wide range of species are given legal protection under both National and
European legislation. Many of these species are relatively widespread and some
are commonly encountered during development projects. In a development context,
planning permission is likely to be refused if baseline data about the
presence/absence of protected species or the potential for impacts on protected
species is not adequately addressed. Failure to consider protected species could
result in delays, unexpected financial cost and even prosecution. Conservation
projects also need to have accurate information about the presence of protected
species, since works to benefit one species or habitat could adversely impact on
another, if full information about a site is not known.
Invasive species can be defined as non-native species that have been introduced
into an area and are able to out-compete native species. Until April 2010, there
were only 2 non-native invasive plant species that developers really had to worry
about finding - Japanese knotweed and giant hogweed. But now 38 species have been
added to schedule 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, for which it is a
criminal offence to cause to grow in the wild. Such species often have no natural
predators and can interfere with the natural functioning and diversity of an ecosystem.
Some invasive species have legislation associated with them and may require removal
from a site, to avoid committing an offence. several of non-aquatic species lie
dormant in the winter months. Please contact us to discuss your problem species,
project or site further
Protected Species
Many animals and some plants are legally protected and presence of some species
on a development site can have significant implications for project timings and costs.
Many protected species are quite widespread and commonly encountered during development,
even on apparently ordinary urban sites.
It is mandatory for planning applications to include detailed information on biodiversity
(including protected species) on, adjacent to or near development sites. If protected species
are likely to be affected, it may need to be shown that alternative designs / locations have
been considered, adverse effects would been avoided where possible, unavoidable impacts
mitigated for or reduced and those that cannot would be adequately compensated.
Each species has a its own survey and mitigation requirements and we can advise you on
aspects of survey timings, durations and costs – preferably at the planning stage
Ecological Survey Calendar
This calendar is intended as a guide only indicating the time periods when different
surveys can be carried out.