Before starting a project, developers need to know about any ecological issues or limitations, and how to minimise the negative impact on the site’s natural environment.
Regardless of whether a site is located within a residential or commercial area, maintaining biodiversity is key and thorough ecological surveys can be used to help preserve biodiversity in these environments.
At Lucion, we offer several types of ecological survey, including comprehensive topographic surveys and this guide explores the different ecology services available for you and your project.
Preliminary Ecological Appraisal
A Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA) provides an initial site assessment and is the first step in assessing your site’s potential constraints and opportunities early in the development process. and helps you understand the ecological challenges of the development. This early-stage appraisal will combine a desk study with a thorough, on-site habitat survey and it will inform you about the potential ecological impacts of development. A PEA is a crucial ecological survey to carry out to preserve the biodiversity and protect and enhance the surrounding natural environment.
Ecological Impact Assessment
Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIA), not to be confused with Environmental Impact Assessments, are used to identify, assess, and quantify the potential impacts of development on the environment, including habitats and ecosystems. This ecological assessment can be used for projects or sites of all scales and the first step of an EcIA is carrying out a Preliminary Ecological Appraisal.
An EcIA is also known as a Phase 1 Habitat Survey, since it involves mapping out the main habitats on the site, including woodland, hedgerows, trees and ponds.
Protected species survey
The UK is home to seven of the most endangered species on earth. At Lucion, we offer several comprehensive protected species surveys as part of our ecological survey services.
Examples of protected species surveys offered by Lucion include:
- Water vole surveys: if your development site contains or is located near watercourses, water voles may be present. Our water vole surveys involve a habitat assessment and presence/absence survey to ensure your project remains compliant with relevant legislation.
- Bat surveys: bats and their roosts are protected by law, meaning professional bat surveys are essential to gain planning permission on your project site. At Lucion, we can offer dusk emergence surveys, hibernation inspections or aerial tree inspections if evidence of bats is found on your site.
- Badger surveys: badgers are a critical consideration for any development project in the UK. Our badger surveys involve a badger sign survey, a sett monitoring survey and a bait making survey to ensure your project meets with the legal protections for badgers.
- Bird surveys: many species of birds in the UK have legal protection meaning you must carry out a bird survey ahead of your development. Our surveys typically include a scoping/walkover survey, a breeding bird survey and a wintering bird survey.
- Great Crested Newt surveys: since great crested newts are a European Protected Species, it is crucial that you ensure your development proposal and project adhere to legal regulations. Our great crested newt surveys involve an initial assessment before a comprehensive survey is undertaken.
- Reptile surveys: the UK’s six native reptile species are protected by law, so our reptile surveys are crucial to ensure your project runs smoothly. This survey has two phases – the scoping and phase 1 reptile survey and the phase 2 reptile survey.
Botanical survey
In-depth botanical surveys classify habitats and highlight any protected species. In the pre-development phase, a botanical survey helps you understand the possible effects on the trees or the vegetation in the area, meaning they could be key to preserving biodiversity on a development site.
What if I need multiple ecological surveys?
Depending on your project, it may be necessary to carry out multiple different types of ecological survey on a site and we can provide habitat creation and enhancement strategies and ecological management plans.
At Lucion, we offer a variety of ecological surveys which can be integrated with our topographic surveys and our team of expert surveyors are here to support your during your project.
Contact our team today to discuss your project today and learn more about how we can assist with any ecological assessments, environmental management and nature conservation through our ecology services.
