Ecological Surveys
Inspiring Natural Capital
We provide various services for landowners, developers and homeowners throughout the UK, from protected species surveys to rewilding advice and biodiversity net gain projects. Get in touch to find out more.
Our Clients
Biodiversity Net Gain Management Plans
Biodiversity Net Gain became mandatory in February 2024, meaning the majority of development projects must demonstrate a minimum 10% increase in habitat biodiversity as a prerequisite for obtaining planning permission.
Protected Species Surveys
If you are planning a development which may impact a protected species, such as bats, dormice, badgers or birds, surveys may be required to assess the impact before works are able to commence.
All Services
We deliver a range of ecological services for both public and private sector that can help you manage the environmental impact of your development and support conservation.
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PEAs are assessments undertaken to quickly determine the likely impacts that would result from a development proposal and what further detailed surveys may be required to inform an Environmental Impact Assessment.
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UKHab Surveys, previously known as Phase 1 Habitat Surveys, are detailed assessments conducted in the UK to identify and map different habitats, providing crucial information about the biodiversity and ecological health of an area.
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Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIA) aim to recognise, measure and assess the probable consequences of development-related activities on habitats, species, and ecosystems.
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Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) are used to assess and analyse the potential consequences of a proposed project or development on habitats and species.
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“Large-scale restoration of ecosystems to the point where nature is allowed to take care of itself. Rewilding seeks to reinstate natural processes and, where appropriate, missing species” - Rewilding Britain
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Biodiversity Net Gain is the process of measuring the baseline value of a habitat into ‘biodiversity units’ and ensuring that through development the value of biodiversity units is increased. As BNG is not possible on many development sites, credits must be purchased from a landowner that has achieved an uplift in biodiversity units to offset the impact of development.
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The Ecology Co-operation has taught school children and horticultural societies how to identify many of the creatures that will call our ‘Wildlife Gardens’ home, and explain why such environments must be maintained and managed to ensure those creatures continue to have a home in years to come.
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If a development is close to a badger sett and could put these animals at risk, then mitigation restricting development activity within close proximity of the sett or a ‘Sett Closure License’ may be required.
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All bats in the UK are protected against disturbance, harm and destruction of places where they are known to roost, however the presence of bats does not mean that development of a site is not possible.
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Typically, a general bird survey should be recommended wherever development has the potential to impact upon important assemblages of breeding birds.
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Dormice are small, arboreal mammals that are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. Dormouse surveys are required when a development directly impacts dormice or their natural habitat.
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Great Crested Newts (GCN) are a highly protected species under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. GCN surveys are required for planning permission to assess the potential impacts of a proposed development on great crested newt populations.
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There are six native reptile species in the UK and they are all fully protected under Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 as amended by the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000.
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Water voles are fully protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. If any development is to be conducted on or near to a water body that has the potential to support water voles then a survey will be necessary to determine if they are present.
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Wintering bird surveys are often required where proposals have the potential to impact upon internationally designated populations of overwintering birds and/or the habitats they rely upon.
Contact us for a free, no-obligation quote.