ECOLOGY SURVEYS
Our Urban Ecologist is also a Chartered Building Surveyor so understands the requirements of both the Built Environment and the Natural Environment and is is uniquely placed to offer practicable advice to developers.
Many terms are used to describe a preliminary survey and reporting: Baseline surveys, Extended Phase 1 habitat survey; Constraints Survey; Ecological Site Assessment; Ecological Site Appraisal; Ecological Scoping Survey; Walkover Survey. Some of these terms are fairly old however they are still used from time to time. ‘Ecological Appraisal’ is considered the term most suited to describing a preliminary or baseline level of survey and assessment.
It is now standard practice for a Local Authority to request information concerning protected species on a site prior to determining a planning application. This may be referred to as an ecological scoping survey. The provision of an ecological scoping survey is usually the starting point when assessing the impact of a proposed development on the habitats and species that live on or close to a proposed development site.
We would recommend that an ecological scoping survey is undertaken as early on in the scheme design as possible. This is because some protected species surveys can be undertaken only at specific times of year and missing the appropriate survey opportunity may lead to long and potentially expensive delays before the planning application can be determined.
Ecological Walkover Survey
A simple, quick ecological assessment to identify any valuable plants, habitats and animals recorded at the time of the visit. This may lead to further more in-depth surveys depending on what is found on site.
Ecological Appraisal
An ecological appraisal is usually based on undertaking a desktop study and field visit. The aim of the work is to assess the potential of the site to support protected species or important habitats, and to assist in demonstrating compliance with current wildlife legislation and planning policy objectives. This type of survey is suitable for most sites and developments and could lead to further more in-depth surveys depending on what is found on site.
Reptile/Amphibian Survey
A simple, quick ecological assessment to identify any suitable habitats and animals recorded at the time of the visit. This may lead to further more in-depth surveys depending on what is found on site.
Phase 1 (walkover) reptile surveys can be undertaken at any time of the year during daylight hours to assess the suitability of the habitat to support any animals. Phase 2 reptile population surveys are restricted by seasonality and can typically be done from March through to October.
Breeding Bird Survey
A breeding Bird Survey is used to determine whether breeding birds are present on a specific site, usually undertaken where works are likely to disturb nesting birds (e.g. vegetation removal, demolition). The surveys are carried out throughout the breeding season (March to August).
For planning purposes, a site assessment of breeding birds is made using a survey based upon the British Trust for Ornithology’s strategic Breeding Bird Survey (BBS).
We will visit the site early in the breading season to map the habitat and determine survey transects. We will then revisit the site during the breeding season to undertake bird counts along the pre-determined transects.
Many terms are used to describe a preliminary survey and reporting: Baseline surveys, Extended Phase 1 habitat survey; Constraints Survey; Ecological Site Assessment; Ecological Site Appraisal; Ecological Scoping Survey; Walkover Survey. Some of these terms are fairly old however they are still used from time to time. ‘Ecological Appraisal’ is considered the term most suited to describing a preliminary or baseline level of survey and assessment.
It is now standard practice for a Local Authority to request information concerning protected species on a site prior to determining a planning application. This may be referred to as an ecological scoping survey. The provision of an ecological scoping survey is usually the starting point when assessing the impact of a proposed development on the habitats and species that live on or close to a proposed development site.
We would recommend that an ecological scoping survey is undertaken as early on in the scheme design as possible. This is because some protected species surveys can be undertaken only at specific times of year and missing the appropriate survey opportunity may lead to long and potentially expensive delays before the planning application can be determined.
Ecological Walkover Survey
A simple, quick ecological assessment to identify any valuable plants, habitats and animals recorded at the time of the visit. This may lead to further more in-depth surveys depending on what is found on site.
Ecological Appraisal
An ecological appraisal is usually based on undertaking a desktop study and field visit. The aim of the work is to assess the potential of the site to support protected species or important habitats, and to assist in demonstrating compliance with current wildlife legislation and planning policy objectives. This type of survey is suitable for most sites and developments and could lead to further more in-depth surveys depending on what is found on site.
Reptile/Amphibian Survey
A simple, quick ecological assessment to identify any suitable habitats and animals recorded at the time of the visit. This may lead to further more in-depth surveys depending on what is found on site.
Phase 1 (walkover) reptile surveys can be undertaken at any time of the year during daylight hours to assess the suitability of the habitat to support any animals. Phase 2 reptile population surveys are restricted by seasonality and can typically be done from March through to October.
Breeding Bird Survey
A breeding Bird Survey is used to determine whether breeding birds are present on a specific site, usually undertaken where works are likely to disturb nesting birds (e.g. vegetation removal, demolition). The surveys are carried out throughout the breeding season (March to August).
For planning purposes, a site assessment of breeding birds is made using a survey based upon the British Trust for Ornithology’s strategic Breeding Bird Survey (BBS).
We will visit the site early in the breading season to map the habitat and determine survey transects. We will then revisit the site during the breeding season to undertake bird counts along the pre-determined transects.
If you require any impartial and cost effective practical advice on ecology matters please email us at ecology@fasurveyors.com