Service 01
Ecological Assessment
The baseline survey that tells you what ecology is on your site and what it means for your application.
What is it?
An ecological assessment combines desk-based research with a site walkover to characterise the habitats present and assess the potential for protected species. An Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey maps what is there. Where a scheme is likely to have significant effects, a full ecological impact assessment follows CIEEM methodology to assess those effects against national and local ecological value.
When is it required?
Most local planning authorities expect a baseline appraisal alongside a planning application, and many raise it at pre-application stage. It is also commonly required for permitted development notifications and prior approval submissions.
What happens
- 01Desk study of existing ecological records, designated sites and historic mapping
- 02Site walkover recording habitats, boundary features and evidence of protected species
- 03Assessment of the potential for further species-specific survey
- 04Reporting against CIEEM guidelines in a form the planning authority will accept
What happens next
If the appraisal identifies potential for protected species, targeted surveys follow. Those surveys are season-bound, so it pays to know early.
Related services
Often commissioned alongside this
02
Protected Species Surveys
Species-specific surveys carried out to national methodology, within the seasonal windows planning authorities expect.
03
Habitats & Botany
Classification and mapping of what grows on your site, feeding directly into net gain calculations.
08
Reporting & Documentation
Documents written to be understood by the planning officer, not just to be technically correct.
Need ecological assessment for a project?
Send your site postcode and a short description of the scheme. We will tell you what is required and what it will take.