Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have a question? Check out our list of FAQs below, or get in touch with us directly
FAQs About Our Ecological Survey Services
Welcome to our FAQ page, designed to answer your questions about ecological consultancy services and how they relate to planning permission for your development projects across the Midlands.
Understanding the ecological aspects of your project is an essential part of the planning process, and our aim is to provide you with clear and straightforward answers to help you navigate it.
We offer a wide range of ecological services, from initial preliminary ecological appraisals to comprehensive protected species surveys and from inspections of invasive plant species to ecological mitigation and compensation strategies.
Common Questions About Ecology Surveys
In most cases, yes, if your proposed development project could impact the natural environment. Local authorities often require an ecological assessment as part of your planning application to ensure compliance with UK wildlife law. An initial survey – such as a preliminary ecological appraisal (PEA) – is typically the first step to identify any potential ecological constraints and determine the value of your site. More than anything, it helps to avoid costly delays later in the development process.
Absolutely. An ecology report outlining the findings of ecological surveys is usually a crucial component of your planning application. Submitting this to the local authorities early can significantly streamline the process and demonstrate your commitment to addressing ecological and environmental factors. Without it, your planning permission may be delayed or even refused by the local planning authority.
Generally, no. Our ecological surveyors are trained professionals who can undertake surveys independently, provided they have access to the proposed development site or property. We will agree on access arrangements beforehand.
The ecology survey cost varies significantly depending on the type of survey needed, the size and complexity of the proposed development site, and the specialist surveys required (e.g., for specific species or complex tree structures like those needing arboricultural surveys). We provide a no-obligation quote tailored to your specific needs. Please fill out our quote form for a free quote.
The duration of an ecology survey varies greatly depending on the type of survey and the size and complexity of the proposed site. A PEA survey might take a few hours on site, while more in-depth habitat surveys or protected species surveys could involve multiple site visits over several days or even weeks, especially if further survey work is needed to gather data.
Typically, an ecology report and its associated survey data are considered valid for three years for planning applications. If, however, there have been significant changes to the land use or ecological conditions on the proposed development site, or if the survey season has passed since the original assessment, the local council may request further surveys or an update to the assessment.
Proceeding with your development plans without the necessary ecological surveys can lead to serious legal consequences, including fines and prosecution under wildlife law. You may also face stop orders from the local planning authority, causing significant delays and increased costs for your planning project. It can also result in irreversible losses to biodiversity and damage to the natural world, contradicting the principles of nature conservation and binding environmental targets set by the Environment Act (formerly the Environment Bill).
An ecological survey is a scientific assessment of a specific area to identify and evaluate the habitats and species present. It helps to understand the ecological quality of a proposed site, identify any potential constraints or protected species, and assess the environmental impact of development proposals. Different types of surveys, such as vegetation surveys, a botanical survey or an NVC survey (for national vegetation classification), and vantage point surveys for birds, contribute to a comprehensive ecological assessment. PEA surveys are often considered the most common type of initial assessment.
Ecology surveys can be undertaken at different periods throughout the year, depending on the particular species or specific habitats. Our ecological consultants will advise on the optimal periods for your project. While some surveys are limited to certain times and seasons, others – such as desk studies and initial walkover surveys – can often be carried out at any time of year.
High-quality ecological surveys are carried out by ecological surveyors or an ecology consultant who are trained and experienced in identifying habitats and species, understanding relevant legislation, and conducting thorough ecological assessments. Our team comprises qualified ecologist professionals with a proven record in delivering ecological impact assessments and suitable mitigation strategies and compensation measures for a variety of development projects.
Ecological surveys are important for several reasons. They are a vital part of the process, ensuring that development projects comply with planning policy and UK law regarding the conservation of nature and the protection of threatened species and priority habitats. They help identify possible constraints and allow for the implementation of mitigation and compensation to avoid or reduce biodiversity losses. Furthermore, they contribute to the sustainable management of our natural assets and can help achieve biodiversity net gain targets. They are an important factor in understanding the ecological features and conditions of a site, providing valuable baseline information for any new developments or land management plans. They also contribute to the understanding of present rare plants.
An ecology survey is a crucial component for planning permission because it provides all the information needed by the planning department to assess the environmental impact of your proposed new developments. It ensures that your project complies with relevant policies and environmental legislation, identifying any species found and how to manage their presence, or create new habitats if necessary. It’s the best way to get your planning consent approved efficiently by the local authorities.
Questions About Other Ecology Surveys and Reports
Yes, our work primarily involves field studies and field surveys to collect accurate and current data on the protected habitats and species present within the site boundary. Doing this forms the basis of our ecology report, and we often undertake several steps to ensure thoroughness.
While not our primary focus, our ecological surveys can provide valuable data and relevant information to support BREEAM assessments, contributing to the overall environmental performance of your project.
Yes, we frequently collaborate with planning agents to ensure that all ecological requirements are seamlessly integrated into the overall planning submission. We can provide information directly to them as part of your project team.
The category of survey required will depend on the existing habitats and the potential presence of protected species on your site. An ecological walkover survey – often part of a preliminary ecological appraisal (PEA) – is usually the first stage, helping you to identify potential impacts and recommend any further ecology surveys that may be required, such as certain protected species surveys. Examples include bat surveys, great crested newt surveys, badger surveys, bird surveys (including for breeding birds and barn owl, as well as wetland bird surveys), reptile surveys, or water vole surveys. We provide expert advice to ensure you commission the correct range of services, with our team able to conduct protected species surveys and other ecology surveys as required.
Our surveys also assess for invasive plant species such as Japanese knotweed, giant hogweed and Himalayan balsam. The presence of such invasive species can significantly impact your project and requires specialist habitat management plans to meet the planning policies and requirements of the local authorities.
If our trained ecologists find evidence of protected species during the survey, such as badger setts, roosting sites for bats, suitable habitat for great crested newts, or the presence of white clawed crayfish, we will advise clients on the next steps. It may involve further surveys to determine the full extent of their presence and the development of appropriate mitigation measures and strategies, potentially requiring a European protected species licence from Natural England. Our ecological consultants have extensive experience in devising sufficient mitigation strategies to support protected species and ensure compliance with corresponding legislation.
Even historic buildings can have ecological features that require assessment, particularly for roosting bats or nesting birds in cave-like spaces. Each ecology surveyor in our team is experienced in working sensitively with such structures to identify the potential absence or presence of species within a proposed site and propose appropriate solutions.
A habitat suitability index is often used in our assessments to determine presence if a certain area provides the optimal conditions for their presence, informing the need for further action or a different type of assessment.
A walkover survey is a rapid initial assessment of a site to identify key habitats and features, and to highlight any potential constraints to ecology. It’s often the first part of the assessment process.
An ECIA report is an Ecological Impact Assessment report. It details the potential impacts of a proposed project on the environment and outlines mitigation suggestions to reduce or compensate for any harm. It’s a key document to support planning applications put forward to the local authorities and fulfil a planning condition.
After the initial assessment, additional surveys may be recommended if necessary surveys for specific habitat types or valuable plants are identified. It ensures a comprehensive assessment, particularly if your site is within a designated area.
General Enquiries About Our Offering and Approach
While site surveys are required in many cases where there’s a potential for impact, the scope and scale depends on the specific circumstances. We can advise you if your project falls into this category.
By conducting thorough pre-development ecology surveys as early as possible, we can help you identify potential effects and risks, allowing you to incorporate mitigation measures into your development plans from the outset. The proactive approach helps save money by avoiding costly redesigns, delays or legal issues later in the project. We also offer cost-effective solutions to ensure your project progresses efficiently.
We ensure all our work aligns with the principles of the UK biodiversity action plan and strive to identify and protect notable species and important habitats. Our assessments contribute to achieving positive outcomes for nature, including habitat creation.
We apply the mitigation hierarchy (avoid, minimise, mitigate and compensate) as a fundamental principle in all our ecology consultancy work. It ensures that any adverse ecological issues are addressed systematically, with avoidance being the preferred outcome, and compensation a last resort.
We aim to provide cost-effective solutions and an efficient service. The speed at which we can undertake surveys depends on the season and our current workload. We recommend getting in touch at the earliest available opportunity to discuss your project and secure a booking, especially for specific surveys that have optimal periods for assessment.
Our team can guide you through the process, including completing the booking form for your required ecological surveys. We aim to make the process as straightforward as possible to allow you to go ahead with your project.
We understand that circumstances can change. Please notify us as soon as possible if you need to reschedule a survey. We will do our best to accommodate your request, subject to surveyor availability and the specific season for wildlife habitats and animal species.
In rare instances, due to unforeseen circumstances such as adverse weather conditions or surveyor illness, Midland Ecology may need to reschedule a survey. We will always inform you as quickly as possible and work with you to find an alternative suitable time.
When discussing ecological mitigation, we always aim for measures to provide at least the same level of ecological value as what might be lost. It is a key principle in achieving biodiversity net gain.
To provide an accurate no-bligation quote and conduct an effective survey, we typically need: a clear understanding of your proposed project, the full address of the proposed site, a site plan or boundary outline, and any existing information about the site, such as previous planning applications or reports. An ecological desk study is often the first stage to gather existing relevant ecological information.
Our qualified ecologists hold a range of relevant qualifications and are experienced in all aspects of ecological surveys and ecological management. Many of our team are members of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM), demonstrating their commitment to professional standards and ongoing development in the conservation of nature.
Many ecological surveys are season-specific due to the life cycles of different wildlife species and plants. For example, bat surveys are generally conducted during the summer months, while some newt survey work is best in spring. An extended phase 1 habitat survey or preliminary ecological appraisal, however, can often be undertaken throughout the year, even during winter months. We will advise on the optimal time for your specific needs.
Payment terms will be outlined in your quote and contract. Typically, an upfront payment or deposit is required before the survey commences, with the remainder due upon completion or report delivery. We offer various payment methods, as detailed on our booking form.
More information can also be found in our terms and conditions
Ready to Get Started?
If you need an ecological survey, have any further questions or would like to discuss your specific planning project and how our ecological services can assist you, please don’t hesitate to contact our team.
We are here to provide expert advice and cost-effective solutions to ensure your development plans proceed smoothly while protecting the Midlands’ natural environment, endangered animal species and rare plant species.
Our team has years of experience providing high-quality ecological surveys and ecological consultancy services for a large selection of projects, from small property or land development to large-scale regeneration projects and those involving both natural and man-made structures.
Reach Out to Our Team Today
Our project team is ready to help you with all your ecological matters and ensure you meet your planning requirements and achieve planning consent. We can help you spend less money and avoid potential issues, providing you with a complete report from the ecology surveys undertaken.
The best time to contact us is as soon as you have a proposed development site to discuss. Depending on the type of survey needed and the various habitats present, some surveys can be carried out at different times of year, but planning early is always the best way to go.