Ecology Surveys

The combined many years experience across our team make us ideally suited to execute ecological assessments and surveys all over the West Midlands region.

Whatever the planning requirements, ecological issues or potential presence of protected species or invasive plant species on the development site, we can conduct ecological survey work to benefit the aims and continued success of your proposed development project.

Ecology Surveys for Planning

Covering a selection of different inspections, an ecology survey is a category of assessment process designed to uncover existing habitats on a proposed development site before analysing them and aligning them alongside the plans of the development proposal to gauge if they are likely to impact or be impacted by it. From there, an ecological consultant can make decisions regarding the presence of natural assets that will allow the planning project to continue.

A wide range of UK wildlife law prevents harm from coming to valuable plants and rare wildlife, and as property or land development projects are the most common type of activity to alter the condition of the natural environment, ecology surveys are required. In fact, many local planning authorities will insist that ecological surveys are needed as a precaution, even if the designated area has no other evidence of present animal or plant habitat types.

Planning Requiring an Ecological Survey

Different types of ecology assessments are available to deal with a variety of potential ecological constraints. Certain circumstances prompt a developer to need an ecological survey as the first step in the planning process, such as to support planning applications, address habitats and species or fulfill another duty.

For instance, an ecology survey may be required on developments where:

The development plans call for it, such as in large-scale projects or regeneration projects
Invasive or rare plants may be present
Protected animal species may be present, such as barn owls, great crested newts, otters, red squirrels and white-clawed crayfish
Land use change affects pipelines, railways and roads, potentially impacting important habitats
Legal requirements apply, such as biodiversity net gain (BNG)
Local authorities insist on it
Sites are within or near protected sites, such as LNRs, SACs, SPAs, SSSIs or Ramsar sites
Sites are near protected habitats, such as ecological features listed in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan (UKBAP)

Objectives of an Ecological Survey

Ecological Surveys for Planning Applications

Laws Surrounding Ecological Surveys

An ecological assessment contributes to sustainable development and ensures that developers make proactive moves to defend protected species and specific habitats situated on the development site.

Ecological consultants undertake surveys on a proposed site as a way of collecting, reviewing and indexing relevant ecological information, gauging current and predicted ecological value, informing several steps across development proposals, supporting nature conservation, and remaining compliant with existing planning policy.

Both initial and further surveys for ecology are usually carried out to strike a balance between meeting LPA requirements and protecting wildlife.

When it comes to making pivotal decisions, the local planning authority will use the results and outcomes of ecology surveys as a point of reference. An application for planning permission is no different, and while arranging the necessary surveys helps to implement adequate mitigation strategies, meet binding environmental targets, account for particular species, avoid costly delays and save money, further ecology surveys could be the difference between a successful or unsuccessful planning application.

Once a site survey has been conducted, priority habitats have been identified and analysed, and ecological reports have been assembled to dictate future stages, a planning officer should see no reason to deny planning consent.

Threatened species are protected and listed within relevant legislation, making them safe from harm. It also ensures that specific species of plants that are recognised as invasive and non-native are properly controlled, preventing them from spreading.

Acts of UK law that actively manage plants and wildlife include the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017, and the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.

Other related acts include the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990, the Protection of Badgers Act 1992, the Hedgerow Regulations 1997, and through BNG, the Environment Act (formerly the Environment Bill).

Types of Ecological Surveys

Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) Assessment
BREEAM Assessment
Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA)
Ecological Monitoring Survey
Ecological Walkover Survey
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
National Vegetation Classification (NVC) Survey
Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA) / Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey

Invasive Species Surveys

Protected Species Surveys

Giant Hogweed Surveys
Himalayan Balsam Surveys
Injurious Weed Surveys
Japanese Knotweed Surveys

Badger Surveys
Barn Owl Surveys
Bat Surveys (Preliminary Roost Assessment (PRA) and BERS)
Bird Surveys (Breeding Birds, Nesting Birds and Wintering Birds)
Dormouse Surveys
Great Crested Newt Surveys
Otter Surveys
Red Squirrel Surveys
Reptile Surveys
Water Vole Surveys

Ecology Survey and Report

A thorough inspection of a development site conducted by our ecological consultancy will give you everything needed to progress into future stages of development projects. An inevitable outcome from all ecology surveys is that they result with an ecological report, which can be used as proof that an assessment was carried out and that necessary changes are in place to support the environment. Although the actions in each category of an ecology assessment may be different depending on the type of survey, ecological services generally follow the same process.

Starting with an ecological desk study, the ecology consultant handling the assessment will be able to recover any baseline information about the site. An in-person initial survey can then take place, allowing for the qualified ecologist to conduct a thorough investigation for all possible existing habitat types. Based on the specific planning project, the ecologist can see any overlap between ecological assets and the development plans. Using a mitigation hierarchy in priority order, ecological mitigation and compensation measures will be utilised to progress the development without infringing on old or new habitats.

After all further stages are completed, the ecological surveyor can create an ecology report. The developer can then use it to demonstrate to the planning officer that the project team has made positive steps to guarantee the continued safety of present protected species and ecological value, enabling them to realistically obtain planning permission from the local authority.

Ecology Surveys in the West Midlands

Ecological Survey Experts

Ecological Survey Season

Ecological Survey Cost

Of all the available ecological consultancies, ours specifically targets the West Midlands area and neighbouring sections of the East Midlands and other nearby regions.

Our team is formed of trained ecologists, all with an advanced knowledge of natural features and a focused understanding of the local area, local council and likely requirements.

We are able to conduct field surveys, monitor for biodiversity losses, advise clients, provide cost-effective solutions, help with mitigation licence applications, and so much more.

For instance, if other ecology surveys were needed, such as BREEAM assessments, vantage point surveys, vegetation surveys or a protected species survey to investigate badger setts, injurious weeds, roosting sites or other features, we can help.

Due to the behaviours and habits of notable species of animals and plants, survey seasons for habitat surveys to support protected species can vary significantly ranging across the summer months, winter months and everything in between.

On the other hand, initial ecological surveys to gauge the potential effects of planning projects on species within the site boundary such as ecological impact assessments (EcIAs) and preliminary ecological appraisals (PEAs) aren’t seasonally constrained and are available throughout the year.

Seasonal constraints do, however, apply to further survey work of any species found or suspected during prior site visits. The additional survey work would need to be undertaken at certain times to accurately record crucial ecological data.

Check out survey seasons using our calendar.

The overall costs for ecology services will vary depending on several important factors, including the nature of the proposed project, the size of the certain area where a field study is needed, and the type of assessment. Other specific details that can add to the ecology survey cost, however, may include the number of required ecology consultants, the price of enhancement measures, and additional surveys needed as a result of the findings.

While it is necessary for our ecological consultancy to take a full range of environmental factors into consideration – suitable habitat, current ecological conditions and further information about the site – we strive to provide competitive prices and only charge what we need to.

That said, we recommend booking as early as possible to reserve a site visit in optimal periods.

Ecology Surveys Near Me

Rather than covering the entirety of the country from the North East to the South West, our proven record for providing expert advice on the potential impact of new developments on ecological features remains solely in the West Midlands area. Our ecological surveyors ensure that all of the work we do is conducted under best practice guidelines, helped by our years of experience and ties to the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM), the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and Natural England.

We insist on showing the same level of quality in the many forms of ecological advice we provide, whether it’s the common survey techniques performed for a preliminary ecological appraisal, acting as an ecological clerk of works (ECoW), conducting protected species surveys such as a bat survey or great crested newt survey, carrying out a botanical survey or habitat suitability index assessment, or even providing arboricultural assessments such as tree surveys over complex tree structures. From historic buildings to urban areas and suitable habitat (i.e. cave-like spaces for bats and fresh water bodies for water voles), whatever the potential constraints on your site, our ecology consultancy has seen it all.

The best time to get in touch would be pre-development, as we will be able to act as an essential part of the development process, helping to reduce risk, identify potential impacts, provide information and formulate mitigation measures such as new habitat creation at the first stage. Go ahead and reach out to Midland Ecology by completing a quote form on our site, calling us or emailing us. Once the booking form with all the information about your site and project has been returned to us, we will give you a free quote. If you are happy with it, you can then ask us common questions about the survey process and choose a suitable time for an appropriately qualified ecology surveyor with extensive experience to attend your site and review signs of European protected species. We can then help you with getting the green light in securing planning applications from the planning department of your local council, even if that includes further action.