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A Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA) is typically undertaken during the early stages of a development project and is often required to support planning applications and site assessments.

A Preliminary Roost Assessment (PRA) is typically undertaken during the planning stage of a development and may be required by the Local Planning Authority or to support compliance before works commence.

Great Crested Newts (GCN) are a legally protected species and are a material consideration within the planning process. Where suitable breeding ponds or terrestrial habitats are present within or adjacent to a development site, surveys may be required to determine whether Great Crested Newts are likely to be affected by the proposed works.

The survey process typically begins with a habitat assessment to identify waterbodies and surrounding habitats that may support Great Crested Newts. Depending on the findings, presence/absence surveys may be undertaken during the optimal survey season, typically between March and June. Survey methods can include torchlight surveys, bottle trapping, egg searches and environmental DNA (eDNA) testing.

Where Great Crested Newts are confirmed to be present, our ecologists will advise on the most appropriate mitigation strategy to avoid or minimise impacts. This may include habitat protection measures, sensitive working practices, habitat enhancement, or the preparation of licence applications where required.

By identifying constraints early, Great Crested Newt surveys help ensure compliance with wildlife legislation, reduce planning risk and support the successful delivery of development projects.

Reptile species found in the UK are protected by law and can be present within a range of habitats, including grassland, scrub, woodland edges, heathland, brownfield land and field margins. Where suitable habitat is present within or adjacent to a proposed development site, a reptile survey may be required to determine whether reptiles are present and assess how they may be affected by the proposed works.

Reptile surveys are typically undertaken using a series of artificial refugia, strategically placed across suitable habitat. These refugia are left in situ to allow reptiles to use them for shelter and basking before being checked by an ecologist during favourable weather conditions.

The optimal survey season generally extends from April to June and September, when reptiles are most active. Surveys are usually avoided during periods of extreme heat, cold, prolonged rainfall or high winds, as these conditions can reduce survey effectiveness. Depending on the objectives of the project, a minimum of seven survey visits is typically required to establish likely presence.

Water Voles and Otters are legally protected under UK legislation, making it an offence to deliberately capture, injure or kill them, or to damage, destroy or obstruct access to their resting places and habitats.

As both species are closely associated with aquatic environments, any proposed works affecting rivers, streams, ditches, ponds, lakes or wetlands should consider the potential presence of Water Voles and Otters at an early stage of project planning. Surveys help establish whether either species is present, assess habitat suitability and identify any constraints that may influence the design or implementation of a development.

Water Voles are identified primarily through field signs rather than direct observation. Surveys focus on locating evidence such as:

Burrows
Feeding stations
Characteristic droppings
Latrines
Footprints
Well-used runways through vegetation

The optimal survey season typically runs from April to September, when field signs are most visible and Water Vole activity is at its highest. In many cases, one detailed survey visit is sufficient to determine presence or likely absence, although additional visits may be recommended where results are inconclusive or to support licence applications.

Otter surveys involve searching suitable habitat for evidence of activity, including:

Spraints (droppings)
Footprints and tracks
Slides
Feeding remains
Holts
Couch sites and resting places

Unlike many protected species surveys, Otter surveys can generally be undertaken throughout the year, although survey effectiveness may be reduced during periods of flooding or high-water levels. Typically, a single walkover survey of suitable habitat is sufficient to assess presence and identify important resting places.

Bird surveys are undertaken to establish which bird species are using a site and the surrounding area. As all wild birds, their nests and eggs are protected under UK legislation, surveys play an important role in ensuring development proposals consider potential impacts on breeding, wintering and notable bird populations.

Birds utilise a wide variety of habitats, including woodland, scrub, grassland, farmland, wetlands, waterbodies and urban environments. The type of survey required will depend on the habitats present and the nature of the proposed development.

Breeding Bird Surveys

Breeding bird surveys are undertaken during the nesting season, typically between March and July, to identify territories, nesting locations and species diversity across a site. Multiple survey visits are usually required to accurately establish breeding activity, with four to six visits commonly undertaken depending on the site and project requirements.

Wintering Bird Surveys

Where suitable habitat is present for wintering birds, surveys may be required between November and February. These surveys assess how birds use a site for feeding, roosting and sheltering during the winter months and are often necessary for larger developments or sites located near designated habitats.

Nesting Bird Checks

Where vegetation clearance or construction works are proposed during the bird nesting season, a nesting bird check may be required immediately prior to works commencing. This helps ensure active nests are identified and protected in accordance with wildlife legislation.