Our experts can advise you on the optimal timing for your surveys and deliver these surveys to support your planning, achieving consent and project delivery. Contact us to discuss your project.
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Do You Need Protected Species Surveys?
If your site contains habitats that could support protected species, or if you’re unsure about the potential impact of your development on these species, our team of qualified ecologists is here to help.
Planning authorities require that you demonstrate how you’ve identified any risks to protected wildlife and that you’ve complied with all relevant legislation and policies to mitigate these risks. To ensure full compliance, protected species surveys must be conducted before submitting a planning application.
Our Protected Species Survey Service
Our experienced ecologists will conduct a thorough Ecological Appraisal to assess whether your site supports any protected species or suitable habitats. If necessary, we will perform more detailed surveys to confirm species presence, estimate populations, and identify key habitat features.
These surveys are crucial for creating mitigation strategies to reduce the impact of your development on local wildlife, ensuring that your project meets all legal and environmental standards.
Protected species are safeguarded under UK and European law, including:
- The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017
- The Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 (as amended)
- The Protection of Badgers Act 1992
We can assess the presence of protected species on your site, including:
- Bats
- Badgers
- Nesting birds
- Great crested newts
- Reptiles (slow worms, adders, grass snakes, and lizards)
- Dormice
- Otters
- Water voles
- White-clawed crayfish
Our team will carry out the surveys, ensuring compliance with all necessary licensing protocols, and we will provide detailed reports, including recommendations for securing any required wildlife licenses from authorities like Natural England, NatureScot, or Natural Resources Wales.
Timing Your Protected Species Surveys
Given that many species have specific seasonal behaviours, surveys must be conducted during the right time of year to capture these activities—typically between March and September.
To avoid delays in your planning application, we recommend starting your surveys early in the process and allowing time for a full survey season if possible.