What types of ecology survey might I need in 2023?

Understanding why, how and when an ecology survey should be carried out is important before starting work on a project that might affect the biodiversity of a site. From a developer's point of view, a Local Planning Authority (LPA) is likely to require evidence that a proposal's impact on local species and habitats has been duly considered and, where necessary, mitigated for before allowing works to proceed.  

In the project planning stage, various types of survey are useful to consider:   

EXTENDED PHASE 1 HABITAT SURVEY

For parties without a specific proposal but with an idea in mind, an ecology survey may be useful in helping decide appropriate land use options available to them. By characterising the status of habitats; their distinctiveness, condition and status within the wider landscape, Extended Phase 1 surveys can help to inform any actions that you wish to implement on your land.  

In the preliminary stages of a project, most ecologists will employ the ‘Phase 1' methodology, a survey technique developed by the Joint National Nature Conservation Committee. Phase 1 surveys classify habitats using a standardised system of colours and letters, based on essential information pertaining to vegetation, topography, and geology. ‘Extended' Phase 1 surveys will go further than assigning habitats a simple letter/colour value and note features such as habitat quality, age, condition, and detail more closely the vegetation community that is present. Extended surveys should also assess a habitat's suitability for supporting protected or notable species.  

Why is an extended 1 habitat survey important?  

An extended Phase 1 habitat survey is a core component used to inform any of the detailed ecological assessment methods described below. On its own, a basic picture of a site's habitats can be drawn through a Phase 1 survey, however, using Phase 1 surveys to conduct an analysis and consideration of a project's potential impact on the habitats in a site and the measures that are required to mitigate them is the key function of a Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA)  

When can a Phase 1 habitat survey be conducted? 

Phase 1 and extended phase 1 surveys can be conducted at any time of year, however it is generally recommended that they be carried out between April and October (during the spring-early autumn period). This allows the opportunity to observe a greater number of species. It is important to tailor the timing of the survey to the area being surveyed, as some areas (for example uplands) will have different field seasons.  

PRELIMINARY ECOLOGICAL APPRAISAL (PEA)

The purpose of a PEA is to assess the ecological profile of a site and conduct a preliminary analysis of the likely effects that a development might have on theits species and habitats of a site being assessed. A PEA and its resulting report will inform project planners of the scope of ecological considerations that should be made for a site, including considerations to make of local natural assets and/or notable or protected species populations.  

What kind of information does a PEA include? 

PEAs involve a collation of ecological information associated with a site, that is normally obtained through desk-based and in-person studies. The desk-based element typically involves an examination of species records, local areas of conservation interest (for example, local nature reserves or national parks), wildlife corridors and any other sites of cultural or geographical significance. The objective of this exercise is to build a clearer picture of the site's context within the local area and its potential significance for species unobserved during in-person surveys.  

In-person surveys have the purpose of examining the site's habitats and species, with a particular focus on priority habitats and the presence or likely absence of invasive, rare or protected species. Depending on what is observed during the field survey, an ecologist may recommend that further surveys be conducted to determine (for example) the size or character of a protected species population.  

When combined, the results of desk-based studies and on-site ecology surveys can be used to create a picture of the site's ecological profile. Any PEAR should include a map of the site's habitats along with a discussion of relevant considerations the development should consider to avoid, reduce or mitigate effects on protected species and habitats. Information presented in PEAs may be used to inform subsequent Ecological Impact Assessments.  

ECOLOGICAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT (EcIA)

Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIAs) assess the likely effects of a proposed project on the ecology of a site. Submitted alongside any final planning proposals, EcIAs should show how on-site habitats and species are being affected, the measures being taken to avoid, reduce or compensate any losses and the context of local planning guidelines and other legislation. EcIAs should also make considerations for any impacts beyond the boundaries of the site.  

EcIAs involve a detailed methodology and good communication with the relevant planning authority to determine and EcIA's scope. A full guide to EcIAs will be discussed in a future blog post. 

FURTHER SURVEYS, INCLUDING PHASE 2 SURVEYS AND PROTECTED SPECIES SURVEYS

‘Phase 2' is the term sometimes applied to surveys that are recommended after a Phase 1 survey has been completed. These surveys may focus on a particular type of habitat, or be used to determine the presence or absence of a protected species. For example, where a Phase 1 survey has observed features on a building that provide suitable roosting opportunities to bats, ‘Phase 2' surveys would involve surveying the site again at the appropriate time to determine whether bats are in fact present and using the feature.  

A brief summary of some commonly surveyed protected species and the appropriate time of year to survey them are listed below: 

• Badger: Year round 
• Bats (activity surveys): April – October  
• Bats (roost assessments): Year round  
• Bird (breeding bird survey): February – August  
• Bird (wintering bird survey): October – March
• Dormouse: April – November
• Great crested newt (Habitat suitability assessment): Year round 
• Great crested newt (Presence/absence population survey): March – June  
• Otter: Year round

NATURAL CAPITAL SURVEYS

Understanding which biodiversity-enhancing measures could improve the natural assets associated with land that you own could be important if considering how to make an enhancement project economically viable. In addition, you might be enthusiastic to design a project that delivers benefits for the natural environment, and but are unsure what type of enhancement would suit the profile of the land you want to enhance. In this case a tailored ‘Natural Capital Survey' may be appropriate. From this survey, the following can be determined: 

• How the site might generate value in a Biodiversity Net Gain agreement through the generation of biodiversity ‘units'  
• Appropriate carbon credit schemes that could be applied, including woodland carbon credits, soil carbon credits and peatland carbon credits 
• The suitability of the site for generating income through other natural capital and offsetting schemes

Following an initial site survey, a report will lay out the enhancement options available to you, an estimation of their long-term value and how they fit in within the context of the site's existing ecology and local landscape features. The survey and subsequent report would seek to answer questions such as: 

• How can soil quality be improved under different planting scenarios to generate soil carbon credits? 
• What tree species should be planted when considering local woodland species composition? 

Alongside any recommended funding streams, a walkthrough of the steps required to apply for this funding will be presented.  

Are you developing a project and are unsure what kind of survey you need? Our ecology team will be happy to advise. You can send us an email to mateo@tomsonconsulting.co.uk or text 07511788881.