Ecological Surveys
What type of Survey do you require?
Need an ecological survey? As one of the leading ecological consultants in the UK, Indigo Surveys undertake surveys to a consistently high standard for a variety of clients. Our professional ecologists specialise in the assessment of a wide range of sites and provide guidance on valuable habitats and protected species matters.
What is a Ecological Survey?
There are a wide scope of different ecological assessments available, ranging from basic Ecological Scoping Surveys to more specific and detailed NVC (National Vegetation Classification), Hedgerow, Botanical, River Corridor, Protected Species, and Invasive Plant Species.
The most commonly accepted initial and baseline ecological survey, however, is a Phase 1 Habitat Survey which includes the study, identification and mapping of important wildlife habitats. This allows for an assessment of a site’s ecological importance and significant habitat features (property, plot of land, established boundary area) and informs the necessity for additional survey work.
If an ecological survey is not conducted, it can lead to legal proceedings and costly setbacks during a project build. The Environment Act mandates that all new developments must achieve Biodiversity Net Gain.
Ecological consultants play a crucial role in conducting surveys and preparing reports that inform planning applications. The ecological survey process typically includes a desk study, field study, followed by the preparation of a detailed report.
What are the different types of Ecological Surveys?
The following is a breakdown of the many different types of ecological surveys that may be required, starting with a preliminary ecological appraisal and any subsequent follow-up surveys that are identified by the preliminary survey. Ecological surveys are critical for balancing economic development and environmental responsibility and ensure compliance with biodiversity legislation.
The cost of ecological surveys will vary depending on the size of the proposed development site and the complexity of the project, including whether any significant species are found during the initial survey. Ecological survey data is typically valid for between 12 months and 2 years, but can be valid for up to 3 years depending on the circumstances.
Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA) – Phase 1 Habitat Survey
A preliminary ecological appraisal (PEA) is usually the first ecology report a planning authority asks for. It combines a desk study with a walkover survey to identify the habitats on a site and whether protected species are likely to be present. Find out what it includes and what it costs on our preliminary ecological appraisal page.
Why take a Preliminary Ecological Appraisal?
To put it simply, this initial survey helps site owners make smart choices. Whether planning a new building or protecting wildlife, this survey provides all the essential information to balance progress with nature preservation. Local planning authorities often require a biodiversity checklist to be completed and submitted with most planning applications.
What if nothing is found during a Preliminary Ecological Appraisal?
If there are no ecological constraints found during a PEA, no further surveys will be required, and the project can usually continue unhindered. However, if a PEA identifies the likely presence of protected species or priority habitats, a more detailed Phase 2 survey will be required.Protected Species Surveys
What are Protected Species Surveys?
Protected species are those considered important for the ecosystem or at risk of extinction. These can include notable species such as bats and great crested newts, to rare plant species and insects — essentially anything on the European protected species list.
Protected species surveys are a vital tool for conservation and will assess the short or long-term impacts of a potential development proposal. They provide data on these species: where they live, their numbers, and their health. This information is crucial when planning development projects which could have a negative environmental impact on protected species.
How are Protected Species Surveys carried out?
Experts use specialist techniques to carefully monitor a site during a protected species survey. This might include setting up night cameras, using acoustic equipment to record bat calls, or performing a detailed hand search for certain plants. It’s a combination of patience, knowledge, and a lot of care!What are the common types of Protected Species Surveys?
- Bat surveys: scoping inspections, bat activity surveys for all species (including emergence, transect, swarming)
- Bird surveys: inspections, checks and surveys for nesting birds, breeding birds, migratory and winter birds, barn owls, vantage point surveys (VP), and building & tree inspections
- Great Crested Newts (GCN) surveys: daytime/walkover inspections, pond assessments, Habitat Suitability Index (HSI), detailed surveys (torching, egg searches etc.), bottle trapping
- Reptile surveys (all species): daytime inspections, presence/absence surveys, population surveys
- Badger surveys: daytime surveys, sett identification, nocturnal population surveys
- Dormice surveys: habitat assessment, hazelnut searches, presence/absence surveys (nest boxes)
- Otters and water voles surveys: daytime inspections, habitat assessment, presence/absence surveys (evidence-based)
- Invertebrate surveys: including white-clawed crayfish, stag beetles, daytime inspections, habitat assessment, and presence/absence surveys (evidence-based)
Need a survey? Boost your chances of planning success with a survey from Indigo
National Vegetation Classification (NVC) Surveys: A Quick Guide
What are NVCs?
An NVC survey is a comprehensive method of categorising vegetation within a specific habitat in the UK. These type of vegetation surveys are a tool vital for informed environmental management and conservation planning.
An NVC survey informs sustainable land-use planning, aids in monitoring habitat changes, and supports the protection of biodiversity. The assessment process, therefore, plays a crucial role in effective environmental stewardship relating to any property or land development.
How are NVCs carried out?
Teams of ecologists walk through a designated area, systematically recording all the plant species they find. They take note of the types of plants and their abundance, creating a detailed picture of the vegetation. The data collected helps to classify the vegetation into various categories, hence the name ‘vegetation classification’.
Hedgerow Survey
What are Hedgerow Ecology Surveys?
Hedgerows are more than just boundary markers; they are vital components of our ecosystem. These green barriers offer habitats for a variety of species, aid in soil conservation, and contribute to the scenic beauty of our landscapes.
The process of conducting a hedgerow survey is quite meticulous. It involves examining the composition of plant species, assessing the structure, and noting any signs of wildlife habitation. Conducting these surveys provides a firmer picture of the health of hedgerows, informing conservation efforts, and ensuring these natural assets continue to thrive.
How are Hedgerow Ecological Surveys carried out?
Ecologists walk along hedgerows, checking their structure, and the variety of plants, and looking out for nesting birds or protected species. They’re assessing the health and value of the hedgerow to wildlife. This could involve checking for gaps, the range of plant species, and signs of animals.
The information collected helps to understand how to maintain or improve these crucial parts of habitat that support protected species.
Botanical Ecological Surveys
What is a Botanical Ecological Survey?
A botanical survey is a focused ecological assessment where experts identify and record all plant species within a certain area. This helps provide an understanding of the health and biodiversity of an ecosystem, guiding decisions about conservation and environmental management to ensure biodiversity net gain.Why do a Botanical Ecology Survey?
Understanding what plants are present helps with better management of the the land where any proposed development project is sited. A survey provides insights into biodiversity, identifies any rare plants or invasive species, and helps plan conservation efforts.
The benefits are many, not only for understanding the biodiversity of an area better, as these surveys can guide land use, influence policy, help conserve threatened species, and even tackle climate change.
How is a Botanical Ecological Survey conducted?
Typically, a team of botanists will explore an area, identifying and recording plant species. They might take samples for further study, map locations, and photograph species. It’s detailed, systematic work, but vital for site understanding and protection of the natural environment.
What type of Survey do you require?
Why Should You Choose Indigo Surveys?
Why Should You Choose Indigo Surveys?
No Hidden Costs
We are up front and provide you with an overview of the typical and expected costs for the project based on UK policy, guidance and best practice.
Competitive Quote
We’ll provide you with a highly competitive quote, not a generic cost, but fixed costs based on the specifics of your job.
Avoid delay & costs
Avoid delays on site and with it unnecessary costs, with our comprehensive surveys which will outline any potential issue from the start.
Need a survey? Boost your chances of planning success with a survey from Indigo
Responsive to you
Let us do all the legwork. We’ll respond to you swiftly, providing you with quote, inspection, and report, without you needing to chase us.
Premium service option
Need a report in quick time? We can offer a premium service and have your report to you by close of play the day after your survey.
Satisfaction guaranteed
With a client list including homeowners, local authorities, major supermarkets, and developers, you can have confidence you are in good hands.
Need a survey? Boost your chances of planning success with a survey from Indigo
To receive a personalised quote, fill out our quotes form or give us a call
Simply provide us with your details, and we’ll email you a comprehensive quote that covers everything you need to know, ensuring a hassle-free experience for you.
Let us know you're ready!
Once you have received your personalised quote and you are satisfied and ready to proceed, simply let us know. We will then move forward with the necessary arrangements, suitable for you. Don’t forget, we are more than happy to answer any questions you may have.
Receive your report
Once your survey is finished, we will prepare your report and send it to you upon payment. We’ll ensure that the report accurately reflects your requirements and provides the valuable information you need. We will then arrange a suitable day for your survey and commence the necessary work.
Planning Developments
Working with ecology consultants is often a requirement from a local authority as part of a planning condition and application. As an applicant looking for planning permission on an area that may be impacted in terms of its natural habitat, you must present all relevant ecological information with your planning application, or at least very soon after.
From the perspective of development, an ecological survey ensures that a site owner is adhering to UK wildlife law and any obligations they have as the lead developer. It will anticipate any questions that the local planning authority may have once a planning application is in process.
Surveying the immediate area of a prospective development and being aware of any ecological issues and restraints can cut time and costs with a project. If you are searching for ecological consultancy in the UK that can provide you with an in-depth study of an area, whether you are a developer, or looking to assist with a conservation effort, Indigo Surveys is the right team to call.
River Corridor Surveys
What is a River Corridor Survey?
A river corridor survey is a systematic examination of a river ecosystem. It focuses on the river’s physical attributes, surrounding vegetation, and biodiversity.
River Corridors and the Ecosystem
River corridors, the land areas adjacent to the river, are ecological lifelines. They promote biodiversity, assist in flood management, and maintain water quality.
How are River Corridor Ecology Surveys conducted?
River surveys are conducted by trained ecologists. They record details such as river shape, flow, vegetation types, and species present. This information is pivotal in managing and preserving our river ecosystems.
Invasive Plant Species Surveys
What is an Invasive Plant Species Survey?
This type of survey is a methodical inspection to detect and identify non-native plants. These plants, often introduced accidentally or intentionally, can harm the local ecosystem if unchecked.How are Invasive Plant Species Surveys done?
The surveys are carried out by professional ecologists. They inspect the area and identify and map the location of invasive species. The collected data inform management plans to control or eradicate these species.
Examples of Invasive Plant Species
Invasive Plant Species are also part of the overall ecological survey. We regularly inspect and advise clients on the presence of invasive plants such as Japanese Knotweed (Fallopia japonica), Himalayan Balsam (Impations glandulifera) and Giant Hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum).
It is illegal to plant or allow the spread of plant species listed on Schedule 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981). A list of plant species within Schedule 9 and guidance is available at legislation.gov.uk and gov.uk.
Ecological Impact Assessments
What is an Ecological Impact Assessment (EIA)?
An Ecological Impact Assessment, or EIA, is a study used to understand the potential effects a proposed development might have on local ecology.
EIA involves several steps. Firstly, ecologists assess the existing environment. Then, they predict how the planned development might impact this. They evaluate the severity and acceptability of these impacts and then suggest ways to mitigate them.
Conducting an EIA
The Role of EIA in Mitigating Ecological Damage
EIA plays a crucial role in helping balance development with the need to preserve biodiversity and ecosystems. Mitigation strategies suggested through EIA help avoid negative impact on wildlife, minimise harm, restore habitats, and offset losses as a last resort. Ecological mitigation must be developed before local planners will consider granting planning permission for a development.Mitigation / Site Management
Whether it be via local authority liaison, Natural England licence application, toolbox talks, site supervision, habitat creation or translocation, clear guidance by an appropriately qualified, licensed and experienced ecology consultancy ensures you receive the correct mitigation advice upfront.
Mitigation measures, which should be developed in consultation with the client and project team to ensure they are deliverable, can include strategies to limit the impact and effects of development on habitat and protected species. Planning the mitigation measures early in the proposed development site plan can benefit the development timeframe and will assist in supporting approval from local planning authorities. Mitigation measures
The mitigation options can include avoidance by design, incorporating and supplementing existing habitat into the design, integration of artificial homes (boxes, piles etc), translocation of species to suitable natural habitats or habitat creation to enhance a site (meadows, ponds etc).
Need a survey? Boost your chances of planning success with a survey from Indigo
How do I find the right Ecology Consultants to carry out my Habitat Survey?
As national ecological surveyors for well over a decade, this has enabled us to gather a high level of expertise with the scope of Phase 1 surveys and other ecology survey options. Our ecology consultants have helped a range of clients with different ecology surveys, including homeowners, developers, architects, engineers, solicitors, estate managers, retailers and others, including local authorities.
We operate in accordance with relevant legislation, planning requirements, regulator guidelines, environmental policies and ensure you are protected from the financial risks of not conducting a proper ecological survey. If you need ecological surveyors who provide reliable accurate reports fast, we are just what you need.
We have the skills and flexibility to work on any site, regardless of its varying characteristics. Our specialists fully understand the unique requirements of every site across the UK. While we operate from Chester, our services cover many locations across the UK.
Contact us for trusted advice on how best to eliminate risks related to ecological site considerations. We’ll arrange a site visit and our ecological surveyor will carry out a review of your site, covering every key aspect of its features.
What are the benefits of a full Ecological Survey?
There are many benefits to having an ecology survey…
- An ecology report is an essential part of the planning process and usually must be completed before putting in a planning application.
- Confirms the presence or absence of habitats and species and is vital before planning permission for a development can be sought.
- Provides key personnel with full information about the presence or otherwise of protected species on or adjacent to a proposed development site and can save considerable time and reduce costs.
- Ecological constraints on a site will be identified at the earliest opportunity and can be taken into consideration with development plans to minimise the impact on biodiversity.
- Identifying species ensure that appropriate mitigation, and potentially new habitats, can be created in development plans, thus smoothing the way for planning consent to be given.
- Knowing the environmental impact any development may have, and all the relevant ecological matters regarding a site will help determine whether any further surveys are required.
- The identification of specific habitats, including those that may contain protected species such as bats, foxes, badgers, amphibians, or even protected plants, ensures that the right action is taken at the right time and projects are not unnecessarily delayed.
- If no issues are identified in the initial survey, then no further surveys are usually required, and the ecological survey report can be submitted as part of the planning application.
- Correct information and action ensures that binding environmental targets, including a 10% biodiversity net gain (BNG), can be met.
- While some surveys can be carried out throughout the year, there are restrictions on the optimum survey periods for some protected species, so factoring this in early can help you avoid costly delays and keep your development project on track.
Why Choose Indigo Surveys for Ecological Reports?
Indigo Surveys brings over 15 years of experience as ecological specialists that always deliver high-quality, pragmatic, reliable and creative solutions for any project. We understand the diverse survey needs of many different types of sites and clients.
Our team provides timely and cost-effective reports to ensure projects are not unnecessarily held up. Through our surveys, we will make you aware of any current ecological constraints and future issues or risks with your site. Our ecology consultancy team will then offer guidance on the best way forward with any ecological and environmental factors identified.
We always adhere to all the relevant British safety and quality standards, ensuring you are free from unnecessary related risks and will comply with all national and local council regulations.
Contact our ecology consultancy team for specialist advice and get an indication of ecology survey cost with a no obligation quote. Our team will be delighted to advise you and assist with everything related to Phase 1 Habitat Surveys and other ecological surveys.
What type of Survey do you require?
Our Testimonials
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