Ecological Assessments

Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA)

These are rapid ecological assessments of the features that are present, or may be present, within a proposed development site and its surrounding area (the zone of influence). The appraisal normally comprises:

• A desk study: We’ll collect previously recorded information regarding the site, species on the site and habitat information.
• A walkover survey (such as an Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey): We will map the habitat types and any non-native invasive plant species. We’ll also make an assessment of the possible presence of protected or priority species. This will include plants, fungi, invertebrates, fish, amphibians, reptiles, breeding, wintering and migratory birds, bats, and other mammal species.

We will produce a report so you or your design team know about the key ecological constraints and opportunities associated with your project. We’ll also describe possible mitigation requirements and whether any more detailed surveys are required to inform an Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA).

Phase 1 Habitat survey

The UK Joint Nature Conservation Committee publishes a widely recognised habitat classification system. As a first step, we identify the habitats on site using a specified list of categories, then we produce maps using standard colour and/or letter codes.

You may then need an Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey to be conducted.

Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey

These assessments include a Phase 1 Habitat Survey, but also involve:

• Collecting specific information on a habitat. This includes species composition, condition, management, vegetation structure, and age or permanance.
• Assessments of the suitability of the various habitats and other features present to support fauna, including protected or notable species.

Phase 2 Survey

This term is sometimes used to describe further surveys (undertaken after a Preliminary Ecological Appraisal) to inform an Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA).

What is required will vary depending on the location, nature and scale of the proposed development, the habitats present on site, and the resulting likely or potential impacts.

They may include surveys to confirm the presence or likely absence of a protected species. This could be, for example, badgers, red squirrels or otters. Or it may be we need to carry out detailed botanical surveys of a potentially important habitat.

Ecological Impact Assessments

During this assessment we identify, quantify and evaluate the potential effects of a development, or other proposed actions, on habitats, species and ecosystems.

In other words, they are assessments of the likely significant ecological effects of your project. The report we will produce is called an EcIA Report, and is based on CIEEM’s Guidelines for Ecological Impact Assessment.

The EcIA may form the ecological part of larger Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA).

Environmental Impact Assessments

International law now requires Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) to be carried out for large projects within the United Kingdom. Various scientific disciplines are used to provide an in-depth assessment of the environmental impact of a proposed development. These include:

• Ecology – trees, vegetation, fauna
• Hydrology
• Road engineering
• Services
• Noise

These disciplines are all brought together in one report, to produce a detailed understanding of the project and its impact. From this report, we can design landscape proposals, and decide what actions can be taken to protect the site ecologically. We liaise closely with statutory bodies, such as planning departments and NatureScot in carrying out these assessments.

When a site is within a National Park, Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), National Scenic Area (NSA) or Nitrate Vulnerable Zone (NVZ), we will have to take into account additional constraints that may be imposed on development.

Habitat and Species Management Plans

These plans can be very useful to landowners and their agents by providing a clear picture of the ecological value and biodiversity of their land. They provide well-structured guidance about management to maintain and enhance the wildlife value of the land. We have expert knowledge of specific habitats and species, and can provide land managers with very clear directions which are both cost effective and practical.

For larger sites, we can prepare detailed documents that can define time slots for specific work and resource estimates. The proposals may cover a period of several years.

Where the environmental assessments have shown that habitat reinstatement or restoration will be necessary, a habitat and species management plan can include:

• Details of protected habitats and species
• Details of appropriate compensatory habitat creations
• Protection of species and habitats
• Suggested timings for the proposals
• A programme of monitoring and reporting on the success of mitigation measures.