Hedgehog Survey
Hedgehogs are present throughout a range of habitats, including woodland, scrub, grassland, hedgerows, and farmland. Where these habitats are deemed likely to be affected by project proposals, a hedgehog survey may be required, which aims to establish the presence/ likely absence of hedgehogs on site.
Hedgehogs are typically found in woodland, scrub habitats, grassland, hedgerows, farmland, and suburban areas throughout Britain, though populations are often scattered and at low density. The British population has endured a long term decline, falling by between 30-75% since 2000, primarily due to habitat loss and degradation. Urban populations appear to have stabilised and may be showing sings of recovery, while rural populations continue to decline. They are partially protected under UK law, compelling public authorities to restore or enhance local hedgehog populations and habitat, where possible.
The appraisal is used to inform the emerging scheme design, enabling significant ecological effects within the zone of influence to be avoided, mitigated, or compensated for, where necessary. This ensures the continued favourable conservation status of hedgehogs, post development, and ultimately compliance with nature conservation legislation and planning policy.
Presence/ likely absence surveys involve systematically inspecting all suitable habitats on site, searching for evidence of hedgehogs, and features that could be utilised for nest or hibernation sites. The survey may be supplemented by a thermal imaging survey at dusk, passing within 50m of all areas of the site, stopping recurrently to scan priority habitats or features. The field survey is typically supplemented by a desk study, utilising maps and aerial photographs of the surrounding area to identify ecological connectivity, and published records of hedgehogs, purchased from the local records centre.
Requirements for any necessary avoidance, mitigation, or compensation measures will be identified, and opportunities for ecological enhancement will be outlined, to integrate on-site biodiversity net gain into the scheme at an early stage, where possible. If the proposals are deemed likely to adversely affect hedgehogs, a mitigation strategy may be required, prior to the commencement of works.
Hedgehog surveys are seasonally constrained, making it prudent to plan ahead and consider ecological issues early on in the planning process. A robust hedgehog survey at an early stage in project planning and design can therefore deliver significant benefits, avoiding potentially costly and time-consuming delays.
When
Presence/ likely absence surveys must be undertaken between April-November inclusive.
Why Us
With over fifteen years' experience in undertaking ecological surveys, mitigation design, licensing, site supervision, and monitoring, our team of expert ecologists can help guide your project through the planning process.
Our licensed ecologists can appraise your site's hedgehog suitability, undertake surveys, design mitigation strategies, and apply for mitigation licences.
By working closely with our clients, we ensure that their developments progress smoothly and in full compliance with the law, orchestrating the best possible outcome for them and the natural world.
