Ecology Survey Cornwall

Glade Ecology undertake ecology surveys throughout Cornwall and the surrounding area.

Our team of expert ecologists can help guide your project through the planning process. 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.

Considering ecological issues early on in the planning process can help ensure that potentially costly and time-consuming delays are avoided.

What is an ecology survey?

A range of flora, fauna, habitats, and sites are afforded legal protection within the UK. While considering your planning application, the local planning authority may request an ecology survey, if they deem it possible that the proposed works could commit an offence, or degrade ecologically valuable habitat. The aim of the survey is to determine presence/ likely absence of ecologically valuable features on site, and appraise the likelihood of them being affected by the proposed development.

There are many different types of ecology survey, whether species-specific (botanical, bird, bat, dormouse, great crested newt, otter, water vole, white-clawed crayfish, marsh fritillary, reptile, badger, or hedgehog), or broader site assessments (preliminary ecological appraisals and ecological walkovers).

During the survey, the ecologist will appraise the site and wider anticipated zone of influence, searching for evidence of, and potential for, protected species or valuable habitats. They will evaluate the baseline ecological value of the site, identify potential ecological constraints to the proposed works, and form species/ habitat-specific impact assessments, with associated recommendations and detailed prescriptions that will be incorporated into the design scheme, where necessary.

The surveys are typically supplemented by a desk study, utilising maps and aerial photographs of the surrounding area, to identify ecological connectivity. A search for statutory and non-statutory conservation designated sites using Geographic Information System (GIS) data may also be undertaken, along with a local planning portal search, looking for other sites within the same postcode area that have previously had ecological surveys submitted as part of their planning applications. A Multi-Agency Geographic Information for the Countryside (MAGIC) database search may be undertaken for granted European Protected Species Mitigation Licenses (EPSMLs) within a radius of the site. Finally, existing records of protected and noteworthy species, purchased from the Local Records Centre (LRC), may be presented and interpreted.

The findings of the ecology survey are used to inform the scope of any further targeted survey work that may be recommended, as well as details of ecological enhancements. If the surveys conclude that the proposed works would likely result in adverse impacts to protected species, it may be necessary to obtain a European Protected Species Mitigation Licence (EPSML) from the relevant statutory body, prior to the commencement of works. These licenses enable work that would otherwise be illegal (e.g. disturbance of a species or destruction of their resting place), to proceed at certain times of year, in line with a detailed method statement. Works will be carefully designed so that under the supervision of an ecologist, they are implemented in a manner that avoids, mitigates, or compensates for any significant effects, and ensures the continued favourable conservation status of the species, post development.

Many ecological surveys are seasonally constrained, making it prudent to plan ahead and consider ecological issues early on in the planning process, thereby ensuring that potentially costly and time-consuming delays are avoided.

Though the presence of ecological constraints very rarely prevents a development from proceeding, avoidance, mitigation, or compensation measures may need to be implemented, to adequately negate adverse impacts to the site's ecological value. For more information about ecology surveys, click below.

Ecology Survey

How Glade Ecology can help you

With over fifteen years' experience in undertaking ecological surveys, mitigation design, licensing, site supervision, and monitoring, our friendly team of expert ecologists can help guide your project through the planning process. By working closely with our clients and considering ecological issues early on, we can help ensure that potentially costly and time-consuming delays are avoided.

We pride ourselves on providing pragmatic, practical solutions for our clients, that not only ensure full compliance with wildlife legislation, but that achieve the best possible outcome, for both them and the natural world.

We undertake ecology surveys throughout Cornwall and the surrounding areas of Devon, Dorset and Somerset. For more information about the services that we provide, or to request a free quotation, please contact us below.

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