Protected Species Surveys

Protected Species Surveys

There are severe penalties for those who deliberately or inadvertently disturb or harm those species protected under law. These species’ presence, if not considered early, can impose significant delays on a development project. Surveys are often seasonal and differ from one species to another. It is best to get advice at the beginning of your project to avoid unnecessary delays to your planning application.

ECOSA’s ecologists hold survey licences for a range of European protected species, including bats, great crested newt and hazel dormouse. We have comprehensive survey experience for the majority of species found within the UK and continental Europe. We also have an outstanding record in resolving constraints to projects when protected species are confirmed as present on a site. Whether it is suspected that you have a bat roost in your attic or slow-worms on your brownfield site, this experience will assist the smooth progress of your project.

Protected Species Surveys

Species

Badger

Badger

Our team are able to assist with a range of badger surveys from initial walkovers, to bait marking, to monitoring surveys.
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Bats

Bats

Works required in regard to bats range from emergence/re-entry surveys, preliminary roost assessments, endoscope surveys to supervised destructive searches.
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Birds

Birds

ECOSA have highly experienced ornithologists who are able to conduct breeding bird surveys, nesting bird surveys, and wintering bird surveys. These surveys need to be spread throughout their relative seasons and so it is best to get them booked in as early as possible.
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Great Crested Newt

Great Crested Newt

Approaches to surveying and mitigation for great crested newt are split into two distinct routes, the traditional surveying route and the District Level Licencing route. ECOSA is experienced in obtaining licences from both routes.
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Hazel Dormouse

Hazel Dormouse

The presence of hazel dormouse can have large implications on proposals when it comes to vegetation clearance. ECOSA are able to help to determine if this species are present on site and what mitigation measures are required.
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Invertebrates

Invertebrates

Scoping surveys are often used to establish if there are likely to be significant species or assemblages onsite. If this is the case then ECOSA has the expertise in-house to assist with any futher surveys which may be required.
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Otter

Otter

Otter can be impacted by any development within 10 metres of a watercourse. Surveys determine their presence and design suitable mitigation measures where required.
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Reptiles

Reptiles

Reptiles make use of a mixture of habitats from grassland to woodland and are legally protected from harm and killing. As such, it is key to establish if this species group is present through the use of surveys.
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Water Vole

Water Vole

Water vole are legally protected, meaning it is an offence to harm or kill them. Their breeding and resting sites are also safeguarded. Surveys are conducted to identify signs of their presence and to map their distribution along watercourses.
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