Protected Species Surveys
We provide a complete package of protected species consultancy services, including survey, mitigation design, Ecological Impact Assessment, protected species licensing and on-the-ground project implementation.
High-quality, robust survey data forms the bedrock of our advice
A selection of the protected species surveys we most commonly undertake for our clients are listed below, although our experience also extends to other less commonly encountered surveys.
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Bats including building inspections, tree inspection (ground level and climbed), emergence, re-entry and transect surveys, and trapping / radio tracking surveys
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Badgers including bait marking studies
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Flora
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Great Crested Newts, including eDNA, waterbody surveys and advice on District Level Licensing
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Hazel Dormouse including nest tube surveys and Hazel nut searches
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Invertebrates including aquatic invertebrates, terrestrial invertebrates and White-clawed Crayfish
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Otter
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Preliminary Ecological Appraisal
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Reptiles, including Smooth Snake and Sand Lizard
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Water Vole
Please contact us to discuss your survey requirements further and find out how we can help.
We are experts at vegetation and habitat surveys too. Please see our Ecological Surveys page for more information.
Survey planning
Due to the seasonal nature of some protected species surveys, it is important that surveys are factored into project programmes at an early stage.
We provide a free email reminder service to let you know when key seasonal survey windows are about to open or close.
EPR START (Survey Targets And Reminder Timetable) is a free service that sends specific, targeted reminder emails to help you avoid missing key seasonal survey windows.
If you’d like to sign up for this free service, please enter your details here or contact us. You can opt out at any time.
Our ecology survey calendar provides a useful summary of seasonal survey windows. Download it by clicking the link below.
Mitigation strategies
Our specialist ecologists routinely design and implement bespoke mitigation strategies where development proposals are likely to impact protected species. Our close working relationships with Local Authorities and regulators like Natural England will make sure that the mitigation solution receives a fair hearing.
We routinely consult with both statutory and non-statutory consultees to help build consensus. Our evidence-based pragmatic approach de-risks your project and helps with successfully obtaining your consent.
European Protected Species Licensing
We routinely prepare European Protected Species (EPS) licence applications, and we have an excellent track record in successfully obtaining the necessary licence.
If required, we can supply you with multiple licensed ecologists to supervise the implementation of your EPS licence. This can speed up delivery of large or long-term projects to meet deadlines at short notice.
