Overview
Understanding the implications of protected species and taking account of them early in project design is the best way of avoiding more costly problems further down the line.
Planning policy makes it clear that where there is a reasonable likelihood of a protected species being present and affected by a development, appropriate levels of survey and thorough impact assessment will be required in support of a planning application.
We have wide-ranging experience and understanding of individual protected species, their distribution and their ecological requirements. Our team can quickly identify situations where the presence of one or more protected species is likely to require consideration, and ensure that surveys are appropriately scoped to address legal and policy requirements.
Protected Species Capability
Once the protected species interest of a site is understood, it may be necessary to alter the extent or nature of a development design, or the timing of work.
Our ecologists hold a broad range of survey licences, and low impact class licences for water vole and bats. We are able to survey and advise on development implications for species including the following:
- Protected and rare plants;
- Invertebrates (freshwater and terrestrial);
- Freshwater (white-clawed) crayfish;
- Bats (all British species);
- Great crested newt;
- Natterjack toad;
- Reptiles (including smooth snake and sand lizard as well as common species);
- Breeding Birds and Schedule 1 birds including Barn Owl;
- Specialist bird survey including winter wildfowl survey, vantage point surveys and nocturnal surveys;
