Site Scoping Surveys
A site scoping survey is a useful tool to rapidly assess whether a site is likely to impact protected wildlife or habitats. Our ecologists will meet with the developer and survey the site, normally using extended Phase 1 guidelines. This will result in a baseline report indicating any areas where further surveys and/or mitigation may be required, for example if a badger sett is found, if the site is close to a river (and may therefore require otter, water vole or beaver surveys), or if buildings and trees on site are likely to contain bats or breeding birds. Carrying out a scoping survey at an early stage can prevent delays due to problems with planning applications and time constraints on some environmental surveys.
Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW)
An Ecological Clerk of Works provides on-site guidance to developers during the construction phase of a project and ensures legal compliance for protected species or habitats. Having an ECoW on site is often a condition of gaining planning permission.
Protected Species Survey
A protected species survey is often carried out as part of a Site Scoping Survey. This will result in a report outlining any protected species on the site and any mitigation considerations which may be required in order to comply with current legislation. If a developer is already aware of a protected species which may be affected by a project we can survey and provide a mitigation plan solely for that particular species. These species include: