Protected Species Surveys

Conserving nature & increasing biodiversity

We offer many different services that aim to increase biodiversity, conserve nature and create new habitats for wildlife. From offering Rewilding advice, managing long-term Biodiversity Net Gain projects and more.

European badger in forest undergrowth

Badger Surveys

Badgers and Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir setts (underground homes) are protected by law in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ UK, so it is crucial to identify Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir presence and understand Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ impact any proposed development may have on Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir habitat. The survey findings help inform Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ planning process, allowing developers and local authorities to consider alternative designs or mitigation strategies to minimise disturbance to badger populations.

A bat hanging on Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ bark of a tree with a blurred, colorful background.

Bat Surveys

There are 18 species of bat in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ UK, and all are protected under Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. Bat surveys are required when a project or development may affect a bat or its resting place (roosts), but Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ presence of bats does not mean that development of a site is not possible.

Large flock of birds flying in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sky above a blurred, grassy foreground.

Breeding Bird Surveys

Typically, a general bird survey should be recommended wherever development has Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ potential to impact upon important assemblages of breeding birds.

Dormouse resting on a branch with green leaves and blue berries.

Dormouse Surveys

These small, arboreal mammals are legally protected under Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. Dormouse surveys are required when a development directly impacts dormice or Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir natural habitat.

A black newt with white spots on aquatic plants.

Great Crested Newt Surveys

Great crested newts (GCN’s) are a highly protected species under Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. GCN surveys are required for planning permission in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ UK to assess Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ potential impacts of proposed developments on great crested newt populations, to inform habitat management plans, assess Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ impact of development projects and ensure appropriate mitigation measures are in place to protect Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ newts and Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir habitats.

Lizard on stacked stone wall with dry grass

Reptile Surveys

There are six native reptile species in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ UK and Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y are all fully protected under Schedule 5 of Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 as amended by Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000.

A small brown water vole on a moss-covered rock near a stream, surrounded by green foliage.

Water Vole Surveys

Water voles are fully protected under Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. If any development is to be conducted on or near to a water body that has Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ potential to support water voles Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨n a survey will be necessary to determine if Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y are present.

Flock of geese flying in formation against blue sky

Wintering Bird Surveys

Wintering bird surveys are often required where proposals have Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ potential to impact upon internationally designated populations of overwintering birds and/or Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ habitats Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y rely upon.

Explore our oÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r services

Explore our oÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r services including biodiversity net gain assessments, preliminary ecological appraisals and more.