Ecology surveys for planning

Clear, proportionate ecological surveys to support planning applications.

Most planning applications require some form of ecological assessment. Ecology surveys for planning provide the baseline information planning authorities need to understand the ecological value of a site and to decide whether further surveys or mitigation are required.

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Types of ecology surveys for planning

We provide all surveys commonly required to support planning applications. The most appropriate survey depends on your site and proposal - in most cases, it is a preliminary ecological appraisal (PEA). 

Breeding bird surveys

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Ecological walkover survey

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This is an early-stage site visit used to identify ecological constraints and opportunities and to inform design or feasibility before a planning application is submitted.

Phase 1 habitat survey

A habitat mapping survey identifies and records the types of habitat present on a site. Phase 1 surveys are now most often used as part of a PEA rather than as standalone reports.

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Preliminary ecological appraisal (PEA)

A Preliminary ecological appraisal (PEA) is the standard first step for most planning applications.

It brings together site survey information, habitat assessment and professional judgement into a single, planning-ready reports.

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Preliminary roost assessment (PRA)

A preliminary roost assessment (PRA) is the first step in assessing whether a building or structure has the potential to support bats.

It involves an internal and external inspection by a licensed ecologist to identify features that could be used by bats and to assess whether further survey work is required. Where no bat roost potential is identified, a PRA can often be used to support a planning application without the need for additional bat surveys.

Where bat roost potential is identified, the PRA sets out clear, proportionate recommendations for any further surveys needed and the appropriate timing, helping avoid unnecessary delay in the planning process.

See: Possible outcomes of a preliminary roost assessment and what each outcome requires by way of bat surveys.

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Breeding bird surveys are carried out to assess whether nesting birds may be affected by a proposed development.

They involve site checks by an ecologist to identify active nests or suitable nesting habitat and to confirm whether works can proceed, need to be timed appropriately, or require mitigation. Where no nesting birds are present, a breeding bird survey can often be used to support a planning application or discharge a planning condition without further action.

UK Habitat (UKHab) survey

This is a detailed habitat survey that classifies habitats and their condition using the UKHab system. UKHab surveys are commonly used to support biodiversity net gain assessments and are often incorporated into a PEA.

When is an ecology survey needed?

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An ecology survey is often required where:

  • A development affects a building, tree, hedgerow or land that could support wildlife

  • A local planning authority requests ecological information

  • A site lies within or near a designated area

  • A planning application, prior approval or lawful development certificate is being submitted

  • Biodiversity net gain needs to be demonstrated 

Not sure what you need? 

For most sites, the correct starting point is a preliminary ecological appraisal (PEA). Send us your plans or a brief description of your project, and we’ll confirm what is required and when.

Our planning-focused approach

Our role is to provide clear, robust surveys and reports that answer the questions planning officers and consultees expect to see, without unnecessary complexity or cost. Our reports are:

  • Clear – concise conclusions that address each ecological issue

  • Proportionate – we recommend only what is necessary for your project

  • Robust – based on current legislation and professional best practice

  • Planning-ready – structured to support efficient decision-making

Whether you are applying for a small home extension or a larger development, we explain what is required, why, and the simplest route through the planning process.

Our process

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    Send us your plans

    Email your drawings, site address and planning context. We will review and provide a fixed-fee quote within 24 hours.

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    Site survey

    We visit the site and complete the assessment.

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    Reporting

    You receive documents tailored to your proposal and planning authority.

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    Support through planning

    If planning officers or contractors have questions, we provide prompt clarification.

Areas we cover

We provide licensing, mitigation and ecological supervision services across:

Wiltshire - Devon - Somerset - North Somerset - City of Bristol - Bath and North East Somerset - Monmouthshire - Gloucestershire - South Gloucestershire - Hampshire - Southampton - Surrey - Greater London West Berkshire - Swindon - Reading - Wokingham - Windsor and Maidenhead - Slough - West Sussex

We can also travel to neighbouring areas by arrangement.

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