Protected species surveys

Targeted surveys to identify protected species and assess how proposals may affect them, with clear next steps for planning.

Many planning applications require protected species surveys, especially when buildings, trees, hedgerows, ponds or suitable habitats may be affected by development.

We provide clear, proportionate surveys and reports that meet legal and planning requirements without adding unnecessary cost or delay.

Our ecologists are experienced in carrying out all common protected species surveys, from bats and great crested newts to badgers, dormice and reptiles.

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Types of protected species surveys

The species we commonly survey for include:

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Bat surveys

Bats often use buildings, trees and other structures for roosting, so surveys are frequently required for extensions, conversions, demolition or roof works.

We provide:

All surveys follow current best practice and are undertaken by experienced surveyors.

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Great crested newt surveys

Great crested newts are strictly protected. If there are ponds within 250 metres of your site, you may need a survey.

We provide:

  • Environmental DNA (eDNA) surveys

  • Traditional population surveys

  • Habitat suitability index assessments

  • Mitigation plans and licensing support

We will advise on which method is appropriate and explain any seasonal constraints.

Close-up of a brown snake slithering through grass and plants on the ground.

Reptile surveys

Reptiles such as slow worms, grass snakes and common lizards are often found in rough grassland, brownfield land and unmanaged plots.

We provide:

  • Presence or absence surveys

  • Population class assessments

  • Translocation and habitat management plans

  • Ecological supervision during site clearances.

Small brown mouse inside a cardboard box filled with dried leaves and grass, nestled among natural nesting materials.

Dormouse surveys

Dormice use woodland, hedgerows and scrub habitats. Surveys are required where these habitats may be affected.

We provide:

  • Nest tube surveys

  • Nest box surveys

  • Habitat suitability assessments

  • Mitigation and licensing support.

A young American badger with black and white facial markings walking through a forest undergrowth.

Badger surveys

Badgers and their setts are protected, and development near setts requires careful assessment.

We provide:

  • Badger walkover surveys

  • Sett identification and activity assessment

  • Impact assessment and mitigation design

  • Licence applications if works are required near setts.

When is a protected species survey needed?

You may need a protected species survey if:

  • Your site includes buildings, barns or roof spaces

  • There are ponds or waterbodies within 250 metres

  • There are hedgerows, woodland edges or rough grassland

  • A preliminary ecological appraisal identifies a potential habitat

  • The local planning authority requests species-specific surveys

  • You are carrying out demolition, roof work, extensions or conversion

Rough grassland

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.

Why protected species surveys matter

Protected species are safeguarded under UK law, and planning authorities must ensure that development avoids harm and provides mitigation where needed.

Our surveys:

  • Confirm whether protected species are present or likely to be affected

  • Provide evidence for planning applications

  • Prevent avoidable breaches of legislation

  • Support licences where required

  • Provide clear, proportionate mitigation advice

We always recommend the minimum level of survey required to satisfy planning and legal obligations.

EMT2 bat surveying equipment

Survey windows

Many protected species surveys can only be carried out at certain times of year. This is one of the most common causes of planning delays.

We always explain survey windows clearly and help you plan the most efficient route through the process.

You can also download our survey calendar for quick reference.

Survey calendar
Worker crouching underneath a wooden structure, inspecting or working on foundation work in a construction site, wearing a yellow safety vest and jeans.

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

  • Icon of a computer window with a checkmark inside a circle, indicating confirmation or success.

    Send us your plans

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

  • A white location pin icon on a green background.

    Site visit and survey

    We will carry out the necessary survey work, following current industry guidance.

  • Icon of multiple documents stacked, with one document in front having lines of text, on a green background.

    Clear, planning-ready report

    You receive a concise, robust report with conclusions, mitigation measures and next steps.

  • An illustration of a hand holding a circle with a check mark inside, on a green background.

    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 - Dorset - Somerset - Gloucestershire - South Wales - Oxfordshire - Berkshire - Buckinghamshire - Greater London - Surrey - Greater London - Berkshire - Buckinghamshire - West Sussex.

We can also travel to neighbouring areas by arrangement.

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