EcoNorth > What We Do > Protected Species & Habitat Surveys

Protected Species & Habitat Surveys

Wildlife surveys, Protected Species, Wildlife, Protected Species Survey, Habitat Surveys, Habitat

Providing you with a Full Range of Surveys for your Development

The UK has some fantastic wildlife and habitats, whether they be in the wilds of Scotland or at the end of your street. Many of these are protected through a complex array of European Legislation, UK Wildlife Law, Planning Policy, UK and Local Biodiversity Action Plans whose combined aim is to protect and, wherever possible, enhance those which may be rare, threatened or declining both in the UK throughout Europe. We offer surveys for all your development’s needs.

EcoNorth’s team is highly experienced in undertaking the full range of detailed protected species and habitat surveys. The aim of which is to gain a better understanding of the species and habitats within a development. This enables our clients to both design projects which are legally complaint and where possible offer enhancements opportunities for wildlife and habitats and, ensure that no harm or damage is done during and after works. Get in touch to discuss your development and surveys required.

Preliminary Ecological Appraisal

Preliminary Ecological Appraisal, PEA,

The primary tool for assessing a sites ecological quality, a Preliminary Ecological Appraisal, is the first stage of an ecological survey conducted to ascertain whether further ecological survey effort is required to assess a development’s potential impacts.

Botanical Surveys

corn marigold and feverfew

Botanical surveys are designed to identify and quantify botanical features and habitat types. They comprise of surveys such as Phase 1 Habitat Surveys, NVC surveys, habitat specific plant surveys and protected plant species and distribution surveys, all of which are tailored to suit the needs of your site.

Badgers

Badger, Badger Survey

Badgers are secretive and it is possible to be unaware of their presence on a site. If you suspect badgers or their setts are present or are unsure if you require a badger survey or badger protection, simply get in touch.

Bats

Hibernation Survey, Bats Transect Surveys,Preliminary Roost Assessment ,Licensing, Bats, Bat, Bat Survey,Licensing, Process and Supporting,Bat Activity Surveys

Bats roost in a variety of structures and trees throughout the UK. If work is planned on buildings (including modern builds), bridges, trees or other structures it is important to contact us as bats could be present. Planners will also advise that bat surveys should be undertaken to structures undergoing planning consent.

Dormouse

Dormouse Cage and Hair traps, Dormouse - Nest Searches

Dormice inhabit woodlands, scrub and hedgerows; if you are planning works to these habitat types or are unsure as to whether dormice could be present, simply get in touch. We can provide you with advice on dormouse protection and your options. We undertake all types of surveys, licencing and mitigation.

Fish and Aquatics

Fish, aquatic, salmon

Many of the UK's freshwater systems support populations of fish which are important internationally. Where these are identified by statutory agencies, they are designated as Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) as required by the EU Habitats Directive, and receive strict protection under the UK's Habitats Regulations.

Invertebrates

Invertebrate, Invertebrate Survey

Notable invertebrates occur in a wide range of habitats and can be specific to local or regional locations, so it is important to understand what habitats and food plants are present on your site to see if notable invertebrates are likely to be present.

Great Crested Newts

Great Crested Newt, GCN, Newt, Newt Survey, GCN Survey, Great Crested Newt Survey

EcoNorth can advise you on great crested newt legislation and provide pragmatic approaches to establishing great crested newt presence or absence, and required mitigation where the species is recorded.

Otters

otter holt

Otters are a riverine species and are often present near waterways. Otters also shelter woodland close to waterways. If you are planning works near these habitats or are unsure as to whether otters could be present, get in touch and we will happily guide you through the process.

Pine Martens

Pine martens, Pine Marten Breeding Den Surveys

Pine Martens are typically found in woodlands and occasionally crag habitats primarily in Scotland but are also present in northern England. If you are planning works near these habitats or are unsure as to whether pine martens could be present then please get in touch with us.

Red Squirrels

Red Squirrel,Red Squirrel - Transect Survey

Red squirrels are present in woodlands primarily in Scotland and northern England. If you are planning works within or near these habitats or are unsure as to whether red squirrels could be present, simply get in touch.

Reptiles

Adder, Reptiles, Reptile Surveys

As reptiles can be present on a range of sites, it is important to establish whether surveys to identify presence or absence of reptiles should be considered. EcoNorth can advise you on whether reptile surveys are required prior to commencement of your project.

Water Voles

Water Vole, Water Voles Surveys

Water voles in the UK typically occupy sites adjacent to still or running water where suitable food plants (grasses, sedges and rushes) are present. If you are planning works near these habitats or are unsure as to whether water voles could be present, please get in touch.

White-Clawed Crayfish

White Clawed Crayfish, WCC, Crayfish, Crayfish Survey, White Clawed Crayfish Survey, Crayfish Handling, White Claw Crayfish Handling

White-clawed Crayfish are a European protected species, and should be considered if your project has the potential to impact a watercourse. An assessment for the potential of white-clawed crayfish presence can be undertaken as a standalone survey or as part of a Preliminary Ecological Appraisal.

Invasive Species

Invasive Himalayan Balsam, Invasive Species, Invasive

Invasive species can prevent works going ahead due to legislative controls regarding the spread of a species, and can even damage property on your site. Early detection and rapid response followed by control or eradication are key to the management of invasive species.

Fresh Water Pearl Mussels

Freshwater pearl musselsl,Fresh Water Pearl Muscles Surveys

If your project is likely to affect a waterway it should always be assessed for protected species and for any effects to freshwater species, such as fresh water pearl mussel, fish or white-clawed crayfish. Consideration of the presence of fresh water pearl mussel populations and their life stage can have significant implications.

Habitat Creation and Management

The EcoNorth team has a wealth of experience in managing coastal, upland and woodland sites as well as integrating management for biodiversity into development proposals.