What is a Protected Species Survey?
The presence of legally protected species at a development site can significantly influence the planning process.
Without conducting a Protected Species Survey, developers may inadvertently harm protected species, leading to legal issues, fines, and potential delays to the project.
By engaging Fenland Ecology early in the planning process, you can ensure that your project proceeds in full compliance with the relevant wildlife laws, avoiding costly setbacks and ensuring the conservation of important species.
Initial Consultation:
Before we begin fieldwork, we conduct an initial consultation with you to understand the specifics of your project and any previous ecological surveys that may have been conducted. This helps us to tailor our Protected Species Survey to your needs and ensure that all relevant species are considered.
Field Surveys:
We will conduct thorough field surveys in accordance with best practice survey methodologies to ensure the accuracy and reliability of our findings. The type and timing of the survey will depend on the species in question, and will also frequently require multiple survey visits. For example, breeding bird surveys typically involve monthly visits over March to July, while surveys focused on bat summer roosts may involve up to three visits from May to September.
Conservation Importance:
If protected species are found during the survey, we assess their conservation importance. This involves evaluating the population size, habitat quality, and any potential impacts from the proposed development. Understanding the conservation status of a species is critical for determining what actions are necessary to protect it.
Reporting and Compliance Measures:
The Protected Species Survey report details the results of the survey, including the presence or absence of species, their population status, and any legal or planning requirements. We also outline the measures necessary to ensure compliance with UK wildlife legislation. This could involve mitigation strategies, such as habitat creation or protection, timing restrictions on construction activities, or obtaining licenses from regulatory authorities.
Legal Compliance:
Ensuring that your project complies with wildlife legislation is critical to avoiding delays, legal penalties, or fines. A Protected Species Survey ensures that you are fully aware of your obligations and can take appropriate steps to meet them.
Informed Decision-Making:
By understanding the ecological constraints and opportunities associated with protected species, you can make informed decisions about project design, site layout, and construction timing.
Conservation and Sustainability:
Protecting biodiversity is a key consideration in modern development. A Protected Species Survey helps ensure that your project not only complies with legal requirements but also contributes to the conservation of important species and habitats.
Why Choose Fenland Ecology?
Our experienced ecologists have extensive knowledge of UK wildlife legislation and the skills required to carry out high-quality protected species surveys.
We pride ourselves on delivering accurate, reliable, and clear reports that help you achieve planning success while safeguarding important wildlife.
Contact Us
We are committed to providing thorough and reliable Protected Species Surveys to help you meet your planning and conservation goals while ensuring legal compliance. Let us help you safeguard protected species and contribute to sustainable development.