Baseline Ecological Assessment

The first request for ecological information following a planning application is often a basic species assessment. This can also be known as a Biodiversity checklist or an extended phase 1 habitat survey. This step is vital for guiding you through the right side of wildlife law and is usually the only ecological input you require for your planning application to go ahead.

What does this assessment involve?

The baseline assessment will involve an ecological desk top survey, in order to review any species records or designated conservation sites adjacent to or on your site. This will equip the ecologist with background information before they carry out a site visit in order to produce a survey report and maps to accompany your planning application.

We use a range of datasets to carry out our desk top surveys, including information provided by local biological record centres. Information is displayed on a Geographical Mapping System (GIS) which provides the basis for all our mapping services.

What happens next?

This initial baseline ecological assessment can lead to further work if protected species or sensitive habitats are present but this usually happens after planning permission has been given. The presence of protected species does not usually stop a planning proposal from going ahead but provision for the particular species will have to be made.

Dorset Ecology can guide you every step of the way making recommendations for species or sensitive habitat protection to ensure that your project runs smoothly while protecting wildlife.

Click here for more information on Protected Species Surveys - such as Bat, Great Crested Newt and Water Vole Surveys. 

Further Information

For an informal discussion regarding ecological assessments telephone 01305 217972 or

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