Protected and Other Species Surveys

Our ecology specialists can survey and monitor specific groups of plants and animals, using nationally recognised methodologies which are approved by the Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management.

Information & Guidance

We can guide you through the various ecological stages of a development, giving you all the correct information. This avoids disruptions and expensive delays by not correctly considering wildlife law and its implications.

Types of Surveys

We provide the following protected species surveys:

• Bat surveys (all British species - see below for more info)
• Reptile surveys (all British species - see below for more info)
• Badger surveys
• Great Crested Newt surveys
• Dormice surveys
• Water Vole surveys
• Otter surveys

Bat Surveys

Bats are in particular demand as they may be present when a building is demolished. In this case we carry out an initial bat survey or ‘bat check’. Sometimes this bat survey is requested at the start of your planning application and replaces the need for a Baseline Species Assessment. Three of our staff are licensed bat workers

Mitigation Plans

Bats and the other European protected species may require an European Protected Species License (EPSL) application. Which is applied to Natural England once planning permission has been granted. However, we will work with the Local authority and Natural England on your behalf to agree a mitigation plan for a specific species so that an European Protected Species License may not be necessary.

Reptile Surveys & Translocation

Reptile surveys are also popular as slow worms and common lizards frequently occupy waste ground or Brownfield sites. It is possible that a reptile translocation may be recommended, following a method statement agreed with Natural England. This will involve a trained ecologist from Dorset Ecology moving the reptiles to a site that has been specifically enhanced for their occupation.

Aquatic Surveys and Transects

At Dorset Ecology we are particularly proud of our aquatic ecology specialism both for habitat and species work. Additional to our protected species work (such as water vole surveys) we can carry out:

• Dragonfly transects
• Aquatic invertebrate surveys
• Aquatic plant surveys

Bird & Butterfly Surveys

We can also carry out specialist bird and butterfly surveys..

Further Information

For an informal discussion regarding surveys telephone 01305 217972 or

Contact Us Here

 

Contact Us Here

Case Study:

Cuthay Farm European
Protected Species Licence