Preliminary Ecological Appraisals / Extended Phase 1 Habitat surveys
Biodiversity Net Gain / Project Feasibility and River Condition Assessment
Biodiversity Net Gain / Project Feasibility and River Condition Assessment
When developing land, planning authorities often require an ecological appraisal or habitat survey. This is usually provided as a Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA) or Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey.
These surveys assess the ecological value of habitats on site and identify evidence of, or potential for, protected species. They typic
When developing land, planning authorities often require an ecological appraisal or habitat survey. This is usually provided as a Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA) or Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey.
These surveys assess the ecological value of habitats on site and identify evidence of, or potential for, protected species. They typically include a site walkover survey and a review of existing ecological records.
Biodiversity Net Gain / Project Feasibility and River Condition Assessment
Biodiversity Net Gain / Project Feasibility and River Condition Assessment
Biodiversity Net Gain / Project Feasibility and River Condition Assessment
Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) is a requirement for most developments in England and demonstrates that a project will deliver measurable improvements for biodiversity. A BNG assessment involves surveying existing habitats, calculating baseline biodiversity value using the DEFRA metric, and identifying habitat retention, enhancement, and cre
Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) is a requirement for most developments in England and demonstrates that a project will deliver measurable improvements for biodiversity. A BNG assessment involves surveying existing habitats, calculating baseline biodiversity value using the DEFRA metric, and identifying habitat retention, enhancement, and creation measures to achieve the required net gain.
BNG assessments support planning applications and condition discharge by providing clear, policy-compliant biodiversity outcomes.
River Condition Assessments
River Condition Assessments are mandatory were a development sits within proximity to a watercourse and are undertaken by an Accredited RCA surveyor.
The assessment helps inform mitigation, enhancement opportunities, and compliance with planning and environmental legislation where development is proposed near watercourses.
Endangered Protected Species
Biodiversity Net Gain / Project Feasibility and River Condition Assessment
Endangered Protected Species
Protected species surveys are undertaken where development proposals may affect legally protected wildlife or their habitats. These surveys assess the presence, likely absence, or potential use of a site by protected species, such as bats, great crested newts, reptiles, badgers, and nesting birds.
Surveys are carried out using appropriate
Protected species surveys are undertaken where development proposals may affect legally protected wildlife or their habitats. These surveys assess the presence, likely absence, or potential use of a site by protected species, such as bats, great crested newts, reptiles, badgers, and nesting birds.
Surveys are carried out using appropriate, species-specific methods and help inform planning applications, mitigation measures, and compliance with wildlife legislation.
Endangered Protected Species Surveys
Bat Transect and Static Detector Surveys
Where development may result in the loss or degradation of bat foraging habitat, further survey work may be required to assess site use, species presence, and potential impacts. This information is used to inform appropriate mitigation and protect important flight lines and habitats.
The need for bat activity surveys is typically identifi
Where development may result in the loss or degradation of bat foraging habitat, further survey work may be required to assess site use, species presence, and potential impacts. This information is used to inform appropriate mitigation and protect important flight lines and habitats.
The need for bat activity surveys is typically identified during a Preliminary Ecological Appraisal and usually involves a series of dusk and/or dawn walked transects, supported by static bat detector deployment, with survey effort proportionate to the value of the site.
Great Crested Newt eDNA Survey
Great crested newt eDNA surveys are used to determine the presence or likely absence of great crested newts within ponds. The survey involves collecting water samples and analysing them for environmental DNA (eDNA) shed by the species.
eDNA surveys are commonly used to inform planning applications and risk assessments and can help determine whether further survey work or mitigation is required.
Badger Survey
Badger Survey
Badger surveys are undertaken where development may affect badgers or their setts. The survey assesses the presence, distribution, and level of use of badger setts and identifies potential impacts of proposed works.
The findings are used to inform mitigation measures, licensing requirements where necessary, and compliance with wildlife legislation as part of the planning process.
Reptile Surveys
Reptile surveys are undertaken where development may affect reptiles or their habitats. The survey assesses the presence, likely absence, or population size of species such as common lizard, slow worm, grass snake, and adder.
Surveys are carried out using standard methods, typically involving repeated visits and the use of artificial refu
Reptile surveys are undertaken where development may affect reptiles or their habitats. The survey assesses the presence, likely absence, or population size of species such as common lizard, slow worm, grass snake, and adder.
Surveys are carried out using standard methods, typically involving repeated visits and the use of artificial refugia, and help inform mitigation, translocation, and habitat management measures to support planning applications and legislative compliance.
Otter & Water Vole Surveys
Otter and Water Vole surveys are undertaken where development may affect these species or their habitats, particularly along rivers, streams, and other watercourses. The survey assesses the presence and use of a site through the identification of field signs such as spraints, footprints, feeding remains, and resting places.
Survey finding
Otter and Water Vole surveys are undertaken where development may affect these species or their habitats, particularly along rivers, streams, and other watercourses. The survey assesses the presence and use of a site through the identification of field signs such as spraints, footprints, feeding remains, and resting places.
Survey findings are used to inform impact assessment, mitigation and enhancement measures, and to ensure compliance with wildlife legislation as part of the planning process.
Bird Surveys
Bird Surveys
Bird surveys are undertaken where development may affect breeding or wintering birds and their habitats. Surveys assess species presence, distribution, and site use, with particular attention given to legally protected and priority species.
The findings inform impact assessment, mitigation measures such as timing of works, habitat retenti
Bird surveys are undertaken where development may affect breeding or wintering birds and their habitats. Surveys assess species presence, distribution, and site use, with particular attention given to legally protected and priority species.
The findings inform impact assessment, mitigation measures such as timing of works, habitat retention, and enhancement, and help ensure compliance with planning policy and wildlife legislation.
Ecological Clerk of Works
CSCS ROLO (Register of Land-based Operations) Certified Surveyors
At Talk-Ecology,
Ecological watching briefs are used to ensure that protected species present on site are not harmed during construction works and, where necessary, can be safely relocated. They may include site inductions for contractors, supervision of vegetation clearance or groundworks, and the provision of on-site ecological advice,
At Talk-Ecology,
Ecological watching briefs are used to ensure that protected species present on site are not harmed during construction works and, where necessary, can be safely relocated. They may include site inductions for contractors, supervision of vegetation clearance or groundworks, and the provision of on-site ecological advice, including acting as an Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW).
The need for a watching brief is typically identified through a Preliminary Ecological Appraisal. In some cases, watching briefs may be recommended without further survey work for low-risk activities, or as part of mitigation where protected species are known to be present. Where European Protected Species may be affected, site-specific mitigation licences from Natural England may also be required.
We are CSCS certified, ensuring watching briefs are carried out safely and professionally.
Our Experience and Dedication
Our team has over 7 years of experience in the industry, with the knowledge and expertise to handle a variety of project requirements specific to your needs.