Frequently Asked Questions
HOW MUCH DO ECOLOGICAL SURVEYS COST?
Water vole are protected under Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. To ensure that you can secure planning for your project and that it is legally compliant, you will need a water vole survey.
Our surveys are competitively priced per individual site, taking into account the complexity of the site and the proposal, the travel distance and what equipment is required.
We would be happy to chat to you about your project requirements and provide a quote. Get in touch here
WHY DO I NEED A WATER VOLE SURVEY?
An ecologist can survey for water vole all year around. However, to prove that water vole are absent, survey(s) should take place between April and September, as per best practice.
WHO CAN CONDUCT ECOLOGICAL SURVEYS?
Ecological surveys have to be carried out by suitably qualified and experienced professional ecologists to ensure compliance, reliable data gathering and assessment, and to get the best results for your project.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I DON’T HAVE ECOLOGICAL SURVEYS?
Bats are protected under national and European legislation. Therefore, to secure planning and for your project to be legally compliant, you will need to have it confirmed by a suitably qualified and experienced ecologist if your development needs bat surveys.
Missing ecological survey data may cause delays to your project timelines and risk causing harm to the wildlife and the environment. Ecological survey data is a legal requirement that forms part of the planning process, therefore, it is best to engage a professional ecologist right from the design stage of your project, so that surveys are timely and any ecological requirements are met, avoiding project delays.
WHEN CAN I DO A WATER VOLE SURVEY?
DO I NEED ECOLOGICAL SURVEYS?
Yes, if your project could impact wildlife and natural habitats. Local Planning Authorities will expect you to have an ecology report stating what habitats there are, what protected species may be present and what further surveys may be required. This is called Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA).
Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA) is an initial assessment following a survey that outlines what ecological value the site has. It involves that desktop study, field survey and recommendations.
WHEN DO I NEED TO HAVE THE SURVEYS DONE?
DO I NEED A BAT SURVEY?
Surveys completed during the project design stage would be best to try avoid and minimise impacts on wildlife. All surveys will need to be completed before you submit a planning application. Where impacts cannot be avoided, you will need further surveys to assess presence/absence.
WHAT IS A PRELIMINARY ECOLOGICAL APPRAISAL (PEA)?