Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA)

Biodiversity Net Gain is an approach to development projects that aims to leave biodiversity in a better state than before. It encourages a focus on increasing the measurable biodiversity value of a Site through the integration of appropriate habitat creation and enhancement measures.

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We employ a comprehensive habitat classification system using industry standard guidelines that allows areas of a site to be assigned to particular habitat types.

With standardised habitat definitions and mapping keys, this survey provides baseline information to support an Ecological Impact Assessment and from which to apply the key principals of Biodiversity Net Gain.

This approach is appropriate for anything from small scale urban sites proposed for development to large and complex rural habitats earmarked for habitat connectivity and green infrastructure.

Our accurate habitat mapping supports evidence based mitigation and compensation strategies, directing resources and guiding development to the most appropriate locations, whilst maximising biodiversity benefits.

We use the latest software, including QGIS to digitise clear maps, including supporting data, to provide a spatially accurate representation of a site.

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As the initial stage of the EcIA process, a Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA) is often requested by a Local Planning Authority to support planning applications. Although not in line with standard industry guidelines, a PEA can be referred to as ‘Ecological Scoping survey’, ‘Phase 1 Habitat Survey’ or ‘Ecology Walkover Survey’.

The PEA includes a site visit and desk study, providing a rapid assessment of the potential ecological impacts associated with proposed development schemes and identification of potential opportunities for biodiversity net gain. This stage of the assessment will determine whether further species-specific surveys are required, for example, for roosting bats, reptiles or dormice.

If further surveys are required to inform the EcIA, effective communication ensures that our Clients are fully briefed on the type and level of survey effort necessary and any associated constraints. In addition, our findings and recommendations are clearly presented within a summary document, providing concise information and advice to the project team.

Although not usually required, a full technical PEA report can be produced at this stage.

If, following the site visit and assessment, no protected species surveys are necessary, then a PEA report is not usually required as we progress straight to the EcIA report.

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For any projects that may impact roosting bats, Stage 1 includes a Preliminary Roost Assessment (PRA), this is sometimes referred to as a Bat Scoping Survey.

A PRA is usually required for proposed development sites with existing buildings or mature trees. It comprises an initial internal and external inspection by one of our experienced and Licenced ecologists to record any roosting bats or signs of roosting bats and assess the suitability of the buildings or trees to support roosting bats.

For buildings and trees with negligible suitability for roosting bats, a PRA report or inclusion of the PRA within an EcIA report is enough to support a planning application.

Where buildings or trees are assessed as having potential to support roosting bats, further survey work to determine presence or likely absence and any required mitigation measures is likely to be required prior to determination of planning approval.

Following a PRA, we provide our clients with clear advice and guidance on any requirements for further survey work along with the timings and costs involved to allow efficient project planning.

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Mitigation

Robust and considered ecological mitigation measures are key to ensuring successful compliance with wildlife legislation, planning policy and Licencing.

We approach each project individually to reduce ecological impacts using the principals of mitigation hierarchy, assessing suitable avoidance, mitigation and compensation measures.

Our experienced ecologists identify project specific measures as part of the EcIA process, working collaboratively we incorporate the constraints faced by project teams to ensure the best possible outcomes for biodiversity. Our consideration of mitigation measures from early in the project life cycle is not only more likely to deliver better biodiversity outcomes but will avoid unnecessary expense and delays in the planning and development process, easing the consent process for our clients.

For low impact schemes mitigation can include simple measures, such as appropriate timing of works and precautionary methods of working during the construction phase. Our ecologists provide clear advice and guidance to contractors through toolbox talks and watching briefs.

For projects with more complex ecological constraints, our ecologists have a wealth of experience devising mitigation strategies that consider multiple species requirements and European Protected Species Mitigation Licences. We highlight different options to our clients when possible, offering advice on where and when costs can be saved whilst maintained the ecological integrity of a project.

Enhancement Strategies

The principals of Biodiversity Net Gain are key components of any development project and will be required by Planning Authorities to contribute towards biodiversity priorities identified within Local Plans.

Our ecologists provide appropriate and site-specific guidance on providing habitat enhancement and creation within all our projects, from single house-holder developments to large scale residential schemes.

We advise on simple but effective measures, such as the installation of bird and bat boxes, through to ecological integration with sustainable urban drainage systems and wildlife corridors and larger scale habitat creation, including woodland, wildflower meadows and wildlife corridors.

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