Ecology surveys
Understand habitats and potential ecological constraints. An initial appraisal can identify where more detailed survey work is needed.
Start with the ecological baselineACP Consultants · Ecology & Biodiversity
Make room for nature in your development.
Ecology and biodiversity services help you understand the natural features of a site before design decisions become difficult to change. Find the right starting point for habitats, protected species, biodiversity net gain and trees.
Find your starting point
What is the first question on your site?
A habitat survey, a species survey and a biodiversity calculation answer different questions. Start with the site's constraints, then agree the evidence needed for the proposal.
Biodiversity net gain
Explore the assessment and delivery evidence for biodiversity net gain. Keep the habitat baseline, proposed layout and biodiversity calculations aligned.
Explore biodiversity net gainBat surveys
Consider buildings, trees and habitats that could support bats. Discuss the survey approach and seasonal programme before demolition or design commitments.
Explore bat survey requirementsReptile surveys
Review suitable habitat and potential effects on reptiles. The survey findings can inform layout, mitigation and the timing of site works.
Explore reptile surveysTree surveys
Understand trees on and near the site, including their influence on the layout. Arboricultural evidence supports decisions about retention and protection.
Explore tree surveysA practical selection guide
Choose a starting point
| Project question | Assessment focus | Useful information |
|---|---|---|
| You are assessing a site or preparing an early layout | Ecology surveys | Existing records, site photographs and a boundary plan |
| You need to understand habitat change and biodiversity delivery | Biodiversity net gain | Current and proposed habitat information, with the latest layout |
| Buildings, trees or habitat suitable for protected species may be affected | Bat or reptile survey advice | Description of works, photographs and any previous ecology reports |
| Trees may constrain access, buildings or construction | Tree surveys | Tree locations, levels and proposed layout |
These are starting points, not a definitive survey schedule. Survey scope and timing depend on the site, likely effects and available evidence.
From evidence to design
Plan the sequence, not just the report.
Ecological findings can influence building positions, lighting, landscape design and construction methods. Share proposed changes with the assessment team so that reports and drawings remain consistent. Tree protection and habitat retention also need space in the layout.
Understand
Bring together records, site information and the development proposal.
Investigate
Agree the surveys and programme, including seasonal dependencies.
Design
Use the findings to inform avoidance, mitigation and biodiversity delivery.
Before you commission
Your questions, clarified.
Does a biodiversity net gain assessment replace ecology surveys?
No. Biodiversity net gain and ecological surveys serve related but different purposes. Habitat calculations do not replace evidence about protected species or other ecological effects.
Should surveys wait until the layout is finished?
Early advice is usually more useful. Survey findings may change the layout, and some fieldwork depends on the season. Agree the programme before relying on a submission date.
Can existing reports be used?
Share them for review. Their suitability depends on the survey methods, age, changes to the site and the current proposal. An earlier report is useful evidence, but it is not automatically sufficient.
Further reading for England: Planning practice guidance: natural environment. Requirements elsewhere in the UK may differ. Confirm the applicable requirements for your site.
Your next step
Discuss your site's ecology requirements
Include the site boundary, proposed works, photographs, existing ecology or tree reports and your intended planning date.
You do not need a finished scope to start the discussion. Explain the decision you need to make and share the information you have.