Ecological Appraisal

Expert ecological assessment

To give you the facts you need about your site, our ecological appraisal (also known as extended Phase 1) will provide an overview of the site so that you can quickly understand the the ecological conditions.

We will give you a thorough understanding of the key ecological constraints to your project and our professional advise will tell you how you can overcome them, to be able to get planning permission or necessary consents as soon as possible.

Getting to know your site’s ecology

As well as visiting your site and checking legal information and policy we’ll comprehensively review your project plans and guide you on the next steps.

Your report will have a full site description and habitat plan, along with any relevant legal or policy information, as well as our recommendations on what to do next, and recommendations for how to enhance your project for wildlife and people.

So you’ll know you’re getting the right advice to help your project move forward.

Call us now to organise your survey.

What is an ecological appraisal?

An ecological appraisal or phase 1 habitat survey is an initial site assessment that is undertaken early in the planning process. The objective is to map the site and identify and ecological constraints, so that these can avoided or minimsed in line with planning policy and legislation.

The ecological appraisal has the following four objectives;

• Produce a map of the habitats and any other important feature on site
• Assess whether the site supports, or is likely to support, any protected or notable species of animal or plant
• Identify any policy or legislative constraints relevant to the project
• Provide recommendations for further surveys, compensation or mitigation

How much does it cost?

Our ecological appraisals start from £500.00 and the exact cost will very much depend on the size and complexity of the site. Small sites of little interest, such as a well-managed garden, will cost much less than a large complex site such as farm, golf course or large brownfield site.

When can it be done?

An ecological appraisal can be done at any time of year although on rare occasions where the site may contain rare plants, then a survey would best be undertaken in the summer between April and October.