Ecological Assessments

EMEC Ecology has undertaken Extended Phase-1 Habitat surveys, Ecological Assessments and Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIAs) throughout the East Midlands and beyond. Recent surveys have included sites in Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Warwickshire and Lincolnshire. Further details on recent contracts undertaken are provided in our Projects page.

Extended Phase-1 Habitat Survey

This type of survey follows the standard methodology and involves systematically walking over a site and classifying each parcel of land on the basis of vegetation into one of approximately 90 habitats. Notes are made on the structure and composition of habitats and a botanical species list is also recorded. Target notes are used to record any habitats or features of particular interest and any sightings, signs or evidence of protected or notable faunal species or any potential habitat for such species. This type of survey and subsequent report is normally suitable for small-scale housing developments and similar schemes.

Desk Study / Consultation

In order to gain a greater level of information on the species and habitats present in the surrounding area a desk study or consultation is normally undertaken. This involves EMEC Ecology consulting with local record holders to obtain any existing records of protected and / or notable species and designated nature conservation sites, including Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and Local Wildlife Sites (LWS). This information can then be used to evaluate the likelihood of protected species being present, or not present, within the site itself.

The following organisations are likely to be contacted:

• Local Environmental Records Centre.
• Multi-Agency Geographic Information for the Countryside (Magic website for statutory nature conservation sites).
• National Biodiversity Network (NBN website for protected species distribution).

Ecological Impact Assessment

Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA) is the assessment of the effect of a proposed action on plants and animals and the environments in which they occur. Increasingly, this is a prerequisite for larger developments, either independently or as part of a wider Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) or Environmental Statement (ES).

An EcIA should include an assessment of the effect of the proposed works, once all mitigation, compensation and enhancement measures are taken into account. Therefore, as part of EcIAs, EMEC Ecology will often design (and if required, implement) a wide range of mitigation and habitat creation / enhancement measures to ensure the ecological impact of the development is not considered significant.

EMEC Ecology can produce 'stand alone' Ecological Impact Assessment reports or produce the Ecology Chapter for an ES or EIA to a specified format. An EcIA will normally include an Extended Phase-1 Habitat Survey and Desk Study (as detailed above).

EMEC Ecology specialises in Ecological Impact Assessments and can provide:

• Scoping studies.
• A full range of ecological surveys to provide baseline data.
• Concise and accurate reports following Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (IEEM) guidelines.
• The design of ecological impact mitigation and compensation measures.
• Input into masterplans and site layout.

How to Book an Ecological Assessment

EMEC Ecology work with many different clients from large council projects to small residential development sites. Each survey will therefore be specific to a site and the costs will vary accordingly. EMEC Ecology will be happy to provide a quotation for a survey that will be both efficient and cost effective to the site specifics. Reports are produced as soon as possible however should you have a specific date for submission with a planning application we will do our utmost to accommodate this.

If you require a quotation please send an email to us at mail@emec-ecology.co.uk including any site plans that you have available (or details and photographs of the site if applicable) with details of the proposed development for the site, along with your name and contact details. Should you wish to contact us at the office please call 0115 9644828.