Protected Species Surveys

EMEC Ecology has undertaken protected species surveys throughout the East Midlands and Nationwide. Recent surveys have included sites in Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Lincolnshire. Further details on recent contracts undertaken are provided in our Projects page.

Many species, including bats, great crested newts, nesting birds, water voles, barn owls and badgers, are protected by law at National and/or European level. The presence of such species can be a material consideration when Planning Authorities are determining applications for developments or capital works. Proper concern for these species and effective mitigation can help proposals satisfy the 'sustainability agenda' and greatly increase their chance of securing consent.

A 'Protected Species Survey' is often requested by planning prior to determining a planning application. Where the application relates to the redevelopment of buildings, such as a barn conversion or works to convert a loft space, the survey would normally consist of a survey for bats, barn owls and other nesting birds.

For sites where impacts will extend beyond just works to buildings, a protected species survey would cover all species protected by law. This would include surveying / assessing the site for great crested newts, badgers, water voles, white-clawed crayfish and reptiles. A protected species survey may require contacting the local records centre to obtain species records for a site and the close vicinity. For larger sites, an Extended Phase-1 Habitat Survey would normally be recommended.

When protected species are found, EMEC Ecology can provide advice on the next step. Our capabilities include:

• Interpreting species protection legislation and advising on legal compliance.
• Licence applications (including European Protected Species (EPS) licences and badger exclusion / disturbance licences).
• Species protection and mitigation (including site design management, construction programming and translocation).
• Species and site monitoring.

How to Book a Protected Species Survey

Each survey will be specific to a site and the costs will vary accordingly. EMEC Ecology will be happy to provide a quotation for a protected species 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 plans of the site, along with your name and contact details. Should you wish to contact us at the office please call 0115 9644828.