Ecological Surveys
We provide a comprehensive range of habitat and species surveys, from initial ecological appraisal through to detailed assessment, licensing, mitigation and monitoring.
The ecological surveys required for a project depend on the habitats present, the species that may be affected, the nature of the proposed works and the likely zone of influence.
Richard Green Ecology provides proportionate ecological surveys for planning, infrastructure, land management, conservation and legal purposes.
Our services include:
- Preliminary Ecological Appraisal
- UK Habitat Classification
- Habitat-condition assessment
- Botanical and NVC surveys
- Bat surveys
- Badger surveys
- Hazel dormouse surveys
- Great crested newt surveys
- Reptile surveys
- Otter and water vole surveys
- Breeding and wintering bird surveys
- Invertebrate surveys
- Beaver surveys
- White-clawed and invasive crayfish surveys
- MoRPh and River Condition Assessment
We also provide Ecological Impact Assessment, Biodiversity Net Gain, Habitats Regulations Assessment, protected-species licensing, mitigation design, Ecological Clerk of Works support and long-term monitoring.
Proportionate survey design
Not every project requires every possible survey. We review the proposed works, site context, available records and initial habitat information before recommending further work.
Where appropriate, early changes to the design or working method may avoid a particular impact and reduce the need for detailed survey or licensing.
Many surveys have seasonal, weather or access constraints. Early ecological advice allows the necessary work to be programmed at the correct time and reduces the risk of delays.
Licensed and specialist survey work
Some survey methods require a protected-species licence or other regulatory permission. We will identify these requirements and allocate appropriately experienced and licensed ecologists.
Where specialist identification or survey expertise is required, we coordinate suitable botanists, taxonomists and species specialists as part of the project team.
We hold Confined Space Entry and Tree Climbing and Aerial Rescue qualifications, allowing us to enter underground sites and structures and climb trees to survey for bats.
We also hold CSCS cards for entry onto construction sites.
Please refer to our ecological survey calendar for when surveys can be undertaken.
Key Benefits of Service
- Comprehensive range of ecological surveys
- Proportionate recommendations based on project risk
- Appropriately experienced and licensed surveyors
- Capacity to support small and large projects
- Clear GIS plans and practical reports
- Survey, assessment, licensing and mitigation under one team
- Nationwide service from our Devon base