We undertake detailed UK Habitat Classification surveys and prepare accurate GIS habitat plans for ecological assessment, Biodiversity Net Gain and land management.
The UK Habitat Classification, commonly known as UKHab, provides a consistent system for identifying, describing and mapping terrestrial and freshwater habitats.
UKHab is widely used for Preliminary Ecological Appraisal, Ecological Impact Assessment, Biodiversity Net Gain, habitat management and ecological monitoring. It has largely replaced traditional Phase 1 Habitat Survey for new development projects, although Phase 1 mapping may still be provided where it is specifically required or needed for comparison with earlier work.
Richard Green Ecology can undertake:
- Basic or detailed UKHab surveys
- Extended UKHab surveys incorporating protected-species assessment
- Habitat mapping using GIS
- Primary habitat classification
- Appropriate secondary codes
- Priority habitat identification
- Hedgerow and watercourse mapping
- Habitat-condition assessment
- Botanical species lists and target notes
- Repeat surveys for habitat monitoring
The level of survey detail is tailored to the purpose of the project. A broad classification may be sufficient for an early feasibility exercise, while a planning application, Ecological Impact Assessment or Biodiversity Net Gain calculation is likely to require more detailed habitat parcels, condition information and supporting evidence.
Survey timing
Some habitats can be identified throughout much of the year. However, confidence in the classification and evaluation of grassland, wetland, heathland, woodland ground flora and other botanically diverse habitats can be reduced outside the main growing season.
We will advise whether the proposed survey timing is suitable and whether a later botanical survey may be needed to confirm habitat type, distinctiveness or condition.
UKHab and Biodiversity Net Gain
UKHab provides much of the habitat information needed for Biodiversity Net Gain, but UKHab classification and statutory metric condition assessment are separate tasks.
Where a survey is being used for BNG, we will record the additional information needed to complete the applicable statutory biodiversity metric and condition assessments.
The version of UKHab and the level of detail used will be stated in the project report.
Key Benefits of Service
- Survey undertaken by experienced habitat surveyors
- Accurate GIS habitat mapping
- Survey detail tailored to the project
- Appropriate secondary codes and target notes
- Integration with BNG condition assessment
- Identification of priority and notable habitats
- Suitable for baseline and repeat monitoring
