Biodiversity Survey

Some areas require a biodiversity survey in order to validate a planning application. This usually takes the form of a Preliminary Ecological Appraisal – also known as an Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey.

How much will a Biodiversity Survey cost?

The cost of a biodiversity survey varies on a case by case basis, as the fee is dependent upon site size and travel costs. A fee is also charged for a biological records search from the local biodiversity records centre and the Ordnance Survey base map (From £20 + VAT).

As a rough estimate, the cost of a biodiversity survey for a single field would be between £650 and £800 + VAT.

A biodiversity survey is designed to identify features on your site that hold conservation importance and could constitute a constraint, thereby impacting on your proposals. Wherever appropriate, recommendations for impact avoidance, mitigation and post-development enhancement are made to ensure compliance with wildlife legislation and relevant planning policies.

How Does a Biodiversity Survey Work?

Before we visit your site, our ecologists may order a biological records search from the local biological records centre, then look at the habitats surrounding your site using free, online resources such as Google Earth or Bing Maps. As we typically wouldn’t have visited your site prior to carrying out the survey, this helps us to understand the context of the site within the local landscape and to assess which species may be active in the general area.

Once we’ve completed the preparatory work, we will then arrange the site visit to begin the survey process.

The report and accompanying map are created in accordance to British Standard BS42020:2013 Biodiversity – code of practice for planning and development. This document forms the ecological foundation of your site and is normally valid for two years from the date of the survey.

There’s no need for you to be present during the biodiversity survey and we are more than happy to address any concerns you have regarding site ecology in an informal meeting at the start or end of the site visit.

What Will the Biodiversity Survey Tell Me?

The biodiversity survey will make recommendations on how to move forward with your development without impacting on protected species and habitats. These recommendations range from simple avoidance methods (Such as limiting hedgerow removal to periods where nesting birds are absent) to more complex advice (Like a detailed method statement outlining how to deal with invasive or pest species, such as Japanese Knotweed), depending on the outcome of the survey.

If following the survey, it’s unclear whether protected species are present at your site, or that their use of the site can’t be ascertained, the report may recommend further protected species studies. This is normal for large development sites with significant land take.

The biodiversity survey report can also provide recommendations on biodiversity enhancement, particularly if your site is seeking an award under BREEAM, CfSH or CEEQUAL.