Planning permission held up by ecology?

Ecological surveys that keep your project on track

If your development could affect protected species or sensitive habitats, your local planning authority will require an ecological survey before granting permission. Getting this wrong — or leaving it too late — can cause serious delays to your project. We carry out all the surveys you’re likely to need, provide a clear report for your application, and support you through the planning process from start to finish. We have a 100% success rate on planning applications we’ve been involved in.

19+ years of experience · 100% planning application success rate · Hampshire & surrounding areas · Fully licensed ecologists

Types Of Surveys We Offer

…and most of our clients need one, the other, or both.

Bats

All UK bat species are legally protected. If your project involves a building, barn, tree, or bridge, a survey will almost certainly be required. We carry out roost assessments and, where needed, dusk emergence and dawn return surveys following Bat Conservation Trust guidelines.

Badgers

Badgers and their setts are protected under the Protection of Badgers Act 1992. If your site borders woodland, hedgerows, or rough grassland, a badger survey is likely to be required. We locate active setts, assess usage levels, and provide clear mitigation recommendations.

Reptiles

Six reptile species are native to the UK, four of which are legally protected. Rough grassland, brownfield land, and scrubby edges are typical habitats. We carry out systematic surveys using refuge tiles and run translocation programmes if development impact cannot be avoided.

Birds

All wild birds and their active nests are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. We carry out nesting bird checks and breeding bird surveys, and advise on the timing of vegetation clearance and groundworks to keep your project legally compliant and on programme.

Phase 1 habitat survey

The standard starting point for any development with ecological constraints. A Phase 1 habitat survey maps the habitats present on your site, identifies which protected species may be present, and sets out what further targeted surveys will be needed before you can proceed.

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We also carry out a range of additional surveys: riparian mammal surveys for otter and water vole, National Vegetation Classification surveys, riparian invertebrate surveys including the Southern Damselfly, and terrestrial invertebrate surveys for Lepidoptera and Hymenoptera.