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How Long are Badger Surveys Valid for?When planning development on land that may support wildlife, a common question is ‘how long are badger surveys valid for?’ Badgers and their sets are legally protected in the UK under the Protection of Badgers Act 1992. Because of...

When is an Ecological Impact Assessment Required?If you are preparing a planning application for a development project, you may be asking: When is an ecological impact assessment required? An ecological impact assessment (EcIA) is used to evaluate how proposed...

What Species Are Protected Under Environmental Law in the UK?If you are planning development or managing land, you may be wondering: what species are protected under environmental law in the UK? The UK has a wide range of environmental legislation designed to protect...

What Happens if Protected Species are Found on Site?When planning a development project, one of the most common concerns for landowners and developers is what happens if protected species are discovered during ecological surveys. In the UK, many animals and plants are...

How Much Does an Ecological Survey Cost?If you’re preparing a planning application, one of the first questions you may ask is: how much does an ecological survey cost? The honest answer is that survey cost varies. It depends on the type of site, the habitats and...

How to Integrate Biodiversity Net Gain into Site PlansSince 12 February 2024, Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) has become a mandatory consideration for most major developments. The requirement extends to small sites, meaning biodiversity net gain is now a central part of...

Why Do I Need an Ecological Survey for Planning Permission?If you’re preparing planning applications, you may be asking: why do I need an ecological survey for planning permission? In short, local planning authorities need to understand whether your development...

Are Great Crested Newts Protected? - A Guide for DevelopersYes — great crested newts are fully protected by law in the UK. They are classified as a European protected species and receive strict legal protection under both the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and the...

What is a Phase 2 Ecology Survey?A Phase 2 ecological survey is a detailed ecology assessment carried out after initial site appraisal work. It is usually recommended when a Phase 1 ecological survey or Preliminary Ecological Appraisal identifies potential for...