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Do I Need a Reptile Survey? - Survey Methods and TimingIf you are preparing a planning application, one of the most common ecological questions is: Do I need a reptile survey? Reptiles are widespread across the UK and may be present on many development sites,...

When is Nesting Bird Season in the UK? A Developer GuideIf you are planning vegetation clearance or tree work, understanding when nesting bird season in the UK occurs is essential. Wild birds and their nests are protected by law, and disturbing nesting birds can lead...

Are Nesting Birds Protected? – A Developer GuideUnderstanding whether nesting birds are protected is an important consideration for anyone progressing a planning application or preparing a site for construction. Across the UK, wild birds receive strong legal...

Badgers and development: What are the Legal Constraints?Understanding the relationship between badgers and development is essential for anyone preparing a planning application. While badgers are a familiar feature of the British countryside, they are also a legally...

When Are Bat Surveys Required and What is Involved?Understanding when bat surveys are required is an essential part of preparing a planning application. Bats are protected in the UK, and development projects that affect bats or their roost sites can face significant...

Biodiversity Net Gain Explained for DevelopersBiodiversity Net Gain (BNG) is now a central consideration for developers across the UK. Since its mandate in 2024, it has ensured that development projects leave biodiversity in a better state than before. Increasingly,...

How Long do Ecological Surveys Take?One of the most common questions we are asked at the outset of a project is: how long do ecological surveys take? The answer depends on several factors, including the type of survey required, the time of year, the scale of the...

What is an Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA)?An Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA) is the formal process used to identify, evaluate, and explain the likely effects that a proposed development may have on habitats, species, and ecosystems. For landowners and...

River Condition Survey for Planning PermissionWhen it comes to planning new developments near rivers or watercourses, understanding the existing condition of the river is essential. Local authorities often require a river condition survey as part of the planning...