Preliminary Ecological Appraisal
What is a Preliminary Ecological Appraisal?
A Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA), should be your first step in evaluating a site. An Ecological appraisal will give you an overview of a site, which can help you understand the ecological conditions. This can include details of any habitats present, the presence of any protected species, or any other key ecological constraints which could affect your projects.
The two main elements of an ecological appraisal include an ecological desk study and an extended Phase 1 habitat survey.
When is a Preliminary Ecological Appraisal Required?
If a development has the potential to impact biodiversity on a site, an ecological assessment of the site will usually need to be carried out. Preliminary ecological appraisals should be carried out before the submission of planning applications. We would advise that pre-application discussions with the local planning authority are undertaken to find out if an ecological survey is required.
When considering a planning application, the local planning authority will consider how the impacts of the development on the environment and biodiversity of an area. It will also consider the presence of any notable species or habitats on the site.
How Can Collington Winter Assist Your Project?
Collington Winter can assist your project by undertaking ecological desk studies, as well as extended phase 1 habitat surveys.
Ecological Desk Study: Collington Winter provide an ecological desk study service, obtaining records and data on designated sites. We undertake research on legally protected sites, such as priority habitats and Sites of Special Scientific Interest and obtain records on protected species within the area of the site. We can then provide printed or interactive maps using GIS using the data provided.
Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey: Using extended phase 1 habitat surveys, we can identify key ecological issues. We can also provide advice on how to best resolve the ecological issues identified.
We use the extended phase 1 habitat survey technique to map habitats present on-site, and within the surrounding area. We record any evidence of priority and protected species on-site and assess the potential of the site for these species.
We can provide advice on ecological issues encountered, and measures which can be taken throughout the development design to mitigate and avoid ecological impacts.
We can also assist with ecological impact assessments and protected species surveys.
Why Choose Collington Winter?
Collington Winter are passionate about ecology and provide a holistic and innovative approach to development. We are fast paced problem solvers, working with clients to find solutions where others cannot.
Our Ecology Director, Olivia Collington, is a highly professional Ecologist. She is passionate about ecology and has vast amounts of experience in providing ecological services, including ecological appraisal and assessment.
We provide a pragmatic service offering to the residential, commercial and minerals sectors nationwide. We understand the importance of working closely with clients to provide a great service and deliver excellent results. We aim to provide a service which meets the needs of developers, whilst ensuring positive outcomes for wildlife.
We also offer protected species surveys and mitigation.
Contact Us
If you would like to find out more about the services we provide, or if you are interested in starting ae ecology project with Collington Winter, contact us using the form below. You can also contact our Ecology Director, Olivia Collington, via email at info@collingtonwinter.co.uk.
To find out about our landscape architecture services, have a look at this section on our website.
Contact Us
Registered Address
23 Bark Street East, 1st Floor, Bolton, BL1 2BQ
Cambridge Office
Future Business Centre, Cambridge Campus, Kings Hedges Road, Cambridge, CB4 2HY
Telephone
Head Office: 01204 939 608
Dumfries Office: 01387 378208
