Preliminary Ecological Appraisal in Leicestershire

Leicestershire’s landscape ranges from the ancient woodland and rock outcrops of Charnwood Forest to the river valleys of the Soar and Wreake, alongside extensive farmland and the National Forest area in the north-west of the county. This variety means ecological constraints are rarely uniform across the county, and a Preliminary Ecological Appraisal in Leicestershire (PEA) is typically the most efficient way to establish what applies to a specific site before committing to the wider planning process.

Certain habitats and species recur consistently across PEAs carried out in the county. Common ecological constraints on Leicestershire development sites include:

• Great crested newts – widespread across the county’s farmland and pond networks, particularly where water bodies sit within 500m of a site boundary
• Bats – Leicestershire’s traditional farm buildings, churches, and mature tree lines provide significant roosting potential, with further bat surveys commonly recommended following an initial PEA
• Badgers – active setts are a frequent finding on rural sites and are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and the Protection of Badgers Act 1992
• Water voles and otters – present along the River Soar, River Wreake, and their tributaries, making watercourse proximity a key consideration during the desk study
• Ancient and veteran woodland – concentrated in Charnwood Forest and the National Forest area, both carrying strong protections under national planning policy
• Farmland birds – species such as skylark and lapwing are notable across the county’s arable landscape and may be material to planning decisions on larger rural sites

This is not an exhaustive list. Every site presents its own combination of potential constraints, and a thorough desk study and field survey will establish what is relevant to your specific proposed development.

Collington Winter is a team of experienced ecological consultants providing Preliminary Ecological Appraisals across Leicestershire and the wider East Midlands. We carry out ecology surveys with a clear understanding of the local landscape.

Our reports are proportionate, clearly written, and structured to meet the expectations of local planning authorities. Where further work is needed, whether that’s an ecological impact assessment or targeted protected species surveying, we identify this early, helping your project move through the planning process without unnecessary delay.

To discuss whether a PEA is required for your site in Leicestershire, contact our team at info@collingtonwinter.co.uk or complete the enquiry form below.

Do I need a PEA for a small residential extension?
Generally not, unless the site or surrounding land includes features such as mature trees, hedgerows, ponds, or outbuildings that could support protected species. Most local planning authorities reserve ecological survey requirements for larger schemes or sites with clear habitat features.

What happens if protected species are found during the survey?
The PEA report will identify the species and recommend the appropriate follow-up survey, such as a bat activity survey or great crested newt eDNA testing. In some cases, a licence from Natural England may also be required before works can proceed, alongside agreed mitigation measures.

Will every site in Leicestershire need a PEA?
No. Many smaller or low-risk sites won’t require one. A quick site review by our ecological team, or pre-application advice from the relevant planning authority, can usually confirm whether a PEA is necessary before any work is commissioned.