Protected Species Surveys

Expert ecological surveys to identify protected wildlife and ensure legal compliance for your project.

Understanding Protected Species and Why Surveys Matter

Many species of animals and their habitats in the UK are protected by law. If your development site could affect protected wildlife, you may be required to undertake protected species surveys before planning permission can be granted or site works begin.

These surveys assess whether legally protected species are present on or near your site, identify potential impacts of your proposals, and set out practical steps to ensure legal compliance and smooth project delivery.

Our qualified ecologists carry out a full range of protected species surveys across the UK, providing reliable, proportionate advice for all project scales - from small residential extensions to large infrastructure schemes.

When a Protected Species Survey May Be Required

You may need a protected species survey if:

✓Your Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA) has identified potential habitat for protected species.
✓Your site includes trees, buildings, ponds, hedgerows, grassland, scrub, watercourses or woodland that could provide shelter, nesting or foraging habitat.
✓There are records of protected species within the local area.
✓Your planning authority requests one as part of the application validation or ecological assessment process.

Tip: Carrying out surveys early helps you identify ecological risks and avoid delays or costly redesign later in the project.

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Our Protected Species Survey Services

We provide surveys and support for a wide range of protected species, including:

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Bats

Roost assessment and activity surveys for buildings, trees and structures.

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Reptiles

Presence/absence and population assessments using refugia and transects.

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Great Crested Newts

Pond and terrestrial habitat surveys, including eDNA testing.

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Badgers

Sett surveys, monitoring and licence support.

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Birds

Breeding, wintering and nesting pre-clearance checks.

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Otters & Water Voles

Watercourse surveys for signs of use, burrows and holts.

Each survey is designed to meet planning requirements, national guidance and statutory best practice, including CIEEM and Natural England standards.

What Our Protected Species Survey Service Includes

Desk Study and Habitat Review

To assess likelihood of species presence and inform field survey design.

Field Surveys

Using approved methods and carried out by qualified, licensed ecologists.

Impact Assessment and Recommendations

Identifying potential effects of your proposals on wildlife and habitats.

Clear, Actionable Reporting

Ready to submit with your planning application or environmental assessment.

Mitigation and Licence Support

Practical solutions if protected species are found, including exclusion, habitat enhancement and post-construction monitoring.

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The Benefits to You

Legal Compliance

Confidence that all legal and planning obligations are being met.

Avoid Delays

Avoidance of costly project delays or enforcement issues.

Stronger Applications

Strengthened planning submissions backed by professional ecological evidence.

Pragmatic Solutions

Access to pragmatic, solution-focused ecologists who understand how to balance development and conservation.

Biodiversity Protection

Contribution to biodiversity protection and enhancement on and around your site.

Next Steps

If your site may support protected species or your PEA has identified potential constraints, it's best to discuss survey requirements early - many species have specific survey seasons and missing these can delay your project.

Contact our ecology team with your site plans, location and project details. We'll review the constraints, confirm whether surveys are needed, and provide a clear proposal and quote.