What is involved with an ecological assessment?

The first step in an ecological assessment of a project is usually to complete a Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA) of the site. This involves a desk top survey and an Phase 1 habitat survey, where a field visit identifies different structures, habitats and land forms on a site. The PEA also identifies any evidence of, or potential for, the site to support protected or notable plants or animals.

If the ecological assessment is required to inform the development of a project then a Preliminary Ecological Appraisal Report (PEAR) can be produced to input into the project design. 

If an impact assessment of a project is required the PEA may find that no further survey work is needed. If this is the case then a 'Low Impact' Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA) report can be produced to satisfy the relevant bodies e.g. the Local Planning Authority (LPA).  

Sometimes the PEA may identify that Phase 2 surveys (e.g. protected species surveys) are needed. In this case then once the required Phase 2 surveys are complete our ecologists will be able to provide you with a detailed 'Full' EcIA report outlining the survey results and any identified impacts, with recommendations for mitigation, if necessary.

Our Preliminary Ecological Appraisal and Ecological Impact Assessment survey pages provide more detailed information regarding what is involved in an ecological assessment.

All our ecological assessments are supervised/undertaken by experienced ecologists who hold the relevant Natural England protected species survey licences, where needed, and who are members of the Charted Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM).