Built around planning, development and compliance decisions.
Use this page to understand when the service is usually needed, what evidence is reviewed and what information helps us quote accurately.
- Planning and regulator context
- Clear deliverables and next steps
- Linked services considered early
Ecology support helps identify protected species, habitats and biodiversity constraints for planning and development.
When this service is used
Used before planning submission, condition discharge or site clearance where habitats, protected species or biodiversity requirements may influence development.
What the report normally includes
- Ecology scope review
- Habitat and site context considerations
- Protected species constraint screening
- Recommendations for survey, mitigation or enhancement
- Planning-focused reporting where required
What we need from you
Providing the right information at the start helps us confirm the scope, quote accurately and avoid back-and-forth once the work is underway.
- Site location and boundary plan
- Photographs of habitats/buildings if available
- Development proposals
- Any ecology condition or comments
- Preferred survey timescale
Ecology is often constrained by season as well as site conditions
An ecology scope should start with habitats, buildings, trees and the development proposal, then identify whether protected-species, biodiversity or seasonal survey requirements could affect planning or programme.
Useful to know before you enquire
Common questions
Can ecology surveys be done at any time of year?
Initial site review can often be undertaken widely through the year, but some protected-species and habitat surveys have seasonal limitations. The project programme should allow for that possibility.
What is a Preliminary Ecological Appraisal?
It is an initial assessment of habitats and likely ecological constraints that helps determine whether more detailed protected-species or other ecology work is needed.
Can ecology affect external lighting?
Yes. Lighting can affect bats and other nocturnal wildlife, so ecology and lighting strategies may need to be coordinated.
Related services
These services are often reviewed alongside Ecology depending on the site, planning context and proposed development.
Send the right information first time.
Our custom enquiry builder asks service-specific questions so we can confirm the correct scope, identify linked services and avoid unnecessary delays.
Build one enquiry for this and any related services.
Submit site information, planning references and supporting documents once. We’ll review the scope and confirm what is required.