Low Impact Bat Class Licence
What does the Low Impact Bat Class Licence cover? Low impact licences are suitable for small scale developments where the conservation importance of the roost is of low conservation significance … More
A Protected Species Survey establishes the likely presence or likely absence of a protected species on/or adjacent to a proposed development site.
There are some species that have been given special protection through wildlife legislation, as a result of their rarity or due to their population decline or persecution. The presence or potential presence of protected species on a development site, or indeed adjacent to a development site, is a material consideration in the planning process. The Ecology Partnership can complete Protected Species Surveys to establish their likely presence or likely absence on/or adjacent to a proposed development site. A Protected Species Survey is required to support a planning application.
Natural England Standing Advice
Natural England Standing Advice is used by planning authorities to decide if and to what extent a development project affects protected species as well as habitats. This includes both European Protected Species (EPS) and species which are protected under, for example, the Wildlife and Countryside Act. Ancient Woodland habitat as well as other habitats of principle importance, are also considered within standing advice. The Ecology Partnership provides advice on potential developments which ensure that best practice guidance and standing advice are considered within any proposal and master plan.
The Wildlife And Countryside Act
The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 provides varying degrees of protection for species of flora and fauna.
The Badgers Act
The Badgers Act 1992 provides comprehensive protection for badgers and their setts, with a requirement that any authorised disturbance or destruction is undertaken under licence.
The Habitats Regulations
The Habitats Regulations 1994 transpose the requirements of the Habitats Directive into national law. The regulations provide protection for European Protected Species (EPS) such as dormice, otters, great crested newts and all UK species of bat and licence certain activities that may affect such species. This legislation also sets out the requirements for assessing plans and projects which may have an effect on European designated sites.
The Ecology Partnership can complete Protected Species Surveys, often required to support planning applications offering a full range of European Protected Species surveys including
The Ecology Partnership offers straightforward advice on your options regarding protected species and provides a full range of services including preliminary ecological appraisals, protected species licensing, ecological mitigation and monitoring. Our ecological survey calendar helps you establish the optimal times to complete specific surveys.
To view the ideal times for protected species surveys please click here.
What does the Low Impact Bat Class Licence cover? Low impact licences are suitable for small scale developments where the conservation importance of the roost is of low conservation significance … More
Bat Protection The requirement to undertaken bat surveys is because bats are protected by a number of pieces of legislation, both domestic and international. This is the result of the … More
Great Crested Newts The great crested newt (Triturus cristatus) is the UK’s largest newt species and is easily distinguishable from the two other native newt species by size and colouring. … More
Dormice Protection Dormice are protected under schedule 5 of the WCA 1981 (as amended). This means they are protected from intentional or reckless disturbance, intentional or reckless obstruction of access … More
Birds within the U.K. have been subject to an ever-increasing habitat loss and degradation. Intensifying land management practices and habitat loss through the building of residential areas has been the … More
Protection & Legislation Water voles are a UK BAP priority species, and a species of principal importance in England, under section 41 of the NERC Act 2006. The water vole … More
Reptiles Protection All reptiles are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended), making it illegal to intentionally kill or injure a common reptile. Rare reptiles (the smooth … More
Otter Protection Otters are legally protected by The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) and the Habitats Regulations 2017, making them a European Protected Species. With this legal protection, … More
Barn Owl Protection Barn owls (Tyto alba) were the most common species of owl found within the British countryside. However, in recent years, populations have significantly declined. This is thought … More
Badger Protection Legislation Badgers are protected along with the setts they live in. Under the Protection of Badgers Act 1992, in England it is an offence to: Wilfully kill, injure … More