Protected Species

Bats are afforded significant legal protection in the UK. In England and Wales it is an offence under the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) to intentionally or recklessly disturb a bat at a roost and intentionally or recklessly obstruct access to a bat roost.

We survey for bats in houses, other structures, trees and developed and undeveloped habitats.

Ecologic Consultants has a very experienced team that regularly deal with bat survey, mitigation, licensing and assessment. We have supported schemes requiring radio tracking, large scale data analysis and complicated bat mitigation.

Bat surveys are usually requested by planning authorities where development schemes are likely to affect built structures or trees. A preliminary daytime assessment is required as the first stage in the process to ascertain the suitability of a site for roosting bats. Where evidence of bats is attained or if it is impossible to rule out roosting bats further surveys are required. These more comprehensive assessments include dusk emergence and/or dawn re-entry surveys, bat activity surveys, use of bat detectors and recording equipment and DNA analysis.

We undertake bat activity surveys of sites for development, including commercial, residential, road schemes and wind / solar farms. We undertake bat activity surveys of sites for development, including commercial, residential, road schemes and wind / solar farms.

A bat mitigation strategy is often required, as part of a 'European Protected Species License' application, to present a combination of measures that aim to avoid, cancel, reduce or offset impacts caused by development. We can assist with creating ecological solutions for replacement roosts and new habitat.

CONTACT US FOR MORE INFORMATION, ADVICE OR IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO ARRANGE A SURVEY

The hazel dormouse is protected under both the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010 and the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended). Dormice, their resting places and their breeding sites are fully protected by law.  

Following a preliminary visual inspection of the site and taking into account information gleaned from the local biodiversity records centre, Ecologic will assist with the dormouse presence/absence survey. This can include installation of monitoring devices, suitable regular monitoring and appropriate reporting.

If dormouse presence is recorded at the development site then a license from the relevant Statutory Nature Conservation Organisation (which in England is Natural England) may be required if the dormice are likely to be affected. Ecologic can assist with the license application and any required mitigation strategy. 

• Advice on how to incorporate dormouse habitat into development.
• Habitat enhancement and design
• Ecological clerk of works services to ensure licence conditions are satisfied

Dormouse numbers have declined & their distribution has reduced throughout the UK due to a combination of habitat loss, fragmentation & deterioration, due to poor habitat management and development. This has resulted in the species being vulnerable to extinction. 

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The adder, common lizard, grass snake and slow worm are fully protected under Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended).

If required our experienced ecologists will survey the given site for reptiles by assessing the potential for such species with a thorough preliminary visual survey. If this initial survey indicates a potential for reptiles, further surveys will be arranged by installing and inspecting artificial refugia over a defined period.

If the survey findings indicate the presence of reptiles and the development proposal is deemed to potentially affect the species present, a mitigation strategy will be necessary. Due to the limited distribution of smooth snake and sand lizards their presence will result in a license application to the relevant Statutory Nature Conservation Organisation (SNCO), which in England is Natural England.

• Reptile trapping and translocation 
• Habitat enhancement design
• Method statements
• Ecological clerk of works
• Reptile exclusion fencing installation 
• Licences

The adder, common lizard, grass snake and slow worm are fully protected under Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended).

CONTACT US FOR MORE INFORMATION, ADVICE OR IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO ARRANGE A SURVEY

The great crested newt are fully protected under Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended). Which make it an offence to intentionally kill, injure or take (capture. etc), or intentionally destroy and disturb (whilst they are occupying) a 'place used for shelter or protection'.

If required, our experienced ecologists will survey the given site for amphibian signs and potential by assessing the site with a preliminary visual survey (including a Habitat Suitability Index). If this initial survey indicates a potential for great crested newt and/or information from the local records centre indicates presence of great crested newt in the area, further surveys may be arranged by conducting a presence absence survey which includes installing and inspecting humane traps, pond searches with high powered torches, egg searches and dip netting to confirm great crested newt presence/absence and to make a population assessment.

If the survey findings indicate the presence of amphibians and it is considered that the proposed works is likely to result in an offence (killing, breeding site destruction, etc) a license will be required. We will assist you to apply for a license to Natural England which will permit the action that is otherwise unlawful and assist with the mitigation strategy.