Ecological Appraisal

Our ecological impact assessments

What is a Preliminary Ecological Appraisal?

A Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA) is a rapid assessment tool that evaluates the biodiversity value of a site, assess the scale of any likely impacts of a proposal on protected sites, habitats or species and informs you of actions needed to be taken to secure a successful outcome.

For many proposals, these actions are prescribed in the form of recommendations that can be implemented to avoid known negative impacts and will be outlined in your report ready for submission to the local planning authority.

Where impacts cannot be avoided or their scale unknown, then additional surveys will be required. This will usually be the case where a Protected Species is reasonably likely to be present or an Advanced ecological appraisal is needed.

A Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (sometimes referred to as a Phase 1 Habitat Survey or Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey) can also be adapted to maximise the ecological credits under Building with Nature, BREEAM and the Home Quality Mark Assessment, or as a supporting document to a Parkland Management Plan under the Higher-Level Stewardship Scheme.

Advanced Ecological Appraisal

An Advanced Ecological Appraisal includes detailed botanical surveys to identify the ecological value of important habitats or rare flora (i.e. flowering plants, bryophytes, lichens, or fungi). Sites may need to be surveyed to a higher level using advanced methods, such as the National Vegetation Classification (NVC) system or Biodiversity Metric and GIS tools to complete Biodiversity Net Gain calculations and assessments.

Where impacts to designated sites or habitats for nature conservation are likely, then a detailed ecological impact assessment to meet the requirements of either the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Regulations or as part of a Habitats Regulations Assessment.

Unsure if you need a Preliminary Ecological Appraisal or Advanced Ecological Appraisal?

Contact us today and get one of our experienced ecologists to advise you.