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Habitat Surveys and Reports

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Habitat Surveys and Reports, there are several types of habitat surveys including;

  • PEA Reports (PEARs)- Preliminary Environmental Appraisal Reports
  • Phase 1 Habitat Surveys
  • Extended Phase 1 Habitat Surveys
  • Protected Species Scoping Surveys

Phase 1 Habitat surveys

This system was devised to enable rapid mapping of vegetation and classification of biodiversity and location of wildlife habitats. The aim of Phase 1 Habitat Survey methodology, is to give a way to record vegetation and habitats over large areas. Each parcel of land is classified and recorded into categories; such as woodland, grassland and wetland. There is a need to enhance biodiversity; see the NPPF (2019) The government Biodiversity 2020 is a UK government led strategy to try to reverse biodiversity decline. Habitat classification is based on vegetation type. A Phase 1 Habitat Survey involves biological study and assessment, using the methods set out in the Joint Nature Conservation Committee’s handbook. The nature and condition of the vegetation and the survey data help to inform the ecology team about the living and non living parts of the landscape. We will tell you what we discover and will discuss ways of conserving the quality of existing valuable habitats. Similarly, we will use the findings of the Phase 1 habitat surveys to identify ways to enhance the site for adding biodiversity.

Extended Phase 1 Habitat Surveys

The initial stages are desktop studies, site ecology survey visits by Landvision’s ecology team, where each habitat type is mapped. There are some ninety habitat types and the botanical description of the site is drawn up using botanical survey, where this is required, to give an accurate habitat description of the site. Special habitats are mapped.

Extended Phase 1 Habitat Surveys

These Preliminary Ecological Appraisals including scoping surveys which are normally required, where protected species are deemed likely to be present. the PEARs form part of the planning process, to inform planners about the site to be developed. The baseline information obtained in these surveys by Landvision’s team of experienced ecologists will be used to draw up likely presence or absence of protected species. The Local Authority planner may need further information on the likely presence of protected species. these species may be deemed to be likely to be presnt, if, for instance, the site is adjacent to an SSSI (Site of Special Scientific interest). Similarly, if it is near to any other designated Site of Nature Conservation Interest, (SNCI). Alternatively, if the site is may be adjacent to and comprises green habitat next to a site with recorded presence of protected species. Then protected species scoping surveys will be required.

Protected species and their specialist habitats will be identified, for species such as Bats, Hazel Dormouse, Water Vole, and Great Crested Newts.

Mitigation measures may need to be drawn up to ensure that the site’s natural habitats can be conserved and enhanced. Biodiversity needs to be added as detailed in the latest government guidance. 

Landvision Habitat Surveys Phase 1 Habitat and Vegetation surveys, provides leading UK ecology and environmental planning consultancy input. We are experts in PEARs, Phase 1 Habitat Surveys and vegetation surveys. For Preliminary Ecological Appriasal Reports (PEARs) or other professional ecological help and advice, Call us on 01892 782200 or use the contact us page.