It is commonplace for a planning application to include one or more ecological survey report that will be used to inform decision makers. The following section provides an overview of the most frequently requested surveys, but please do not hesitate to contact us if what you require is not shown.
All of our surveys are undertaken by qualified and experienced ecologists working to the current best practice guidelines and to the standards expected by the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM).
The survey reports we produce are clear and concise and are enhanced by detailed and accurate plans generated with a GIS mapping system. Each report details the survey results, the requirement for any further survey(s) that may be needed, an assessment of the potential impacts of the scheme on any protected habitats and/or species, recommendations to mitigate those impacts, and methods to enhance the developed site for biodiversity – all of the information required by the planning decision makers.
Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA) is the first stage of assessing the ecological value of a site and is commonly requested for planning applications. PEA comprises an ecological desk study and an Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey.
Bat surveys are typically requested when a development is likely to affect a man-made structure, e.g. a building, or mature trees in which bats might roost. We provide a variety of surveys to establish whether bats are present at a site and, if so, how they use it.
If there is a pond on or within 250 m of a proposed development site, then Great Crested Newt must be considered. We provide the full range of surveys from assessing the suitability of ponds to confirming their presence or likely absence.
All reptiles in Britain are "priority species" making them a material consideration in the planning process. We have extensive experience of surveying for reptiles and mitigating the impacts of development activity.
Ornithology sits at the core of Castell Ecology.
With decades of experience, we possess the expertise to provide a full range of both general and specialist bird surveys throughout the year.
A pre-clearance check for nesting birds is often a condition of planning approval if habitat removal is scheduled during the breeding season. Richard Castell is a nationally recognised expert in this field.
Although a common and widespread species, the Badger and its burrows (setts) are legally protected.
Our surveys identify if badgers are present and how they are using a site and the area surrounding it.
Water Voles and Otters inhabit rivers, streams, ditches and a variety of still waters. Both species are legally protected and must be considered if a development is proposed close to suitable aquatic habitat.
We provide a selection of additional services including Mitigation Plans & Licence Applications, Ecological Clerk of Works, Sub-consultancy, GIS Mapping and Training Courses.