HABITAT SURVEYS

Phase 1 Habitat Surveys

Habitat Survey will be a starting point in most ecological assessments and will be the initial step in the ecological assessment phase that may influence further ecological survey. 

Habitat surveys form the basis for each project and will indicate the need for further surveys of other ecological features including, bats, mammals, birds, invertebrates, freshwater, amphibian and reptile.

A Phase 1 Habitat Survey will indicate need for further surveys to fully notify scope of works to apply to planning applications. 

Further habitat surveys may be advised dependant on results of initial Phase 1 survey to include extended phase 1 survey and NVC classification surveys.

Extended Phase 1 Surveys

Extended Phase 1 surveys include a higher level of detail than Phase 1 only with species lists and indications of biodiversity within the selected site. 

This further survey extension of the Phase 1 Habitat survey will be conducted within areas of high value habitats that are subject to legislation and planning regulations.

In order to provide the planning authority with the relevant information to aid determination in respect of ecology, the aims of the Extended Phase 1 Habitat survey are;

• To classify and map all broad habitat types within the application site and also the
• wider area;
• To identify and describe any features likely to be of nature conservation interest;
• Assess the potential of habitats present to support protected species and to
• recommend further survey (if required) to determine their status;
•  Make recommendations for protected species licensing if appropriate, and
• Make recommendations for mitigation measures in keeping with the requirement in

Nelson Ecology Surveyors are trained in Phase 1 and Extended Phase 1 Survey Planning Policy for biodiversity enhancement.