Habitat Surveys
Specialist Habitat Assessments to Support Your Development
Understanding the ecological value of a site is a fundamental aspect of the planning process, ensuring that developments align with environmental regulations and conservation objectives. At Quantock Ecology, we specialise in delivering comprehensive and high-quality habitat surveys, providing detailed ecological insights to support planning applications and land management strategies.
Our team of experienced consultants offers a bespoke and expert-led approach, tailored to your project’s specific requirements. We stay at the forefront of the evolving ecological and planning landscape, ensuring our assessments reflect the latest industry standards, national guidelines, and regulatory requirements.
What Are Habitat Surveys?
Habitat surveys are designed to assess, map, and classify habitats within a proposed development site. They help determine the presence of protected species, habitat conditions, and biodiversity value, ensuring that appropriate mitigation, compensation, and enhancement strategies can be implemented. These surveys are often a key requirement for planning applications, conservation management, and Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) assessments.
At Quantock Ecology, we provide a range of detailed habitat surveys, ensuring each report is meticulously prepared to meet the needs of planners, developers, and regulatory bodies.
Timing & Survey Seasons
While many habitat surveys can be conducted year-round, the optimal survey season is between mid-March and mid-September. Surveys outside this period may result in incomplete data, particularly where seasonal plant species or protected species indicators are required for accurate assessment. Early planning is essential to avoid unnecessary delays in the application process.
Our Habitat Survey Services
Preliminary Ecological Appraisals (PEA)
The first stage of assessment, identifying key habitats and species present, and determining whether further surveys are required.
Phase 1 Habitat Surveys
A detailed habitat classification survey following the UKHab methodology, mapping vegetation types and ecological features.
UKHab Surveys
A comprehensive UK Habitat Classification survey, aligned with Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) requirements, offering a quantifiable assessment of habitat value.
Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIA)
A detailed evaluation of a development’s ecological effects, essential for planning applications requiring a full Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).
Habitat Condition Assessments
Used to determine the quality and value of existing habitats, often forming part of BNG calculations.
Protected Species Habitat Assessments
Identifying habitat suitability for protected species, including bats, reptiles, badgers, dormice, birds, and amphibians.
A Tailored & Client-Focused Approach
We understand that habitat assessments can be complex and often form a critical part of planning applications. Our team works closely with planners, developers, and conservation bodies to ensure seamless integration of ecological considerations into your project.
At Quantock Ecology, we provide pragmatic, solutions-driven advice, ensuring that your survey data is clear, actionable, and fully compliant with national and local planning policies.
