We engage with clients to try to understand the full scope of their project, and like to get involved as early in the process as possible, to ensure that we can help to minimise delays to work and deadlines. We will schedule work in as far as possible to suit your timescale but unfortunately, as the behaviours of plants and animals are seasonal, some surveys can only be undertaken at specific times of the year.
These are not our dates, and as inconvenient as they can occasionally be, they are vital, because surveys done at the wrong time may not be accepted by the county ecologists or environmental agencies when submitted as part of planning proposals. This can then result in further surveys being required, which will cost you time and money.
We are well resourced to run a number of surveys concurrently, but many of the surveys require specialist equipment and can stretch over a number of weeks. This means we may need more warning to undertake some survey work, such as for Dormouse or Reptiles, so that we can plan and commit the equipment required for your site.
Just to keep us on our toes, British wildlife doesn’t tend to work a 9 to 5 day! This may mean that we will need access to your site in the evenings, early mornings or even after dark. Don’t worry, this doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to work late; we are happy to be on site without supervision, provided site access and protocols permit this and it is safe to do so.
For examples of the sorts of survey that can be seasonally impacted please see the revised Table here, but our ecologist will work out a bespoke timetable for your project based on when the work is taking place and what survey work you are likely to require.
To help understand the timescales that might be applicable for your project, a desk based study can be a good starting point to get an idea of what, if any protected species might be using your site, our free habitat overview tool may also help you gauge this. To book a desk study or to further discuss your requirements, give us a call on 07939 434 794 or contact us via this website.
JP Ecological Services 