Field Work

scrubland habitat which might provide homes or foraging resources for a wide range of protected species.
Field work is a vital element of most surveys or advisory projects to detect or confirm the types of habitat and species relevant to a specific development area

The nature of field work can vary widely from what is generally known as a Preliminary Ecological Appraisal or a Phase 1 Habitat Survey through to specialist surveys which address specific issues or a protected species that might be using the area. More information on each of the different types of survey is given on dedicated pages of this site, so you can see what might be involved in each one. These surveys are not limited to the protected species that are living or nesting on the land, but will look at how the area is being used as part of migration, foraging and breeding behaviours.

This type of work is generally done not only as best practice for ecological development but is often a legal requirement within the planning process. As a result, it is vital to ensure that you have complied with all of the legal obligations that are required of you as a developer; failing to meet these adequately can result in project delays, hefty fines or even custodial sentences.

As an ecological consultancy, we always aim for a win-win situation for both the client and the environment. We aim to do this by projecting forward the demands and impacts of the project; looking at the most appropriate mitigation solutions to address both the needs of the wildlife and the needs of the developer and by providing clear forecasts of timescales and budgets for planning processes. For more information on how we work with clients to help them proactively improve the environment local to their project, look at our Biodiversity Net Gains Assessments.

As a consultancy we specialise in initial habitat and tree surveys and more advanced work with protected species including birds, reptiles and mammals. To read more about when or why ecological surveying might be relevant, visit our blog article “Why Engage with an Ecological Surveyor” or browse through our portfolio of past projects.

If you want more information on what type of projects or habitats our work is relevant to, then take a look at our planning tools or give us a call. We offer a free half hour telephone consultancy with one of our ecologists that aims to answer any questions that you might have or set you on the right course of what your next steps are likely to be. To schedule your free call-back, fill in the contact form below.