Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA) is the process in which the effects of a proposed action (i.e. residential development) on Important Ecological Features (IEF) (i.e. important habitats, species and ecosystems) are identified, quantified and evaluated. Residual significant effects of the project are assessed after the mitigation hierarchy has been applied.
EcIA can be used for smaller scale project assessments or can contribute to the ecological component of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).
If your project, be it a residential development through to mineral extraction, has potential to impact IEFs, please get in touch with our team of experienced ecologists.
Our EcIA services
Our EcIA services
Local Planning Authorities (LPAs) usually require EcIA reports to determine planning applications, to identify if the project will result in any significant effects (i.e. those likely to undermine or support the biodiversity conservation objectives for IEFs).
EcIAs are based on data collected from baseline surveys for habitats (i.e. Preliminary Ecological Appraisals (PEA), UK Habitat Classification surveys), desk studies and protected species surveys undertaken at your site. The extent to which habitat and protected species surveys (e.g. for bats, reptiles, great crested newts, birds, riparian mammals) will be required will be dependent on the habitats present, their potential to support important species and the potential impacts to IEFs as a result of the proposed development.
Minimising impacts for nature and for your project
Once our team of experienced ecologists has established the baseline, we will work with you to design a scheme which avoids/minimises potential impacts on IEFs and legally protected species, provides Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) and delivers your end goal.
Corylus Ecology follows the EcIA approach as detailed within ‘Guidelines for EcIA’ produced by the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM).
Make biodiversity an asset to your development.
Examples of our work
Rew Road
This project, set within Dartmoor National Park, involved the construction of a replacement dwelling which was carried out in two phases spanning several years.
Corylus Ecology undertook an initial assessment with a particular focus on bats and nesting birds. Evidence of, and potential for, roosting bats was recorded and led to a recommendation for further surveys.
Dartmoor Moorland Nature Recovery
During 2022 and 2023, Corylus Ecology was commissioned by Dartmoor National Park Authority to undertake a habitat assessment of five moorland areas.
The surveys were carried out to inform Dartmoor’s vision for nature recovery and contribute to wider Devon and national Nature Recovery Network objectives.
Hogmoor Inclosure
Corylus Ecology was commissioned by The Land Trust to prepare a 5-year management plan for the Hogmoor Inclosure Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace (SANG).
The SANG was created to reduce the potential for recreational pressure resulting from the growth of the Whitehill & Bordon New Town, on sites of international nature conservation value, including the Woolmer Forest Special Area of Conservation (SAC).
Heather Wood
An area of fragmented woodland and arable land at Heather Wood, Hawkhurst acquired by the Woodland Trust for habitat restoration, creation and conservation.
The Woodland Trust required full baseline habitat surveys, protected species surveys and Biodiversity Net Gain assessment, calculation and Habitat Management and Maintenance Plan to be undertaken.
Joyden’s Wood
Working with the Woodland Trust for the restoration of an area of heathland at Joyden’s Wood, Dartford, Kent.
Including baseline habitat and protected species assessment and surveys with UK Habitat Classification and mapping of the heathland, Biodiversity Net Gain condition assessment of all habitats present and breeding bird assessment of the heathland and wider Joyden’s wood site.
Bulland Farm
Ecological appraisal and detailed bat surveys for a homeowner seeking to extend their Grade II Listed farmhouse.
We helped them achieve planning permission and ensure that the appropriate licences and works monitoring were in place.