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A woodland habitat ready for surveying

Corylus Ecology has a team of experienced surveyors and is able to provide the detailed habitat survey effort required as part of a planning application or conservation project.

Surveys follow national standards and guidelines, and are undertaken at appropriate times of year only. We use Geographical Information Systems (GIS) software to accurately map habitats recorded during the survey and to produce clear and high-quality figures for reports.

When a detailed habitat survey may be required

When a detailed habitat survey may be required

Following initial site assessment (e.g. Preliminary Ecological Appraisal), detailed habitat/botanical surveys may be needed. It may be that the initial survey suggested the presence of valuable habitats or rare botanical species, or that it is necessary to understand the condition of the habitats (e.g. for Biodiversity Net Gain).

Detailed habitat surveys are also undertaken for conservation projects, for example where a habitat’s condition needs to be assessed or a habitat’s suitability for species reintroductions needs to be ascertained.

National Vegetation Classification (NVC)

National Vegetation Classification (NVC)

Fully compliant with nationally recognised standards and methodologies.
Experts in assessing sites of particular botanical interest.
Timings will depend on habitat, but mostly April to September.

Where particular botanical interest has been recorded as part of an initial site assessment, a more detailed botanical survey is likely to be recommended. This will typically consist of a National Vegetation Classification (NVC) survey.

NVC surveys are usually carried out in the spring or summer months, likely April to September depending on which habitat is being assessed. For example, woodlands are usually best surveyed in April/May and grasslands between May and July.

Further information.

The NVC survey method was commissioned in 1975 by the Nature Conservancy Council to provide a standardised survey method and classification for British plant communities. This approach, published between 1991 and 2000, is more detailed than other habitat surveys (e.g. Phase 1) and provides characterisation of habitats based on the species and communities recorded. This provides extra detail for sites where the botanical value is likely to be higher.

Hedgerow Survey

Hedgerow Survey

Detailed assessment to identify ecologically important hedgerows.
Fully compliant with nationally recognised hedgerow survey guidelines.
Expert advice on any additional steps required.

Hedgerow assessments aim to identify whether hedgerows are classed as being ‘Important’ under the Hedgerows Regulations 1997 in terms of their wildlife value. The assessment does not include consideration of other criteria, such as archaeology and history, which are beyond the scope of an ecological appraisal.

Corylus Ecology can provide an assessment of hedgerows under the wildlife and landscape criteria listed under Schedule 1, Part II of the Hedgerows Regulations 1997. We will be able to advise whether a hedgerow is considered ‘Important’ under these criteria. Hedgerows surrounding and within a site will be assessed by gathering information on their ecological and landscape value.

The survey can be undertaken at any time throughout the year but the optimum time is April/May to September/October.

Further assessment may be required in relation to other criteria (e.g. archaeology and history) in order to determine whether other factors influence the overall evaluation and status of each hedgerow.

Condition Assessment

Condition Assessment

Expert survey capability to undertake BNG and other condition assessment processes.
Knowledgeable team, experienced in all UK habitats.
Compliant with all relevant guidelines and legislation.

Corylus Ecology has considerable experience in undertaking habitat condition assessments. These are typically carried out at the same time as the initial habitat survey, although in some cases repeat survey visits may be required at an alternative time of year.

For planning applications, condition assessments usually involve using the statutory biodiversity metric condition sheets as part of Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG). Following the assessment, habitats are assigned one of a range of condition categories, from ‘Good’ to ‘Poor’. Under the BNG rules, not all habitats require a condition assessment (e.g. gardens and buildings).

The initial survey can be undertaken at any time throughout the year, but the optimum time of year is April to September. Some habitats are best surveyed during certain times of year, e.g. woodlands in spring, grasslands in mid-summer.

Get your development on the right track with our help.

Examples of our work

Rew Road

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Kent office

Corylus Ecology Ltd
Unit A3 Speldhurst Business Park
Langton Road
Speldhurst
Tunbridge Wells
Kent
TN3 0AQ

Devon office

Corylus Ecology Ltd
Unit 19 Dart Mills
Old Totnes Road
Buckfastleigh
Devon
TQ11 0NF

2025 Corylus Ecology Ltd

Registered Office
Henwood House
Henwood
Ashford
Kent
TN24 8DH

Registered in England & Wales, company no. 05005553

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