
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)
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.
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
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
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.