Preliminary Ecological Appraisals (PEA), Phase 1 Habitat Surveys and UK Habitat Classification (UKHab) surveys are the initial stages of ecological assessment and are completed to determine a baseline of a site and identify any ecological impacts of a project.
Corylus Ecology can undertake these surveys and provide advice on any constraints, opportunities or requirements for further, more detailed protected species surveys.
Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA)
Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA)
Corylus Ecology has extensive experience of undertaking Preliminary Ecological Appraisals (PEA) on a wide range of sites from small-scale private projects to large, multi-phase developments and infrastructure projects.
A PEA comprises the initial stage of ecological site assessment and involves evaluating the ecological features present within and surrounding the site. The purpose of the PEA is to ascertain any ecological constraints and opportunities, and determine whether any further habitat or protected species surveys are required to inform your proposed development.
Please get in touch to discuss your project.
The PEA follows a set format in accordance with standard methodologies and comprises the following stages:
- A desk study assessing the proximity of the site to any ecological receptors such as statutory designated nature conservation sites and Habitats of Principal Importance. The desk study may also obtain information on historical records of protected species in close proximity to the site.
- An initial assessment of the baseline ecological conditions by undertaking a Phase 1 Habitat Survey (JNCC 2016) and / or a UK Habitat Classification Survey (UKHab Ltd 2023). See below for more details.
- A protected species assessment to ascertain the potential for protected species to occur within the site.
- Where built structures with the potential to support roosting bats are present within a site, a separate Preliminary Roost Assessment (PRA) would be undertaken concurrently.
- Where trees with the potential to support roosting bats are present within a site, a Ground Level Tree Assessment (GLTA) may also be undertaken concurrently or recommended as further survey effort.
- Recommendations for any further protected species surveys or botanical surveys required to inform an Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA).
- Identification of any mitigation and compensation measures required to reduce the ecological impacts of the proposed development and provide ecological enhancement.
- A full PEA/EcIA report complete with mapping and photographs.
UK Habitat Classification Survey
UK Habitat Classification Survey
The UK Habitat Classification (also known as UKHab) provides a comprehensive way of categorising the on-site habitats and helps to determine the ecological value of a development area or other site.
The survey can be undertaken at any time throughout the year but the optimum period is April to September when botanical diversity is at its greatest. Some habitats are best surveyed during certain times of year, e.g. woodlands in spring, grasslands in mid-summer.
Please get in touch to discuss your project.
This level of survey is a pre-requisite for providing data for Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) calculations within the statutory Defra Metric tool. The UKHab survey has therefore become the industry standard in determining the baseline conditions required for calculating BNG.
Where particular botanical interest is recorded, the survey can also highlight the requirement for further, more detailed botanical surveys such as a National Vegetation Classification (NVC) Survey.
We use both field and desk-based Geographical Information Systems (GIS) software to accurately map habitats recorded during the survey and to produce clear and high-quality figures for reports.
Phase 1 Habitat Survey
Phase 1 Habitat Survey
Prior to the launch of the UKHab survey methodology, Phase 1 Habitat Surveys formed the basis of most initial ecology site surveys. This approach has been largely superseded for most projects, but may still be used in certain circumstances.
The Phase 1 Habitat Survey may be used as the botanical survey element to the Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA) which comprises the initial stage of ecological site assessment to inform a proposed development. The Phase 1 Habitat Survey provides a relatively rapid system for classifying and mapping wildlife habitats within a site.
The survey can be undertaken at any time throughout the year but the optimum time of year to undertake the survey is April to September.
Please get in touch to discuss your project.
The scope of the survey may be expanded to an Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey in order to include an assessment of the potential of proposed development sites to support protected species.
Where particular botanical interest is recorded, the survey can also highlight the requirement for further, more detailed botanical surveys such as a National Vegetation Classification (NVC) Survey.
We use both field-based and desk-based Geographical Information Systems (GIS) software to accurately map habitats recorded during the survey and to produce clear and high-quality figures for reports.
Get your development on the right track with our help.
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.