The majority of developments, apart from some minor householder projects, require an ecological survey of some kind. Many ecological surveys are seasonally constrained. Survey periods vary on a species-by-species basis, and also vary depending on particular habitats, geographical location and weather conditions.
Initial surveys to determine the suitability of a habitat or building for protected species can usually be completed at any time of the year. If the initial survey identifies that a site contains a protected species or even holds the potential for a protected species, further surveys are required to confirm the presence of absence of those species. It is these further surveys that are usually seasonally constrained, with the optimum survey periods tending to be between May and September. Surveys that are not completed within the optimum survey period may not be accepted by local planning authorities or other bodies, such as Natural England. In such cases, the whole project can be put on hold until a survey can be undertaken in the next optimum survey period.
Given the time limited nature of ecological surveys, ecologists tend to get booked up months in advance and it is therefore strongly recommended that anyone who will need to have surveys carried out this year gets those booked in as soon as possible. They should also bear in mind that survey results usually become out of date after 12 months, after which follow up surveys may need to be undertaken and reports reissued to cover any potential on site changes.
If you need an ecological survey or require further information please contact Henry Buckpitt on 01884 212380 or via our website www.acornrpc.co.uk. Henry is an Associate member of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management and is always happy to have an initial conversation with new and existing clients.
