UK Habitat Classification survey
The starting point for most site assessments is a UK Habitat Classification (UKHab) survey to map the habitats present and check for any notable ecological features. Our surveyors will use their experience to identify standard habitat types and will target note any evidence of protected species. This baseline field information provides the starting point for our Preliminary Ecological Appraisals (PEA) and Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) Assessment.
Our ecologists are botanically trained and their skills are regularly assessed using the Botanical Society of Britain & Ireland (BSBI) Field Identification Skills Certificate (FISC). Our team includes ecologists at FISC Level 4 & 5.
Habitat Condition Assessment
Both habitat type (determined though UKHabs survey) and habitat condition need to be determined to inform Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) Assessment. Our surveyors will use Defra’s standard Statutory Biodiversity Metric Condition Assessment methodology to assess the condition of habitats present on your site, and identify opportunities for condition enhancement which can contribute towards BNG delivery as part of your proposed development or habitat bank proposals.
We can offer Condition Assessments for terrestrial habitats, linear features (e.g. hedgerows) and watercourses (including River Condition Assessment; with ecologists in all our regional offices being accredited surveyors). Accurate condition assessment and identification of appropriate and achievable enhancements can make a big differenced to the outcome of a BNG calculation, as such should be undertaken at an appropriate time of year for the type of habitat assessed.
Detailed botanical surveys
When early investigations suggest that a valuable habitat or rare plant species may be present on a development site it’s often necessary to complete a more detailed botanical assessment. This may take the form of specific surveys to detect a particular species or species group or it may be appropriate to use the National Vegetation Classification (NVC) survey technique to obtain an accurate picture of plant communities.
Detailed botanical surveys are generally undertaken between spring and summer, with the optimum survey period varying with the habitat and location. Our ecologists will advise on what surveys may be appropriate and our experts are on hand to complete the necessary investigations.
Habitat Management and Monitoring Plan (HMMP)
Our ecology and landscape teams can work closely together to produce HMMP, which is required to detail how proposed habitats would be established and followed by a 30-year period of management and monitoring. The HMMP will specifically address significant on-site biodiversity gains / ‘off-site’ biodiversity gains to be registered under the Biodiversity Gain Register. We can produce HMMPs using the published HMMP template, or provide bespoke HMMPs to suit your project needs.
Our teams also work together to produce site-wide Landscape and Ecology Management Plans (LEMPS), details how ecological mitigation and enhancement measures will be delivered and managed, with areas of Public Open Space (POS) such as Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace (SANG) which our teams can design by way of mitigation to Special Protection Areas (SPAs) for nesting and wintering birds. We’re always mindful that simple prescriptions are more likely to be followed and our prescriptions consider on-going management costs as well as the landscape and biodiversity goals.
