UKHab Habitat Survey
Distinct habitats are identified and mapped in accordance with UKHab survey methodology, based on the plant species present. Where habitats contain interesting flora, such as chalk grassland or ancient woodland, these are subject to detailed botanical survey work to determine habitat type and their importance.
Preliminary Ecological Appraisal
A Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA) is usually required early on in the planning process to determine the ecological impacts of a proposed development and inform the need for any further species-specific surveys. A UKHab habitat survey forms the basis of a PEA, which is extended to assess the sites’ potential to support protected species.
As part of a PEA, Habitat Suitability Index assessments are undertaken on water bodies to determine their potential to support great crested newts, structures and trees are assessed for their potential to support bat species, field signs of notable species are recorded, and the site is checked for the presence of invasive non-native species.
Hedgerow Survey
Under the Hedgerow Regulations 1997 it is against the law to remove most hedgerows without permission. Carried out either as part of a Preliminary Ecological Appraisal or a stand-alone survey, a hedgerow survey assesses each hedgerow against a set of criteria to determine if it is ‘important’ or ‘not important’. To qualify as ‘important’ a hedgerow must be at least 30 years old and meet at least one of the main criteria.