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Preliminary Ecological Appraisal
A Preliminary Ecological Appraisal, sometimes referred to as an ecological scoping survey, is one of the first steps in undertaking an ecological assessment of a site.
The appraisal involves a desk top study and a Phase 1 habitat survey, i.e. a field visit that identifies different structures, habitats and land forms on a site. The Preliminary Ecological Appraisal also identifies any evidence of, or potential for, the site to support protected or notable plants or animals.
Once the desk top study and field surveys are completed a Preliminary Ecological Appraisal Report can be generated to aid project design. Alternatively, provided no further surveys are required a ‘Low Impact' Ecological Impact Assessment Report can be produced suitable to support a planning application.
Ecological Impact Assessment
If ecological issues are highlighted at a site or following a Preliminary Ecological Appraisal, Phase 2 surveys (usually protected species surveys) may be needed to fully assess the ecological impact of a development or activity.
Once these Phase 2 surveys are complete a ‘Full’ Ecological Impact Assessment Report can be compiled. This ‘Full’ Ecological Impact Assessment Report will include the survey results and present an appropriate and robust mitigation and enhancement strategy that will support a planning application. The report will also address the need for any Natural England licence provision and seek to maintain and enhance the conservation status of the site.
To date Torc Ecology have undertaken PEA and EcIA work for over 500 projects in East Anglia and throughout the UK, and have successfully enabled our clients to work efficiently and cost-effectively within the legislative and planning framework
Working on small and large projects
Torc Ecology undertakes PEA and EcIA work for a variety of developments, from small projects such as house extensions and land change of use, to complex sites with multiple ecological issues, such as wind farms, road schemes and large-scale housing developments.
On certain sites an EcIA Report may form the basis of an Ecological Chapter as part of an Environmental Statement for developments where a more formal impact assessment is required i.e. Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA).
Identifying potential constraints
Identifying potential ecological constraints at the start of a project significantly reduces the risk of unexpected and costly delays. The PEA and EcIA process will identify if Phase 2 ecology surveys are needed, allowing the surveys to be programmed into a project's schedule at an early stage.
If ecology mitigation, compensation or enhancement is ultimately required this can be implemented at the design stage, benefiting our clients by allowing them to plan their work schedule and make informed and cost-effective decisions from the outset of a project.
