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Hedgerow Surveys
A hedgerow is defined as a line of trees and shrubs over 20 meters in length with a width less than 5 meters at the base.
Hedgerows are listed as Priority Habitat under the UK's Biodiversity Action Plan and have considerable wildlife benefits. The Hedgerow Regulations 1997 also recognises those 'Important' hedgerows that match certain criteria in relation to archaeology and history, wildlife and landscape.
To be defined as 'Important' the hedgerow needs to have existed for at least 30 years or longer AND satisfy at least one of the criteria listed in Part 2 of schedule 1 of the Regulations
It is prohibited to remove or destroy any hedgerows classified as 'Important' under these Regulations prior to obtaining consent from the Local Planning Authority. The Regulations are however not applicable to hedgerows within the curtilage or marking the boundary of a dwelling house.
Phase 2 Botanical Surveys
A Preliminary Ecological Appraisal will use the Phase 1 Habitat survey methodology to rapidly map broad habitat types. This survey may identify that more specialist and focused botanical surveys are needed where rare plant species or notable habitats may be present.
Where rare or notable habitats are identified it may be necessary to classify the habitat in more detail than is needed for a Phase 1 Habitat survey. In these circumstances a detailed botanical survey may be undertaken whereby individual species are recorded. In certain circumstances a National Vegetation Classification (NVC) survey may be required, providing a systematic and comprehensive classification of British plant communities upon a site.
Specialist Botanical Surveys
In some circumstances specialist botanical surveys may be required, for example the presence, distribution and species composition of lower plant species, including bryophytes upon Scheduled Ancient Monuments. Torc Ecology work with experienced and dedicated associates that can deliver these specialist surveys if required for your project.
Please contact us for more information so we can discuss how we can assist you.
Invasive Species Surveys
If a site has been colonised by invasive plant species (such as Japanese Knotweed) then it will be necessary to map the extent of the spread to provide specialist contractors the information they will need to eradicate or control the plants.
Torc Ecology have the expertise to undertake invasive species surveys and have experience on working on sites with a wide range of invasive plant species including Japanese Knotweed, Himalayan Balsam and Giant Hogweed.
