Habitat Surveys from Pinnacle Environment Ltd
Planning of ecology issues should be considered at the earliest possible stage in a development. If the correct surveys are not undertaken at the correct time, a developer may be exposed to inordinate delays, as well as potentially abortive work if key optimum survey periods are missed or poorly planned.
Pinnacle Environment Ltd is able to provide a range of ecology surveys, including:
Extended Phase 1 Habitat Surveys
A Phase 1 Habitat Survey is a standardised system used to identify and map habitat types and features of ecological interest within or around a site in compliance with JNCC methods (JNCC (2010) Handbook for Phase 1 Habitat Survey: a Technique for Environmental Audit). It may be ‘extended’ to highlight the potential for protected species on the site.
The survey provides baseline data and where required recommends the need for further surveys and mitigation to ensure that the proposed development complies with relevant conservation legislation. As these surveys can be carried out throughout the year, Extended Phase 1 Habitat Surveys are a valuable source of information for developers. With early identification of issues that could potentially affect a development, the Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey gives the best chance to Incorporate mitigation strategies into schemes prior to planning applications.
The results of a Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey can also highlight the need for a detailed survey for particular species. Please view our Protected Species Surveys page for further information.
In some cases, the presence of protected species can require significant alterations to the design of a scheme and can significantly influence the construction timetable.
This is why we always recommend that the initial survey be carried out as early as possible to allow constraints and mitigation programmes to be identified as soon as possible.
Hedgerow Surveys
Important hedgerows are protected by the Hedgerows Regulations 1997, making it an offence to remove or destroy certain hedgerows without permission from the local planning authority.
We regularly carry out hedgerow surveys to establish whether specific hedgerows on a site falls within the description ‘important’, and can provide recommendations for the management of hedgerows so that developments can proceed.
Management of Invasive Plants
We are also regularly instructed to advise on the management of invasive plants, which if addressed incorrectly can result in significant costs, both in financial terms and in terms of delays to projects. Some of the non-native plants that we offer advice on include:
• Japanese Knotweed, which through its aggressive growth can cause extensive damage to buildings, foundations and roads.
• Himalayan Balsam, which is highly invasive and capable of spreading rapidly and destroying diversity within the areas it inhabits.
• Giant Hogweed, which is hazardous to humans as its sap contains a highly toxic chemical which sensitises the skin to UV rays, leading to severe blistering and, in some cases, blindness.
Email us to discuss our ecology services, or alternatively, please contact our office on 0845 463 4404.
