HABITATS AND PLANTS

An Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA) is required for developments that meet the criteria set out in the European Union Directives 97/11/EC & 85/337/EEC, but can also be employed on any development project to identify significant ecological impacts. It forms a chapter of Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) which is a process of evaluating the likely environmental impacts of a proposed project or development, taking into account inter-related socio-economic, cultural and human-health impacts, both beneficial and adverse.

Ecologic regularly prepares Ecological Impact Assessment for clients in Dorset, Devon, Cornwall, Somerset and throughout the UK. It is an important process of identifying, quantifying and evaluating the potential effects of development-related or other proposed actions on habitats, species and ecosystems. It comprises of 4 stages:

Scoping - is the first step and includes an initial data gathering exercise, which is used to inform the content or scope of the full Ecological Impact Assessment. We gather information on the proposed development, the site's ecology and any relevant policies & legislation. A desk study draws on published material and databases held by local organisations. An extended Phase 1 habitat survey is used to identify the main habitat types and evaluate the potential of the development site to support important habitats and species. 

Detailed ecology surveys - follow if the scoping exercise has illustrated that the development may affect protected habitats or species. Importantly, the season for these surveys may be limited, so early planning is essential to avoid delays to the development.

Evaluation - we use the information gleaned to evaluate the importance of the site, its species & habitats. We utilise published guidelines to ascertain a level of value for the different components of the site, on a scale ranging from negligible to Internationally important.

Impact assessment - interpretation of the survey data enables an evaluation of the ecological impact of the development; the extent of the changes (including positive and negative effects); and the significance of these.

Mitigation - we offer viable measures to avoid, reduce or compensate for impacts that have identified. In some cases avoiding impacts is a legal requirement, such as not disturbing/killing protected species. In others, mitigation may be needed to satisfy planning policies and best practice guidance.

Residual impacts - the effect of the development on biodiversity is reassessed to determine the final or residual impact of the development in the light of the proposed mitigation measures.

Environmental Impact Assessment - we present the results of the Ecological Impact Assessment for inclusion in an Environmental Impact Assessment, giving the decision makers the relevant information on the ecological impact of the proposal.

Smaller developments that do not require a formal Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA), frequently require a Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (see below) or a Phase 1 Habitat Survey (see bottom of page). 

Ecologic are Preliminary Ecological Appraisal specialists and offer a 5 working day fast track service contact us to arrange this service. The Preliminary Ecological Appraisal known previously as an Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey includes a desk study obtained from the Local Records Centre which details the protected and notable species, notified sites and priority habitats which allows us to understand a clearer picture of the wildlife interest of an area. The desk study is then supplemented by a field survey which comprises of a walkover assessment of the site using Phase 1 Habitat Survey methodology [see below] (JNCC, 1993 as amended by IEA, 1995). This is a standard technique for classifying and mapping British habitats. All areas within the site are surveyed and assessed for indicators of ecological value, including the presence of, or field signs for any protected or rare habitats and species. 

The results of the desk study and the field survey are then combined in a report that aims to establish baseline conditions and determine the importance of ecological features present (or could be) within the specified area; to establish any requirements for detailed/ further surveys; to identify key constraints to the project and make recommendations for design options to avoid significant effects on important ecological features/resources at an early stage; to identify the mitigation measures as far as possible, including those that may/are required, and to identify any enhancement opportunities

If any protected or notable species are identified or potentially present, further species specific survey work may be required. Some surveys, such as for dormice and reptiles, require several repeat survey visits following placement of artificial refugia at the site. Some surveys are also seasonally constrained, depending on the ecology and activity of the species concerned. It is therefore very important that you contact us at an early stage in any development.

The main purpose of a Phase 1 Habitat Survey is to record the vegetation and wildlife habitat over a specific area in order to assess the likely impacts of developments. It acts as a precursor to proposed projects involving areas of previously undeveloped land and developments. 

The survey is a relatively quick assessment technique includes evaluation of the ecological features present, as well as scoping for notable species or habitats, identification of potential restraints to proposed development schemes and recommendations where further surveys and mitigation are required. 

More specifically it records semi-natural vegetation and other wildlife habitats. Each habitat type/feature is defined by way of a brief description and is allocated a specific name, an alpha-numeric code, and unique mapping colour. The system has been widely used and continues to act as the standard ‘phase 1’ technique for habitat survey across the UK. In addition it identifies any requirement for more detailed habitat surveys including National Vegetation Classification (NVC) and Hedgerow Assessments - both of which Ecologic provide. Please contact us for more information, advice or would like to arrange a survey.