A Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA) is the first step in the ecology survey process. It involves an extended Phase 1 habitat survey to establish a baseline understanding of the site’s condition and its potential to support protected species or priority habitats. The resulting report provides a clear assessment of the site’s ecological value and outlines any further surveys or actions required to support an Ecological Impact Assessment and planning application.

This type of survey is often requested by local councils for small-scale renovation or extension projects on residential properties, or as part of a wider Preliminary Ecological Appraisal. It can be carried out year-round and involves assessing buildings and structures for their suitability to support roosting bats. Where potential roosting features are identified, further surveys may be recommended to determine the presence or likely absence of protected species.

If bats are confirmed to be present, a detailed mitigation and compensation plan will be developed to ensure compliance with wildlife legislation. In some cases, a Mitigation Licence from Natural England may be required to allow the proposed works to proceed lawfully and responsibly.

Bat Emergence Surveys are undertaken to confirm the presence, number, and behaviour of bats using a structure or tree identified as having potential roosting features. Surveys are typically carried out at dusk or dawn during the active bat season (May to September) and use a combination of visual observation and ultrasonic detectors to record bat activity as individuals emerge or return to roosts. The results provide essential data for assessing ecological impacts and informing mitigation or licensing requirements.

Breeding Bird Surveys are carried out to identify species present, assess population densities, and determine nesting territories within a site. Typically undertaken between March and July, these surveys provide essential data for understanding site importance and informing mitigation strategies during development or land management planning. At Ecotainment, our experienced ornithologists use a combination of vantage point observations, transects, and song identification to record breeding activity accurately.

Wintering Bird Surveys are undertaken to identify species and assess the importance of a site for birds outside the breeding season, typically between October and March. These surveys provide valuable insights into habitat use, population trends, and the potential impacts of proposed works on overwintering and migratory species.

We undertake Great Crested Newt (GCN) surveys to determine the presence, distribution, and population size of this European Protected Species within ponds and surrounding terrestrial habitats. Surveys are typically carried out between mid-March and mid-June using recognised methods such as torchlight searches, bottle trapping, egg searches, and eDNA analysis. At Ecotainment, our licensed ecologists provide robust and compliant assessments to inform planning applications, mitigation design, and Natural England licensing. Using a combination of traditional field techniques and drone-based habitat mapping, we can identify suitable breeding and foraging areas efficiently, even in challenging or inaccessible terrain.

Badger surveys are carried out to identify setts, foraging areas, and commuting routes, ensuring that proposed works comply with legal protections under the Protection of Badgers Act 1992. Surveys can be undertaken year-round and typically involve detailed ground searches for setts, latrines, and other field signs. At Ecotainment, our ecologists combine traditional field survey methods with state of the art thermal drone technology to detect and map setts. This approach provides highly accurate data while minimising disturbance, enabling us to design effective mitigation and licensing strategies that safeguard badger populations throughout development.

Otter surveys are undertaken to identify resting sites, holts, couches, and foraging areas along rivers, streams, and waterbodies. These surveys are essential for assessing potential impacts of developments or land management activities on this European Protected Species. At Ecotainment, our ecologists carry out detailed ground-based assessments supported by drone and thermal imaging technology, allowing us to pinpoint otter activity even in dense vegetation or inaccessible sections of watercourses. This combination of traditional fieldcraft and advanced technology ensures accurate data collection while minimising disturbance, enabling us to provide practical, conservation-led advice and mitigation strategies.

Reptile surveys are undertaken to determine the presence, distribution, and population size of protected species such as slow worms, common lizards, grass snakes, and adders. These surveys are typically carried out during warm, dry conditions between April and September using a combination of visual searches and artificial refugia checks. At Ecotainment, our ecologists use detailed habitat assessments to identify likely basking and shelter areas, complemented by aerial drone surveys to map habitat structure and connectivity. This integrated approach provides a comprehensive understanding of reptile use across a site and supports the development of effective mitigation, translocation, and habitat enhancement strategies.

Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW) services ensure that construction and land management activities are carried out in compliance with wildlife legislation and ecological best practice. Our experienced ecologists provide on-site supervision, guidance, and toolbox talks to help contractors and developers avoid harm to protected species and habitats.