Habitat Surveys
Many site assessments start with a Phase 1 habitat survey. A Phase 1 survey typically provides a map of the habitats present on the site, a description of each habitat and a plant species list. This is often just the first step in assessing the habitats at the site and more detailed survey work may be required if botanical interest is suggested.
More detailed survey work may be suggested where UKBAP Priority Habitats (currently 65 habitats are listed) are found (e.g. ponds, hedgerows, lowland calcareous grassland, lowland heathland, reed beds, traditional orchards etc). Detailed surveys will often be subject to specific seasonal survey windows when key species will be more evident. Our botanists will often use the standard methodology set out within the National Vegetation Classification (NVC) survey technique when conducting detailed botanical assessment work.
Where invasive weeds are identified, such as Japanese knotweed, further specialist survey work may be required to develop an appropriate containment and eradication strategy.
Where notable habitat is present on a site and this is retained alongside any proposed land-use change, the future treatment and management of this habitat can be crucial to conserving biodiversity interest in the long-term. CSa’s landscape architects and ecologists often prepare detailed Management Plans to guide future actions.
For more information, or to obtain a quote, please email us or call 01386 751100
