Planning Ahead: An Ecology Survey Timetable
The main survey timings are:
Great Crested Newt – Season mid-March to mid-June. Realistically surveys would need to be instructed by the start of May at the very latest but it is strongly advised to plan ahead. See our website article on GCN surveys for more information.
Reptiles – Surveys should be conducted between April-September when reptiles are active. A presence/absence survey will involve multiple visits across a number of months, the extent and timing of which will vary between sites and the potential they afford for different species. Surveys are also weather dependent. Detailed survey guidance within the new Reptile Mitigation Guidelines from Natural England (Sept 2011) should be followed.
Bats – May-September is the main period for activity survey work. Surveys generally need to cover the maternity period between May and early August. Scoping surveys and building inspections can be undertaken at any time of the year. Don’t forget that structures such as basements, cellars and ice houses may also have a winter hibernation use.
Badgers – Searches for setts can be carried out at anytime of the year but are most effective in late winter/early spring when vegetation does not obscure sett entrances but badger activity levels are high, ensuring the presence of field signs.
Dormice– Nest tube surveys are the usual method of survey and this work will involve monthly surveys from April-September, or ideally until November.
Birds – Winter bird surveys are generally undertaken between November-February and breeding bird surveys during March–July, but many types of survey exist.
Water voles – Surveys are generally undertaken between March-September when activity levels are higher and field signs are more in evidence.
Habitats – April-September is the best time to undertake a Phase 1 Habitat Survey. However, during the winter months surveys can still be undertaken but will be sub-optimal as some species will not be visible. Phase 2 botanical surveys will need to be timed for the optimal survey season.
A few commonly asked questions, and answers you may find helpful:
Q. What happens if I miss the survey season?
A. Some sub-optimal survey work may be acceptable for certain species in consultation with the Local Authority, BUT there are clear guidelines for most species that are often enforced e.g. if you request a GCN survey in June you will probably have to wait until the following March to begin surveys. We will always try to provide helpful advice on what CAN be done, but sometimes the best advice is to wait.
Q. How do I know what surveys will be required?
A. The starting point on most sites is to get an experienced ecologist to complete an Ecological Walkover or Appraisal to identify the issues. This type of baseline survey can be undertaken at anytime of the year and will provide clear advice on any further surveys that may be required and when these can be completed.
Q. What happens if we find protected species on-site?
A. We will advise you what constraints this may pose and what the options are. Generally there is a way to devise a suitable mitigation strategy which will protect the species involved, meet legal requirements and allow proposals to go ahead.
Please contact us on 01386 751100 if you wish to talk through your survey requirements.
