Protected Species Surveys
Legally protected species are one of the most common causes of planning delay. Understanding what is present — and securing the right surveys at the right time — keeps your project on programme and ensures regulatory compliance.
Bats
Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 / Conservation of Habitats & Species Regulations 2017
- Preliminary Roost Assessment (PRA)
- Emergence & Re-entry Surveys
- Bat Activity Transects
- Static Detector Surveys
All bat species and their roosts are strictly protected. Surveys required where buildings, trees or suitable structures are to be affected.
Great Crested Newts
Conservation of Habitats & Species Regulations 2017
- Habitat Suitability Index (HSI)
- eDNA Surveys (spring only)
- Traditional GCN Surveys
GCN are a European Protected Species. Survey demand is high in spring — book early to avoid programme delays.
Reptiles
Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981
- Presence/Absence Survey
- Population Assessment
- Reptile Translocation Method Statement
Six native reptile species are protected in Britain. Early identification of suitable habitat ensures surveys are scoped appropriately.
Badgers
Protection of Badgers Act 1992
- Badger Sett Survey
- Badger Method Statement
- Badger Licence Application
Badgers and their setts are protected year-round. Interference with a sett without a licence is a criminal offence.
Dormice
Conservation of Habitats & Species Regulations 2017
- Nest Tube Surveys
- Dormouse Licence Application
Hazel dormice are a European Protected Species. Often under-recorded — woodland and scrub sites in southern England carry risk.
Water Voles & Otter
Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981
- Water Vole Presence/Absence Survey
- Otter Presence/Absence Survey
- Mitigation & Translocation Plan
Any works affecting watercourses and adjacent riparian habitat require assessment. Water voles have experienced significant population declines and are a priority species for conservation.
European Protected Species Licences
Where development cannot avoid impacting a European Protected Species, a mitigation licence from Natural England is required before works can commence. This requires demonstrating that there is no satisfactory alternative, that the works are for an overriding public interest, and that the favourable conservation status of the species is maintained.
NatureLogic can prepare European Protected Species licence applications and method statements, manage the consultation process with Natural England, and provide ecological supervision during sensitive works.
Method Statement
Detailed ecological method statement setting out how impacts on the protected species will be avoided, mitigated and compensated.
Licence Application
Preparation and submission of the EPS licence application to Natural England, including supporting survey data and justification.
Ecological Supervision
On-site ecological supervision and watching briefs during vegetation clearance and groundworks to protect any species encountered.
Don't Miss Your Survey Window
Protected species surveys have strict seasonal windows. Missing them can delay a project by months. Contact NatureLogic early to ensure your programme is protected.