Ecological Surveys

We recommend that a Biodiversity Checklist is submitted with all planning applications, which will inform the need for more detailed or specific surveys.

Planning applications accompanied by appropriate surveys are likely to be processed more quickly.

We recommend that all survey works comply with British Standard 42020:2013 Biodiversity - code of practice for planning and development which came into effect on 31 August 2013. This British Standard provides recommendations and guidance for those engaged in planning and development whose work might affect or have implications for conservation, or the enhancement of biodiversity.

We are not able to recommend particular environmental consultants. The applicant may therefore wish to refer to the Professional Directory of members listed by the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management web page at CIEEM. It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure that any submitted survey meets our survey specifications.

We have issued a series of survey guidelines. These may be viewed via the links below. You may also contact the Planning Response Team if you would like further advice when a survey is requested.

Some survey specifications will be site specific, for example breeding bird surveys. Bespoke specifications will be provided by us when necessary.

We reserve the right to update all survey specifications and/ or request further survey work in the light of new research and information. The applicant should ensure that the most up to date survey specifications are applied to all surveys.

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