Protected Species Surveys

A number of protected species are found in the UK. If you are considering developing a site, or carrying out works on an existing site, you may be required to carry out surveys for one or more of these species. Certain species can only be surveyed for at specific times of year therfore planning for protetced species issues should be undertaken at the earliest stage of a project.

JW Ecological Ltd are qualified and licenced to carry out surveys for a variety of protected species.

Phase One Habitat Surveys

The Phase One habitat survey is the most basic and widely used form of habitat mapping producing maps classifying blocks of land into broad vegetation types and current land uses. These maps form the basis of the evaluation of any site being surveyed.

Extended phase one surveys, that identify protected species and other ecological components of the site in addition to vegetation types, can also be undertaken and these often form the basis of ecological assessments as part of planning applications.

We offer a full range of habitat surveys and mapping using the latest GIS mapping tools and software.

For more information please contact us.

National Vegetation Classification [NVC] Surveys

The National Vegetation Classification (NVC) is a system of mapping habitat using a set of defined categories of vegetation types found in the UK.

Detailed plants records are obtained through the use of standardised sample quadrats. These records are then used to produce an NVC map showing habitats divided into a mosaic of vegetation assigned to NVC sub-communities.

Categorising of the botanical data allows comparison with local biodiversity action plan information and evaluation of the site.

Hedgerow Surveys

Hedgerow Surveys are used as a means of determining the importance of hedgerows under the Hedgerow Regulations 1997. Hedgerow surveys will often be requested by local authorities prior to granting hedgerow removal notices. Removal of hedgerows designated as “important” under the regulations may be restricted.

Where the removal of important hedgerows cannot be avoided hedgerow translocations, where sections of hedgerow are removed and replanted either temporarily or permanently elsewhere, can be considered.

JW Ecological Ltd has extensive experience in moving important hedgerows, including some dating back to the medieval period.

Site Supervision & Toolbox Talks

JW Ecological Ltd offers site supervision services on development sites where ecological issues exist.

We also give Toolbox Talks and Ecological Briefings to staff on construction sites who require an understanding of the issues and how to work with them.