Our Services

My Eco Surveyor: Comprehensive Ecology Survey Services

My Eco Surveyor provides expert ecology surveys and ecological assessments for property or land development across the UK. Our ecological surveyors undertake surveys that meet local planning authorities requirements and ensure compliance with UK wildlife law.

Phase 1 Habitat Survey & Preliminary Ecological Appraisal

A phase 1 habitat survey is often the first step in understanding your site's ecological value. This type of survey provides a baseline assessment of habitats and species, identifying ecological features and potential ecological constraints that could affect your development proposal.

Our preliminary ecological appraisal (PEA) includes a detailed walkover survey of your plot of land, recording habitat types using the standard Phase 1 habitat classification system. We assess the quality of vegetation, identify potential protected species habitats, and evaluate the overall ecological value of your proposed development site.

What's Included:

Comprehensive habitat mapping
Identification of ecological features
Protected species potential assessment
Recommendations for further surveys
Preliminary biodiversity net gain assessment
Detailed ecology report for planning

Perfect for: Property buyers, developers starting new projects, planning applications requiring initial ecological information, and anyone conducting due diligence on a proposed development project.

Read our complete guide to Phase 1 habitat surveys for detailed information on costs, timings and requirements.

Get a Quote for Phase 1 Survey

Ecological surveyor conducting Phase 1 habitat survey at development site

Protected Species Surveys

The presence of protected species on your site doesn't have to stop development. Our protected species surveys identify European protected species and provide ecological mitigation strategies that satisfy both regulatory requirements and conservation goals.

Bat survey equipment including detector and thermal camera

Bat Surveys

Bat surveys are essential when buildings or trees with bat roost potential will be affected by development. As European protected species under UK wildlife law, bats require specialized survey techniques and licensed surveyors.

We conduct comprehensive bat surveys including:

Preliminary Roost Assessment (PRA) - Initial inspection to determine bat roost potential
Activity Surveys - Dusk emergence and dawn re-entry surveys using acoustic detectors and thermal imaging
Tree Surveys for Bats - Assessment of trees for bat roost features
Building Surveys - Detailed inspection of structures for roosting bats

Survey Season: May to September for activity surveys, year-round for preliminary assessments.

Our bat surveys meet Natural England guidelines and provide all relevant ecological information needed for planning permission and bat mitigation licenses if required.

Learn more about bat survey requirements for planning permission including timing, costs and licensing.

Arrange Bat Survey

Great Crested Newt Surveys

Great crested newts are a European protected species commonly found in UK ponds and surrounding terrestrial habitat. If your proposed development site has ponds or suitable habitat within 500m, great crested newt surveys are often required by local planning authorities.

Our comprehensive newt survey includes:

Habitat Suitability Index (HSI) - Assessment of pond suitability for great crested newts
eDNA Testing - Modern DNA sampling technique for rapid species detection
Traditional Surveys - Night-time torch surveys, bottle trapping, and egg searching
Population Assessment - Detailed surveys to determine newt population size

Survey Season: Mid-March to June for traditional surveys, April to June optimal for eDNA.

We provide species survey reports that support protected species licensing applications and ensure your development proposal complies with conservation requirements.

Read our complete great crested newt survey guide for developers including eDNA testing and mitigation strategies.

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Great crested newt in natural pond habitat

Water Vole Surveys & Other Protected Species

We undertake surveys for a range of protected species beyond bats and newts:

Water Vole Surveys

Water vole surveys are essential for developments near watercourses. These protected mammals leave distinctive field signs that our experienced ecological surveyor can identify. Survey season: April to September.

Bird Surveys

Breeding bird surveys are required when development could affect nesting birds or important bird habitat. We conduct surveys following best practice guidance, typically between March and August.

Reptile Surveys

Survey work for reptiles like slow worms, grass snakes, and common lizards using artificial refugia. Survey season: March to October, optimal April to June and September.

Badger Surveys

Identification of badger setts, paths, and activity within development sites. Year-round surveys available.

Our ecology consultant will advise on which types of ecology survey your site requires based on the initial survey findings and habitat present.

View our water vole survey guide | UK protected species complete guide

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Tree Surveys & Arboricultural Assessments

Tree surveys are a critical part of the planning process when development proposals involve existing trees. Our arboricultural assessments comply with BS5837:2012, the British Standard for Trees in Relation to Design, Demolition and Construction.

Our comprehensive tree survey includes:

Tree Categorization - Assessing trees as Category A (high quality), B (moderate), C (low), or U (unsuitable for retention)
Health & Condition Assessment - Detailed evaluation of tree health, structural integrity, and remaining contribution
Root Protection Areas (RPAs) - Calculating zones where construction could harm trees
Arboricultural Impact Assessment - Evaluating how development plans affect trees
Tree Protection Plan - Recommendations for protecting retained trees during construction
Arboricultural Method Statement - Detailed guidance for working near trees

Why tree surveys matter: Many trees are protected by Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) or Conservation Area legislation. Even unprotected trees require consideration in planning applications. Our tree surveys ensure compliance with local authorities requirements and help avoid costly delays from inadequate tree protection measures.

Read our complete BS5837 tree survey guide for planning applications including TPO requirements and costs.

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Arborist conducting professional tree survey

Ecological impact assessment survey in progress

Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA)

An ecological impact assessment provides comprehensive analysis of how your proposed development project will affect the natural environment. This form of ecological assessment is typically required for larger development projects or those in ecologically sensitive areas.

Our EcIA includes:

Baseline Ecological Conditions - Thorough documentation of existing habitats and species through ecological survey data collection
Impact Prediction - Assessment of potential environmental impact during construction and operation
Significance Evaluation - Determining the importance of identified ecological issues at appropriate geographic scales
Mitigation Hierarchy - Applying best practice to avoid, minimize, and compensate for impacts
Residual Effects - Identifying remaining ecological constraints after mitigation
Enhancement Opportunities - Recommendations for biodiversity improvements

Our ecology report presents relevant ecological information clearly, helping local planning authorities understand how your development proposal addresses ecological considerations and supports protected species conservation.

Explore effective ecological mitigation strategies for UK developments.

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Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) Assessments

Biodiversity net gain is now a mandatory requirement for most development projects in England. This means your development plans must demonstrate measurable improvement in biodiversity - typically at least 10% gain over pre-development conditions.

Our BNG service includes:

Baseline Assessment - Using the Biodiversity Metric to assess the quality of existing habitats and species
BNG Calculations - Determining the biodiversity units on your site before and after development
Habitat Creation Design - Recommendations for on-site habitat creation and enhancement
Off-site Solutions - Identifying off-site biodiversity unit purchase options if on-site delivery isn't feasible
Management Plans - 30-year habitat management and monitoring strategies
BNG Statements - Documentation for planning applications demonstrating compliance

Understanding BNG early helps you integrate ecological features into your design efficiently, avoiding costly delays later. Our ecological surveyors work collaboratively with architects and planners to find practical solutions that achieve biodiversity net gain while maintaining development viability.

Related services: We also provide national vegetation classification surveys for detailed habitat assessment, essential for accurate BNG calculations on complex sites.

Read our comprehensive biodiversity net gain guide to understand 10% BNG requirements.

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Biodiversity net gain development with wildlife corridors

Before and after Japanese knotweed removal

Invasive Plant Species Management

Discovering invasive plant species on your plot of land can cause major headaches. Species like Japanese knotweed, Himalayan balsam, and giant hogweed can delay development, reduce property values, and require expensive treatment.

Our invasive species service includes:

Species Identification - Expert identification of invasive plants during ecological walkover survey
Extent Mapping - GPS mapping of infestation areas to define treatment zones
Risk Assessment - Evaluating potential spread and impact on development proposal
Treatment Plans - Recommending herbicide treatment, excavation, or other control methods
Management Strategies - Long-term approaches to prevent reestablishment
Disposal Advice - Guidance on legal disposal of invasive species material

Japanese knotweed is particularly problematic as it can grow through concrete and tarmac, damage building foundations, and is extremely difficult to eradicate. Our ecology consultant can coordinate treatment programs and provide the documentation that mortgage lenders and local planning authorities require.

Early identification through our initial survey helps you budget appropriately and avoid costly delays once construction begins.

Learn about managing Japanese knotweed on development sites including treatment options and legal requirements.

Request Invasive Species Survey

More Services

Additional Ecology Survey Services

We offer a comprehensive range of surveys to meet every aspect of your ecological assessment needs.

Botanical Survey

Detailed botanical survey documenting plant species and vegetation communities. Essential for sites with potential rare or protected plant species. We use national vegetation classification for precise habitat characterization.

Ecological Walkover Survey

Rapid ecological walkover survey providing initial ecological information about your site. Useful for due diligence, site acquisition decisions, or determining which types of ecological surveys are needed.

Ecological Clerk of Works

On-site supervision during construction ensuring ecological mitigation measures are properly implemented and any unforeseen ecological issues are addressed promptly.

Aquatic Surveys

Surveys of rivers, streams, ponds, and lakes including fish surveys, invertebrate sampling, and aquatic vegetation assessment. Important for developments near water bodies.

Barn Owl Surveys

Specialized surveys for barn owls and other Schedule 1 birds. Essential before barn conversions or agricultural building modifications. Conducted by licensed surveyors.

Protected Species Licenses

Application support for European protected species licenses required when development affects species like bats, great crested newts, or other legally protected wildlife.

Pricing & Process

How Much Does an Ecology Survey Cost?

Understanding Ecology Survey Cost

The ecology survey cost varies based on several factors:

Size of the site - Larger plots of land require more survey time
Type of survey - Different types of ecology survey have different requirements
Complexity - Sites with many ecological features need more detailed assessment
Seasonality - Some species surveys require multiple visits across survey seasons
Location - Travel to remote sites may affect pricing
Urgency - Standard or expedited delivery timescales

Typical Price Ranges:

Preliminary Ecological Appraisal: £500-£1,500
Phase 1 Habitat Survey: £600-£2,000
Bat Survey (complete): £1,200-£4,000
Great Crested Newt Survey: £800-£3,000
Tree Survey: £500-£2,500
Ecological Impact Assessment: £2,000-£8,000+

These are guideline prices. Get in touch for a precise quote for an ecology survey tailored to the specifications of your site and development proposal.

Our Process

Initial Consultation - Get in touch to discuss your proposed development project. We'll advise on which surveys are needed and provide a quote for an ecology survey.
Site Visit Arrangement - We arrange a site visit at a time convenient for you. For protected species surveys, timing depends on survey seasons.
Survey Work - Our ecological surveyor conducts thorough survey work collecting ecological survey data following best practice methodologies.
Report Preparation - We prepare a comprehensive ecology report with relevant ecological information, impact assessment, and recommendations.
Report Delivery - Your report is delivered in a format suitable for submission to local planning authorities as part of your planning application.
Ongoing Support - We're available to answer questions from your local council, attend planning meetings, or advise on implementing ecological mitigation measures.

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions About Our Services

The types of ecology survey required depend on your site's characteristics and local planning authorities requirements. Most development plans start with a preliminary ecological appraisal or phase 1 habitat survey. This initial survey identifies potential ecological constraints and recommends which types of ecological surveys are needed - such as bat surveys, great crested newt surveys, or bird surveys. Your local council's ecology officer can also advise on specific requirements for your proposed development site.

Timing for surveys varies by species. Bat surveys are typically conducted May-September. Great crested newt surveys require spring surveys (March-June). Bird surveys for breeding birds run March-August. Botanical surveys are best April-September. Phase 1 habitat surveys can be done year-round but spring/summer provides most ecological information. Some types of ecology survey require multiple visits across specific seasons, so starting early helps avoid costly delays to your development plans.

Yes, even small development projects may need ecology surveys. The size of the site alone doesn't determine requirements - it's about potential impact on habitats and species. Even a single-home plot of land might require bat surveys if buildings or trees will be affected, or protected species surveys if suitable habitat exists. Local planning authorities increasingly require ecological information for all but the smallest applications. An initial consultation helps determine exactly what your project needs.

Finding presence of protected species doesn't stop development - it just means additional steps are needed. Our ecology consultant will design ecological mitigation measures to support protected species while allowing work to proceed. This might include timing restrictions, habitat creation, or obtaining a license for European protected species. Many development proposals successfully accommodate protected species through careful planning. We work to ensure that development proposals comply with UK wildlife law while remaining economically viable.

Timeline varies by type of survey. A phase 1 habitat survey report typically takes 2 weeks after the site visit. Protected species surveys requiring multiple visits may span several months due to seasonal constraints - for example, complete bat surveys usually take 2-3 months during the survey season. We can often arrange an ecology survey within days of your initial contact, and we'll provide a clear timeline showing when you'll receive your ecology report based on the specifications of your site and type of survey needed.

Ready to Arrange Your Ecology Survey?

Get in touch today for expert advice and a competitive quote for an ecology survey tailored to your property or land development needs.

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