Protected Species Surveys.
A protected species survey is a legally required survey for any site where initial surveys have suggested that the site is home to any species considered to be protected or endangered (As identified in Article 12 of the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010 or the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981). Early consideration of protected species in the project design process will avoid costly problems or delays at later stages. The most common protected species issues relate to:
• Nesting birds
• Badgers
• Reptiles
• Bats
• Dormice
• Otters
• Water Voles
• Great Crested Newts
Bat Surveys.
Bat surveys are required if there is a reasonable likelihood of bats being present in the location of a planned development
Otter Surveys.
Otters are fully protected under UK and European Law. Developments affecting otters or their resting places will require a European Protected Species Licence prior to the commencement of bank-side works.
Badger Surveys.
Badgers and their setts are protected under the Protection of Badgers Act 1992, which makes it illegal to kill, injure them or to interfere with a sett
Reptile and Amphibian Surveys.
The habitats of common reptiles are not specifically protected, though developers are often obliged to replace any reptile habitat lost as a result of development.
Bird Surveys.
Nearly all birds, their nests and eggs are protected under UK law and some especially rare species are given enhanced protection from disturbance during the breeding season.
Water Vole Surveys.
Water voles are fully protected under UK law and it is an offence to deliberately capture, injure or kill them or to damage, destroy or obstruct their breeding or resting places.