A protected species scoping survey is a type of ecological appraisal which is conducted on a site which is to be developed. It is carried out in order to look for signs of protected species such as bats or Great Crested Newts. The protected species scoping survey is generally carried out as part of the planning process in order to satisfy planners that provision has been made to protect any endangered or protected species that are living in close proximity to the development site. Having a protected species survey allows developers to get the bigger picture on what exactly they are facing and allows them to take steps which will allow them to continue with their development whilst still looking after the protected species that are in the area.
What Can a Protected Species Scoping Survey Uncover?
A protected species scoping survey can do a range of things. It will look for evidence of species which are protected by European law. It will also look for evidence of protected nested birds, badgers, bats and more.
The surveys will be carried out by a trained ecological consultant who will be skilled at tracking down and spotting evidence of a wide range of protected species. They will make out a detailed report, including a map of the location in which all protected species can be found. This is very useful in the planning stage of development because it allows developers to draw up plans which have made provisions for the protected species on their land and this makes it much more likely that their planning application will be approved first time.
Recommendations
The consultant who carries out the protected species scoping survey would also make recommendations as to how developers can proceed in a way which satisfies planners and offers mitigation, so it is really a good idea to get your survey done in the very early stages of development because the information you get from the survey can be of vital importance to you and will ensure that your development does not get help up later down the line when a species is discovered.
Habitatsurveys.com offers ecological habitat surveys extensively across the UK, at a price you can afford. To learn more about a Protected Species Scoping Survey visit their website today.