The biological diversity of habitats and species in the U.K. drives the need for planners and developers to conduct an ecological survey. Not only is there a moral need to do this but a regulatory need as well. The U.K. is a world leader when it comes to initiatives to protect the natural environment for future generations.
Here are some of the specific areas that developers involved with national and local government projects should be aware of because together they define the importance of using an ecological survey prior to getting planning permission for a development project.
The Regulatory Need
No matter what, developers and planners must comply with U.K. wildlife law. The ecological survey identifies any limitations that a developer or planner must work within so as not to disrupt the delicate balance between mankind and the environment.
The planning of environmental parameters is necessary for identifying the costs involved for keeping within their limitations. For example, if the nesting habitat of a protected species is identified during a survey, then special licensing will more than likely be required from the appropriate authority before planning and building can commence. Costs may also be incurred when modifications to the plan, landscape, or structure must be implemented to provide environmental protection.
Extending the Desk Study
The desk study is usually the first step done prior to planning. In simple terms, the desk study uses public information to make an analysis of the habitats and wildlife that are in the area where development is proposed. There is a wealth of public information available but one must consider that the sources of it are not always the most reliable.
Some information is provided by untrained volunteers who do not have backgrounds in wildlife and natural habitats and are presenting only what they observe. Furthermore, their observations probably have not taken into consideration the season. The various species and plants are rarely present year-round.
Extending the desk study is where the importance of doing an ecological survey stands out. The desk study can only give a rough picture of the habitat that could be potentially affected by a development project. An expert ecological surveyor understands that the area must be studied in conjunction with the seasons where the wildlife and plant life are active. Without this approach, important details could be missed which could later mean complications in planning permission from the authorities or, worse yet, adversely affecting the environment once development begins.
The Value Added
The importance of using an ecological survey applies not only to protecting the environment. It can add value to your project. This is especially true if having an ecological survey done as a part of achieving accreditation by BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method). BREEAM is a sought-after standard that basically certifies structures as sustainable and environmentally friendly.
For property owners, BREEAM certification can mean an increase in rental yields. A report published by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors in March 2012 found that rental yields on BREEAM certified buildings were 1.5% higher and 21% higher when they were found in clusters. They also found a higher demand for these sustainable structures. The reality is that BREEAM certified structures must adhere to a higher standard of quality which makes them attractive for buyers and tenants alike.
Protecting the Trees
Everyone knows the importance of protecting trees because of their function in protecting soil from erosion, providing oxygen, and serving as habitats for different animal species. However, the importance of using an ecological survey goes far beyond just protecting the trees. It gives the plan for the best approach to their protection.
In many development projects, some trees must be felled. The ecological survey (tree survey) identifies which trees can be felled with minimal impact on the environment. It identifies which trees must remain because they serve as a natural habitat for certain types of species. Additionally, the survey can help with the tree replacement planning based on the proposed new landscape.
Protecting Wildlife
Probably the most common example for an ecological survey when it comes to protecting wildlife in the U.K. is for the bats. In the U.K., bats are an endangered species with some 18 different types living here. They prefer to make their habitat in caves and hollow trees and are nocturnal animals. If a development project might impact the bats, special licensing must be acquired from the authorities.
This is another area where the importance of using an ecological survey cannot be stressed enough. Many ecological surveyors conduct what are known as BAT surveys where they study the habitats and nocturnal routines of the bats in the proposed development area. Skilled surveyors can identify if your project will impact the bats or not. If not, then it facilitates planning permission and if so, the surveyor can do further research so that a proposal of how to avoid impacting the bats can be presented.
Conclusions
In conclusion, the importance of using a consultancy for ecological impact to supply an ecological survey is more than just making a statement of environmental risks with regard to a planning and development project.
It is also a component that goes into making a successful strategy for not only protecting the ecology of a project site but also providing viable alternatives when the balance must be disrupted temporarily (e.g., felling trees and later growing new ones). A skilled environmental surveyor has the knowledge and experience to make an effective assessment which is why the importance of using an ecological survey is critical to your project’s success.