Habitat survey

Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey

The extended Phase 1 habitat survey is often undertaken in conjunction with the desk study in an ecological assessment. The extended Phase 1 habitat survey provides a map of the habitats present on the site and a description of each habitat, including a plant species list. Each habitat is also assessed for its potential to support protected and UK and local BAP species. Species of fauna observed during the survey are also recorded.

Phase 1 habitat surveys can be conducted all year round, However, the optimum time for undertaking the survey would be between April and September. If the survey is undertaken outside this period, it is quite likely that a follow-up botanical survey will be required. A Desk Study and extended Phase 1 habitat survey carried out by an ecologist is a good first step towards understanding the ecology of the site and assessing the implications of the proposed development.

Where the desk study and extended Phase 1 habitat survey identify specific issues such as the likely presence of protected species, UK or local BAP species, further surveys may be recommended. These surveys provide information on which species are present, facilitating a more detailed assessment of the legal and planning policy issues and the potential impacts of the development on particular species. From this, an indication can be derived of mitigation and compensation measures that may be required.

Plant Communities

When the desk study or Phase 1 habitat survey indicates that an important vegetation community is present on the development site, it may be recommended that this is assessed in further detail. The National Vegetation Classification (NVC) survey technique is the standard method for this type of assessment. It allows plant communities to be classified in accordance with published accounts which have been used in the designation of SSSIs and SACs. A direct comparison can be made using this technique with the vegetation communities found on the development site and those considered to be of national or European importance. NVC surveys should be undertaken between April and September.

Hedgerows

Hedgerows can be important habitats in otherwise intensively farmed landscapes. However, some hedgerows, particularly older hedgerows, may be more valuable than others.
Typically, an assessment of the species richness of the hedgerow is undertaken by counting the number of woody species within a 30m length. Hedgerow surveys should be undertaken between April and October, although surveys in April and May are ideal because any woodland ground flora species will be easily recorded.