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Protected species
Protected species
Thomson Ecology is highly experienced in protected species surveys and ecological mitigation for protected species. We employ a large number of ecologists, each a specialist in their own field.
A useful planning tool is our At a glance guide to ecology survey timings
For more information on commonly found protected species in the UK, please click below:
*bat surveys and bat mitigation
*great crested newt survey and mitigation
or for more detail see the Thomson's wildlife on site handbook
Protected species legislation
In the UK a number of species of animal and plants are legally protected. Some protected species are covered by both European and UK legislation, whilst others are covered by UK legislation only.
European protected species are covered by the Habitats Regulations 2010, which incorporates the initial regulations in 1994 and their subsequent amendments, most significantly in 2007 and 2009.
For most other protected species, the most important legislation is the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, as amended.
Protected species licences
Protected species licences are issued by government agencies to permit activities that would otherwise be illegal. Protected species licences may also be issued to allow disturbance to species or damage to their habitats, for example. However, the licences are not generally issued to allow the killing or injury of species that are of conservation concern.
Protected species licences may be required for ecological survey work involving protected species and development work that will affect protected species.
Licences for survey work involving protected species
Under the legislation, it may be an offence to cause disturbance or to capture a particular protected species. This presents a problem for those wishing to undertake an ecological survey that may involve direct contact with, or trapping of, a protected species. To overcome this problem it is possible to obtain a licence from Natural England (Scottish Natural Heritage in Scotland, Countryside Council for Wales in Wales) which will allow the protected species to be disturbed or legally caught.
Applicants for protected species survey licences must show a suitable level of knowledge of the subject species and experience in the relevant protected species survey techniques.
Licences for development
For some protected species, including all European protected species and badgers, it is possible to apply for a licence allowing the development activities to go ahead whilst remaining within the law. A consultant ecologist will give advice on when a protected species licence application should be made, based on the specialist knowledge of the protected species and any survey information already gathered.
Need more information? Please give us a call on 01483 466000 or let us call you back:
Thomson's wildlife
on site handbook
All you need to know about ecology and development - in a single, clear and concise book.
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Survey calendar
A useful guide as to when surveys for the different protected species can take place.
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Mitigation calendar
Find out when you can mitigate for different protected species and habitats.
sign up here…
Related Documents
For help with your project please give us a call or we can contact you:
