Phase 1 and Botanical Surveys
A Phase 1 survey is also known as a Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA). It is sometimes required to support a planning application and is often the first stage in a site assessment. The results of a PEA will decide if a site needs further survey by identifying the potential for protected species, assessing the habitats, determining the ecological value of a site and evaluating the impact of any development.
A PEA report will also identify areas of potential for biodiversity enhancement post-development which is a prerequisite of planning permission in Wales and England.
PEAs can be carried out at any time of year but it is preferable to carry them out in spring and summer when flora is more visible. A PEA entails a local record data search and desktop study, site assessment for flora and fauna and habitat walkover resulting in a detailed report with GIS mapping.
Our experienced ecologists are also equipped to carry out National Vegetation Classification (NVC) surveys and other Phase 2 Habitat Surveys such as hedgerow assessments and pond, rare plant and invasive plant surveys.
