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Environmental and Wildlife Assessments for Planning and Conservation Success
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At Arborist Direct Aberdeen, we help developers, landowners, and architects balance responsible development with protecting Scotland’s precious wildlife and habitats. Our licensed ecologists provide clear, professional ecological surveys tailored to meet both planning requirements and conservation best practices.
We understand how important it is to simplify the process of assessing the environmental impact of a proposed development project—helping you avoid unnecessary planning delays, stay compliant with environmental legislation, and achieve sustainable development goals.
Ecology surveys are essential for identifying potential ecological issues and ensuring that development projects do not harm the environment in Aberdeenshire. A protected species survey, such as a bat survey or a bird survey, can help identify species that may be affected by a development proposal. The survey can also identify invasive plant species, such as Japanese knotweed, that may be present on the site.
Ecological assessments, including ecological impact assessments, can help identify potential ecological constraints and inform the development process. The importance of ecology surveys cannot be overstated, as they help ensure that development projects are sustainable and do not harm the natural environment.
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Often the first step, a PEA provides a rapid initial overview. It identifies potential ecological risks early in your project, saving you time and expense.
Our PEAs include:
Using JNCC guidelines, we produce detailed habitat maps of your site:
Required for major developments, an EcIA systematically assesses the impact of your project on local ecosystems.
It includes:
We offer full surveys and support for:
Our team also assists with protected species licences from NatureScot.
Invasive non-native plants like Japanese knotweed can seriously impact developments. Conducting vegetation surveys is essential in response to finding rare or invasive plant species, as these assessments are crucial for understanding and mitigating potential negative alterations to the environment during construction or regeneration efforts.
We offer:
An ecology report is a comprehensive document that outlines the findings of an ecological survey and provides recommendations for mitigating any potential ecological impacts. The report may include a preliminary ecological appraisal report, a phase 1 habitat survey, and a national vegetation classification. The report can also provide information on biodiversity net gain, which is a key consideration in the planning process.
Biodiversity net gain refers to the idea that development projects should not only avoid harming the environment but also provide a net gain in biodiversity. Ecological consultants can help developers achieve biodiversity net gain by identifying opportunities for habitat creation and restoration.
Timing is crucial. Different species have different active seasons for surveying:
It is important to consider the optimal periods for conducting certain ecological assessments, as these times are constrained by the active seasons of different species.
Our qualified ecologists will guide you on optimal survey windows for your specific project to avoid unnecessary hold-ups.
Tell us about your project. We will advise whether an ecological survey is required and suggest the best starting point.
Our ecologist will visit your site to carry out the necessary assessments, taking care not to disturb habitats or species unnecessarily.
You will receive a clear, plain-English report that meets planning authority standards, including maps, risk evaluations, and practical mitigation recommendations. These ecology reports, generated after various ecological surveys, are essential for developers to address ecological concerns and support planning applications, ensuring all necessary details required by local authorities are included for obtaining planning consent.
If further surveys or protected species licences are needed, we support you through every step.
We ensure your project meets all relevant legislation, including:
An environmental assessment plays a crucial role in ensuring new developments are built according to established best practices and guidelines.
Failing to comply with these regulations can result in planning refusals, fines, or enforcement actions.
Mitigation and conservation are key considerations in the ecological survey process. Ecological consultants can help developers identify opportunities for mitigation and conservation, such as habitat creation or restoration. The mitigation hierarchy, which includes avoidance, minimization, restoration, and offsetting, can be used to inform the development process and ensure that ecological impacts are minimized. Ecological surveys can also identify opportunities for conservation, such as the protection of existing habitats or the creation of new habitats. By working with ecological consultants, developers can ensure that their projects are sustainable and do not harm the environment.
Need a Preliminary Ecological Appraisal, a Phase 1 Habitat Survey, or a Protected Species Assessment?
We make the process straightforward, fast, and reliable.
Call us today or fill in the online form to receive a free, no-obligation quote tailored to your project needs.
An ecological survey assesses the habitats and species present on a site to determine any potential ecological constraints to development. In Scotland, such surveys are often required during the planning process to ensure compliance with environmental legislation and to protect biodiversity.
The optimal timing depends on the species and habitats present. Many protected species have specific survey windows, typically in spring and summer. Conducting surveys outside these periods may lead to incomplete assessments and potential delays in the planning process.
Common surveys include:
Typically, survey reports are valid for up to two years. However, if significant changes occur on-site or in surrounding areas, an updated survey may be necessary.
Yes, if your development is likely to disturb or harm protected species or their habitats, you will need a license from the appropriate authority, such as NatureScot in Scotland.
We offer comprehensive coverage throughout Aberdeenshire and the North East of Scotland. Our services are available in all towns and communities across Aberdeenshire, including (but not limited to):
If surveys are not conducted within the appropriate seasonal windows or if unexpected ecological constraints are discovered late in the planning process, delays can occur. Early engagement with an ecological consultant can help mitigate this risk. Ecological mitigation is crucial in preventing such delays by addressing potential issues early and ensuring compliance with local authorities’ requirements.
If no protected species or significant habitats are identified, the ecological survey report will state this, and your development can typically proceed without additional ecological constraints.
Yes. Proceeding without necessary ecological assessments can lead to legal action, fines, or enforcement notices, especially if protected species or habitats are harmed.
Consulting local development plans, biodiversity action plans, or engaging with an ecological consultant can help determine if your site is within or near sensitive ecological zones.
Some surveys, like PEAs, can be conducted year-round. However, many species-specific surveys require specific seasonal windows, making winter assessments limited in scope.
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