BS 5837 Tree Survey

Protected Species Surveys

Many UK species are legally protected under national and international legislation, meaning development projects must consider their presence and take steps to avoid harm. A protected species survey involves establishing the presence of wildlife or plant life on or adjacent to a proposed development site, which are listed as European protected species.

At TMA Environmental Consultants, we provide a full range of Protected Species Surveys to support planning applications, licensing, and responsible land management across the UK.

Protected Species Surveys for Planning and Development

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Bat Surveys

Bats are one of the most commonly encountered protected species in the UK and are strictly protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations. They often roost in buildings, trees, and other structures, making bat surveys a routine requirement for planning applications and renovations.

Preliminary roost assessment (PRA) of buildings and trees
Bat activity surveys (emergence/re-entry, transects)
Bat Hibernation Surveys
European Protected Species Mitigation (EPSM) licence applications

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Badger Surveys

Badger (Meles meles) is a native UK species with a widespread distribution. Their setts are protected by the Protection of Badgers Act 1992 and badger surveys may be required to support a planning application or when a badger sett is discovered during development works or vegetation clearance. Even if badgers are not present during works, damaging or disturbing setts can lead to legal issues. Our badger surveys help assess sett use and inform mitigation, if needed.

Badger field surveys and sett monitoring
Impact assessment and mitigation planning
Badger licence applications and supervision

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Bird and Barn Owl Surveys

Wild birds in the UK are protected by legislation, namely the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended), with some species afforded additional protection. It is illegal for any individual to intentionally kill, injure or take any wild bird or recklessly disturb or harm any bird nests or eggs. TMA help identify active nests at risk from construction or vegetation clearance.

Breeding bird surveys (BBS)
Nesting bird surveys (NBS) and checks prior to works
Schedule 1 species-specific surveys (e.g. barn owl)
Winter bird surveys

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Unsure which ecology survey you need?

Ecology Survey Calendar

Dormouse Surveys

The hazel dormice (Muscardinus avellanarius) are a strictly nocturnal species and a European Protected Species found mainly in southern counties of England and Eastern counties of Wales. Dormice are strictly protected by law and may not be intentionally killed, injured or disturbed in their nests, collected, trapped or sold except under licence. They require specialist survey techniques and often feature in woodland or hedgerow development contexts.

Habitat suitability assessment
Nest tube and nut search surveys
Dormouse licence application and mitigation advice

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Great Crested Newt Surveys

The UK is home to three native newt species: great crested newt (GCN), smooth newt, and palmate newt. While GCN are strictly protected under UK and European law, smooth and palmate newts are also important ecological receptors and considered under planning policy and biodiversity guidance. Newts are typically associated with ponds, ditches, and damp terrestrial habitats like grassland, woodland, and hedgerows.

Habitat Suitability Index (HSI) assessment for ponds and terrestrial habitats
Environmental DNA (eDNA) testing for great crested newts
Presence/absence and population size class surveys using torching, bottle traps, netting, and egg searches
Natural England mitigation licence applications

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Otter and Water Vole Surveys

Otters are fully protected and are increasingly present along UK rivers and water bodies. Surveys are needed where developments may impact riverbanks, culverts, or bridges. Water voles are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. Our surveys include:

Habitat appraisal of riparian corridors
Otter field signs and holt surveys
Licence application for disturbance or mitigation
Habitat assessment of watercourses
Field signs survey and mapping
Mitigation and displacement strategy design

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Reptile Surveys

All reptiles in the UK are protected by law meaning it is illegal to harm these animals, including during clearance of a development site, for instance. Sand lizards and smooth snakes have additional protection making it illegal to damage
or destroy their habitats or capture these species without a licence. Surveys are needed for developments in suitable habitats like grassland, heathland, brownfield sites, or railway verges.