As the winter months approach, now is an ideal time to review your development plans and prepare for the year ahead. Although activity levels fall for many species during winter, ecological work does not stop. Several surveys can still be completed, and early planning can help prevent avoidable delays when the main survey season begins in spring.
Ecological surveys during winter
Preliminary Ecological Appraisals can generally be undertaken throughout the year. They provide a valuable first step in understanding a site’s habitats, identifying potential ecological constraints and establishing which species-specific surveys may be required.
Winter can therefore be an excellent time to scope a site and prepare a clear survey programme for the forthcoming season. Depending on the site and project, we may also be able to assist with surveys for species that can be assessed year-round, including badgers and otters.
Your month-by-month survey guide
Our ecological survey calendar offers a year-at-a-glance guide to the optimum periods for surveying key species. Survey windows vary according to species, weather conditions and the type of evidence required, so consulting the calendar and an ecologist early can help keep planning applications and project programmes on track.
The spring survey season begins with species such as great crested newts, reptiles and water voles. Bat and breeding bird surveys follow as conditions become more favourable. Because many of these surveys must be completed within specific seasonal windows and may require several visits leaving arrangements until the last minute can result in significant delays.
Book spring surveys early
If you expect to need ecological surveys next spring, we recommend getting in touch as soon as possible. Booking early gives us the best opportunity to reserve suitable dates, coordinate any linked surveys and help you build ecological requirements into your wider project timetable.
Discounted rates may be available for selected surveys booked in advance. Contact our team to discuss your site, likely survey requirements and the options available.
Planning a project? Get in touch today to arrange a Preliminary Ecological Appraisal or secure your spring survey dates, email us at info@landstudio-uk.com.
We were really impressed with Land Studio. They are creative, a delight to work with and captured our vision and their own vision perfectly.
Shahina Ahmad, Principal of Eden Girls’ School, Waltham Forest.