Background

Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIA) and Preliminary Ecological Appraisals (PEA) both typically comprise a desk study and a UKHAB survey, but their purposes are slightly different.

A PEA is often the first stage in evaluating a site’s ecological value. Where protected or notable species or habitats are recorded, or the potential presence of protected species is identified, recommendations are made for mitigation and for further surveys where necessary.

An EcIA is used to identify, quantify and evaluate the potential effects of a development or other proposed works on habitats, species and ecosystems within the impacted area. Increasingly, this is a prerequisite for larger developments, either independently or as part of a wider Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) or Environmental Statement (ES).

Methodology

Desk Study / Consultation

In order to gain a greater level of information on the species and habitats present in the surrounding area, a desk study or consultation is normally undertaken. This involves EMEC Ecology consulting with local record holders (local record centre, wildlife trusts, local natural history groups) to obtain any existing records of protected and / or notable species and designated nature conservation sites, including Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and Local Wildlife Sites (LWS). This information can then be used to further evaluate the likelihood of protected species being present, or not present, within the site itself.

UKHAB Habitat Survey

The survey will comprise a walkover of the site to map the habitat types present based on the identification of individual plant species in accordance with the UK Habitat Classification Survey Methodology (UKHab Ltd, 20231). Habitat condition will be assessed in accordance with The Statutory Biodiversity Metric Technical Annex 1 (Department for Environment and Rural Affairs [DEFRA], 2023). Any features of particular ecological interest will be recorded as target notes on a site plan, including any evidence of invasive plant species.

The surveyor(s) will also carry out an assessment of habitat suitability for protected and priority species. Any field signs and suitable habitat for individual species will be noted, including invasive/notable plant species, terrestrial and aquatic mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates.

Ecological Impact Assessment

An EcIA includes an assessment of the likely effects of the proposed works, once all mitigation, compensation and enhancement measures have been taken into account. Therefore, as part of EcIAs, EMEC will often design (and if required, implement) a wide range of mitigation and habitat creation / enhancement measures to ensure the ecological impact of the development is not considered significant. EMEC Ecology can produce ‘stand alone’ Ecological Impact Assessment reports or produce the Ecology Chapter for an ES or EIA to a specified format. An EcIA will normally include a desk study and a UKHAB habitat classification survey as well as a suite of specific protected species surveys, as appropriate to the site.

Following the Survey

A report will be produced detailing the survey methodologies, results, an assessment of the ecological value of the habitats and an evaluation of any potential ecological issues which may be associated with the site. The report will also include recommendations for general mitigation measures (e.g. advice on safe working practices), consultation and further surveys as necessary.