A Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA), sometimes called a Phase 1 Habitat Survey, is usually the starting point for any project needing ecological input, whether that’s a private extension, a housing development, or a larger commercial scheme. It combines a desk based study with a site visit, to map the habitats present and flag the potential for protected species.
Once the survey’s been carried out, we’ll update you on anything that could affect the development, then produce a report covering an executive summary, methodology, desk study and survey findings, along with clear digital maps of the ecological features on site. Where further surveys or mitigation are likely to be needed, whether that’s for bats, badgers, dormice, reptiles or birds, we’ll recommend them at this stage and carry them out before the planning application is determined, rather than leaving it to surface later.
All reports follow BS42020:2013, the British Standard covering ecology and development, alongside current CIEEM guidance. We work to the relevant legislation, including the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 as amended, the Environment (Wales) Act 2016, and Planning Policy Wales, so constraints and opportunities are identified as early as possible and risk to the project is reduced.
If a PEA doesn’t identify a need for further surveys, it can move straight to an Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA) rather than starting again from scratch.
You can get an instant online quote for your PEA using our online tool, or get in touch and we’ll arrange a call to talk through what your project needs.
Get an instant online quote for your PEA, or get in touch to talk it through with an ecologist.
Enfys Ecology provides a wide range of ecological and habitat management services across North and Mid Wales, and into Cheshire, Shropshire and Wirral.