LCA can assist clients to fulfill planning conditions relating to protected species and habitats by undertaking comprehensive surveys and subsequently advising on any appropriate mitigation measures. If this work is undertaken at an early enough stage it can save the client a considerable amount of time and money by avoiding unnecessary delays in project programmes.

On larger scale projects our Chartered Landscape Architects can take account of these survey results to produce high quality site sensitive proposals for the green infrastructure components of projects.

Our services include:

• Extended phase 1 habitat surveys / daytime bat assessments

Basically an environmental audit, these are undertaken for sites with and without built elements in accordance with Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) guidelines. Full species lists are included.

• National Vegetation (NVC) surveys

These provide a comprehensive classification and description of the plant communities of Britain for sites of particular nature conservation interest or importance.

• Protected Species surveys

Presence / absence surveys for Badgers, Bats, Great Crested Newts, White-Clawed Crayfish, Reptiles, Water Voles, Otters, Black Redstarts and Owls are undertaken when recommended by phase one reports or required by the planning authority. LCA considerable experience in the undertaking of these, especially in relation to Bats, Badgers and Great Crested Newts.

• Tree / Hedgerow Surveys

Undertaken in accordance with the Hedgerow Regulations (1987) where a removal notice is required to be submitted.

• Natural England Licence Applications

Where protected species (eg. Badgers, Bats) are present these need to be obtained before a scheme can proceed so that developers can ensure that they are operating in accordance with current legislative requirements.

• Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIAs)

Often carried out as part of statutory Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) under the Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) (England and Wales) Regulations 1999, they are the process of gathering relevant information and weighing the relative importance of the effects of a proposed development on sites, habitats and species.

• BREEAM / Code for Sustainable Home Assessments

LCA can assist in connection with the completing the Land and Ecology category of this schemes, the undertaking of which can contribute towards the achievement of a very good or excellent rating.

• Ecological Clerk of Works

This service consists of the provision of a watching brief while development is underway and is often a requirement of certain types of protected species licence.

• Management Plans

Usually based on results of ecological assessment or phase 1 survey and a detailed brief from the client these make recommendations for protection or enhancement of existing ecological features.

• Habitat Creation / Mitigation Work

This ranges from the construction of a green/brown roof, a new pond, or installation of newt fencing around a development site.

• Landscape Design

Using the baseline ecological data for a site LCA’s Landscape Architects can prepare masterplans for the green infrastructure components of projects which are focused on the enhancement of existing site features and the incorporation, where feasible of sustainable drainage systems and new habitats. Other areas of particular expertise are: the establishment of wetland habitats, natural / conventional play schemes, community gardens, land reclamation and highway landscapes.