- Ecological Surveys.
- Other Ecological Services.
- Management Plans.
- Habitat Creation.
- Landscape Architecture
Ecological Surveys.
Check when your survey can be carried out using our Survey Calendar.
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.
Other Ecological Services.
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 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.
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.
Management Plans.
Usually based on results of ecological assessment or phase 1 survey and a detailed brief from the client these can make recommendations for protection or enhancement of existing ecological features as well as be focussed on the acheivement of broader landscape objectives. They can range from a relatively simple drawing to an extremely detailed report with associated drawings and appendices. The timescales dealt with by these plans vary from five to ten years although sometimes much longer periods can be involved.
Habitat Creation.
This could include: the design and construction of a green/brown roof, excavation of a new pond, creation of wildflower meadows or the planting of hedgerows and new areas of woodland. New Features such as these can assist in the acheiving of very Good or Excellent in BREEAM assessments for new developments but also provide numerous additional benefits for people and widlife when integrated into the overall landscape proposals.
Landscape Architecture
Using the baseline ecological information 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: detailed design, contract administration, project management, the establishment of wetland habitats, natural play schemes, green roofs, ecologically informed garden design, community gardens, allotment layouts, land reclamation and highway landscapes.