One of the most common causes of planning delay is missing the ecology survey season. Many protected species surveys can only be done at certain times of year. Bat emergence and re-entry surveys generally run from May to September, and great crested newt eDNA sampling runs from mid-April to the end of June. Miss these windows and a scheme can be pushed back by months. The good news is that much of the early work can be done now. Tree surveys to BS 5837:2012 can be carried out all year, and winter is often the best time to inspect tree structure and assess trees for bat roost potential. A Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA) and habitat baseline can also be started out of season, so you know early which follow-up surveys you need and can book them in good time.
How Root3 can help: Root3 Associates offers tree surveys, arboricultural impact assessments, PEAs, BNG baselines and the full range of protected species surveys from our base in Tadcaster. Get in touch this winter and we’ll set out a survey programme that keeps your spring submission on track.