When is an ecological survey required?

More information on undertaking ecological surveys is contained in the Biodiversity and Development Supplementary Planning Guidance’ (Endorsed by NPA September 23rd 2016)

Natural Resources Wales provide guidance on commissioning an ecological survey. A list of Ecological surveyors can also be found on the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM) Members Directory.

The following checklist provides a guide for when a biodiversity survey is needed. A survey should be undertaken when a development proposal:-

Affects:	Species surveys likely to be required:
Greenfield land	Any protected species present
Allotments	Any protected species present
Open green space	Any protected species present
Watercourses	Water vole, otter, fish, birds
Water courses with stony substrate	White-clawed crayfish
A site, building or previously developed land especially if a record of protected species exists already	Any protected species present

Is adjacent or near to:	Species surveys likely to be required:
Watercourses	Water vole, otter, fish, birds
Ponds/wetlands	Water vole, great crested newt
Railway embankments	Reptiles, badger
Woodland	Bats, badger, birds, dormouse
Nature reserves	Any protected species present
Open space	Any protected species present
Mines, caves, cellars	Bats
Quarries	Bats, badger
A site or building with a protected species record	Any protected species present

Or involves:	Species surveys likely to be required:
Barn/building conversion	Bats, barn owl
Loft conversion/re-roofing	Bats
Building demolition	Bats, barn owl
Scrub/woodland/hedgerow clearance	Birds, badger, dormouse
Felling of trees, including old/veteran trees	Bats, birds, saproxylic insects
Road construction	Any protected species present, habitats
Restoration e.g. canal	Any protected species present
Habitat creation/enhancement	Any protected species present
Bridge maintenance	Bats
Removal of tree lines	Bats, dormouse
Altering/infilling ponds	Great crested newt