Protected plant surveys
Several species of plant are protected by legislation and policy, including those listed on Schedule 8 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981) and those listed as species of principal importance under the Natural Environment and Rural Communities (NERC) Act (2006). While many of these plant species have restricted distributions and only occur in specialised and rare habitats, certain protected plant species can occur within the types of habitats that are frequently found within development sites.
Our botanical specialists are experts in dealing with the legal and planning policy issues surrounding protected species of plant. We can design bespoke surveys to determine the presence or likely absence of a specific plant species on your development site.
If necessary, we can undertake a survey to identify the presence or likely absence of specific plant species on your development site. If a protected species of plant is found to be present then we can design and implement an appropriate mitigation strategy to allow the development to progress.
Early spider-orchid (Ophrys sphegodes) is one of the 115 vascular plants that receive special protection under Schedule 8 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act.
Babec Ecological Consultants are based in Sussex and Hertfordshire, and provide protected plant surveys across West Sussex, East Sussex, Hertfordshire, Kent, Hampshire, Surrey, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire, Cambridge, Essex, London and throughout England and Wales. We are happy to give free initial advice and provide an excellent service at competitive rates. Click here to get in touch.