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Ellendale Environmental ecologists are experienced in undertaking Preliminary Ecological Appraisals (PEA) throughout the UK. Our ecologists and botanists are familiar with the habitats within the UK and the species present in them.  We work closely with our clients to understand the needs of their project and to ensure that our surveys are tailored to their requirements helping them achieve planning consent. 

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What is a Preliminary Ecological Appraisal?

A Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA) is the term used to describe an assessment of the ecological features present, or potentially present, within a site and its surrounding area and it is usually based on the results of an Extended Phase 1 Habitat survey.

Ellendale Environmental can undertake a PEA at any time of year; however, we recommended to complete the Extended Phase 1 Habitat survey outside of the winter period if a more detailed picture of the plant species present in the survey area is required. 

The results of a PEA are presented in a Preliminary Ecological Appraisal Report (PEAR) that can be used as part of a planning application by a client or relevant members of a project team, such as the architect, planning consultant or landscape architect.

The key objectives of a PEAR are to:

  • identify the likely ecological constraints associated with a project;

  • identify any mitigation measures likely to be required; and

  • identify the opportunities offered by a project to deliver ecological enhancement and biodiversity net gain.

In some cases, additional surveys beyond the PEA will be required, particularly for protected species such as badgers and bats.

 
 
 

desk-based study

 

A desk-based study (or ‘data search’) is a useful starting point for a PEA and is used to obtain records of protected species and habitats within and adjacent to a site. This study will also identify any statutory and non-statutory designations in close proximity.

The appropriate sources for a data search will vary depending on the information being sought, giving an indication of the type of habitats and species likely to be present and contextual information about the setting of the site within the landscape.

A data search is used to identify the confirmed or possible presence of particular protected or priority species in the area, potentially triggering the need for more detailed surveys if suitable habitat for such species is present and if they could be affected.

field Survey

Field surveys as part of a PEA follow a published and recognised habitat classification such as an Extended Phase 1 Habitat survey. This is a standardised method of rapidly identifying and categorising vegetation types within a site and considers both habitats and species, focussing upon protected and priority habitats and/or species. The survey area is mapped with detailed target notes to describe all features present within the survey area, including a plant species list. If any evidence of a protected species is found, then this is noted.

The field survey aims to identify protected and priority habitats and plant species (as well as identifying and mapping stands of invasive plant species) and indicate where uncommon or rare/protected plants may occur. Where there is potential for protected or priority habitats or uncommon/protected flora to be present, it may be appropriate to recommend that additional surveys are undertaken.

reporting

Reporting is used to advise a client of ecological constraints and opportunities to inform their design options, likely mitigation requirements, and where required the need for further surveys. The report combines the results of the data search and describes the findings of the field survey, including an annotated map of the site.

There is also the opportunity to provide recommendations based on the findings which may include ways of minimising impacts, known as mitigation, and even suggestions of enhancing biodiversity on the site. Any further surveys advised will be included, for example, if there is the presence of a protected species.

 
 

Examples of our experience and projects include:

Some of our recent Preliminary Ecological Appraisal projects:

  • Residential housing development in East Lothian, Scotland in close proximity to the Firth of Forth Statutory Protected Area;

  • Commercial development of a brownfield site in the City of Edinburgh;

  • Hotel extension in St Andrews, Scotland including a preliminary bat roost inspection;

  • Underground cable route between two electrical substations in Moray, Scotland covering agricultural farmland and woodland habitats;

  • Glamping sites across the Scottish Borders and Northumberland including badger sett disturbance and destruction under SNH (NatureScot) licence;

  • Solar farm project in West Yorkshire to assess the success of previous landscaping and tree planting of the site;

  • Disused construction yard to support change of use for a planning consent for a waste recycling centre in Plymouth; and

  • Underground fibre optic cable route and overhead line project in Argyll and Bute covering a wide range of habitats including wet heath, blanket bog and major watercourses with potential for the presence of multiple protected species such as otter; pine marten, water vole, red squirrel, badger and freshwater pearl mussels