Richard Green Ecology are experts in undertaking UK Habitat Classification surveys and produce high-quality survey plans using GIS and mapping software.
UK Habitat Classification (UKHab) is a relatively new survey approach to classifying and mapping habitats and their condition present on your site. UKHab provides a more detailed and robust classification of habitats compared to the formerly used Phase 1 Habitat survey and is now the industry standard for Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) calculations. UKHab is therefore our go-to survey method for habitat surveys.
We use UKHab as the basis of a Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA), which involves a walkover of the site to identify habitats and plant species as well as an assessment of the potential presence of protected and notable species, such as badgers, dormice, bats, nesting birds, reptiles and invasive plants such as Japanese knotweed (please note that this list is not exhaustive). And as BNG is now a mandatory component of most planning applications, we also use UKHab to establish the baseline habitats present for BNG calculations.
UKHab surveys can be carried out at any time of year, although the optimal period for surveying is between April and October, which may be required for certain habitats (it can be difficult to perform a valid habitat condition assessment outside of this period).
Please refer to our ecological survey calendar for when surveys can be undertaken.
Key Benefits of Service
- Establish baseline conditions of habitats for Biodiversity Net Gain calculations
- Identify key constraints and recommend options to avoid significant ecological impacts at an early stage
- Establish any requirements for further surveys, including seasonal constraints
- Identify mitigation measures that may be required
- Identify enhancement opportunities
