Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA)
PEA is now the standardised terminology to prevent confusing any planning applicant. In the past PEA has been called; Baseline Phase 1 or Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey, Ecological Survey, Constraints Survey, Ecological Site Appraisal, Ecological Site Assessment, Ecological Scoping Survey, Ecological Site Walkover Survey. Some planning authorities still may use this terminology but they all mean the same thing.
The purposes of these surveys are to inform a developer of any key ecological features on their site and surrounding area. This can be used to influence the master planning designs and to notify the developer of potential future surveys and mitigation measures, thereby allowing the developer to more accurately estimate their project costs. Once this survey is completed it is advised to engage with your LPA to discuss surveys they might want you to have done to gain a successful application.
It is strongly advised that you have this survey done as early as possible before you start works. This early planning will help to not only offset potential expensive delays further down the line but if protected species surveys are necessary it allows you to facilitate the survey period into your schedule. A majority of surveys take place in the spring and summer months (See Ecological survey calendar). This survey is suited to small/medium development sites. The survey can be performed throughout the year but in sensitive areas where the botanical species is classed as important by government law or a Local Biodiversity Action plan (BAP) the survey is advised to be carried out between April and October.
PEA is a three stage survey process.
- Stage 1 is Desk Study. Using local biological records, specialist groups and other resources will indicate the types of habitats and species that could be present on your site and surrounding area which could be affected by your development. This study is very important as a starting point as it may indicate potential future surveys that may need to be carried out to gain planning application.
- Stage 2 is an Extended Phase 1 habitat survey. This is an in depth survey that will involve us coming to your site and evaluating it and the surrounding area. We will survey and index the habitat/s and animals present (if no animals are present on the site at the time of the visit, the potential of the site will be acted upon). Target Notes are created where certain areas of the site are deemed to be of ecological value or interest. The Phase 1 habitat survey is performed using the ‘Handbook for Phase 1 survey’ (JNCC 2010) This is the standardised ‘gold seal’ method for this survey.
- Stage 3 is reporting.
- If the site is small and of low ecological value and therefore low impact then a short report of the site will be prepared (Please see below Ecological Walkover Survey).
- If the site has a medium/high ecological value and therefore medium/high impact a more detailed report will be produced. This will include a full description of the site, a habitat map of the site and surrounding area, a more in depth evaluation of the habitat and animals present if any. A summary of legislation and any other relevant information such as BAP will be highlighted. Target notes created from the Phase 1 survey will be discussed with recommendations in further surveys and mitigation measures.
Ecological Walkover Survey
This is a less in-depth survey in comparison to a Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA) but not all sites require this approach. This method involves an analytical walk around the site. Photographs and detailed notes are taken of plants, habitats and animal species of ecological value if encountered. The data gained will be used to provide recommendations of any future ecological surveys that may be required in line with national and local planning regulations.
The survey can be performed throughout the year however, in sensitive areas where botanical species are classed as important, by law or a Local Biodiversity Action plan (BAP); the survey is advised to be carried out between April and October. Crow Ecology will visit the site once a date and time has been agreed with the client.
Downloads;
Ecological Survey Calendar – Download Here
Mitigation Calendar – Download Here