Ecology consultancy support for planning and development
Ecology .
From site assessments and environmental checks to habitat evaluations and planning advice, we deliver clear, accurate, and timely reports you can rely on.
TAG is an ecology consultancy providing clear, accurate ecological reports for developers, architects and planning consultants. Our ecology consultants help identify what protected species or habitats might be present on a site early on, so this can be factored into a project rather than causing delays later.
Ecological consultants supporting planning applications
As ecological consultants, we understand what local planning authorities expect to see in terms of ecological information, and we prepare our reports with this in mind, helping applications move through the planning process more smoothly.
Our ecology services cover everything from an initial site walkover through to detailed protected species surveys, depending on what a site and project require.
Why early ecological advice matters
Ecological constraints are often easier and cheaper to deal with when identified early in a project, rather than discovered later once a planning application has already been submitted. Bringing in ecology consultants at the right time can help avoid delays.
Because TAG also offers surveying, architecture and engineering services, our ecology team can work alongside the rest of your project from an early stage, rather than being brought in as an afterthought.
We offer a full range of Ecology services to guide your project through environmental requirements.
- Mitigation & Management Services
- Bat Surveys
- Tree Surveys
- Impact Assessments
- PEA, BNG & NVC Surveys
- Protected Species Survey
ECOLOGY SERVICES
Mitigation & Management Services
ECOLOGICAL SURVEYS AND TAILORED REPORTS FOR PLANNING AUTHORITY COMPLIANCE.
TAG Surveys has extensive experience undertaking ecological surveys and preparing reports tailored to the requirements of individual planning authorities, supported by an in-house team that can coordinate and implement recommendations on site, including ecological and arboricultural supervision, toolbox talks, and practical habitat solutions such as pond creation, tree planting, and fence installation.
Bat Surveys
TAG SURVEYS CONDUCTS BAT SURVEYS TO SUPPORT PLANNING APPLICATIONS.
A Preliminary Roost Assessment (PRA) is typically the first stage of a bat survey and involves a daytime inspection to determine the potential for roosting bats. If evidence of bats is found, or their presence cannot be ruled out, further surveys are usually required.
These may include dusk emergence or dawn re-entry surveys, tree-climbing inspections, and DNA analysis. All bat surveys are carried out by experienced, licensed surveyors using specialist bat detection and recording equipment.
Tree Surveys
OUR EXPERIENCED IN-HOUSE ARBORICULTURAL TEAM CAN HANDLE ALL TREE SURVEY REQUIREMENTS.
Our experienced in-house arboricultural team can support all tree survey requirements, ensuring trees are properly considered in the planning process.
We deliver arboricultural solutions and secure planning consents, maintaining proactive communication with clients and council officers to ensure smooth processes and developments that meet requirements and expectations.
Impact Assessments
ECOLOGICAL IMPACT ASSESSMENTS ARE OFTEN REQUIRED TO SUPPORT THE DEVELOPMENT OF COMPLEX PROJECTS.
TAG Surveys has experience supporting large, complex, or sensitive projects that require careful planning and legal scrutiny.
These include developments likely to have a significant environmental impact and may fall under European legislation, such as the EIA Directive and the EC Habitats Directive.
PEA, BNG & NVC Surveys
A PRELIMINARY ECOLOGICAL APPRAISAL (PEA) IS OFTEN THE FIRST STEP.
Projects often begin with a Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA) to establish baseline ecological conditions and identify any additional survey requirements.
Our botanical experts carry out detailed species and habitat surveys, including UK Habitat Classification condition assessments and National Vegetation Classification (NVC) surveys, ensuring comprehensive ecological data to inform planning and development decisions.
Protected Species Survey
THE UK HOSTS PROTECTED SPECIES; EARLY ADVICE IS ESSENTIAL.
The UK is home to many legally protected species found in both rural and urban areas, making early ecological advice and preparation essential for planning.
The need for protected species surveys is usually identified by a Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA). TAG Surveys has an experienced in-house team with licenses to survey and mitigate for bats, great crested newts, hazel dormice, water voles, reptiles, white-clawed crayfish, and other protected species.
FAQs About Ecology
An ecology consultancy assesses a site for protected species and habitats, then produces reports and recommendations to support planning applications and development.
It is best to involve ecology consultants as early as possible, ideally before submitting a planning application, so any issues can be identified and addressed without causing delays.
Not all applications require an ecological survey, but many sites, particularly those with existing buildings, trees or open land, will need some level of ecological assessment.
If protected species are found, our ecology consultants will advise on the mitigation measures and any licences needed to allow development to proceed appropriately.
Yes. Our ecology consultancy works closely with TAG’s other in house teams, so ecological considerations can be built into a project from an early stage.
More about TAG
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Please do not hesitate to call or send an email, our team is happy to discuss your requirements.