Ecological Assessments
We provide a range of ecological assessments to suit your needs, from preliminary ecological assessment through to ecological impact assessment (EcIA) to inform your planning application.
Our highly qualified team of Ecological Consultants would be happy to discuss your project requirements and provide a quote for any of the ecological assessments below.
Preliminary Ecological Appraisals (PEA)
This is the best way to assess a site’s current ecological potential and are required as part of the planning application validation criteria. The survey aims to document and describe all habitat types present at the site, based principally on the species present, their management and structure, and subsequently makes an assessment of whether those habitats are suitable for any protected species.
To assess the habitats at the site and their potential to support protected species, an extended phase 1 habitat survey is carried out which identifies and maps the habitats. The ecologist then uses their professional judgement and reviews local species records to determine any requirement for further surveys for protected species or important habitats.
A report is produced which details the opportunities and constraints at the site from an ecological perspective, and this is used to inform the design of the proposed development.
These appraisals can be carried out throughout the year, though the optimal period to assess vegetation is between March and October depending on the type of habitats present. Click here to see our ecology survey calendar.


Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA)
Ecological Impact Assessments are produced once a design has been finalised and informed by the results of protected species surveys (or other ecological constraints) at the site. They aim to identify the important ecological effects that arise as a result of a development proposal, and propose avoidance measures, mitigation detail or compensation to ensure that no significant residual ecological effects arise due to the proposal.
EcIAs can either be completed as part of a formal Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process to form part of an Environmental Statement, or as part of a non-EIA project. The EcIA should make it clear to the decision maker what the potential significant effects are, how the effects have been avoided, minimised or compensated for, and whether any significant residual effects remain once these measures have been implemented.
BREEAM
BREEAM assessments are now the established assessment to ensure developments are sustainable and ecology forms an integral part of this assessment.
Your site and development project will be assessed against a variety of factors against which credits are assigned depending on the level of contribution/effects such as site enhancements, habitat loss and creation etc..
Our ecologists have a significant track record in successfully completing BREEAM assessments, and should you wish to discuss your BREEAM assessment please contact us.


National Vegetation Classification (NVC) Survey
National Vegetation Classification (or NVC) surveys are a method of assessing and categorising the vegetative communities present at a Site to allow appropriate impact assessment and mitigation (if required to be devised).
Here at Wharton Natural Infrastructure Consultants we have specialist consultants who are skilled in botany to a standard for NVC survey which is accredited by the Botanical Society for Britain and Ireland. Should you wish to discuss your project or NVC surveys particularly please contact our ecology team who will be happy to help.
Get your Ecological Assessment Quote
We provide the natural advice you need to successfully balance commercial, environmental and human needs, naturally increasing the true value of your land or property.
Our highly qualified team can help you find the most successful natural-infrastructure solutions; minimise the risk to users of their land, form plans to improve ecology and advise construction companies how to work safely around their site.
Understanding the complete constraints and opportunities of any site, whether it be arboricultural, ecological or topographical to name but a few elements, is critical in order to design and plan a successful proposal.
Get a quote now
Let’s begin! Please let us know your contact information alongside with some details about the project

Wharton undertook an initial bat survey which identified suitable areas for roosting bats and evidence of bat activity (droppings).
Wharton undertook a preliminary ecological appraisal, bat activity and emergence/return to roost surveys, and completed a shadow Habitat …
Wharton undertook an initial bat survey which identified suitable areas for roosting bats and evidence of bat activity (droppings).
“Barberry has always found the Wharton team to be knowledgeable and efficient in their input backed with a commercially realistic approach to the development process”
M P Winters - Construction Director, Barberry Group Limited
Wharton employ a dedicated team of professionals who continue to deliver proven success, through education and a solid foundation of knowledge and experience.