Habitat Surveys
Before planning any development, it is necessary to consider the site’s ecological value which includes the habitats and floral species present. Important questions to answer are:
- Does it contain any rare or important habitats?
- Are there any protected or invasive plant species present?
The surveys detailed below go towards answering the above questions, and our specialist team of ecologists are on-hand to answer any queries you may have relating to these surveys for your project.
Phase 1 Habitat Survey
The phase 1 habitat survey is a method of habitat assessment which is undertaken in accordance with phase 1 habitat survey guidelines produced by JNCC. It enables habitats at a site to be placed into defined categories such as broadleaved woodland, calcareous grassland, scrub etc. A species list of the botanical species present is also taken. This habitat identification allows an ecologist to make an informed decision as to whether the habitat requires further assessment.
Here at Wharton Natural Infrastructure Consultants we have specialist consultants who are skilled in botany to a standard which is recommended by the Botanical Society for Britain and Ireland for phase 1 surveys. Should you wish to discuss your project or habitat surveys particularly please contact our ecology team who will be happy to help.


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 Habitat Survey Quote
We provide the natural advice you need to successfully balance commercial, environmental and human needs, naturally increasing the true value of your land of 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.
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