We provide invertebrate assessments across Cornwall, covering Truro, Newquay, Camborne, Bodmin, Falmouth, St Austell, and surrounding areas.
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Looking for expert invertebrate surveys and habitat assessments in Cornwall?
We provide targeted surveys for priority species and habitats, ensuring our reports enable you to achieve planning permission.
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Working in partnership with clients to ensure planning approval first time
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Cornwall’s varied landscape—including rugged coastlines, river valleys, lowland heath, grasslands, wetlands, former mining sites, and traditional farmland—supports a wide range of invertebrate species.
An invertebrate survey is an assessment of an area to identify which invertebrate species are present. Specialists search, observe, and sample habitats over time to determine species diversity, abundance, and conservation importance. The results help ensure that development or land-use changes do not harm invertebrate wildlife and comply with planning and environmental regulations.
You may need an invertebrate survey in Cornwall if your project involves:
Loss of coastal grassland, dune, or heathland habitats near Newquay
Impact on brownfield land, former mining sites, or mosaic habitats in Camborne
Drainage alterations, ditch works, or wetland disturbance in Bodmin
Activities near ponds, streams, estuaries, or wetland margins in Truro
Removal of scrub, hedgerows, or woodland edges in Falmouth
Sites flagged in a Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA) as having potential for notable invertebrates in St Austell
A simple postcode check can help confirm what your local planning authority typically requires.
We provide invertebrate assessments across Cornwall, covering Truro, Newquay, Camborne, Bodmin, Falmouth, St Austell, and surrounding areas.
In Cornwall, planning authorities may require invertebrate survey evidence where suitable habitat is present to ensure development complies with the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 and national planning policy. Without early, proportionate survey work, planning applications can be delayed due to validation queries, additional conditions, or seasonal restrictions linked to key invertebrate activity periods. These delays can disrupt project programmes and may result in avoidable redesign, highlighting the importance of early, targeted invertebrate assessments.
Our specialist ecology team carries out an invertebrate surveys to assess species presence, habitat use, and any potential risks. You receive a clear, LPA-ready report outlining practical mitigation and timing recommendations, helping your project remain compliant with wildlife legislation and progress
A clear, proportionate, planning-ready approach in Cornwall which includes:Â
We focus on what your project genuinely needs — not over-inflated survey demands.
Send your site details and programme. We confirm the correct level of survey.
Walkovers or multi-visit surveys depending on your sites potential.
Planning-ready reports with impact assessment, mitigation options and timelines for site teams.
Only if needed. PEA, EIA, and Protected Species surveysÂ
Need an Invertebrate Survey in Cornwall? Let’s confirm your site’s requirements and keep your project on track.Â
An invertebrate survey may be required where development could affect habitats that support important insect populations. Cornwall is home to internationally important coastal habitats, heathland, species rich grassland, wetlands, woodland and former mining land, all of which can provide valuable habitat for notable or protected invertebrates. Surveying these habitats helps planning authorities understand the ecological implications of a proposed development.
They can be. Coastal cliffs, sand dunes, maritime grassland, saltmarsh and estuary habitats often support specialist invertebrate species that are rarely found elsewhere. Developments close to these habitats may require an ecological assessment to determine whether further invertebrate surveys are necessary before planning permission can be granted.
Yes. Cornwall’s historic mining landscapes and naturally regenerated brownfield sites can provide ideal conditions for a wide range of invertebrates. Bare ground, exposed rock, flower rich vegetation and sheltered microclimates often create valuable habitats that are recognised during ecological planning assessments.
A qualified ecologist will inspect the site’s habitats before selecting the most appropriate survey techniques. Depending on the ecological features present, methods may include sweep netting, aerial netting, vegetation beating, direct observation, hand searching, pitfall trapping and habitat quality assessments. Surveys are tailored to the characteristics of each individual site.
Yes. In addition to identifying ecological constraints, surveys often highlight opportunities to enhance habitats. Recommendations may include creating wildflower grassland, improving habitat connectivity, managing scrub, restoring wetland features or retaining existing habitat that contributes towards Biodiversity Net Gain.
No. The requirement depends on the habitats present and the likelihood that important invertebrate species could be affected. Sites with limited ecological value may not require specialist surveys, while developments affecting high quality habitats are more likely to require detailed ecological investigation.
Most invertebrate surveys are carried out between April and September when insects are active. Because different species emerge at different times, survey timing is carefully planned around the habitats present and the objectives of the planning application. Early instruction helps avoid seasonal delays.
Survey requirements are determined by the Local Planning Authority responsible for your application. Planning guidance is available from Cornwall Council:
The council may request ecological surveys where development could affect important habitats, protected species or designated wildlife sites.
You will receive a comprehensive ecological report explaining the survey methods, habitats assessed, species recorded, ecological significance of the site and recommendations relevant to planning. Where appropriate, the report will also include mitigation, habitat enhancement and long term management recommendations.
ProHort provides professional invertebrate surveys throughout Cornwall for residential developments, renewable energy schemes, commercial projects and infrastructure works. Our experienced ecologists produce detailed, planning compliant reports that help clients identify ecological risks early, satisfy Local Planning Authority requirements and progress developments while protecting Cornwall’s unique biodiversity.
