Ecological Method Statements
Practical ecological method statements that translate planning conditions into clear, buildable actions — keeping works compliant, controlled and moving.
Do you need a Method Statement?
If your planning permission includes ecological conditions, mitigation requirements, or protected-species safeguards, a method statement is often required before works can start.
This document allows planners to discharge conditions, contractors to work with confidence, and developers to avoid delays caused by uncertainty on site.
However, these statements aren’t just for major developments.
Homeowners, architects and developers are frequently asked for Ecological Method Statements where planning conditions cover how work is carried out, including protection measures or installations such as swift bricks, bird boxes or bat boxes.
What is a Method Statement?
Ecological method statements (often titled CEMP, CEMP-ECO) sit at the point where planning permission becomes construction activity. They explain how ecological requirements will be delivered on site, when controls apply, and who is responsible during works.
These are not surveys or strategies.
Method Statements convert ecological requirements into clear, practical instructions that can be followed on site.
Types of Method Statements
ProHort delivers a range of ecological method statements, depending on what your planning permission or licence requires. Each is scoped to the site, risk and condition wording.
Used where multiple ecological controls apply across a site.
They coordinate clearance, groundworks, access, storage and sequencing in one structured document.
Required where works must follow specific controls for bats, nesting birds, reptiles, great crested newts, badgers or other species.
These set out timing, exclusion zones, supervision and contingency actions.
Used where habitats must be protected, created or enhanced during construction, often linked to planning conditions, BNG or action plans.
For physical ecological measures such as:
- bird and bat boxes
- hibernacula
- reptile fencing
- habitat features
- exclusion or protection fencing
These explain how, when and by whom measures will be installed correctly and safely.
When are Method Statements Required?
Method statements are commonly requested where:
- ecological planning conditions must be discharged
- protected-species licences apply
- mitigation must be delivered during construction
- LPAs require assurance before works begin
- contractors need clear ecological instructions
They are usually required after permission but before construction, and increasingly expected as standard on medium and large sites.
What You Receive:
Our planning-ready method statements typically cover:
- site activities and ecological constraints
- timing and seasonal restrictions
- protection measures during works
- installation or delivery of mitigation
- procedures if unexpected ecology is encountered
In simple terms: it tells everyone involved what must happen on site to stay compliant.
What We Deliver
Every ProHort method statement is practical, site-specific and planning-ready.
| Service Element | Purpose | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Site-specific ecological controls | Translate planning conditions and licence requirements into clear on-site instructions | Contractors work with certainty and compliance risk is controlled |
| Mitigation delivery guidance | Define how ecological measures must be implemented during worksy | Measures are delivered correctly, consistently and defensibly |
| Trigger & response procedures | Set out what happens if protected species or unexpected ecology is encountered | Issues are managed without enforcement, delay or site shutdown |
| Integration with wider ecology | Align method statements with surveys, licences, ECoW and action plans | All ecological documents work together without conflict or duplication |
How it Works
Confirm What Planners Require
We align the document exactly to your planning condition or licence wording.
Control Ecological Risk On-site
Clear instructions prevent breaches during clearance, groundworks and construction.
Secure Approval and Keep Works Moving
A planning-ready document that supports compliance, not delay.
Case Insight
Your Next Step
If your planning permission includes ecological conditions or mitigation requirements, we can confirm which method statements are required and scope them proportionately.
Phone: 0800 494 7479
Email: [email protected]
Method Statement FAQs
What is an ecological method statement?
An ecological method statement sets out how construction works will be carried out without breaching planning conditions, licences or wildlife legislation. It translates ecological requirements into practical instructions that contractors can follow on site.
When do planning authorities require a method statement?
Most commonly before works start, either as a pre-commencement planning condition or where ecological risk needs to be controlled during construction. Authorities use method statements to confirm that mitigation and protection measures will actually be delivered on site.
Is a method statement the same as a CEMP or CEMP-ECO?
No. A CEMP sets the overall environmental framework for a project.
An ecological method statement focuses specifically on how sensitive works will be undertaken, often forming a targeted appendix that planners review in detail.
Do small developments need ecological method statements?
Yes, in many cases. Smaller sites can carry higher proportional risk, particularly where vegetation clearance, demolition, drainage or works near boundaries are involved. Size alone does not remove ecological duty.
What happens if works start without an approved method statement?
This commonly leads to site stoppages, planning enforcement queries or revised conditions. Method statements exist to prevent reactive intervention once construction is already underway.
Who is responsible for following the method statement on site?
The method statement defines responsibilities clearly — typically involving the principal contractor, site manager and ecological support. This removes uncertainty during live works and protects all parties involved.
How do method statements link to licences and surveys?
They sit between surveys and construction.
Surveys identify risk. Licences authorise impacts.
Method statements control how works are carried out day-to-day so those permissions are not breached.
Are ecological method statements seasonal?
No. Method statements can be prepared year-round. However, they often reference seasonal constraints identified through surveys, ensuring works are sequenced lawfully and efficiently.
