Where an LPA requests further ecological information, ProHort can undertake the appropriate assessment and provide clear ecological evidence to support the planning application.
Planning ready beaver surveys and habitat assessments across Hampshire, providing clear ecological evidence, proportionate recommendations and practical support for developments affecting rivers, streams, wetlands and riparian habitats.
Calls answered in 2 rings, emails replied to within the hour.
Clear guidance before you commit.
Working in partnership with clients to ensure planning approval first time
Industry Leading Standard
We stay with you from first call through to submission.
Beavers have now been recorded in mainland Hampshire, making them an increasingly relevant consideration for developments affecting suitable freshwater habitat.
A Beaver Survey may be requested where proposed works could affect beavers, their breeding or resting sites, or habitats they rely upon.
This may include:
The presence of a river or stream does not automatically mean a Beaver Survey is necessary.
Where an LPA requests further ecological information, ProHort can undertake the appropriate assessment and provide clear ecological evidence to support the planning application.
Hampshire contains an extensive network of chalk streams, rivers, wetlands, water meadows and smaller tributaries.
Major river systems include the River Test, River Itchen and Hampshire Avon, alongside catchments associated with the Loddon, Meon, Hamble, Lymington, Beaulieu and Rother.
Depending on the location of your development, the relevant Local Planning Authority may include:
• Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council
• East Hampshire District Council
• Eastleigh Borough Council
• Fareham Borough Council
• Gosport Borough Council
• Hart District Council
• Havant Borough Council
• New Forest District Council
• Rushmoor Borough Council
• Southampton City Council
• Test Valley Borough Council
• Winchester City Council
Where development could affect beavers or protected breeding and resting sites, the LPA may require sufficient ecological information to understand the potential impacts before determining an application.
Potential impacts can include habitat loss, disturbance, damage to protected features, clearance of bankside vegetation and changes to water quality or hydrology.
Early ecological input can help provide the information requested by the LPA and reduce the risk of protected species matters causing avoidable delays.
Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017
Eurasian beavers are a European Protected Species. The legislation protects beavers from deliberate killing, injury, capture and disturbance, and protects their breeding sites and resting places from damage or destruction.
Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981
Provides additional legal protection relevant to beavers, including controls relating to certain methods of capture and their release into the wild.
For development in Hampshire, proposed works that could affect beavers, their breeding or resting sites, or important supporting habitat may require appropriate ecological assessment, mitigation and, in some circumstances, a Natural England licence.
ProHort provides proportionate, evidence-led advice and reporting to help support a compliant route through planning.
Hampshire contains some of England’s most significant chalk river systems.
The River Test and River Itchen form extensive freshwater corridors through central Hampshire. Both rivers are designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest, while the River Itchen is also designated as a Special Area of Conservation.
The River Itchen flows through Winchester towards Southampton and is fed by tributaries including the Candover Stream, River Alre and Cheriton Stream.
The River Test catchment extends through areas including Andover and Romsey, while western Hampshire includes the lower reaches of the Hampshire Avon around Ringwood.
Other river catchments across mainland Hampshire include the Loddon, Meon, Hamble, Lymington, Beaulieu and Rother.
Together these provide an extensive network of:
• chalk streams
• vegetated riverbanks
• wet woodland
• water meadows
• wetlands
• ponds and lakes
• smaller tributaries
• connected freshwater corridors
For planning purposes, current records, field evidence, habitat suitability and the potential effects of the proposed works should be considered rather than assuming a survey is necessary simply because a watercourse is present.
Our specialist ecology team assesses suitable habitat and identifies evidence of beaver activity, including feeding signs, tracks, burrows, lodges and dams.
You receive clear, planning ready advice identifying any ecological constraints and the appropriate recommendations for your project.
Our reports provide the ecological information needed to help you respond to planning requirements and progress your Hampshire project.
We review your plans, site location, freshwater habitats and available ecological information to understand the project and any ecological issues that may need to be addressed.
Our ecologists survey suitable watercourses and connected habitats for beaver activity, including feeding signs, tracks, burrows, lodges and dams.
We assess how the proposed works could affect beavers, protected features, movement routes and supporting habitat.
You receive a clear, LPA-ready report setting out the findings and any appropriate avoidance, mitigation, monitoring or licensing recommendations.
Beavers are now being recorded within mainland Hampshire.
In May 2026, two beavers were recorded at Blashford Lakes Nature Reserve near Ringwood, the first recorded beaver activity at the reserve.
Blashford Lakes contains an extensive network of lakes, wetlands, reedbeds, woodland and waterways close to the Hampshire Avon system.
This is particularly significant for Hampshire because beaver populations are already present within neighbouring areas and animals can disperse through connected freshwater systems as their range expands.
For development and planning, the changing distribution of beavers means historical records should not be relied upon in isolation.
Where a project affects suitable freshwater habitat and the LPA requests further ecological information, current records and site specific survey evidence can be used to establish whether beavers or protected features are present.
Yes. Beavers have now been recorded in mainland Hampshire. In May 2026, two beavers were recorded at Blashford Lakes Nature Reserve near Ringwood, representing the first recorded beaver activity at the reserve.
A Beaver Survey may be requested where development could affect suitable freshwater habitat and current information indicates beaver activity within or near the relevant catchment. Further assessment may also arise following findings from a Preliminary Ecological Appraisal.
Yes. Two beavers were recorded at Blashford Lakes Nature Reserve near Ringwood in May 2026. The reserve contains lakes, wetlands, waterways, reedbeds and woodland close to the wider Hampshire Avon system.
Potentially. Both rivers provide extensive freshwater and riparian habitat. Whether a Beaver Survey is required will depend on current ecological information, the location and nature of the development and the information requested by the LPA.
No. Being close to a river or stream does not automatically mean a Beaver Survey is required. The LPA determines what ecological information is necessary for the planning application.
Our ecologists can look for evidence including gnawed or felled trees, feeding remains, tracks, slides, scent mounds, burrows, lodges and dams, together with how beavers may be using the surrounding habitat.
Potentially. These works can affect riverbanks, freshwater habitat and wildlife movement. Where beavers or protected features could be affected, the LPA may request appropriate ecological information.
Beaver Surveys can be undertaken throughout the year, although October to March normally provides the most accurate conditions for identifying field signs.
No. Beaver presence does not automatically prevent development. Potential impacts can be assessed and avoidance considered first. Where impacts cannot be avoided, appropriate mitigation and potentially a Natural England licence may need to be considered.
If your Local Planning Authority requests further information relating to beavers, ProHort can undertake the appropriate ecological assessment and provide a clear, LPA ready report to support your planning application.
Where beaver activity or protected features are identified, our ecologists can also provide proportionate recommendations for avoidance, mitigation, further monitoring or licensing where applicable, helping you respond to the LPA’s requirements and keep your project progressing.
