Badger Surveys in Essex
Developing in Essex?
Don’t let badgers slow you down, our expert surveys give you compliant reports for smooth planning consent.
Fast, Clear, Planning-Ready Support
Fast response
Calls answered in 2 rings, emails replied to within the hour.
Free expert advice
Clear guidance before you commit.
Cost-effective
Working in partnership with clients to ensure planning approval first time
Typical 10-day turnaround
Industry Leading Standard
Expert Team
We stay with you from first call through to submission.
Do you need a badger survey in Essex?
Essex supports a wide range of habitats, from woodland edges and hedgerows to grasslands, farmland, coastal fringes, and urban green spaces, all commonly used by protected badger populations.
A badger survey assesses an area to determine whether badgers are present, and whether they could be affected by development. Ecologists look for setts, foraging signs, and activity patterns, sometimes using motion cameras or tracking methods, to understand their distribution. The findings help ensure that construction or land changes avoid disturbing badgers and comply with planning regulations.
You may need a badger survey if your development involves:
hedgerow networks and mixed farmland across the Uttlesford district and the North Essex countryside
woodland edges, parkland and rolling arable landscapes around Chelmsford, Braintree and Witham
valley systems, grazing marsh and coastal-fringe farmland in the Maldon and Rochford areas
green corridors, settlement fringes and older suburban neighbourhoods around Colchester, Harlow and Brentwood
river corridors, railway embankments and brownfield pockets along the Thames Gateway and through South Essex
These wider landscape patterns mean badger activity is often present even where setts are not immediately obvious at first inspection.
We support projects across Uttlesford, Braintree, Chelmsford, Colchester, Maldon, Rochford, Harlow, Epping Forest, Brentwood, Tendring, and surrounding areas.
Why planning officers in Essex request badger surveys
Essex planning authorities require badger survey evidence where setts or suitable habitat are present to ensure development complies with the Protection of Badgers Act 1992 and national planning policy. Without early, proportionate surveys, applications are frequently delayed by validation queries, additional planning conditions, or seasonal restrictions, which can stall site programmes or even necessitate redesign.
Local Case Insight
A rural housing plot in Essex required a badger assessment after a Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA) identified well-used badger runs along a boundary hedgerow. Our detailed survey confirmed the presence of an outlier sett located outside the proposed development footprint. This allowed the project designs to proceed without the need for a badger mitigation licence. The resulting report was fully compliant and passed planning validation with no further queries, helping the client keep the project on schedule and avoid costly delays.
How badger assessments work
Our specialist ecology team carries out a Badger Survey to identify setts, activity, and potential risk. You receive a clear, LPA-ready report detailing any required mitigation and timing measures, helping your project stay on schedule and compliant.
Key Deliverables for Essex projects:
We provide clear, planner-ready evidence and practical steps your team can act on, including:
Sett mapping, classification and activity assessment
Impact assessment for planning
Mitigation and method statement options
Licensing route guidance (only if required)
Clear, practical instructions for construction teams
Evidence Essex planners rely on. Steps your project team can deliver.
Step 1
Schedule
Send your site details and programme. We confirm the correct level of survey.
Step 2
Fieldwork
Walkovers, sett assess-ments, camera deployment and activity checks.
Step 3
Reporting
Planning-ready reports with impact assessment, mitigation options and timelines for site teams.
Step 4
Integration with other Surveys
Only if needed. PEA, EIA, and Protected Species surveys
Next Steps
Need a badger survey in Essex? Let’s confirm your site’s requirements and keep your project on track.
FAQ - Badger Surveys in Essex
If a sett is found in Essex, will it stop my development?
Not necessarily, it depends on the type of sett, location and timing. We advise solutions to help your development take place.
For planning checks and validation guidance:
- Essex County Council – Planning
https://www.essex.gov.uk/planning
Can works take place near a sett in Essex?
Yes, but only within legal disturbance thresholds. We’ll outline what’s acceptable.
Do all badger surveys in Essex require licensing?
No, only when setts are directly affected.
When are badger surveys carried out in Essex?
Most can be completed year-round, but activity levels vary with season.
