Hedgehogs: The Small Garden Visitor with Big Ecological Impact

At ProHort, our ecological surveys often bring us face to face with some of Britain’s most cherished wildlife — and few are as beloved as the hedgehog. These shy, nocturnal mammals may be small, but they play an outsized role in maintaining ecological balance.

A National Favourite Under Threat

The hedgehog is a true icon of the British countryside. Found in gardens, parks, and hedgerows, these insectivores are natural pest controllers, feeding on slugs, beetles, caterpillars, and other invertebrates.

Unfortunately, hedgehog numbers in the UK have declined dramatically in recent decades. Urban expansion, habitat fragmentation, road traffic, and loss of wild spaces have all contributed to their decline. The species is now listed as Vulnerable to Extinction on the UK Red List for mammals.

Why Hedgehogs Matter:

Aside from their charm, hedgehogs serve a vital ecological function:

Natural pest control – reducing reliance on chemical treatments
Indicators of habitat health – their presence suggests a thriving, balanced ecosystem
Biodiversity connectors – using wildlife corridors and gardens to navigate landscapes

As ecological consultants, we often encounter hedgehogs during evening Bat Surveys, Preliminary Ecological Appraisals (PEAs) and protected species surveys. Their appearance is always a welcome reminder of what we’re working to protect.

How Developments can Help not Hinder

With proper planning, development doesn’t have to come at the expense of hedgehogs. In fact, it can help support their survival. At ProHort, we work with developers, planners, and homeowners to ensure that construction is carried out with ecological responsibility.

Simple measures can make a big difference:

Installing hedgehog highways (small holes in fences to allow safe movement)
Leaving areas of untamed vegetation for nesting and foraging
Avoiding or limiting use of pesticides and slug pellets
Including hedgehog houses in landscaping plans
Ensuring surveys are conducted when required under planning law

Our Commitment at ProHort:

Every time we encounter a hedgehog during a survey, it reaffirms our commitment to nature-first planning. Our surveys don’t just satisfy planning conditions — they inform better decisions for the long-term health of local ecosystems.

If you’re developing land, planning a project, or just want to understand your responsibilities regarding protected species, we’re here to help.

Contact ProHort today to learn more about our ecological survey services — and how together, we can help protect the wildlife we all care about.

eDNA Testing in Staffordshire

What is eDNA testing in Staffordshire? Environmental DNA (eDNA) testing the method used to detect genetic material from organisms in their surroundings, e.g. water, soil or air. This is a less invasive way of testing as instead of directly capturing or observing species, researchers analyse traces of DNA that are shed through skin, scales, faeces, or bodily fluids.

This technique is widely used in biodiversity monitoring, conservation, and for detecting invasive or endangered species. eDNA testing in Staffordshire is particularly valuable in aquatic environments, where traditional survey methods can be time-consuming and disruptive. It also allows for early detection of species that might otherwise go unnoticed.

eDNA Testing in Staffordshire for Great Crested Newts

The great crested newt (Triturus cristatus) is an ecologically significant species that is protected under UK legislation. Therefore, developers and planners must carefully consider their presence when undertaking projects that could impact their habitats. Environmental DNA – eDNA testing in Staffordshire for Great Crested Newts is highly effective, non-invasive method for detection of Great Crested Newts in aquatic environments.

eDNA-based testing is nationally recognised as an approved methodology for ecological impact assessments in the planning sector. Our approach enables efficient, accurate, and cost-effective monitoring, reducing the need for extensive field surveys while ensuring compliance with environmental regulations.

Great Crested Newt Season:

In the UK the great crested newt eDNA testing period runs from mid-April to the end of June. This timeframe aligns with the species’ breeding season when they are most active in ponds, ensuring the highest accuracy in detecting their presence through eDNA analysis.

Do you Require eDNA Testing in Staffordshire?

If you require eDNA testing in Staffordshire for great crested newts we can help. Get in touch to discuss your project or ask for our expert advice. All of our ecological reports ensure compliance with environmental regulations. Contact us via phone or email, for more information.

Top 3 Planning Conditions That Can Delay Your Project – And How to Avoid Them

Planning permission may feel like the major hurdle, but getting the green light is only the beginning. Developers often underestimate the time, cost, and complexity involved in discharging planning conditions – and the delays these can cause.

At ProHort Ltd, we work with developers across the UK to keep projects moving forward. Here’s our guide to the five most common planning conditions that can cause delays – and how to stay one step ahead.

1. Landscaping Scheme

The Delay: Many local authorities require a detailed landscaping plan as part of the reserved matters or as a condition of full planning approval. These aren’t just decorative; they often need to meet biodiversity, screening, and amenity standards.

How to Avoid It: Engage with a landscape consultant early in the process. A well-prepared landscape strategy aligned with local policy will assist your planning application. However please note your landscaping scheme will be one of the last documents to be created as this will incorporate findings from your ecological reports, tree surveys and will need to be based on the most up to date architectural plan.

2. Ecology Surveys

The Delay: Conditions relating to protected species, habitats, or biodiversity net gain can halt development entirely, especially if surveys are missed or poorly timed.

How to Avoid It: Plan surveys well in advance. Most ecological surveys are seasonal, and missing the survey window can cause year-long delays. ProHort can prepare a survey calendar and manage this process from start to finish.

3. Arboricultural Impact Assessments

The Delay: If trees on-site are protected (TPOs or within a conservation area), councils may require tree surveys and protection plans before construction begins.

How to Avoid It: Commission an Arboricultural Impact Assessment early, ideally at design stage. Our team can liaise with tree officers and create mitigation plans to avoid unnecessary removals or last-minute objections.

What’s the Common Thread?

Most planning condition delays stem from late engagement and poor documentation. ProHort Ltd is here to ensure you stay ahead of the curve – with commercially minded, compliant, and timely solutions.

Whether you’re at the pre-application stage or managing post-permission requirements, our consultants can help discharge conditions quickly, avoid costly standstills, and keep your development on track.

Need Help Navigating Planning Conditions?

Get in touch with our expert team today. We’ll handle the red tape so you can focus on building.

Call us on 01782 479 479 or email us at [email protected] our friendly office team will get back to you within the hour.

Preliminary Roost Assessment in Preston

Do you require a Preliminary Roost Assessment in Preston? ProHort conduct Preliminary Roost Assessments (PRA) across the UK. These are also known as a bat scoping survey, however they are an ecological survey that aim to identify whether a site provides roosting or suitable habitat for bats. A preliminary roost assessment in Preston is stage one in the bat surveying process and is often requested by the local planning authorities in the likelihood that the new development will affect bats. Preliminary Roost Assessments in Preston can be undertaken during daylight hours and at any time of year.

What Happens Following my Preliminary Roost Assessment in Preston?

If no evidence of bats is found and the building or structure is not suitable for bats, then a preliminary roost assessment is all that will be required.

However, if evidence of bats is found or if the building or structure is suitable for bats, the next stage is to have a bat emergence survey carried out. Please note, these need to be undertaken between May and September. An emergence survey records the level of bat activity, undertaken at night that allows our surveyors to monitor and record whether or not bats fly out of the building or structure. If no bats are recorded, then that’s all that required.

Alternatively, if bats are recorded entering and exiting the building then a further survey will be required to assess whether the bats will be affected by the proposed development. In the event that the development is identified as causing damage or disturb to roosting bats then a bat licence will need to be obtained in order to continue with the works.
However, if the development is able to proceed without any damage or disturbance to the areas where bats are roosting, then the development can proceed providing that you follow the recommended precautions.

Contact Us Today for your Preliminary Roost Assessment in Preston:

Do you require a Preliminary Roost Assessment in Preston? Contact us today to book your survey! Please note these surveys are weather dependant.

Call us on 01782 479 479 or email us at [email protected] our friendly office team will get back to you within the hour.