Email: [email protected]

Telephone: 0800 494 7479

Protected Species Surveys

Protected Species Surveys

Planning-ready ecological surveys for development projects — delivered with clarity, proportionate methods and practical guidance across all protected species in the UK.

Whether you’re preparing a planning submission, progressing a design, or managing a construction timeline, accurate ecological evidence is critical. Our team helps you understand what’s required, when it’s needed, and how to keep your project moving without unnecessary delays.

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Which Survey do I need?

Each species has its own survey season, legal protections, and planning requirements, which means timing and method matter — especially for developers working toward fixed programmes.

Badger Surveys

When: scrub, woodland edges, or embankments show sett signs.

Purpose: identify sett activity, territory use and protection requirements.

Timing: Most of the year (avoid sett disturbance Feb–June); year-round for scoping (PEA).

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Badger roaming through woodland habitat, indicating potential sett presence in the area.
Gloved hand gently holding a great crested newt, indicating the presence of a protected species.

Great Crested Newt (GCN) Surveys

When: ponds, ditches or wetlands occur within 250 m of proposed works.

Purpose: assess breeding presence, terrestrial use and mitigation needs.

Timing: mid-March–June (eDNA April–June; traditional surveys mid-April–June); year-round for scoping (PEA).

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Reptile Surveys

When: rough grassland, brownfield, or sunny scrub provides potential habitat.

Purpose: record presence, population and define proportionate mitigation.

Timing: April–September (weather-dependent); year-round for scoping (PEA).

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Reptile resting on natural ground cover, indicating suitability for a snake and reptile survey.
Birds feeding on a garden feeder, indicating active bird presence suitable for a bird survey.

Bird Surveys

When: vegetation clearance, tree works or demolition overlaps nesting season.

Purpose: confirm nesting activity, inform timing and avoid offence under the Wildlife & Countryside Act.

Timing: nesting activity March–August; year-round for scoping (PEA)

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Invertebrate Surveys

When:brownfield mosaics, meadows or wetlands may host notable assemblages.

Purpose: evaluate habitat structure and invertebrate value for BNG and planning.

Timing: April–September (weather-dependent; early scoping reduces BNG risk on high-distinctiveness sites); year-round for scoping (PEA).

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Butterfly resting on vegetation, indicating invertebrate activity suitable for an invertebrate survey.

Your Next Step

Not sure which survey you need? Contact us today!

Phone: 0800 494 7479 
 Email: [email protected] 

Request Survey Quote

Protected Species Survey FAQs

What Are Protected Species Surveys?

Protected species surveys identify whether legally protected wildlife could be affected by your proposed works. 
These include species such as: 

  • bats 
  • badgers 
  • great crested newts (GCN) 
  • reptiles 
  • birds 
  • invertebrates 

Each species has its own survey season, legal protections, and planning requirements, which means timing and method matter — especially for developers working toward fixed programmes. 

Protected species legislation applies regardless of land ownership.

Planning authorities require ecological evidence to ensure: 

  • species are not harmed 
  • habitats are properly assessed 
  • designs avoid unnecessary conflict 
  • developers meet BNG requirements 
  • licensing is only used when essential 

Early surveys prevent: 

  • validation delays 
  • redesign 
  • forced seasonal pauses 
  • mid-construction stoppages 

A proactive approach keeps your project predictable.

How ProHort Helps Your Project

Our approach is practical, proportionate and planning-aligned. You get: 

  • Straightforward, plain-English explanations 
  • Clear survey timings 
  • Proportionate recommendations (no over-escalation) 
  • Planning-ready reporting 
  • Support for BNG and method statements 
  • Optional licensing guidance (only when needed) 
  • Realistic next steps for your project team 

From small extensions to large multi-phase schemes, we scale to your needs. 

These are the specialist surveys we deliver across all legally protected species. 

Each service has its own methods, survey windows and planning role. 

Bat Surveys 
Roost assessments, activity surveys and dusk emergence surveys. 

Badger Surveys 
Sett surveys, activity mapping and proportionate mitigation advice. 

GCN Surveys & eDNA Testing 
HSI assessments, eDNA sampling and full presence/absence surveys. 

Reptile Surveys 
Presence/absence surveys and habitat suitability assessments. 

Bird Surveys 
Nesting bird checks and breeding bird surveys (BBS). 

Invertebrate Surveys 
Targeted invertebrate sampling and habitat assessments. 

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