We complete invertebrate surveys across Canterbury, Maidstone, Tunbridge Wells, Ashford, Sevenoaks, Tonbridge & Malling, Dartford, Gravesham, and Folkestone & Hythe.
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Need planning-ready invertebrate surveys in Kent?
We provide targeted surveys for priority species and habitats, ensuring our reports enable you to achieve planning permission.
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
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We stay with you from first call through to submission.Â
Kent’s combination of chalk grassland, ancient woodlands, river corridors, wetlands, brownfield sites, and extensive rural/urban fringe areas makes many developments likely to trigger invertebrate considerations.
An invertebrate survey is an assessment of an area to identify which invertebrate species are present. Experts search, observe, and sample habitats over time to determine species diversity, abundance, and conservation importance. The results help ensure that development or land-use changes do not harm invertebrate wildlife and comply with planning and environmental regulations.
You may need an invertebrate survey if your project involves:Â
Chalk grassland or species-rich meadows (North Downs, Sevenoaks, Canterbury)
Heathland, acid grassland or sandy soils (Ashford, Tunbridge Wells, Maidstone)
Brownfield or previously developed land with mosaic habitat
Works near ponds, streams, rivers, or wetland edges
Woodland, hedgerow, or scrub removal
Sites where a PEA indicates notable invertebrate potential
A simple postcode check confirms whether your LPA is likely to request invertebrate evidence.Â
We complete invertebrate surveys across Canterbury, Maidstone, Tunbridge Wells, Ashford, Sevenoaks, Tonbridge & Malling, Dartford, Gravesham, and Folkestone & Hythe.
In Kent, planning authorities may require invertebrate survey evidence where suitable habitat is present to ensure development complies with wildlife legislation and national planning policy. Without early, proportionate survey work, planning applications can be delayed due to validation queries, additional conditions, or seasonal restrictions linked to key invertebrate activity periods. These delays can disrupt project programmes and may result in avoidable redesign, emphasizing the importance of early, targeted invertebrate assessments.
Our specialist ecology team carries out an Invertebrate Survey to assess species presence, habitat use, and any potential risks. You receive a clear, LPA-ready report outlining practical mitigation and timing recommendations, helping your project remain compliant with wildlife legislation and progress without delay.
We provide a clear, proportionate, practical approach for projects in Kent. This includes:Â
Habitat assessments for invertebrate potential
Targeted invertebrate species surveys
Use of appropriate sampling methods (pitfall traps, sweep netting, timed searches)
Proportionate mitigation recommendations
Reports aligned to Kent LPA and BNG requirements
Practical guidance for planners, architects, ecologists, and contractors
Our approach is proportionate and planning-focused, avoiding unnecessary escalation.
Send your site details and programme. We confirm the correct level of survey.
Walkovers or multi-visit surveys depending on your sites potential.
Planning-ready reports with impact assessment, mitigation options and timelines for site teams.
Only if needed. PEA, EIA, and Protected Species surveysÂ
Need an Invertebrate Survey in Kent? Let’s confirm your site’s requirements and keep your project on track.Â
Yes. An invertebrate survey may be required if your site contains habitats that could support notable or protected invertebrates. In Kent, this can include chalk grassland, coastal habitats, woodland edges, wetlands, ponds, brownfield land, mature hedgerows, traditional orchards and veteran trees.
Invertebrate surveys help identify whether a development could affect important insects, other invertebrates or the habitats they rely on. The findings provide ecological evidence for the Local Planning Authority and help determine whether mitigation, habitat protection or biodiversity enhancements are needed.
Yes. Kent has valuable chalk grassland, coastal margins, estuary habitats and species rich grassland, all of which can support specialist invertebrate communities. Where development could affect these habitats, an invertebrate survey may be needed to support the planning application.
Yes. Brownfield land can provide excellent habitat where it contains bare ground, rubble, flowering plants, scrub, warm sheltered areas and varied vegetation. These conditions can support bees, beetles, butterflies, moths and other invertebrates that may be relevant to planning.
An ecologist will assess the habitats present and use appropriate survey methods to record invertebrates. This may include direct observation, sweep netting, vegetation beating, hand searching, aerial netting, pitfall trapping and habitat condition assessment, depending on the habitats and likely species groups.
Most invertebrate surveys are undertaken between April and September when insects are active. The ideal timing depends on the habitats present and the species likely to occur. Early instruction helps avoid missed seasonal survey windows and reduces the risk of planning delays.
If notable species or valuable habitats are recorded, the report will set out practical recommendations for planning. This may include retaining key habitats, creating replacement habitat, improving grassland or scrub management, protecting mature trees or incorporating Biodiversity Net Gain enhancements.
Survey requirements depend on the Local Planning Authority responsible for the application. Kent County Council provides planning and environmental information at https://www.kent.gov.uk. District and borough councils across Kent may also request ecological surveys where development could affect important habitats or species.
The report will include the survey methods, habitats assessed, species recorded, ecological value of the site and recommendations to support planning. Where required, it may also include mitigation, habitat protection, enhancement measures and management advice relevant to Biodiversity Net Gain.
ProHort provides professional invertebrate surveys across Kent for residential, commercial, rural and infrastructure projects. Our ecologists produce clear, planning focused reports that help clients understand ecological constraints, meet Local Planning Authority requirements and progress applications with confidence.
