We conduct surveys across Birmingham, Wolverhampton, Coventry, Dudley, Walsall, Solihull, and surrounding towns and rural areas in the West Midlands.
Need planning-ready invertebrate surveys in the West Midlands?
We carry out focused surveys for priority invertebrate species and habitats across the West Midlands. Our reports provide clear, evidence-based findings that support planning applications and help secure timely permission.
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The West Midlands features a diverse mix of urban areas, brownfield and former industrial sites, river and canal corridors, wetlands, and semi‑natural grasslands — all of which can support important invertebrate populations.
An invertebrate survey is a structured assessment that identifies which invertebrate species are present on a site. Specialists observe, search, and sample habitats over time to determine species diversity, abundance, and conservation significance. The results provide robust evidence to ensure that development or land‑use changes do not negatively impact invertebrate wildlife and comply with planning and environmental requirements.
You may need an invertebrate survey if your project involves:
Redevelopment of brownfield or former industrial sites, such as disused factories in Birmingham or Wolverhampton
Works near ponds, rivers, ditches, or wetland margins, including stretches of the River Tame or River Severn corridors
Woodland, scrub, or hedgerow clearance, for example around Cannock Chase or rural fringe woodlands
Grassland, allotments, or unmanaged open ground, such as semi-natural patches in Solihull or Dudley
Large-scale landscaping or habitat modification, including redevelopment sites in Walsall or Coventry
Sites highlighted during a Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA) as having elevated invertebrate potential, such as former railway lines or urban fringe brownfield plots
A simple postcode check can confirm whether your Local Planning Authority is likely to request invertebrate survey evidence.
We conduct surveys across Birmingham, Wolverhampton, Coventry, Dudley, Walsall, Solihull, and surrounding towns and rural areas in the West Midlands.
In the West Midlands, planning authorities may request invertebrate survey evidence where suitable habitat exists to ensure development complies with the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 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. Such delays can disrupt project programmes and may require unnecessary redesign, emphasising 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, and practical approach for projects in the West Midlands. This includes:
Habitat assessment to identify invertebrate potential
Targeted specialist surveys for priority species or ecological guilds
Sampling using approved methods, including pitfall trapping, sweep‑netting, and timed searches
Proportionate mitigation and habitat management recommendations
Reporting formatted to meet Local Planning Authority requirements and Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) considerations
Our focus is on delivering clear, proportionate evidence that avoids unnecessary survey escalation while supporting timely planning and development decisions.
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 surveys
Need an Invertebrate Survey in the West Midlands? Let’s confirm your site’s requirements and keep your project on track.
An invertebrate survey may be required if your development could affect habitats that support important insect populations. Across the West Midlands, planning authorities often request surveys for sites containing species rich grassland, brownfield land, mature trees, wetlands, woodland, scrub or other habitats with recognised ecological value. The survey helps determine whether development could impact biodiversity and whether mitigation is needed.
Local Planning Authorities use invertebrate surveys to understand the ecological importance of a site before making planning decisions. The information helps demonstrate whether protected or notable species could be affected and whether suitable measures have been incorporated into the development to protect biodiversity and comply with planning policy.
Yes. Urban environments often contain valuable habitats for insects, particularly brownfield land, railway embankments, parks, canals, wildflower areas and mature trees. Even sites within heavily developed areas can support diverse invertebrate communities, making ecological assessment an important part of the planning process.
The survey begins with an assessment of the site’s habitats, followed by field surveys using recognised ecological techniques where appropriate. Depending on the habitat and target species, ecologists may undertake sweep netting, direct observation, vegetation beating, pitfall trapping and habitat condition assessments to evaluate the site’s ecological importance.
Invertebrate surveys are regularly requested for residential developments, commercial schemes, industrial redevelopment, transport infrastructure, schools, healthcare facilities, renewable energy projects and mixed use developments. Whether a survey is required depends on the habitats present rather than the type or size of the project.
Most surveys are undertaken between April and September when invertebrates are most active. Different species emerge at different times throughout the season, so survey timing is carefully planned to maximise the likelihood of recording species that may be present on the site.
Where important habitats or species are found, the survey will include practical recommendations to reduce ecological impacts. This may involve retaining existing habitats, creating replacement habitats, improving site management or making small design changes that enable development and biodiversity conservation to work together.
Ecological requirements vary depending on the Local Planning Authority responsible for the application. This may include authorities such as Birmingham City Council, Coventry City Council, Dudley Council, Sandwell Council, Solihull Council, Walsall Council and City of Wolverhampton Council. Planning guidance can be found through the relevant council’s planning department, depending on where your development is located.
You will receive a comprehensive ecological report detailing the habitats assessed, survey methods, species identified, the ecological significance of the site and any recommendations needed to support your planning application. The report is designed to satisfy planning requirements and provide clear guidance for your project team.
ProHort carries out professional invertebrate surveys throughout the West Midlands for developers, architects, planning consultants, businesses and homeowners. Our experienced ecologists prepare high quality reports that align with current ecological guidance and Local Planning Authority expectations, helping planning applications progress with minimal delays.
