A phase 1 habitat survey is a comprehensive walkover survey typically conducted on larger development sites (more than 1 acre). The survey provides a basic assessment of habitat type as well as any potential importance for nature conservation.
The report provided will summarise the potential for any protected species that may be present on or adjacent to the development area and detail the need (if necessary) for further survey effort or mitigation. A habitat map will also be produced that can be interpreted by the planning authority to help assess the ecological value of the site.
The habitat map is completed by an ecologist, competent of accurately describing vegetative habitats according to the codes within the Nature Conservancy Council guidelines and can be either hand drawn onto background mapping or digitally mapped for a more professional approach using CAD software.
What time of the year do phase 1 habitat surveys take place?
This survey provides a basic assessment of habitat type as well as any potential importance for nature conservation.