PROTECTED SPECIES SURVEYS
BADGERS
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The European badger is a fascinating mammal belonging to the weasel family, alongside otters, stoats, polecats, ferrets, and pine martens. While badger populations declined between 1960 and 1972, legal protection has led to a steady recovery, with an estimated population of 300,000 in the UK, with the highest concentrations in the southwest and a sparser distribution toward the north and east of England and Scotland.
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Badgers and their setts are protected under the Protection of Badgers Act 1992, as well as Schedule 6 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, making it an offence to kill, or injure a badger, or damage, destroy or interfere with its sett.
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Planning applications for developments have to consider the potential to harm badgers or their habitats.
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Aven Ecology can provide advice and recommendations to developers when undertaking works which may affect them, including creating noise, lighting or vibration, pile driving, use of chemicals, excavation, harvesting crops, and tree felling. If damage is unavoidable, we will assist in the application of the relevant licence to permit the otherwise prohibited activities, such as disturbance/damage to the setts.
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Desk Study - Extensive and detailed desk-based searches of existing badger records in the local area.
Field Surveys:
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Badger survey;
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Badger sett monitoring;
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Bait marking studies.
Licensing and Mitigation – Aven Ecology have successfully prepared mitigation licence applications for developers to permit acts which would otherwise be considered illegal under the relevant badger legislation. We can advise on, and assist with mitigation and compensation methods, including maintaining/creating; providing tunnels or underpasses to maintain habitat connectivity, and excluding badgers from an area temporarily.
BARN OWLS
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The barn owl is a beautiful and widespread owl found throughout the UK and Ireland. They favour open countryside habitats like farmland, grasslands, and the edges of woodlands. Unlike many owl species, barn owls often utilise man-made structures for nesting and roosting, including cavities in barns, sheds, and old buildings. Their primary diet consists of small mammals, with voles being a particularly important food source.
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Barn owl populations have faced historical declines due to factors like pesticide use and habitat loss. While numbers are recovering, several ongoing threats remain. These include:
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Loss of nesting sites: Renovation or demolition of old buildings can eliminate suitable nesting cavities.
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Habitat changes: Modern farming practices that reduce vole populations or remove hedgerows and field edges can impact barn owl prey availability.
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Disturbance: Construction activities near nesting sites can cause stress and breeding failure.
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Barn owls are protected under Schedule 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. This makes it illegal to intentionally or recklessly disturb them at their nest sites. Developers planning construction projects in potentially suitable habitats may need to conduct barn owl surveys to ensure their work complies with the law.
We can provide the following services:
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Desk Study – We can review existing records and historical data for barn owl activity in the area.
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Field Survey – We can provide a qualified licensed ecologist to inspect the site for signs of barn owls, including droppings, pellets, feathers, and potential nesting/roosting cavities. Daytime and nighttime surveys might be needed depending on the survey type.
The survey results will inform recommendations to minimize impacts on barn owls.
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Mitigation – Aven Ecology can advise on suitable mitigation strategies; these may include:
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Installing barn owl nesting boxes in suitable locations to provide alternative nesting sites.
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Timing construction activities to avoid the barn owl breeding season (typically March to August, although they can breed all year round).
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Implementing lighting restrictions to minimize nighttime disturbance if construction is necessary during breeding months.
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By conducting barn owl surveys and implementing appropriate mitigation measures, developers can ensure their projects progress smoothly while protecting these remarkable birds.
BATS
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The UK boasts a remarkable diversity of bats, with 18 different species calling our country home. These nocturnal mammals range in size from the unbelievably tiny common pipistrelle, weighing a mere 5 grams and just a few centimetres long, to the impressive common noctule, weighing up to 40 grams.
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Bats play a crucial role in maintaining a healthy ecosystem. They act as natural pest controllers, consuming vast quantities of insects each night. Their presence is a positive indicator of environmental well-being, highlighting the interconnectedness between bat health and our own quality of life.
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Each bat species has a unique distribution range. The common pipistrelle, for instance, thrives across England, Wales, and Scotland, making it the UK's most widespread bat. Conversely, Bechstein's bat, one of Britain's rarest, is primarily found in southern England, from Gloucestershire to Sussex.
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Sadly, bat populations have faced a decline in recent years. Habitat loss, predation, and even crime have all contributed to this worrying trend. Recognising their importance, bats are designated as European Protected Species (EPS). This legal status, alongside Schedule 2 of the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations (2017) and Schedules 5 and 6 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended), offers them significant protection. As such, it is an offence to capture, kill, disturb or trade any bat species, as well as damage, destroy or obstruct access to any structure or place they may use for shelter or protection.
Planning applications for developments have to consider the potential for the proposals to harm bats or their habitats.
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Aven Ecology can provide advice and recommendations to developers when undertaking works which may affect bats:
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Desk Study - We conduct thorough searches of existing bat records in the local area, along with details of designated bat conservation sites and suitable local habitats.
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Field Surveys:
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Initial inspection of trees, buildings and other structures (both internal and external);
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Ground level and aerial inspections of trees;
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Detailed inspections of bridges;
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Dusk emergence and return to roost surveys to identify roost locations;
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Use of a wide range of Night Vision Aids, including Infra-red and Thermal Imaging;
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Roost characterisation surveys to assess the type of roost;
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Walked transects and activity surveys to understand bat presence and foraging patterns;
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DNA analysis of bat droppings for species identification;
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Static monitoring, including deployment/collection of automated bat detectors and analysis of sound-recordings;
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Mitigation and licensing – including the Class Mitigation Licence.
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Licence applications - Aven Ecology have experience in applying for and holding Full Mitigation Licences for bats. Anna is also a Registered Consultant for the Class Mitigation Licence.
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DORMICE
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The native hazel dormouse holds a special place in conservation efforts. They are considered a ‘flagship species’, meaning their presence highlights the health of an entire ecosystem. They're also a valuable ‘bio-indicator’ because they are particularly sensitive to habitat loss and fragmentation.
Finding dormice in an area suggests a healthy environment with well-connected habitats that support a variety of other sensitive species.
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Primarily found in southern England and Wales, the species was never native to Ireland or Scotland; however, since approximately 2010, populations of hazel dormouse have appeared in Ireland and are understood to be spreading in distribution, leading to research on their potential to become an invasive species there. They favour diverse habitats like woodlands with a good mix of mature trees and dense undergrowth, hedgerows, and scrublands.
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Numbers of dormice have declined significantly in the past 100 years. The total adult population is now thought to be around 45,000 (Battersby, 2005), distributed among a variety of widely fragmented sites.
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In an attempt to address this decline in population, dormice are designated as European Protected Species (EPS). They are listed in Schedule 2 of the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations (2017), as well as Schedules 5 and 6 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended). As such, it is an offence to capture, kill, disturb or trade hazel dormice, as well as damage, destroy or obstruct access to any structure or place they may use for shelter or protection.
Planning applications for developments will have to consider the potential to harm dormice or their habitats.
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Aven Ecology can provide advice and recommendations to developers when undertaking works which may affect them, including increasing noise or light levels, woodland and hedgerow management, and habitat removal. If damage is unavoidable, we will assist in the application of a mitigation licence to enable the works to be undertaken legally.
Desk Study - We undertake extensive and detailed desk-based searches of known dormouse records in the local area, and details of designated conservation sites for dormice and suitable local habitats.
Field Surveys:
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Desk-study and Habitat Assessment;
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Search for nuts with characteristic dormouse tooth-marks;
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Deployment, collection and survey of dormice nest boxes or nest tubes.
GREAT CRESTED NEWT
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Great Crested Newts (GCN) are the largest of the UK's three native species of newt, with the adults growing to 15 cm in length.
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The GCN is widely distributed throughout lowland Great Britain, however the distribution is extremely patchy. You might find them thriving in one seemingly perfect habitat, yet entirely absent from another similar location.
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Like many other species in Britain, the GCN suffered a marked decline in population in the latter part of the twentieth century; primarily as a result of changes in farming practices. As a result of this decline, the GCN is one of Britain's most strictly protected amphibians.
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Great Crested Newts are a European Protected Species (EPS). They are listed in Schedule 2 of the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations (2017), as well as Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended). As such, it is an offence to capture, kill, disturb or trade a GCN, as well as damage, destruct or obstruct access to any structure or place they may use for shelter or protection.
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Planning applications for developments will have to consider the potential to harm GCNs or their habitats. Aven Ecology can provide advice and recommendations to developers when undertaking works which may affect them, directly or indirectly...if damage is unavoidable, we will assist in the application of a mitigation licence to permit the otherwise illegal activities.
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We can provide the following services:
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Desk Study - We undertake extensive and detailed desk-based searches of existing ecological information including known Great Crested Newt records in the local area, and details of designated conservation sites and habitats.
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Field Surveys - An initial assessment such as a Habitat Suitability Index (HSI) Assessment will be undertaken to assess the potential for a waterbody to support breeding great crested newts, and thus determine the likelihood of GCNs being present and affected by the proposed works. The HSI will inform the need for subsequent surveys, including bottle trapping, egg searches, torch surveys, netting, pitfall trapping and refuge searches, as well as eDNA sampling and analysis.
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Licence applications - Aven Ecology has experience in applying for EPS licences where required. These licence applications include a method statement, work schedule, and reasoned statement; as well as a habitat management and maintenance plan. This licence permits developers to perform acts which would otherwise be considered illegal under the GCN legislation. Our ecologists will provide advice and undertake the appropriate surveys, impact assessments and mitigation plans to support the licence application.
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Mitigation - Aven Ecology can provide advice on, and assist with mitigation and compensation methods, including habitat creation, restoration and enhancement of their aquatic and terrestrial habitats, capture and exclusion methods, as well as post-development habitat management, site maintenance and population monitoring. We are also trained in the taking of eDNA samples from ponds to test for presence of GCN.
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NATTERJACK TOAD
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The natterjack toad and the common toad are the two native toad species to Britain, with the natterjack being much rarer than the common toad. The natterjack toad is grey / green with a distinctive yellow stripe down the centre of its back.
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They are common across much of south-west Europe however in Britain they are confined to the heaths of East Anglia and southern England; and the coasts of northwest England.
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The natterjack toad suffered an estimated 70% decline in the UK throughout the twentieth century; suffering the greatest losses in eastern and southern Europe.
Natterjack toads are a European Protected Species (EPS). They are listed in Schedule 2 of the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations (2010), as well as Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended). As such, it is an offence to capture, kill, disturb or trade any individual, as well as damage, destroy or obstruct access to any structure or place they may use for shelter or protection.
Planning applications for developments will have to consider the potential to harm natterjack toads or their habitats. Aven Ecology can provide advice and recommendations to developers when undertaking works which may affect them, cause habitat loss and change, create barriers which isolate toad populations, increase shading and siltation, and introduce natterjack toad predators such as common frogs, toads and great crested newts. If damage is unavoidable, we will assist in the application of a mitigation licence to permit the otherwise illegal activities.
We can provide the following services:
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Desk Study - We undertake extensive and detailed desk-based searches of existing ecological information including known Natterjack toad records in the local area, and details of designated conservation sites and habitats.
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Field Surveys - Surveys are required if the planned activity will affect natterjack toads or their habitats. Our ecologists are experienced in natterjack surveys, including qualitative (calling makes, night searching etc.) and quantitative (spawn string counts and toadlet populations).
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OTTERS
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Otters are a semi-aquatic mammal that feed within inland freshwater and coastal habitats and use terrestrial habitats for shelter and breeding. They require aquatic habitats supporting abundant and diverse invertebrate and fish prey, typically associated with high water quality, as well as extensive and well-structured bankside vegetation to provide cover. Otters are territorial and wide-ranging within their territories (often ranging up to 35km along watercourses). In areas where otter populations are strong or recovering, there is evidence that water voles also benefit due to the exclusion by otters of the American mink, a non-native invasive species that is predatory on water voles.
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Otters were once common across the UK and Europe, but have suffered a decline over the past 50 years due to degradation of waterways, pollution by insecticides, habitat loss and hunting/persecution.
Otter populations remain relatively successful in Scotland, Ireland and parts of Wales and southwest England, with evidence them recently recolonising other parts of England within their former range.
Otters are a European Protected Species (EPS). They are listed in Schedule 2 of the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations (2010), as well as Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended). As such, it is an offence to capture, kill, disturb or trade an otter, as well as to damage, destruct or obstruct access to any structure or place they may use for shelter or protection.
Planning applications for developments will have to consider the potential to harm otters or their habitats. Aven Ecology can provide advice and recommendations to developers when undertaking works which may affect them, including disruption in habitat connectivity, degradation of water quality, loss of resting/feeding sites and susceptibility to road traffic. If impacts are unavoidable, we will assist in the application of a mitigation licence to allow the works to proceed legally.
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We can provide the following services:
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Desk Study - We undertake extensive and detailed desk-based searches of existing ecological information including known otter records in the local area, and details of designated conservation sites and habitats.
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Field Surveys - Surveys are required if the site contains suitable habitat for otters, and if historical records highlighted in the desk study suggest they may be present. Our qualified ecologists are experienced in conducting otter survey, including searching for potential holts/dens, as well as signs of otter activity, such as spraints, prints and slides.
REPTILES
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There are six native species of terrestrial reptile in Britain:
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Common Lizard, Grass Snake, Slow Worm, and Adder: These widespread residents can be found basking in the sun or slithering through gardens and woodlands across England.
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Sand Lizard and Smooth Snake: These shy creatures are much harder to spot. Their range is restricted mainly to specific areas in Dorset, Hampshire, and Surrey.
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Reptiles are relatively challenging to find as they tend to be secretive, camouflaged, and in comparatively low numbers on a given site and may be inactive for long periods during winter or hot dry summers.
All six species of reptile are considered to have declined dramatically in the last century, due to the loss and fragmentation of habitat caused by changes in land use, intensified agriculture and forestry.
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National legislation now gives all reptiles protection under Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended), which makes it illegal to capture, kill, injure or trade any reptile species. In addition, rare reptiles (smooth snake and sand lizard) are European Protected Species (EPS), receiving legal protection under Schedule 2 of the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017, making it illegal to disturb these species, as well as damage, destroy or obstruct access to any structure or place they may use for shelter or protection.
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Planning applications for developments will have to consider the potential to harm reptiles or their habitats. Aven Ecology can provide advice and recommendations to developers when undertaking works which may affect them, including losing connectivity between habitats, reducing habitat quality, risk of fire, or increased litter. If damage is unavoidable, we will assist in the application of a mitigation licence to allow the works to proceed legally.
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We can provide the following services:
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Desk Study - We undertake extensive and detailed desk-based searches of existing ecological information including known reptile records in the local area, and details of designated conservation sites and habitats.
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Field Surveys - Surveys are required if the site contains suitable habitat for reptiles, and if historical records highlighted in the desk study suggest they may be present. Our qualified ecologists are experienced in reptile surveys, laying out artificial refuges and checking them for presence/absence.
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Mitigation - Aven Ecology can provide advice on, and assist with mitigation and compensation methods, including altering the layout of the development to avoid areas used by reptiles, displacement and translocation from the sensitive areas, maintaining or creating networks across the site, as well as creating links to other new or existing habitats.
WATER VOLE
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The water vole is Europe's largest native vole, found mainly along well vegetated banks of slow flowing rivers, ditches, dykes and lakes where they feed on grasses and herbs growing on the banks where they dig their burrows.
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It is one of the most endangered mammal species in the UK, with a reduction of around 90% in the past decade. Despite this, the water vole is found throughout England, Wales and Scotland albeit in highly fragmented patches. There are an estimated 875,000 water vole adults, pre-breeding season.
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The key threats to the water vole population include predation from the introduced American mink which has caused local extinctions. In addition, habitat degradation and pollution have contributed to their decline, with contamination of water bodies from pollutants and indirectly through eutrophication which causes algal blooms and loss of their food plants.
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Water voles are protected under Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended). As such, it is an offence to capture, kill, disturb or trade any water vole, as well as damage, destroy or obstruct access to any structure or place they may use for shelter or protection.
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Planning applications for developments will have to consider the potential to harm water voles or their habitats. Aven Ecology can provide advice and recommendations to developers when undertaking works which may affect them, including altering the water quality, and destroying or disturbing places used for shelter or protection. If damage is unavoidable, we will provide advice on suitable mitigation or compensation measures.
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We can provide the following services:
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Desk Study - We undertake extensive and detailed desk-based searches of existing ecological information including known water vole records in the local area, and details of designated conservation sites and habitats.
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Field Surveys - Water vole surveys are required if the distribution and historical records from the desk study suggest water voles may be present; or if the habitat is considered suitable (e.g. if there are silt-shored banks for burrowing, or slow-flowing and relatively deep water courses). Our qualified ecologists are experienced in many types of water vole survey, including examination of the waterway and pond banks for signs of faeces, latrines, feeding stations, burrows, footprints, runs or pathways.