When planning a landscape design project one of the key considerations is the ecological impact. There are a number of ways in which landscape development projects can impact on the immediate environment and for this reason, receiving an ecological survey is an important step in the process of planing a project. By working alongside specialist ecological consultants it is possible to develop a plan for a design project centred around reducing the ecological impact on the immediate natural environment.
In many landscape design projects, taking an approach centred around maintaining the ecology of the natural environment is necessary to gaining planning permission. In cases where protected species habitats are present in the environment of the project it is necessary to obtain a European Protected Species Mitigation licence. Working alongside experienced ecologists is a key step in undertaking surveys and ensuring that the plan for a project mitigates the impact on protected species and that the criteria for an EPSM license are met.
Read more for some further information on steps to minimise the impact on the local ecology of landscape design projects.
Preliminary Ecological Appraisal
A Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA) is one of the first steps taken in understanding the ecological component of a landscape design project and includes an ecological desk study, a Phase 1 habitat survey and a protected species assessment. The ecological desk study involves gathering existing data on the site of the planned landscape design project. A Phase 1 habitat survey is an ecological survey which provides an initial assessment of a site identifying habitats that are present recording information such as the abundance of plant species in each habitat in addition to evidence of protected or priority species present on the designated site.
These steps provide the necessary information to gain an initial picture to begin planning a project from an ecological perspective. Following this, if relevant, a protected species survey will provide information on the requirements for mitigating the impact of a design project on protected species. These surveys are required by law if the PEA identifies evidence of protected species at the designated site and in this case will need to be submitted with the planning application.
Ecological Impact Assessment
An Ecological Impact Assessment provides a detailed appraisal of the potential impacts of a project on the immediate ecological environment. These assessments build on information gathered in the PEA to provide information which can be used to guide a landscape development project. There are a number of factors which relate to how the impact of a project is defined including factors such as the reversibility and extent of the impact.
Contact Us
Our experienced team of ecological specialists at Lizard Landscape Design and Ecology can provide ecological surveys and consultation services in planning a project from an ecological standpoint. A component of this assistance is providing consultation on developing a sustainable plan for a landscape design project which mitigates the impact on protected species and meets the required criteria for an EPSM license. To get in touch to discuss a landscape design project with us call 01903 216033 or email us at lizard.landscape@btconnect.com.