Initial ecological appraisal
Interpretation of aerial photography is frequently used as the starting point for initial ecological appraisal
The first stage of ecological survey on a potential development site is the initial ecological appraisal - or scoping study. This is undertaken to evaluate a sites' potential to support protected species or other features that might constrain development. We recommend these simple studies are commissioned as early as possible, as subsequent specialist work and mitigation can be seasonally constrained and time consuming.
A desk study sets the context for field study. Data from organisations such as Biodiversity Records Centres include information on protected and Biodiversity Action Plan priority species and presence of nearby protected areas (e.g. Sites of Special Scientific Interest), for a defined area around a proposal site.
The survey is normally undertaken using standard 'extended Phase I habitat survey' techniques and aims to gather enough information to enable potential constraints to be identified and recommendations for specialist studies made, if required. If the site is deemed to have low wildlife interest, then no further survey may be needed.