5 Top Tips to reduce ecological costs
Tip 1: Choose your site carefully before you buy:
Developments on sites with a low potential to support protected or notable species are unlikely to require further ecological surveys, EPS Mitigation Licences or mitigation measures. Biodiversity impacts will be minimal and BREEAM Ecology and Land-use Credits relatively easy to achieve. At Oatlands Ecology we can advise you on the potantial ecological input you may require proir to purchasing a site.
Tip 2: Consider ecology early:
If the ecological impacts are considered early in the project, many impacts can be easily reduced or designed out. By ensuring you understand the ecological nature of a site and which ecological surveys may be required you can ensure all ecological surveys are carried out at the appropriate time of year to a high standard without causing delays.
Tip 3: Plan your survey year:
Local Planning Authorities require all Ecological Assessments to be presented at the application stage. Failure to do so is likely to lead to the application being rejected or delayed until this information has been gathered.
Many ecological surveys can only be carried out a certain times and may require several surveys spread throughout the year. By ensuring the project timetable has taken into account all relevant ecological surveys, the information can be presented with the planning application, avoiding costly delays.
Tip 4: Ensure your Ecological Assessment remains valid:
Development sites are often left disused for some time after an ecological assessment has been carried out. The ecology of an unmanaged site can change significantly over surprisingly short periods of time becoming by colonised scrub, breeding birds and protected species.
To ensure the ecological information you have is up to date and that the ecological value of the site remains low you may need to manage your site. At Oatlands Ecology we an advise you on how to manage your site prior to works taking place.
Tip 5: Choose your ecologist carefully
Ensure your ecologist has the necessary skills for the job. Are they members of a professional body? are they Chartered? Do they hold the relevant survey licences? Check on the CIEEM website to ensure your ecologist is registered.
