Protected species are animals and plants that are legally protected under UK and European wildlife law. Protected species surveys are carried out to assess the presence or likely absence of a protected or notable species on, or adjacent to, a development site.
The need for protected species surveys is usually determined as part of an initial Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA) or Preliminary Roost Appraisal for bats (PRA); the results of these surveys are then used to assess the likely impact of your development project on vulnerable species and their habitats. By understanding the ecological landscape, we ensure compliance with stringent legal regulations and mitigate potential impacts on wildlife.
Breakwell Ecology provide a comprehensive range of protected species surveys, from simple scoping surveys to detailed impact assessments to meet the needs of developers, whilst ensuring positive outcomes for wildlife. If you don’t see what you’re looking for below, please get in touch as we may still be able to help.

Bat surveys
- Preliminary Roost Appraisal (daytime bat survey)
- Dusk emergence & dawn re-entry (presence/likely absence) surveys using infra-red night vision aids (NVAs)
- Roost characterisation surveys
- Transect and passive/static monitoring surveys
- Endoscopic inspection and hibernation surveys
- Ground level tree assessments
- Bat call recording and analysis
- European Protected Species Mitigation Licence (EPSML) applications
- Mitigation design
- Ecological supervision/Ecological Clerk of Works (ECow)
- Reasonable Avoidance Measures Method Statements (RAMMS)
- All conducted by Level 2 Bat Class Licence holder

Reptile surveys
- Presence/absence surveys & population assessment
- Design of mitigation and compensation
- Translocation and exclusion fencing
- Hibernaculum, log pile and habitat design and creation
- Precautionary working method statements, watching brief and supervision

Great crested newt surveys
- Pond assessment/Habitat Suitability Index (HSI) scoping survey
- Presence/absence surveys including eDNA, and population size class assessment survey
- European Protected Species Licence applications
- Mitigation design
- Translocation & exclusion fencing
- Watching brief and supervision/ECoW
- Pond, hibernaculum and habitat design
- Conducted by Level 1 great crested newt class licence holder

Badger surveys
- Preliminary scoping surveys
- Badger sett monitoring and bait marking
- Mitigation and compensation design
- Sett closure licence applications
- Artificial sett design
- Temporary exclusions
- Watching brief and supervision/ECoW

Dormouse surveys
- Presence/likely absence surveys – nest tubes and nut searches
- Mitigation and compensation design
- Dormouse box installation
- Planting schemes and habitat management plans
- Conducted by Level 1 dormouse class licence holder

Bird surveys
- Breeding and wintering surveys
- Mitigation and compensation design
- Guidance on installation of bird boxes

Otter surveys
- Preliminary scoping surveys
- Presence/likely absence surveys and monitoring
- Avoidance, mitigation and compensation design
- Otter holt and habitat design

Water vole surveys
- Preliminary scoping surveys
- Presence/likely absence surveys and monitoring
- Avoidance, mitigation and compensation design
- Habitat design
Contact Us
To place an online enquiry please fill out the form below or email lizzie@breakwellecology.co.uk:

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