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Surveying

Phase 1 Habitat Surveys
 
Phase 1 Habitat surveys are often the initial survey undertaken on the site. They identify the habitats present based upon nationally accepted categories outlined in the JNCC 'Handbook for Phase 1 habitat survey (199)'.
 
These are used to identify the baseline conditions of a site as a reference for future changes, as well as providing information on the likelihood of the presence of specific species in the area.
 
The Phase 1 survey is often combined with a Protected species scoping survey' which identifies which protected species may be present in the area and whether further surveys are required.
 
An Extended Phase 1 Habitat survey gives much more specific data on the plant communities present in the area and provides a classification according to NVC and PSYM guidelines. 

Protected species surveys and monitoring
A number of species present in the UK are legally protected to varying degrees. The protection generally extends to a species' habitat and resting place also.
The most common protected species encountered in the UK include: Great Crested Newt, Dormouse, all Bat species (including their roosts), Water Vole, Otter, Reptiles, Birds, Badger (setts), White-clawed crayfish.

If a habitat survey and record search indicate that protected species may be present on or in the vicinity of the site, further species surveys are indicated. It is important to plan for this as early as possible, as many species can only be surveyed at a certain time of year.

The surveys will be used to determine what action needs to be taken to avoid causing an offence - whether this be avoiding a disturbance by timing or physical location, or applying for a licence and implementing mitigation.

Monitoring is used to check the status of a population over time and is sometimes a condition of a development licence.

Main image: Barn Owl by Bob Perry.