Protected Species
(Phase 2) Surveys

There are several protected species whose presence on a site can have implications for its development. The presence of a protected species can affect a project by creating timing constraints and introducing a requirement for mitigation measures.

It is important to understand the ecology of a site prior to master planning and design. PJC Consultancy holds licenses to survey all the major UK protected species groups. We can advise you on how their presence can affect your site and guide you through the process of surveying, reporting and taking the necessary measures to continue with your project, including how to provide opportunities for habitat creation and enhancement.

Great Crested Newt Surveys

Great Crested Newt Surveys

The Great Crested Newt (Triturus cristatus), otherwise known as a GCN, is the UK’s largest newt. It is highly protected and is a European Protected Species.

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Reptile Surveys

It is recommended that reptile surveys are undertaken at an early stage of planning. Many reptiles are identified as priority species in the UKBAP (UK Biodiversity Action Plan) and Local authorities will want to see mitigation to prevent loss of reptile populations and habitats in order for planning permission to be granted.

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Bat Surveys

Bat Surveys

Any development that could impact bats requires an appropriate bat survey to be carried out as part of the ecological assessment. All UK bats are highly protected, being European Protected Species.

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Badger Surveys

Badger Surveys

Badger surveys are typically carried out by an experienced ecologist who will search for signs of badger activity such as hairs, setts, pathways, snuffle holes, latrines, and paw prints. Occasionally, it may be carried out at the same time as the initial ecological appraisal or phase one habitat survey.

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Dormouse Surveys

Dormouse Surveys

Any development that could impact on dormice or their habitats requires an appropriate Dormouse survey to be carried out as part of the ecological assessment. The Hazel Dormouse or Common Dormouse (Muscardinus avellanarius) is legally protected under national and European law.

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Otter Surveys

Otter Surveys

Otter surveys can be undertaken at any time of year by an experienced ecologist. An otter survey will search for otter sign such as footprints, slides, couches and spraints (droppings).

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Water Vole Surveys

Water Vole Surveys

Water vole surveys are usually undertaken by an experienced ecologist during the breeding season. The water vole survey looks for water vole field signs such as droppings and latrines, burrows, grazed lawns around burrow entrances and feeding remains.

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Bird Surveys

Bird Surveys

There are several types of bird surveys that can be undertaken by PJC Consultancy; breeding bird surveys, winter bird surveys and specialist bird surveys (e.g. for barn owls or migrant birds).

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Meet Our Ecological Consultants

PJC’s ecological team are academically qualified to Degree level or higher and are members of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental management. Our team have a wealth of experience in all aspects of ecology, ecological management, development based ecological assessments and mitigation. Our in house ecologists hold an array of Natural England European Protected Species Licenses and have experience in writing European Protected Species Licensees.

Tom Knight
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Tom Knight

BSc(Hons) MSc MCIEEM

Director of Ecology

Tom Knight

Tom Knight

BSc(Hons) MSc MCIEEM

Director of Ecology

Tom joined PJC as a senior ecologist in early 2017 and has worked in professional consultancy for over nine years. His background in Biodiversity and Conservation has provided a firm foundation for the provision of sound advice and ecological input through the pre-planning, planning and implementation stages of all planning applications. Tom has worked for various sized projects throughout the country, including major highways and railway infrastructure projects and both large and small-scale residential development schemes.

Tom has extensive experience in both office and field-based ecology, including undertaking phase 1 habitat surveys and a broad range of specialist protected species surveys. Tom also produces high-quality ecological reports including Preliminary Ecological Appraisals, Preliminary Bat Roost Assessments, Protected Species Mitigation Strategies, BREEAM, Ecological Impact Assessments and more recently Biodiversity Net Gain / Impact Assessment using the DEFRA Biodiversity Metric 3.0. More recently, Tom has gained experience in advising on a variety of habitat creation, restoration and long-term management initiatives. Tom holds Natural England Class 1 survey licenses for great crested newts, bats and beavers. Tom also holds a sentinel card and is qualified to work on the railway.

Key personal attributes – Adaptable, Focused, Dependable

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Nicolle Stevens
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Nicolle Stevens

BSc(Hons) ACIEEM

Senior Ecologist & Technical Specialist (Bats)

Nicolle Stevens

Nicolle Stevens

BSc(Hons) ACIEEM

Senior Ecologist & Technical Specialist (Bats)

Whilst studying Wildlife Conservation at the University of Kent, Nicolle joined the PJC team as a field ecologist in 2017. Nicolle provides ecological input and advice to all stages of the planning process and manages a variety of residential, commercial and infrastructure projects (including both rail and highway) across the south-east. Nicolle has experience in both office and field-based ecology, handling and analysing data and producing a range of technical reports including Preliminary Ecological Appraisals, Preliminary Bat Roost Assessments, Ecological Impact Assessments and Biodiversity Net Gain Assessments. Nicolle leads on a range of protected species surveys for bats, dormice, great crested newts, reptiles, badgers and water voles and produces mitigation and compensation strategies for a range of protected and notable species, habitat mitigation strategies and enhancement and management plans.

Nicolle holds a Natural England class two bat licence and has extensive knowledge and experience with bats and development. She also holds a Natural England class one licence for great crested newts and is experienced in Natural England District Level Licence (DLL) and NatureSpace Partnership licence applications for the species.

Key personal attributes – Resourceful, Driven, Approachable

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Naomi Cornwell
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Naomi Cornwell

BSc(Hons) MSc

Ecologist

Naomi Cornwell

Naomi Cornwell

BSc(Hons) MSc

Ecologist

After a year working as a B.U.G.S keeper for ZSL London Zoo, Naomi went back to university to study Animal Conservation and Biodiversity at Greenwich University as a mature student. This led to a work placement with the Bat Conservation Trust, and two seasons experience as a field assistant and ecological surveyor with a Kent based consultancy. She joined the team at PJC in early 2022 after graduating with an MSc in Oceanography (Biological and Ecological pathway) from the University of Southampton and has experience producing technical reports including Preliminary Ecological Appraisals, Preliminary Bat Roost Assessments, Biodiversity Net Gain Assessments, and now has experience working on both large and small-scale residential development schemes.

Naomi is a hobbyist scuba diver, holding a PADI Dive Master qualification, and has a wealth of marine surveying and data-collection experience for international marine conservation organisations.

Key personal attributes – Personable, Motivated, Passionate

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