Spring is Coming! Its Time to Prepare for This Years Ecological Survey Season!

18th February 2019 - Posted in: Ecological, General

Spring Snowdrops

Snowdrops blooming, brighter mornings and a cacophony of birdsong are a sure sign that spring is on its way. With spring comes the start of the 2019 ecological survey season!!

Only a small number of protected species surveys can be undertaken throughout the year, including otter field sign surveys. However, spring marks the start of the busy survey season for the team of ecologists here at PJC Consultancy. Below is a quick guide to the survey season ahead.

February

  • The season is kicked off with badger bait marking and sett surveys in February.

March

  • Although wintering bird surveys can be conducted November – February, the breeding and migrant bird season starts in March.
  • Reptiles, great crested newts (GCN) and dormice begin thinking about waking from hibernation.

April

  • Water vole, reptile and GCN presence/likely absence surveys and dormice nest tube surveys can commence.

May

  • Preliminary bat roost assessments are possible throughout the year. However, a bats active season commonly commences in April and then, only limited activity can be observed. Bat emergence, dawn re-entry and activity surveys typically begin in May.

It is important to plan protected species well ahead of time to avoid missing survey windows. Please visit the link below to download our free ecological survey calendar which provides guidance on the ecological survey season for each species.

https://www.pjcconsultancy.com/ecology/ecological-survey-calendar-for-land-purchasers-developers/

If your development requires protected species surveys, then contact PJC Consultancy today to book them in for this season.